Launch and recovery vessel

Abstract

An apparatus for and method of docking and recovering a submersible by a surface vessel reduces the possibility of damaging the submersible and injuring the crewmen. The submersible approaches its catamaran recovery vessel from between the sterns of the twin hulls. Both craft continue to proceed underway and a yoke connected to opposite sides of a well cover is coupled to the nose of the submersible. As the well cover is slid forward to expose a recovery well, the submersible is towed forward. One end of a hoisting cable is attached to the submersible and the other end is connected to a biased hydraulic-ratchet purchase. The submersible is buoyed to the water-air interface and, as it pitches and heaves in response to surface wave action, the hydraulic-ratchet keeps the cable taut. This gradually lifts the submersible through the water-air interface because the hydraulic-ratchet is designed to allow only upward motion. A source of pressurized hydraulic fluid coupled to the hydraulic-ratchet hoists the submersible on board and sets it on deck. Since both vessels are underway, the yoke prevents collision. Coupling the hoisting cable to the biased hydraulic-ratchet purchase guards against the hoisting cable's being snapped during recovery. With these two hazards overcome, safer undersea operations are assured.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.