Capture net deployment system

Abstract

A capture net deployment system for mounting on a deployment vessel. A capture net, preferably having a buoyant top rope and a weighted bottom rope, is folded so as to fit within a box. The box may have a rotating lid, with the lid forming a launching surface for the capture net when the lid is fully opened and extending toward the stem of the deployment vessel. A ridge in the lid assists in keeping the capture net untangled. A drogue may be attached to the capture net to assist in pulling it into the water from the box, enabling the capture net to be deployed at relatively high speed. Other embodiments have a sliding lid.

Description

[0001] Capture Net Deployment System Inventor: Matthew John Searle

[0002] Applicant: Maritime Arresting Technologies LLC

[0003] Cross reference to related applications

[0004] This United States non-provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of United States provisional patent application SN 63 / 662638, filed June 21, 2024. That provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistent with this application.

[0005] Background - Field of the Invention

[0006] The apparatus, and methods of use thereof, disclosed herein relate to apparatus and methods for the deployment of capture nets in a waterbody. Capture nets are placed into a waterbody, with the upper edge of the nets supported by floats, with the net then extending down through the water column. Subsurface vessels are caught in the nets, and thereby prevented from entry into a defined area. The capture nets, of the sort described herein, are preferably deployed from a surface vessel while underway.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to apparatus, and methods of use thereof, comprise a box for holding a capture net, and various parts thereof that enable rapid and efficient deployment of the capture net into a waterbody, while the deploying vessel is underway. By way of example, the apparatus and methods of use disclosed herein are effective in capturing Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs).

[0009] In more detail, a system for deployment of a capture net into a waterbody, embodying the principles of the present invention, comprises: a capture net, with top and bottom edges, the top edge providing sufficient buoyancy to suspend the net in the waterbody with the bottom edge being weighted to extend the capture net down into the waterbody; a box into which the capture net is placed, in a folded position, the box comprising: a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end closest to the bow of a deployment vessel comprising the box; a lid movable between a first position in which the lid covers an open top of the box, and a second position in which the lid is open; said lid, in the second position, forming a deployment chute, whereby, when a part of the capture net is launched from the box into the waterbody and the deployment vessel moves forward, the capture net flows out of the box, along the chute and into the waterbody; an elongated flap disposed in the box; wherein, as the capture net flows out of said box, the flap rests atop the capture net within the box as the capture net is deployed.

[0010] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figs. 1 and 2 are top views of a deployment vessel with the capture net deployment system mounted thereon.

[0012] Figs. 3 - 6 are sequential drawings of deployment of a capture net into a waterbody. Figs. 7 - 12 are views of a first embodiment of the capture net deployment system.

[0013] Figs. 13 - 18 are views of a second embodiment of the capture net deployment system.

[0014] Figs. 19 - 22 are views of another embodiment of the capture net deployment system, comprising a sliding lid.

[0015] Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiment(s)

[0016] While various apparatus, and methods of use thereof, can embody the principles of the present invention, with reference to the drawings some of the presently preferred embodiments can be described.

[0017] A first embodiment

[0018] Fig. 1 is a view of a deployment vessel underway in a waterbody, moving in the direction of the arrow. A box 10, forming a component of the capture net deployment system, is mounted proximal the stem of the boat; in Fig. 1, the lid (described in more detail below) is closed. Fig. 2 is a view of the deployment vessel of Fig. 1 , with the lid of box 10 open and capture net 20 being deployed into the waterbody, with deployment vessel continuing underway. Figs. 3 to 6 also show an exemplary sequence of deployment of capture net 20, showing first deployment of a drogue into the waterbody; next, initial pulling of the capture net into the water; next, a portion of the capture net spanning the water column while deployment continues; finally, full deployment of the capture net.

[0019] Capture net 20 may be of any number of different forms. By way of example, Fig. 6 shows capture net 20 in a deployed position in a waterbody. Capture net 20 is generally rectangular, of a desired length and width (vertical dimension). Ideally, capture net 20 spans the entirety of the water column, from the water surface to the waterbody bottom. Preferably, capture net 20 comprises a floating top rope, for example foam core top rope 22, and a sinking bottom rope, for example lead core bottom rope 24, so as to avoid the use of separately attached floats and weights, which give rise to a much greater tangling risk. High strength top and bottom ropes, in addition to the net fabric itself, permit capture net 20 to be towed through the water at relatively high speed. One possible net material is monofilament nylon.

[0020] Fig. 7 is a side view of box 10 and other components in more detail. Box 10 has dimensions suitable to hold a capture net 20 folded up inside; as can be seen, capture net 20 may be folded up in a back-and-forth manner, so that capture net 20 may be pulled out of box 10 without tangling. Capture net 20 may be a synthetic fiber net of desired dimensions, generally rectangular in shape, and preferably with a buoyant, floating top rope and a sinking, weighted bottom rope. As noted above, buoyant floating and weighted sinking ropes, rather than ropes having separate floats and weights, reduce tangling. Box 10 is mounted typically near the stem of a deployment vessel; as shown in Fig. 1, the first end of box 10 is labeled and is the end closest to the bow of the deployment vessel. The second end box 10 is simply the opposite end, nearest the stem of the deployment vessel.

[0021] Box 10 has an open top, which is covered by a lid, so as to cover and protect the capture net before deployment. The lid may be opened in any manner; by way of example only, a rotating embodiment and a sliding / rolling embodiment are disclosed, but the scope of the present invention covers any other means for moving the lid, and hence opening the box. In the sliding / rolling embodiment, the lid may simply slide on rails, or alternatively may moved on wheeled trolleys or tracks.

[0022] In the embodiment in Fig. 7, lid 12 is rotatably attached to box 10 proximal the second end thereof, and is rotatable between a first, closed position (covering the open top of the box) and a second, open position, as can be seen in Fig. 7. Preferably, in the second, open position lid 12 is generally horizontal, forming a platform or chute over which capture net 20 flows, as capture net 20 is pulled out of box 10. Preferably, lid 12 extends a sufficient distance beyond the stem of deployment vessel DV to keep capture net 12 away from propellers, etc. during deployment.

[0023] Fig. 8 is an end-on view, looking from the second end, of box 10, showing capture net 20 folded up within, and lid 12. Lid 12 preferably has a central, longitudinal spine 14 which serves to keep the top and bottom ropes of capture net 20 separate, as capture net 20 is deployed.

[0024] A flap 30 is mounted inside box 10, and as seen in Fig. 7 rests atop folded up capture net 20. In the embodiment shown, flap 30 comprises two lateral projections 32, 34, which fit within vertical slots 40 near first end of box 10. This mounting configuration permits movement of flap 30 in several manners: rotational around a transverse axis, by rotating around an axis through the projections; vertical (up or down), by the projections moving vertically within the slots; and rotational around a longitudinal axis, by the projections moving to different vertical positions within the slots. Such multi-axis movement keeps flap 30 positioned atop capture net 20 as it is pulled out of box 10, and as the volume / height of capture net 20 within box 10 decreases, resulting in a relatively controlled, tangle free deployment. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of flap 30 within box 10, further illustrating (by the directional arrows) possible movement of flap 30 within box 10.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a side view of flap 30, which preferably has a vertical dimension tapering from a first end to a second end. Preferably, flap 30 comprises a central longitudinal valley, forming a generally shallow V-shaped cross section shape, as seen in Fig. 10. Fig. 11 is a top view of flap 30, which preferably tapers in width from the first end to the second end, as can be seen.

[0026] In use, deployment vessel is underway. Starting from lid 12 in its first closed position, lid 12 is moved, via rotation, translation, or other means, to its second open position. Referring to Figs. 3 - 6, capture net 20 preferably has a drogue 50 or similar device attached to a deployment line, which is placed into the water by hand, by a launch device, or similar means. Once drogue 50 is in the water, the resulting drag pulls capture net 20 from box 10 into the waterbody, capture net 20 unfolding as it is deployed. Capture net 20 then assumes its deployed position in the waterbody, with floating top rope 22 holding the top edge of capture net at the water’s surface, with weighted bottom rope 24 holding the bottom edge of the capture net down. A second embodiment

[0027] In a second embodiment, the capture net deployment system comprises a cartridge, which is preferably box-shaped, into which the capture net is loaded. The cartridges are quickly and easily mounted in a box or frame, which in turn is mounted on or near the stem of the deployment vessel. Once a capture net is deployed, hence the cartridge emptied, the empty cartridge is removed and replaced with another cartridge containing another capture net. This embodiment permits multiple cartridges with capture nets to be carried on a deployment vessel, and quick deployment of multiple capture nets, to cover larger areas.

[0028] Fig. 13 is an end view of a cartridge 60, which may be box-shaped, within an open frame 70, for example a square tube frame, from the front or end closest to the bow of the vessel. It is understood that frame 70 is mounted proximal the stem of the deployment vessel. Fig. 14 is a side view of a cartridge 60 within an open frame 70, further showing lid 12 attached to open frame 70. Cartridge 60 may comprise structural attributes to strengthen / stiffen the cartridge, such as channel 62. As in the previous embodiment, lid 12 preferably comprises a longitudinal ridge or spine 14, which serves to keep the top and bottom ropes on the capture net separated during deployment. Ridge 14 may also house a cylinder which receives a preloaded drogue and deployment line, along with a means for ejecting the drogue and deployment line into the waterbody, to initiate deployment. Once the drogue is in the water, it inflates and produces sufficient drag to pull capture net 20 from cartridge 60, as deployment vessel DV continues moving forward; this sequence is earlier described above. Fig. 14 shows lid 12 in its second, open position.

[0029] Fig. 15 is a plan or top view of cartridge 60 within frame 70. As described in connection with the first embodiment, flap 30 is mounted in slots 40, permitting movement in several degrees of freedom.

[0030] Cartridge 60 may comprise sensors, and / or holes 64 into which sensors may be placed to detect the position of lid 12. A control module 80 may be provided, to hold a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a motor, to control and power the opening and closing of lid 12.

[0031] Fig. 16 is another view from the other end of cartridge 60, namely the end closest to the stem. Indentation 66 provides a housing for an “end of line” float, to be attached to the final end of capture net 20. A sensor may be provided to detect that the net has been deployed; the sensor may be included in cartridge 60, or a hole provided to allow a frame-mounted sensor to detect the end of line float. Flap 30 is shown; the V-shape cross section shape of flap 30 can be seen. Fig. 17 is a side view of cartridge 60. Fig. 18 is another top view of cartridge 60.

[0032] Frame 70 may comprise a lip 72 on three sides, to keep cartridge 60 in place. Sliding / rolling lid embodiment

[0033] In another embodiment, shown in Figs. 19 - 22, lid 90 is slidably mounted or mounted via rollers on said box, and slides or rolls from a first, closed position, to a second, open position; this sliding / rolling movement is instead of the rotating lid embodiment previously disclosed. In Fig. 19, lid 90 is in its first, closed position. Fig. 20 is a view of lid 90 in its second, open position. Lid 90 may be mounted on rails or wheeled trolleys 100, on both sides of cartridge 60, to ease the sliding / rolling movement. The sliding / rolling may be carried out by hand, by an operator; or alternatively a geared motor 200 may be used, which may be controlled by control module 80. Other structural attributes of lid 90 in this embodiment, shown in Figs. 21 (which is partially in cross section) and 22, are largely the same as the earlier described embodiment(s).

[0034] Conclusion

[0035] While the preceding description contains many specificities, it is to be understood that same are presented only to describe some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and not by way of limitation. Changes can be made to various aspects of the invention, without departing from the scope thereof.

[0036] Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be determined not by the illustrative examples set forth above, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

I claim:

1. A system for deployment of a capture net into a waterbody, comprising: a capture net, with top and bottom edges, said top edge providing sufficient buoyancy to suspend said net in said waterbody with said bottom edge being weighted to extend said capture net down into said waterbody; a box into which said capture net is placed, in a folded position, said box comprising: a leading end and a trailing end, said leading end closest to the bow of a deployment vessel comprising said box; a lid movable between a first position in which said lid covers an open top of said box, and a second position in which said lid is open; said lid, in said second position, forming a deployment chute, whereby, when a part of said capture net is launched from said box into said waterbody and said deployment vessel moves forward, said capture net flows out of said box, along said chute and into said waterbody; an elongated flap disposed in said box; wherein, as said capture net flows out of said box, said flap rests atop said capture net within said box as said capture net is deployed.

2. A system for deployment of a capture net into a waterbody, comprising: a capture net, of generally rectangular shape with top and bottom edges, a floating top rope and a weighted bottom rope thereon, said floating top rope providing sufficient buoyancy to suspend said net in said waterbody with said weighted bottom rope on thebotom of said waterbody; a box into which said capture net is placed, in a folded position, said box comprising: a leading end and a trailing end, said leading end closest to the bow of a deployment vessel comprising said box; a lid movable between a first position in which said lid covers an open top of said box, and a second position in which said lid is moved open and extends toward or beyond the stem of said deployment vessel, said lid remaining generally horizontal in said second position; said lid, in said second position, forming a deployment chute comprising a central longitudinal spine, whereby, when a part of said capture net is launched from said box into said waterbody and said deployment vessel moves forward, said capture net flows out of said box, along said chute and into said waterbody, said spine separating said top and botom ropes; an elongated flap disposed in said box, said flap comprising laterally extending projections which engage vertical slots in the interior of said box, proximal said leading end of said box, whereby said flap may rotate around said projections and move vertically independent of rotation, as said projections move vertically in said slot, wherein said elongated flap comprises a longitudinal valley, forming a V- shape cross section; wherein, as said capture net flows out of said box, said flap rests atop saidcapture net and moves vertically downward and rotates about said projections as said capture net is deployed.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said capture net is disposed within a cartridge, said cartridge removably positioned within said box, whereby, after deployment of said capture net, said cartridge may be removed from said box, and a second cartridge comprising a capture net may be placed within said box, in preparation for deployment of said second capture net.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a control module, said control module comprising controls that detect when said lid has opened and when said capture net has been deployed, and further comprises a motor to open and close said lid.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein said lid is rotatably mounted on said box, and is rotatable between a first, closed position and a second, open position.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein said lid is slidably mounted on said box, and is slidable between a first, closed position and a second, open position.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein said lid is mounted via rollers on said box, and is movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position by rolling.

8. The system of claim 2, further comprising a cylinder comprising a drogue and deployment line, said drogue connected to said capture net, whereby when said drogue is deployed into a waterbody, with continued movement of said deployment vessel said drogue pulls said capture net out of said box into said waterbody.

9. A system for deployment of a capture net into a waterbody, comprising: a capture net, of generally rectangular shape with top and bottom edges, a floating top rope and a weighted bottom rope thereon, said floating top rope providing sufficientbuoyancy to suspend said net in said waterbody with said weighted bottom rope on the bottom of said waterbody; a box-shaped cartridge into which said capture net is placed, in a folded position, said cartridge comprising: a leading end and a trailing end, said leading end closest to the bow of a deployment vessel comprising said box-shaped cartridge; a lid, movable between a first position in which said lid covers an open top of said box-shaped cartridge, and a second position in which said lid is moved open and extends in a direction toward or beyond the stem of said deployment vessel, said lid remaining generally horizontal in said second position; said lid, in said second position, forming a deployment chute comprising a central longitudinal spine, whereby, when a part of said capture net is launched from said box into said waterbody and said deployment vessel moves forward, said capture net flows out of said box, along said chute and into said waterbody, said spine separating said top and bottom ropes; an elongated flap disposed in said box-shaped cartridge, said flap comprising laterally extending projections which engage vertical slots in the interior of said box, proximal said leading end of said box-shaped cartridge, whereby said flap may rotate around said projections and move vertically independent of rotation, as said projections move vertically in said slot, wherein said elongated flap comprises a longitudinal valley, forming a V- shape cross section;wherein, as said capture net flows out of said box, said flap rests atop said capture net and moves vertically downward and rotates about said projections as said capture net is deployed; said box-shaped cartridge removably positioned within a frame attached to said deployment vessel, whereby, after deployment of said capture net, said box-shaped cartridge may be removed from said frame, and a second cartridge comprising a second capture net may be placed within said frame, in preparation for deployment of said second capture net.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said lid is rotatably mounted on said frame, and is rotatable between a first, closed position and a second, open position.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein said lid is slidably mounted on said frame, and is slidable between a first, closed position and a second, open position.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein said lid is mounted via rollers on said frame, and is movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position by rolling.

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