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:
Mar. 06, 2012
Filed:
Apr. 29, 2010
William Luther Porter, Alexandria, VA (US);
Thomas Kurt Nielsen, Oceanside, CA (US);
Brendan Peter Hyland, Edinburgh, GB;
William Luther Porter, Alexandria, VA (US);
Thomas Kurt Nielsen, Oceanside, CA (US);
Brendan Peter Hyland, Edinburgh, GB;
WFS Technologies Ltd., Edinburgh, GB;
Abstract
The present invention discloses a tagging and identification device and system for tracking and monitoring sea vessels as they enter sea ports, estuaries and/or other channels. The tagging device of the present invention comprises a receiver, for receiving an underwater electromagnetic signal transmitted by an underwater beacon. An acoustic transmitter is provided for transmitting an identification signal to an acoustic receiver deployed nearby. The acoustic identification signal is transmitted after an electromagnetic trigger signal is received from the underwater beacon. The tagging and device may further comprise a memory device which can store data relating to position and time of the see vessel to which it is attached. The tagging and identification device of the present invention is covert, compact and is capable of extended active deployment without replenishment of batteries etc. The identification tagging device and system of the present invention is capable of being deployed for tracking the location of sea vessels without the knowledge of the vessel crew. The system of the present invention allows third a third party to monitor suspect vessels as they enter specific ports or estuaries.