Patent ID: 6544088
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
An underwater self adjusting displacement device comprising:a sealed housing having an exterior wall and an inner component area, the exterior wall having an opening formed therein; a sealing plug slidably seated in the opening of the sealed housing exterior wall; an actuator mechanism joined to move said sealing plug for selectively adjusting said sealing plug within the sealed housing opening, thereby adjusting a total displacement of said housing; a pressure sensor joined to said sealed housing and exposed to external fluid for determining an underwater depth of said device; a salinity meter joined to said sealed housing and exposed to external fluid for determining a salinity of said water; and a controller in communication with said pressure sensor, said salinity meter and said actuator mechanism for controlling said actuator mechanism and said sealing plug in response to data from said pressure sensor and said salinity meter; wherein said actuator mechanism comprises: a linear actuator joined to said controller; a shaft joined between said linear actuator and said sealing plug; and a bracket fixed to an inner surface of said sealed housing supporting said actuator mechanism.