The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

The invention relates to a spud system for a dredging vessel with a longitudinal direction, which spud system comprises; a spud carrier for mounting a spud therein in a vertical stance and which spud carrier is mounted for limited rotation around a horizontal transverse axis and is moveable with respect to the dredging vessel in a longitudinal direction for advancing the dredging vessel, and a spud carrier drive system coupled with the dredging vessel and the spud carrier for driving the spud carrier with respect to the dredging vessel.

The invention relates to a spud system for a dredging vessel with a longitudinal direction, which spud system comprises; a spud carrier for mounting a spud therein in a vertical stance and which spud carrier is mounted for limited rotation around a horizontal transverse axis and is moveable with respect to the dredging vessel in a longitudinal direction for advancing the dredging vessel, and a spud carrier drive system coupled with the dredging vessel and the spud carrier for driving the spud carrier with respect to the dredging vessel.

Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.

A two-part, selectively dockable robotic system having counterbalanced stabilization during performance of an operation on an underwater target structure is provided. The robotic system includes a first underwater robotic vehicle that is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the underwater target structure. A second underwater robotic vehicle is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the underwater target structure and selectively dock with the first underwater robotic vehicle. The first and second robotic vehicles include complimentary docking mechanisms that permit the vehicles to selectively couple to each other with the underwater target structure disposed at least partially therebetween. One robot includes a tool that can act upon the target structure and the other robot includes a stabilization module that can act upon the target structure in an opposite manner in order to counterbalance the force of the tool.

A two-part, selectively dockable robotic system having counterbalanced stabilization during performance of an operation on an underwater target structure is provided. The robotic system includes a first underwater robotic vehicle that is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the underwater target structure. A second underwater robotic vehicle is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the underwater target structure and selectively dock with the first underwater robotic vehicle. The first and second robotic vehicles include complimentary docking mechanisms that permit the vehicles to selectively couple to each other with the underwater target structure disposed at least partially therebetween. One robot includes a tool that can act upon the target structure and the other robot includes a stabilization module that can act upon the target structure in an opposite manner in order to counterbalance the force of the tool.

A system of brackets and rails for attaching wheels, towing, and accessory devices to a pontoon water bike to increase the transportability and utility of the craft by making it towable by pedestrian and bicycle, converting it to amphibious operation, and allowing a variety of other attachments to create a more capable and efficient watercraft.

A spud system for a dredging vessel with a longitudinal direction includes a spud carrier for mounting a spud therein in a vertical stance and which spud carrier is moveable with respect to the dredging vessel in a longitudinal direction for advancing the dredging vessel, a spud carrier drive system coupled with the dredging vessel and the spud carrier for driving the spud carrier with respect to the dredging vessel. The spud carrier drive system includes a hydraulic drive cylinder for controlling the position of the spud carrier. The spud system further comprises a hydraulic system comprising a parallel hydraulic cylinder in fluid parallel connection with the hydraulic drive cylinder and presstressing means coupled with a rod of the parallel hydraulic cylinder such that said rod is forced towards a central position.

A spud system for a dredging vessel with a longitudinal direction includes a spud carrier for mounting a spud therein in a vertical stance and which spud carrier is moveable with respect to the dredging vessel in a longitudinal direction for advancing the dredging vessel, a spud carrier drive system coupled with the dredging vessel and the spud carrier for driving the spud carrier with respect to the dredging vessel. The spud carrier drive system includes a hydraulic drive cylinder for controlling the position of the spud carrier. The spud system further comprises a hydraulic system comprising a parallel hydraulic cylinder in fluid parallel connection with the hydraulic drive cylinder and presstressing means coupled with a rod of the parallel hydraulic cylinder such that said rod is forced towards a central position.

A pool cleaner includes a body, a water source connection, a gear drive and a suspension arrangement. The body defines a suction opening on a lower surface thereof. The gear drive is mounted to the body and includes a drive housing and a pair of gears with intermeshing teeth rotatably mounted in the drive housing. The drive housing is in fluid communication with the water source connection such that associated water flow is directed around the pair of gears, imparting rotational motion thereto. The suspension arrangement is driven by the gear drive and supports the body for motion over a pool surface. An alternator can be driven by the gear drive and power various electric components. A skirt assembly and ducts above the water source connection can improve suction. The gear drive can be used to power other pool devices.