Abstract: A submersible vehicle of diverse use that eliminates the compartments of ballast, and at the same time, has a horizontal displacement system and new direction.

Abstract: An ROV comprising a topside, a fish and an umbilical cable for connecting the topside and the fish together. The fish is adapted to be powered by an onboard battery inductively coupled to the fish. The cable is of a fine diameter to reduce drag through the water. RF transmissions carry control and return signals to and from the fish and topside. The fish has two cameras. The front facing camera is located behind a dual layer flooded dome. A pan and tilt mechanism is fitted to one of the cameras and uses a pivotable gimbal frame driven by a lead nut moving along an arcuate bolt.

Abstract: An anti-terrorist ship control system includes satellites that automatically take control of a waterborne vessel when the vessel's position or speed deviate from planned tracks or when the vessel transmits a distress signal or when the vessel stops reporting its status to the satellites.

Abstract: A thruster for use in underwater applications, including a stator assembly having an encapsulated set of coils and a rotor assembly having an encapsulated set of permanent magnets. Two ring-shaped rotor bearings, incorporating both thrust bearing surfaces and journal bearing surfaces, are mounted on the rotor assembly, for bearing engagement with corresponding bearing surfaces of ring-shaped bearing assemblies mounted on the stator assembly. The rotor bearings include radial grooves that form a centrifugal pump for drawing sea water through a filter assembly, which then directs the filtered water past the stator coils, for cooling, and past the bearing surfaces, for cooling and lubrication. The stator bearing assemblies are made up of a number of arc-shaped segmental bearings having specially configured cantilevered arms that facilitate the creation of a lubricating film of filtered sea water between the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: The invention involves underwater vehicles utilizing submersible electricity generation and storage systems involving flywheel devices. These underwater vehicles include autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, and supporting mobile and stationary tools, stations, and equipment. The underwater vehicle utilizes a pressurizable waterproof enclosure that contains a novel combination of: electricity generation devices, flywheel power sources, energy collection control circuitry and power distribution control circuitry. The underwater vehicle combines these elements to generate and store electricity underwater or at the surface of the water to meet the dynamic electrical requirements of autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles and stationary underwater structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for discharging signature free exhaust gas from underwater vehicles, said exhaust gas being a by-product of the production of electric energy in energy converters and being directed by means of pressure into a pipe length through which outboard water is flowing. The thereby generated gas bubbles are reduced by means of static mixers arranged inside of the pipe length through which water is flowing, with the gas being dissolved by the high turbulence of the fluid.

Abstract: An underwater or submersible vehicle including an elongated body having a substantially ellipsoidal forward section, a substantially cylindrical mid-section, and a tapered aft section having an internal vectored thrust propulsion system for propelling and maneuvering the vehicle through a fluid operating environment. At least two discharge nozzles are located along a horizontal beam on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline in the aft section for providing differential and/or vectored thrust for propelling and maneuvering the vehicle through the fluid operating environment. The vehicle can also includes at least two backing nozzles capable of one or more of differential and vectored thrust for providing a backing and/or athwartships thrust to slow, stop, reverse, and maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle can also includes secondary thrust-driven propulsion system located in the forward section for providing a secondary differential and/or vectored thrust.

Abstract: An assembly for an underwater vehicle that includes a motor, a duct assembly, and an actuator. The duct assembly includes a duct and a propeller mounted within the duct, where the propeller is driven by the motor. The actuator is connected to the duct assembly and the vehicle. The actuator pivots the duct assembly with respect to the vehicle. Alternatively, the assembly includes a motor, a duct having a generally cylindrical shape oriented about a longitudinal axis, and a propeller having an axis of rotation. The propeller is mounted within the duct and is driven by the motor. The propeller and the duct are connected such that the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis have a fixed orientation with respect to one another. The assembly includes a configuration for changing an orientation of the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propelling a surface vehicle through the water comprised of a submerged portion, including both a stern propulsion unit and a bow propulsion unit. Either unit may be a pumpjet, the bow unit may include a counter-rotating nose hub having attached spirally wound, twin centrifugal propeller blades. The foremost bow propeller is dedicated to stealth and the next-in-line bow propeller is dedicated to supercavitation. Specially-designed vortex loops that connect the pressure side to the intake side of a propulsion unit may be included in the blades, shroud or hub areas. Further, slightly diverged jet exhaust and variable special surface texturing reduce surface friction drag on the vehicle body. The submarine propulsion system is used to power a surface vessel, supported by two or more hydrofoils which combine a submerged midcraft foil with a wave-piercing variety. The surface craft has the capability of submerging and maneuvering.

Abstract: An underwater nuclear material reconnaissance system includes an underwater vehicle propelled/steered by a plurality of propulsion pods distributed thereabout. The underwater vehicle includes nuclear material sensors for generating sensor data indicative of the presence of nuclear material, a tunnel thruster for providing vertical thrust for the underwater vehicle, and a bi-directional communications cable deployable from the underwater vehicle. A remotely-located communications base station coupled to the bi-directional communications cable transmits control commands to the underwater vehicle and receives sensor data transmitted from the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: An air-delivered submersible vehicle system has a monocoque-construction shell made from a fiber-reinforced plastic material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics and thermoset plastics. The shell is equipped with a wing kit so that it can be deployed from an aircraft and fly through the air to a destination at a surface of a body of water. The shell is further equipped as a submersible vehicle so that it can be propelled through the water once it has reached its water destination.

Abstract: A modularized unmanned marine surface vehicle contains control section and propulsion section. The control section is composed of bow section, control cabin, probing module, communication module and conjunction module. The propulsion section contains an energy cabin and a power plant cabin. The conjunction module can be combined with the energy cabin as a complete unmanned marine surface vehicle. The probing module can be the option of combining with probing instruments and equipment. The probing module's possible tasks include obtaining information on the depth of water, water quality assessment, temperature analysis and even underwater photography. The propulsion section can be battery-powered, gasoline-powered or diesel-powered. The propulsion section can be equipped with a propeller, a water jet or a turbine jet propeller of high power or low power as the power source assembly. By the modularized design, the length of the vehicle can be shrunk, for easy carry and loading.

Abstract: A self-orienting device comprises: a housing; a sensor mounted to the housing that is sensitive to a signal field and configured to produce a signal responsive to the signal field; a translation-inducing unit associated with the housing; rotation-inducing unit attached to the housing, wherein the translation-inducing unit and the rotation-inducing unit are configured such that the housing travels along a helical trajectory having an axis and is free to rotate about the axis; and a controller operably associated with the sensor for controlling the output of at least one of the translation-inducing unit and the rotation-inducing unit, wherein the controller is configured such that it receives the signal from the sensor and, responsive to the signal, controls the output of at least one of the translation-inducing unit and said rotation-inducing unit. A device so configured can automatically orient to a signal.

Abstract: In the propulsion arrangement for an axisymmetric vehicle described in the specification, four propulsion modules are removably mounted at the rear of a vehicle in symmetric disposition about the vehicle axis, each module having an inlet section at its forward end which draws in the vehicle hull boundary layer without separation from the vehicle hull and supplies it uniformly to a rotating blade section driven by a rim drive motor. Control vanes for the vehicle are mounted between adjacent pairs of propulsion modules.

Abstract: In the external electric drive propulsion module arrangement described in the specification, two parallel propulsion units are mounted in a housing affixed beneath the stern of a ship and having a surface contour conforming to the contour of the adjacent surface portions of the ship's hull. Each propulsion unit is disposed substantially horizontally to provide maximum propulsion efficiency and has a rotating blade section for driving water rearwardly from an inlet and a fixed blade section following the rotating blade section. The inlet receives water from a wraparound array of screened intake openings near the forward end of the module housing which draws in the surface boundary layer of the ship's hull. In addition, vertical vanes are affixed to the stern of the ship to straighten the flow of water from the propulsion units.

Abstract: A marine vessel having backup power storage in the event of primary power source failure. The invention applies to different marine vessels and is particularly suited to vessels used in marine seismic operations. A rotating mass energy storage provides stored energy which can be distributed to the vessel following primary power source failure. A pulsed generator charges the energy storage means, and the pulsed generator can comprise a homopolar generator or a compensated pulsed alternator.

Abstract: A pelagic free swimming aquatic vehicle includes a rigid forebody having a predetermined volume; a watertight chamber in the forebody; and a flexible afterbody having a lesser volume than the forebody and including a maneuvering and propulsion propulsion structure and a drive system for driving the structure with a traveling sinusoidal wave motion.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle having a negative buoyancy and thrust units by which it can hover is described. Slow speed maneuverability while hovering is achieved by moving the position of a mass fore and aft and/or side to side such as to cause the vehicle to pitch or roll and thereby vector the otherwise vertical thrust such that the vehicle is propelled in the direction in which the mass has moved.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle is a type having swinging wings. The vehicle is provided with a vehicle main body, a plurality of swinging wings provided for the main body and arranged in series, rotatable shafts located at front edges of the swinging wings, respectively, actuators for driving the shafts independently of one another, and a wing controller for controlling the actuators in such a manner that the wings enable to swing in a flexible manner like the tail fin of a fish, thereby producing a desired propelling force and performing a steering operation.

Abstract: An underwater self-propelled surface-adhering robotically operated vehicle capable of being navigated through a volume of water and of adhering itself to an underwater surface and traversing along the surface. The vehicle has a main body with an interior suction chamber and a motor driven impeller disposed in the chamber to draw water through the bottom end of the chamber and expel it at the top end and thereby create a negative pressure force at the bottom end to maintain the vehicle in contact with the underwater surface. Thrusters on the main body allow the vehicle to be driven through a volume of water before and after attachment to the underwater surface as well as to hold station in mid water for tasks and inspections. The vehicle may be provided with an evacuable enclosure to provide an environment for task accomplishment and with measurement and inspection devices and tools for underwater hull cleaning, welding, and other underwater tasks.

Abstract: A hybrid boat and underwater craft and method for operating an underwater craft having positive buoyancy, a three-point stabilization system and vertical thruster and a system for enhanced buoyancy at the surface.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system for underwater vehicles includes motor inner sor assemblies disposed in hull portions of the vehicle, fixed blades extending outwardly from an after one of the hull portions, a shroud fixed to outer ends of the fixed blades and encircling the hull portions, and a motor outer stator assembly disposed in the shroud. A rotor hub is disposed in an annular recess formed by the hull portions, the hub having permanent magnets therein adjacent the motor inner stator assemblies, and has rotor blades mounted thereon and extending outwardly therefrom and being at least in part of a permanent magnet material, outer ends of the rotor blades being adjacent the motor outer stator assembly. Activation of the stator assemblies by a polyphase A.C. power source induces movement in the permanent magnets and rotor blades to cause the rotor hub and blades to rotate. The rotation of the rotor blades serves to provide propulsive thrust to the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device used to maneuver a vehicle consisting of a tubular y with suction circumferential slots adjacent its forward end and exhaust circumferential slots adjacent its aft end on both the outer and inner peripheral surfaces. Fluid is conveyed between the forward slots on one surface of the tubular body to the aft slots on the other surface of the body to produce asymmetrical pressure on the tubular body while traveling through a fluid medium.

Abstract: A system for positioning and sizing microbubbles in a liquid such as water. first source of acoustic energy produces a first acoustic signal in the liquid, and a second source of acoustic energy produces a second acoustic signal in the liquid. The first and second sources of acoustic energy are positioned and aligned so they produce a standing wave field in the liquid. The standing wave field creates forces which position microbubbles at the antinodes or nodes of the standing wave field. By selecting a frequency for the acoustic signal and a frequency for the second acoustic signal which are slightly different, the standing wave field can cause the positioned microbubbles to move towards or away from a surface region in contact with the liquid.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle such as a torpedo has a jet pump propulsion system. A high speed pump is located inside a rigid cylindrical housing of the torpedo near an end thereof. A water inlet communicates with the pump as does a water outlet provided at the aft end of the rigid housing via a water passage. A high speed electrical motor, on the order of 10,000 rpm, is provided inside an inner cylindrical housing disposed within the outer cylindrical housing. The electric motor is provided aft of the pump and the electric motor shaft is directly coupled to the pump rotor. Only one bearing and one water seal is provided between the electric motor and pump rotor. A water exit passage is provided between the inner cylindrical housing containing the high speed motor and the rigid outer cylindrical housing. Water passing through the exit passage cools the electric motor by dissipating heat therefrom.

Abstract: An induced flow underwater vehicle motor cooling jacket adaptable to an urwater vehicle motor is provided. The cooling jacket has a self-priming inlet incorporated into the afterbody motor shell section which ingests seawater during either vehicle movement through the water or operation of the vehicle motor. The motor cooling jacket has a coiled tubing assembly, forming a heat exchanger with a variable tube cross-section, wrapped tightly around the motor. One end of the tubing is attached to the self-priming inlet and the coolant discharge nozzle at the opposite end of the tubing exhausts to the region immediately ahead of the vehicle propeller. Solder is applied between each coil to maintain strength and the tightly wrapped configuration of the cooling jacket.

Abstract: There is presented an underwater body and intake scoop, the underwater body aving a wall defining a major portion of the body, the wall being exposed to water during movement of the body through a water environment. The intake scoop includes a recess in the wall of the body, the recess having forward and aft edges extending substantially width-wise of the body and interconnected by generally length-wise extending side edges to form, in plan view, a multi-sided recess with the side and aft edges being rounded to facilitate reduction of turbulence and cavitation. A bottom surface of the recess slopes from the forward edge inwardly of the wall. The recess is in communication with a conduit extending to the interior of the body.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle with unconventional configuration is disclosed, wherein the lateral boundary of the vehicle is parallel to the straight moving direction of the vehicle. There is an internal passage tunnel disposed inside the vehicle, connecting the front end and the rear end of the vehicle. The front and rear openings of the tunnel extend to the entire cross section of the vehicle. Looking from the outside, the vehicle is like an elongated tube with very thin walls. In operation, the water in the front of the vehicle is transported to the rear of the vehicle exclusively through the internal passage tunnel. Very little disturbances will be imparted to the surrounding water. This vehicle is highly efficient even at high speeds, hence is extremely suitable for high speed and long range operations.

Abstract: An acoustic isolation structure providing an acoustically isolated opening nd comprising coaxial inner and outer annular structural members defining an irregular annulus between them. Acoustical isolation material is provided within this annulus to acoustically uncouple the two members. Radially overlapping structural rings extending from the members into the annulus limit lateral movement of the inner member and preserve the generally coaxial relation of the members.

Abstract: An active boundary layer control system for marine vehicles is disclosed. e boundary layer control system comprises a plurality of magnets and seawater electrodes placed in circumferential rows around the beam of the hull. The magnets and electrodes are positioned so that a Lorentz force generated by the interacting magnetic and electric fields will drive the boundary layer flow in an axial direction toward the aft end of the hull. The boundary control system reduces turbulence and may relaminarize boundary layer flow, thereby reducing radiated noise.

Abstract: The invention is a Self Propelled Underwater Device With Steerable Fin Stabilizer having a unique hull of generally tubular configuration and having a substantially conical shaped rear portion. The hull comprises a plurality of hollow interlocking tubular sections with one section including the rear portion; adjacent tubular hull sections include peripherally spaced apart threaded portions respectively disposed internally and externally thereof for mating relationship upon relative circumferential motion of the adjacent sections, the adjacent sections are further configured to provide an abutting joint when fully mated with watertight sealing means between the mated sections. The vehicle includes a plurality of steerable stabilization fins mounted on the hull about the rear conical portion at spaced apart locations with hull slots for receiving the respective fins when stowed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a convertible the capable of being transformed to change from a conventional mode of propulsion to a nuclear mode of propulsion. The submarine includes an aft section delimited by a pressure tight hull and two transverse bulkheads in which are located electric energy production and storage installations using batteries and diesel-generators. The aft section can be transformed to convert the submarine to the use of an anaerobic energy source by substituting for these installations, installations adapted to the anaerobic source of energy while preserving the integrity of the pressure tight hull and bulkheads, without internal substitution causing any substantial modification in the weight or centering of the aft section.

Abstract: An apparatus provides additional safety during the launching of survival craft from a ship or platform by which it is attached. A safety strop is comprised of a connecting line which is attached at its upper end to a means for lowering a launch pendant and a lifeboat. the lifeboat is equipped with an on load release means for launching it. The lower end of the connecting line is attached to a released means such as a shackle or a pelican hook. The connecting line release means is releaseably connected to a hang off lug assembly, which is attached to the on load release means. The connecting line has a longer length than the launch pendant, so that no load is carried by the connecting line unless the lifeboat is prematurely released from the launch pendant.

Abstract: The invention defines a propulsion system for an underwater vehicle. More particularly, the invention describes a turbo-hydroduct propulsion system which operates on stored, high energy fuel. The fuel is combusted and powers a turbopump which pressurizes ingested water to a very high pressure. The pressurized water is subsequently exhausted from the vehicle to produce thrust.

Abstract: A submersible is provided for exploration of the sea or other purposes. The submersible includes a hull made up of three outer shell sections. A first outer shell section has one end opening through which a second outer shell section is inserted into the first outer shell section for horizontal movement. A third outer shell section is inserted into the second outer shell section through one end opening thereof for horizontal movement. Packings are applied between the first and second outer shell sections and between the second and third outer shell sections, respectively. One or both of the second and third outer shell sections are moved outwardly and inwardly by actuators so that the net displacement of the submersible is increased and decreased. By moving the third outer shell section, the center of gravity of the submersible may be transferred so as to be positioned beneath the center of buoyancy.

Abstract: A submersible unit comprises a portable, open or closed bottomed pneumatic chamber mounted on flexible drive tracks controlled by personnel from the chamber for operation along the bottom of a body of water, on the surface, at intermediate levels, in the air and on land. A safety chamber, connected to the submersible unit by an extendable linkage, can limit the depth of submergence of the submersible unit, stores cargo and carries power. Flooded compartments in the submersible unit and the safety chamber are supplied with compressed air to control the supported load and depth of submergence. Various accessories carried by the underwater unit enable the performance of a number of different on and under the water and land based tasks. A special pneumatic circuit enables equipment and propulsion to be controlled by touch control panels. A majority of operations are contained within the machine to minimize contamination of surrounding areas.

Abstract: An arrangement for sweeping mines having firing systems which are sensitive to magnetic fields is disclosed which utilizes a remote control mobile floating body with a built-in propulsion system. A magnetic field is generated within a group of permanent magnets located within the floating body in such a manner that these permanent magnets are either individually controlled or controlled as a group so that various types of magnetic field mines can be detected.

Abstract: A clean start backflush system provides a mode of operation in a suction inar flow control (LFC) vehicle in which low speed propulsion and backflush through surface apertures are simultaneously generated. The propulsion assists the transition from an at-rest state to the desired high-speed travel, while backflush in the low-speed regime ensures that ocean particles are not captured at the entrance to the flush suction slots.

Abstract: A propulsion motor for an underwater vehicle such as an anti-submarine weapon. The motor includes a propulsion chamber into which water is admitted and then rapidly expelled through an exhaust nozzle, developing thrust to propel the vehicle. Gas generators are used to develop the successive hydropulses to expel the water following each filling of the motor chamber with water. In one particular embodiment of an anti-submarine weapon which is directed through the air to the vicinity of a submarine by a rocket motor, the hydropulse underwater propulsion system can use the same chamber as the rocket motor.

Abstract: In a compensating membrane carburetor having a fuel accumulating chamber connected through idling and high-speed jets to a Venturi, a compensating chamber is provided which is maintained, naturally or artificially, at atmospheric pressure. A second chamber seals the external face of the compensating membrane from the environment of the carburetor and a first relief line, partially disposed in the carburetor, provides fluid communication between the compensating chamber and the second chamber to maintain the second chamber at atmospheric pressure. A second relief line is disposed substantially outside of the carburetor and also provides fluid communication between the compensating chamber and the second chamber, in order to insure the proper operation of the carburetor in the event of a blockage in one of the two lines.

Abstract: A carburetor of the membrane type for correct operation of an engine partially or completely submerged in a liquid such as water. The carburetor has a fuel accumulating chamber which is connected through conventional idling and high-speed jets to a Venturi upstream from which there is provided an air intake manifold. Externally of the compensating membrane that is provided a sealed chamber which communicates via a flexible tube with a compensating chamber which is maintained naturally or artificially at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to naval construction and oceanology. It relates to a one-man submersible characterized, firstly, by external shapes designed to prevent any accidental fouling with any fixed obstacles; secondly, propulsion and steering units which give it excellent maneuverability and the possibilities of quick neutralization of any reaction experienced by the submersible; thirdly, by the fact that the operator has available a system comprising, at the extreme forward part of the submersible a swivelling and extensible tool-holder system with a coaxial and protected swivel seat; finally, a tall horizontal crane with one or two swivelling and extensible jibs, and four hydraulic columns with a special baseplate, these all being features which enable any work to be carried out with increased rapidity, accuracy and safety.The above submersible has numerous advantageous applications in various areas of ocean exploration and working.

Abstract: Method of generating rotary or turbine power within a deepsea environment, for drilling a hole in the seabed and dropping of a mooring pile in the hole so drilled. Rotary turbine power is developed by admitting water through a submerged turbine and into an evacuated sphere. The turbine drives an auger which engages and drills a hole in the seabed. An inorganic polymer may be supported in the evacuated sphere, so as to be reactant with admitted seawater for bleeding off of pure water and hydrogen gas at a surface location.