The invention relates to an elongate fixation device (1) for use in subsea anchoring, and a method for installation. The device (1) has a triple nested stem arrangement, the innermost stem (2) of which has a cutter (9) disposed at a distal end and a tapered section (8) located adjacent to and proximally behind the cutter (9). An intermediate stem (3) surrounds at least a central portion of the inner stem (2) and has one or more flareable cutting fingers (7) at its distal end. An outer stem (4) surrounds a proximal portion of the intermediate stem (3). The inner (2) and intermediate (3) stems are coupled by a first releasable coupling (17) which when released allows relative axial motion along a first distance. The outer and intermediate stems are coupled by a second releasable coupling (18) which when released allows relative axial motion along a second distance. The intermediate stem 3 is nested within the outer stem (4), in some cases for at least a majority of the outer stem (4). In some examples, the outer stem (4) has a rotationally driveable portion 10 and the inner stem 2 has a tensioning nut (12) for adjusting the relative axial positions of the inner (2) and outer 4 stems. The tensioning nut (12) and the driveable portion (10) are coupleable to a single rotational drive (23). The invention also relates a method for installation and to installation apparatus (21).

Yoke mooring systems and processes for using same. The system can include a turntable connected to and rotatable with respect to a base. A yoke can be connected to the turntable such that the yoke can at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the yoke and at least partially rotate about a second axis that can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A first and second link arm can be connected to the yoke and to a first component of a first and a second releasable connector, respectively. A first and second lifting line can be connected to the second end of the first and second link arms, respectively. A first and second lifting device can be disposed on a vessel and configured to be connected to a second end of the first and second lifting lines, respectively, to lift and lower the link arms and the yoke.

Yoke mooring systems and processes for using same. The system can include a turntable connected to and rotatable with respect to a base. A yoke can be connected to the turntable such that the yoke can at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the yoke and at least partially rotate about a second axis that can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A first and second link arm can be connected to the yoke and to a first component of a first and a second releasable connector, respectively. A first and second lifting line can be connected to the second end of the first and second link arms, respectively. A first and second lifting device can be disposed on a vessel and configured to be connected to a second end of the first and second lifting lines, respectively, to lift and lower the link arms and the yoke.

A collapsible anchoring device is disclosed. The device includes a generally shaped frame made of metal and having a front and rear section. The frame includes two to four spades welded/formed to the front and rear sections ranging from 35 to 55-degree angles. Two or four spades are welded/formed on top of the frame and two or four spaded are welded/formed on the bottom side of the frame. Four butt hinges are welded to each end of the frame with stainless steel, galvanized, and or powder coated hardware in order allow the anchor to fold and lay flat. A handle bar attached to said frame and adapted for attachment to a boat anchor line.

A system for controlling a marine vessel comprises an input device for inputting an operator command, a sensor which senses and signals an engine function variable or a vessel dynamic variable, and a first structural element and a second structural element. The first structural element and the second structural element each control speed or direction of motion of the marine vessel, and the first structural element and the second structural element each affect the marine vessel dynamic variable. There is a controller which receives the operator command and the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable. The controller moves the first structural element and the second structural element based on the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable, after receiving the single operator command.

Disclosed is a method and system to provide aResetting Anchor/Antenna Tether Mechanism (RAATM) to provide, according to an exemplary embodiment, dual anchoring and antenna capabilities to autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The RAATM is resettable; an AUV can anchor at one location for a period of time, retrieve the anchor, move to a new location, and redeploy the anchor. Furthermore, the RAATM tether may also be used as an antenna for radio communications while deployed; this may allow smaller AUVs to accomplish missions that would otherwise require larger AUVs with dedicated antennas.

Disclosed is a method and system to provide aResetting Anchor/Antenna Tether Mechanism (RAATM) to provide, according to an exemplary embodiment, dual anchoring and antenna capabilities to autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The RAATM is resettable; an AUV can anchor at one location for a period of time, retrieve the anchor, move to a new location, and redeploy the anchor. Furthermore, the RAATM tether may also be used as an antenna for radio communications while deployed; this may allow smaller AUVs to accomplish missions that would otherwise require larger AUVs with dedicated antennas.

A fixation device is described comprising a shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis with a first cutter at a first, distal end; a guide body on the shaft shaped to taper outwardly towards the first end of the shaft; an elongate sleeve disposed surroundingly about the shaft to be rotatable separately from the shaft and translatable in a longitudinal direction relative to the shaft; a flareable end formation at a first, distal end of the elongate sleeve comprising one or more second cutters; the guide body and flareable end formation being arranged so that urging the sleeve towards the first end over the guide body flares the end formation outward from the shaft; and a tensioning mechanism associated with a second end of the sleeve operable selectively to urge the shaft relative to the sleeve back towards the second end. A method of installing a fixation device into a substrate is also described, for example to serve as an anchor and pile, for example for a submerged or floating object.

A fixation device is described comprising a shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis with a first cutter at a first, distal end; a guide body on the shaft shaped to taper outwardly towards the first end of the shaft; an elongate sleeve disposed surroundingly about the shaft to be rotatable separately from the shaft and translatable in a longitudinal direction relative to the shaft; a flareable end formation at a first, distal end of the elongate sleeve comprising one or more second cutters; the guide body and flareable end formation being arranged so that urging the sleeve towards the first end over the guide body flares the end formation outward from the shaft; and a tensioning mechanism associated with a second end of the sleeve operable selectively to urge the shaft relative to the sleeve back towards the second end. A method of installing a fixation device into a substrate is also described, for example to serve as an anchor and pile, for example for a submerged or floating object.

A cylindrical receiver has an upper region with female screw threads, a lower region, and a centrally located washer. A cylindrical sleeve has an upper end with male screw threads threadedly coupled to the female screw threads of the receiver. A cylindrical passageway is formed between the receiver and the sleeve. A cylindrical stake is slidably received in the sleeve. A tether line couples the stake to a movable patch whereby when the movable patch is coupled to a fixed patch, the stake will be in a raised orientation and whereby when a user separates the movable patch from the fixed patch, the weight of the stake will lower the stake into a lower orientation into a sandy or rocky bottom.