Underwater Patents (Class 340/850)
  • Patent number: 11780546
    Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising memory configured to store a dive log, at least one processing core configured to receive the dive log from a dive computer, the dive log comprising information concerning a dive, the received dive log not including a location where the dive took place, obtain a geographic location of the apparatus, and add the location where the dive took place to the dive log based at least in part on the geographic location, and/or provide the dive log and the geographic location of the apparatus to a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Suunto Oy
    Inventors: Tuomas Reivo, Lasse Vuorento, Erik Lindman
  • Patent number: 11460350
    Abstract: A bathythermograph buoy and an associated method of operation are provided to measure temperature and/or optionally other parameter(s) within an ocean or another body of water. A bathythermograph buoy includes a housing and one or more sensors carried by the housing and configured to repeatedly measure one or more respective parameters as the bathythermograph buoy descends. The bathythermograph buoy of one example also includes a memory carried by the housing and configured to store representations of the one or more respective parameters measured by the one or more sensors. The bathythermograph buoy further includes a buoyancy modification device configured to increase buoyancy of the bathythermograph buoy to permit the bathythermograph buoy to ascend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Jeffrey Greenfield, Randall L. Mosten
  • Patent number: 10855392
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods and structures including high-density submarine/undersea reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADM) having remote wavelength selective switch (WSS) redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventors: Eduardo Mateo Rodriguez, Ryuji Aida, Takehiro Nakano
  • Patent number: 10615884
    Abstract: A low frequency ultrasonic communication system includes: a low frequency ultrasonic transmitting apparatus configured to transmit data using a low frequency ultrasonic wave; and a low frequency ultrasonic receiving apparatus configured to recover the data by processing a low frequency ultrasonic reception signal transmitted from the low frequency ultrasonic transmitting apparatus. In communication between the transmitting apparatus and the receiving apparatus, modulation is performed using a DPSK scheme, and FEC coding is used to perform channel coding before the modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hong Kook Kim, Kwang Myung Jeon
  • Patent number: 10611446
    Abstract: Exemplary systems enable operation of mobile devices underwater. Antennas on a buoy assembly allow a mobile device to maintain wireless communications. A series of cable segments connect a buoy assembly to a waterproof case capable of sealing a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron B Cole, Donald R. Thompson, Manda Schaeffer, Steven M. Seghi, Travis W. Vincent, Zachary P. Steffes
  • Patent number: 10547941
    Abstract: A system includes a computer and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the computer to identify a target and to adjust a frequency of an acoustic message from a vehicle based on a predicted target trajectory and a predicted vehicle trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: David Michael Herman
  • Patent number: 10436581
    Abstract: A distance sensing apparatus includes a light source configured to emit polarized light. A light sensitive detector detects light emitted by said light source and reflected from a target. The light sensitive detector is configured to substantially prevent polarized light reflected from a target with a relatively high reflectance from being detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventors: Sam Lee, John Kevin Moore, Francescopaolo Mattioli Della Rocca
  • Patent number: 10414476
    Abstract: Exemplary systems enable operation of mobile devices underwater. Antennas on a buoy assembly allow a mobile device to maintain wireless communications. A series of cable segments connect a buoy assembly to a waterproof case capable of sealing a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron B. Cole, Donald R. Thompson, Manda Schaeffer, Steven M. Seghi, Travis W. Vincent, Zachary P. Steffes
  • Patent number: 10361766
    Abstract: A method for transmitting a message, including an array of signal radiating elements for broadcasting signals that are unique one from another. One each of the unique signals is associated with one each of the radiating elements. One each of a set of transmitters is in electronic communication with one each of the radiating elements, and provides the associated unique signal to each of the radiating elements. A signal generating device receives the message from a message source and transforms the message into the unique signals. The unique signals, when broadcast, spatially interfere one with another such that the message is intelligibly receivable at only one location that is predetermined by the signal generating device, and is garbled at all other locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Paul Antonik, John D Matyjas, Michael C Wicks
  • Patent number: 10281928
    Abstract: A system for a marine vessel operating in a body of water includes a trimmable marine device coupled to and movable with respect to the vessel and an actuator that raises and lowers the marine device. A control module is in signal communication with the actuator. A GPS receiver determines a current and/or predicted global position of the vessel, and a processor accesses a memory storing bathymetry data and retrieves a water depth corresponding to the vessel's current and/or predicted global position. The control module compares the water depth to a depth of the marine device based on the marine device's current position. The actuator raises the marine device in response to the control module determining that the water depth is not enough to accommodate the depth of the marine device at the current position without potential collision between the marine device and the body of water's bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Chad J. Behling, Kenneth G. Gable, Matthew D. Jarrell
  • Patent number: 10202173
    Abstract: Mast systems are provided for use with an underwater vehicle. In one example the mast system includes a support base, a mast arm and a mast payload bay. The support base defines a base axis. The mast arm defines a longitudinal axis, and has a free longitudinal mast end and a mast mounting portion longitudinally spaced from the mast end. The mast payload bay is provided at the mast end, and is configured for supporting a payload. The mast arm is mounted to the support base via the mast mounting portion, and the mast arm is selectively deployable with respect to the support base at least between a retracted configuration, in which the mast end is at a first spacing with respect to the mast mounting portion, and an extended configuration, in which the mast end is at a second spacing with respect to the mast mounting portion, the second spacing being greater than the first spacing. The mast system is configured for operating in a marine environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Elta Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Amit Farber, Ehud Erell
  • Patent number: 10181060
    Abstract: An aircraft communications and item tracking system is described. The system includes an RFID reader and a communications device located at fixed locations within the aircraft, a plurality of passive RFID tags operable for association with items within the aircraft, and a distributed antenna system comprising a plurality of antenna units and a wireless distribution system. The wireless distribution system is communicatively coupled to an aircraft communications network. The antenna units are communicatively coupled to the wireless distribution system and disbursed about the aircraft such that the RFID tags within the aircraft may be activated by signals output by at least one of the antenna units. The RFID reader and communications device are communicatively coupled to the wireless distribution system. The distributed antenna system is operable for transmission and reception of signals associated with the RFID reader and RFID tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: William P. Krug, Sudhakar S. Shetty, David T. Kirkland
  • Patent number: 10151848
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a helical conveyor for underwater seismic exploration. The system can include a case having a cylindrical portion. A cap is positioned adjacent to a first end of the case. A conveyor having a helix structure is provided within the case. The conveyor can receive an ocean bottom seismometer (“OBS”) unit at a first end of the conveyer and transport the OBS unit via the helix structure to a second end of the conveyor to provide the OBS unit on the seabed to acquire the seismic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Fairfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc
  • Patent number: 10120091
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for surveying the structure beneath the seabed using a sub-bottom profiler. The system can include a survey vessel and a sub-bottom profiler mounted to travel with the survey vessel. The sub-bottom profiler can comprise a transmitter for transmitting pulses at a predetermined period between pulses towards the seabed, and a first receiver and a second receiver for receiving reflections from the seabed of each transmitted pulse. The system can also include that the transmitter and the first and second receivers are mounted along an axis in the direction of travel of the survey vessel and the transmitter is disposed between the first and second receivers and spaced from each of them by a predetermined separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Fugro N.V.
    Inventor: Angus James Stephen Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 10069536
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for communicating over power lines. The apparatus includes a coupling modem that is situated between a power line and a device. The coupling modem is configured to demodulate a signal received from the power line into a sine signal and a cosine signal. The coupling modem is also configured to modulate a communicated bit stream received from the device into a transmitted signal in order to impose the transmitted signal onto the power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael J. Krasowski, Norman F. Prokop, Lawrence C. Greer, III, Jennifer M. Nappier
  • Patent number: 9967506
    Abstract: An image module comprising: (a) an imaging device that graphically or pictorially captures images of underwater sea life (b) a module housing including one or more components that processing an image generated by the imaging device; wherein the image module is discrete from a marine display and is capable of being connected to the marine display so that the graphic or pictorial images of underwater seal life captured by the imaging device are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jon David Marshall, Steven Ronald Hanson, Rocky Joseph Holmes
  • Patent number: 9803471
    Abstract: A subsea system comprises a multiplicity of subsea installations (M-1 . . . M-n) and a common transmission line (2a) in an umbilical for the conveyance of power or data communication electrical signals to the subsea installations. The system provides on the common transmission line a plurality of safety signals (T-1 . . . T-n) in the form of tones separate in frequency from each other and the other signals on the line. Each subsea installation is arranged to receive from the common transmission line selectively a respective one of the safety signals for the control of a fail-safe device (9) in the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: AKER SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Baxter, Robin Slater
  • Patent number: 9759775
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a first battery in a device, in particular in a motor vehicle, a first magnetometer measuring a magnetic flux density in the battery and/or adjacent to the battery, a second magnetometer measuring a magnetic flux density remotely from the first battery in the device, and in a period, in which no power supply or power withdrawal is provided to or from the first battery, a measurement of the first and the second magnetometer being carried out, and an evaluation unit, for the case in which the magnetic flux density measured by the first magnetometer exceeds a background magnetic flux density measured with the aid of the second magnetometer beyond a predetermined amount, determining and outputting an error status of the first battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Alkemade, Jake (John) Christensen, Bernd Schumann
  • Patent number: 9735949
    Abstract: In order to efficiently compensate for effects of the Doppler shift, a receiving device includes a Doppler estimator that estimates a Doppler-shift frequency fdc of a received signal. A multiplier and an LPF detect the received signal based on a carrier frequency fc of the received signal and the Doppler-shift frequency fdc estimated by the Doppler estimator 11. A timing corrector corrects a timing T for extracting symbols of the received signal after detection by the LPF so as to track the Doppler shift. A symbol extractor extracts received symbols from the received signal after detection by the LPF at a timing corrected by the timing corrector. An adaptive equalizer estimates and determines symbols from the received symbols extracted by the symbol extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: JAPAN AGENCY FOR MARINE-EARTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Takuya Shimura, Hiroshi Ochi, Yoshitaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9696505
    Abstract: A feedthrough assembly includes a main housing, a first inner housing positioned within the main housing and defining a plurality of first inner conduits, a second inner housing positioned within the main housing and defining a plurality of second inner conduits, and a chamber defined by an internal surface of the main housing, a first end of the first inner housing, and a first end of the second inner housing that faces the first end of the first inner housing. Each of the plurality of first inner conduits is aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of second inner conduits. A cross-sectional area of the chamber varies along a longitudinal axis of the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: LGS INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Renato M. Camarda, Alfonso B. Piccirilli
  • Patent number: 9561842
    Abstract: Mine neutralization provides for radio control of a small boat having associated therewith: a projection mounted onto the boat and pointing forward; a primary magnet; a housing holding the primary magnet and joined at the front end of the projection; a fluid-dynamically shaped explosive device detachably attached underneath the boat; at least one secondary magnet affixed to the explosive device; and, a rope or cable tautly connected at its upper end to the primary magnet and at its lower end to the explosive device. The boat journeys near a floating mine to bring about magnetic interaction between the primary magnet and the mine. The primary magnet magnetically attaches to the mine, and a pulling force is exerted on the explosive device. The explosive device detaches from the boat, moves toward the mine, and magnetically attaches (via at least one secondary magnet) to the mine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Normary Camacho-Cardoza, Jean Pierre Ledee
  • Patent number: 9534488
    Abstract: An electromagnetic ranging source includes: a tubular body having a circumference; a ferromagnetic core conforming to the tubular body and extending at least halfway around the circumference to define a gap with circumferentially-spaced poles; one or more current-carrying windings around the core to induce a magnetic field between the poles; and a downhole power source that drives the one or more current-carrying windings. A related method includes: equipping a first drill string with such an electromagnetic ranging source; extending a first borehole with the first drill string; assembling a second drill string with sensors; and drilling a second borehole while using said sensors to guide the second drill string relative to the first borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Derr, Andrew J. Cuthbert, Joe E. Hess
  • Patent number: 9042946
    Abstract: An underwater communication device (100) is provided with a voice interface (4), a transceiving unit, a voice quality converting unit and a body (1), etcetera. A bone conduction/throat microphone unit, assembled in the voice interface (4), converts the vocal cord vibrations of a diver to voice signals. The voice quality converting unit converts the voice signals to voice signals based on a clearer voice. A transmitting unit, assembled in the transceiving unit, transmits the converted voice signals to the outside. A receiving unit, assembled in the transceiving unit, receives voice data which is transmitted from the outside. A bone-conduction speaker unit, assembled in the voice interface (4), outputs vibrations corresponding to the voice data received by the receiving unit. Attachment equipment (1, 2, 3) are put on a diver in a state where the bone-conduction speaker unit is in attached to the diver. The receiving unit and the bone-conduction speaker unit are integrally attached to the body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Yamagata Casio Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Shinsuke Taira
  • Patent number: 9037079
    Abstract: A mobile device with an underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms. The portable device may be wearable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: WFS TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20150054653
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus is a transmission apparatus that generates a pressure wave for transmitting data in drilling mud, and includes a tubular member, a plurality of valves that are provided side by side in an axial direction of the tubular member inside the tubular member, each of which includes a stator including holes for passing the drilling mud, and a rotatable rotor which is provided to overlap the stator and includes blocking portions blocking the holes in the stator according to a rotation position, a motor that rotates the respective rotors, and a control unit that controls the motor 130 so as to rotate and stop the respective rotors at frequencies different from each other, according to data to be transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Jpan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yuichi Shinmoto, Junya Ishiwata, Tsuyoshi Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20150042486
    Abstract: A communication arrangement for a subsea well control system, comprising an umbilical between a topside location and a subsea location, an electrical conductor in said umbilical, and a data transmission system configured to transmit and receive data between said locations via said conductor, wherein a return path for said data comprises the sea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventors: Silviu Puchianu, Graham Morley, Andrew Packham, Hilton Smart, Julian Davis
  • Publication number: 20150015410
    Abstract: Electronic control system for a submarine actuator, said actuator comprising a container body, from which a drive shaft projects that is suitable for inserting in a seat of said submarine device. The system comprises an electronic control board for at least one electric motor arranged inside said container body suitable for moving said drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Carlo Liberale, Fabio Imperiali
  • Publication number: 20150009039
    Abstract: A method for use in controlling pressure based signal transmission within a fluid in a flowline includes transmitting a pressure based signal through a fluid within a flowline using a flow control device, recognising a condition change associated with the flowline, and then controlling the flow control device in accordance with the condition change. Another method, or an associated method for use in communication within a flowline includes determining or composing an optimised pressure based signal for detection at a remote location and then transmitting the optimised signal using a flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Bard Tinnen, Havar Sortveit
  • Patent number: 8928480
    Abstract: A fence for establishing a secure marine perimeter includes an optic fiber net. The optic fiber net includes an optic fiber wire with an input end and an output end. A light transmitter connects to the input end to introduce an input optic signal into the optic fiber wire. A light receiver connects to the output end to receive an output optic signal from the optic fiber wire. A strength member is incorporated into the optic fiber wire to strengthen the optic fiber net. A processor is connected to the light receiver to generate an output signal based on the output optic signal. The processor compares the output optic signal with the input optic signal and generates an alarm if a difference between the input optic signal and the output optic signal exceeds a predetermined alarm threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: David Iffergan
  • Patent number: 8880296
    Abstract: Vehicle control system and method in which restrictions on travel of the vehicle are determined based on an indication of the visibility of a driver and information about objects moving in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle are considered. The travel restrictions include preventing a passing maneuver on a two-lane road when an oncoming vehicle precludes safely initiating or completing an already-initiated passing maneuver. A warning system is provided to warn a driver about the travel restrictions so that the driver will, hopefully, not attempt an unsafe maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences, LLC
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 8810427
    Abstract: Electronic control system for a submarine actuator, said actuator comprising a container body, from which a drive shaft projects that is suitable for inserting in a seat of said submarine device. The system comprises an electronic control board for at least one electric motor arranged inside said container body suitable for moving said drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Carlo Liberale, Fabio Imperiali
  • Publication number: 20140191878
    Abstract: A subsea communication system and its method of operating are provided. A subsea power distribution module of the subsea communication system may be adapted to be connected to a topside power supply of a topside installation and to distribute electric power received from topside power supply to subsea modules. A first communication connection to the subsea power distribution module may be adapted to provide a data communication with the topside installation. A second communication connection between the subsea power distribution module and a subsea module may be provided. The subsea power distribution module may forward data communications received on the first communication connection to the subsea module via the second communication connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Karstein Kristiansen
  • Patent number: 8773277
    Abstract: A routing facility (1) for a subsea electronics module (7) has on a single circuit board (2) a facility (5) for routing data packets between segments of a differential serial bus, and at least one input/output interface (14, 15, 16) for digital and/or analog process values, wherein the process values are accessible via the differential serial bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Endre Brekke, Vegard Horten, Vidar Steigen
  • Publication number: 20140184421
    Abstract: Subsea power and data communications apparatus, subsea wireless sensor hubs assemblies, subsea wireless sensor hubs, and methods of providing power to and receiving data from subsea data gathering devices, are provided. An exemplary apparatus can include subsea sensors/gauges, batteries to power the sensors/gauges, charging circuits for controlling charging of the batteries, one or more BOP control pods, an RTU, and a subsea wireless connection hub. The hub can include a stationary wheel carrying wireless stationary connection members each electrically connected to a battery and a respective subset of sensors/gauges. The hub can also include a rotatable wheel carrying a single wireless movable connection member configured to provide power to each of the stationary connection members and to receive data from the stationary connection members. A motor is provided to rotate the rotatable wheel to position the mobile connection member in front of a selected one of the stationary connection members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: HYDRI USA MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventor: Davasish Choudhury
  • Publication number: 20140152455
    Abstract: The present invention has, as a first object, an autonomous underwater vehicle equipped for the acquisition of the gravimetric and magnetic gradient near the seabed, characterized in that it comprises: —at least one gravimetric gradiometer; —at least one magnetic gradiometer. In particular, said autonomous equipped underwater vehicle allows underwater explorations as far as 3,000 m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Italiano Giori, Massimo Antonelli, Roberto Finotello
  • Patent number: 8682244
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20140069314
    Abstract: An underwater signaling device which has an independent source of pressurized gas can operate regardless of the status of a scuba diver's air source. The underwater signaling device produces a sound signal which may be heard beyond 100 feet, and the present disclosure may operate to depths of up to 250 feet. Further, the present disclosure may be supplemented by light strobe and/or GPS devices, which allow another diver to precisely locate a distressed diver. A diver may activate the present disclosure by depressing a button or by pulling a rip cord or other methods. In one embodiment, the present disclosure allows replacement of the independent source of pressurized gas, making the present disclosure reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Maxwell Everett Frey
  • Publication number: 20140064029
    Abstract: A subsea electronic information system for managing data related to a characteristic of subsea equipment locatable subsea. The system includes sensors locatable subsea and in communication with and capable of measuring a characteristic of the subsea equipment. A sensor interface box (SIB) separate from the sensors and locatable subsea includes a processor and a memory device capable of receiving and storing sensor measurement data. Additionally, the SIB is in data and power communication with the sensors. The system further includes a subsea retrievable data capsule capable of recording all system data over a long period. The capsule may be recovered from subsea (independently of the other elements of the information system) for forensic analysis of the recorded data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew Jaffrey
  • Patent number: 8659435
    Abstract: The vitality of a swimmer, or of a child, is monitored by a periodically-activated micro-powered solar- and battery-powered waterproof microminiaturized (1) optical sensor of heart activity, electrically connected to (2) a microprocessor monitor, for jointly determining when a person's heart activity has stopped. When and if required, the microprocessor causes to be transmitted, through water a blue-green light alarm signal. When this optical alarm signal is received by an optical receiver/alarm in air, the receiver/alarm produces an audio and/or visual alarm that, when sensed by a human, potentially timely permits rescue and resuscitation of the swimmer, or the child. The battery-and-solar-powered monitor that forms the core of the vitality monitoring system is roughly ten times faster and more capable, with but one-tenth the power consumption, than previous real-time biological monitoring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: George Anthony McKinney
  • Publication number: 20140035759
    Abstract: A submersible high current PWM-based source system for marine electromagnetic surveying for hydrocarbon exploration. The system converts a periodic, arbitrary digital signal to a high output current in a HED optimized for maximum dipole moment, using PWM modulation and real-time current regulation for precise output amplitude. The design and choice of components allows a wideband EM signal to be generated with sharp transition characteristics and substantially independent of the AC input power characteristics. This in turn enables for improved tailoring of an EM source signal for a specific subterranean prospect, and thus increased accuracy of the EM data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROMAGNETIC GEOSERVICES ASA
    Inventors: Havard Ramsfjell, Hans Roger Jensen, Svein Ellingsrud
  • Patent number: 8638229
    Abstract: A watch device for use by a swimmer while swimming in a body of water. The watch device may generally comprise a housing, a location determining component disposed within the housing and operable to receive one or more satellite signals to determine a current geographic location of the housing, and a processing system. The processing system may synchronize the location determining component with the swimmer's arm movement so that the location determining component can determine the current geographic location of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: David J. Downey, Kristin M. Massoth
  • Publication number: 20130335232
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wireless data command, control and instrumentation system for deployment within a subsurface hydrocarbon production system. Low frequency magnetic signalling is used to communicate from a first transceiver deployed inside a riser pipe to a second transceiver positioned outside the riser pipe. In some embodiments data is related to a control centre. Through pipe communications may be bi-directional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Gareth Anthony John Conway, Mark Volanthen, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20130328691
    Abstract: An apparatus for underwater communications. The apparatus may include a high speed communications cable to provide an underwater hardwired communications link to a surface station and a mobile device operative to transport a first end of the high speed communications cable between a submarine and a coupling point to the surface communication station, wherein the high speed communications cable is operative to reversibly form a hardwired connection between the coupling point and the submarine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS SUBSEA COMMUNICATIONS LLC
    Inventor: James Hugh Coble
  • Publication number: 20130307699
    Abstract: An arrangement for controlling and/or monitoring at least one subsea device may include: a first level node communicatively, in particular electrically and/or fiberoptically connectable to an equipment above a sea surface of a sea; at least one second level node communicatively, e.g., electrically and/or fiberoptically connected to the first level node and electrically connectable to the at least one subsea device, wherein the first level node and the at least one second level node are arrangeable at a sea bottom of the sea. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Endre Brekke, Vegard Horten
  • Patent number: 8577288
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer system for providing wireless data transfer, electrical power transfer and navigation between a mobile subsea vehicle and a deployed subsea station that uses acoustic and electromagnetic carrier signals for wireless communication and navigation. An inductive connector is provided for power transfer between mobile subsea vehicle and a deployed subsea station without conductive contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Peter Hyland, Andrew Jaffrey
  • Publication number: 20130285828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a submarine data relay system that enables smooth and stable wired data relay without interruption of data transmission even in harsh undersea conditions. The system includes: a main system placed on the water, generating control data and transmitting the control data into water, and collecting data generated in water; a plurality of relay devices placed at different depths, delivering control data from the main system to corresponding sensor units to support measurement, and collecting measurement data from the sensor units and transmitting the measurement data to the main system; an operational line connecting the main system and the relay devices in series for data transmission and power delivery; and an emergency line connecting the main system and every second relay devices, wherein when a break occurs at a section of the operational line, the broken section thereof is replaced with the emergency line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Geoscience & Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Chi-Ho Yoon, Seok-Ki Kwon, Churl-Hyun Jo, Jin-Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 8570185
    Abstract: An underwater inspection system comprising an underwater mobile inspection station (52) having an electromagnetic antenna (53), the mobile station (52) being adapted to capture inspection data and use the electromagnetic antenna (53) to send information relating to the inspection data to a underwater electromagnetic receiver that has a fixed electromagnetic antenna (55).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8537027
    Abstract: In a method for controlling an electronic device (1) with a programmable component and an independent microcontroller (10) and in such an electronic device (1), by the microcontroller (10), the component is monitored, a malfunction of the component is identified and the component is reprogrammed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Endre Brekke, Vegard Horten, Vidar Steigen
  • Patent number: 8515344
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8515343
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland