Systems and methods for tethering underwater vehicles
First Claim
1. A system for tethering an underwater vehicle to a support, comprisinga depressor having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end attached to the support,a float pack connected to the depressor by one or more optical fibers, and having a latch at its distal end for releasably engaging the float pack and the depressor, such that in a first latched condition the float pack is physically joined to the depressor and in a second unlatched condition, the float pack is physically separated from the depressor such that the depressor may move relative to the float pack, anda fiber canister disposed in at least one of the depressor and the float pack for storing an excess length of the one or more optical fibers,wherein the float pack is attached to the underwater vehicle by the one or more optical fibers.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems for tethering an underwater vehicles using a low strength optical fiber tether. The tether system includes, a mechanical fuse that prevents a high load from acting on and severing the tether that is attached to the underwater vehicle, thus allowing use of far smaller cables than typically used. Upon separation of the fuse, a cable payout system pays out an optical fiber that keeps the underwater vehicle, typically a robotic craft, in communication with the surface vessel. The relatively light weight glass fiber may be reinforced and extended to lengths greater than 40 km allowing deep-sea exploration at depths up to 11,000 m.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system for tethering an underwater vehicle to a support, comprising
a depressor having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end attached to the support, a float pack connected to the depressor by one or more optical fibers, and having a latch at its distal end for releasably engaging the float pack and the depressor, such that in a first latched condition the float pack is physically joined to the depressor and in a second unlatched condition, the float pack is physically separated from the depressor such that the depressor may move relative to the float pack, and a fiber canister disposed in at least one of the depressor and the float pack for storing an excess length of the one or more optical fibers, wherein the float pack is attached to the underwater vehicle by the one or more optical fibers.
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16. A method of deploying an underwater vehicle from a ship, comprising
providing a tethering system, including a depressor having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end attached to the ship, a float pack attached to the underwater vehicle, connected to the depressor by an optical fiber, and removably attached at the distal end, and a fiber canister disposed in at least one of the depressor and the float pack for storing an excess length of the optical fiber; -
launching the underwater vehicle to a first depth in water; and separating the float pack and underwater vehicle from the depressor thereby allowing the excess length of the optical fiber to pay out.
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Specification