DocumentCode :
2952411
Title :
Autoprobe: An autonomous observational platform for microstructure studies
Author :
Burt, Kenneth H.
Author_Institution :
Woods Hole Oceanogr. Instn., Woods Hole, MA, USA
fYear :
1974
fDate :
21-23 Aug. 1974
Firstpage :
171
Lastpage :
176
Abstract :
Autoprobe is a general purpose autonomous observational platform with the capability of making Lagrangian measurements of any depth dependent property. Autoprobe can change its displacement in response to internal commands as desired, pneumatically forcing fluid into or out of a bladder. An electronic control system generates the commands from the temperature and pressure measurements, utilizing proportional control with rate feedback. The control system has been programmed to operate in the following modes: (1) to stabilize at a constant pressure, (2) to follow a constant temperature, (3) to make vertical excursions, and (4) to respond to remote control. Acoustic Telemetry is utilized in the instrument yielding navigational information as well as temperature and pressure data. Hydrophones are used with a shipboard recorder for tracking the Autoprobe, enabling the operator to monitor Autoprobe´s performance. Autoprobe has a multi-level safety system allowing it to blow ballast on a time signal or jettison weight if it goes too deep, if a desired time is reached, or if an acoustic command is received from the surface. Autoprobe has been used as an observational platform for a total of 44 dives.
Keywords :
electropneumatic control equipment; hydrophones; oceanographic equipment; pressure control; pressure measurement; telecontrol; temperature control; temperature measurement; underwater acoustic telemetry; Autoprobe performance monitoring; Lagrangian measurement method; acoustic telemetry; autonomous observational platform; constant pressure stabilization method; electronic control system; hydrophones; multilevel safety system; navigational information analysis; pneumatically forcing fluid analysis; pressure data analysis; pressure measurement method; remote control system; shipboard recorder; temperature data analysis; temperature measurement method; Bladder; Control systems; Displacement control; Electric variables control; Instruments; Oceans; Pistons; Regulators; Solenoids; Valves;
fLanguage :
English
Publisher :
ieee
Conference_Titel :
Engineering in the Ocean Environment, Ocean '74 - IEEE International Conference on
Conference_Location :
Halifax
Type :
conf
DOI :
10.1109/OCEANS.1974.1161330
Filename :
1161330
Link To Document :
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