USA as Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Robert L Wernli

Jimmy L Held

James M Walton

Donald J Hackman

Steven J Cowen

Gerald R Mackelburg

Don W Caudy

Donald L Endicott, Jr

Donald M Rosencrantz

Aaron R Braun

Carl S Albro

Gary D Murphy

A submarine launched expendable radio navigation system (SSXRN) buoy method and apparatus. According to one embodiment, a method for determining a submarine geographic position using a SSXRN buoy system is disclosed. The method comprising launching a radio navigation-enabled buoy and recording a launch time and DRNS submarine position. The method further comprises recording a buoy breach time and searching for radio navigation RF signals. Then, recording a radio navigation position acquisition time and an initial radio navigation position. Further, recording a subsequent radio navigation position data and a subsequent time. Moreover, determining a DRNS correction factor using a DRNS position error, a buoy drift, radio navigation position data and DRNS position data. In addition, estimating the submarine geographic position using the DRNS correction factor and a DRNS geographic position. In another embodiment, a SSXRN buoy system is disclosed.

Submarine launched expendable radio navigation buoy system

An apparatus is disclosed which is employable by a remotely controlled unwater work system to emplace a lift sling beneath an object resting on mud, sand or the like. The apparatus includes a hollow tube and a guide having rollers through which the tube may be passed. The rearward end of the tube is attached to a hose through which water under pressure is directed into the tube. The forward end of the tube is provided with a nozzle so that jets of water issue from it with selected strength and in a selected configuration. A sling or strap is connected at one end to the nozzle end of the tube and at its other end to the guide. A rope or cord is also attached to the guide portion of the apparatus. A mechanical grabber or other mechanism holds the guide in a fixed position with respect to the object to be retrieved while a manipulator arm of the system pushes the tube through the guide and beneath the object to be salvaged. The water jetting from the nozzle of the tube clears a path for the tube as it passes beneath the object and pulls the sling or strap under the object. When the tube reaches the far side of the object, the end of the lifting sling is accessible. The rope is transported across the top of the object and is pulled through the far end of the lifting sling to cinch the lifting sling around the object. A latch hook is attached to the end of the rope and may then be hooked onto a lifting device to recover the object.

Lift sling emplacement device

A lift line tension limiter is provided which includes a lift line and a tainer which is adapted to contain the lift line. The container has a lift end and a payload end, the payload end having an aperture for the passage of the lift line therethrough. A device is spring mounted to the container for pinching the lift line at the container aperture, and after the container aperture the lift line is in frictional engagement with the pinching device so that a force on the lift line will decrease the pinching action on the lift line. With this arrangement a predetermined loading of the lift line will spring bias the pinching device to relieve the pinching force and allow a portion of the lift line to be payed out of the container until the loading has been lessened below the predetermined amount.

Lift line tension limiter

A coupling which is readily attachable to a plate, panel or like structure ncludes a rotatable shaft for thrusting a bearing element through a circular hole in the structure when the bearing element and the hole are in concentric relationship. Thereafter, the shaft is rotated by less than a complete revolution to bring the bearing element and the hole into a selected eccentric relationship, and also to activate a locking mechanism to maintain the eccentric relationship. When the bearing element and hole are in the eccentric relationship, a bearing surface of the bearing element abutts the structure to impose substantial force thereupon.

Coupling for quick attachment to plate-like structure

Growing community of inventors

San Diego, CA, United States of America

Robert L Wernli