Abstract: A quick-disconnect ball and socket joint includes a substantially spherical strain relief node configured to be coupled to an object, such as a cable. The system further comprises an end cap configured to capture the substantially spherical strain relief node, the end cap having a diameter that permits the substantially spherical strain relief node to pass therethrough when the system is in an open position. The system still further comprises a retaining element configured to retain the substantially spherical strain relief node in the end cap. The retaining element is attached to the end cap when the system is in a closed position and the object is prevented from being removed from capture by the end cap. However, in the open position, the retaining element may be removed from capture by the end cap by passing the substantially spherical strain relief node through a diameter of the end cap.

Abstract: A fluid medium vehicle is provided which has a main body and at least one engine attached to the main body. The engine is configured to provide thrust parallel to a thrust axis passing through the main body. A plurality of foils is moveably attached to and extends outwardly from the main body. The plurality of foils is arranged in pairs. Each pair of foils extends from the main body along opposite ends of one of a plurality of foil axes. Each foil axis is perpendicular to the thrust axis, and each foil is constructed as an independently positionable control surface and as an independently controllable propulsion device.

Abstract: A docketing device includes a docking station able to be hauled by a carrying vessel at a tow point (T), the docking station comprising a body comprising a beam extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (x) of the body and a stop allowing a movement of an underwater vehicle with respect to the body along the longitudinal axis (x) to be blocked, the dorsal beam extending longitudinally above the underwater vehicle in abutment against the stop, a center of gravity of the docking station and a center of buoyancy of the docking station being positioned, and the tow point (T) being able to occupy a docking position that is such that the docking station exhibits a predetermined docking negative pitch when it is fully submerged and hauled by the carrying vessel in the direction of the longitudinal axis at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes a propeller able to propel the vehicle, the vehicle comprising a synthetic aperture sonar comprising a set of at least one physical antenna for receiving acoustic waves, the underwater vehicle comprising a connector able to mechanically couple removably a cable to the vehicle so as to allow the underwater vehicle to be towed by a surface vehicle. The physical receiving antenna comprises a plurality of acoustic sensors, the underwater vehicle comprising an electrical network able to convey electrical power to the receiving antenna, the electrical network being configured so as to have a plurality of states wherein it conveys electrical power to different sets of acoustic sensors containing different respective numbers of acoustic sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering seismic data acquisition units to, and retrieving from, an underwater vehicle. A sensor storage container can be tethered to a surface vessel, which can move on the surface with a non-zero velocity. The underwater vehicle can include a storage compartment to store seismic data acquisition units and a propulsion system to aid the movement of the underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle also can include passive and active protrusions for coupling with corresponding receptacles on the sensor storage container. The sensor storage container also can include a propulsion system to aid movement of the sensor storage container. The propulsion systems of both the underwater vehicle and the sensor storage container can be controlled to allow the underwater vehicle and the sensor storage container to couple and allow transfer of seismic data acquisition units.

Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is equipped with a GPS, heading sensor, depth and altitude sensors, and an acoustic navigation system. The UUV is deployed in the vicinity of the target location and releases an acoustic transponder (beacon). Using the acoustic navigation system with the GPS reference, the UUV conducts a survey to determine the horizontal location of the beacon on the seafloor and calculates a relative position between the beacon and the target. The UUV can plan a travel path allowing it to relocate the target, using the beacon as a navigation aid. The UUV can submerge to target depth and search for the target using a forward looking sensor. Once the target is acquired on the sensor, the UUV can home to the target.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for an underwater platform comprising: an evaporator block fabricated from a thermally conductive material and having a first surface that is shaped so as to releasably mate to an exterior surface contour of the underwater platform; a heat pipe having a working fluid sealed therein, wherein the heat pipe has a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end is in thermal communication with the evaporator block; a condenser block in thermal communication with the second end of the heat pipe; and a plurality of spring clamps mounted to the evaporator block and configured to bias the first surface of the evaporator block against the exterior surface of the underwater platform such that heat from the exterior surface of the underwater platform is transferred to the ambient water via the evaporator block, heat pipe, and condenser block.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to motion compensation between water-borne objects, and, more particularly, to synchronizing motion between a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a docking station of a launch and recovery system (LARS). An exemplary method includes receiving a measurement corresponding to a particle motion in water surrounding an ROV and synchronizing motion of a docking station with a motion of the ROV based at least in part on the measurement corresponding to the particle motion.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the docking of an underwater vehicle (such as a ROV) to a subsea structure (such as a basket or cage) for the transfer of payload devices, such as ocean bottom seismic nodes. The ROV may have a docking probe that is rotatable between an extended and retracted position by a rotatory actuator. The subsea structure may have a docking receptacle that receives the docking probe while the probe is in an extended position. The docking probe and receptacle can latch and/or be secured together by a variety of mechanisms. Once secured, the docking probe can rotate thereby changing the relative positions (horizontal and/or vertical) of the ROV and the subsea structure. The underwater vehicle may have an elevator mechanism that may move vertically and/or horizontally and that is coupled to a handler or grabber for handling and/or transfer of the payload devices.

Abstract: A submarine structure provides a submarine in which the interior thereof is formed with an accommodation space and an electricity storing chamber connected to the accommodation space and having a battery and a power set having a propeller, and includes: at least one pipe, having the interior installed with at least one cable; at least one floating member, connected to another end of the at least one pipe; at least one energy supplier, disposed and in the floating member or the accommodation space and located at a relatively higher location inside the floating member or the accommodation space; and at least one control board, installed in the accommodation space of the submarine or the floating member, wherein the control board is connected to the energy supplier through the cable of the at least one pipe for providing power and maintaining communication and control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a propulsion system that comprises a power source coupled to a flotation device. The power source can be rechargeable. The system further comprises at least one thruster configured to be coupled to a person. A power cable operably couples the power source and the at least one thruster. The system is configured such that the at least one thruster propels the person through the water while the power source remains at a surface of the water and coupled to the flotation device. The system can include an air supply assembly.

Abstract: A load transfer accessory for a loading apparatus such as a crane. The load transfer accessory is a holding mechanism that reduces unwanted movement in cylindrical cargos. The holding mechanism includes an attachment frame, a receiving member and an indexing clutch. The receiving member includes a curved surface for receiving the cylindrical cargo. The indexing clutch can be adjustably locked by wire rope tension to clock the receiving member in a desired angular orientation for loading operations.

Abstract: A submarine is designed for combating oil when submerged. The submarine includes a snout (14, 36) which is conduit-connected to a conduit leading into the submarine. The snout (14, 36) is part of an oil suction device and/or part of a device for bringing out an oil decomposition substance. The snout (14) may be designed in a rigid manner and be pivotable from a position between a pressure hull (6) of the submarine and an outer hull (10) forming an upper deck (12) of the submarine, into a position outside the outer hull (10). The snout (36) may also be designed in a flexible manner, wherein the snout (36) is fastened in a section adjacent to a free end, on an ROV (40).

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle integrated system comprises one or more remotely operated vehicles (ROV) configured to be deployed substantially continuously subsea and one or more a tether management systems configured to be deployed substantially continuously subsea. The ROVs and tether management systems are typically deployed substantially continuously subsea where a first signal interface, e.g. for power and/or data, is operatively connecting the signal source deployed substantially permanently subsea and one or more of the ROVs operatively connected the signal source.

Abstract: A cantilevered rotatable carcass carrier includes a main carcass and two secondary carcasses. The two secondary carcasses are pivotally connected to two sides of the main carcass through two first cantilevers. The secondary carcasses are further pivotally connected with second cantilevers. The secondary carcasses further pivotally connected with an airtight cabin through the second cantilevers. By turning the secondary carcasses, the airtight cabin can be located under the main carcass to form a submarine mode or located above the main carcass to form a watch mode, broadening the recreation space on the water, such that the recreation space on the water is not limited to the type of two-dimensional space on the water. The present invention provides a novel water recreational carrier for the demands of different situations.

Abstract: A vehicle position notification apparatus include a main body unit which includes at least a detection unit, an attachment unit and a communication unit; wherein the detection unit detects a body under detection; the attachment unit makes the main body unit adhere to the body under detection detected; and the communication unit transmits position information of the main body unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for recovering an unmanned underwater vehicle. In order to ensure a safe recovery of an unmanned seconder underwater vehicle 2 by the primary underwater vehicle 1, the invention provides a recovery into a tender garage 4 for receiving the underwater vehicle 2 wherein the underwater vehicle 2 is centered in an entrance area 7 in front of a gate 5 of the tender garage 4 by means of at least one positioning current 8, which is generated outside of the peripheral area of the gate 5 and is oriented toward the entrance area 8. The underwater vehicle 2 is subsequently introduced into the tender garage 4.

Abstract: Unmanned underwater vehicles (1) which can be controlled from a carrier platform (2) by an optical waveguide cable (3) can be used for widely differing missions. For mine countermeasures, the loss of the underwater vehicle (1) is often accepted, with the optical waveguide cable (3) also being destroyed by the explosion. To reduce the costs of a mission of the underwater vehicle, the invention provides for the optical waveguide cable (3) to be connected to the underwater vehicle (1) via a connecting device (4). The connecting device (4) comprises a connecting cable (8) and connecting elements (11, 12) at the ends (9, 10) of the connecting cable (8) for an optical waveguide cable (3) at one end and for an unmanned underwater vehicle (1) at the other end.

Abstract: An external payload module or body that is mechanically attached to the exterior of a standard production AUV. The module expands the applications for which the AUV can be utilized and/or enhances an existing application(s), enabling current single or limited use AUV's to have multi-mission capability or enhancing existing capability without requiring complete redesign of the AUV. This approach capitalizes on the advantages of high-volume small AUV production to maintain low manufacturing and handling costs, while enabling greatly improved AUV mission flexibility.

Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed which has the ability to automatically adjust one of its planes in relation to a surface of water to achieve useful goals.

Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) shipboard launcher system, which comprises a deployment device and an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) launcher. The UUV launcher includes a frame, a canister coupler to facilitate coupling of a communication line canister of a UUV to the launcher, and a UUV coupling device supported about the frame to releasably secure the UUV to the launcher. The UUV launcher also includes an arming pin engagement feature supported about the frame, and operable to engage an arming pin of the UUV upon being secured to the launcher, as well as a separation device supported about the frame and adapted to force the UUV away from the UUV launcher upon release of the UUV by the UUV coupling device, which separation may function to remove the arming pin and arm the UUV.

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: The present invention relates to systems for launching and retrieving underwater craft from a ship. It consists mainly of a handling cradle for launching and retrieving an underwater vehicle, comprising a frame forming a dorsal ridge and providing an interface between lifting means, a crane for example, and the underwater vehicle. This frame comprises: means for adjusting the overall buoyancy; means for automatically aligning the vehicle with the dorsal ridge formed by the frame; means for grasping the vehicle from the surface after the frame has been aligned with the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the cradle comprises an onboard video camera enabling the operator onboard the ship to ensure that the vehicle attachment and release operations are carried out correctly. The invention advantageously allows the vehicle to be launched and retrieved automatically when the vehicle is under the surface in an area where it is not subject to the effects of the swell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer system for providing wireless data transfer, electrical power transfer and navigation between a mobile subsea vehicle and a deployed subsea station that uses acoustic and electromagnetic carrier signals for wireless communication and navigation. An inductive connector is provided for power transfer between mobile subsea vehicle and a deployed subsea station without conductive contact.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for rescuing and recovering underwater vehicles. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a modular rescue device configured to attach to an underwater vehicle, such as with a tow line. The rescue device can include one or more emergency mechanisms that can be automatically and/or manually activated to aid in detecting the location of the underwater vehicle in the event of an emergency. One exemplary emergency mechanism includes a buoyancy mechanism, e.g., an expandable lift bag, configured to be inflated with a fluid to add buoyancy force to the system to pull the underwater vehicle toward a water surface. Another exemplary emergency mechanism includes a signaling mechanism configured to signal the underwater vehicle's location.

Abstract: A vessel hull robot navigation subsystem and method for a robot including a drive subsystem onboard the robot for driving the robot about the hull. A sensor subsystem onboard the robot outputs data combining robot and vessel motion. A memory onboard the robot includes data concerning the configuration of the hull and a desired path of travel for the robot. A fix subsystem communicates position fix data to the robot. A navigation processor onboard the robot is responsive to the memory data, the sensor subsystem, the position fix data, and the data concerning vessel motion. The navigation processor is configured to determine the position of the robot on the hull by canceling, form the sensor subsystem output data combining both robot and vessel motion, the determined vessel motion.

Abstract: A submersible object management (SOM) system for releasing and/or recovering a plurality of submersible objects within a body of liquid includes a hold and a deployment system. The hold is configured to store the plurality of submersible objects. The deployment system is selectively operable to controllably release at least one of the plurality of submersible objects from the hold into submersion in the body of liquid and/or selectively operable to controllably direct at least one of the plurality of submersible objects into the hold from submersion in the body of liquid. The deployment system includes a guide that is selectively extendable to direct the at least one submersible object, the guide including a plurality of extendable guide members configured to engage the at least one submersible object.

Abstract: A submersible object management (SOM) system for releasing and/or recovering a plurality of submersible objects within a body of liquid includes a hold and a deployment system. The hold is configured to store the plurality of submersible objects. The deployment system is selectively operable to controllably release at least one of the plurality of submersible objects from the hold into submersion in the body of liquid and/or selectively operable to controllably direct at least one of the plurality of submersible objects into the hold from submersion in the body of liquid. The deployment system includes a guide that is selectively extendable to direct the at least one submersible object, the guide including a plurality of extendable guide members configured to engage the at least one submersible object.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for launching and recovering an unmanned, water-born vehicle (UWBV) from a mother ship. The UWBV mimics the behavior of dolphins and is positioned ahead of the ship in preparation for bow riding. The UWBV uses a guidance system to position and keep in the bow wave. A high-frequency (HF) sonar transceiver array aboard the ship computes and sends course corrections to maintain the UWBV within the bow wave. The frequency range of the HF array can be 100 kHz or higher due to the short distance between the ship and the UWBV. Accordingly, the HF array can have a small aperture allowing for accurate bearing resolution. Course corrections can be sent on a near-continuous basis such that changes in thrust and rudder angle can be minimized to allow for accurate control of the UWBV.

Abstract: A coupling head 8, coupled to an autonomous underwater vehicle 4 via a rendezvous head 18 that is connectable to or part of the underwater vehicle 4. The coupling head 8 has an alignment stabilizing arrangement 12 for stabilizing its alignment and position in the water below the water surface. The invention further relates to a coupling device 2 having the coupling head 8 and having a cable 10 which is detachably connectable, mechanically, electrically and in a signal-connecting manner, to the coupling head 8, and to a rendezvous device 16 having the rendezvous head 18. The underwater vehicle 4 has the rendezvous head 18 and/or the rendezvous device 16, and a coupling system 1, which comprises at least the coupling and rendezvous heads. The invention further relates to a coupling method 58 and a deployment method 56 of an autonomous underwater vehicle 4 which includes the coupling method 58.

Abstract: A submarine (1) has an assembly (3) for deploying a life raft (5), the assembly (3) being located in a well (7) formed outside the submarine's pressure hull (11). The assembly includes a pressure vessel (4) for storing the life raft (5) in a pressurized state. To deploy underwater, a lid (71) covering an opening to the well (7) is released to permit the assembly (3), which is buoyant, to ascend towards the water surface. A sensor (43) determines proximity to the water surface, whereby a pneumatic ram (42) in the pressure vessel is activated to eject the life raft (5) from the pressure vessel (4).

Abstract: A system for connecting an auxiliary craft and a mother ship includes a cable suspended from the mother ship, a cable tensioner, a mother-ship coupler that is slideably engaged to the cable, a fixture that depends from the auxiliary craft, and an auxiliary-craft coupler. The auxiliary craft is maneuvered to engage the cable. Once engaged, the cable tensioner tensions the cable, thereby maintaining the auxiliary craft in position next to the mother ship. As the cable is tensioned, the auxiliary-craft coupler axially aligns to the mother-ship coupler. After axial alignment, the mother-ship coupler is released to slide into mating engagement with the auxiliary-craft coupler. Mated couplers enable bi-directional electrical or optical communications as well as the transfer of power, fuel or other fluids from the mother ship to the auxiliary craft.

Abstract: An Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) docking system is provided in which the UUV is responsive to a first rotating light beam (which emits from a submarine) to begin a docking procedure. The UUV utilizes a photodetector to detect the first light beam and to guide the UUV toward the submarine by utilizing the first light beam. In one embodiment, the UUV reflects light from the first light beam back to the submarine. A photodetector on the submarine detects the reflected light to ascertain that the UUV is locked onto the first light beam. The submarine then stops rotating the light beam so that a trajectory of the UUV heads in the direction of a docking station which is positioned on the submarine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for launching and retrieving underwater craft from a ship. It consists mainly of a handling cradle for launching and retrieving an underwater vehicle, comprising a frame forming a dorsal ridge and providing an interface between lifting means, a crane for example, and the underwater vehicle. This frame comprises: means for adjusting the overall buoyancy; means for automatically aligning the vehicle with the dorsal ridge formed by the frame; means for grasping the vehicle from the surface after the frame has been aligned with the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the cradle comprises an onboard video camera enabling the operator onboard the ship to ensure that the vehicle attachment and release operations are carried out correctly. The invention advantageously allows the vehicle to be launched and retrieved automatically when the vehicle is under the surface in an area where it is not subject to the effects of the swell.

Abstract: An underwater operations support system facilitates underwater exploration, monitoring, maintenance and construction operations associated with development of natural resources. The operations support system may include energy generation subsystems, energy accumulation subsystems, communication subsystems, docking stations, repair and maintenance robots, housings for divers, and video subsystems. Supported equipment includes ROVs, HROVs, AUVs, and other autonomous and semi-autonomous mobile robots which move materials, perform manual tasks, and survey the environment. Operational efficiency is enhanced by recharging, repairing and reconfiguring vehicles, and transferring data and commands between vehicles and a control station, without moving the vehicle to and from the surface, and without need for a surface ship to remain on site for the duration of operations.

Abstract: A system for connecting an auxiliary craft and a mother ship includes a cable suspended from the mother ship, a cable tensioner, a mother-ship coupler that is slideably engaged to the cable, a fixture that depends from the auxiliary craft, and an auxiliary-craft coupler. The auxiliary craft is maneuvered to engage the cable. Once engaged, the cable tensioner tensions the cable, thereby maintaining the auxiliary craft in position next to the mother ship. As the cable is tensioned, the auxiliary-craft coupler axially aligns to the mother-ship coupler. After axial alignment, the mother-ship coupler is released to slide into mating engagement with the auxiliary-craft coupler. Mated couplers enable bi-directional electrical or optical communications as well as the transfer of power, fuel or other fluids from the mother ship to the auxiliary craft.

Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to a bullet connector for umbilicals, and for a method of disconnecting an umbilical from a bullet connector. The bullet connector described herein comprises a tapered nose cone, a body comprising a cylindrical housing, a cylinder removeably mounted in the cylindrical housing, and a locking plate removeably fastened to the lower region of the cylinder.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus for use in the recovery of unmanned underwater vehicles includes a recovery vehicle configured to be coupled to a winch via a tether. The recovery vehicle includes one or more sensors for locating the unmanned underwater vehicle, a first mechanical linking device for coupling the recovery vehicle to the unmanned underwater vehicle, and a plurality of steering mechanisms for actively guiding the unmanned underwater vehicle in such a way as to allow the first mechanical linking device to capture the unmanned underwater vehicle by locking onto a second mechanical linking device of the unmanned underwater vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment and recovery of an underwater vehicle can be introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. The apparatus has a moveable tube provided with an insertion/extraction device at one of its ends. The device is in the form of a tube or of a ring in a retracted state and in the form of a funnel in an extended state. There is also disclosed a method for deployment and a method for recovery of an underwater vehicle by way of the above-mentioned apparatus that is introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. Additionally, there is disclosed a method for docking an underwater vehicle at a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle provided with the above-mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a submarine (1) of the type that includes a bridge (4), a bridge fin (3) and a device (8) for releasing and recovering a secondary self-propelled underwater vehicle (90), said device (8) including a handling means (8A) which can be used to move the secondary underwater vehicle between a storage zone (18) and a release or recovery zone (19) and a reversible grip means (14) solidly connected to the handling means (8A), which can be used to free the secondary underwater vehicle (90) at the moment of release and to attach said vehicle at the moment of recovery. The release and recovery device (8) is designed such that the release and recovery zone is located outside the turbulent zone (7) that surrounds the moving submarine.

Abstract: A common payload rail externally supports a submerged payload from an unmanned marine vehicle. A vehicle interface module has a conforming surface rigidly secured to the unmanned vehicle and feed-through conduits. A functionality module is secured to the vehicle interface module and contains internal interfacing components to minimize or eliminate any modifications to the payload and vehicle. A payload interface module having feed-through conduits is secured to the functionality module and has longitudinally extending rail structures sized to engage correspondingly shaped longitudinally extending receiving means on the payload.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a vessel floating in a body of water, a line comprising a first portion connected to the vessel and a second portion in the body of water, a tool connected to the second portion of the line, the tool in the body of water below the vessel, a stationary apparatus connected to the second portion of the line, the stationary apparatus in the body of water below the vessel, and a mechanism on the vessel connected to the first portion of the line, the mechanism adapted to keep the line taut as the vessel heaves up and down.

Abstract: An installation and methods for recovering and/or launching a surface marine vehicle or an underwater vehicle (1), in particular an AUV, from a recovery base (5). The installation comprises a floating cage (10) defining a housing (16) in which at least a portion of said vehicle (1) can penetrate, first puller means mounted on said cage and capable of pulling said vehicle into said housing, via a first flexible connection, typically a cable (22), and second puller means (7) for mounting on the recovery base (5) and capable of pulling said cage via a second flexible connection (9, 70) distinct from the first.

Abstract: Systems for tethering an underwater vehicles using a low strength optical fiber tether. The tether system includes, a mechanical fuse that prevents a high load from acting on and severing the tether that is attached to the underwater vehicle, thus allowing use of far smaller cables than typically used. Upon separation of the fuse, a cable payout system pays out an optical fiber that keeps the underwater vehicle, typically a robotic craft, in communication with the surface vessel. The relatively light weight glass fiber may be reinforced and extended to lengths greater than 40 km allowing deep-sea exploration at depths up to 11,000 m.

Abstract: A submarine (1) has an assembly (3) for deploying a life raft (5), the assembly (3) being located in a well (7) formed outside the submarine's pressure hull (11). The assembly includes a pressure vessel (4) for storing the life raft (5) in a pressurized state. To deploy underwater, a lid (71) covering an opening to the well (7) is released to permit the assembly (3), which is buoyant, to ascend towards the water surface. A sensor (43) determines proximity to the water surface, whereby a pneumatic ram (42) in the pressure vessel is activated to eject the life raft (5) from the pressure vessel (4).

Abstract: An underwater operations support system facilitates underwater exploration, monitoring, maintenance and construction operations associated with development of natural resources. The operations support system may include energy generation subsystems, energy accumulation subsystems, communication subsystems, docking stations, repair and maintenance robots, housings for divers, and video subsystems. Supported equipment includes ROVs, HROVs, AUVs, and other autonomous and semi-autonomous mobile robots which move materials, perform manual tasks, and survey the environment. Operational efficiency is enhanced by recharging, repairing and reconfiguring vehicles, and transferring data and commands between vehicles and a control station, without moving the vehicle to and from the surface, and without need for a surface ship to remain on site for the duration of operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment and recovery of an underwater vehicle can be introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. The apparatus has a moveable tube provided with an insertion/extraction device at one of its ends. The device is in the form of a tube or of a ring in a retracted state and in the form of a funnel in an extended state. There is also disclosed a method for deployment and a method for recovery of an underwater vehicle by way of the above-mentioned apparatus that is introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. Additionally, there is disclosed a method for docking an underwater vehicle at a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle provided with the above-mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: An unmanned system performs inspection, identification and/or neutralization of underwater objects. An unmanned vehicle that operates at a water's surface stows underwater crawling and/or swimming vehicles that can operate underneath a water's surface. A winch associated with each robotic vehicle is mounted on the unmanned vehicle. An electro-mechanical tether electrically and mechanically couples a corresponding robotic vehicle to the unmanned vehicle, and is mechanically coupled to a corresponding winch for control of the paying out and reeling in thereof.

Abstract: A device for unwinding a wire providing data transmission of any type (instructions or accounts) between two mobile elements (1) and (7) operating in a fluid, includes one or two reels housed in a winder (2). The winder (2), capable of being dissociated from the two mobile elements (1) and (7) includes stabilizing elements for moving away the reeling point from the launching mobile element (7). The invention is applicable to wire-transmission between a submarine and a self-propelled torpedo.

Abstract: An apparatus that attaches to a moving, typically man-made, underwater object and that is capable of sending a signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, which in some embodiments is configured to look like an underwater organism. Within or on the housing is a coupling device by which the housing couples, advantageously reversibly, to the underwater object. The housing also incorporates a transmitter that generates and transmits a signal. The housing also includes an energy storage device (e.g., capacitor, battery, etc.), which is used to power the transmitter and, as required, the coupling device. The housing also incorporates a generator, which generates the energy that is stored in the energy storage device.