System for measuring ocean current
AssigneeThe Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
InventorsPhilip N. Bowditch, John M. Dahlen, John F. McKenna, Jr., John T. Shillingford, Jr., Frank J. Siraco, William E. Toth
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Abstract
A system for measurement of ocean current near the surface wave field. The system includes a controlled buoyancy platform having a current sensor. Upper and lower plural roller assemblies are affixed to the platform for limiting platform motion along a guide line. In one form, each guide assembly includes a plurality of rollers adapted to freely track the guide line so that the platform is both substantially free to move along the guide line in response to pressure gradients from the surface wave field and also substantially decoupled from twisting and axial motions of the guide line.
Claims7
A system for measurement of ocean current near the surface wave field, comprising:
- an adjustable buoyancy platform and associated current sensor affixed thereto, and
- means to limit said platform to motion along a mooring line passing between two vertically displaced points, and to maintain said platform substantially free to move in the vertical direction in response to pressure gradients from said surface wave field, said means including an upper roller assembly affixed to the top of said platform and a lower roller assembly affixed to the bottom of said platform, said roller assemblies each including a plurality rollers adapted to freely track said mooring line.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.