What's New

Aug 10, 2004.  The Patent and Trademark office awarded US Patent No. 6,772,704 for the Smart Lift Computerized Buoyancy Control System.  The system, invented by Ken Leonard, BWE's Director of Marketing, and John Engel, the company's president, is the result of several years of research and development.  The system uses a microprocessor, sensors, control valves, and sophisticated algorithms to precisely measure and regulate the buoyancy of an air filled chamber.  In doing so, the system can accurately control depth, the rate of ascent or descent, or maintain a desired buoyancy condition.  The Smart Lift technology has applications in underwater construction, commercial diving, salvage and recovery, military special ops, offshore oil-field operations, and oceanography. In addition, it can be easily scaled or sized for buoyancies from a few pounds to as large as several tons, or adapted to other chambers, bladders, or flexible bags.

June 2004.  BWE recently delivered a MR2500 Motor driven release to New Zealand's DTA.  The release, with a 2,500 lb load capacity, will be used in various sea trials involving the deployment and recovery of equipment at sea.

June 2004.  Three motor driven release mechanisms were recently delivered to Phoenix International.  The units were based on BWE's model MR2500, but modified to permit a faster release time.  Phoenix plans to use the releases in conjunction with their ROVs, allowing the remote deployment of equipment or packages from the ROV.

May 2004. BWE recently delivered three custom designed Linear Actuators to General Dynamics Electric Boat, located in Groton, CT. The underwater actuators have a maximum force output of 1,200 pounds and a stroke length of 2.0 inches. Electric Boat plans to integrate the actuators into a hardware package they are developing for US Navy submarines. Unable to find a suitable commercial off-the-shelf product, Electric Boat asked Blue Water Engineering to complete the design and fabrication of the special actuators. Additional design features included an oil-filled and pressure compensated enclosure, user adjustable limit switches to control the stroke, 24 volt DC operation, plus an internal slip clutch which limits the maximum force output.

BWE will be exhibiting at the UI 2004 show in New Orleans, February 17-19.  The Smart Lift computerized buoyancy system SL-1000 will be on display, along with other BWE products and hardware.  Be sure to stop by our booth (344) as it would be a pleasure to meet with you.

Sept 2003.  The Model MR2500 is a new release mechanism developed by BWE suitable for loads up to 2,500 lb.  It provides secure locking and reliable release of underwater hardware or instrument packages, with a full ocean depth capability.  The DC motor is housed within an oil filled and pressure compensated enclosure.  The body, latching mechanism, and motor housing are all constructed from stainless material.

Sept, 2003.  BWE has selected International Industries, Inc. as the sole representative for its underwater products, engineering services, and the Smart Lift product line.

July 2003.  Mr. Ken Leonard has taken on the responsibilities of Director of Marketing for Blue Water Engineering, Inc.  Mr. Leonard has over twenty years experience in sales and marketing and is the co-inventor of the computerized buoyancy system used by the company.

June 2003.  BWE recently delivered a large underwater housing to Scientific Marine Services of Escondido, CA.  The housing will be part of the anchor tension monitoring system that SMS is providing for the White Rose FPSO (floating, production, storage, and off-loading) hull.  The housing will be mounted within the turret section of the hull and serves as the primary junction box for the nine different anchor tension sensors.

May 2003.  BWE recently delivered two motor-driven release mechanisms to Woods Hole Marine Systems, Inc. (WHMSI) of Wood Hole, MA.  WHMSI plans to mount one release underneath their Argus tow sled for the purpose of remotely deploying or releasing packages.  The second unit is intended to provide a similar capability but will be attached to the end of an oceanographic cable.  The release mechanisms have full ocean depth capability and were custom designed and fabricated for WHMSI.