Abstract: A floatation device is disclosed that comprises a container 10 containing a liquefied gas, a gas chamber (60, FIG. 2) and a remotely operable device 29. The remotely operable device is switchable between a closed state in which fluid communication between the container and the gas chamber is prevented, and an open state in which fluid communication between the container and the gas chamber is enabled and vaporisation of the liquefied gas charges the gas chamber with gas. The liquefied gas may be liquid nitrogen and the container may be heat insulated with an insulating vacuum cavity. A buoyancy unit (40, FIG. 2) which comprises a rigid enclosure (42, FIG. 2) defining an interior volume and a flexible diaphragm (55, FIG. 2) that partitions the interior volume into first and second chambers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water craft (10) includes a hull (12) defining two cavities (18). An inflatable chamber (22) is arranged in each cavity (18), for displacing water from hull (12), in use, to increase the buoyancy of the craft (10). As the chamber (22) is inflated, it expands to reduce the free space available for water in the cavity (18), so as to directly expel water from the cavity (18). The chamber (22) can be deflated, in order to flood the cavity and thereby sink the craft (10). The craft (10) is intended to be operated in a normal buoyant mode and in a submarine mode, and includes propeller means (34). The craft may be in the form of a catamaran-type vessel, a jet-ski, or a submersible tank.

Abstract: A submarine has a pressure hull 20 which includes a number of adjoining transparent viewing sections 21 and 22 in the shape of truncated spheres. The sections 21 and 22 are clamped to a body section 23, 24 by a cage 40 and tension rods 44 which pass slidably through a thrust ring 38 interposed between the transparent sections. Access to a passenger compartment within the pressure hull is obtained via a hatch 32 in a mid section 23. The pressure hull is housed in an external hull designed for surface cruising. Ballast tanks are formed between pressure hull and the external hull, and the tie rods pass through low pressure seals to pivotal anchorage points within the ballast tanks.

Abstract: An unmanned autonomous submarine which can float, dive and move in water to perform various tasks. The submarine includes a pressurized cabin which is necessary for the diving and flotation system to work properly. This also helps to increase its sealing power against water leakage into the cabin. The submarine is autonomous, that is automatic and self controlled. It is propelled by water jet propulsion. It can be programmed to dive to preset depths, move along preset trajectories, and return to the base after completing the assigned tasks. A remote control option is provided in order to perform special tasks. The submarine is equipped with several sensors that can measure depth, orientation, attitude, location and speed. It is also equipped with an underwater video camera that can send wireless video pictures from underwater to a monitor above water surface.

Abstract: A submersible surface-planing vessel has the capability to operate with a lowered profile on surface propulsion to lessen the visibility of the vessel, and sink to the bottom for temporary storage, followed by resurfacing and dewatering to operate as a planing craft. Surface propulsion is provided by an engine system which can be totally sealed when the vessel submerges. A buoyancy system, which may include both open and closed ballast tanks, permit the vessel to sink, refloat or to be of neutral buoyancy as required. The vessel is constructed to maintain the center of buoyancy above the vessel's center of gravity irrespective of the degree of fill of the ballast tanks to maintain the vessel in an upright orientation at all times when under water and transitioning between surface and submerged states.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method, including a gas supply proximate to a worksite, for repetitively recharging the ballast tank of an underwater vehicle as required to control its buoyancy while moving underwater payloads.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for cutting submerged trees at an underwater logging site and for retrieving the cut trees. Once cut, each tree is retrieved to the water surface by an inflatable bag deployed from and inflated by the apparatus. The apparatus includes a control unit positioned on a surface vessel, such as a barge or large boat, and an underwater vessel connected together by an umbilical. Preferably the underwater vessel is a remotely controllable submersible including a grapple for releasably holding each tree to be cut, a saw, a gas supply connectable to a gas source located on the surface vessel, and an air bag deployment and inflation assembly for inflating the air bag and securely attaching it to the tree. The underwater vessel is initially loaded with a plurality of air bags which are stored in a magazine located in the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A device controlling the depth and motion of an object underwater by using a processor to accurately control the volume of gas within, and thereby the buoyancy, depth, and motion (rate of ascent and descent) of, a buoyancy chamber that is attached to the object. The device has a central component incorporating a processor and associated memory, the processor being in communication with: a buoyancy chamber and a means for measuring the volume or level of gas within, at least one gas control mechanism(s) to input and remove gas from the buoyancy chamber; a depth measuring sensor, a power source; a gas source, and an input device to instruct the processor. By manipulating the volume of gas within the buoyancy chamber, using the gas source and the at least one gas control mechanism(s), the processor is able to control the rate of ascent, rate of descent, level of buoyancy, and depth of itself and the object to which it is attached.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating jacket is provided on a waist portion with a pocket having a first flap, a pouch having a flat cord adapted to be inserted into and taken out from the pocket with a weight packed into the pouch. As a guide means for the flat cord, at least one of a substantially C-shaped guide ring provided at a distal end of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle and a groove formed on an outer surface of the pocket and/or an inner surface of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle.

Abstract: An underwater propelling apparatus includes a body and a plurality of vibrating units. The plurality of vibrating units are placed in parallel to each other on a rear side of the body. Each of the plurality of vibrating units vibrates repeatedly and reciprocally to produce thrust.

Abstract: A device for the transport of loads under water which may be used also as a loading bridge, allows to reach great depths under water and comprises a tank (S), two tanks (Sg) and a float (G) in which the pressure automatically remains equal to the external hydrostatic one, due to a valve (V) with four functions that assures the air volume, predetermined in the loading phase, to be constant inside the tank with the variation of the depth.

Abstract: The underwater vehicle disclosed has a selectively energizable propulsion unit for forcible driving the vehicle through the water and at least one resilient gas filled buoyancy element and at least one rigid buoyancy element which is in open contact with the surrounding water when the vehicle is in the water. The volume of the gas in the buoyancy element provides sufficient displacement of the water to keep the vehicle afloat at the surface when unattended or to support a diver. When the vehicle is submerged water pressure will act directly upon and tend to compress the resilient buoyancy element and the gas contained. This reduces the volume of the gas within the buoyancy element and thus reduces buoyancy of that element and the rigid buoyancy element then takes over and becomes neutrally buoyant or slightly positive.

Abstract: Two-way pressure release valves in a shutter reduce the force needed to rotate it from a torpedo tube while the submarine is underway at high speeds. The valves are each mounted in a separate aperture in the shutter and have a pair of biasing springs that hold opposite end surfaces coplanar with outer and inner surfaces of the shutter to prevent generation of objectionable flow-noise while underway. When the shutter is rotated to expose a muzzle door of a torpedo tube, the valves are automatically displaced by pressure differentials created to free pathways for pressure equalization. The water flowing through the valves eliminates the pressure differentials, and consequently, reduces the total amount of force that would otherwise be needed to rotate the shutter.

Abstract: An undersea streamline vehicle having a unique system for gliding ascent, gliding descent, both with and without engine power, and for hovering in the sea for exploratory or research purposes by the provision in the vehicle of buoyancy chambers or bladders offset from the vehicle center of gravity, wherein the chambers include a piston element in a cylinder open to the sea environment. A control system effects selected positioning of the piston, thereby to regulate inflow of the sea into the cylinder or expulsion of sea water from the cylinder, thereby to vary the buoyancy of the vehicle vis-à-vis its center of gravity to control the rate of glide of the vehicle upwardly or downwardly, or to attain a stationary hover position. Ailerons and tail planes facilitate controlled direction of travel. A compressed air system precludes leakage of seawater into the buoyancy chamber.

Abstract: A submersible and semi-submersible watercraft for swimmers and divers having a body shaped in the form of a stingray. The watercraft has at least one interior shell or ballaster for stabilizing the vehicle during a submerged mode. The weight of a user is used in combination with the weight of the vehicle to simultaneously semi-submerge the vehicle or alternatively prime the motors. A dual in-line motor system is used for providing propulsion and is electrically connected to a throttle hand control unit with illumination switches disposed adjacent thereto for speed control and night illumination respectively. The hand control(s) provide at least one of rotatable and angular control of the water craft as well. A processing unit is optionally provided for digital readouts of time, pressure and voltage readings, including an on/off control switch for activating and deactivating the watercraft.

Abstract: The underwater dive vehicle disclosed has a selectively energizable propulsion unit for forcible driving the vehicle through the water and at least one resilient gas filled buoyancy element which is in open contact with the surrounding water when the vehicle is in the water. The volume of the gas in the buoyancy element provides sufficient displacement of the water to keep the vehicle afloat at the surface when unattended or to support a diver. When the vehicle is submerged water pressure will act directly upon and tend to compress the resilient buoyancy element and the gas contained therein. This reduces the volume of the gas within the buoyancy element and thus reduces buoyancy of that element. Sealed housings such as those surrounding parts of the propulsion unit are filled with a non-conductive and non-corrosive liquid to prevent distortion and subsequent leaking of the seals, and non-moveable electrical components are encased in waterproof epoxy.

Abstract: A ballast system for toy submarines comprises a plumbing device, a flexible bag, a piece of wire and a rod. The ballast system draws water in and forces water out by decompressing and compressing the flexible bag.

Abstract: Submersible boat is capable of navigating both on the water surface and submerged, the diving taking place by dynamic effect when the operator requires it, the boat having a catamaran type structure, comprising two side floats which are maintained partially under the water-line while its cabin is kept totally above the water-line when the boat navigates at the water surface. Fins situated between the floats provide for the steerability of the boat, both submerged and at the water surface, while the thrust is generated by a pair of propellers situated at the lower end of the floats and actuated by diesel engines when the boat navigates on top of the water or is submerged in shallow waters, but in deep waters the engines are substituted by electric motors run by batteries.

Abstract: A hybrid boat and underwater craft and method for operating an underwater craft having positive buoyancy, a three-point stabilization system and vertical thruster and a system for enhanced buoyancy at the surface.

Abstract: A hull and backup valve assembly for a submarine includes a valve body made of the same material as the hull; thus, the valve body can be welded directly to the hull. The flow path of the valve is straight and disposed at an angle relative to the surface of the hull, facilitating the removal of the valves' components for inspection and repair. Corrosion resistance is obtained through the extensive use of clad overlays and internal barriers that completely protect the steel surfaces from seawater contact. The valve stem is made of a titanium alloy and mates directly to the rack of a hydraulic actuator, thereby further reducing the parts and volume required for the valve assembly.

Abstract: A submersible boat is provided which utilizes a planing boat hull with a sharp bow and blunt stern. The submersible boat performs as a planing boat until it nears the target location. Then, the boat submerges in order to avoid detection. After this vessel submerges, it travels with the blunt end forward and the sharp end aft.

Abstract: The submersible vehicle system of the present invention comprises a unitary ndersea vehicle composed of a rigid hull submersible mated to an inflated auxiliary submersible. Both the rigid hull submersible and the auxiliary submersible may be initially stored aboard a mother vessel. The auxiliary submersible is provided with one or more compartments for storing fuel and/or ballast, either positive or negative.

Abstract: A diving boat wherein an air tank, water tank and navigating apparatus are provided, air within the air tank is fed into the watertight boat body and excess air produced thereby is discharged into water outside the boat body through an automatic balance type pressure regulating valve so that the air pressure within the boat body may be kept substantially the same as the water pressure outside the boat body.

Abstract: A submergible vehicle capable of untethered, fixed depth operation is provided with a rigid walled buoyancy chamber (40) adapted for accommodation of varying volumes of water and buoyancy gas. The chamber is provided with a valving system to adjust the volumes of gas and water within the chamber and therefore control the operating depth of the vehicle. Gas is provided by a high pressure source (10) thereof, the gas also serving to positively pressurize a hull (15) of the vehicle to accommodate the compressive loading thereof by water exteriorly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gas control valve (802) has an inlet needle jet (812) and an outlet (816), the communication between which is controlled by a valve member (808) carried by a rod (807) connected to a diaphragm (804) which divides a chamber (806), open to ambient pressure, from a chamber (805) which has an inlet connected to a buoyancy chamber (100) of buoyancy apparatus in which the valve is incorporated. The inlet (816) is also connected to the buoyancy chamber (100). By the inclusion of an ascent sensing control valve (801) sensing to trigger a venting valve (106), the buoyancy control apparatus is capable of producing hovering in water.

Abstract: A water craft including an inflatable buoyancy chamber, by inflation and deflation of the buoyancy chamber the buoyancy of the craft, floating or submerged, can be regulated. The water craft includes a buoyancy control apparatus for controlling inflation and deflation of the buoyancy chamber via air supplied by a source of compressed gas. The buoyancy control apparatus includes an operator actuable control which sends control signals to a venting device, to a descent device, to an ascent device or to a hovering device.

Abstract: A self-propelled manned submersible vehicle of the type comprising a pressure-resistant capsule (1) serving as a cabin, ballast tanks (3, 8), releasable ballast (7), propulsion units (4) having propellers driven by electric motors, and storage batteries (42), the pressure-resistant capsule (1) comprises a peripheral window constituted by a vertical cylindrical sleeve (19) which is entirely transparent, the sleeve is of sufficient diameter to house a plurality of people sitting side-by-side, and extends upwardly from a hemispherical bottom (14) and downwardly from a spherical cap (16) which is extended by a cylindrical conning tower (21) which is closed by a hatch (22).

Abstract: A model submarine has an inherent "fail safe" feature, so that the submarine (if submerged) will rise to its periscope depth in the event the submarine encounters a stationary object, or in the event a power failure occurs. Power is supplied by a single submersible motor-pump unit within a free-flooding hull. The motor-pump unit supplies a pressurized water discharge for, first, forward propulsion of the submarine via the discharge nozzle of an ejector pump; and second, for hydraulic control of the diving and steering maneuvers. The ejector pump has a venturi for aspirating fluid out of the ballast tank. An automatic depth control feature assures that the submarine will level off to a desired predetermined depth when a diving command signal is given; and the desired predetermined depth is adjustable.

Abstract: A semi-submersible crane vessel has a chamber (3) which is open to the sea at the bottom. A piston (4) is movable up and down in the chamber by means of hydraulic jacks (5 and 6) acting on piston rod (7). The part (10) of the chamber above the piston contains air, which may be pressurized via air valve (13) to balance the pressure on both sides of the piston. To stabilize the vessel during movement of a load on the crane (2), the piston is moved in the chamber. This alters the underwater volume of the vessel and therefore its buoyancy.

Abstract: A diving model submarine utilizes an automatic depth level control mechanism, water jet propulsion, a water powered aspirator for ballast tank evacuation, hydraulic control of steering, diving plane attitude, and ballast tank valve action. The model diving submarine is controlled by radio signals and fires torpedos.

Abstract: A semi-submersible marine craft for operation on the surface or in a semi-submerged condition has a pair of spaced parallel tubular water ballast floats disposed horizontally on either side of a vertical middle plane. The floats are disposed symmetrically relative to a central nacelle incorporating the power unit for propelling the craft and comprising a watertight cabin for the passengers. Control apparatus are provided for submerging and surfacing the craft, and the necessary control and safety apparatus for operating the craft. The floats and the nacelle have a frame structure made of an assembly of stainless steel sections which are covered by a skin of synthetic material. The nacelle has a cabin with a transparent semi-spherical front portion and side windows. On top of the cabin is hingedly mounted a dome for entry into the craft. Releasable ballast are disposed under the nacelle.

Abstract: A submersible unit comprises a portable, open or closed bottomed pneumatic chamber mounted on flexible drive tracks controlled by personnel from the chamber for operation along the bottom of a body of water, on the surface, at intermediate levels, in the air and on land. A safety chamber, connected to the submersible unit by an extendable linkage, can limit the depth of submergence of the submersible unit, stores cargo and carries power. Flooded compartments in the submersible unit and the safety chamber are supplied with compressed air to control the supported load and depth of submergence. Various accessories carried by the underwater unit enable the performance of a number of different on and under the water and land based tasks. A special pneumatic circuit enables equipment and propulsion to be controlled by touch control panels. A majority of operations are contained within the machine to minimize contamination of surrounding areas.

Abstract: Vessels and the like require cleaning either periodically or whenever a need arises to remove various living things such as seaweeds and shells or contaminants such as oil for the sake of appearance and proper performance. Divers were conventionally employed to manually remove them one by one using a scraper as one means to remove such substances. Such manual operation is, however, extremely inefficient, involving great amounts of time and labor especially for large ships. According to the present invention, the main body of a cleaning apparatus is pressed against an underwater object to be cleaned by means of impellers which are provided substantially at the center of the main body and driven to rotate, whereby cleaning brushes which are provided at the bottom of the cleaning apparatus concentrically with the impellers are rotated to remove substances adherent to the object while the cleaning apparatus is manipulated to run on the object's surface.

Abstract: An improved ocean bottom seismometer is disclosed wherein a skirted spherical configuration provides bottom weight and provides a sealed area for seawater ballast which may be ejected to provide positive buoyancy for retrieval.

Abstract: A device for venting gas from an expansible gas chamber (lifejacket, lifting bag, etc.) of an underwater buoyancy apparatus. The device comprises a monitoring device which monitors the rate of ascent of the expansible gas chamber and provides a control signal when the ascent velocity exceeds a predetermined speed. A venting valve assembly controls the venting of gas from the expansible gas chamber and is responsive to the control signal to vent gas reducing the buoyancy of the expansible gas chamber.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle driven by endless propulsion tracks. The wheels are sufficiently bouyant to maintain the upper section of the endless track above the water line when the vehicle is fully loaded. A series of generally linear cleat segments project from the outer surface of the endless track and extend substantially across the width of the track. The cleat segments are arranged in a zig-zag pattern about the length of the endless track in order to provide a combination of forward and lateral thrust components as the endless track is rotated about the wheels. The generally longitudinal character of the cleat pattern reduces the chance of mud and loose soil being carried on the cleats to the top portion of the endless track. In one embodiment of the invention, four pneumatic tire wheel assemblies are provided in longitudinally spaced relation along each side of the vehicle and a pair of endless tracks, each trained around two adjacent wheel assemblies, are provided on each side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A submersible watercraft has two hulls constructed as submarines disposed generally parallel to and spaced apart from each other. A submersible pilot's cab is disposed generally above the two hulls approximately in a longitudinal symmetry plane defined between the hulls. The two hulls and the pilot's cab are rigidly interconnected by tubular struts.

Abstract: Atmospheric conditions experienced by a vehicle are controlled in response to the sensing of an absolute value of a parameter indicative of desired conditions and thereafter, when conditions within an acceptable range are achieved, in response to a differential sensing of variations of the parameter from that achieved on the basis of the absolute sensing.

Abstract: The principal element of a rescue equipment for submarine vehicles includes a principal gas generator in which hydrazine is forced through a catalytic reactor causing the hydrazine to decompose and the developed gas is used to blow a ballast tank. The hydrazine is moved into and through the reaction chamber by operation of a second pilot gas generator likewise operating on the principle of decomposing hydrazine and being operated in a regenerative feedback fashion through a differential piston arrangement so that upon an initial triggering the gas developed by the pilot gas generator drives the differential piston so that increasing pressure is available for driving auxiliary hydrazine through the reaction chamber of the pilot gas generator until a stable operating point is attained. This operating point is automatically adjusted to the effective water pressure against which the principal gas generator has to operate to thereby render blowing time of the ballast tank independent from the depth of the vehicle.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle driven by endless propulsion tracks. The wheels are sufficiently bouyant to maintain the upper section of the endless track above the water line when the vehicle is fully loaded. A series of generally linear cleat segments project from the outer surface of the endless track and extend substantially across the width of the track. The cleat segments are arranged in a zig-zag pattern about the length of the endless track in order to provide a combination of forward and lateral thrust components as the endless track is rotated about the wheels. The generally longitudinal character of the cleat pattern reduces the chance of mud and loose soil being carried on the cleats to the top portion of the endless track.

Abstract: The invention is a safety circuit for torpedoes which causes lead weights be ejected when the torpedo is not running and is below a predetermined depth. It uses a CMOS multivibrator and NAND gates to pulse power to the existing pressure transducer and a comparator. This comparator checks depth and alternator power. When conditions are met, it holds power on and after five seconds, causes the weights to be dropped.The circuit is powered by existing batteries in the torpedo exercise head. To minimize any effect on the battery life, a strobbing technique is used where voltage is switched on for only a few milliseconds once every ten seconds. Depth is checked by the use of the comparator. One comparator input is connected to the torpedo's depth transducer and the other to a reference voltage in accordance with the predetermined depth limit. When the transducer voltage exceeds the reference voltage, the comparator turns on.One output from the comparator then latches-on for as long as the comparator is on.

Abstract: A twin-hull watercraft in which the two hulls are disposed parallel to and spaced apart from each other and rigidly connected by means of tubular struts. The hulls and struts take the form of tight pressure vessels which are provided with cells that can be flooded and blown. A pilot's cab designed as a third pressure vessel is arranged on a vertical superstructure above the hulls, approximately in the longitudinal center plane.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable water sled device is disclosed which includes a joystick for controlling a rudder and an elevator. The base of the water sled device is provided with upwardly extending, hollow side, front and rear walls which are individually fillable with water to vary the buoyancy of the device. A preferred embodiment of this invention further includes a hydrofoil assembly downwardly extending from a forward section of the device and a flotation mattress attached to an upper surface of the device to provide for user comfort and to further allow the buoyancy of the device to be controlled.

Abstract: A submersible watercraft has at least one watertight hull and a diver-exit vessel adapted to accommodate a diver is detachably connected to the watercraft by a sealable diver-exit port which enables divers to pass between the diver-exit vessel and the watercraft. The diver-exit vessel has a buoyancy and hauling apparatus such as a pair of ropes link the diver-exit vessel to the watercraft when the diver-exit vessel is not docked at the diver-exit port.

Abstract: Sleeve valve for a tank having an opening therein.

Abstract: A compressed fluid hover control system for a submersible buoy in which the water level in a buoyancy chamber is controlled in accordance with external water pressure and predetermined levels of water in the buoyancy chamber. More specifically, a submersible buoy having a fluid-containing chamber containing a compressed fluid is connected to a buoyancy chamber by a gas inlet valve. A gas exhaust valve connects an upper portion of the buoyancy chamber to the surrounding water and a relief duct connects a lower portion of the buoyancy chamber to the surrounding water. Both the gas inlet and gas exhaust valves are controlled by a valve control circuit which opens and closes the valves in accordance with predetermined criteria related to water levels within the buoyancy chamber and the depth of the buoy as determined by a water pressure transducer.

Abstract: A system for varying specific gravity of a submersible or any immersed obt under a pressurized environment which includes a compressible piston designed to collapse a certain amount proportional to the submersible's depth so that the specific gravity of the submersible or other immersed object varies and remains almost equal to the specific gravity of the surrounding medium such as water.

Abstract: An auxiliary gas source for blowing a ballast tank of a submarine craft includes a casing with a store for pressure gas, a container for liquid and a gas generator proper into which the liquid can be forced by the gas. The liquid is contained in a flexible bag and the pressure gas acts on the bag from the outside, to be separately discharged as a supplemental supply of gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled shark-proof cage which is provided with at least one access opening and a propeller mounting frame having pivot means coupling it to the cage so that the propeller mounting frame is pivotal about two axes at right angles to each other, and the propeller mounting frame carries on it an air motor and a propeller. The frame is provided with buoyancy means so that it can be made to be of approximately the same gravity as sea-water, and the air motor is driven by compressed air so that the cage can be propelled through the water, thereby enabling abalone divers to collect abalone without fear of predators and, beacause of less exertion, for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A submersible boat is provided which utilizes a planing boat hull with a sharp bow and blunt stern. The submersible boat performs as a planing boat until it nears the target location. Then, the boat submerges in order to avoid detection. After this vessel submerges, it travels with the blunt end forward and the sharp end aft.