Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the installation and removal of a ring gasket from an underwater wellhead connection. The ring gasket is carried by a ring gasket installation tool from the surface to the underwater wellhead connection by a self-propelled underwater vehicle. Final placement of the ring gasket may be accomplished by selective manipulation of the ring gasket installation tool by the underwater vehicle or by a cable attached to the tool.

Abstract: A remotely controlled undersea vehicle has a manipulator arm articulated to a mast which is articulated on the vehicle. Jaws at the end of the arm are arranged to close around a collar of a conduit having an automatic connector end, and to connect control fluid passages of the jaws to passages in the collar which communicate the control fluid to the automatic connector end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely cutting a broken guideline extending from an underwater guide post. The apparatus includes a frame, a clamping mechanism for clamping the frame to an annular groove in the guide post, a pair of opposed, pivotable cutting jaws coupled to the frame, and a remotely actuated power device for pivoting the cutting jaws across the longitudinal axis of the broken guideline to sever the guideline from the guide post. Above the cutting jaws are a pair of pivotal loom jaws which guide the assembly on the post and also deflect any interferring portion of the broken guideline extending along the side of the post. The method includes lowering the frame, jaws and clamping mechanism through the water to a position in which the clamping mechanism is below the annular groove in the guide post, slidably coupling the clamping mechanism to the guide post, raising the clamping mechanism upwardly until it is received in the groove and then actuating the pivotable cutting jaws.

Abstract: Method and apparatus whereby an anode may be mounted on a subsea propulsion vehicle, transported to a selected portion of a platform substructure and then remotely and operatively connected to the substructure, as by explosively-actuated bolts.

Abstract: An offshore process vessel is described for connecting service and production hoses to a deepwater production riser system and for performing subsea maintenance thereon without major equipment support. The vessel has a pair of longitudinally aligned moonpools, a derrick above the forward moonpool, a rotary powered turret within the aft moonpool, and tension-maintaining assemblies for terminal hoses in combination with a rotary fluid transfer system for transferring production fluids, electrical power, hydraulic power, and control signals across a rotating interface between the vessel and a flowline bundle of the service and production hoses. The turret supports a coaxially disposed and selectively ejectable plug through which the service and production hoses pass. These hoses are joined together in a linear array along the length of the flowline bundle which hangs as a catenary from the plug while being attached to the riser system.

Abstract: A device for underwater taking in and paying out of a submarine cable or tether feeding a remote controlled submarine. A stationary guide tube has a funnel above and below it for guiding a tether therethrough. The tether is moved by a power driven wheel projecting into the guide tube. A dome spaced above the guide tube is shaped to deflect the tether into an annular storage chamber around the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for lifting an immersed device and returning it into position, and to a device for carrying out the method, wherein the device to be lifted up is provided with a locating buoy and a wound up guide line whose ends are connected to the buoy and to a locking member connected to the base on which the immersed device is mounted; the buoy is released, taking with it the guide line, along which the device is raised. The device to be replaced in position is provided with a new buoy, guide line and locking member and is lowered along the first mentioned guide line, which is severed after the device to be replaced in position has returned to the base. The method is applicable for example to lifting and replacing a remote-control pod for an underwater well head.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for cutting piling, trees and the like, provided with means permitting the apparatus to be placed about a pile or the like by moving it generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the pile. Specifically, the apparatus comprises longitudinal frame members carrying at one end a driven blade and at the other end a stationary blade or anvil. The stationary blade is mounted on an end cross member, one end of which is pivotally secured to one of the longitudinal frame members and the other end of which is adapted for locking to the other of the members. By pivoting the end member carrying the stationary blade upwardly or out of the general plane of the frame, the device may be opened up so that it may be slipped about a piling or tree, without having to be lowered thereabout as has heretofore been required.

Abstract: Method of generating rotary or turbine power within a deepsea environment, for drilling a hole in the seabed and dropping of a mooring pile in the hole so drilled. Rotary turbine power is developed by admitting water through a submerged turbine and into an evacuated sphere. The turbine drives an auger which engages and drills a hole in the seabed. An inorganic polymer may be supported in the evacuated sphere, so as to be reactant with admitted seawater for bleeding off of pure water and hydrogen gas at a surface location.

Abstract: A maneuverable tool means for continuously maneuvering and controlling a pipe string end as it is lowered for engagement with a selected well part at the sea floor. The tool means comprises a body member attachable to the pipe string end, the body member carrying laterally directed thrust means; fluid pressure means in communication with the thrust means to impart thrust forces to the pipe string end and a remote control system for the fluid pressure means. The tool means also includes TV and sonar systems to sense the presence of adjacent objects as the pipe string end is lowered and to identify a well part with which the tool is to be cooperably associated. The tool means is provided with a lock means for temporarily retaining the tool means in a selected position in a guide funnel on a well template to facilitate installation of a guide line base means on the template.

Abstract: A submarine system comprising a submarine device for operation within a fluid environment. The device is provided with a self-contained source of energy, propulsion components coupled to the energy source, maneuvering components and an environment observation device. A control station located remote from the submarine device is connected to it by means of a transmission cable, the cable being the sole means of transmitting command signals to the device and receiving observation results therefrom.

Abstract: In a cable for conveying information signals of selected frequencies and simultaneously conveying a selected amount of electric power, a central conducting means is surrounded by a dielectric material. An outer conducting means is positioned around the dielectric, and cooperates with the central conducting means to provide a first path, through which the information signals are conveyed, and one of the conducting means provides a second path, through which the electric power is conveyed.

Abstract: Diving apparatus which includes a bell assembly normally negatively buoyant and including a bell. There is a frame movable vertically beneath the sea surface and having a portion defining a path. Such frame is movable between an upper position and a lower position above the subsea surface at which the frame can be made temporarily stationary. Bell moving apparatus is disposed between the bell assembly and the frame for moving the bell between a lower position adjacent the subsea surface and an upper position adjacent the frame. Apparatus is provided for mounting the bell assembly for movement along such path.

Abstract: The device comprises a housing made in the form of a polygon having hinged sides. Installed in close proximity to housing, supports are tanks connected with fluid sources and producing positive and negative buoyancies in the region of the housing near the supports. To rotate the supports use is made of a means for varying the angles between the housing sides.