Remotely-triggered submerged launch canisters and methods relating to the usage and preparation thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of a method are provided for remotely deploying a waterborne object utilizing a submerged launch canister including a remotely-triggered deployment system. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of placing the remotely-triggered deployment system in a launch-ready state, and positioning the submerged launch canister within a body of water. In a further embodiment wherein the waterborne object assumes the form of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle, the method includes the step of transmitting a wireless signal to the remotely-triggered deployment system to initiate launch of the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle after the submerged launch canister has been positioned on the seafloor.

1 . A method for remotely deploying a waterborne object utilizing a submerged launch canister including a remotely-triggered deployment system, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing the remotely-triggered deployment system in a launch-ready state; and   positioning the submerged launch canister within a body of water.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  further comprising the step of transmitting a remote launch signal to the remotely-trigged deployment system to initiate launch of the waterborne object. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the step of transmitting comprises transmitting an acoustic launch signal to the remotely-trigged deployment system to initiate launch of the waterborne object. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of positioning the submerged launch canister within a body of water comprises:
 transporting the submerged launch canister to a desired location of deployment; and 
 jettisoning the submerged launch canister into the body of water. 
 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of positioning the submerged launch canister within a body of water comprises:
 transporting the submerged launch canister to a desired location of deployment; and 
 diver-emplacing the submerged launch canister on the seafloor. 
 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the remotely-triggered deployment system further comprises an activation switch, and wherein the step of placing the remotely-triggered deployment system in a launch-ready state comprises actuating the activation switch prior to positioning the submerged launch canister within the body of water. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the activation switch comprises a pull pin, and wherein the step of actuating comprises removing the pull pin. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the submerged launch canister includes a pressurized gas reservoir and a pressure vessel having a storage cavity fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas reservoir, and wherein the method further comprises the step of filling the pressurized gas reservoir with a pressurized gas. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8  wherein the submerged launch canister further includes an external fill port fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas reservoir, and wherein the step of filling comprises filling the pressurized gas reservoir with a pressurized gas through the external fill port after transporting the submerged launch canister to a desired location of deployment. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9  wherein the step of filling the pressurized gas reservoir with a pressurized gas through the external fill port comprises filling the pressurized gas reservoir with an oxygen tank. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1  further comprising the step of loading the waterborne object into the submerged launch canister prior to positioning the submerged launch canister within the body of water. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11  wherein the waterborne object comprises an unmanned underwater vehicle, wherein the submerged launch canister includes a pressure vessel having a storage cavity therein, and wherein the step of loading the waterborne object into the submerged launch canister comprising inserting the unmanned underwater vehicle into the storage cavity. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12  wherein the submerged launch canister further includes a watertight cap movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the watertight cap engages the pressure vessel to sealingly enclose the storage cavity, and wherein the method further comprises the step of placing watertight cap in the closed position after inserting the unmanned underwater vehicle into the storage cavity. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the watertight cap is biased toward the open position, wherein the submerged launch canister further includes cap release mechanism coupled to the pressure vessel, and wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the cap release mechanism into a position wherein the cap release mechanism maintains the watertight cap in the closed position. 
     
     
         15 . A method for remotely deploying an unmanned underwater vehicle stored within a submerged launch canister including a remotely-triggered deployment system, the method comprising the steps of:
 transmitting a wireless signal to the remotely-triggered deployment system to initiate launch of the unmanned underwater vehicle after the submerged launch canister has been positioned on a seafloor.   
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the step of transmitting comprises transmitting an acoustic signal to the remotely-triggered deployment system to initiate launch of the unmanned underwater vehicle. 
     
     
         17 . A method for preparing a submerged launch canister for the remote deployment of an unmanned underwater vehicle, the submerged launch canister including pressure vessel having a storage cavity therein, a pressurized gas reservoir fluidly coupled to the storage cavity, a flow control valve fluidly coupled between the pressurized gas reservoir and the storage cavity, and a watertight cap movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the watertight cap sealingly engages the pressure vessel to enclose the storage cavity, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing the flow control valve in a closed position wherein the flow control valve prevents pressurized gas flow from the pressurized gas reservoir into the storage cavity;   inserting the unmanned underwater vehicle into the storage cavity; and   moving the watertight cap to the closed position.   
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17  further comprising the step of filling the pressurized gas reservoir with a pressurized gas. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the submerged launch canister further includes a remotely-triggered deployment system having an activation switch, and wherein the method further comprises the step of actuating the activation switch to power-up the remotely-triggered deployment system after transporting the submerged launch canister to a desired location of deployment. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the watertight cap is biased toward the open position, wherein the submerged launch canister further includes a cap release mechanism coupled to the pressure vessel, and wherein the method further comprises the step of positioning the cap release mechanism to maintain the watertight cap in the closed position.