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:
Nov. 24, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 17, 2008
Andy Bowen, Woods Hole, MA (US);
Louis Whitcomb, Baltimore, MD (US);
Dana R. Yoerger, North Falmouth, MA (US);
Robert Mccabe, North Falmouth, MA (US);
Andy Bowen, Woods Hole, MA (US);
Louis Whitcomb, Baltimore, MD (US);
Dana R. Yoerger, North Falmouth, MA (US);
Robert McCabe, North Falmouth, MA (US);
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA (US);
Abstract
Systems for tethering an underwater vehicles using a low strength optical fiber tether. The tether system includes, a mechanical fuse that prevents a high load from acting on and severing the tether that is attached to the underwater vehicle, thus allowing use of far smaller cables than typically used. Upon separation of the fuse, a cable payout system pays out an optical fiber that keeps the underwater vehicle, typically a robotic craft, in communication with the surface vessel. The relatively light weight glass fiber may be reinforced and extended to lengths greater than 40 km allowing deep-sea exploration at depths up to 11,000 m.