Patents by Inventor Daniel T. Bridge

Daniel T. Bridge has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Buoyancy shifting apparatus for underwater plow
    Patent number: 8864415
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means by which an underwater plow can avoid large obstacles that otherwise would prevent the plow from executing its desired path. The underwater plow is released into the water, drops to the sea floor, orients itself, and begins to deploy the sensor array along a pre-programmed path. If the plow encounters a sea floor obstacle, the plow 10 automatically maneuvers to overcome the obstacle and continues deployment of the sensor array. The buoyancy shifting apparatus 110 allows the plow to automatically maneuver. The present invention shifts the center of buoyancy of the underwater plow, thereby allowing the plow to float over obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Steven K. Whiteside, Robert M. Lee, Ronald A. Skala, Paul C. Wade, Bret R. Thomson, Daniel T. Bridge, Tyler J. Browe