# US 10,766,577 B2 · System and method of operating a subsea module > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,766,577 B2 - Document ID: US10766577B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/079,968 - Filed: 2016-11-25 - Published: 2019-02-21 - Granted: 2020-09-08 - Earliest claimed: 2016-02-26 - Assignees: Oceaneering AS - Applicants: Oceaneering AS - Inventors: Rune Hansen - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10766577B2 ## CPC - B63B 27/16: of lifts or hoists {(pilot lifts B63B27/146)} - B63B 27/10: of cranes - B63C 11/52: Tools specially adapted for working underwater, not otherwise provided for - B63G 8/001: {Underwater vessels adapted for special purposes, e.g. unmanned underwater vessels; Equipment specially adapted therefor, e.g. docking stations (self-propelled or direction controlled diving chambers with mechanical link to a base B63C11/42)} - B66C 23/52: Floating cranes (floating dredgers E02F) - B63B 2027/165: {Deployment or recovery of underwater vehicles using lifts or hoists} - B63G 2008/004: {autonomously operating} - B63G 2008/007: {by means of a physical link to a base, e.g. wire, cable or umbilical} - B63B: SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F9/06) - B63C: LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS (floating nets, floating slipways, or the like for recovering aircraft from the water B63B35/52) - B63G: OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS (means of attack or defence in general, e.g. turrets F41H) - B66C: CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES ({specially adapted for lifting invalids A61G7/10;} rope, cable, or chain winding mechanisms, braking or detent devices therefor B66D; specially adapted for nuclear reactors G21) ## Abstract A system for managing and controlling a subsea module is described herein. The system includes a deployment module configured to releasably receive and accommodate the subsea module and a load-bearing cable. One end of the load-bearing cable is connected to the subsea module and the other end is connected to a cable control device on the deployment module. The subsea module may be lowered out of and retracted into the deployment module. The subsea module may be configured to hold a subsea vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle or autonomous underwater vehicle. The subsea module may also be a remotely operated tool. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system for managing and controlling a subsea module comprising: a deployment module having lifting lugs and a chassis on which an umbilical winch is arranged, and a first interface for releasably receiving and accommodating the subsea module; wherein the deployment module is configured to be placed on a carrier structure and connected to an electrical power and signal interface unit on the carrier structure, the carrier structure being one of a ship, a floating platform; a fixed offshore, inshore or atshore installation, or a quay; a load-bearing umbilical cable or a load-bearing wire or rope in combination with a piggy-back control cable, one end of which is connected to the subsea module and the other end of which is connected to the umbilical winch on the deployment module, wherein the subsea module may be lowered out of and retracted into the deployment module; wherein the deployment module is configured to be placed on the carrier structure when the subsea module is at a subsea location. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the deployment module comprises power distribution and control portion, and a communication portion configured to communicate with a control facility. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The system of claim 2, wherein the communication portion further comprises a control and communications module configured to communicate with a control room at a distal location. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the deployment module comprises a power and signal cable, configured to connect with a power and signal interface unit on the carrier structure. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication portion configured to communicate with a control room at a distal location. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the deployment module comprises a lifting apparatus, configured to suspend the deployment module. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the subsea module is configured to hold a subsea vehicle. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the subsea vehicle comprises a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The system of claim 8, wherein the subsea module further comprises a tether management system (TMS) and a tether connected between the ROV and the TMS. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the subsea vehicle comprises an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the subsea module is a remotely operated tool (ROT). ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the ROT comprises a utilities-and-power apparatus to perform work on a subsea or downhole equipment or installation. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The system of claim 12, wherein the remotely operated tool comprises a signal cable, hydraulic hose, or other elongate flexible element configured to connect to the subsea or downhole equipment or installation. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) A method of operating the system as defined by claim 1, the method comprising: arranging the deployment module above a body of water and providing power and signals to the deployment module; lowering the subsea module from the deployment module, via the load-bearing umbilical cable or load bearing wire or rope, to a resident subsea location; operating the subsea module for a desired duration; and retrieving the subsea module to the deployment module. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the arranging of the deployment module comprises suspending the deployment module via a crane. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the deployment module is placed on the carrier structure after the subsea module is lowered from the deployment module via the said load-bearing umbilical cable, or load bearing wire or wire, to the resident subsea location. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the arranging of the deployment module above the body of water and providing the power and signals to the deployment module further comprises placing the deployment module on a balcony or above a moon-pool or other deck opening. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14 wherein the deployment module is arranged above the body of water prior to retrieving the subsea module to the deployment module. ### Claim 19 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the resident subsea location is on the seabed or on a structure on a seabed. ### Claim 20 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the subsea module is controlled from a distal location, via an umbilical and the deployment module. ### Claim 21 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein a subsea vehicle is controlled from a distal location, via a tether, the subsea module, an umbilical and the deployment module.