Patent classifications
B63C11/42
Coordinated Water Environment Mobile Robots
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.
Coordinated Water Environment Mobile Robots
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.
Reusable buoyancy modules for buoyancy control of underwater vehicles
A water environment robotic system and method has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes an underwater robotic vehicle and a buoyancy module that is configured to be selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the buoyancy module and a motor is operatively connected to the tether and is configured to extend and retract the tether and buoyancy module. The tether can be extended and retracted to extend and retract the buoyancy module. Extending and retracting the buoyancy module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the arrangement of the system. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered.
Reusable buoyancy modules for buoyancy control of underwater vehicles
A water environment robotic system and method has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes an underwater robotic vehicle and a buoyancy module that is configured to be selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the buoyancy module and a motor is operatively connected to the tether and is configured to extend and retract the tether and buoyancy module. The tether can be extended and retracted to extend and retract the buoyancy module. Extending and retracting the buoyancy module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the arrangement of the system. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered.
Portable inflatable habitat with modular payload, system and method
A diving apparatus for a diver underwater includes a portable habitat in which a breathable environment is maintained underwater. The habitat has a collapsible envelope. The collapsible envelope takes shape through inflation to an expanded state underwater. The habitat has a modular payload which removably attaches to the envelope underwater. The habitat has a seat on which a diver can sit while the habitat is underwater. The modular payload has a breathable gas source to provide breathable gas for the diver to breathe in the habitat and a carbon dioxide scrubber which removes carbon dioxide from the environment when the habitat is underwater. The apparatus has an anchor mechanism attached to the habitat to maintain the habitat at a desired depth underwater. A method for a diver to dive underwater. A system for supporting a diver underwater. A diving apparatus having a propulsion unit. An apparatus for a user in outer space or on another planet.
Portable inflatable habitat with modular payload, system and method
A diving apparatus for a diver underwater includes a portable habitat in which a breathable environment is maintained underwater. The habitat has a collapsible envelope. The collapsible envelope takes shape through inflation to an expanded state underwater. The habitat has a modular payload which removably attaches to the envelope underwater. The habitat has a seat on which a diver can sit while the habitat is underwater. The modular payload has a breathable gas source to provide breathable gas for the diver to breathe in the habitat and a carbon dioxide scrubber which removes carbon dioxide from the environment when the habitat is underwater. The apparatus has an anchor mechanism attached to the habitat to maintain the habitat at a desired depth underwater. A method for a diver to dive underwater. A system for supporting a diver underwater. A diving apparatus having a propulsion unit. An apparatus for a user in outer space or on another planet.
Underwater data center
An underwater data center includes an electronic device; a housing member that houses the electronic device and that is configured to be disposed under water; and a heat exchanger that is provided at the housing member and that is configured to discharge, into the water, heat discharged from the electronic device, with a face of the heat exchanger that discharges the heat making contact with the water, an opening being formed in a bottom face of the housing member and placing an inside of the housing member in communication with the water.
Attachment mechanisms for stabilzation of subsea vehicles
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.
Coordinated water environment mobile robots
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.
Coordinated water environment mobile robots
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.