Abstract: An air intake device for a submarine comprises a first fixed member connected to the submarine hull and a second member which is telescopically movable relative to the first member to rise up with an upper end of it above the water's surface to allow air to be taken in from the atmosphere during navigation of the submarine at periscope depth, the movable member mounting at its upper end a radar device designed to emerge from the water together with the selfsame movable member.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for devices used for detection, observation, air intake or communication on a submarine comprises a first movable mounting unit and a second movable mounting unit equipped at the top of them with at least one detection or communication device and at least one actuator associated with the first movable mounting unit and/or with the second movable mounting unit to move them along a main direction of movement. The apparatus further comprises a supporting member extending along the main direction and interposed between the first movable mounting unit and the second movable mounting unit and also having a pair of guides, each extending along the main direction and slidably coupled to a respective movable mounting unit to guide its movement along the selfsame main direction.

Abstract: The support and guidance structure includes a support (14) equipped with means of guidance (16) of the mast (12) in a raising direction (Z), including a wall (32) extending in this direction (Z), and delimiting a housing (33) for the mast (12). The guidance means (16) include two guide rails (18), borne by the support (14), and two additional guidance elements (20), borne by the mast (12), each operating in tandem with a respective rail (18). Each rail (18) forms stops (18A) immobilising the related guidance element (20) in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the raising direction (Z) and the wall (32). The guidance means (16) include another guide rail (18), borne by the support (14), and another additional guidance element (20), borne by the mast (12), and operating in tandem with the other rail (18). The other rail (18) forms stops (18A) immobilising the other guidance element (20) in a third direction (X) perpendicular to the raising direction (Z) and the second direction (Y).

Abstract: A tethered buoy housing and deployment system includes a housing for disposition in a vessel, a tether for interconnecting a portion of the housing and a buoy, a reel mounted in the housing and rotatable to unwind the tether, means for maintaining tension on the tether as the tether is unwound, and a platform and linkage assembly adapted to support the buoy and move the buoy between a vertical disposition for storage in the housing and an angled disposition for release of the buoy into an external fluid stream.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for devices used for detection, observation, air intake or communication on a submarine comprises a first movable mounting unit and a second movable mounting unit equipped at the top of them with at least one detection or communication device and at least one actuator associated with the first movable mounting unit and/or with the second movable mounting unit to move them along a main direction of movement. The apparatus further comprises a supporting member extending along the main direction and interposed between the first movable mounting unit and the second movable mounting unit and also having a pair of guides, each extending along the main direction and slidably coupled to a respective movable mounting unit to guide its movement along the selfsame main direction.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for supports (20) for sensors (30) able to move by translation in fixed guides (10) integral with the sail (Ia) of submarines (1) and the like upon activation of an actuator (40), where the fixed guide (10) has a polygonal cross-section, at each vertex (10b) of the guide (10) there being at least one structure with the shape of a prism (11) extending in the vertical direction (Z-Z) along the entire body of the guide, the prismatic elements (11) extending towards the inside of the guide (10) in such a way as to form at least two sliding surfaces (12) for corresponding sliding blocks (22) belonging to the tube (20) to be moved by translation.

Abstract: A vessel for transporting a payload through water having a body which travels below the surface of the water and carries the payload, fins extending laterally from the body below the surface of the water a telescoping tower which extends above the surface of the water from the body, a wing extending laterally above the water from an upper portion of the tower, engines mounted on the wing for propelling the body through the water, and propellers mounted on the under sides of the fins for lifting the vessel and holding the vessel in a raised position with the body at the surface of the water while loading and unloading the payload.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for supports (20) for sensors (30) able to move by translation in fixed guides (10) integral with the sail (Ia) of submarines (1) and the like upon activation of an actuator (40), where the fixed guide (10) has a polygonal cross-section, at each vertex (10b) of the guide (10) there being at least one structure with the shape of a prism (11) extending in the vertical direction (Z-Z) along the entire body of the guide, the prismatic elements (11) extending towards the inside of the guide (10) in such a way as to form at least two sliding surfaces (12) for corresponding sliding blocks (22) belonging to the tube (20) to be moved by translation.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle including an axi-symmetric framing system rotatable about a centerline to define a shell of revolution having a uniformly-convex outer boundary. A narrow-beam sonar array is mounted on the axi-symmetric framing system, and includes a multitude of simultaneously-fireable and/or asynchronously-fireable transducers distributed substantially evenly over a 4?-steradian viewing angle. The present invention provides the necessary configuration for a vehicle wherein an internal algorithm can compare a “new” geometry to an “old” geometry collected earlier to construct a best fit of the new world map with the old world map and locate the vehicle within the context of the new world map. This then provides a completely independent mechanism for correction of the gradual drift in x and y that is not dependent on any form of external navigation aid.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving tubes (10) which are displaceable upon operation of an actuator (40) inside fixed guides (20) integral with the tower (1a) of submarines (1) and the like, said actuator (40) consisting of at least one pair of linear motors (41).

Abstract: A mast for use on a submarine is disclosed. The shape of the mast includes a sharp leading edge. The leading edge widens to an angle greater than the maximum angle of angle of attack that the mast will experience during maneuvering. The shape produces a stagnation zone that minimizes flow separations at the bow wave and has a pressure coefficient that approaches zero such that wake signatures of the mast are reduced. The surface of the mast is roughened to be capable of producing a turbulent boundary layer of the mast further reducing wake signatures from the bow wake.

Abstract: The mast device for a submarine comprises a guiding means, a vertically traversable mast guided therein and information means which are provided at the mast upper end and which are in electrical interaction with the inside of the submarine for emitting and receiving information. The information means are arranged in a buoyant unit held on the mast upper end without connection to this. The buoyant unit is fastened to a flexible coupling means which may be let out and retracted and which is of the length essentially of the maximum desired observation depth of the submarine.

Abstract: The mast device for a submarine comprises a guiding means, a vertically traversable mast guided therein and information means which are provided at the mast upper end and which are in electrical interaction with the inside of the submarine for emitting and receiving information. The information means are arranged in a buoyant unit held on the mast upper end without connection to this. The buoyant unit is fastened to a flexible coupling means which may be let out and retracted and which is of the length essentially of the maximum desired observation depth of the submarine.

Abstract: Mechanism for the vertical translation of tubular structures for underwater vessels of the type constituted by a rectilinear guide (2) with closed section that is vertically fastened to the sail (3) of the underwater vessel, by a barrel (4) translating vertically inside said guide (2) and bearing at its upper end a sensor and by a device for the vertical actuation of said barrel (4), said guide (2) being constituted by a flattened upright (7) which along its flanks has, integral therewith, two sliding ways opened towards each other and it has its edges secured by a rugged and simple stiffening element (13) constituted by a “U” shaped structure and that said barrel (4) in proximity to the lower end is provided with two supports (14a), (14b) bearing shoes (16) for sliding along said ways, said barrel (4) being secured to said supports (14a), (14b) by the casting of an appropriate hardening plastic material.

Abstract: A drone vessel for an ROV. The drone vessel utilizes dynamic positioning. The drone vessel is remotely controlled by radio telemetry, preferably modular in construction, and may be semi-submersible. The vessel contains a radio telemetry package, one or more generators, an umbilical winch for lowering and raising an ROV, space for receiving and storing an ROV, and ballast control. The central compartment in the drone vessel is free flooding and houses the drum for storing umbilical line and the winch for paying out umbilical line to the ROV. The central compartment also includes space for the ROV.

Abstract: A modular structure for supporting and guiding tubes slidable in the vertical direction and carrying sensing, reconnaissance and transmission equipment for submarine towers, a frame formed by uprights and walls, which are longitudinal and transverse defining vertical compartments inside which the tubes supporting the equipment are slidable. The frame is secured to only the hull of the submarine via horizontal base elements which are integral with the bottom ends of the uprights and can be secured to corresponding flanges fixed to the hull of the submarine.

Abstract: A cargo submarine has a cargo section (2) between tapered peripheral buoyancy sections (2-5) and an on-board cargo-handling components (32-49) capable of rapid loading and unloading of large volumes of cargo. A hydrodynamic tower (14) conveys fresh air in and exhaust gasses out while traveling submerged sufficiently deep to avoid wave undulation. Dual electronic controls (51-57) in a tower bridge (27) and in a main bridge (50) are provided for large vessels. A crane (32) with automatically-adjustable weight balancing and electronic controls is telescoped from within the vessel. A shore ramp (47) and a ship ramp (44) are provided for fast and convenient motorized or manual handling of commercial or military cargo at beaches and shores without docks. Special hydrodynamic configuration and contouring result in less drag-per-length coefficient of marine vessels, resulting in less ton-mile propulsion costs than for optimized displacement-hull ships.

Abstract: An emergency power generation system mounted in the aft portion of a submarine includes a gas turbine arranged to drive a generator and an exhaust gas outlet in the rudder structure of the submarine to reduce submarine construction cost and avoid contamination of the fresh air supply for the submarine.

Abstract: A positive-action device for bringing about the rotary movement of a hatch, as a result of the traversing stroke of a shaft moving axially within a fixed structure, particularly in submarine turrets, includes an actuating component integral with shaft and moving with the latter in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and an articulated kinematic mechanism the upper end of which is hinged to hatch with an interposed flexible safety device and the lower end of which is rotationally integral with a regulating component rotating around the axis of a fixed pivot, there being associated with the regulating component a mechanism of bistable type for reliably maintaining the settings corresponding to the open and closed positions of the hatch, and end-of-stroke devices.

Abstract: Bearing apparatus for submarine mast fairing or other cylindroid member, turing at least one stave bearing which is made an integral part of the fairing or other cylindroid member and which is tangentially and supportively engaged by a complementary structural bearing which is coupled with the submarine sail or other supporting structure. Utilization of the stave bearing surface rather than the cylindroid member surface in the bearing engagement permits utilization of superior materials for the mating elements and consequent improvement in wear, noise and maintenance characteristics of the bearing assembly. For some embodiments an adjustable housing for the complementary bearing allows for wear of the stave bearing and complementary bearing by providing adjustability of the clearance distance at the interface between these two mating elements. Additional structural support can be provided by one or more bushings, molds and/or other reinforcement members.

Abstract: A submarine hull which has a half wing-like sail which projects vertically upwards, is provided with a keel-wing that also is half wing-like, but projects vertically downwards. By preference the keel-wing has a lower end plate and its main portion is trailed by two slotted flaps which can be pivotally moved in both directions about respective vertical axes in coordination with movement of the rudder of the submarine. If needed for permitting operation in shallow water or with the hull close to the bottom, the wing can be made to retract. The keel-wing not only counters the sail's rolling movement and keeps the hull upright, but also adds a side force to assist in tightening the turn.

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 body sailer allows an operator to sail in a partially submerged position. The body sailer includes first and second buoyancy pontoon devices held in a spaced apart relationship by a frame. The frame is coupled to a third buoyancy device disposed advanced from the first and second buoyancy pontoon devices in a forward sailing direction. The operator may be supported by a harness between the first and second buoyancy pontoon devices and astern of the third buoyancy pontoon device. The body sailer includes a hand grip mounted underwater to the third buoyancy pontoon device. The third buoyancy pontoon device is articulatable in yaw and pitch with respect to the first and second buoyancy pontoon devices. A mast with a retractable sail may be coupled to the frame. Rudders are coupled to the first and second buoyancy pontoon devices and move in a response to movement of the third buoyancy pontoon device. The craft may be submersible with diving/climbing controls and submerging/resurfacing apparatus.

Abstract: A partially submersible water craft comprising a main hull and a pair of secondary hulls mounted one to each side of the main hull, an arm pivotally mounted at one end to each of the main hull and pivotally mounted at the other end to the secondary hull, drive means between the arm and the main hull and/or secondary hull to cause pivotal movement of both arms relative to the main hull and/or the secondary hull wherein said main hull is movable between a position substantially coplanar with the secondary hulls and a second position wherein said main hull is located below the secondary hulls but spaced in between the secondary hulls.

Abstract: There is described a snorkel mast for a submersible vehicle. The mast terminates at the upper end in an inverted U-shaped snorkel head pipe section closed by a butterfly valve. The butterfly valve is operated by a bell-crank lever having a float at one end and a water impact flap at the other. Operation of the bell-crank lever by water level action against the float or by water impact action on the flap if a wave washes over the top of the snorkel mast acts to close the butterfly valve. The mast carries a fairing which comprises a number of fairing elements of airfoil cross-section, vertically spaced on the mast so as to be freely rotatable thereon in water lubricated bearings. The segmented fairings on the snorkel mast maintains hydrodynamic stability during high speed turns.

Abstract: A tanker having a submersible hull has a mast extending above the hull supporting a bridge section. The base of the mast is journaled in the hull for rotation about a vertical axis. The bridge section is rotatably supported on the mast. Drive means rotates the mast relative to the hull and the bridge section such that the hull and bridge section remain aligned while the angular position of the mast is changed. Rotary ice cutters are positioned along one side of the mast and are positioned relative to the surrounding ice by rotation of the mast so as to be aligned with the direction in which the ice encroaches on the mast.