ZAPPALA', Giuseppe (Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino, Costiero del CNR Via San Rainer, 86 Messina, I-98122, IT)
CLAIMS
1. System for launching marine probes, said probes comprising measuring means, characterised in that it comprises a logic unit in which parameters for launching said probes may be programmed, detecting means and a launching unit comprising at least one launching tube within which at least one probe is contained, said launching tube having a lower shutter coupled to handling means for its opening and closure; said logic unit activating said handling means for opening said lower shutter following the comparison of data acquired by said detecting means with said launching parameters.
2. System according to claim 1, characterised in that said launching parameters comprise latitude and/or longitude data.
3. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said parameters comprise the time. 4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said logic unit comprises a programmable microprocessor and data storage means.
5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said detecting means comprises a GPS localiser, for detecting the position of said launching unit.
6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said detecting means comprises a satellite receiver.
7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises transmitting-receiving means connected to said logic unit, capable to receive signals from said probes and/or to send signals related to the detected measures.
8. System according to claim 7, characterised in that said transmitting-receiving means comprises cellular radio transmission, preferably GSM and/or GPRS and/or UMTS, means capable to allow a remote control of said logic unit and/or at least one satellite transmitter- receiver.
9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises means for interfacing a user with said control logic unit. 10. System according to claim 9, characterised in that said interface means comprises a computer and/or a PDA and/or a console.
11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said launching unit comprises a frame, onto a plane of which said at least one launching tube is mounted.
12. System according to claim 11 , characterised in that it comprises guide means, preferably a hopper, for launching said probes. . 13. System according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterised in that it comprises supporting means capable to position said frame of said launching unit outboard, said supporting means preferably comprising a boom.
14. System according to any one of claims 11 - 13, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of launching tubes which are installed onto said frame.
15. System according to claim 14, characterised in that said launching tubes are arranged along two parallel rows.
16. System according to any one of claims 11 - 15, characterised in that said launching unit comprises a first waterproof cabinet secured to said frame within which said control logic unit is contained.
17. System according to any one of claims 11 - 16, characterised in that said launching unit comprises a second waterproof cabinet secured to said frame within which means for activating said handling means are contained.
18. System according to claim 17, characterised in that said activating means comprises electro-pneumatic valves.
19. System according to claim 18, characterised in that said activating means comprises tubes for compressed air passage connected between said electro-pneumatic valves and said handling means.
20. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said handling means are constituted of a piston- cylinder assembly. 21. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a safety device for opening said lower shutter.
22. System according to claim 21 , characterised in that said safety device is constituted of a piston-cylinder assembly. ■ 23. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least one launching tube comprises an upper shutter.
24. System according to claim 23, characterised in that said upper shutter comprises a safety bolt.
25. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises electrical connection means between said logic unit and the probes inserted into said at least one launching tube.
26. System according to claim 25, characterised in that said electrical connection means comprises one or more gudgeons and stretching means capable to keep said one or more gudgeons in contact with the probe that is contained within said at least one launching tube.
27. System according to claim 26, characterised in that said stretching means are constituted of a spring.
28. System according to any one of claims 25 - 27, when depending on claim 22, characterised in that said electrical connection means are installed onto said upper shutter. |
SYSTEM FOR LAUNCHING MARINE PROBES
The present invention relates to a system for launching marine probes. More in detail, the present invention relates to a system of the said type, in particular studied and implemented for allowing marine probes launches to be scheduled in space and/or time.
As it is well known, presently there exist different types of probes which are launched into the sea or the ocean for various purposes, among which data acquisition and transmission for research purposes.
Among the most commonly used probes, we may cite:
- XBT (expendable bathythermograph) probes, used, for instance, for measuring the impact of temperature in sonars and for detecting and predicting sound velocity; - XSV (expendable sound velocimeteή probes, used for measuring sound velocity.
Several types of devices or launchers have been implemented for launching said probes. The most common ones among them are those having a probe containing tube and an operating device. Said first type of launcher also has a pistol grip.
There also exist launchers provided with a supporting element for coupling to a boat hull.
The problem of said launching devices is that they may be only manually operated. Therefore, they do not allow launches of the same probes to be scheduled.
In fact, the need often arises to launch the aforementioned probes in geographical points or at particular instants and times. It is hence unavoidable to trust the precision of a human operator, due to the manual control of said probe launching. It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a system allowing a scheduling of marine probe launching phases, further allowing a high precision of the points where probes are launched.
It is a second object of the present invention to allow the automatic and remote control of said probe launching permitting the operation even without operator.
It is a third object of the present invention to allow the scheduling of a high number of probe launches.
It is specific subject matter of the present invention a system for
launching marine probes, said probes comprising measuring means, characterised in that it comprises a logic unit in which parameters for launching said probes may be programmed, detecting means and a launching unit comprising at least one launching tube within which at least one probe is contained, said launching tube having a lower shutter coupled to handling means for its opening and closure; said logic unit activating said handling means for opening said lower shutter following the comparison of data acquired by said detecting means with said launching parameters. Always according to the invention, said launching parameters may comprise latitude and/or longitude data and/or the time.
Still according to the invention, said logic unit may comprise a programmable microprocessor and data storage means.
Furthermore according to the invention, said detecting means may comprise a GPS localiser, for detecting the position of said launching unit, or a satellite receiver.
Advantageously according to the invention, said system may comprise transmitting-receiving means connected to said logic unit, capable to receive signals from said probes and/or to send signals related to the detected measures.
Still according to the invention, said transmitting-receiving means may comprise cellular radio transmission, preferably GSM and/or GPRS and/or UMTS, means capable to allow a remote control of said logic unit and/or at least one satellite transmitter-receiver. Always according to the invention, said system may comprise means for interfacing a user with said control logic unit.
Furthermore according to the invention, said interface means may comprise a computer and/or a PDA and/or a console.
Still according to the invention, said launching unit may comprise a frame, onto a plane of which said at least one launching tube is mounted and supporting means capable to position said frame of said launching unit outboard.
Preferably according to the invention, said supporting means may comprise a boom. Alternatively, it is possible to keep the launching unit onboard by positioning it on a hopper that is shaped for conveying the launched probe outboard.
Always according to the invention, said system may comprise a
plurality of launching tubes which are installed onto said frame, said tubes being arranged along two parallel rows.
Still according to the invention, said launching unit may comprise a first waterproof cabinet secured to said frame within which said control logic unit is contained and a second waterproof cabinet secured to said frame within which means for activating said handling means are contained.
Furthermore according to the invention, said activating means may comprise electro-pneumatic valves. Advantageously according to the invention, said activating means may comprise tubes for compressed air passage connected between said electro-pneumatic valves and said handling means.
Preferably according to the invention, said handling means may be constituted of a piston-cylinder assembly. Still according to the invention, said system may comprise a safety device, constituted of a piston-cylinder assembly, for opening said lower shutter.
Always according to the invention, said at least one launching tube may comprise an upper shutter, in turn comprising a safety bolt. Furthermore according to the invention, said system may comprise electrical connection means between said logic unit and the probes inserted into said at least one launching tube.
Advantageously according to the invention, said electrical connection means may comprise one or more gudgeons and stretching means capable to keep said one or more gudgeons in contact with the probe that is contained within said at least one launching tube.
Still according to the invention, said stretching means may be constituted of a spring.
Preferably according to the invention, said electrical connection means may be installed onto said upper shutter.
The present invention will now be described, by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, according to its preferred embodiments, by particularly referring to the figures of the enclosed drawings, in which: figure 1 shows a block diagram of the system for launching marine probes according to the present invention; figure 2 shows a front view of the launching unit of the system
according to the present invention; figure 3 shows a side view of the launching unit of figure 2; figure 4 shows a side view of the launching tubes mounted onto a supporting frame of the launching unit of figure 2; figure 5 shows the arrangement of the launching tubes in an embodiment of the launching unit according to the present invention; figure 6a shows a side view of a launching tube in closed position; figure 6b shows a top plan view of the launching tube of figure 6a; figure 7a shows a side view of a launching tube in open position; figure 7b shows a top plan view of the launching tube of figure 7a; figure 8 shows a sectional view of the electrical contact pins of the upper shutters of the launching tubes; and figure 9 shows a top plan view of the electrical and hydraulic circuits of the system according to the present invention.
Making reference to figure 1 , it is possible to observe the block diagram of the system 1 for launching marine probes according to the present invention.
Said system 1 has a logic unit 2, connected to a plurality of electro-pneumatic valves 3. Said electro-pneumatic valves 3 are connected to a launching unit 4 containing the marine probes to launch. The system 1 also has localisation means and communication means, as it will be shown in detail below, through which it is possible to schedule time and/or place of probe launch.
By analysing the figures more in detail, it is possible to observe that the system 1 has a GPS receiver 5, a GSM-GPRS cellular modem 6, with incorporated TCP-IP stack, also capable to allow the remote control of said logic unit 2, and a satellite modem 7.
The system also has interface means 8, as a computer or a PDA, for carrying out the remote control, or a console 8' for an operator located onboard the boat on which said system 1 is installed. Transmitting-receiving means 9 are provided which are capable to detect signals coming from launched probes and possible boat sensors.
The logic unit 2 also has:
- a motherboard onto which a microprocessor or CPU is installed;
- a video board;
- a communication serial port for the console 8'; - one or more communication serial ports towards the GSM-
GPRS and satellite modem(s) 6 and 7;
- a communication serial port for GPS receiver 5;
- a plurality of multi-standard serial ports for adding possible further different types of probes or sensors; - a 12-bit or 16-bit A/D converter, with power supply board for
XBT probes and relay multiplexer for the signals coming from the same probes;
- a plurality of digital input ports for detecting the states of the launching unit 4, capable to detect whether the launching unit is in either launching or standby state.
Making now reference to figures 2 and 3, it is possible to observe the marine probe launching unit 4 according to the present invention.
Said launching unit 4 is constituted by a frame 10, that provides a plane 10' onto which the launching tubes 11 containing said probes (not shown in the figures) are installed. Said launching tubes 11 provide a lower shutter 12 and un upper shutter 13.
A first and a second cabinets 14 and 15 are fixed onto said frame 10. Said first cabinet inwardly contains the bank of electro- pneumatic valves 3, supplied with compressed air (typically at a pressure of 6 bars), which are mounted onto a common manifold and which have fast coupling unions. Said second cabinet 15 contains the programmable logic unit 2.
Said first and said second cabinets 14 and 15 are waterproof and impact resistant. Moreover, each one provides a series of connectors
14' and 15', respectively connected to the electro-pneumatic valves 3 and to said interface means 8 and 8'. Said connectors 15' may be also connected to possible further probes.
Through said logic unit 2 it is possible to schedule the activation of the electro-pneumatic valves 3 contained within the cabinet 14, allowing to carry out the launch of said probes contained within the launching tubes 11.
Also making reference to figure 3, it is possible to analyse in greater detail the frame 10. this may be placed outboard the boat, for instance through a boom or the like. Said frame 10 may provide a hopper capable to guide the probe launch. In this way, it is possible to position said frame onboard.
The supporting frame 10 is made of AISI 316 stainless steel, and in the considered embodiment it has a thickness of 4 mm.
Collars 16 and supports 17 for the cabinets 14 and 15, which have a thickness of 2 mm, are present. Braces 18, fixed to the plane 10' and made of angle bars having thickness of 2 mm, may be possibly provided with revolving wheels for facilitating their movement.
In the present embodiment eight launching tubes 11 are installed onto said plane 10', arranged along two rows of four tubes each, as it is possible to observe in figure 5. Each launching tube 11 has an actuator 19A for opening the lower shutter 12 and a safety actuator 19B.
Obviously, it is possible to set up embodiments having arrangements of the launching tubes 11 which minimise the occupied superficial room or the reciprocal interference among the launching tubes 11 in the event of multiple probe launches. The arrangement shown in figure 5 represents a compromise between compactness and interferences in launches.
By looking at figures 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b, it is possible to observe in detail the launching tubes 11 in the phases of hold and release of a probe.
More in detail, in each launching tube 11:
- the lower shutter 12 is hinged, for making the probe contained within the corresponding launching tube 11 fall into the sea;
- the upper shutter 13 is also hinged, for inserting the probe into the launching tube 11 , provided with metallic pins 20 for making electrical contacts with the probe;
- in the case under consideration, both the manoeuvre actuator 19A and the safety actuator 19B of the lower shutter 12 are constituted of a piston-cylinder assembly; - a safety bolt lock 13' is present onto the upper shutter 13.
A milling along a generatrix, starting from the top end of the launching tube 11 , allows introducing and positioning the probes with their
own safety lock that is inserted, and hence the successive removal of the same lock.
The upper shutter 13 is made of Teflon. All the other parts are made of AISI 316 stainless steel, except for the pneumatic actuators 19A and 19B, which are pneumatic cylinders made of aluminium, respectively comprising a cylinder 19A', 19A" and a stem 19A", 19B".
The pneumatic actuators 19A and 19B have dual effect and they are magnetic, for allowing the position of the stems 19A" and 19B" to be detected through sensors (not shown in the figures). By comparing figures 6a and 7a, it is possible to observe that the lower shutters 12 are opened by said pneumatic actuators 19A. In rest conditions, the electro-pneumatic valves 3 are not energised, and they send air to the rear inlet of the pneumatic cylinders 19A', thus keeping the stems 19A" in elongated position. Energisation of an electro-pneumatic valve 3 causes the air flow to be reversed towards the corresponding pneumatic cylinder 19A' that, by receiving air from the front inlet, retracts the stem 19A" within the same cylinder 19A', causing the shutter 12 to be opened.
As said, the electrical contact pins 20, which in the present embodiment are three, are present onto the upper shutter 13 of each launching tube 11.
In figure 8 it is possible to observe how said pins 20 are mounted inside said upper shutters 13. In particular, they have a gudgeon 21 , and upper an lower fastening means 22 and 23, each made of a pair of nuts and washers.
Said upper shutters 13 have an internal cavity 24, wherein a spring 25 is housed. Said gudgeons 21 are for keeping a contact with the probes and, through the action of the spring 25, they are capable to keep the contact even in case of jolts or sudden movements. Figure 9 also shows the connections of the system 1 to the launching tubes 11. In particular, through the connectors 14' of the cabinet 14, tubes 26 for compressed air connect the bank of electro-pneumatic valves 3 to the pneumatic actuators 19.
The electrical connectors 15' of the cabinet 15, wherein the logic unit 2 is contained, are connected to the electro-pneumatic valves 3 for controlling the actuators 19, through the connections 28, and to the pins 20, through the connections 27.
Lastly, the electrical connections 29 connect the logic unit 2 to the interface means 8 or 8' or to any further detecting device that is not integrated into said logic unit 2, possibly installed onboard said boat, or still to other further expendable probes. Through said logic unit 2 it is possible to schedule, in the described embodiment, up to 96 "launch" events and 96 "alarm clock" events, as well as the possibility of a remote control of the system through the interface means 8 or 8'.
Essentially, the logic unit 2 executes an infinite cycle of operations in which it compares data related to the position of the boat and related to time (acquired through the GPS 5) with what has been scheduled for each one of the schedulable 96 launches.
It is possible to schedule launch time and/or geographical position. Moreover, it is provided the possibility to schedule also a probe launch with respect to the position related to a relative position of a cardinal point related to a reference point. In other words, it is possible to launch a probe, for instance, east of a geographical point.
When the launch point or instant is reached, the following operations are performed: - in the data acquisition multiplexer that is contained into the logic unit 2, the circuit corresponding to the launching tube 11 that is to be launched is selected;
- the logic unit 2 energises the electro-pneumatic valve 3 corresponding to the pneumatic safety actuator 19B of the tube from which it is desired to launch the probe, thus causing air to be sent in the front part of the cylinder 19B' of said actuator 19B and causing the corresponding stem 19B" to be retracted;
- thus the safety lock of the lower shutter is released;
- once the effective retraction of the stem 19B" has been verified, the logic unit 2 also energises the electro-pneumatic valve 3 corresponding to the pneumatic manoeuvre actuator 19A of the selected tube, causing air to be sent in the front part of the cylinder 19A ! and causing the stem 19A" to be retracted and the lower shutter 12 to be opened. Obviously, it is possible to use the system also in manual mode, launching a probe through a proper command.
After the probe fall, data acquisition phase, that is still controlled
by the. logic unit 2, begins.
When the predetermined acquisition time has passed, said logic unit 2 removes energisation of the electro-pneumatic valve 3 corresponding to the pneumatic manoeuvre actuator 19A, causing air to be sent in the rear part of the cylinder 19A' of said actuator causing the stem 19A" to exit and the lower shutter 12 to be closed.
Once the closure of the lower shutter 12 has been verified, the logic unit 2 removes energisation of the electro-pneumatic valve 3 corresponding to the pneumatic safety actuator 19B, causing air to be sent in the rear part of the cylinder 19B' and causing the stem 19B" to exit and the consequent lock of the lower shutter 12.
It is possible to schedule also the transmission of the data acquired by the logic unit 2 which in any case remains stored in the same.
In the context of the same infinite cycle, it is further monitored the state of the serial ports for checking the arrival of possible remote commands.
On the basis of the preceding description, it may be observed that the fundamental feature of the present invention is that it is possible to schedule position and time of a marine probe launch. An advantage of the present invention is the fact that it allows a plurality of launches to be scheduled.
The present invention has been described by way of example, and not by way of limitation, according to its preferred embodiments, but it should be understood that variations and/or changes can be made by those skilled in the art, without so departing from the related scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims.