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US 9,563,203 B2Granted
Controllable buoys and networked buoy systems
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorsFaranak Davoodi, Farhooman Davoudi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Buoyant sensor networks are described, comprising floating buoys with sensors and energy harvesting capabilities. The buoys can control their buoyancy and motion, and can organize communication in a distributed fashion. Some buoys may have tethered underwater vehicles with a smart spooling system that allows the vehicles to dive deep underwater while remaining in communication and connection with the buoys.
Claims28
A buoy comprising:
- a shell;
- at least one communication device;
- at least one energy-providing device comprising at least one solar cell, magnet configured to move in a solenoid when the buoy moves, or wind turbine;
- at least one propulsion control unit;
- and
- an extendible tube or stick comprising a means for penetrating ice, said extendible tube or stick being fully retractable into an inner structure of the shell, said extendible tube or stick being controlled by the propulsion control unit.
3 more elements
A method to organize a plurality of buoys, the method comprising:
- providing a plurality of buoys, each buoy comprising:
- a shell;
- an extendible tube or stick comprising a means for penetrating ice, said extendible tube or stick being fully retractable into the shell;
- at least one sensor;
- at least one communication device;
- at least one energy-providing device comprising at least one solar cell, magnet configured to move in a solenoid when the buoy moves, or wind turbine;
- at least one processor;
- and
- at least one propulsion unit;
- and
- programming the plurality of buoys with a plurality of contingencies and behaviors, said plurality of contingencies and behaviors including using the extendible tube or stick to control the horizontal movement of said each buoy.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.