Patent ID: 6390012
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: B63B,B63G

Abstract:
A method of retrieving an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in a body of water from a vessel, said method comprising the steps of:(a) positioning said AUV in a recovery location in a column of water defined between a water surface and a seabed; (b) deploying a submersible system, the submersible system including: a tether management system attached to the vessel, a submersible vehicle releasably connected to the tether management system, and a tether for communicating at least one of power data and materials between the submersible vehicle and the tether management system; (c) releasing the submersible vehicle from the tether management system; (d) remotely maneuvering the submersible vehicle to the AUV at said recovery location; (e) connecting the submersible vehicle to the AUV; (f) mating the submersible vehicle to the tether management system; and, (g) retrieving the submersible system and said AUV.