U.S. patent application number 12/723294 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-15 for submersible transport canister and methods for the use thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to RAYTHEON COMPANY. Invention is credited to David E. Bossert, Ray Sampson, Jeffrey N. Zerbe.
Application Number | 20110220001 12/723294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44558714 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110220001 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bossert; David E. ; et
al. |
September 15, 2011 |
SUBMERSIBLE TRANSPORT CANISTER AND METHODS FOR THE USE THEREOF
Abstract
Embodiments of a submersible transport canister, and embodiments
of using a submersible transport canister, are provided. In one
embodiment, the submersible transport canister includes a pressure
vessel having a storage cavity configured to store at least one
item therein, a cap movable to a closed position wherein the cap
sealingly engages the pressure vessel, and a diver-adjustable
buoyancy system configured to be coupled to the pressure vessel.
When coupled to the pressure vessel, the diver-adjustable buoyancy
system is configured to displace a volume of water to achieve a
substantially neutral buoyancy during underwater transport of the
item within the submersible transport canister.
Inventors: |
Bossert; David E.; (Tucson,
AZ) ; Zerbe; Jeffrey N.; (Oro Valley, AZ) ;
Sampson; Ray; (Dartmouth, CA) |
Assignee: |
RAYTHEON COMPANY
Waltham
MA
|
Family ID: |
44558714 |
Appl. No.: |
12/723294 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/321 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 22/18 20130101;
B63B 22/24 20130101; B63C 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/321 |
International
Class: |
B63G 8/00 20060101
B63G008/00; B63G 8/14 20060101 B63G008/14 |
Claims
1. A submersible transport canister, comprising: a pressure vessel
having a storage cavity configured to store at least one item
therein; a cap movable to a closed position wherein the cap
sealingly engages the pressure vessel; and a diver-adjustable
buoyancy system configured to be coupled to the pressure vessel
and, when so coupled, to displace a volume of water to achieve a
substantially neutral buoyancy during underwater transport of the
item within the submersible transport canister.
2. A submersible transport canister according to claim 1 wherein
the diver-adjustable buoyancy system comprises a plurality of
fixed-volume floatation members each having a different volume and
each configured to be removably coupled to the pressure vessel.
3. A submersible transport canister according to claim 2 wherein
the plurality of fixed-volume floatation members comprises a
plurality of fixed-volume float collars each configured to be
removably mounted around the pressure vessel by a diver.
4. A submersible transport canister according to claim 3 wherein
the diver-adjustable buoyancy system further comprises an annular
retention flange provided around the pressure vessel, and wherein
each of the plurality of fixed-volume float collars is configured
to be removably attached to the annular retention flange.
5. A submersible transport canister according to claim 3 wherein
the submersible transport canister is configured to be utilized in
conjunction with a pull pin, and wherein each of the plurality of
fixed-volume float collars has an aperture configured to receive
the pull pin therethrough to removably secure any selected one of
the plurality of fixed-volume float collars to the pressure
vessel.
6. A submersible transport canister according to claim 3 wherein
the pressure vessel comprises an open end portion through which the
storage cavity is accessible, wherein the cap sealingly engages the
open end portion in the closed position, and wherein each of the
plurality of fixed-volume float collars is configured to be
removably secured around the open end portion.
7. A submersible transport canister according to claim 1 wherein
the diver-adjustable buoyancy system comprises an inflatable
floatation device coupled to the pressure vessel.
8. A submersible transport canister according to claim 7 wherein
the inflatable floatation device comprises an inflatable float
collar mounted at least partially around the pressure vessel.
9. A submersible transport canister according to claim 8 wherein
the pressure vessel comprises an open end portion through which the
storage cavity is accessible, wherein the cap sealingly engages the
open end portion in the closed position, and wherein the inflatable
float collar is mounted around the open end portion.
10. A submersible transport canister according to claim 7 wherein
the diver-adjustable buoyancy system further comprises a fill port
fluidly coupled to the inflatable floatation device and manually
accessible from the exterior of the submersible transport
canister.
11. A submersible transport canister according to claim 7 further
comprising: a pressurized cartridge fluidly coupled to the
inflatable floatation device; and a diver-controllable valve
fluidly coupled between the pressurized cartridge and the
inflatable floatation device.
12. A submersible transport canister according to claim 7 further
comprising a neutral buoyancy pressure gauge fluidly coupled to the
inflatable floatation device, the neutral buoyancy pressure gauge
visually indicating, in terms of payload weight, the approximate
pressure to inflate the inflatable floatation device to achieve a
substantially neutral buoyancy for a range of payload weights.
13. A submersible transport canister according to claim 1 further
comprising a vacuum port fluidly coupled to the storage cavity.
14. A submersible transport canister according to claim 1 further
comprising a pressure relief valve fluidly coupled to the storage
cavity.
15. A submersible transport canister, comprising: a pressure vessel
having a storage cavity configured to store at least one item; a
cap movable to a closed position wherein the cap sealingly engages
the pressure vessel; and a diver-adjustable buoyancy system
including at least one flotation device configured to be coupled to
the pressure vessel, the diver-adjustable buoyancy system enabling
a diver to select the volume of the at least one flotation device
such that, when submerged, the submersible transport canister
displaces a volume of water generally equivalent in weight to the
cumulative weight of the item and the submersible transport
canister.
16. A submersible transport canister according to claim 15 wherein
the at least one flotation device comprises a plurality of
fixed-volume float collars each having a different buoyancy and
each configured to be removably mounted around the pressure
vessel.
17. A submersible transport canister according to claim 15 wherein
the at least one flotation device comprises an inflatable float
collar mounted around the pressure vessel and configured to be
inflated by a diver.
18. A method for the underwater transport of an item utilizing a
submersible transport canister of the type that includes a pressure
vessel and a diver-adjustable buoyancy system, the method
comprising the step of: storing an item within the pressure vessel;
and adjusting the buoyancy of the diver-adjustable buoyancy system
to impart the submersible transport canister with a substantially
neutral buoyancy during underwater transport of the item within the
pressure vessel.
19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the diver-adjustable
buoyancy system comprises a plurality of fixed-volume floatation
members each having a different buoyancy, and wherein the step of
adjusting comprises: selecting a fixed-volume floatation member
based, at least in part, upon the weight of the item; and securing
the selected fixed-volume floatation member to the pressure
vessel.
20. A method according to claim 18 wherein the diver-adjustable
buoyancy system comprises an inflatable floatation device coupled
to the pressure vessel, and wherein the step of adjusting comprises
inflating the inflatable floatation device to a volume at which the
inflatable floatation device imparts a substantially neutral
buoyancy to the submersible transport canister during underwater
transport of the item.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The following disclosure relates generally to submersible
devices and, more particularly, to embodiments of a submersible
transport canister having a diver-adjustable buoyancy system for
the underwater transport of non-marinized items, as well as to
methods for utilizing such a canister.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The term "marinized" is commonly utilized to describe items
that have been engineered to withstand direct and prolonged
exposure to harsh marine environments during, for example,
underwater transport by a military or civilian diver. Marinized
versions of many different items have been developed and are
commercially available, including different types of tools and
electronic devices (e.g., flashlights). Although many different
marinized items are commercially available, such items tend to be
relatively costly as compared to their non-marinized,
commercial-off-the-shelf counterparts. In addition, marinized
versions of certain items are generally not available due to
excessive cost or difficulties encountered in marinizing the item.
As a specific example, high-energy-density batteries often have
chemistries (e.g., lithium ion chemistries) that react adversely
with saltwater and are consequently difficult to marinize without
encasing such batteries within a watertight package, which can add
undesirable cost, bulk, and weight to the marinized battery.
[0003] Relatively simple, submersible containers have long been
commercially available that can be carried on a diver's person and
utilized to store non-marinized items, such as mobile phones or
other electronic devices, during recreational dives. Such
submersible containers are generally capable of providing a
watertight seal to moderate depths and, in a general sense, can be
utilized for the underwater transport of one or more non-marinized
items. However, when closed, such submersible containers typically
do not allow the passage of gas into or out of the container's
storage cavity. As a result, such conventional submersible
containers are generally unsuitable for the transport of
combustible items, such as lithium ion batteries, which may burn in
a failure state. Furthermore, such conventional submersible
containers typically do not provide a means for allowing the diver
to adjust the container's buoyancy to compensate for the items or
items carried by the container. Consequently, when submerged and
carrying one or more items, a conventional submersible container
may be either lighter or heavier than the volume of water displaced
by the container. The submerged container consequently exerts a net
upward force or downward force on the diver, which the diver must
overcome to maintain a desired depth. While this may be acceptable
for a civilian diver during a relatively short or shallow dive,
carrying or manually towing a container that continually tends to
sink or rise can be inconvenient for a civilian diver during
longer, deeper dives or for a military diver equipped with
additional gear and possibly operating in adverse maritime
conditions (e.g., low ambient light, Sea States approaching or
exceeding Code 3, etc.). This may also render such conventional
submersible containers unsuitable for usage during Hurricane
Disaster Water Recovery, Boat Accident Recovery, and similar
disaster or accident recovery efforts.
[0004] It is thus desirable to provide embodiments of a submersible
transport canister that can be utilized by a diver to transport
non-marinized, commercial-off-the-shelf items, including lithium
ion batteries and other combustible items. It would also be
desirable if embodiments of the submersible transport canister
included a diver-adjustable buoyancy system, which can be adjusted
by the diver to compensate for the weight of the item or items
stored within the canister to achieve a substantially neutral
buoyancy and thereby facilitate diver transport of the loaded
canister. Finally, it would be describable for embodiments of such
a submersible transport canister to be scalable, reliable, and
relatively inexpensive to produce. Other desirable features and
characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from
the subsequent Detailed Description and the appended Claims, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings and this
Background.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of a submersible transport canister, and
embodiments of using a submersible transport canister, are
provided. In one embodiment, the submersible transport canister
includes a pressure vessel having a storage cavity configured to
store at least one item therein, a cap movable to a closed position
wherein the cap sealingly engages the pressure vessel, and a
diver-adjustable buoyancy system configured to be coupled to the
pressure vessel. When coupled to the pressure vessel, the
diver-adjustable buoyancy system is configured to displace a volume
of water to achieve a substantially neutral buoyancy during
underwater transport of the item within the submersible transport
canister.
[0006] Embodiments of a method are further provided for the
underwater transport of one or more items utilizing a submersible
transport canister of the type that includes a pressure vessel and
a diver-adjustable buoyancy system. In one embodiment, the method
includes the steps of storing an item within the pressure vessel,
and adjusting the buoyancy of the diver-adjustable buoyancy system
to impart the submersible transport canister with a substantially
neutral buoyancy during underwater transport of the item stored
within the pressure vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] At least one example of the present invention will
hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following figures,
wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a submersible
transport canister in accordance with a first exemplary
embodiment;
[0009] FIGS. 2 and 3 are isometric views of the submersible
transport canister shown in FIG. 1 in closed and open positions,
respectively;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a submersible transport
canister in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a submersible transport
canister in accordance with a still further exemplary embodiment;
and
[0012] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a plurality of fixed-volume
float collars that can be selectively attached to the submersible
transport canister shown in FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The following Detailed Description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the
application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding
Background or the following Detailed Description. As appearing
herein, the term "diver" is utilized in a broad sense to encompass
any person working within a body of water, whether or not such a
person is fully submerged and regardless of the particular manner
in which such a person is equipped. Similarly, the term "canister"
as appearing herein is defined broadly to include any sealable
container, regardless of shape, size, structural features, material
composition, etc., suitable for the underwater transport of one or
more non-marinized items, as described more fully below.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a submersible
transport canister 10 in accordance with a first exemplary
embodiment. Submersible transport canister 10 includes a pressure
vessel 12 having an upper open end portion 14, a lower closed end
portion 16, and a main storage cavity 18. As generically
illustrated in FIG. 1, one or more non-marinized items 20 can be
stored within main storage cavity 18 for underwater transport by a
civilian or military diver. A non-exhaustive list of non-marinized
items that may be stored within main storage cavity 18 includes
documents, medical supplies, perishables, electronic devices, and
various other commercial-off-the-shelf items. In addition,
submersible transport canister 10 is capable of safely transporting
lithium ion batteries and other combustible items. The dimensions
of storage cavity 18 and, more generally, the dimensions of
pressure vessel 12 can be scaled, as appropriate, to accommodate
non-marinized items of varying sizes. The geometry of pressure
vessel 12 may also be varied, as desired; it is preferred, however,
that pressure vessel 12 is generally tubular in shape to optimize
the structural integrity of pressure vessel 12 and to facilitate
diver transport and storage of submersible transport canister 10
utilizing, for example, a universal boat rack system. Embodiments
of submersible transport canister 10 are especially well-suited for
utilization by divers and other personnel in the performance of
Hurricane Disaster Water Recovery, Boat Accident Recovery, and
similar recovery efforts.
[0015] FIGS. 2 and 3 are isometric views further illustrating
submersible transport canister 10 in closed and open positions,
respectively. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 in conjunction with FIG.
1, submersible transport canister 10 further includes a watertight
cap 22 and a hinge member 24. Hinge member 24 rotatably couples
watertight cap 22 to open end portion 14 of pressure vessel 12 and
enables the movement of watertight cap 22 between a closed position
(FIGS. 1 and 2) and an open position (FIG. 3). In the closed
position (FIGS. 1 and 2), watertight cap 22 sealingly engages open
end portion 14 to prevent the ingress of water into storage cavity
18 and the wetting of non-marinized items 20 during underwater
transport of submersible transport canister 10. In the open
position (FIG. 3), watertight cap 22 permits manual access to
storage cavity 18 to enable non-marinized items 20 to be inserted
into and removed from pressure vessel 12, as desired. Although
watertight cap 22 is hingedly coupled to pressure vessel 12 in the
illustrated example, this is by no means essential. In further
embodiments, watertight cap 22 may be movably attached to pressure
vessel utilizing a sliding interface or other non-hinged coupling
interface. In still further embodiments, watertight cap 22 may
threadably engage open end portion 14 of pressure vessel 12 in the
closed position. In this latter case, after inserting non-marinized
items 20 into storage cavity 18, the diver may simply screw cap 22
onto open end portion 14 to create a watertight seal prior to
underwater transport of submersible transport canister 10.
[0016] In embodiments wherein watertight cap 22 does not threadably
engage open end portion 14, watertight cap 22 is preferably secured
in the closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2) by a latch mechanism or
similar structural element to prevent accidental opening during
underwater transport of submersible transport canister 10. For
example, and as shown most clearly in FIG. 2, watertight cap 22 may
be maintained in the closed position by a pull pin 26, such as a
cotter pin or a quick release pin. When watertight cap 22 is in the
closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2), pull pin 26 extends through an
eyelet provided in a first tab 28 projecting from watertight cap 22
(shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) and through an aligning eyelet provided in
a second tab 30 projecting from open end portion 14 (also shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3). By physically maintaining tab 28 adjacent tab 30,
pull pin 26 prevents watertight cap 22 from rotating toward the
open position (FIG. 3), and thus secures cap 22 in the closed
position (FIGS. 1 and 2), until pull pin 26 is removed by a
diver.
[0017] One or more seals may be disposed between watertight cap 22
and open end portion 14 of pressure vessel 12 to improve the
sealing characteristics of submersible transport canister 10 in the
closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, as generically
illustrated in FIG. 1, an O-ring 34 may be disposed around a
cylindrical protrusion 32 (also shown in FIG. 3) provided on the
underside of watertight cap 22. When watertight cap 22 is in the
closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2), O-ring 34 (FIG. 1) is sealingly
compressed between the outer circumferential wall of cylindrical
protrusion 32 (FIGS. 1 and 3) and an inner circumferential wall of
open end portion 14 to provide a watertight seal to a depth of, for
example, several hundred feet.
[0018] Submersible transport canister 10 further includes a vacuum
port 36 and a pressure relief valve 38. Vacuum port 36 and pressure
relief valve 38 are each fluidly coupled to main storage cavity 18
of pressure vessel 12. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3, specifically, pressure relief valve 38 is mounted
through a central portion of watertight cap 22, and vacuum port 36
is mounted through the annular wall of pressure vessel 12. Vacuum
port 36 is manually accessible from the exterior of submersible
transport canister 10 and enables the sealing characteristics of
canister 10 to be tested when watertight cap 22 is in the closed
position (FIGS. 1 and 2) without actual submersion of canister 10.
In particular, a vacuum testing apparatus may be connected to
vacuum port 36 and utilized to partially evacuate gas from storage
cavity 18 to determine if submersible transport canister 10 remains
substantially airtight, and therefore watertight, over a desired
pressure range. By comparison, when watertight cap 22 is in the
closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2), pressure relief valve 38 vents gas
from storage cavity 18 to the exterior of submersible transport
canister 10 if the pressure within storage cavity 18 should surpass
a predetermined upper threshold due to, for example, combustion of
an electrical or chemical component (e.g., a lithium ion battery)
contained within cavity 18. In so doing, pressure relief valve 38
prevents the pressure within storage cavity 18 from accumulating to
undesirably high levels and, thus, helps render submersible
transport canister 10 handsafe when carrying combustible items,
such as a lithium ion battery. In one embodiment, vacuum port 36
and pressure relief valve 38 each assume the form of a
spring-loaded poppet valve.
[0019] Submersible transport canister 10 is further equipped with a
diver-adjustable buoyancy system 40 including at least one
flotation device, which may be manually adjusted to compensate for
the payload weight of non-marinized items 20 (FIG. 1) to impart
canister 10 with a substantially neutral buoyancy during underwater
transport. In one group of embodiments, diver-adjustable buoyancy
system 40 includes an inflatable floatation device that can be
inflated to a desired volume by a diver. For example, as indicated
in FIGS. 1-3, diver-adjustable buoyancy system 40 can include an
inflatable float collar 42, which may be mounted around open end
portion 14 of pressure vessel 12. In addition, buoyancy system 40
includes a pressurized cartridge 44, which contains a pressurized
gas or gas mixture (e.g., carbon dioxide), and a diver-controllable
valve 46, which is fluidly coupled between pressurized cartridge 44
and inflatable float collar 42. Diver-controllable valve 46
normally resides in a closed position in which valve 46 prevents
gas flow from pressurized cartridge 44 to inflatable float collar
42. However, prior to usage of submersible transport canister 10, a
diver can open diver-controllable valve 46 utilizing a manual
control, such as manual control knob 48 to permit gas flow from
pressurized cartridge 44, through valve 46, and into inflatable
float collar 42. The diver may thus open valve 46 for a sufficient
time period to inflate float collar 42 to a volume at which float
collar 42, taken in combination with the other components of
submersible transport canister 10, displaces a volume of water
substantially equivalent in weight to the cumulative weight of
submersible transport canister 10 and non-marinized items 20. In
this manner, the diver can select the volume of float collar 42 to
impart submersible transport canister 10 with a neutral or
close-to-neutral buoyancy during underwater transport of items 20
within storage cavity 18. Notably, the diver can adjust and
readjust the volume, and therefore the buoyancy, of inflatable
float collar 42 in an ad-hoc manner based upon the weight of the
item or items to be transported within storage cavity 18.
[0020] In embodiments wherein diver-adjustable buoyancy system 40
does not include a pressure gauge, a diver may determine the
appropriate volume to which inflatable float collar 42 should be
inflated by progressively inflating float collar 42, while
submersible transport canister 10 is submerged, until the upward
(buoyant) and downward (gravitational) forces exerted on canister
10 are balanced. By comparison, in embodiments wherein
diver-adjustable buoyancy system 40 includes a pressure gauge
fluidly coupled to float collar 42, the diver can determine
appropriate volume to which inflatable float collar 42 should be
inflated by simply referring to the pressure gauge. If the pressure
gauge includes only pressure markings, the diver may utilize a
two-dimensional look-up table to determine the appropriate pressure
to which inflatable float collar 42 should be inflated based upon
the approximate payload weight of non-marinized items 20. However,
in a preferred group of embodiments, the pressure gauge is provided
with a read-out (e.g., text) that visually indicates the
approximate pressure to which float collar 42 should be inflated to
achieve a substantially neutral buoyancy for a range of payload
weights. An example of such a neutral buoyancy pressure gauge is
described in more detail below.
[0021] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and
referring specifically to FIG. 1, diver-adjustable buoyancy system
40 further includes a neutral buoyancy pressure gauge 50, which is
fluidly coupled between inflatable float collar 42 and
diver-controllable valve 46 by way of a bifurcated flow passage 58.
Neutral buoyancy pressure gauge 50 includes graphics (e.g., text)
that visually indicates the pressure to which inflatable float
collar 42 should be inflated to achieve a substantially neutral
buoyancy for a range of non-marinized item payload weights. In the
illustrated example, the range of payload weights represented on
pressure gauge 50 is approximately zero (0) to twenty (20) pounds
(graphically indicated in FIG. 1 at 54); however, it will be
appreciated that the range of payload weights represented pressure
gauge 50 will inevitably vary with the scale of submersible
transport canister 10 and various other factors. To impart
submersible transport canister 10 with a neutral or
close-to-neutral buoyancy during underwater transport of items 20
within storage cavity 18, the diver simply inflates float collar 42
to a pressure at which needle 52 points to the total payload weight
of non-marinized items 20. To enable the release of pressurized gas
from inflatable float collar 42 should the diver over-inflate float
collar 42, a diver-actuated vent valve can be fluidly coupled to
inflatable float collar 42, as generically illustrated in FIG. 1 at
56. Neutral buoyancy pressure gauge 50 may comprise either a
digital device or an analog device as shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] The foregoing has thus provide an exemplary embodiment of a
submersible transport canister 10 that can be utilized by a diver
to transport non-marinized, commercial-off-the-shelf items,
including lithium ion batteries and other combustible items. In the
above-described exemplary embodiment, submersible transport
canister 10 included a diver-adjustable buoyancy system 40 having
an inflatable floatation device (i.e., float collar 42) that can be
inflated by a diver utilizing an on-board or integral gas source
(e.g., pressurized cartridge 44). The forgoing example
notwithstanding, diver-adjustable buoyancy system 40 may not
include an on-board gas source in alternative embodiments, and
inflation of an inflatable floatation device included within
buoyancy system 40 may be effectuated utilizing an external or
independent gas source. Further emphasizing this point, FIG. 4 is a
functional block diagram illustrating submersible transport
canister 10 including a diver-adjustable buoyancy system 60 in
accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. As does
diver-adjustable buoyancy system 40 described above in conjunction
with FIGS. 1-3, diver-adjustable buoyancy system 60 includes an
inflatable float collar 42 and a neutral buoyancy pressure gauge
50, which is fluidly coupled to float collar 42 via a bifurcated
flow passage 58. However, in contrast to diver-adjustable buoyancy
system 40, diver-adjustable buoyancy system 60 further includes a
manual fill port 62 and a one-way valve 64, which is fluidly
coupled between fill port 62 and inflatable float collar 42. Manual
fill port 62 is manually accessible from the exterior of
submersible transport canister 10 and enables a diver to inflate
float collar 42 utilizing an external gas source, such as a spare
oxygen tank carried by the diver, by a surface boat, by a
submarine, or by a flooded vehicle. While permitting gas flow from
fill port 62 to inflatable float collar 42 to enable inflation of
float collar 42, one-way valve 60 prevents gas flow from float
collar 42 to fill port 62 to maintain collar 42 in an inflated
state.
[0023] In the above-described exemplary embodiments of submersible
transport canister 10, the diver-adjustable buoyancy system include
at least one inflatable floatation device. However, in further
embodiments of submersible transport canister 10, the
diver-adjustable buoyancy system may include a number of modular,
fixed-volume floatation members (e.g., foam or plastic float
collars) in lieu of, or in addition to, an inflatable floatation
device. FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating submersible
transport canister 10 equipped with a diver-adjustable buoyancy
system 70. Diver-adjustable buoyancy system 70 includes a number of
fixed-volume float collars 72, which are illustrated in top plan
view in FIG. 6. Fixed-volume float collars 72 each have a
substantially annular shape and include a central opening 74
through which pressure vessel 12 may extend as described more fully
below. Fixed-volume float collars 72 each have a different
predetermined buoyancy. For example, in embodiments wherein
fixed-volume float collars 72 each have a substantially uniform
density, float collars 72 are each formed to have progressively
increasing volumes, as generally shown in FIG. 6.
[0024] Prior to usage of submersible transport canister 10, a
determines the buoyancy of diver-adjustable buoyancy system 70 by
selecting a particular fixed-volume float collar 72 (or float
collars 72) based upon the payload weight of non-marinized items
20. In particular, the diver selects a float collar 72 that
cooperates with submersible transport canister 10 to displace a
volume of water that is generally equivalent in weight to the
cumulative weight of canister 10 and non-marinized items 20. To
facilitate diver selection of a particular float collar 72, text or
other graphics may be provided associating each float collar 72
with a particular payload weight range, as indicated in FIG. 6 at
76. If desired, color coding may also be utilized to further
visually distinguish amongst float collars 72. After float collar
selection, the diver secures the selected float collar 72 to
pressure vessel 12 utilizing, for example, a pin insertion
interface of the type described below.
[0025] A wide variety of different coupling interfaces can be
utilized to enable a diver to removably secure the selected float
collar 72 (or float collars 72) to pressure vessel 12. For example,
in one embodiment, float collars 72 may each be formed to include
an internal threading that engages an external threading provided
around upper end portion 14 of pressure vessel 12. As a second
example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, diver-adjustable
buoyancy system 70 includes an annular retention flange 78, which
is fixedly mounted (e.g., welded) around upper end portion 14 and
which is utilized to secure the selected float collar 72 to
pressure vessel 12. Two angularly-spaced apertures 80 are provided
through annular retention flange 78 and sized to receive a
conventional pull pin 82 (e.g., a cotter pin or a quick release
pin) therethrough. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, two
angularly-spaced apertures 84 are likewise provided through each
float collar 72. To secure a selected float collar 72 to pressure
vessel 12, a diver first positions the selected float collar 72
over closed end portion 16 of pressure vessel 12, slides the float
collar 72 upward into abutment with retention flange 78 (indicated
in FIG. 5 by arrows 86), and then rotates the float collar 72 such
that apertures 84 align with apertures 80. Lastly, the diver
inserts pull pins 82 through each aperture 80 and its aligning
aperture 84 to removably secure float collar 72 to annular
retention flange 78 and, therefore, to pressure vessel 12. Notably,
due to the disposition and diameter of retention flange 78, float
collar 72 will remain in abutment with flange 78 even if pulls pins
82 should be prematurely removed during underwater transport,
providing that submersible transport canister 10 is maintained in a
generally upright position.
[0026] There has thus been provided multiple exemplary embodiments
of a submersible transport canister that can be utilized by a diver
to transport non-marinized, commercial-off-the-shelf items,
including lithium ion batteries and other combustible items. In
each of the above-described exemplary embodiments, the submersible
transport canister included a diver-adjustable buoyancy system,
which can be adjusted by the diver to compensate for the weight of
the item or items stored within the canister to achieve a
substantially neutral buoyancy and thereby facilitate diver
transport of the loaded canister. In view of its ability to
transport combustible items, its ability to enable ad-hoc buoyancy
adjustments to achieve a neutral or close-to-neutral buoyancy for a
range of payload weights, and its scalability, embodiments of the
submersible transport canister are well-suited for utilization by
divers and other personnel involved in Hurricane Disaster Water
Recovery and Boat Accident Recovery.
[0027] It should be appreciated that the foregoing has also
disclosed embodiments of a method for the underwater transport of
an item utilizing a submersible transport canister of the type that
includes a pressure vessel and a diver-adjustable buoyancy system.
In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of storing an item
within the pressure vessel, and adjusting the buoyancy of the
diver-adjustable buoyancy system to impart the submersible
transport canister with a substantially neutral buoyancy during
underwater transport of the item stored within the pressure vessel.
In embodiments wherein the diver-adjustable buoyancy system
comprises a plurality of fixed-volume floatation members each
having a different buoyancy, the step of adjusting the buoyancy of
the diver-adjustable buoyancy system may include the sub-steps of
selecting a fixed-volume floatation member based, at least in part,
upon the weight of the item, and securing the selected fixed volume
floatation member to the pressure vessel. In embodiments wherein
the diver-adjustable buoyancy system includes an inflatable
floatation device coupled to the pressure vessel, the step of
adjusting may comprise inflating the floatation device to a volume
at which the inflatable floatation device imparts a substantially
neutral buoyancy to the submersible transport canister during
underwater transport of the item. Finally, in embodiments wherein
the diver-adjustable buoyancy system further comprises a neutral
buoyancy pressure gauge fluidly coupled to inflatable floatation
device and visually indicating the approximate floatation device
pressure required to achieve a substantially neutral buoyancy for a
given range of payload weights, the step of inflating may comprise:
(i) determining the approximate weight of the item, and (ii)
inflating the floatation device to a pressure substantially
equivalent to the pressure at which the neutral buoyancy pressure
gauge indices is required to impart a substantially neutral
buoyancy to the submersible transport canister, given the weight of
the item.
[0028] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments
are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way.
Rather, the foregoing Detailed Description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that
various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of
elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing
from the scope of the invention as set-forth in the appended
Claims.
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