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Tag: underwater

  • Apple patent application “confirms” a new feature for iPhone

    Apple patent application “confirms” a new feature for iPhone

    Earlier this month, we passed along a rumor stating that the 2019 Apple iPhone XI line will feature a new Underwater Mode that would allow users to snap pictures and navigate the screen even with the phone submerged in water. The original rumor mentioned that the Underwater Mode would be patented, and today the actual patent application was released by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

    The application is titled Submersible Electronic Devices With Imaging Capabilities, and mentions a device, like an iPhone, that has the capability to capture images. This device includes an ambient light sensor to determine the lighting underwater. The device also features an image sensor to capture pictures, and sports circuitry designed to measure the depth of the image sensor. Information about the depth of the image sensor and the ambient underwater lighting would be used to adjust the color balance of an underwater photograph. Photos taken underwater by a camera that doesn’t include the patented features could result end up with a “undesired greenish color cast,” Apple says in the patent application.

    According to reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, both the Apple iPhone XI Max and iPhone XI will feature a triple-camera setup on back, The third camera will be a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor that measures how long it takes for an infrared light emitted from the camera to bounce off a subject and return to the camera. This will result in more accurate depth information that could be used for a rear-facing Face ID feature, improved bokeh effects and more AR functionality.

    Underwater Mode wouldn’t be possible without the iPhone’s Ingress Protection rating

    Of course, we wouldn’t even be writing about an Underwater Mode if the iPhone didn’t include an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. Both the iPhone XI and iPhone XI Max will most likely continue to sport an IP68 rating. This means that both models are protected from dust, and can be submerged to a depth of nearly five feet for as long as 30 minutes. At this point, with the original rumor singling out the iPhone XI and iPhone XI Max, it is not certain whether Underwater Mode will be found on the iPhone XR (2019). If all things stay the same, the latter would keep its predecessor’s IP67 rating that allows a phone to be submerged to a distance of a bit over three feet for up to 30 minutes. The 2019 iPhones most likely won’t be unveiled until this coming September.

    “A submersible electronic device such as a waterproof cellular telephone may be provided with an image sensor. The image sensor may capture images of underwater objects. Control circuitry in the submersible electronic device may adjust image contrast and color balance based on information from sensors and other information. The electronic device may have an ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor may be a color ambient light sensor and may be used in measuring ambient lighting conditions above water and underwater. A depth sensor may be used in measuring the depth of the image sensor and other components of the electronic device underwater. Information on the depth of the image sensor, information on the distance of an underwater object to the image sensor, and angular orientation information for the electronic device and image sensor may be used in color balancing an image.”-Apple’s patent application

    Apple first filed the application for its patent in September 2017. The patent application number is 20190098179. If the Underwater Mode doesn’t make it to the upcoming 2019 iPhone models, it would seem a sure bet for 2020.

  • Underwater Propeller Repair for Efficient Fuel Consumption

    Underwater Propeller Repair for Efficient Fuel Consumption

    No matter the size or style of your vessel, fuel consumption is always something that ship owners are looking to improve. With today’s fuel costs significantly higher than that of the past, finding any possible measure to lower consumption is always welcomed.

    One of the most important ways to ensure your vessel’s fuel consumption is optimized is to conduct underwater investigations and repairs on the propeller. As the driving force of every ship, the propeller’s condition is directly correlated with the amount of fuel the ship consumes during each voyage.

    The first and most obvious step is to check to the propeller blades for any damage, including dents and scratches that alter the natural rotation. Although they may seem miniscule, even the smallest imperfections on the blades can drastically decrease fuel efficiency, leading to higher costs on every trip you make.

    Smooth Blades for Better Consumption

    If a propeller is discovered to have dents or damage that are inhibiting its movement, a majority of the time it will undergo a smoothing process. The intensive propeller polishing creates smooth and damage-free blades that immediately impact the amount of fuel which is consumed. The added benefit of the process is that it helps maintain the propeller by removing any initially small damage that can grow into a biggest problem in the future.

    By regularly polishing propeller blades, you are not only saving money with the amount of fuel your vessel consumes, but you are also taking preventive measures to ensure you will not need to drydock your ship for more serious problems in the future.

    Propeller Cone Fin Installation

    Another method for saving fuel is adding a cone fin to your propeller, which helps reduce energy loss in its slipstream. By limiting the cavitation on the hull and rudder, this simple yet effective addition can lower fuel consumption by up to 5% immediately.

    The installation process for the cone fins is done completely underwater by the expert team of licensed diving ship technicians, meaning that your vessel will not need to be drydocked or be out of service at any point. The cone is lowered into the water as close as possible to the propeller, then the technicians go to work to install them directly onto the propeller’s vortex hub.

    At Antwerp Underwater Solutions, we offer a wide variety of propeller services that can help you maximize fuel consumption efficiency without having to undergo serious repairs or processes. Our experienced diving engineers are able to complete all the work in a timely manner, while the process is extremely affordable and offers an incredible return on investment due to the massive savings on fuel consumption.

  • Sometimes all you need is a fresh breeze

    Sometimes all you need is a fresh breeze

    Antwerp Underwater Solutions was founded in 2005. Shortly afterwards AUS became a part of a holding including several ship repair companies. The current structure and order books urged the need for a new manager to maintain and improve the level of service.

    We strongly believe we found the right  man for the job in Hans Cuylits, his career speaks for itself….

    He started his career as diver in a diving company where the main focus was on shipping. After 2 years he made a leap to the offshore industry. Here his drive and accuracy did not go unnoticed and pretty soon he was project superintendent for one of the major players in the offshore industry.

    In 2012 Hans and his wife had the courage to follow their dream and start a three year  journey around the world with their two kids.

    They returned in June 2016 and shortly afterwards  we welcomed Hans  with open arms in our team. We consider him to be a great asset not only for Antwerp Underwater Solutions but also for our customers.

    There might have been some changes in our management structure – our core business and commitment  hasn’t change. Antwerp Underwater Solutions is your ideal  underwater contractor for all  inspections, repairs and maintenance.

    Approved by all major classification bureaus DNV Gl, Lloyds Register, Bureau Veritas, ABS, Rina,… to perform all underwater inspections; pre-sale inspections, inspection after grounding, pre-docking inspection, in lieu of dry-dock inspection…

    For the underwater repairs we can draw on a number of  certificated and very experienced underwater  welders.  Antwerp Underwater Solutions has different types and sizes of cofferdams. In addition we have all the skills and equipment  to provide a customized cofferdam within the available time frame.

    You might be surprised to learn the maintenance that can be performed underwater; installation of anodes, cleaning of sea chest, blanking of overboard valves in order to allow valves to be changed from the inside, re-tightening bolts to reduce bearings wear down,  cleaning of sea chests,   replacement of echo sounder or speed log, replacement of rope guards, clearing propellers or rope guards, rudder maintenance   A great return on investment can be achieved by our propeller maintenance program,  which enable us to keep ships propellers smooth at all time, all blades are  polished in a multi stage to grade ‘A’ on the Rupert scale. This has an immediate effect on the fuel consumption.

    Antwerp Underwater Solutions is at your service 24/7, we have a fast response time and operate in all major European ports; Antwerp, Rotterdam, Flushing, Zeebrugge , Ghent, Le havre, Dunkirke,…

    Please allow yourself the experience to work with Antwerp Underwater Solutions as your underwater contractor and contact us

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  • The Importance of Regular Underwater Inspections

    The Importance of Regular Underwater Inspections

    Combining the experience of professional divers with certified ship repair knowledge, underwater inspections can help keep your vessel in top shape for years to come. Though only a small monetary investment, the inspections can offer an incredible return as you save enormous amounts of money on repairs that would be done when problems become more severe.

    By using a professional underwater inspection service, you can find a wide variety of potential issues that may slowly be damaging your ship. Bent or damaged propeller blades, hull corrosion and cracks, leaking thruster seals, damaged rudders, obstructed sea chests and many more common issues can be identified immediately. By completing a thorough inspection, the dive team provides an intensive report that outlines all the issues with the vessel and the possible fixes.

    These reports allow ship owners to understand the true condition of their vessel, which lets them decide whether or not they immediately want to repair the problem. In almost all cases, it is recommended that the repairs be done as soon as possible, as they only worsen with time and can lead to safety issues, expensive repairs and the ship being out of commission for weeks.

    Prior to the inspection process, the team will speak to the vessel owner to get an early understanding of any issues that may already be known. This will allow them to focus on those problematic areas to gain a better idea of where exactly the damage lies.

    Save Money by Inspecting Before You Drydock

    As any vessel owner knows, drydocking is an extremely expensive and time consuming process which means your ship can be unusable for an extended period of time. By conducting an underwater inspection before you drydock, you may be able to save large amounts of time and money through a simple underwater welding or maintenance job.

    Furthermore, ship owners avoid the potential issue of a low quote before the boat comes out of the water, then the repair company exponentially increasing the price once the boat is in the drydock.

    Fast and Efficient Inspections

    The biggest benefit of an underwater inspection is the short amount of time it takes to get a full understanding of the condition of the vessel. The diving experts can come to your ship quickly and the entire process only takes hours, meaning that you will immediately know if you are in need of repairs or if you can continue on your voyage. Also, the price quotes come almost instantly, so you can budget for the appropriate repairs when they are necessary.

    Antwerp Underwater Solutions and HC Diving offers full underwater inspection services carried out by our expert certified diving teams. Affordable and fast, we can help you discover any issues with your vessel to help save money by avoiding drydocking and having your ship repaired as soon as possible.

     

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