公开(公告)号：US11027810B2

公开(公告)日：2021-06-08

申请号：US16436759

申请日：2019-06-10

Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Inventor： Roger G. Hine ,  Derek L. Hine ,  Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III ,  William A. Stutz ,  Graham Hine

IPC: B63H19/02 ,  B63B21/66 ,  F03B13/14 ,  B63B35/44

Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23). Wave-powered vehicles having a float (1), a submerged swimmer (3) and a tether (2) connecting the float and the swimmer, include a means for determining whether the tether is twisted; or a means (91) for untwisting the tether; or a pressure-sensitive connection (71, 72, 73) which can disconnect the tether when the vehicle is dragged downwards by entanglement with a whale; or a 2-axis universal joint securing the tether to the float or to the swimmer; or elastic elements which absorb snap loads created by the tether; or two or more of these.

公开(公告)号：US20180297681A1

公开(公告)日：2018-10-18

申请号：US16007783

申请日：2018-06-13

Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Inventor： John M. Brennan ,  Casper G. Otten ,  David B. Walker ,  Timothy James Ong ,  Daniel Peter Moroni

IPC: B63H21/17 ,  B63B35/00

Abstract: An adaptable modular power system (AMPS) is hierarchical in a number of ways. AMPS modules connect to a backplane, and one or multiple AMPS backplanes can form an AMPS domain. At the same time, the vehicle electronics is modular, with various payload boxes needing to communicate with each other. A common power and signaling cable is provided to interconnect payload boxes. A dedicated connector system is also provided so that AMPS modules may communicate, control, receive data, and supply and receive power.

公开(公告)号：US09789944B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-17

申请号：US14172860

申请日：2014-02-04

Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Inventor： Roger G. Hine ,  Derek L. Hine ,  Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III ,  William A. Stutz ,  Graham Hine

IPC: B63H19/02 ,  B63B21/66 ,  F03B13/14 ,  B63B35/44

CPC classification number: B63H19/02 ,  B63B21/66 ,  B63B2035/4466 ,  F03B13/14 ,  Y02E10/38 ,  Y02T70/59

Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23). Wave-powered vehicles having a float (1), a submerged swimmer (3) and a tether (2) connecting the float and the swimmer, include a means for determining whether the tether is twisted; or a means (91) for untwisting the tether; or a pressure-sensitive connection (71, 72, 73) which can disconnect the tether when the vehicle is dragged downwards by entanglement with a whale; or a 2-axis universal joint securing the tether to the float or to the swimmer; or elastic elements which absorb snap loads created by the tether; or two or more of these.

公开(公告)号：US09688373B2

公开(公告)日：2017-06-27

申请号：US14975330

申请日：2015-12-18

Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Inventor： Roger G. Hine ,  Derek L. Hine

IPC: B63H19/02 ,  F03B13/20 ,  F03B13/18 ,  F03B13/10 ,  F03B13/16

CPC classification number: B63H19/02 ,  B63B2754/00 ,  B63H1/32 ,  B63J3/02 ,  B63J99/00 ,  B63J2003/003 ,  B63J2099/008 ,  F03B13/10 ,  F03B13/16 ,  F03B13/1815 ,  F03B13/20 ,  F05B2240/931 ,  Y02E10/38 ,  Y02T70/59

Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.

公开(公告)号：US09623945B2

公开(公告)日：2017-04-18

申请号：US14704494

申请日：2015-05-05

Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Inventor： Roger G. Hine ,  Derek L. Hine ,  Joseph D. Rizzi ,  Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III ,  Robert Burcham ,  William A. Stutz

IPC: B63H19/02 ,  B63H1/36 ,  B63H25/04 ,  B63B35/00 ,  B63H25/02

CPC classification number: B63H19/02 ,  B63B2035/006 ,  B63H1/36 ,  B63H25/04 ,  B63H2025/028 ,  B63H2025/045 ,  Y02E10/38 ,  Y02T70/59

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

公开(公告)号：US09353725B2

公开(公告)日：2016-05-31

申请号：US14303470

申请日：2014-06-12

Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Inventor： Roger G. Hine ,  Derek L. Hine

IPC: F03B13/16 ,  B63H19/02 ,  F03B13/18 ,  F03B13/20 ,  F03B13/10

CPC classification number: B63H19/02 ,  B63B2754/00 ,  B63H1/32 ,  B63J3/02 ,  B63J99/00 ,  B63J2003/003 ,  B63J2099/008 ,  F03B13/10 ,  F03B13/16 ,  F03B13/1815 ,  F03B13/20 ,  F05B2240/931 ,  Y02E10/38 ,  Y02T70/59

Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.

Abstract translation: 本公开提供了可以自行行驶和导航的改进的航海技术。 描述了通过机械装置将波动转换成机车推力的混合容器，并且还将波动转换为电力以存储在电池中。 然后在波浪运动不足和部署过程中，可以轻敲电力以提供机车功率。 也可以利用电力来均匀地排除当波浪运动仅由波浪作用而产生的波动的推力。

公开(公告)号：US20160023739A1

公开(公告)日：2016-01-28

申请号：US14774659

申请日：2014-03-17

Applicant: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.

Inventor： John M. Brennan ,  Caspar G. Otten ,  David B. Walker ,  Timothy James Ong ,  Daniel Peter Moroni

IPC: B63H21/17 ,  B63B35/00

CPC classification number: B63H21/17 ,  B63B35/00 ,  B63B2035/007 ,  B63H2021/171 ,  Y02T70/5245

Abstract: An adaptable modular power system (AMPS) is hierarchical in a number of ways. AMPS modules connect to a backplane, and one or multiple AMPS backplanes can form an AMPS domain. At the same time, the vehicle electronics is modular, with various payload boxes needing to communicate with each other. A common power and signaling cable is provided to interconnect payload boxes. A dedicated connector system is also provided so that AMPS modules may communicate, control, receive data, and supply and receive power.

Abstract translation: 适应性强的模块化电力系统（AMPS）以多种方式是分级的。 AMPS模块连接到背板，一个或多个AMPS背板可以形成AMPS域。 同时，车载电子设备是模块化的，各种有效载荷箱需要相互通信。 提供通用电源和信号电缆以互连有效载荷盒。 还提供专用连接器系统，使得AMPS模块可以通信，控制，接收数据以及供电和接收电力。

公开(公告)号：US20140283726A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-25

申请号：US14215085

申请日：2014-03-17

Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Inventor： Timothy James Ong ,  Daniel Peter Moroni

IPC: B63B35/00 ,  B63B3/00

CPC classification number: B63B11/02 ,  B63B25/004 ,  B63H19/02 ,  B63J2003/003 ,  Y02T70/59 ,  Y02T70/70

Abstract: A modular payload system for an autonomous water vehicle includes a hull formed with a recessed portion that extends longitudinally over a region where a transverse cross section of a lower portion of the recess is constant along the region. A plurality of payload boxes are sized to fit in the recess and be distributed along the longitudinal axis. A transverse cross section of a lower portion of each payload box is configured complementarily with the lower portion of the recess. The payload boxes can be sized so that one payload box has a longitudinal dimension that is an integral multiple of the longitudinal dimension of the second payload box. The payload boxes can have complementarily positioned external electrical connectors to allow a jumper cable to serially connect the payload boxes.

Abstract translation: 用于自主水车辆的模块化有效负载系统包括形成有凹部的船体，所述凹部在所述凹部的下部的横截面沿着所述区域恒定的区域上纵向延伸。 多个有效载荷箱的尺寸被设计成装配在凹部中并沿着纵向轴线分布。 每个有效载荷箱的下部的横截面与凹部的下部互补配置。 有效载荷盒可以被设定为使得一个有效载荷盒具有作为第二有效载荷盒的纵向尺寸的整数倍的纵向尺寸。 有效载荷盒可以具有互补定位的外部电连接器，以允许跳线电缆串联连接有效载荷盒。

公开(公告)号：US12280822B2

公开(公告)日：2025-04-22

申请号：US18340729

申请日：2023-06-23

Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Inventor： Christopher David Cencula

IPC: B62D15/02 ,  B60W60/00 ,  G01C21/36

Abstract: Navigation of a solar vehicle is provided by obtaining a target geographic destination for the vehicle having one or more photovoltaic solar arrays; obtaining configuration data defining a target solar vector relative to a reference frame of the vehicle; identifying a current geographic positioning of the vehicle via a geo-positioning system of the vehicle, including a current geographic location and a current geographic orientation of the vehicle; identifying a current solar vector relative to the reference frame of the vehicle; and during at least a portion of a solar day, outputting a steering command for the vehicle for an indirect path from the current geographic location toward the target geographic destination that is based, at least in part, on a comparison of the current solar vector to the target solar vector. The steering command can be presented to a human operator or programmatically implemented by an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

公开(公告)号：US11453466B2

公开(公告)日：2022-09-27

申请号：US16820512

申请日：2020-03-16

Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Inventor： Roger G. Hine ,  Derek L. Hine

IPC: B63B35/50 ,  B63H19/02 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/22 ,  B63B35/00 ,  B64C19/00

Abstract: Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.