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 electric circuit for equalizing voltages between serially arranged cells. The circuit is operable to generate AC voltages at amplitudes dependent on the DC voltages of the received cells. The AC voltages are all connected to an inductive coupling circuit. The inductive coupling allows higher-voltage cells to induce a recharging current flow in lower voltage cells and so equalize the cell voltages. The circuit also operates to ensure that cell voltages are maintained in equilibrium during charging or discharging of received cells, irrespective of the individual charging and discharging characteristics of the cells. The circuit thus prevents individual cells in a battery from being over-charged or over-discharged and allows more efficient use of the full capacity of a battery without risking damage to the individual cells. The cell equalizing circuit is thus especially useful for rechargeable cells, such as lithium-ion cells, which are sensitive to damage by over-charging and over-discharging.

Abstract: A remote operated vehicle system comprises a topside, a fish equipped with a GPS receiver, a transmitter for transmitting GPS position data, and a receiver operable to receive the transmitted position data. Transmission may be from the fish to the topside or from the topside to the fish. Alternatively, a second transmitter and receiver give two-way transmission. These arrangements allow the position of the fish to be monitored or tracked, so that it can be readily rescued in the event of damage or breakdown. Alternatively, predetermined position data can be sent to the fish, allowing it to automatically navigate a desired route. Particular embodiments include an umbilical cable for connecting the fish and the topside together and operable to carry signals, including position data, between the two, an additional GPS receiver on the topside so that the fish can navigate to the topside unaided, and a buoyancy control device which brings the fish to the surface.

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 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 electric circuit for equalizing voltages between serially arranged cells. The circuit is operable to generate AC voltages at amplitudes dependent on the DC voltages of the received cells. The AC voltages are all connected to an inductive coupling circuit. The inductive coupling allows higher-voltage cells to induce a recharging current flow in lower voltage cells and so equalize the cell voltages. The circuit also operates to ensure that cell voltages are maintained in equilibrium during charging or discharging of received cells, irrespective of the individual charging and discharging characteristics of the cells. The circuit thus prevents individual cells in a battery from being over-charged or over-discharged and allows more efficient use of the full capacity of a battery without risking damage to the individual cells. The cell equalizing circuit is thus especially useful for rechargeable cells, such as lithium-ion cells, which are sensitive to damage by over-charging and over-discharging.

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 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.