Patent ID: 7090548
Filing Date: 2006-08-15
Classification: A61B,B63H,B64C,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method of using a first propulsor array and a second propulsor array mounted on opposing surfaces of a submersible device to move and navigate the submersible device forward through a working fluid by generating thrust on the submersible device, wherein the submersible device has a bow and a stern, and each propulsor array comprises a substantially continuous control surface formed by a plurality of propulsors acting in concert to form the substantially continuous control surface, each propulsor having a bar, a first actuator coupled to the bar, a tip opposite the first actuator, and a second actuator adapted to change a shape of the control surface by altering a configuration of the tip, the method comprising: determining an appropriate shape of each of the control surfaces for the working fluid; manipulating each of the plurality of control tips to create the appropriate shave for each of the control surfaces; generating a wave on the control surface of the first propulsor array that moves from the bow to the stern; and generating a wave on the control surface of the second propulsor array that moves from the bow to the stern.