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42 MTR March 2007 2006: A Record Year for Seabotix SeaBotix announced a record year in 2006. During the year SeaBotix delivered 111 LBV systems ranging from the basic LBV150BE to the deep water rapid response system LBV600XL. The current year looks promising as well, the company reports, with more than 30 systems on order. Adding to the growth for 2007 will be the production release of the LBC, which is already been ordered by a few agencies. LBC SeaBotix combines the tech- nology and performance of its LBV with the ability to strongly adhere to any hard surface in any orientation. Once attached to the hard surface the LBC utilizes four-wheel drive and large knobby tires. The initial LBC was an all in one ROV/Crawler. Extensive testing, demonstrations and feedback have resulted in a Convertible type system. In its stan- dard form the LBC is a fully capable MiniROV system offering all the capabilities of the LBV type systems. When conditions exceed the capabil- ity of ROV mode or more precise control is required simply attach the crawler skid and adhere to the hard surface. This combination of ROV and Crawler capability is designed to make LBC a well rounded and capa- ble system. On ship hull inspections, for example, unless conditions are ideal, the task can be challenging. For more information, Email info@seabotix.com Hydroacoustic’s New Line Of ROVs At Underwater Intervention in New Orleans Hydroacoustic Inc. (HAI), introduced its line of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), the new Proteus Series, which includes the Proteus 1000 and Proteus 500. "We spent a great deal of time studying the ROV market, seeing what was out their, and listening to what cus- tomers are looking for," said George Gazarek, HAI President. "We then tried to come up with a line of vehicles to meet the ever-changing needs of the users, whether it be for industry and science or national defense. With the Proteus Series, we think we have done it." "We focused on five main elements when designing the Proteus," said HAI's VP of Operations Michael Czora. "It had to be durable. It had to be compact and maneu- verable. It had to be safe. And, above all, it had to be affordably priced." A key feature of the Proteus line is its power supply. Rather than requiring power generated from above water, Proteus are equipped with its own rechargeable, bat- tery pack power supply on board the unit, helping to create a number of advan- tages. First, it eliminates the need to carry electricity through the tether, thereby eliminating any shock hazard to divers should they be present. Second, by eliminat- ing the need for a generator, launching and operation in remote locations is much easier. The battery power pack is designed to provide up to eight hours of normal operation before recharging is required. The on-board power pack also enabled HAI to reduce the diameter of the tether. Both the Proteus 1000 and Proteus 500 have tether diameters of only 3 mm, yet offer a tether strength of 800 pounds. The smaller diameter, in turn, reduces the amount of drag that can hinder the movement of ROVs and significantly improves the maneuverability of the Proteus ROVs, particu- larly in tight spaces. The Proteus vehicles are powered by four thrusters; two for- ward, one vertical and one horizontal. The Proteus 1000 has a maximum forward speed of 3 knots, while the Proteus 500 has a maximum speed of 1.5 knots. Both models measure 23 x 15 x 13 in. in and weigh approximately 60 pounds. The Proteus 1000 has a depth rating of 1000 feet. The Proteus 500 has a depth rating of 500 feet. Dan Scoville, one of the engineers at HAI, was one of the key people in creating the Proteus design and was intimately involved in the development and field- testing of the first Proteus prototype. Scoville, a scuba diver on weekends, became involved some years ago, along with other diving enthusiasts, in searching for under- water shipwrecks in nearby Lake Ontario. Their most recent shipwreck discovery was what they believe to be the Milan, a 93-foot, two-masted schooner that sank in over 200 feet of water in Lake Ontario in 1849. Scoville and his diving partners, however, didn't make the dive themselves. Instead they used an ROV, the ROV that was to become the Proteus prototype. "It was almost as good as being there," said Scoville. "But we were able to observe and record the images of the ship for about an hour and a half, meanwhile staying warm and dry." The name Proteus is the brainchild of Gazarek. A reader of Greek mythology, he dis- covered that Proteus was an early Greek sea-god who, among other things, could foretell the future, but would change his shape to avoid having to. A derivative of proteus is the word "protean", an adjective that carries the general meanings of being flexible, versatile and adaptable. Perhaps the Proteus will be able to foretell the future for HAI. The company plans to roll out both models as well as Proteus customized units throughout 2007. HAI maintains a 45,000 sq. ft. facility in Henrietta, NY, which includes a 12,000 sq. ft. laboratory specifically dedicated to the assembly and testing of all of its underwa- ter acoustic sources and ROVs. For more information visit www.hydroacousticsinc.com LBC MTR#2 (33-48).qxd 3/2/2007 11:20 AM Page 42
