Apparatus for interconnecting an underwater vehicle and a free-floating pod
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorGregory H. Ames
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus is provided for interconnecting an unmanned underwater vehicle V) and a free-floating pod, the apparatus comprising a communications cable extending between the pod and a less buoyant buoy, the buoy being in communication with a distal station, a mobile UUV in communication with a control vessel, connector structure on the UUV adapted to intercept the cable and adapted to slide along the cable toward the pod, and complementary engagement structure on the UUV and the pod adapted to cause the UUV to engage the pod in a preselected orientation and azimuth, to place the control vessel in communication with the distal station.
Claims18
Apparatus for interconnecting an unmanned underwater vehicle and a free-floating communications pod, said apparatus comprising:
- a communications cable depending from said pod and extending to a buoy of less buoyancy than said pod, such that said cable carries communication signals between said pod and said buoy and extends generally vertically in a column of water between said pod and said buoy, said buoy being in communication with a distal station;
- a mobile unmanned underwater vehicle having therein guidance means for directing said vehicle to said cable, said vehicle being in communication with a control vessel;
- connector means mounted on said vehicle and adapted to intercept said cable, said connector means being further adapted to permit said cable to slide therethrough as said vehicle continues movement after said intercept of said cable;
- complementary alignment means on said vehicle and said pod in a preselected orientation and azimuth;
- and
- whereby said control vessel is placed in communication with said distal station.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.