Abstract: A hydro power generating system and device is configured to generate electrical power from the movement of water. The device consists of an elongated cylindrical hull to which comprises of a helical screw attached around the outer surface of a hull of the device. Movement of water over the screw causes the hull to rotate. The power created by the rotation of the hull is transferred to a generator located in the hull interior. The hull also contains water ballast tanks and a compressed air source in an air tank allowing adjusting the buoyancy of the device. The system is configured to couple adjacent devices in an array that can extend longitudinally, laterally and/or vertically via a common frame. At least a pair of counter-rotating screws is attached to a common frame, wherein the entire assembly of the system is anchored in flowing water.

Abstract: An oceanic offshore system and method for generating electric power which comprises a structure positioned at an offshore location. A power generating module is mounted on the structure, the power generating module including a turbine, an electric power generator coupled to the turbine, and a generating source of power fluid for the turbine resulting from the combustion of a fossil fuel. There is a capture system connected to the generating source for transferring carbon dioxide combustion gases to a subsea location for sequestration of CO2.

Abstract: A propeller system includes a rotatable housing having at least one propeller blade mounted thereon and an electric pitch control motor within the rotatable housing. A pitch control member is coupled to the propeller blade and extends through a wall of the rotatable housing. The pitch control motor is configured to move the pitch control member and to thereby vary the pitch of the propeller blade.

Abstract: A fan for providing thrust including at least one blade, a hub adapted to carry the at least one blade, a hub motor adapted to rotate the hub 360 degrees about a first axis extending perpendicular to the at least one blade, a first mount adapted to carry the hub, and a first mount motor adapted to rotate the hub 360 degrees about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and extending through the first mount first and second side securing points. The first mount may include a first mount first side securing point adapted to pivotally carry the hub, and a first mount second side securing point adapted to pivotally carry the hub.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle may include a first propulsion element disposed on a first swivel holder, a first drive motor that is able to drive the first propulsion element, and a swivel mechanism that is able to move the first swivel holder relative to an outer hull of the underwater vehicle from a swiveled-in position into a swiveled-out position. The underwater vehicle can detect a given event automatically under water. In response to the detection of the event, the underwater vehicle may activate the swivel mechanism. The activated swivel mechanism may then move the first swivel holder into the swiveled-out position.

Abstract: A propeller system with directional thrust control comprising a hub, a plurality of blade attachment apparatuses attached to the hub, and a plurality of blades, each blade of the plurality of blades being attached to a blade attachment apparatus of the plurality of blade attachment apparatuses. The hub is operable to rotate about a rotation axis thereof. The plurality of blades is attached to the hub via the plurality of blade attachment apparatuses such that the plurality of blades rotates about the rotation axis of the hub when the hub rotates about the rotation axis thereof. Each blade attachment apparatus of the plurality of blade attachment apparatuses is operable to rotate the blade attached thereto about a blade rotation axis.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic compact drive for underwater use and for driving an output element includes a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump, and an electric motor as components of the electro-hydraulic compact drive. The hydraulic motor has an output shaft. The hydraulic pump supplies the hydraulic motor with hydraulic fluid via a working line. The hydraulic pump is driven by the electric motor. The components of the electro-hydraulic compact drive are located in a closed container filled with a hydraulic fluid. The container has an opening for coupling the output shaft of the hydraulic motor to the output element. The electro-hydraulic compact drive forms a closed unit that contains the complete electric motor/hydraulic pump/hydraulic motor arrangement. The compact drive combines the advantages of the high power density of hydraulics with a decentralized electric direct drive. The handling of the drive is simplified, thus also simplifying the control of underwater vehicles and machines.

Abstract: A propulsion system, for use by a swimmer in both on-water and underwater applications, includes at least one power supply unit attachable about a sleeve secured about a forearm of the swimmer, at least one corresponding propulsion unit including a motor and an impeller, the motor in electrical communication with the motor controller, the propulsion unit within a housing, the unit extending in a direction laterally offset from the forearm, near to the wrist and away from the head of the swimmer; and control apparatus for the power and propulsion units. The control apparatus includes elements for controlling pitch of an axis of the propulsion unit relative to a forearm of the swimmer, the control elements including a pivotally secured bracket, and elements for control of the level of power provided to the propulsion unit, in which each of the rotating and control apparatus are positioned for ease of accessibility by a hand of the swimmer.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of seismic autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed. In one embodiment, the AUV comprises a buoyant body coupled to a pressure vessel that contains substantially all of the AUV's electronic components. The pressure vessel may comprise a plurality of composite components coupled together by a metallic ring to provide a substantially cylindrical shape to the pressure vessel. The AUV body provides lift to the AUV during lateral movement and compensates for an overall negative buoyancy of the AUV. The AUV may include a plurality of thrusters for propulsion. A vertical thruster may be used to create an upwards attack angle during takeoff and to maintain depth and orientation during flight. During normal flight operations, the AUV is configured to travel horizontally and vertically in a body of water by using only the horizontal thrusters.

Abstract: In the case of a variable-pitch propeller or repeller according to the invention, the pitch-adjusting device is arranged in the hub and formed in such a way that it allows only a numerically limited number of different blade pitches, preferably just two blade pitches, for which purpose the pitch-adjusting device comprises an electrical drive device, for moving the blades from a first blade pitch to a second of the numerically limited number of blade pitches, and an electrically actuable locking device, for locking the blades in the numerically limited number of different blade pitches.

Abstract: A submersible vessel comprising: an elongated hull; at least one propeller mounted on a forward end of said hull and adapted to move said hull through water; said at least one propeller being of a size and configuration such that when it is rotated at an appropriate speed, it generates supercavitated water flowing from said at least one propeller and thence along an outer surface of said hull so as to diminish friction on the outer surface of said hull and facilitate high underwater speeds.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle with increased payload and energy savings, more particularly, a submersible vehicle, which may be an unmanned underwater vehicle, with high maneuvering cyclic-pitch postswirl propulsors. The high maneuvering cyclic-pitch postswirl propulsor arrangements are a bow thrust vectoring arrangement and a stern thrust vectoring arrangement. The bow thrust vectoring arrangement is a two-part arrangement having a forward/reverse element and a turning element. Similarly, the stern thrust vectoring arrangement is also a two-part arrangement having a forward/reverse element and a turning element.

Abstract: An underwater excavation apparatus having various mechanisms for moving the underwater excavation apparatus that are provided on or adjacent to the apparatus is described. The mechanisms for moving the underwater excavation apparatus provide for orienting, positioning, rotating, counteracting reactive torque and/or steering the apparatus.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising a command module, first and second buoyant tubular foils, and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively, wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all buoyancy required for the marine vessel, and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through water, and means for reducing drag on the vessel as the vessel moves through water.

Abstract: A propulsor and control system for an underwater vehicle (35) having annular fore and aft circumferential shrouds (4 & 5) surrounding the hull (2). The fore and aft circumferential shrouds (4 & 5) form respective fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps (6 & 16) between the fore and aft circumferential shrouds (4 & 5) and the hull (2). Fore and aft propulsor blades (7 & 17) are situated substantially or completely within the fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps (6 & 16); the blades counter-rotate in one preferred embodiment. The fore or aft circumferential ring propulsors (2 & 3) can have front control vanes (13 & 22) located in front of the respective propulsors, and back control vanes (11 & 22) located behind the respective propulsors to control the direction of the flow of water in order to maneuver the underwater vehicle (35). Other embodiments are shown.

Abstract: A submersible vessel comprising: an elongated hull; at least one propeller mounted on a forward end of said hull and adapted to move said hull through water; said at least one propeller being of a size and configuration such that when it is rotated at an appropriate speed, it generates supercavitated water flowing from said at least one propeller and then along an outer surface of said hull so as to diminish friction on the outer surface of said hull and facilitate high underwater speeds.

Abstract: A method for operating a submersible vehicle includes, responsive to detection of a vortex ring undesirably affecting the vehicle and/or at least one vehicle condition indicating the presence of a vortex ring undesirably affecting the vehicle, initiating at least one control action to mitigate the effect of the vortex ring on the vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect, a submarine with a boat hull and a propulsion drive for the submarine the propulsion drive is arranged outside the boat hull and comprises a housing and a first electric motor, with the housing embodying a channel for a flow of water through the channel in a main direction of flow from an inlet to an outlet of the channel, and with the first electric motor featuring a rotor which is arranged in the channel and is supported rotatably around an axis of rotation in the housing, with the rotor being embodied in the shape of a ring with a ring inner side and a ring outer side, and with blades for propelling the submarine being arranged on the ring inner side of the rotor.

Abstract: A submersible vessel comprising: an elongated hull; at least one propeller mounted on a forward end of said hull and adapted to move said hull through water; said at least one propeller being of a size and configuration such that when it is rotated at an appropriate speed, it generates supercavitated water flowing from said at least one propeller and thence along an outer surface of said hull so as to diminish friction on the outer surface of said hull and facilitate high underwater speeds.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising a command module, first and second buoyant tubular foils, and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively, wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all buoyancy required for the marine vessel, and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through water, and means for reducing drag on the vessel as the vessel moves through water.

Abstract: A remotely controlled submersible with a circular profile. A shaft crosses the submersible at the center on the pitch axis that is fixed to the external shell holding the thrusters. From this shaft the framework of the submersible hangs with all of the essential components and any additional weight required gaining the desired buoyancy. A motor such as a servo motor is mounted to the framework and is coupled to a gear, sprocket or pulley that is fixed on the center shaft. When activated the motor rotates the shell of the submersible along with the thrusters to the desired pitch while the internal frame remains low. The design of the submersible external body in relation with the internal body allows the submersible to pitch and maintain stability with a fixed center of buoyancy and center of gravity.

Abstract: An underwater assembly includes: a hull having an internal cavity that is in fluid communication with the external environment; an inductive actuator mounted within the cavity of the hull; a current source mounted in the hull and electrically connected to the actuator; and a movable member connected with the actuator and positioned external of the hull. Provision of current to the actuator causes the movable member to move relative to the hull.

Abstract: In one aspect, a submarine with a boat hull and a propulsion drive for the submarine the propulsion drive is arranged outside the boat hull and comprises a housing and a first electric motor, with the housing embodying a channel for a flow of water through the channel in a main direction of flow from an inlet to an outlet of the channel, and with the first electric motor featuring a rotor which is arranged in the channel and is supported rotatably around an axis of rotation in the housing, with the rotor being embodied in the shape of a ring with a ring inner side and a ring outer side, and with blades for propelling the submarine being arranged on the ring inner side of the rotor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an underwater vehicle for spearfishing, comprises a carrier unit, at least one actuator unit connected to the carrier unit and having a motor and a propeller driven by the motor to rotate, at least one image acquiring unit connected to the carrier unit for acquiring images, and at least one spearing unit connected to the carrier unit and including an air cylinder, a spear shaft driven by the air cylinder to move forwards and backwards, and a spear tip connected to a front end of the spear shaft for catching targeted animals. The underwater vehicle of the present invention provides necessary assistance to a user to carry out underwater activities and spearfishing in an easy and safe manner without the need of being accompanied by a professional instructor.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing thrust adjustment on an underwater vehicle with a propeller shroud is disclosed. A portion of the vehicles body is provided with a compliant surface such that expansion and contraction of the compliant surface affects the flow of water through a channel formed by the vehicle body and the propeller shroud, resulting in variable thrust on the vehicle.

Abstract: A remotely operated underwater vehicle includes a case to which is attached a camera for transmitting video to a remotely located base station. A tether having four pairs of twisted wire operably connects the underwater vehicle, and the camera to the base station. Video is transmitted from the camera to the base station on a pair of twisted wire.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a shaftless external propulsion system as described herein provides a sleeve configured to be externally mounted over a hull of a marine vehicle. In addition, the shaftless propulsion system provides a rotor and a first stator mounted on the sleeve. The rotor includes a rotor hub that cooperates with a rotor bearing to enable the rotor to rotate about the sleeve, the rotor further comprising rotor blades attached to the rotor hub. The rotor and the first stator are disposed between a collar located at a first end of the sleeve and a collar hub located at an opposite end of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an underwater vehicle for spearfishing, comprises a carrier unit, at least one actuator unit connected to the carrier unit and having a motor and a propeller driven by the motor to rotate, at least one image acquiring unit connected to the carrier unit for acquiring images, and at least one spearing unit connected to the carrier unit and including an air cylinder, a spear shaft driven by the air cylinder to move forwards and backwards, and a spear tip connected to a front end of the spear shaft for catching targeted animals. The underwater vehicle of the present invention provides necessary assistance to a user to carry out underwater activities and spearfishing in an easy and safe manner without the need of being accompanied by a professional instructor.

Abstract: A device for destroying subsea objects comprising a first part 2 provided with propulsive units, a second part 4 which can pivot relative to the first part on an axis, so that the device can approach a subsea object from different directions, and a fairing 3 protecting the second part 4.

Abstract: A propulsion system is provided for an underwater vehicle such as a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Two propellers are independently driven by motors, while the orientation of the propellers is simultaneously controlled by a third motor. A means is provided for reprogramming the control electronics that can be disabled when the vehicle is underwater. The control electronics also provides that all signals including video are transmitted to a base station without requiring coaxial cable.

Abstract: In one aspect, a submarine with a boat hull and a propulsion drive for the submarine the propulsion drive is arranged outside the boat hull and comprises a housing and a first electric motor, with the housing embodying a channel for a flow of water through the channel in a main direction of flow from an inlet to an outlet of the channel, and with the first electric motor featuring a rotor which is arranged in the channel and is supported rotatably around an axis of rotation in the housing, with the rotor being embodied in the shape of a ring with a ring inner side and a ring outer side, and with blades for propelling the submarine being arranged on the ring inner side of the rotor.

Abstract: A diving device is provided herein. The diving device includes a sealed main body and an actuator. The sealed main body has a flexible portion disposed on one part of the sealed main body. The flexible portion is controlled by the actuator to change the volume of the diving device. Therefore, a force is generated to drive the diving device moving upward or downward.

Abstract: An underwater assembly includes: a hull having an internal cavity that is in fluid communication with the external environment; an inductive actuator mounted within the cavity of the hull; a current source mounted in the hull and electrically connected to the actuator; and a movable member connected with the actuator and positioned external of the hull. Provision of current to the actuator causes the movable member to move relative to the hull.

Abstract: A propulsion system is provided for an underwater vehicle such as a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Two propellers are independently driven by motors, while the orientation of the propellers is simultaneously controlled by a third motor. A means is provided for reprogramming the control electronics that can be disabled when the vehicle is underwater. The control electronics also provides that all signals including video are transmitted to a base station without requiring coaxial cable.

Abstract: With an unmanned underwater vessel having a pressure hull, drive assembly and at least one ancillary device arranged on the pressure hull, for example a propeller protection apparatus (15), the at least one ancillary device (15) is fixedly connected to a lifting body (16), which has a lower density than the density of the water, in order to make it possible to replace the ancillary devices or to arrange additional ancillary devices on the pressure hull without changing the trim of the underwater vessel as a result. The density and volume of the lifting body (16) are selected such that the lifting force acting in the water on the ancillary device (15) and the lifting body (16) compensates for the force of gravity acting on the ancillary device (15) and the lifting body (16).

Abstract: An ice fishing submarine for carrying an end portion of a fishing line radially away from an ice fishing hole comprising: i) a hull enclosing a propulsion system which includes a battery which powers an electric motor which turns a propeller; ii) a power switch to begin propulsion away from the ice hole; and, iii) a tether having an unfixed end secured to the submarine and configured to interrupt power to the propulsion system when the tether becomes taut. When the submarine travels the distance of the length of the tether radially away from the ice hole the tether then becomes taut thereby automatically switching power off to the propulsion system of the submarine, and thereby eliminating the necessity of running control wires extending down through the ice hole to the submarine and monitoring the travel of the submarine to turn off power at an appropriate time.

Abstract: A propulsion system is provided for an underwater vehicle such as a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Two propellers are independently driven by motors, while the orientation of the propellers is simultaneously controlled by a third motor. A means is provided for reprogramming the control electronics that can be disabled when the vehicle is underwater. The control electronics also provides that all signals including video are transmitted to a base station without requiring coaxial cable.

Abstract: A tailcone assembly for an undersea vehicle includes a first tailcone portion having a cavity and a second tailcone portion positionable in and axially extensible from the cavity. An extensible drive shaft is provided for joining the vehicle's engine to a propeller. The extensible drive shaft includes a first drive shaft joined to the engine, and a second drive shaft rotating with the first drive shaft. The second drive shaft is supported by the second tailcone portion and is axially extensible from the first drive shaft upon deployment of the second portion. The propeller is positioned on the second drive shaft outside the second portion. A biasing means is provided between the tailcone portions for deploying the second portion.

Abstract: With an unmanned underwater vessel having a pressure hull, drive assembly and at least one ancillary device arranged on the pressure hull, for example a propeller protection apparatus (15), the at least one ancillary device (15) is fixedly connected to a lifting body (16), which has a lower density than the density of the water, in order to make it possible to replace the ancillary devices or to arrange additional ancillary devices on the pressure hull without changing the trim of the underwater vessel as a result. The density and volume of the lifting body (16) are selected such that the lifting force acting in the water on the ancillary device (15) and the lifting body (16) compensates for the force of gravity acting on the ancillary device (15) and the lifting body (16).

Abstract: A diving device is provided herein. The diving device includes a sealed main body and an actuator. The sealed main body has a flexible portion disposed on one part of the sealed main body. The flexible portion is controlled by the actuator to change the volume of the diving device. Therefore, a force is generated to drive the diving device moving upward or downward.

Abstract: A submarine is comprised of a hull with an external seat on top and a backrest behind the seat. A control column and a grab handle are positioned in front of the seat. External drive motors attached to the hull drive propellers housed in protective cages. Servo driven dive planes and stern rudders provide directional control. Batteries are attached to a mounting plate positioned in channels inside the hull. The control column, drive motors, dive planes, rudders, and batteries are connected to a controller. A detachable safety key tethered to the rider is arranged to disable the drive motors and control column if the rider falls off and pulls the key from the hull. A water sensor on top of the backrest is arranged to prevent the diving planes from pitching down when the sensor detects water for limiting diving depth.

Abstract: Apparatus (50) for deploying an object to an underwater target position, the apparatus being provided with a beacon to transmit acoustic rays, a plurality of thrusters (56(i), i=1, 2, . . . I, I being an integer) to control positioning of the apparatus with respect to the underwater target position, and a sound velocity meter to measure velocity of sound in a fluid surrounding the apparatus.

Abstract: A jet propulsion system for a submersible vehicle, such as a submarine includes a propulsion unit mounted away from the stern of the submersible. Generally, the propulsion system consists of a set of blades secured to a hub within a shroud. Combining such a propulsion system with a surface texture treatment greatly reduces overall drag while improving the submersible's efficiency. Further, such an arrangement contributes to the submersibles stealthy characteristics. An additional hub and set of high-speed blades capable of generating a supercavity may be added to achieve supercavitation. The propulsion system can be varied to include a pumpjet and/or a centrifugal force blade system.

Abstract: A jet propulsion system for a submersible vehicle, such as a submarine includes a propulsion unit mounted away from the stem of the submersible. Generally, the propulsion system consists of a set of blades secured to a hub within a shroud. Combining such a propulsion system with a surface texture treatment greatly reduces overall drag while improving the submersible's efficiency. Further, such an arrangement contributes to the submersibles stealthy characteristics. An additional hub and set of high-speed blades capable of generating a supercavity may be added to achieve supercavitation. The propulsion system can be varied to include a pumpjet and/or a centrifugal force blade system.

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: A jet propulsion system for an underwater vehicle, such as a submarine or torpedo is disclosed. The propulsion system includes a plurality of blades secured to a hub, in the front, which is rotated by a shaft connected to an engine through a transmission. A shroud surrounds the plurality of blades, and in combination with the body of the underwater vehicle, forms a nozzle through which flow is accelerated. The shroud is secured to the body of the underwater vehicle through a plurality of vanes. An additional hub including an additional set of blades may be secured to the underwater vehicle for additional thrust. The second hub may be located within the shroud. The inlet to the shroud may be covered with a screen mesh.

Abstract: A drone vessel for an ROV. The drone vessel utilizes dynamic positioning. The drone vessel is remotely controlled by radio telemetry, preferably modular in construction, and may be semi-submersible. The vessel contains a radio telemetry package, one or more generators, an umbilical winch for lowering and raising an ROV, space for receiving and storing an ROV, and ballast control. The central compartment in the drone vessel is free flooding and houses the drum for storing umbilical line and the winch for paying out umbilical line to the ROV. The central compartment also includes space for the ROV.

Abstract: A marine propulsion assembly comprises a drive shaft, a first propeller fixed to the drive shaft and turnable therewith in a first direction, an annular array of gear teeth disposed on the first propeller and turnable therewith, a second propeller aligned with the first propeller, and an annular array of gear teeth disposed on the second propeller. Bevel gears are disposed between the first and second propellers and engaged with the first and second annular arrays of gear teeth. The bevel gears transmit rotation of the first propeller to the second propeller, such that the second propeller turns in an opposite direction relative to the first propeller.

Abstract: A deflection snubber assembly for preventing damage to a propeller which is subjected to instances of high force is disclosed. The propeller includes a hub for mounting the propeller on a shaft and a number of blades exteng radially outward from the hub. Outer tips of the number of blades are interconnected by a continuous, circular band. The propeller is constructed to accommodate a predetermined amount of deflection upon instances of high force before being permanently damaged. The deflection snubber assembly includes a housing circumferentially surrounding the propeller, the housing having a number of deflection limiting members, each of the deflection limiting members limiting deflection of the propeller to within the predetermined amount of deflection upon occurrences of the instances of high force.

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.