Abstract: A mine countermeasure device includes a passthrough mechanism and a mine neutralization package. The passthrough mechanism includes a first wheel with a raised rim and at least one radially oriented slot or notch, a clevis member rotatably engaging the axle of the first wheel, and a bail member slidably engaging the underside of the rim. A smaller wheel is pivotably connected at its axle to an angled member extending from the neutralization package. The neutralization package also includes a collapsed float, a gas generator to inflate the float, explosives to neutralize a mine, and an electric detonator for the explosives. The passthrough device is towed underwater by a sweep wire connected to the clevis member and to the bail member. When the sweep wire encounters a mine mooring, the sweep wire is pulled along the mooring until the mooring enters a slot of the first wheel.

Abstract: A submarine pipeline alignment rig includes a working section and a detachable truss section having a fixed fulcrum for engagement with a submerged conduit section. The rig also includes a vertically movable housing which provides an encapsulated underwater work space that may be positioned around the exposed end of the submerged conduit section. A manipulator mounted on the housing affects alignment of conduit sections relative to each other by pivoting them about the fixed fulcrum so that adjacent conduit sections can be connected or repaired. Locking devices avoid inadvertent release of conduit sections from the alignment rig and enhance operating safety. Both incremental and continuous vertical adjustments are provided for the locking devices of the fulcrum and the manipulator to accomodate conduits of various nominal sizes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the safety and productivity of tunnel workers active in high pressure environments is disclosed. The workers are housed at an intermediate pressure over a "work week" of at least several days and are transported between the tunnel face and the life support chamber in which the workers are housed in a pressurized personnel transport chamber. The housing contains sanitary, sleeping, decompression, storage and dining facilities and is generally located at the tunnel entrance. In the preferred embodiment, the intermediate pressure is about half of the tunnel working pressure but not more than about 20 psig and preferably less than 17 psig. It is expected that a decreased incidence of bone related diseases and bends will result due to the reduced number of full decompressions from the tunnel work environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the safety and productivity of tunnel workers active in high pressure environments is disclosed. The workers are housed at an intermediate pressure over a "work week" of at least several days and are transported between the tunnel face and the life support chamber in which the workers are housed in a pressurized personnel transport chamber. The housing contains sanitary, sleeping, decompression, storage and dining facilities and is generally located at the tunnel entrance. In the preferred embodiment, the intermediate pressure is about half of the tunnel working pressure but not more than about 20 psig and preferably less than 17 psig. It is expected that a decreased incidence of bone related diseases and bends will result due to the reduced number of full decompressions from the tunnel work environment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus entailing an underwater breathing system in which (1) a continuously flowing supply of reconditioned gas is supplied to a diver through flexible umbilical means extending from an underwater enclosure, in which (2) a return tank means receives gas from the umbilical means and a supply tank means supplies reconditioned gas to the umbilical means, in which (3) both the return tank means and supply tank means are located remote from the diver, and (4) in which a surface located source of breathable gas is continuously available.

Abstract: An underwater breathing method and apparatus wherein a supply valve is connected to a diver's helmet and includes a valve body having a central bore for delivering a breathable gas from a supply conduit into the diver's helmet. The central bore is internally fashioned with an annular valve seat which cooperates with a compatible portion of the valve member to regulate a flow of gas through the valve body. A wall means defining a bore extends through the valve member with a first end in communication with an inlet portion of the supply valve and a second end in communication with an outlet portion of the supply valve for permitting gas to pass internally through the valve member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for launching, retrieving and servicing a submersible from the deck of a "mother" or tender vessel. The apparatus includes a dual pivotal frame assembly mounted upon the deck of the mother vessel and a vertically adjustable platform operable to selectively mate onto the submersible. The dual frame and platform assembly is operable to launch and retrieve a submersible within a body of water surrounding the mother vessel. A submersible handling system is mounted upon the deck of the mother vessel and is operable to controllably carry the submersible into a submersible service enclosure. A power cell service enclosure is mounted upon the deck of the mother vessel in a posture contiguous to the submersible service enclosure and is operable to withdraw spent banks of power cells from a submersible power pod and rapidly reposition a charged bank of power cells within the pod.