Woods Hole Oceanographic' Institution

Frederik T Thwaites

Kenneth W Doherty

John M Toole

Jeffrey K O'Brien

The present invention relates to profiler systems and methods for observing and sensing aspects of a body of water at a plurality of depths. A water profiler is disclosed comprising, generally, a vessel body connected to an external mooring mechanism via an attachment mechanism, a drive mechanism for maneuvering the vessel body longitudinally about the mooring mechanism; an articulating mechanism; and a sensor array capable of measuring a parameter for study wherein the vessel body is capable of articulating about the mooring mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the articulation allows the vessel body to be placed in relation with the three dimensional current such that at least one sensor is positioned into the current so as to sample or measure undisturbed water. In alternate embodiments, hydrofoils or wings are mounted to the vessel body that can be manipulated to harness the current force and maneuver the vessel body.

Articulating moored profiler system

The present invention relates to profiler systems and methods for observing and sensing aspects of a body of water at a plurality of depths. A water profiler is disclosed comprising, generally, a vessel body connected to an external mooring cable via an attachment means, a drive means for maneuvering the vessel body longitudinally about the mooring cable; an articulating mechanism; and a sensor array capable of measuring a parameter for study wherein the vessel body is capable of articulating about the mooring cable. In alternate embodiments, the articulation allows the vessel body to be placed in relation with the three dimensional current such that at least one sensor is positioned into the current so as to sample or measure undisturbed water. In alternate embodiments, hydrofoils or wings are mounted to the vessel body that can be manipulated to harness the current force and maneuver the vessel body.

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Woods Hole, MA, United States of America

Frederik T Thwaites