US4008606A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ship's bottom inspection apparatus
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1975-10-20
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Granted: 1977-02-22
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Expires: 1995-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A ship's bottom inspection apparatus which includes a generally U-shaped mework which is adapted to be submerged for receiving the width of a ship therebetween. A series of cameras are mounted in a spaced relationship along the framework to view vertically upward. A series of lights are mounted in a spaced relationship along the framework at an acute angle to vertical and directed generally toward the viewing area of the cameras so that backscattering is minimized while ship bottom discontinuities are made evident by shadow effects. In this manner multiple photographs can be taken of the ship's bottom to display any possible structural defects.
Inventors
- 👤 Howard R. Talkington
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 04:38
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/02; G03B17/08; B; B63; B63B; B63B71/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
An apparatus for inspecting the bottom of a ship while the ship is moving forward in a body of water comprising: a generally U-shaped framework which is adapted to be suspended in the water for receiving the width of the ship therethrough; a series of cameras mounted in a spaced relationship along the framework to view vertically upward; and a series of lights mounted in a spaced relationship along the framework at an acute angle to vertical and directed generally toward the viewing area of the cameras so that backscattering is minimized while ship bottom discontinuties are made evident by shadow effects; whereby multiple photographs can be taken of the ships bottom to display structural defects.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
116 words
An apparatus for inspecting the bottom of a ship while the ship is moving forward in a body of water comprising: a generally U-shaped framework which is adapted to be suspended in the water for receiving the width of the ship therethrough; a series of cameras mounted in a spaced relationship along the framework to view vertically upward; and a series of lights mounted in a spaced relationship along the framework at an acute angle to vertical and directed generally toward the viewing area of the cameras so that backscattering is minimized while ship bottom discontinuties are made evident by shadow effects; whereby multiple photographs can be taken of the ships bottom to display structural defects.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
An inspection apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including: said lights being a series of strobe lights; and means adjustable to the relative speed of the ship and the framework for sequencing the operation of the cameras with the strobe lights so that photographs from the cameras can be arranged in a mosaic of the ship's bottom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
An inspection apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including: buoyancy means for varying the depth of the framework so that the cameras can be adjusted to a desired distance from the ship's bottom.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
An inspection apparatus as claimed in claim 3 including: the buoyancy means comprising said framework extending through a pair of floats; and means for elevating or lowering the framework through said floats.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
An inspection apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including: said framework being a pair of generally U-shaped frames which are joined together in a spaced apart lateral relationship; and the lights being mounted along the bottom of one of the frames and the cameras being mounted along the bottom of the other frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 including: buoyancy means for varying the depth of the framework so that the cameras can be adjusted to a desired distance from the ship's bottom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 including: the buoyancy means comprising said framework extending through a pair of floats; and means for elevating or lowering the framework through said floats.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 including: said lights being a series of strobe lights; and means adjustable to the relative speed of the ship and the framework for sequencing the operation of the cameras with the strobe lights so that photographs from the cameras can be arranged in a mosaic of the ships bottom.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including: buoyancy means mounted on each upstanding portion of the U-shaped framework for positioning the cameras at a desired distance from the ship's bottom as the ship is received through the framework.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 including: said buoyancy means also being adjustable for varying the depth of the framework with respect to the ship's bottom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-02-22 | 1980-08-23 | 1981-02-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-22 | 1984-08-23 | 1985-02-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-22 | 1988-08-23 | 1989-02-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |