US 12,459,615 B2
Pivoting AUV/UUV dock for use with a wave energy converter
Gregory E Browne, Bridgewater, MA (US); Christopher M Meninno, Taunton, MA (US); Daniel G MacDonald, Mashpee, MA (US); and Mehdi Raessi, North Dartmouth, MA (US)
Assigned to University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA (US)
Filed by University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA (US)
Filed on Jun. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/845,015.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/212,923, filed on Jun. 21, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0403812 A1, Dec. 22, 2022
Int. Cl. B63G 8/00 (2006.01); B63B 27/16 (2006.01); B63C 7/20 (2006.01)
CPC B63C 7/20 (2013.01) [B63B 27/16 (2013.01); B63G 8/001 (2013.01); B63B 2027/165 (2013.01); B63G 2008/008 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A docking system for an underwater vehicle comprising:
a support frame;
a cylinder for receiving an AUV/UUV to be charged, said cylinder pivotally attached to said support frame and movable between a horizontal docking position and a vertical charging position;
a cone affixed to a bottom end of the cylinder; and
a weight movable along a length of the cylinder;
wherein said weight is selectively movable from one end of the cylinder to an opposing end of the cylinder to change a center of gravity of the cylinder and effect pivoting of the cylinder between said horizontal and vertical positions.