Abstract: Method and vessel for performing marine acoustic survey of a subsurface. The vessel includes a launching module configured to deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) underwater; a recovery module configured to recover the AUV; a homing device mounted on the recovery module and configured to guide the AUV to the recovery module; and a management module connecting the launching module to the recovery module and configured to transport the AUV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a salvaging device and a salvaging method for salvaging condensed matter, such as an underwater vehicle, located on the water surface of a waterway. The salvaging device is an unmanned watercraft and comprises a boat hull with a maneuvering means and with a carrier device as well as a salvaging receptacle fastened to the boat hull. The watercraft is maneuvered in a self-driven manner on the water surface and collects the condensed material into the salvaging receptacle where the collected matter is stored. A crane of a supply ship then lifts the salvaging device and stored condensed matter out of the waterway. The invention permits the salvaging of the condensed matter, e.g., an underwater vehicle, with a reduced risk of damage to the condensed matter, as well as with a reduced risk to personnel who do not need to enter the water for this purpose.

Abstract: A buoyant structure having a hull, a main deck, an upper frustoconical portion, a lower frustoconical side section, a lower ellipsoidal section and a matching ellipsoidal keel with a tunnel formed within the hull for containing water to an operational depth creating a passageway to locations exterior of the hull and dimensioned to receive a watercraft. The tunnel having a plurality of tunnel sides, a tunnel floor formed between the tunnel sides and a plurality of dynamic movable tendering mechanisms connected to each tunnel side. The dynamic movable tendering mechanisms connected proximate to the operational depth for contacting with at least one side of a watercraft, enabling the tunnel to receive a watercraft securely for loading and unloading while the buoyant structure is at an operational depth on a body of water.

Abstract: A marine craft recovery system for recovering a marine craft to a mother ship comprises a marine craft engagement apparatus and at least a pair of tensile members between the marine craft engagement apparatus and the mother ship. The marine craft engagement apparatus is configured to engage at least a portion of the marine craft, such as the hull. The pair of tensile members is configured to pull the marine craft engagement apparatus towards respective first and second anchor points on the mother ship. The system is configured to transport the marine craft engagement apparatus across a body of water towards the mother ship.

Abstract: This invention is a floating docking port that allows ships to dock within the port structure and be loaded, unloaded, and refueled, while converting the energy generated from wave motion into a usable source of power. The docking port isolates the vessels from waves and adverse sea currents, which allows for more effective cargo transfer. The docking port is extremely large and functions as a storage and distribution center for naval vessels. The loading and unloading of cargo and containers is accomplished by a container handling system that utilizes hoists, railed carriages, and cargo elevators to facilitate efficient loading and unloading of containers.

Abstract: A mobile marine service module and method allows for in-water service of marine vessels. The service module permits servicing and repair of a marine vessel without removal from the water. The service module can attach to a marine vessel, against the hull, below the water line. Once in place and sealed against the vessel's hull, water from inside the module can be removed to provide a platform to work on the vessel, such as to provide service to the vessel's outdrive, for example. With the mobile marine service module, the vessel remains afloat during service, with little or no stress on the hull.

Abstract: An approach is provided for storing secondary maritime vessels to primary maritime vessels. A first signal is caused, at least in part, to be received to actuate a drive mechanism configured to cause, at least in part, a secondary vessel to be moored in a first state to a primary vessel. The drive mechanism is caused, at least in part, to be actuated in a first direction based on the first signal, wherein causing, at least in part, the drive mechanism to be actuated in the first direction is configured to cause, at least in part, a drawing mechanism to draw the secondary vessel towards the primary vessel and configured to cause, at least in part, a lifting mechanism to raise the secondary vessel from a substantially horizontal plane to the first state.

Abstract: A universal launch and recovery system that may be used to launch or recover/receive water vessels. The launch and recovery system including a deployable ramp having a shock mitigating arrangement, including bumpers, fenders and a bow stopping guard arranged to accommodate vessels of different geometries.

Abstract: A marine craft recovery system for recovering a marine craft to a mother ship comprises a marine craft engagement apparatus and at least a pair of tensile members between the marine craft engagement apparatus and the mother ship. The marine craft engagement apparatus is configured to engage at least a portion of the marine craft, such as the hull. The pair of tensile members is configured to pull the marine craft engagement apparatus towards respective first and second anchor points on the mother ship. The system is configured to transport the marine craft engagement apparatus across a body of water towards the mother ship.

Abstract: A system for launching and recovering marine or underwater vehicles from a carrier ship which remains under way which limits the amplitude of pitching and rolling movements. The system includes an inclinable articulated ramp including a bottom and edges, and hauling means for controlling sliding of the vehicle along the ramp during launch and for hoisting the vehicle up along the ramp. The ramp has a free end which varies between an immersed position in the water and an emerged position in a horizontal position. The system also includes buoyancy means allowing the free end of the ramp to float at or near the surface of the water when the ramp is lowered. The bottom of the articulated ramp also has an external face configured to form streamlining thus ensuring fluidity of the end of the ramp in contact with the water and limiting vertical dynamic movements caused by waves.

Abstract: The structure (10) for transporting and installing or retrieving underwater equipment comprises a floating hull (11) equipped with legs (20) that can be moved vertically relative to the floating hull (11), a platform (60) carried by shuttles (30) each associated with a leg (20) and able to be moved vertically relative to the hull (11) by said legs (20), means of temporarily anchoring the equipment to the underside of the platform (60) and means (65, 66) of moving said equipment in the water between a first position pressed against the anchoring means and a second position away from said means.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for loading/unloading a vehicle into/from a carrier ship through at least one opening provided in the rear of said ship comprising an angled vehicle-receiving ramp combined with a motor-driven means for loading/unloading the vehicle, characterized in that the motor-driven means for loading/unloading the vehicle comprises a crossbeam-shaped means for the ship that extends above the ramp and is combined with a vehicle-hoisting/releasing cable, which is in turn combined with a first drive means for hoisting/releasing the vehicle, and in that the crossbeam-shaped means is longitudinally movable, by means of a second drive means above the ramp, between a rear position for hoisting/releasing the vehicle and a front position for storing the vehicle on the ramp in the ship.

Abstract: A boat protective extension platform apparatus for use in connection with watercraft lifting platforms is provided. The extension platform is preferably attached to the stern of a boat and serves to at least partially cover a gap created between the boat and the lifting platform when the lifting platform is in a lowered position. The extension platform can include a retractable screen that is removably attachable to the lifting platform such than when said screen is extended, the aforementioned gap is further covered, thus preventing items carried by passengers and crew from falling or rolling into said gap and being lost or damaged.

Abstract: The invention concern a lifting arrangement, intended for the launch, retrieval and storage of small floating units on a boat, by carrying out at the same time a pivoting and a translational motion in a forwards or in a backwards direction. For easy and safe handling a floating unit at a leisure boat, it comprises a frame (6) intended to be fixed attached to the boat, a link arm system (5) including a lever (10), which through a joint (17) allows pivoting and through the influence of a control and actuator means (13), carry out a tipping action forwards and backwards, an angled lifting arm (12) with a first (12?) and a second (12?) shank, whereby the lifting arm (12) is guided during the tipping motion through interaction between a guide (20) that protrudes from the frame and a guide surface formed as a cam curve (21) formed from a downwardly facing surface of the lifting arm.

Abstract: A catamaran may have a dinghy disposed underneath its foredeck between two hulls. The dinghy, which may rest in a cradle, may be moved up and down between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stern of the catamaran may have a retractable diving board or a retractable net for retrieving fish. A video camera may provide video images of an anchor chain relative to a hull as the anchor chain is deployed from and retracted by a windlass located generally amidships. A monitor may display the video images. A microprocessor in communication with a depth sensor may calculate a length of anchor chain to be deployed and may control operation of the windlass. Acoustic or optic sensors may indicate a position of the anchor chain relative to a hull. A yoke having a specially sized carabiner may be used to connect the anchor chain to a cleat.

Abstract: Installation vessels and methods for offshore wind turbine installation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cantilever mast is used to transfer of wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site and guide the transfer to prevent undesired swinging movements of the wind turbine components. In another embodiment, a main crane is used in cooperation with a guide arm to transfer and guide wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a singlehanded means, by the use of a lift arm mechanism, to lift a small yacht tender or dinghy from the water and stow and retrieve the tender or dinghy from the roof (or suitable support structure) above the yacht's cockpit. The lift arm mechanism includes a pair of lift arm members which are connected with a pivotable connection between the stern of the host vessel and the transom of the tender. Pivot connections permit upward and downward pivoting of the lift arm members with respect to the stern of the host vessel as well as permit pivoting upward and downward of the tender relative to the lift arm members. The mechanism permits the outboard motor of the tender to be easily removed and allows full use of the swim platform when the tender is in the stowed position.

Abstract: There is provided launch apparatus (14) comprising at least one moveable arm (18) mountable on a water vehicle, wherein the moveable arm (18) carries a carriage means (20, 20?) moveable between a first position in which the carriage means (20, 20?) is capable of holding a personal watercraft (12), and a second position in which it forms a flat surface. The carriage means (20, 20?) is pivotally moveable relative to the arm (18) and comprises at least one pair of pivotal members (28) which in the first position form a substantially v-shaped guide or channel for receiving a personal watercraft. The angle between the pivotal members (28) is adjustable to accommodate different shaped personal watercraft.

Abstract: A system for retrieving a life vessel from water and drawing the life vessel onto a deck of a rescue vessels comprises a life vessel system comprising: i) a tow-line comprising a first end portion secured to the life vessel and an opposed second end portion; and ii) a deployment system configured to deploy the second end portion of the tow-line into the water. The system further comprises a rescue vessel system comprising i) a towing device on the rescue vessel, the towing device configured to receive the second end portion of the tow-line and retract the tow-line to draw the life vessel towards the rescue vessel; and ii) a retrieval assembly assembled to the deck of the rescue vessel, the retrieval assembly configured to receive the life vessel as the life vessel is drawn towards the rescue vessel and to lift the rescue vessel onto the deck.

Abstract: Launch and recovery apparatus (220) for launching a boat (230) into water from a supporting structure (210) such as a ship comprises a cradle (211) shaped to receive and support a boat and having a cradle axis, the cradle being moveable relative to the supporting structure between a first stowed position to a second ramp position at which the boat is typically in the water, and wherein the attitude of the axis of the cradle with respect to the water is steeper that when the boat is in the stowed positions. A movement mechanism is configured to move the cradle between the first stowed position and the second ramp position, typically having a linkage mechanism guiding the movement of the cradle into the water, which can be provided in a collapsing parallelogram arrangement which controls the change in attitude of the axis of the cradle as the cradle moves between the stowed and ramp positions.

Abstract: A method and a device for launching an underwater moving body. In order to reduce the expenses arising from furnishing watercraft, a land supported deployment of underwater moving bodies in coastal waters using a launching device is provided with a land-based carrier system for transporting the underwater moving body and a corresponding land-based deploying system.

Abstract: A swim platform lift mechanism is disclosed, the mechanism mounted between the transom of a boat and a bottom surface of a swim platform. The lift mechanism provides a powered lifting/lowering of the swim platform from a retracted position that is level with the deck of the boat to a deployed position in which the swim platform is below the surface of the water surrounding the boat and from the retracted position to an up-and-over position in which the swim platform and its contents are positioned above and forward of the rear edge of the deck. When in the retracted position, an adjustable stop interfaced to the swim platform abuts rest areas on lower arms of the lift mechanism, thereby providing structural support to the swim platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a salvaging device and a salvaging method for salvaging condensed matter, such as an underwater vehicle, located on the water surface of a waterway. The salvaging device is an unmanned watercraft and comprises a boat hull with a manoeuvring means and with a carrier device as well as a salvaging receptacle fastened to the boat hull. The watercraft is manoeuvred in a self-driven manner on the water surface and collects the condensed material into the salvaging receptacle where the collected matter is stored. A crane of a supply ship then lifts the salvaging device and stored condensed matter out of the waterway. The invention permits the salvaging of the condensed matter, e.g., an underwater vehicle, with a reduced risk of damage to the condensed matter, as well as with a reduced risk to personnel who do not need to enter the water for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hull element (7) which is fixed to the stern (1) or hull bottom (1b) by means of a hinge (6,6a) and enables an active as well as a passive trim of the watercraft (1a) and at the same time also supports a watercraft lift (2) or a watercraft stair (11) by means of the connector (8) or a connecting cylinder (18). By means of cylinder (17b) and the connector (8) or connecting cylinder (18) on the hull element (7) the platform (3) or the watercraft stair (11) can be activated. In case the watercraft lift (2) or the watercraft stair (11) is operated by means of cylinder (17a), the hull element (7) folds away, so that the stroke (H) of the watercraft lift (2) respectively the stroke (HT) of the watercraft stairs (11) is not impaired or restricted.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching and recovering at least one water vehicle includes a frame supported by a base. The base may be mounted to the deck of a boat. The frame includes an elongate stand for supporting the water vehicle. The frame is mounted for being moved relative to the base between a stowed position and a deployed position, so that a rear end of the stand is at a lower elevation in the deployed position than in the stowed position. A guide is carried by the frame and adapted for being moved back and forth along the stand. The guide is for mechanically guiding the water vehicle along the stand.

Abstract: A universal launch and recovery system that may be used to launch or recover/receive water vessels. The launch and recovery system includes a deployable ramp having adjustable soft end guides and adjustable tire arrangements for guiding and cushioning vessels of different geometries.

Abstract: Method and vessel for performing marine acoustic survey of a subsurface. The vessel includes a launching module configured to deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) underwater; a recovery module configured to recover the AUV; a homing device mounted on the recovery module and configured to guide the AUV to the recovery module; and a management module connecting the launching module to the recovery module and configured to transport the AUV.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tender pick up (1) having the appropriately formed retainer (4) hinged on a chock (2). The retainer (4) is manually or by means of cylinder (5) and spring (6) preloaded and slip-free, and clamps a tender (22) with docking mean (29). If necessary, the use of sensors (30) register the exact position, before the appropriate functions are activated by the controller (19). Is a drop down stair (8) or a platform (80) or a deck (51) fixed onto the transom (20) of the watercraft, then by using the swiveling arms (7) the tender (22) is tilted out when lowering or extended by a sledge (81). The weight of the platform (80) or stair (8) and the tender pick up (1) can be compensated by means of the static lifting force of the lifting body (14). To bring up the platform (80) or stair (8) safely, a gas spring (37) can be used as a supportive measure.

Abstract: A method for use with maintenance of an offshore wind farm includes a plurality of offshore wind turbines installed in open sea, where the method uses an assembly of a plurality of shuttle vessels 8, 9 and a seaworthy harbour ship 1 which includes an internal harbour basin 4 within outlines of the ship 1 and a plurality of mooring positions 7 for mooring the plurality of shuttle vessels 8, 9 to the ship 1 when lying inside the basin 4, where the method further includes comprises sailing the assembly of the plurality of shuttle vessels 8, 9 and the harbour ship 1 towards an anchoring position near or in the wind farm and anchoring the harbour ship 1 there, and sailing the plurality of shuttle vessels 8, 9 back and forth between the mooring positions 7 of the anchored harbour ship 1 and distinctive ones of the wind turbines for performing the maintenance thereto.

Abstract: A system for automatically launching and recovering marine or underwater vehicles from a carrier ship which remains under way to limit pitching and rolling movements. The system includes an inclinable articulated ramp including a bottom and edges, and hauling means for controlling sliding of the vehicle along the ramp during launch and for hoisting the vehicle up along the ramp during recovery. The ramp has a free end which varies between an immersed position in water and an emerged position in a horizontal position. The system includes buoyancy means allowing the free end of the ramp to float at the surface or near the surface of the water when lowered. The bottom of the articulated ramp also has an external face that is configured to form streamlining ensuring fluidity of the end of the ramp with the water and limiting vertical dynamic movements caused by waves.

Abstract: An approach is provided for storing secondary maritime vessels to primary maritime vessels. A first signal is caused, at least in part, to be received to actuate a drive mechanism configured to cause, at least in part, a secondary vessel to be moored in a first state to a primary vessel. The drive mechanism is caused, at least in part, to be actuated in a first direction based on the first signal, wherein causing, at least in part, the drive mechanism to be actuated in the first direction is configured to cause, at least in part, a drawing mechanism to draw the secondary vessel towards the primary vessel and configured to cause, at least in part, a lifting mechanism to raise the secondary vessel from a substantially horizontal plane to the first state.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for loading/unloading a vehicle into/from a carrier ship through at least one opening provided in the rear of said ship comprising an angled vehicle-receiving ramp combined with a motor-driven means for loading/unloading the vehicle, characterized in that the motor-driven means for loading/unloading the vehicle comprises a crossbeam-shaped means for the ship that extends above the ramp and is combined with a vehicle-hoisting/releasing cable, which is in turn combined with a first drive means for hoisting/releasing the vehicle, and in that the crossbeam-shaped means is longitudinally movable, by means of a second drive means above the ramp, between a rear position for hoisting/releasing the vehicle and a front position for storing the vehicle on the ramp in the ship.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lowerable platform (1) for a water craft (10), which can be also horizontally extended and to which a float (2) is fastened that comprises a closed hollow space (43) or an open hollow space (43), a buoyancy (A) acting upon the float (2) being generated by the air volume (L). As a result, the water craft's proper weight or the payload (N) of e.g. a tender boar (27) on the lowerable platform (1) can be compensated by the buoyancy (A). A hydrodynamic design of the float (2) additionally generates a hydrodynamic buoyancy (D1) which can be varied in terms of its height in relation to the current (S) by means (4, 37, 38, 39), depending on the float (2).

Abstract: A system and method for assessing the risk of conjunction of a rocket body with orbiting and non-orbiting platforms. Two-body orbital dynamics are used to initially determine the kinematic access for a ballistic vehicle. The access may be represented in two ways: as a volume relative to its launcher and also as a geographical footprint relative to a target position that encompasses all possible launcher locations.

Abstract: A marine craft recovery system for recovering a marine craft to a mother ship comprises a marine craft engagement apparatus and at least a pair of tensile members between the marine craft engagement apparatus and the mother ship. The marine craft engagement apparatus is configured to engage at least a portion of the marine craft, such as the hull. The pair of tensile members is configured to pull the marine craft engagement apparatus towards respective first and second anchor points on the mother ship. The system is configured to transport the marine craft engagement apparatus across a body of water towards the mother ship.

Abstract: An engagement apparatus for use in the deployment and recovery of a marine craft from a mother ship comprises a receptacle provided on one of the marine craft and the mother ship and an engagement probe provided on the other of the marine craft and the mother ship. The receptacle has a number of spaced channels which receive the engagement probe, engagement between the probe and the channels facilitating alignment between the marine craft and the mother ship. A locking device is also provided to secure the probe to the receptacle to secure the marine craft to the mother ship for recovery. The locking device may be activated by full engagement between the probe and the receptacle.

Abstract: A marine craft recovery system for recovering a marine craft to a mother ship comprises a marine craft engagement apparatus and at least a pair of tensile members between the marine craft engagement apparatus and the mother ship. The marine craft engagement apparatus is configured to engage at least a portion of the marine craft, such as the hull. The pair of tensile members is configured to pull the marine craft engagement apparatus towards respective first and second anchor points on the mother ship. The system is configured to transport the marine craft engagement apparatus across a body of water towards the mother ship.

Abstract: A system for facilitating launch and recovery of a multiplicity of different surface and subsurface craft from a host ship includes a notched stern assembly configured to engage an outer plat that is moveable in and out of the notch to provide a ramp for receiving a surface craft at a location spaced a distance behind the ship. The outer plat may decouple from the stern assembly. The outer plat and craft are drawn up into the notched stern assembly via a roller-guideway arrangement. An inner plat may also be provided for engaging subsurface craft. The inner plat may be separable from the outer plat, or may be connected to the outer plat. The inner plat may be independently powered to engage remote craft. Remote refueling, rearming and data downloading operations may be performed. The inner plat may nest with the outer plat within notched stern assembly when idle.

Abstract: A system for launching and recovering marine or underwater vehicles from a carrier ship which remains under way which limits the amplitude of pitching and rolling movements. The system includes an inclinable articulated ramp including a bottom and edges, and hauling means for controlling sliding of the vehicle along the ramp during launch and for hoisting the vehicle up along the ramp. The ramp has a free end which varies between an immersed position in the water and an emerged position in a horizontal position. The system also includes buoyancy means allowing the free end of the ramp to float at or near the surface of the water when the ramp is lowered. The bottom of the articulated ramp also has an external face configured to form streamlining thus ensuring fluidity of the end of the ramp in contact with the water and limiting vertical dynamic movements caused by waves.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a system for launching and recovering one or more unmanned, underwater vehicles. The system includes a surface vessel having a generally low waterline for transporting, launching and recovering the unmanned vehicles. The system provides the ability to transport, launch and recover unmanned vehicles from either the port or starboard sides of the surface vessel, utilizing an A-frame hoist assembly which can be moved laterally in a controlled manner between the port and starboard sides of the surface vessel for lifting the unmanned vehicles, and which can be pivoted in a controlled manner to provide the launch and recovery operations.

Abstract: The floating drive-on docking system for a watercraft uses a main floatation portion where the watercraft rests when loaded and a pivoting entry portion for creating a low loading angle between the watercraft and the floating drive-on docking system, resulting in only a small amount of propulsion from the watercraft being required to load onto the docking system. The pivoting entry portion has entry features, either rollers or raised bumps, that remain above the waterline when not engaged by the watercraft to keep the loading surfaces free from marine growth that can harm the hull of a watercraft. Wide side guides on the pivoting entry portion assist in positioning the craft for loading onto the docking system.

Abstract: A hydraulic boat lift assembly will raise and lower a boat cradle remotely, and will securely lock the cradle in an uppermost storage position. The lift as provided with a manual mechanism for unlocking the cradle from its uppermost storage position for operation when the hydraulic system is not available. The lift has a support frame that is mountable on the outside of the transom of a boat with hydraulic connections to a hydraulic system and controls within the boat. A lift mechanism connected to the support frame raises and lowers a cradle that supports a small boat or tender. The lift mechanism includes one or more hydraulic lift cylinders. In a retracted position of the lift cylinder, the cradle is elevated above the water in a storage position when the boat is under way. To ensure security of the tender, the lift mechanism employs a lock cylinder that prevents inadvertent motion of the lift cylinder from the retracted position by mechanical and hydraulic mechanisms.

Abstract: Presented is an advance naval ship's stern appendage called an LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) Lander, Launcher and Lifter (L4 system) to provide for landing and launching of amphibious hovercraft and increase the delivery capacity of amphibious hovercraft by naval vessels. The stern appendage which may be retrofitted on existing vessels or fully designed into new hull forms of new ships. Included in the stern appendage are longitudinally extending cantilever wingwalls, at least one hoistable platform with a backstop fold up gate, a med-moor ramp, drainage ducts, a resistance reduction leading edge, locking pins and a transfer conveyor system for amphibious hovercraft to gain access to and from the ship's decks above the waterline, and a hoisting system for raising and lowering the hoistable platform between said cantilever wingwalls.

Abstract: This invention discloses three-layer rotomoulded motorboats having excellent floatability prepared from foamed polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of a dock system for launch and recovery of a stowed boat, which is capable of launching and recovering the boat during navigation of a marine vessel at a high headway speed. The launch and recovery apparatus has a stern dock (2) for accommodating the boat (10) therein. The apparatus launches the boat outboard through a stern opening and recovers the boat from the outboard area by entry of the boat into the dock. The apparatus is provided with a conduit device (11) so that seawater surrounding the vessel is drawn through an intake port (12) and is delivered to the dock through an outlet port (13). In the dock, a backward water stream is generated, which is to be discharged outboard through the stern opening.

Abstract: A lift apparatus for a watercraft having a plurality of components positioned below the platform at the aft end of a boat. The lift apparatus is configured to lift and deploy a watercraft from an undeployed orientation overlaying a platform to a deployed orientation away from the platform and on the water. In the deployed orientation the platform is substantially free from any lift apparatus component interference.

Abstract: A lift apparatus for a watercraft having a plurality of components positioned below the platform at the aft end of a boat. The lift apparatus is configured to lift and deploy a watercraft from an undeployed orientation overlaying a platform to a deployed orientation away from the platform and on the water. In the deployed orientation the platform is substantially free from any lift apparatus component interference.

Abstract: A system operable by a single workman safely launches and recovers an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) using a motor-driven carriage to transport the UUV to the water. The UUV is fitted to a reconfigurable sabot. An elevating ramp on the carriage supports the sabot and UUV on an elongate conveyer assembly having inclined rollers aligned with motor-driven belts to selectively outwardly and inwardly displace the UUV between the carriage and the water. Hinge members are used to rotatably connect the elevating ramp to the carriage, and a lifting mechanism connected to the carriage and ramp rotatably displaces the ramp about the hinge members. The rollers and belts displace the UUV on the conveyer assembly. A winch on the elevating ramp has a line connected to the UUV to lower and raise the UUV during launch and recovery operations.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes a lift arm for carrying a platform or cradle and is pivotally attached to a base for movement between lowered and raised positions. A crank arm is pivotal with the base and a connector arm is pivotal with the lift arm. The crank arm and connector arm are pivotally connected to each other for rotation about a common pivot axis. Rotation of the crank arm by an actuator moves the crank arm and connector arm combination through a top dead center alignment a lowered over center alignment with the lift arm movable from the lowered position to the raised position during operating positions of the apparatus, and to a raised over center alignments with limited movement of the lift arm in the raised position for providing a locking position of the apparatus thus eliminating a need for typical additional locking mechanism.

Abstract: An unmanned floating platform is provided for continual surveillance at a station-keeping position at sea. The platform is equipped to dispatch an unmanned vehicle to conduct at least one of observation and rendezvous. The platform includes a hull, first and second hangers, and a liquid storage compartment. The hull has a submerged portion and a floating portion. The first hanger is equipped for stowing, deploying and retrieving a self-propelled unmanned vehicle and is substantially disposed in the floating portion. The second hanger houses equipment for electrical power and on-board functions. The liquid storage compartment supplies fuel to the on-board equipment and to the unmanned vehicle. For static stability, the compartment is disposed in the submerged portion. The platform may also include a superstructure for housing sensor equipment. The superstructure can be disposed above at least one of the first and second hangers. The second hanger may additionally house a tetherable observation aerial post.