Abstract: The invention relates to a device for actuating one or more moving parts, notably for a motor vehicle turbocharger, said device comprising a drive shaft, an output shaft and a transmission system transmitting torque from said drive shaft to said output shaft, said drive train comprising at least one wheel (8a,8b) transmitting torque from said drive shaft to said output shaft, said drive and output shafts and said transmission wheel or wheels (8a, 8b) being able to rotate about respective pivot axes (10m, 10a, 10b, 10s). According to the invention, the pivot axis of at least one of said transmission wheels (8a, 8b) is offset from a plane P passing through the pivot axis of said drive shaft and output shaft.

Abstract: A navigation system for an autonomous vehicle (1). It has a lateral row of detectors (2). The ground has discontinuous buried magnetic markers (3) setting up a localized field which in turn produces an induced current which varies in the detectors (2) in dependence on their position. The markers, formed by magnets (151-155) of selected polarity and number, form magnetic signatures which contain items of information for the vehicle. The on-board vehicle computer (1) can deduce its lateral position and the controls to be carried out to accomplish its mission.

Abstract: Method and installation for depositing materials on an ocean bed in accordance with a given line in which the autonomous vehicle is displaced on the ocean bed by accurately following said line, whereby the vehicle is provided with a hopper, a ship is moved on the surface of the ocean roughly in accordance with said line, the materials are discharged from this ship towards the hopper and are guided by means of a pipe suspended beneath the ship and whose lower end is not integral with the hopper, wherein the propulsion means of the pipe disposed at the lower end thereof are operated so that the lower end of the pipe is forced to remain above the hopper.

Abstract: A submarine vehicle for collecting and raising materials resting on the sea bed at great depths, of the type comprising a load-bearing structure, collecting elements for the materials, storage silos for storing the materials collected and/or the ballast material, transfer means between said collecting elements and said silos, and main propellers for advancing the vehicle on the sea bed, said vehicle being characterized in that said load-bearing structure is made of a buoyancy material, said structure being in the form of a ring having a longitudinal plane of symmetry and defining the stem, stern and sides of said vehicle, and defining between them a free central space, the outer surface of said structure forming the hull of said vehicle, said storage silos being arranged in the free central space and fixed to said load-bearing structure, said collecting elements being arranged in front of and below said stem, said main propellers also being fixed to the lower surface of said load-bearing structure.

Abstract: Polymetallic nodules are collected by means of a plurality of self-propelled vehicles which move upwards and downwards between the sea floor and a surface platform under the action of excess ballast which is partially and progressively released as the vehicle approaches the bottom. The vehicles are propelled along the sea floor by means of at least two supporting units each having at least one helical propulsion fin, the remainder of the ballast being released in order to return the vehicles upwards for docking, unloading and energy-recharging in the surface platform.

Abstract: Method and installation for depositing materials on an ocean bed in accordance with a given line in which the autonomous vehicle is displaced on the ocean bed by accurately following said line whereby the vehicle is provided with a hopper, a ship is moved on the surface of the ocean roughly in accordance with said line, the materials are discharged from this ship towards the hopper and are guided by means of a pipe suspended beneath the ship and whose lower end is not integral with the hopper, wherein the propulsion means of the pipe disposed at the lower end thereof are operated so that the lower end of the pipe is forced to remain above the hopper.

Abstract: Polymetallic nodules are collected by means of a plurality of self-propelled vehicles which move upwards and downwards between the sea floor and a surface platform under the action of excess ballast which is partially and progressively released as the vehicle approaches the bottom. The vehicles are propelled along the sea floor by means of at least two supporting units each having at least one helical propulsion fin, the remainder of the ballast being released in order to return the vehicles upwards for docking, unloading and energy-recharging in the surface platform.