Underwater release mechanism
AssigneeNavigation Technology Corporation
InventorAlex Dumestre, III
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An underwater acoustic release system includes a buoyed member with an attached line that is released from a preselected underwater location using an acoustic signal that activates a heating element to melt a volume of wax or like meltable substance. The wax expands, pushing a cylinder or like linkage to release the buoy and its attached line so that it rises to the surface identifying the location for a survey vessel.
Claims18
An underwater acoustic release mechanism for use in high hydro-static pressures, comprising:
- a) a housing;
- b) a spool section of the housing for carrying a length of rope for extension between the sea surface area and an underwater location;
- c) a release module carried by the housing and including a connector that can engage an end portion of the rope so that it will not unwind from the spool section;
- d) means for releasing the connector from engagement with the rope and comprising in part a meltable substance that can expand upon melting;
- and
- e) linkage means for translating an expansion of the meltable substance into movement of the connector.
The apparatus of claim or 5 wherein the meltable substance is a wax material.
The apparatus of claim wherein there is further provided a hook portion of the connector with engages the rope.
An underwater acoustic release mechanism, comprising:
- a) a housing;
- b) a spool section of the housing for carrying a length of rope for extension between the sea surface area and an underwater location;
- c) a release module carried by the housing and including a connector that can engage an end portion of the rope so that it will not unwind from the spool section;
- d) means for releasing the connector from engagement with the rope and comprising in part a chemical substance that expands in response to a phase change;
- and
- e) linkage means for translating an expansion of the substance into movement of the connector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.