초록 ▼

The present invention relates to an underwater apparatus, system and method for inspecting and determining the condition of a submerged structure. More particularly the present invention utilizes acoustical devices for the positioning of an inspection vehicle, with respect to the structure to be ins

The present invention relates to an underwater apparatus, system and method for inspecting and determining the condition of a submerged structure. More particularly the present invention utilizes acoustical devices for the positioning of an inspection vehicle, with respect to the structure to be inspected.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An in-water ship hull inspection system for inspection of the submerged portion of the hull of a ship floating in a body of water, said inspection system comprising:(a) a remotely operated vehicle, said remotely operated vehicle comprising:(i) a remotely operated vehicl

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An in-water ship hull inspection system for inspection of the submerged portion of the hull of a ship floating in a body of water, said inspection system comprising:(a) a remotely operated vehicle, said remotely operated vehicle comprising:(i) a remotely operated vehicle body having a first surface portion, said first surface portion being configured to be oriented towards and supported in a hull inspection position against the hull of a ship to be inspected;(ii) a water moving device for moving water located between said first surface portion and said hull of said ship through said remotely operated vehicle body thereby creating a pressure drop between said first surface portion and said hull, said pressure drop being sufficient to result in a force urging said remotely operated vehicle toward said hull;(iii) a propulsion mechanism coupled to said body, said propulsion mechanism having at least one thruster, said thruster having the ability to propel said remotely operated vehicle through said body of water toward and onto said hull in said hull inspection position;(iv) a drive mechanism coupled to said remotely operated vehicle body, said drive mechanism having drive wheels which can be rotated, when said remotely operated vehicle is in said hull inspection position, rotation of said drive wheels propelling said remotely operated vehicle along said ship hull; and(v) an acoustic transducer located on said remotely operated vehicle body;(b) a testing device, said testing device being coupled to said remotely operated vehicle body, and said testing device comprising instrumentation capable of examining the integrity and structure of said ship hull;(c) a first plurality of acoustical devices located on the hull of the ship to be inspected, said acoustical devices having fixed positions with respect to said hull;(d) a second plurality of acoustical devices located in the vicinity of the hull of the ship to be inspected, said second plurality of acoustical devices adapted to be positioned in fixed positions with respect to the floor of said body of water, and said acoustic transducer and said first and said second plurality of acoustical devices together forming an acoustical network outputting data;(e) a computer system, said computer system being coupled to said acoustical network, said computer system transforming data from said acoustical network into positional data.