Stabilized, variable buoyancy apparatus
OwnerDouglas E. Andersoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An adjustable buoyancy apparatus comprises a frame and at least two floating members of variable buoyancy which are pivotally coupled to the frame for pivotable motion in a substantially vertical plane between horizontal positions and maximum elevated positions. In the maximum elevated positions, the angle between the longitudinal axes of the floatable members and the horizontal is less than 90 degrees and the floating members are inclined upwardly toward each other. Locking mechanisms hold the floatable members in the horizontal and maximum elevated positions. This floatable member arrangement compensates for the rolling tendencies of the apparatus and stabilizes the apparatus when the apparatus is partially or completely submerged.
Claims8
An adjustable buoyancy apparatus having improved stability against rolling, comprising:
- a frame;
- at least two floatable members having longitudinal axes and having means for varying the buoyancy thereof;
- coupling means, pivotally connecting said floatable members to said frame, for controlling pivoting motion of said floatable members in a substantially vertical plane between horizontal positions and maximum elevated positions, in said maximum elevated positions angles between said longitudinal axes and the horizontal are less than 90 degrees and said floatable members are inclined upwardly toward each other;
- and
- floatable member locking means for holding each of said floatable members at least in said horizontal and maximum elevated positions;
- whereby said floatable members are arranged on said frame to compensate for rolling tendencies of the apparatus and to stabilize the apparatus when the apparatus is at least partially submerged.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.