Aquatic storage facilities
First Claim
1. A depth control device comprising:
- a frame;
a flexible bladder mounted in association with the frame, wherein the flexible bladder defines an expansion section having a variable interior volume;
a source of pressurized air;
a first control valve aligned in series between the source of pressurized air and an interior of the expansion section of the flexible bladder;
a communications device disposed within the frame;
a depth sensor disposed within the frame; and
at least one computer processor disposed within the frame, wherein the at least one computer processor is in communication with the first control valve and the communications device, andwherein at least one external surface of the frame comprises a mounting mechanism for enabling attachment to an inventory item.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An item may be outfitted with a cartridge for varying a net density of the item and deposited in a body of liquid for storage. The cartridge may cause a net density of the item to exceed a density of the liquid, or to fall below the density of the liquid, and to descend or ascend within the liquid, as desired. The cartridge may also cause a net density of the item to equal the density of the liquid, and thus remain at a constant depth. The cartridge may be configured to receive acoustic signals or other forms of instructions for varying a net density of the item, and may send acoustic signals or other messages identifying a depth or position of the item. The cartridge may thus enable an item to be stored at any depth within the liquid, and be retrieved upon demand.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A depth control device comprising:
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a frame; a flexible bladder mounted in association with the frame, wherein the flexible bladder defines an expansion section having a variable interior volume; a source of pressurized air; a first control valve aligned in series between the source of pressurized air and an interior of the expansion section of the flexible bladder; a communications device disposed within the frame; a depth sensor disposed within the frame; and at least one computer processor disposed within the frame, wherein the at least one computer processor is in communication with the first control valve and the communications device, and wherein at least one external surface of the frame comprises a mounting mechanism for enabling attachment to an inventory item. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method comprising:
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receiving at least a first signal by a depth control device associated with an item at a first time, wherein the item has a first net density at the first time, wherein the item is provided at a first depth in a liquid at the first time, and wherein the first signal comprises data regarding a second depth in the liquid; selecting a second net density for the item by the depth control device, wherein the second net density is selected based at least in part on at least one of the first depth, the second depth or a first density of the liquid at the first depth, and wherein the second net density is not equal to the first density of the liquid; and in response to receiving at least the first signal, causing the item to have the second net density at a second time by the depth control device. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method comprising:
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outfitting an item with a depth control device comprising; a flexible bladder having an expansion section with a variable interior volume; a control valve aligned in series between a source of pressurized air and an interior of the expansion section; a depth sensor; a position sensor; a hydrophone; a transceiver; and at least one computer processor; loading the item onto one of an aerial vehicle or a first aquatic vehicle; causing the one of the aerial vehicle or the first aquatic vehicle to travel to a body of water; and depositing the item into the body of water by the one of the aerial vehicle or the first aquatic vehicle at a first time, wherein a net density of the item at the first time is greater than a density of water. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification