Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) including a deployable anchor and a method for operating an AUV having a deployable anchor in a hover mode.

Abstract: A payload control apparatus includes a spring-line a spring line actuating mechanism, a spring line flying sheave over which a load line can pass, and a spring line, wherein the spring line flying sheave can move into a position either where the flying sheave is spaced from and in non-contact with or contacting but non-path-altering in relation to the load line, further wherein the spring-line flying sheave can be moved into another position such that the flying sheave engages the load-line and alters its path length. Thus, when a marine surface vessel falls in a heave event that would otherwise cause the payload at the end of the load line to fall as well, the flying sheave will move to increase the path length causing a shortening of the path length, thereby preventing the payload from falling.

Abstract: Machinery and methods are described whereby a free flying, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) can safely capture and take on board lightly managed seismic sensor devices (payload) while they are in-transit via a surface vessel in a (deep) water column. ROV payload can be replenished without the need for the ROV to return to the surface vessel to receive additional payload and to do so without the need for heavy launch and recovery machinery. The reverse process of returning payload from the ROV to the surface vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: An item storage, dispensing, and receiving apparatus includes a frame assembly having a height and length, including at least one section thereof having two opposing side wall sections, wherein each opposing side wall section includes vertically spaced rails disposed on an inner surface thereof such that each rail on a respective side wall section is located opposite a corresponding rail on the opposing side wall section, further wherein the at least one section has an open space fully extending between the vertically spaced rails between the two opposing side wall sections over the height and length, and a conveyance mechanism located within the open space along at least a portion of the length, wherein the conveyance mechanism is movable in a vertical direction in the open space along the height.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to operationally link (couple/decouple) a plurality of relatively massive, complimentary payload platforms (i.e., suspended machinery and ROV) at relatively deep working depths in an unstable marine environment (water column) while the payload platforms are in-transit. An apparatus includes a suspended machinery, an ROV, a capture collar, an extendable/retractable harpoon, and actuating machinery to controllably effect extension and retraction thereof. A method includes providing an in-transit suspended machinery having a capture collar, providing an in-transit ROV having an extendable/retractable harpoon, approaching the in-transit suspended machinery with the ROV, maneuvering the ROV so as to bring an end of the partially extended harpoon into aligned proximity with the capture collar, and further extending the harpoon so that it securely engages the capture collar.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to operationally link (couple/decouple) a plurality of relatively massive, complimentary payload platforms (i.e., suspended machinery and ROV) at relatively deep working depths in an unstable marine environment (water column) while the payload platforms are in-transit. An apparatus includes a suspended machinery, an ROV, a capture collar, an extendable/retractable harpoon, and actuating machinery to controllably effect extension and retraction thereof. A method includes providing an in-transit suspended machinery having a capture collar, providing an in-transit ROV having an extendable/retractable harpoon, approaching the in-transit suspended machinery with the ROV, maneuvering the ROV so as to bring an end of the partially extended harpoon into aligned proximity with the capture collar, and further extending the harpoon so that it securely engages the capture collar.

Abstract: Machinery and methods are described whereby a free flying, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) can safely capture and take on board lightly managed seismic sensor devices (payload) while they are in-transit via a surface vessel in a (deep) water column. ROV payload can be replenished without the need for the ROV to return to the surface vessel to receive additional payload and to do so without the need for heavy launch and recovery machinery. The reverse process of returning payload from the ROV to the surface vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) including a deployable anchor and a method for operating an AUV having a deployable anchor in a hover mode.

Abstract: An item storage, dispensing, and receiving apparatus includes a frame assembly having a height and length, including at least one section thereof having two opposing side wall sections, wherein each opposing side wall section includes vertically spaced rails disposed on an inner surface thereof such that each rail on a respective side wall section is located opposite a corresponding rail on the opposing side wall section, further wherein the at least one section has an open space fully extending between the vertically spaced rails between the two opposing side wall sections over the height and length, and a conveyance mechanism located within the open space along at least a portion of the length, wherein the conveyance mechanism is movable in a vertical direction in the open space along the height.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to operationally link (couple/decouple) a plurality of relatively massive, complimentary payload platforms (i.e., suspended machinery and ROV) at relatively deep working depths in an unstable marine environment (water column) while the payload platforms are in-transit. An apparatus includes a suspended machinery, an ROV, a capture collar, an extendable/retractable harpoon, and actuating machinery to controllably effect extension and retraction thereof. A method includes providing an in-transit suspended machinery having a capture collar, providing an in-transit ROV having an extendable/retractable harpoon, approaching the in-transit suspended machinery with the ROV, maneuvering the ROV so as to bring an end of the partially extended harpoon into aligned proximity with the capture collar, and further extending the harpoon so that it securely engages the capture collar.

Abstract: A payload control apparatus includes a spring-line a spring line actuating mechanism, a spring line flying sheave over which a load line can pass, and a spring line, wherein the spring line flying sheave can move into a position either where the flying sheave is spaced from and in non-contact with or contacting but non-path-altering in relation to the load line, further wherein the spring-line flying sheave can be moved into another position such that the flying sheave engages the load-line and alters its path length. Thus, when a marine surface vessel falls in a heave event that would otherwise cause the payload at the end of the load line to fall as well, the flying sheave will move to increase the path length causing a shortening of the path length, thereby preventing the payload from falling.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to operationally link (couple/decouple) a plurality of relatively massive, complimentary payload platforms (i.e., suspended machinery and ROV) at relatively deep working depths in an unstable marine environment (water column) while the payload platforms are in-transit. An apparatus includes a suspended machinery, an ROV, a capture collar, an extendable/retractable harpoon, and actuating machinery to controllably effect extension and retraction thereof. A method includes providing an in-transit suspended machinery having a capture collar, providing an in-transit ROV having an extendable/retractable harpoon, approaching the in-transit suspended machinery with the ROV, maneuvering the ROV so as to bring an end of the partially extended harpoon into aligned proximity with the capture collar, and further extending the harpoon so that it securely engages the capture collar.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method for transferring one or more seismic sensor devices to or from a support vessel on or near a surface of a body of water and a subsurface marine location. In one embodiment, an apparatus for transferring seismic sensor devices is provided. The apparatus includes a frame structure having one or more rails disposed thereon, the one or more rails comprising an elevator mechanism and defining at least one exit path for one or more seismic sensor devices, and one or more motors coupled to the elevator mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method for transferring one or more seismic sensor devices to or from a support vessel on or near a surface of a body of water and a subsurface marine location. In one embodiment, an apparatus for transferring seismic sensor devices is provided. The apparatus includes a frame structure having one or more rails disposed thereon, the one or more rails comprising an elevator mechanism and defining at least one exit path for one or more seismic sensor devices, and one or more motors coupled to the elevator mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method for deployment and retrieval of one or more seismic devices in a deep water marine environment. In one embodiment, a method for deploying and positioning ocean bottom equipment is described. The method includes attaching at least one article having a negative buoyancy to a support cable, lowering the at least one article into the water column from two or more points of suspension on a surface of the water column, at least one of the two or more points of suspension being movable relative to the other point of suspension, and manipulating tension of the support cable, length of the support cable, position of the support cable, and distance between the two or more points of suspension to cause the at least one article to fall to a bottom of the water column at a predetermined location on the bottom.

Abstract: A device designed to take rotary power from an external power source such as a cordless electric screwdriver and transmit that energy into both rotary and reciprocating linear activation of sexual devices used by both males and females for the purpose of masturbation and auto-stimulation is disclosed. The combination of rotational stimulation with reciprocating linear stimulation is apparently remarkably satisfying despite the absence of such stimulation during normal person-on-person sexual contact. The device is simple, light weight, small, powerful, modestly priced, handheld or hands-free, user serviceable, hygienic, gender neutral, sexual orientation neutral, convenient, rugged, multi-motion, safe, reliable, quiet, fully submersible, positionally versatile and sexually satisfying.