Method and apparatus for installing a sensor array

Details Method and apparatus for installing a sensor array Method and apparatus for installing a sensor array

2007-05-01

2007-05-01

Donovan, Lincoln (Department: 2837)

Acoustics

Geophysical or subsurface exploration

Seismic source and detector

C181S104000, C181S118000, C405S190000, C405S191000, C367S133000, C367S153000

Reexamination Certificate

active

10842815

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method is provided for transporting, installing, retrieving, and replacing a sensor array of individual sensor pods at a geographically remote location, such as on the sea floor. The apparatus consists of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a carousel attached to the ROV, a pod ejector mechanism attached to the carousel, and a manipulator with a manipulator end effector attached to the ROV. The carousel contains a plurality of sensor pod holders, where each sensor pod holder is capable of holding a sensor pod. The pod ejector mechanism is capable of discharging a fresh sensor pod, while the manipulator end effector is capable of lifting a depleted sensor pod and placing the depleted sensor pod in an empty sensor pod holder in the carousel.

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