Abstract: An apparatus includes multiple tanks each configured to receive and store a liquid refrigerant under pressure. The apparatus also includes one or more insulated water jackets each configured to receive and retain water around at least part of an associated one of the tanks. The apparatus further includes at least one generator configured to receive a flow of the liquid refrigerant and to generate electrical power based on the flow of the liquid refrigerant. The apparatus also includes one or more first valves configured to control the flow of the liquid refrigerant between the tanks and through the at least one generator. In addition, the apparatus includes one or more second valves configured to control a flow of the water into and out of the one or more insulated water jackets.

Abstract: A method of locating an underwater based system, the method including determining the underwater based system's geo-location, encoding the underwater based system's geo-location for RF transmission, encoding the underwater based system's geo-location for acoustic transmission, and transmitting RF and acoustic signals containing the encoded geo-location to a receiving station. A locator for locating an underwater based system including a buoy, a global positioning system having an antenna and a receiver, an RF transmission system including an antenna and a transmitter, an underwater acoustic transducer, and a locator control unit adapted to determine the underwater based system's geo-location, encode the underwater based system's geo-location for RF transmission, encode the underwater based system's geo-location for acoustic transmission, and transmit RF and underwater acoustic signals containing the encoded geo-location.

Abstract: A submarine is provided with an upwardly directed drilling device (12, 12?). The drilling device (12, 12?) is arranged in a pressure hull (4) of the submarine and has a drill (14, 14?) which can be extended out of the pressure hull (4) through an opening (10) arranged on the upper deck of the submarine. The drill has a drilling head (42, 42?) which forms a closure body which closes the opening (10) of the pressure hull. The drill functions to drill a hole from under an ice sheet to allow occupants of the submarine to exit through the hole.

Abstract: An Endurance Extension Module (EXM) for powering an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. The EXM converts wave motion to locomotive thrust, towing the UUV from point to point or keeping it in place against an opposing current. The EXM may also supply the UUV with electricity for driving an electric motor or powering on-board electronics. The EXM can be refracted onto the UUV when not in use to minimize drag, or it can release the UUV as prologue to a subsequent rendezvous. The EXM-UUV combinations of this invention allow extended autonomous missions over wider territory for purposes such as surveying, monitoring conditions, or delivering cargo.

Abstract: A submarine is provided with an upwardly directed drilling device (12, 12?). The drilling device (12, 12?) is arranged in a pressure hull (4) of the submarine and has a drill (14, 14?) which can be extended out of the pressure hull (4) through an opening (10) arranged on the upper deck of the submarine. The drill has a drilling head (42, 42?) which forms a closure body which closes the opening (10) of the pressure hull.

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: 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: The invention in one variation is a modular recovery apparatus for dispensing a tether spool having a tow line with a float, where the tow line can be used to retrieve an unmanned underwater vehicle and other underwater platforms. The modular recovery apparatus can be triggered underwater or on the surface, and being modular in configuration it is suitable to be fitted to a variety of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The apparatus has a tether spool that is spring loaded, such that when the tether spool is deployed, the spring expels the tether spool with sufficient force to clearly separate it from the UUV. One end of the tow line is typically fastened to a tow point on the UUV, and an opposing end is attached to the float. When the tether spool is deployed, the tow line unwinds from the float, providing a securable length.

Abstract: A submarine escape suit includes an ascent stole (22) for assisting a wearer to ascent to the surface from a submarine. The suit also includes a life preserver stole (26) that can be inflated on reaching the surface, to provide the suit with additional surface buoyancy. The life preserver stole (26) can also be inflated underwater to provide the suit with additional ascent buoyancy, if required.

Abstract: A latch including a first electrical explosive device disposed between first and second surfaces and a second electrical explosive device disposed between said first and second surfaces in series with said first electrical explosive device. In the illustrative embodiment, the vehicle is a missile or torpedo, the first surface is a drag door and the second surface is a vehicle body. In this embodiment, the first electrical explosive device is coupled to the vehicle body on a first end of the device and to a common series attachment on another end thereof and the second electrical explosive device is connected to the common series attachment on a first end and to the drag door on a second end thereof. An arrangement is included for activating the electrical explosive devices to effect a deployment of the drag door with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: A submarine escape suit assembly comprises a submarine escape suit (10) and a liferaft pack (11). The pack (11) is formed by an outer casing (20) that can be pulled open to access a sealed inner casing (21) containing a liferaft. A cord (27) on the inner pack (11) is pulled to commence inflation of the liferaft (10).

Abstract: A submarine escape suit includes an ascent stole (22) for assisting a wearer to ascent to the surface from a submarine. The suit also includes a life preserver stole (26) that can be inflated on reaching the surface, to provide the suit with additional surface buoyancy. The life preserver stole (26) can also be inflated underwater to provide the suit with additional ascent buoyancy, if required.

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: The simulator of the present invention comprises a submersible structure to be used in a body of water, for instance a pool. This structure comprises a bell defining a main chamber. An escape tower is provided over the bell. This escape tower defines an escape chamber communicating with the main chamber. The escape tower has a lower hatch between the main chamber and the escape chamber, and an upper hatch separating the escape chamber from outside the submersible structure. The simulator also comprises a mechanism for vertically moving the submersible structure relative to the water surface. A method of performing underwater submarine escape training is also disclosed. The simulator allows such training to be conducted in a safe and controlled environment.

Abstract: A marine vessel having backup power storage in the event of primary power source failure. The invention applies to different marine vessels and is particularly suited to vessels used in marine seismic operations. A rotating mass energy storage provides stored energy which can be distributed to the vessel following primary power source failure. A pulsed generator charges the energy storage means, and the pulsed generator can comprise a homopolar generator or a compensated pulsed alternator.

Abstract: A launch and retrieval system for a smaller watercraft comprising a cradle for a smaller watercraft, a first vertically oriented drive, a device for securing the cradle to the first drive for vertical movement for launch and retrieval of the watercraft, a second horizontally oriented drive for preferably aft mounting on a larger watercraft. The second drive has a low profile telescoping frame having a first part fixed to the aft mounting device and a telescopic second part. The drive has power device to reciprocate the second part relative to the first. A device is provided for mounting the first drive to the outboard end of the telescopic second part to position thereby the mounting of the first drive to the second drive at about swing platform level. The first drive elevates the cradle to a level for its storage position which permits second drive to retract at least a portion of the cradle to within the second drive.

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: A safety diving backpack, specifically a one-piece, detachable diving backpack, that may serve to dispose water-resistant handlights, life buoys, kettles and spin reel, complete with wires or ropes in the hollow cylinder and in the spaces as provided on both sides and on the underside thereof respectively. The linkage as provided by such wire-ropes to fellow divers allows divers to ask for help from such fellow divers in case of an emergency that befalls a diver equipped accordingly. In addition, by virtue of the striking marks and alarm signals of the headlights and life buoys released at the outbreak of fatal tides or other dangerous situations to the diver, the rescue teams can detect them in time so as to give necessary help to the endangered diver.

Abstract: An underwater cruise device is disclosed which is mounted to a vessel by a vertical telescoping boom. The device includes a diving chair mounted to the vertical boom which can be selectively submerged during diving operations or completely withdrawn from the water for long distance, surface cruising. A concave, transparent shell canopy is mounted to the diving chair, forming an enclosed upper cavity which can contain a breathable gas ambient to surround the head of the seated diver. Controls are provided on the diving chair to enable the submerged diver to control the extension of the vertical boom into the water and the propulsion and steering of the vessel itself. Radio and television communication with the surface can be provided so that the diver can monitor surface conditions while cruising in the submerged diving chair.

Abstract: 1. A shock crush sub-foundation comprising a base, a frame member reinforcing said base, an equipment support member, and deformation absorbing means between said frame member and said equipment support member for absorbing plastic deformation of said base and said base frame member to prevent deformation of said support member, said deformation absorbing means comprising a hollow member containing viscous fluid and having an orifice normally sealed by a diaphragm which is designed to rupture upon plastic deformation of said base member and said frame member.