Abstract: A fully automated tool for holding threaded fasteners during fastener insertion, removal, or transport is described. The device is capable of handling different sized fasteners and can be used with remote manipulator systems or in hand-held operations.

Abstract: A motion compensating device that is installed on a lift line between a crane and an object to be lifted. The device limits dynamic loads on the line by taking up and letting out line by preventing the lift line from going slack and by lengthening acceleration time. The device consists of a hydraulic system and sheave mechanical system arranged in combination together with a balancing system for a given load range. The device is balanced for a given load range to provide a full range of compensation while hanging free. Balance is provided by offsetting a load line a calculated distance Y from a vertical line drawn through a lift point. This offset compensates for turning moments of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is employable by a remotely controlled unwater work system to emplace a lift sling beneath an object resting on mud, sand or the like. The apparatus includes a hollow tube and a guide having rollers through which the tube may be passed. The rearward end of the tube is attached to a hose through which water under pressure is directed into the tube. The forward end of the tube is provided with a nozzle so that jets of water issue from it with selected strength and in a selected configuration. A sling or strap is connected at one end to the nozzle end of the tube and at its other end to the guide. A rope or cord is also attached to the guide portion of the apparatus. A mechanical grabber or other mechanism holds the guide in a fixed position with respect to the object to be retrieved while a manipulator arm of the system pushes the tube through the guide and beneath the object to be salvaged.

Abstract: A controlled gas generator system is provided which has a reaction chamber, he reaction chamber having top and bottom ends. A bed of reactant material is disposed within the chamber intermediate its top and bottom ends. Liquids are located within the chamber, one of the liquids being nonreactive with the reactant. The liquids are dissimilar in specific gravity so that the liquids interface substantially along a cross-sectional plane of the chamber. With this arrangement, gas will be produced when the interfacial plane is vertically disposed on one side of the bed of reactant material, and gas will not be produced when the interfacial plane is vertically disposed on an opposite side of the bed of reactant material. Provision is made for selectively adjusting the vertical position of the interfacial plane above or below the bed of reactant material so that gas can be selectively generated.

Abstract: A gas generator is provided which can be selectively switched between reaon and nonreaction modes. The gas generator incudes a reaction chamber which has top and bottom ends. The chamber contains reactive and nonreactive liquids, the nonreactive liquid having a greater specific gravity than the reactive liquid. A solid reactant member is provided. A device is provided for projecting the solid reactant member through the bottom of the chamber, thence through the nonreactive liquid, and thence into the reactive liquid for generating gas. Further, a device is provided for withdrawing the solid reactant member from the reactive liquid into the nonreactive liquid for terminating the generation of gas.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated impact tool is provided for performing land-based or undersea tasks including hammering, chipping, scraping, punching, and cutting. The tool's features include a spring (preferably hydroelastic) for storing impact-stroke energy, a configuration of valves which eliminates flow in the supply and return lines during the impact stroke, and a control approach which provides operator selection of either single-blow or continuous-cycling operation.

Abstract: A device for preventing or substantially reducing lateral slippage of an ect which is held to the surface of another object by suction means is provided. Suction pads are mounted so as to allow conformation with irregularities of the supporting object's surface and are provided with prongs preferably made of sharpened tool steel which are oriented to dig into the surface to preclude lateral slippage during operation.

Abstract: A device for simulating the firing of an automatic weapon by firing bullets oth singularly and in bursts. A timing source provides electrical impulses which are randomly spaced in time and also provides pulses which are closely spaced to represent bursts. The bullets are fired by primers which are programmed by the timing source.

Abstract: A linear milling machine adapted to be carried and controlled by a diver nts a hog mill cutter on a frame which itself is secured to the work preferably by a hold-down suction cup arrangement. A driven feed-screw advances the cutter relative to the work. Hydraulic motors drive the cutter and the feed screw as well as a pump used to establish the hold-down power. The suction motor and pump are mounted in a separate oil-filled and pressure-compensated casing. Another small and portable casing provides diver-controlled hydraulic flow regulation for the cutter motor, the feed screw drive and the suction pump motor. By controlling the drive speeds, cuts can be made utilizing only the suction grippers to firmly hold the frame to the work. At the end of each cut, the cutter is manually returned and the suction released to permit the frame to be quickly repositioned and secured for another continuation cut.

Abstract: A light-walled portable casing, filled with a hydraulic fluid, contains a gh-pressure water pump driven by a hydraulic fluid-driven motor. An externally-carried, suction-type gripper member engages the work object. Pumping evacuated seawater from the engaged surface to establish a secure differential-pressure hold-down force. A pressurized source of hydraulic fluid is applied through the casing to the motor. Fluid discharges from the motor directly into the casing to establish an interior casing pressure that pressure compensates the light-walled structure. Seawater evacuation eventually stalls the motor. When leakage occurs, pumping immediately resumes.