Moveable cutters and net penetrating systems and methods
AssigneeAdaptive Methods, Inc.
InventorsJames Wiggins, Christopher Norkoski, Christopher Lin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using various cutter systems, which include, for example a track and a moving carriage containing a cutter, a stationary carriage with a fixed or rotating arm, and/or abrasive cutters. The object is cut by a severing, slicing, or wearing action caused by a moveable blade or abrasive surface. An underwater vehicle incorporating an embodiment of the cutter system can cut a sufficiently large opening in the object to allow the vehicle to pass through.
Claims63
A cutting system for an underwater vehicle, comprising:
- an underwater vehicle hull;
- a track having a first end and a second end;
- a first carriage configured to move along the track;
- and
- a first cutter connected to the first carriage, wherein the track, first carriage, and first cutter are configured such that the cutter is at least partially exposed through the hull.
A cutting system for an underwater vehicle, comprising:
- a track having a first end and a second end;
- a first carriage configured to move along the track;
- a hull next to the track;
- and
- a first cutter connected to the first carriage,
- wherein the track comprises a first stowage area at the first end of the track such that the first cutter is stowed when the first carriage is in the first stowage area and the track further comprises a first deployed area located further down the track from the stowage area in a direction of the second end of the track from the first end of the track, wherein the first cutter carriage and first cutter are configured to pass the first cutter through a slot in the hull when the first cutter is in the first deployed area, and wherein the first cutter carriage and first cutter are configured to retrieve the first cutter through a slot in the hull when the first cutter is in the first stowage area.
A cutting system for an underwater vehicle, comprising:
- a track having a first end and a second end:
- a first carriage configured to move along the track, wherein the first carriage comprises at least one roller for rolling along the track;
- and
- a first cutter connected to the first carriage,
- wherein the cutting system comprises a first deploying winch mechanically connected to a first deploying cable, the first deploying cable being fastened to the first carriage and configured such that rotation of the first deploying winch in a deploying direction exerts a force on the first deploying cable and moves the first carriage along the track in a direction from the first end towards the second end, and
- the cutting system further comprises a spring assembly mechanically connected to a first retrieving cable, the first retrieving cable being mechanically connected to the first carriage and configured such that movement of the first carriage along the track in a direction from the first end towards the second end tensions the spring assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.