The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 22, 2008
Filed:
Apr. 07, 2006
Maurice D. Green, North Falmouth, MA (US);
Kenneth F. Scussel, East Falmouth, MA (US);
Maurice D. Green, North Falmouth, MA (US);
Kenneth F. Scussel, East Falmouth, MA (US);
Teledyne Benthos, Inc., North Falmouth, MA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for determining the geophysical position of an autonomous underwater system utilizing underwater acoustic modems that exchange broadband underwater acoustic signals. The method of the invention includes the steps of initiating an exchange of broadband acoustic signals between the autonomous system of unknown geophysical position and a base system of known geophysical position wherein the depths of both systems is known. A bearing calculation is made on one of the signals transmitted between the systems, preferably through the use of an array of hydrophones placed closely together at predetermined locations on either the autonomous or base system. Also, the range between the two systems is determined by measuring the time of travel of at least one signal. By the acoustic transmission and sharing of information, as needed, about the known depths of the systems, the known geophysical position of the base system, and the range between the systems, sufficient data is gathered at one or both systems and used to determine the geophysical position of the autonomous system.