B63G2008/007

Vehicle for installing anchors in an underwater substrate
11565779 · 2023-01-31 · ·

A method of installing one or more anchors in an underwater substrate in a body of water including installing an anchor into the underwater substrate by rotating an anchor installation vehicle about a central axis Y to drive the anchor coupled to the anchor installation vehicle into the underwater substrate. The anchor installation vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a top end and bottom end, a plurality of arms extending outward from the vehicle frame, one or more rotational thrusters disposed at distal ends of the respective arms, and an anchor system that holds the anchor extending from the bottom end of the vehicle frame with the anchor aligned with a central axis Y.

UNCREWED OFFSHORE NODE DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS

An offshore node deployment system includes a control system, a surface vessel including a deck, and a propulsion system in signal communication with the control system, a node storage container supported by the deck of the surface vessel, wherein the node storage container is configured to store a plurality of nodes which are physically disconnected from each other, and a node deployment system supported by the deck of the surface vessel and controllable by the control system, wherein the node deployment system is configured to retrieve the nodes from the node storage container and deploy the nodes to a subsea location.

Underwater Remote Cleaning System
20230227137 · 2023-07-20 ·

An underwater remote cleaning device includes a submersible assembly, a cleaning conduit, and a thruster conduit. The submersible assembly has an upper frame and a lower frame spaced-apart from each other and at least one vertically extending element having a first end and a second end. The first end of the vertically extending element is engaged to the upper frame and the second end of the vertically extending element is engaged to the lower frame. The cleaning conduit is disposed within the submersible assembly with an inlet for receiving a liquid and at least one nozzle disposed on the cleaning conduit for spraying the liquid. The thruster conduit is disposed within the submersible assembly with an inlet for receiving a liquid and at least one nozzle disposed on the cleaning conduit for spraying the liquid.

GEOTECHNICAL RIG SYSTEMS AND METHODS

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.

System for deploying and recovering an autonomous underwater device, method of use
11697478 · 2023-07-11 · ·

A system for deploying and recovering an autonomous underwater device (AUD) using a surface carrier ship, includes, in addition to the carrier ship, a subaquatic vehicle (SV) guided by a connection wire connected to the carrier ship, the SV able to be positioned in a storage configuration wherein the SV is fixedly but removably joined to the carrier ship in a storage zone, or in a configuration for use, in which the SV, separated from the carrier ship, is in the water and at a distance from the carrier ship while remaining connected by the connection wire, the SV including propulsion, guiding and stabilizing systems and a station for receiving the AUD allowing it to be removably attached to the SV, the receiving station and the AUD including a complementary automated docking unit allowing the AUD to automatically dock with the receiving station during recovery and attach itself thereto.

Tether for an inspection vehicle

A tether control system for an inspection vehicle operable in a housing having a liquid medium is disclosed in the present application. The tether system includes a tether connected between the inspection vehicle and an electronic controller. A controllable buoyancy system associated with the tether is operable for moving the tether in a desired location. The controllable buoyancy system includes one or more floating bodies having a propulsion system and one or more buoyant elements having variable buoyancy capabilities.

AMPHIBIOUS UNMANNED PATROL VEHICLE CAPABLE OF REAL-TIME COMMUNICATION

The amphibious unmanned patrol vehicle includes a buoy, a waterproof cable and a submersible amphibious vehicle. An end of the waterproof cable is connected to a first controller of the buoy; and another end thereof is connected to a second controller of the submersible amphibious vehicle. A bottom end of the buoy is connected to a top end of the submersible amphibious vehicle which is configured to realize movement and operation of a whole system. The waterproof cable is configured to connect the submersible amphibious vehicle, and the buoy configured to ensure real-time communication between the submersible amphibious vehicle and an external environment during operation of the submersible amphibious vehicle. A height difference between an upper surface and a lower surface of the automatic reeling and unreeling cable device is equal to a thickness of the waterproof cable. The length of the waterproof cable is adjusted automatically in real time.

Communication system for underwater drone and airlock apparatus for drone
11541977 · 2023-01-03 · ·

The present invention relates to an underwater drone which is an unmanned mobile which can move in the water, and more particularly to a communication system for the underwater drone which performs communication between the underwater drone and a land-based controller (or maneuvering device). The present invention also relates to an airlock apparatus for the drone which transfers the drone into or from facilities or containers, or equipment sealed (or closed) against surrounding environment. The communication system for an underwater drone includes an underwater drone (1) configured to move in the water, at least one transmitting and receiving antenna (2) provided in an area where the transmitting and receiving antenna (2) can communicate with the underwater drone (1) by wireless communication, and a controller or a maneuvering device (5) connected to the at least one transmitting and receiving antenna (2) by a wired cable (4) and configured to control the underwater drone (1).

Method and apparatus for positioning the center of mass on an unmanned underwater vehicle

A field configurable autonomous vehicle includes modular elements and attachable components. The vehicle can be assembled from these modular elements and components to meet desired mission and performance characteristics without the need to purchase specially designed vehicles for each mission. The vehicle can include a module that enables the vehicle to adjust the position of the center of mass to trim the vehicle for efficient operations or to alter the stability and control parameters of the vehicle.

SPLASH ZONE INSPECTION ROBOT

The invention relates to the field of special purpose robotic systems to conduct external functions such as cleaning, monitoring and inspection of structures such as tubular assets in a splash zone. The splash zone is defined as the section of a marine structure that is periodically in and out of water due to the action of waves or tides, usually falling within (+)10m to (−)20m water depth. In embodiments, splash zone inspection robot system 1 comprises station 300, submersible saddle 350, submersible robot 400, and subsea robot controller 308. A predetermined set of controllable clamps selectively secure submersible robot 400 to submersible saddle 350 or structure 2 and allow incremental traversal along submersible saddle 350 or structure 2.