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Underwater unmanned vehicle recovery system and method

  • US 7,854,569 B1
  • Filed: 12/11/2008
  • Issued: 12/21/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2008
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A recovery apparatus comprising:

  • a frame;

    a tether connection device coupled to the frame such that the frame may be tethered to a remote surface platform;

    one or more long-range and close-range location sensors coupled to the frame configured to locate and communicate with an untethered unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV);

    wherein the long-range and close-range location sensors are acoustic and non-acoustic sensors;

    a first mechanical linking device coupled to the frame, wherein the first mechanical linking device is configured to mechanically capture the UUV;

    a plurality of steering mechanisms coupled to the frame, wherein the plurality of steering mechanisms are configured to actively guide the frame through a body of water in such a way as to allow the first mechanical linking device to capture the UUV when underwater;

    wherein the apparatus is configured to be remotely controlled by an operator in order to position the frame within an appreciably close range of the UUV;

    wherein when the frame is within the appreciably close range of the UUV, the apparatus is configured to then autonomously capture the UUV;

    a short-range communication system configured to communicate with the UUV; and

    wherein the apparatus is configured to control movement of the UUV via the short-range communication system.

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