A drive mechanism for actuating a control surface of a vehicle that moves through a fluid medium. The mechanism directly translates the rotational motion provided by an input drive to a control surface that is used to direct the vehicle. The mechanism provides both weight and space savings as well as limits, if not eliminates, backlash. The angled drive mechanism may be particularly suited for use in applications such as UAV/UUV, munitions, and other relatively small platforms.

A drive mechanism for actuating a control surface of a vehicle that moves through a fluid medium. The mechanism directly translates the rotational motion provided by an input drive to a control surface that is used to direct the vehicle. The mechanism provides both weight and space savings as well as limits, if not eliminates, backlash. The angled drive mechanism may be particularly suited for use in applications such as UAV/UUV, munitions, and other relatively small platforms.

An underwater sonar device and an underwater detecting system. The underwater sonar device comprises a main body, a propeller, a detector and a hydrofoil assembly. The main body is an axisymmetric structure. The propeller, the detector, and the hydrofoil assembly are disposed on the main body. The detector is configured to detect and image an underwater target. The propeller is configured to drive the main body to move along a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction, and control a pitch angle, a roll angle, and a yaw angle of the main body. The hydrofoil assembly is disposed at a back of the main body, and is configured to adjust an included angle between the hydrofoil assembly and the longitudinal direction of the main body automatically based on water resistance on the hydrofoil assembly to keep the sonar device navigating at a fixed depth.

An underwater sonar device and an underwater detecting system. The underwater sonar device comprises a main body, a propeller, a detector and a hydrofoil assembly. The main body is an axisymmetric structure. The propeller, the detector, and the hydrofoil assembly are disposed on the main body. The detector is configured to detect and image an underwater target. The propeller is configured to drive the main body to move along a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction, and control a pitch angle, a roll angle, and a yaw angle of the main body. The hydrofoil assembly is disposed at a back of the main body, and is configured to adjust an included angle between the hydrofoil assembly and the longitudinal direction of the main body automatically based on water resistance on the hydrofoil assembly to keep the sonar device navigating at a fixed depth.

In the field of bodies towed behind a ship, commonly called fish, a fish comprises a supporting structure configured to move in water in a horizontal main direction, at least one appendage configured to generate a hydrodynamic lift directed downwards when the fish moves in the water under the towing effect, and a lock for reducing the hydrodynamic lift of the appendage.

In the field of bodies towed behind a ship, commonly called fish, a fish comprises a supporting structure configured to move in water in a horizontal main direction, at least one appendage configured to generate a hydrodynamic lift directed downwards when the fish moves in the water under the towing effect, and a lock for reducing the hydrodynamic lift of the appendage.

The invention is an autonomous unmanned underwater and sailing vehicle (AUUSV). The vehicle is operable as an underwater glider and a surface sailing vehicle and a method therefor is disclosed herein. The vehicle features a body with a hull and two fins attached to a rotating component. These fins extend laterally and outwardly from the hull, with opposite top and bottom surfaces, and can pivot relative to the body. An actuator within the rotating component independently adjusts each fin's angle. Ballast weights inside the fins alter the vehicle's roll angle in underwater mode or provide stability in surface mode. The body houses a compartment for containing at least one other vehicle or system, complete with an opening and a receiving and launching element. A variable-buoyancy propulsion system, carried by the body, enables the vehicle to alternately descend and ascend in water.

The invention is an autonomous unmanned underwater and sailing vehicle (AUUSV). The vehicle is operable as an underwater glider and a surface sailing vehicle and a method therefor is disclosed herein. The vehicle features a body with a hull and two fins attached to a rotating component. These fins extend laterally and outwardly from the hull, with opposite top and bottom surfaces, and can pivot relative to the body. An actuator within the rotating component independently adjusts each fin's angle. Ballast weights inside the fins alter the vehicle's roll angle in underwater mode or provide stability in surface mode. The body houses a compartment for containing at least one other vehicle or system, complete with an opening and a receiving and launching element. A variable-buoyancy propulsion system, carried by the body, enables the vehicle to alternately descend and ascend in water.

An aspect of the disclosure relates to a non-destructive device and method of determining the pressure of liquid within a pipe. The method comprises the steps of transmitting, by a first probe, ultrasound, wherein the first probe is disposed on a surface of the pipe. The method then receives, by a second probe, the transmitted ultrasound, the second probe being disposed on a surface of the pipe opposite to the first probe. The celerity of the transmitted ultrasound through the liquid within the pipe can then be determined. The pressure of the liquid can then be determined based on the determined celerity of the transmitted ultrasound.

An aspect of the disclosure relates to a non-destructive device and method of determining the pressure of liquid within a pipe. The method comprises the steps of transmitting, by a first probe, ultrasound, wherein the first probe is disposed on a surface of the pipe. The method then receives, by a second probe, the transmitted ultrasound, the second probe being disposed on a surface of the pipe opposite to the first probe. The celerity of the transmitted ultrasound through the liquid within the pipe can then be determined. The pressure of the liquid can then be determined based on the determined celerity of the transmitted ultrasound.