A watershed autonomous robotic data recorder maps subsurface topography and obtains water quality data for bodies of water. The device is capable of fully autonomous, manual, or hybrid navigation and includes a modular hull design which enables customization to accommodate both large and small bodies of water. A tangle-proof propulsion system is provided, to propel the hull(s). A deployable sensor pod includes a water sensor for determining if the sensor pod is in water, a pressure sensor for determining depth of the sensor pod, and a plurality of sensors for measuring water conditions. An onboard controller operates a winch that raises and lowers the sensor pod while the controller and a GPS receiver log positions of the sensor pod. This three-dimensional environmental, physical and chemical water quality attribute data collection creates a digital twin of the body of water to establish a common data environment for water modeling and analysis.

A watershed autonomous robotic data recorder maps subsurface topography and obtains water quality data for bodies of water. The device is capable of fully autonomous, manual, or hybrid navigation and includes a modular hull design which enables customization to accommodate both large and small bodies of water. A tangle-proof propulsion system is provided, to propel the hull(s). A deployable sensor pod includes a water sensor for determining if the sensor pod is in water, a pressure sensor for determining depth of the sensor pod, and a plurality of sensors for measuring water conditions. An onboard controller operates a winch that raises and lowers the sensor pod while the controller and a GPS receiver log positions of the sensor pod. This three-dimensional environmental, physical and chemical water quality attribute data collection creates a digital twin of the body of water to establish a common data environment for water modeling and analysis.

This invention relates to a winch and to a method of using the winch. The winch is ideally adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle such as a mini-excavator, and is likely to find its greatest utility in relation to the removal of underground pipes, electricity conduits, fiber optic cables and the like, as well as in the bursting of pipes. The invention provides a winch comprising a support column, a base, a magazine, a drive mechanism and a mounting structure. The drive mechanism is connected to the magazine and is adapted to rotate the magazine in use. The support column connects the magazine to the base. The mounting structure is adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle. The winch has a rotatable connection between the base and the mounting structure which is securable in a chosen rotational position, so that the base of the winch can be correctly aligned regardless of the orientation of the vehicle.

This invention relates to a winch and to a method of using the winch. The winch is ideally adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle such as a mini-excavator, and is likely to find its greatest utility in relation to the removal of underground pipes, electricity conduits, fiber optic cables and the like, as well as in the bursting of pipes. The invention provides a winch comprising a support column, a base, a magazine, a drive mechanism and a mounting structure. The drive mechanism is connected to the magazine and is adapted to rotate the magazine in use. The support column connects the magazine to the base. The mounting structure is adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle. The winch has a rotatable connection between the base and the mounting structure which is securable in a chosen rotational position, so that the base of the winch can be correctly aligned regardless of the orientation of the vehicle.

A hydrokinetic turbine system for harvesting energy from riverine and tidal sources, including a first floating dock, a marine hydrokinetic turbine mounted on the first floating dock, and a second floating dock. The system further includes a winch assembly mounted on the second floating dock and operationally connected to the first floating dock and a linkage assembly operationally connected to the first floating dock and to the second floating dock. The linkage assembly may be actuated to pull the first floating dock into contact with the second floating dock. The linkage assembly may be actuated to distance the first floating dock from the second floating dock, and the winch assembly may be energized to orient the first floating dock into a position wherein the marine hydrokinetic turbine is above the first floating dock and wherein the winch assembly may be energized to orient the first floating dock into a position wherein the marine hydrokinetic turbine is below the first floating dock.

A hydrokinetic turbine system for harvesting energy from riverine and tidal sources, including a first floating dock, a marine hydrokinetic turbine mounted on the first floating dock, and a second floating dock. The system further includes a winch assembly mounted on the second floating dock and operationally connected to the first floating dock and a linkage assembly operationally connected to the first floating dock and to the second floating dock. The linkage assembly may be actuated to pull the first floating dock into contact with the second floating dock. The linkage assembly may be actuated to distance the first floating dock from the second floating dock, and the winch assembly may be energized to orient the first floating dock into a position wherein the marine hydrokinetic turbine is above the first floating dock and wherein the winch assembly may be energized to orient the first floating dock into a position wherein the marine hydrokinetic turbine is below the first floating dock.

A system for manoeuvring a boat with ropes is described. A plurality of water nozzles is provided on the boat. Further, a plurality of pumps is is operated by an artificial intelligence module and/or control unit and powered by the power source of the boat. The plurality of pumps is primed continuously to reduce response time to control the plurality of pumps and each of the plurality of pumps is connected to one water nozzle. A plurality of sensors is configured to monitor the state of motion of the boat. Further, an artificial intelligence module is in communication with the plurality of water nozzles, the plurality of pumps, and the plurality of sensors. The artificial intelligence module is configured to keep the boat in a stationary standstill or on a chosen course of motion.

An unmanned vessel having a coupling apparatus includes: a heaving line launcher, which is provided on one side of the bow of the unmanned vessel; a coupling apparatus, which is provided at the center of gravity of the unmanned vessel and is coupled to a coupling member of a crane provided on a mother vessel; a first winch, which is provided on at least one side of either the bow or stern of the unmanned vessel, a first tow line being wounded around the same; and a second winch around which a second tow line, which passes one side of the coupling apparatus, is wound.

An unmanned vessel having a coupling apparatus includes: a heaving line launcher, which is provided on one side of the bow of the unmanned vessel; a coupling apparatus, which is provided at the center of gravity of the unmanned vessel and is coupled to a coupling member of a crane provided on a mother vessel; a first winch, which is provided on at least one side of either the bow or stern of the unmanned vessel, a first tow line being wounded around the same; and a second winch around which a second tow line, which passes one side of the coupling apparatus, is wound.

An electromagnetic-released, multi-disc, enclosed safety brake for primary use in offshore marine winch applications includes a stationary coil housing that encompasses springs that apply pressure to an armature, a pair of separator plates, three friction plates and a stationary endplate. The multi-disc brake is released by means of a DC voltage applied to the brake coil. The excited coil generates an electromagnetic force that attracts the armature across an air-gap thus reducing the spring force applied to the disc pack. The brake is applied when the DC voltage is removed from the brake coil. Various structures and methodologies for reducing vibrations in the brake are also provided.