Patent classifications
B63G2008/008
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONVEYING, DEPLOYING AND OPERATING SUBSEA ROBOTIC SYSTEMS
A submersible system is provided having a submersible launch vessel that sends instructions from a mission controller to deploy one or more deployable systems for one or more underwater operations. The submersible launch vessel is submerged within a waterbody. A submersible power supply powers the submersible launch vessel and the one or more deployable systems. One or more communication devices is in communication with the mission controller, and the mission controller is located in one of a remote or a local location relative to the submersible launch vessel. The one or more deployable systems, via the one or more communication devices coupled to the submersible launch vessel, are remote controlled by the mission controller to execute the one or more underwater operations. Also, information associated with the one or more underwater operations including telemetry data is transmitted to the mission controller from the submersible launch vessel.
Attachment mechanisms for stabilization 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.
Methods and systems for conveying, deploying and operating subsea robotic systems
A submersible system is provided having a submersible launch vessel that sends instructions from a mission controller to deploy one or more deployable systems for one or more underwater operations. The submersible launch vessel is submerged within a waterbody. A submersible power supply powers the submersible launch vessel and the one or more deployable systems. One or more communication devices is in communication with the mission controller, and the mission controller is located in one of a remote or a local location relative to the submersible launch vessel. The one or more deployable systems, via the one or more communication devices coupled to the submersible launch vessel, are remote controlled by the mission controller to execute the one or more underwater operations. Also, information associated with the one or more underwater operations including telemetry data is transmitted to the mission controller from the submersible launch vessel.
Autonomous data acquisition system and method
A submersible node and a method and system for using the node to acquire data, including seismic data is disclosed. The node incorporates a buoyancy system to provide propulsion for the node between respective landed locations by varying the buoyancy between positive and negative. A first acoustic positioning system is used to facilitate positioning of a node when landing and a second acoustic positioning system is used to facilitate a node transiting between respective target landed locations.
Underwater pipeline inspection crawler
An inspection crawler, and systems and methods for inspecting underwater pipelines are provided. The system includes the inspection crawler having a housing with a first side, an opposing second side, a power source, and a controller. The crawler includes an inspection tool, at least two pairs of latching arms, each latching arm including a rolling element, and at least two pairs of driving wheels. The system also includes at least one communication unit configured to communicate with the inspection crawler and to communicate aerially with one or more remote devices and, and at one sea surface unit. The inspection crawler can further include a connecting structure connecting the front and back portions of the crawler, and configured to elongate and shorten the inspection crawler.
Autonomous data acquisition system and method
A submersible node and a method and system for using the node to acquire data, including seismic data is disclosed. The node incorporates a buoyancy system to provide propulsion for the node between respective landed locations by varying the buoyancy between positive and negative. A first acoustic positioning system is used to facilitate positioning of a node when landing and a second acoustic positioning system is used to facilitate a node transiting between respective target landed locations.
Underwater power supply system
An underwater power supply system includes: a working apparatus arranged underwater with at least one power receiving pad; a first battery unit detachably attached to the apparatus with a power supplying pad and battery, the pad configured to supply electric power to the power receiving pad in a non-contact state, the battery electrically connected to the power supplying pad; and an underwater sailing body configured to shuttle between the apparatus and a surface ship or an underwater station suspended from the surface ship, the body configured to carry a second battery unit to the apparatus, detach the first battery unit from the apparatus, and attach the second battery unit to the apparatus, the second battery unit including a power supplying pad and battery, the pad configured to supply the electric power to the power receiving pad in a non-contact state, the battery electrically connected to the power supplying pad.
POWER TRANSMITTING DEVICE
A power transmitting device transmits power to a power receiving device having a power receiving coil in water. The power transmitting device includes a power transmitting coil configured to transmit the power to the power receiving coil via a magnetic field. The power transmitting device also includes a support member that supports the power transmitting coil, and one or more spacers that hold the transmitting coil and the support member.
AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER FOR MULTIFUNCTION SENSOR PLATFORM
A submergible wave energy converter and method for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the wave energy converter may be used for deep water operations. In one embodiment, the submergible wave energy converter is an autonomous unmanned vehicle that enables remote ocean power generation. In one embodiment, the wave energy converter apparatus comprises an absorber having a body with an upper surface and a bottom surface and at least one power take-off (PTO) unit coupled to the absorber and configured to displace movement of the absorber body relative to a reference, where the power take-off unit is operable to perform motion energy conversion based on displacement of the absorber body relative to the reference in response to wave excitation, and where the power take-off unit is operable to return the absorber body from a displaced position to a predefined equilibrium position and to provide a force acting on the absorber body for energy extraction.
Systems and methods for pressure tolerant energy systems
A pressure tolerant energy system may comprise a pressure tolerant cavity and an energy system enclosed in the pressure tolerant cavity configured to provide electrical power to the vehicle. The energy system may include one or more battery cells and a pressure tolerant, programmable management circuit. The pressure tolerant cavity may be filled with an electrically-inert liquid, such as mineral oil. In some embodiments, the electrically-inert liquid may be kept at a positive pressure relative to a pressure external to the pressure tolerant cavity. The energy system may further comprise a pressure venting system configured to maintain the pressure inside the pressure tolerant cavity within a range of pressures. The pressure tolerant cavity may be sealed to prevent water ingress.