Patent ID: 9254902
Filing Date: 2016-02-09
CPC Classification: B63B,B63G,G05D

Claim Text:
1. Buoyancy control system for an underwater vehicle, configured to use a dual-internal-reservoir configuration to enhance efficiency of changing buoyancy of the underwater vehicle, the system comprising: a first reservoir disposed within the underwater vehicle, a volume of the first reservoir being alterable; a first pump configured to transfer a first medium between the first reservoir and an external chamber, the external chamber being configured and arranged such that a change in volume of the external chamber causes a change in total water displacement of the underwater vehicle, the change in total water displacement resulting in a corresponding change in buoyancy of the underwater vehicle; a second reservoir disposed within the underwater vehicle, a volume of the second reservoir being alterable; and a second pump configured to transfer a second medium in and out of the second reservoir; wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir are disposed such that the second reservoir applies a compressive force to the first reservoir responsive to a fluid pressure of the second medium within the second reservoir exceeding a fluid pressure of the first medium within the first reservoir.