Abstract: A device for launching and recovering an underwater vehicle comprises a submersible assembly comprising a lower chassis and an upper chassis, which are connected by a flexible connection so that the distance between them is adjustable. The flexible connection and the lower and upper chassis form a receiving cage provided with an opening, whose vertical dimension can be adjusted. Moving the lower and upper chassis apart makes it possible to enlarge the vertical dimension of the opening. Moving the lower and upper chassis closer together makes it possible to support the underwater vehicle on the lower chassis and hold it in place using the upper chassis.

Abstract: The present invention features a boatlift leg and frame structure utilizing a ball screw lifting mechanism driven by a reversible electric motor to raise and loser a boat support carriage. The raising and lowering operation of the ball screw mechanism is controlled by electronic circuitry that includes wired and remote direction selection; lifting logic with conflict detection and direction reversal delay; lighting control logic; motor power control; and overload detection logic to detect lifting overload and disable power to the motor power control. A drive train mechanism converts high-speed low torque rotation of the motor drive shaft to low-speed high-torque rotation drive of the ball screw.

Abstract: The method for removing or positioning a structure (103) which is erected on either an underwater bed or anchored to the underwater bed entails the use of a hoisting mechanism. When the structure (103) is being removed, it is detached from the underwater bed. Then, the structure (103) is connected to a hoisting mechanism which is arranged on a separate hoisting vessel (100). The structure is hoisted up by the hoisting mechanism and is attached to a transport vessel (1) in such a manner that it can tilt about a horizontal axis. Then, the structure is tilted into a substantially horizontal position. The structure is positioned in the reverse order.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating an object located proximate an underwater floor is disclosed, in a preferred embodiment comprising a foundation implantable in the underwater floor; a lifting frame extending between the foundation; and a multiplicity of slings mounted adjacent to each other and attached to the lifting frame such that each of the slings is suspended in a cradle-like configuration from the lifting frame. Each of the slings further comprises a top surface facing away from the underwater floor and a padding material mounted proximate the top surface of each sling. The foundation may further comprise suction piles. A monitoring system comprising instrumentation may also be used to aid in guiding the load transfer of the object from the floor to the lifting frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for deploying, recovering, and servicing an AUV are disclosed. The apparatus includes a linelatch system that is made up of a tether management system connected to a flying latch vehicle by a tether. The linelatch system can be connected to a surface vessel by an umbilical on one end and to an AUV on the other end. In addition to providing a mechanical connection, between the AUV and a surface vessel, the linelatch system can also carry power and data between the surface vessel (i.e., through the umbilical) and the AUV.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation or removal of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. Each boom has a lifting end portion with a roller that fits a receptacle on the package. Tensile connections form attachments between the deck package and barge at a lower elevational position. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length, in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for launching or retrieving a vessel. This apparatus includes a first vertical member having a top and a bottom end. A lower vessel engagement hook is positioned at the lower end of the vertical member. A second vertical member is positioned in parallel spaced relation to the first vertical member. An upper vessel engagement structure is positioned at the lower end of the second vertical member in spaced opposed relation to the lower vehicle engagement hook. The second vertical member moves axially upwardly and downwardly to allow for engagement with the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus which is transformable from a boat lift to a trailer. The apparatus is movable on skids in a boat lift mode and on wheels in a trailer mode. A pair of posts on a main frame supports a pantographic linkwork to which is affixed a watercraft lifting cradle. A winch is connected to the main frame and to the linkwork for raising and lowering the cradle. A leveling mechanism is used for adjusting the cradle on a level when the apparatus is installed on a sloping shore. An upper deck framework is provided above the front end of the main frame. The cradle is usable for raising and moving a first recreational vehicle over the upper deck framework and for raising a second recreational vehicle above the rear end of the main frame. A third recreational vehicle is transportable on the main frame under the first and second recreational vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for deploying, recovering, and servicing an AUV are disclosed. The apparatus includes a linelatch system that is made up of a tether management system connected to a flying latch vehicle by a tether. The linelatch system can be connected to a surface vessel by an umbilical on one end and to an AUV on the other end. In addition to providing a mechanical connection, between the AUV and a surface vessel, the linelatch system can also carry power and data between the surface vessel (i.e., through the umbilical) and the AUV.

Abstract: A dock, for launching and recovery of a lifeboat, rescue boat or like small boat on a vessel, a floating platform or a fixed installation. The boat (14) is normally stored on the dock. The dock is provided with buoyant elements (1) fixed to a frame (3). The boat (14) is supported in a cradle (2) within the frame (3). On launching and recovery of the boat (14), the dock is lowered to a floating position on the surface of the water. In order to fix the boat (14) to the dock, a locking device (9, 15) is provided. By modifying the configuration and size of the buoyant elements, the dock is given rolling and pitching periods which coincide as closely as possible with those of the boat (14). The dock and the boat (14) will thereby behave in approximately the same manner in the water, which makes it relatively simple to run the boat (14) into the dock even in a very heavy sea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation or removal of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. Each boom has a lifting end portion with a roller that fits a receptacle on the package. Tensile connections form attachments between the deck package and barge at a lower elevational position. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length, in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch.

Abstract: A flat plate drive system for controlling the axial rotational motion of a drive shaft for raising and lowering a load, that optimizes frictional engagement while maximizing heat dissipation away from the moving parts of the drive system. The drive system can be generally used for raising and lowering many types of heavy loads, and is particularly suited for loads that are supported by a cable attached to one end of the drive shaft, with the cable extending through a cradle beam which supports a heavy object, such as a boat. The drive system comprises a worm connected to a source of rotational power. The worm frictionally engages a worm gear wheel that axially rotates a drive shaft. The worm and worm gear wheel are connected to a backplate support. The system maximizes the friction between the worm and worm gear wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation or removal of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and deck package. Slings are suspended from a compression frame portion at the boom end portions of the truss assembly. The slings form attachments between the compression frame and the deck package at the upper elevational positions on the deck package. Tensile connections form attachments between the deck package and barge at a lower elevational position. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length, in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch.

Abstract: Equipment for the raising, sunken vessels, specifically small to medium sized ships which are submerged in depths to which human descent for purposes of rigging retrieval gear to the ship is impractical or unsafe. The equipment can be employed remotely using video equipment for aligning the required underwater assemblies. The equipment involve lifting slings which are levered underneath the hull and then used to mechanically raise the vessel to the surface. It is particularly applicable to vessels which are resting on soft sand or clay ocean, sea, or lake bottoms, where interferences with the equipment as it is deployed underneath the vessel are a minimum.

Abstract: A system for handling a remote vessel from a mother vessel comprising: a messenger/manipulating line intercepting member extending upwardly from the remote vessel; a line capturing device associated with the line intercepting member; line traversing device for transferring the line to the line capturing device; a messenger/manipulating line associated with the mother vessel for engaging the line intercepting device and capturing by the line capturing device of the remote vessel; and a winch associated with the messenger/manipulating line for manipulating the remote vessel. For one embodiment of the invention, the system may additionally include a line capturing and lifting hook attached to the remote vessel; a hoisting winch and hoisting cable with hook for attachment to the lifting hook attached to the remote vessel; and a second messenger line for releasable attachment to the hoisting cable for capture by the lifting hook and to provide attachment of the hoisting cable to the lifting hook.

Abstract: A machine for gripping and handling underwater vehicles and the like includes a gripping device provided with a guiding member made integral at its upper end, an articulated member connected with a rod sliding inside a guide attached to a free end of a jib of the crane and with floats capable of maintaining the guiding member raised above the water in a preset position of the rod relative to the guide controlled by a sensor imparting movement to the jibs of the crane in order to maintain the gripping device in vertical position relative to the ship.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for use in association with a vessel to facilitate raising the vessel and/or cargo carried thereby should it become sunken. The apparatus is readily attachable to or mountable on any equipment and includes a float having an upper portion with the upper portion being of larger cross-sectional area. The bottom portion has a recess therein. A cable drum is located in the recess and journaled for rotation to pay out a light duty line wound thereon. The light duty line has a knob attached thereto and which is also attached to a heavy duty lifting cable attached to secure lift points on the vessel. The float is mounted at an appropriate location on the vessel, or cargo and should the vessel or cargo (as the case may be) sink, it floats to the surface. Information concerning the sunken object size, equipment for retrieval, etc. is on a plate attached to the float.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for raising an object from a sea, river or basin bottom. A lifting platform is arranged adjacent the object to be raised, from the platform supporting tubes are arranged at an angle relative to the bottom from 10.degree. to 90.degree. to lay a connection between the lifting platform and the bottom, and boring rods are inserted through the supporting tubes, whereby use is made for boring of a boring device which does not require rotating the boring rods proper, the boring device being bent at such an angle that the boring rods connected thereto are moved along a curve underneath the object to be raised, the boring is then continued until the boring device, having the boring rods connected thereto, projects far enough out of the bottom, and finally use is made of the obtained bore to lead a cable from one to the other side of the object to be raised.

Abstract: A device for the remote assembly of two members using at least one oblong assembly element, comprising an anchoring arrangement for anchoring its assembly element on one of said members, or first member, a remote control arrangement for tensioning said assembly element and remote controlled locking arrangement for locking the assembly element on the other member, or a second member.

Abstract: A mechanical device for cleaning the bottom of a boat moored in a body of water includes a line with a central scrubber section, ends affixed above the boat's water line and means for urging the scrubber section upward. Passing the boat over the line forces the scrubber section against the bottom, cleaning it.

Abstract: A lifting device is provided for rapidly coupling and uncoupling a floating load, such as a boat, when it is set afloat or raised from the water. It includes essentially a hook secured to the load and a coupling element connected by cables to a lifting appliance. The concavity of the hook is turned downwards. Its section is trapezoidal and tapers towards its tip. The coupling element includes two arms whose facing walls are slanted and guide the hook towards the central housing. Springs, disposed laterally in the housing, come to bear against the lateral slanting faces of the hook and prevent it from leaving again.

Abstract: An attachment device adapted to be fused to an underwater object which includes a housing having a fuel chamber in generally surrounding relationship to an ignition chamber, a closure normally closed in communication between the chambers, an ignition device which opens the closure and ignites the fuel in the fuel chamber creating a high temperature flame which is directed toward an end of the attachment device resting against an underwater object, the end having a fusion groove for directing the flame against a localized area of the underwater object to render the metal thereof molten, and also having one or more passages for redirecting the molten material back toward the attachment device such that upon solidification, one or more discrete rigidifying bridges of molten metal are formed, and a groove defined by a pair of lips is also positioned adjacent the end for further directing the high temperature medium to achieve effective fusion.

Abstract: A boat lift for a berth having permanently positioned piles in pairs spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit the boat to be berthed thereat to move between the paired piles while in the water includes a cradle having fore and aft transverse members upon which the boat is supported out of the water, a first pair of such piles equipped with first sheaves, a second pair of such piles with second sheaves, a third pair of such piles positioned between the first and second pairs adjacent the second second pair, first and second beams carried by the inside and outside piles of the second and third piles, motor driven winch drums supported by the first and second beams, third sheaves carried by the first and second beams, first inside and outside cables reeved respectively from the first and second drums via the first and second sheaves forward to the inside and outside piles of the first pair to lift the fore transverse member of the cradle, and second inside and outside cables reeved from the winch drums via t

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for recovering a towed body to onboard a towing ship while the towing ship is underway. A saddle is employed in cooperation with a rudder to engage one end of the towed body and, subsequent to engagement, the saddle means is slid forward to engage the opposite end of the towed body.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for the salvage of a sunken vessel able to be carried out either in deep or shallow sea area by utilizing electromagnets to direct a conventional clamping apparatus in precisely and effectively clamping as well as lifting the sunken vessel hull.

Abstract: A system for operating a lifting cable over the side of a ship at sea in ch a spar buoy having an adjustable lifting capacity is coupled to the ship by a rigid linkage which is free to pivot on an axis attached to the deck. The lifting cable is suspended from a first sheave which is mounted above a central, longitudinal channel in the spar buoy. The linkage is attached to the top of the spar buoy such that the spar buoy may rotate about an axis normal to the deck axis of the linkage and pivot on an axis normal to the longitudinal axis of the spar buoy. A second sheave is mounted on the deck axis so that the distance between the sheaves does not change as the linkage rotates on its axis. The lifting cable is fed from a winch on the ship over the sheaves and falls through the longitudinal channel. The invention operates to decouple the motion of the ship from the lifting cable so that the vertical motion of the cable is controlled by the motion of the spar buoy.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling a submersible device, such as a diving bell, includes a winch mounted on a support structure and having a suspension cable with a free end at which the submersible device is suspended, a guide structure fixed to the support structure and having two guidance ramps, each having a portion thereof extending below a water surface, a traveller having two parallel side members with a guidance device thereon which slidably cooperates with the two guidance ramps, a pulley back including two upper pulleys secured to the guide structure and a movable lower pulley fixed to the traveller with the suspension cable passing over the upper and lower pulleys so as to form n strands, and a locking device for releasably connecting the submersible device to the traveller.

Abstract: Apparatus for raising submerged vessels including a ship having a dual hull section. A winch attached to cables threaded through support structures are provided on the dual hull section. Vessel support bars are mounted onto each the dual hulls and are adapted to be swung under the submerged vessel when it is raised to a position between the two hulls so that the raised vessel is retained in position between the two hulls.

Abstract: Exothermic welding device for welding to a surface underwater includes a Thermit charge surrounded by a movable inner casing abutting a plate. The plate includes magnetic or other means for attaching the device to the surface to be welded. Urging means force the Thermit melt through the surface. The urging means disclosed are a weight, spring, or pressure system arrangement. An outer housing surrounds the inner housing and urging means, and joins the plate. The device may be used for underhand or overhead welding, or to a vertical surface.

Abstract: An assembly of components that may be used in combination with a salvage vessel to raise a sunken vessel that has a steel hull from the floor of the ocean or other body of water. The sunken vessel is loosened from the ocean floor by detonating explosive charges embedded in the ocean floor by remotely operated devices while the vessel itself is fastened to hoisting cables using explosive charges to drive rivets or bolts into prepared areas of the sunken hull. The sunken vessel is drawn up towards the water's surface while two elongate propeller driven containers of variable buoyancy with a support net therebetween are provided to aid in raising the sunken vessel to a position adjacent the salvage vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for recovering sunken wrecks. More particularly, the present invention concerns a method and apparatus for recovering sunken wrecks wherein a harpoon is launched from a submarine device, implants itself in the wreck and is provided with a rope and means for fastening a pull cable. The end of the rope which is remote from the harpoon is floated to the surface. An apparatus placed at the end of the pull cable is caused to descend along the rope, and at the end of the stroke the apparatus automatically fastens itself to the harpoon. Thereupon, the wreck is pulled up by means of the pull cable.

Abstract: A vacuum pad comprising a body having an opening therethrough. One end of the opening is adapted to be attached to a source of vacuum. A water trap chamber is provided on the body communicating with the opening. A cup of flexible material having a peripheral lip is mounted on the water trap chamber and has an opening therethrough providing communication between the interior of the water trap chamber and the space surrounded by the peripheral lip.

Abstract: A remote interconnection of a first undersea vehicle tethered to a second dersea vehicle is assured by mating assemblies carried on both vehicles. The tethering cable extends through a prod assembly carried on the tethered vehicle and functions mainly to deploy and retrieve the tethered vehicle. During the connection of the two vehicles the cable serves to draw the prod assembly into a latching assembly carried on the second undersea vehicle. Several pawls are cammed into an annular groove on the prod assembly and a pair of opposing helical springs mechanically interact to lock the pawls in place. The coaction of the springs' working on a collar on the prod assembly and a sleeve on the latching assembly makes accidental disengagement nearly impossible until hydraulic actuators assist the force produced by the sleeve spring to overcome the force exerted by the collar spring to release the pawls.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of docking and recovering a submersible by a surface vessel reduces the possibility of damaging the submersible and injuring the crewmen. The submersible approaches its catamaran recovery vessel from between the sterns of the twin hulls. Both craft continue to proceed underway and a yoke connected to opposite sides of a well cover is coupled to the nose of the submersible. As the well cover is slid forward to expose a recovery well, the submersible is towed forward. One end of a hoisting cable is attached to the submersible and the other end is connected to a biased hydraulic-ratchet purchase. The submersible is buoyed to the water-air interface and, as it pitches and heaves in response to surface wave action, the hydraulic-ratchet keeps the cable taut. This gradually lifts the submersible through the water-air interface because the hydraulic-ratchet is designed to allow only upward motion.