This invention relates generally to geotechnical rig systems and methods. In one embodiment, a cone penetration testing system includes, but is not limited to, a frame; at least one rotatable reel; at least one movable roller; and at least one sensor, wherein the at least one movable roller is configured to adjust a bend radius of at least one tube coiled about the at least one rotatable reel based at least partly on data received from the at least one sensor.

Disclosed is a device for repairing deep-water cage nets. The device includes an open-frame underwater robot and a repairing mechanism of deep-water cage nets, where the repairing mechanism of deep-water cage nets includes a hole penetrating mechanism, a wire feeding mechanism, a rotary knotting mechanism, a steel wire cutting mechanism and steel wire clamping mechanisms. The hole penetrating mechanism comprises mechanical claws and a control box for controlling the mechanical claws. The wire feeding mechanism and the steel wire cutting mechanism are both fixedly arranged in the control box, and the steel wire clamping mechanisms and the rotary knotting mechanism are both arranged between two mechanical claws. The open-frame underwater robot is detachably connected with the repairing mechanism of deep-water cage nets through a connecting shaft.

Disclosed is a device for repairing deep-water cage nets. The device includes an open-frame underwater robot and a repairing mechanism of deep-water cage nets, where the repairing mechanism of deep-water cage nets includes a hole penetrating mechanism, a wire feeding mechanism, a rotary knotting mechanism, a steel wire cutting mechanism and steel wire clamping mechanisms. The hole penetrating mechanism comprises mechanical claws and a control box for controlling the mechanical claws. The wire feeding mechanism and the steel wire cutting mechanism are both fixedly arranged in the control box, and the steel wire clamping mechanisms and the rotary knotting mechanism are both arranged between two mechanical claws. The open-frame underwater robot is detachably connected with the repairing mechanism of deep-water cage nets through a connecting shaft.

A submersible vessel includes: a hull; a propulsor that propels the hull; a front sensor that sequentially detects locations of an inspection target in front of the hull; a controller that controls the propulsor such that the hull passes through above the detected locations; a movable arm attached to an arm reference point of the hull; an inspection tool at the movable arm that inspects the inspection target; and a position detector that acquires positional information including a position, attitude, or speed of the hull. Based on the information from the position detector, the controller estimates a pass-through position of the arm reference point after a predetermined time. The controller controls the movable arm such that before the time elapses, a positional relation between the arm reference point and inspection tool becomes a positional relation between the estimated pass-through position and a target point on or above each location.

A subsea vehicle capable of supporting inspection of underwater objects while underway includes a body that provides a capability to allow the subsea vehicle to submerge underwater and follow or position near an object while maintaining an orientation to the object appropriate for inspection of, and safety requirements for, the object. The vehicle includes a set of deployable, semi-rigid arms to support the movement of inspection sensor probes near or lightly touching the inspection target with the probes. A controller helps tracks the intended inspection object using various sensor inputs along with a priori knowledge of the object to drive and position the subsea vehicle such that the appropriate orientation to the inspection target is maintained.

A cutting device to sever a cable or the like. The cutting device can be used to sever the cable or the like in relatively inaccessible locations, such as in the ocean. The cutting device can include one or more springs that can be loaded to facilitate the deployment of a cutting tool to sever the cable or the like. The cutting device can include a lever than can be rotated between a locked configuration impeding deployment of the cutting tool and an unlocked configuration permitting deployment of the cutting tool. A linkage can retain the lever in the locked configuration. The linkage can be compromised, permitting the movement of the lever into the unlocked configuration.

A cutting device to sever a cable or the like. The cutting device can be used to sever the cable or the like in relatively inaccessible locations, such as in the ocean. The cutting device can include one or more springs that can be loaded to facilitate the deployment of a cutting tool to sever the cable or the like. The cutting device can include a lever than can be rotated between a locked configuration impeding deployment of the cutting tool and an unlocked configuration permitting deployment of the cutting tool. A linkage can retain the lever in the locked configuration. The linkage can be compromised, permitting the movement of the lever into the unlocked configuration.

The underwater vehicle with variable configuration (1) comprises: a hull (2) consisting of at least four elongated elements (20), mutually articulated by means of joints (21), to form a first closed polygonal structure (F1), arranged on a plane; thrusters (3), associated in parallel with said elements (20) of the hull (2); actuating means (22), associated with said joints (21), provided for automatically modifying said first closed polygonal structure (F1), from an elongated shape configuration (AF1) to an expanded shape (EF1), corresponding to an elongated conformation of said hull (2), to determine a low hydrodynamic resistance and a longitudinal thrust of the thrusters (3) in the cruising of said underwater vehicle (1), and to a substantially isotropic conformation, wherein the same elements (20) of the hull (2), as well as the thrusters (3) are mutually angled, intended for the hovering of the same underwater vehicle (1), respectively. The latter can be suitably equipped with robotic arms (4) intended for performing maintenance or similar interventions in underwater locations.

The underwater vehicle with variable configuration (1) comprises: a hull (2) consisting of at least four elongated elements (20), mutually articulated by means of joints (21), to form a first closed polygonal structure (F1), arranged on a plane; thrusters (3), associated in parallel with said elements (20) of the hull (2); actuating means (22), associated with said joints (21), provided for automatically modifying said first closed polygonal structure (F1), from an elongated shape configuration (AF1) to an expanded shape (EF1), corresponding to an elongated conformation of said hull (2), to determine a low hydrodynamic resistance and a longitudinal thrust of the thrusters (3) in the cruising of said underwater vehicle (1), and to a substantially isotropic conformation, wherein the same elements (20) of the hull (2), as well as the thrusters (3) are mutually angled, intended for the hovering of the same underwater vehicle (1), respectively. The latter can be suitably equipped with robotic arms (4) intended for performing maintenance or similar interventions in underwater locations.

The present invention is a multi-functional dive tool designed for use by underwater or scuba divers, in particular divers that do so in rivers. The tool is a handheld metal spike designed to be utilized as a personal anchor or stabilizer when diving in water subject to strong currents. The tool has a pointed end to assist in pushing the spike into the river, ocean or lake bed. Unlike the prior art, the dive spike is constructed of materials with sufficient strength and weight that it can anchor the diver. The tool may also be used for a stand for cameras or lights, an anchor or pivot point for search lines, or an animal deterrent among other uses.