Remotely-triggered submerged launch canisters

Abstract

Embodiments of a submerged launch canister are provided for the remotely-initiated deployment of a waterborne object. In one embodiment, the submerged launch canister includes a pressure vessel and a remotely-triggered deployment system. The pressure vessel has an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein. The remotely-triggered deployment system is configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity, through the open end portion, and into a body of water when remotely triggered.

1 . A submerged launch canister for deployment of a waterborne object, the submerged launch canister comprising:
 a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein; and   a remotely-triggered deployment system coupled to the pressure vessel and configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity, through the open end portion, and into a body of water when remotely triggered.   
     
     
         2 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 1  wherein the remotely-triggered deployment system comprises:
 a wireless sensor; 
 a propellant device; and 
 a controller operably coupled to the wireless sensor and to the propellant device, the controller configured to actuate the propellant device in response to receipt of a wireless launch signal. 
 
     
     
         3 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 2  wherein the wireless sensor comprises an acoustic sensor. 
     
     
         4 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 2  further comprising a manual activation switch coupled to the controller and accessible from the exterior of the submerged launch canister. 
     
     
         5 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 2  wherein the propellant device comprises a pressurized gas reservoir fluidly coupled to the storage cavity. 
     
     
         6 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 5  wherein the propellant device further comprises a fill port fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas reservoir and manually accessible from the exterior of the submerged launch canister. 
     
     
         7 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 6  further comprising:
 a flow control valve fluidly coupled between the pressurized gas reservoir and the storage cavity, the flow control valve normally residing in a closed position wherein the flow control valve substantially prevents pressurized gas flow from the pressurized gas reservoir to the storage cavity; and 
 an actuator operably coupled to the flow control valve and to the controller, the controller configured to command the actuator to move the flow control valve into an open position pursuant to receipt of the wireless launch signal. 
 
     
     
         8 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 2  further comprising a watertight cap movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the watertight cap sealingly engages the open end portion. 
     
     
         9 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 8  wherein the watertight cap is biased toward the open position, and wherein the submerged launch canister further comprises a cap release mechanism operably coupled to the controller and configured to maintain the watertight cap in the closed position until actuated by the controller. 
     
     
         10 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 1  further comprising a vacuum port fluidly coupled to the storage cavity. 
     
     
         11 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 1  further comprising a pressure relief valve fluidly coupled to the storage cavity and configured to vent gas from the storage cavity when the pressure therein surpasses a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         12 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 1  wherein the submerged launch canister is configured to sink in a body of saltwater and to come rest on a seafloor in an at least partially upright position. 
     
     
         13 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 12  further comprising a stand member mounted to the pressure vessel and configured to elevate the open end portion from the seafloor. 
     
     
         14 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 13  wherein the stand member comprises a deployment ring disposed around the pressure vessel proximate the open end portion. 
     
     
         15 . A submerged launch canister, comprising:
 a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity;   a waterborne object stored within the storage cavity; and   an acoustically-triggered deployment system configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity and through the open end portion pursuant to receipt of an acoustic launch signal.   
     
     
         16 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 15  wherein the waterborne object comprises an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. 
     
     
         17 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 16  wherein the acoustically-triggered deployment system comprises:
 an acoustic sensor; 
 a pressurized gas reservoir fluidly coupled to the storage cavity; and 
 a controller operably coupled to the acoustic sensor and to the pressurized gas reservoir, the controller configured to actuate the pressurized gas reservoir in response to receipt of the acoustic launch signal by the acoustic sensor. 
 
     
     
         18 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 15  wherein the acoustic launch signal is a predetermined launch signal transmitted from a command source. 
     
     
         19 . A submerged launch canister according to  claim 15  wherein the acoustic launch signal is the acoustic signature of a vessel. 
     
     
         20 . A submerged launch canister for deployment of a waterborne object, the submerged launch canister comprising:
 a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein; and   a watertight cap movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the watertight cap sealingly engages the open end portion to prevent the ingress of water into the storage cavity;   a cap release mechanism coupled to the pressure vessel and configured to maintain the watertight cap in the closed position until actuation;   an acoustic sensor coupled to the pressure vessel; and   a controller operably coupled to the acoustic sensor and to the cap release mechanism, the controller configured to actuate the cap release mechanism when an acoustic launch signal is detected by the acoustic sensor.