Submersible plow and method of operating the same

Abstract

An underwater plough and a method of operating an underwater plough are disclosed. In particular, an underwater plough for providing an elongated element to a submerged surface and a method of operating an underwater plough are disclosed, the underwater plough having a body and a plough share extending from an underside of the body, the plough share having a cutting blade for cutting the bottom of a groove in which the elongated element is to be disposed, a support means and an actuation means. The submersible plough is configured such that actuation of the actuation means while in an operational configuration changes the first direction and the second direction while the submersible plough is supported by the support means, changing the orientation of a longitudinal axis of the body relative to a contact plane and / or the distance between the body and the contact plane.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an underwater plow and a method of operating an underwater plow, in particular to an underwater plow for providing an elongated element to a submerged surface and a method of providing an elongated element to a submerged surface. [Background technology]

[0002] Submersible plows are typically used to plow or cut a trench into a submerged surface, such as an ocean bed or other submerged water-soil interface, and simultaneously lay an elongated element, such as a cable, for example, an electric power transmission cable, an electric communication cable, etc., into the resulting trench. A known submersible plow 100 is shown in FIG.

[0003] The submersible plow 100 includes a body portion 102 for receiving and guiding the elongated element 101 therethrough. The body portion 102 typically includes a bellmouth 104 at its forward end, which is an entrance for the upstream portion of the elongated element 101 to enter the body portion 102 during operation. A plowshare 106 extends from the underside of the body portion 102. The plowshare 106 includes a cutting blade 108 for cutting the bottom of a furrow as the submersible plow 100 is towed. The plowshare 106 further includes a heel portion 110 extending rearwardly from the cutting blade 108.

[0004] In use, the submersible plow 100 is pulled onto a submerged surface via a towline connected to a towbar 112 (shown in a non-towing, launch and retrieve position in FIG. 1 ) by a towing vessel which is normally at water surface level. As the plow 100 is pulled above the water surface, a groove is formed by the cutting blades 108 and the elongated element 101 is guided into the groove behind the plowshare 106 by a depressor 114 which cooperates with the rear face of the plowshare 106.

[0005] Submersible plows such as that shown in Figure 1 generally operate on the "long beam" principle, where the cutting depth of the plowshare 106 is controlled by the height of a skid 116 located in front of the plowshare 106. In doing so, the submersible plow 100 naturally orients itself such that the submersible plow 100 is partially supported by the heel portion 110, which is subjected to a vertical reaction force from the ground due to the weight of the submersible plow 100.

[0006] The submersible plow must be stable, especially during the initial phase of lowering the cutting blade to the required depth. For example, the submersible plow should not swing on its front skid as this could lever the plowshare 106 out of the furrow and disrupt the tilling action. Generally, stability is achieved by lowering the relative traction point as much as possible to reduce the moment about the skid 116.

[0007] Known systems lower the relative pulling point by articulating the components of the submersible plow. For example, the bellmouth and drawbar may be rotatable relative to the rest of the body, or the plowshare may be rotatable relative to the body (also called the plow beam). However, the additional functionality provided by such solutions increases the cost, weight, and complexity of the plow. Furthermore, the added complexity can introduce potential failure points within the submersible plow.

[0008] Although they add complexity, bellmouths are beneficial in a number of ways: for example, they allow the product cable to follow, e.g., by lowering the bellmouth, to reduce the chance of loops forming during submersible plough operation; furthermore, by raising the bellmouth during deployment and retrieval, the wrap angle of the cable through the plough can be minimized, avoiding problems such as cable slack and tension in the ground and increased contact loads on the product. Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved submersible plough which addresses the above problems without abandoning the advantages offered by known systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an underwater plough for providing an elongate element to a submerged surface, said underwater plough comprising: a body portion adapted to receive and guide said elongated element therethrough, said body portion comprising: a first end disposed at or toward the front of the submersible plow; a second end disposed at or toward the rear of the submersible plow; a longitudinal axis along which the first end and the second end are spaced apart; a plowshare extending from an underside of the body portion, the plowshare having a cutting blade for cutting the bottom of a groove in which the elongated element is disposed; a support means for supporting the submersible plow against a submerged surface, the support means comprising: a first set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; a second set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; at least one support member of the first set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, at least one support member of the second set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, the contact portion of at least one support member of the first set and the contact portion of at least one support member of the second set define a contact plane, at least one support member of the first set is rotatable relative to the body portion, and at least one support member of the second set is rotatable relative to the body portion; actuation means configured to rotate at least one support member of the first set relative to the body portion and / or to rotate at least one support member of the second set relative to the body portion; Equipped with the submersible plow has an operational configuration for a tillage operation, the operational configuration including at least one support member of the first set extending in a first direction from the body portion, at least one support member of the second set extending in a second direction from the body portion at an angle to the first direction, the longitudinal axis of the body portion at an angle to the contact plane, the longitudinal axis being closer to the contact plane at the first end of the submersible plow than at the second end of the submersible plow, and the cutting blades positioned to contact the submerged surface or bottom of a furrow during a tillage operation; The submersible plow is configured such that by actuating the actuating means while in the operational setting, the first direction and the second direction change while the submersible plow is supported by the support means, thereby changing the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the body portion relative to the contact plane and / or the distance between the body portion and the contact plane.

[0011] That is, during use, the weight of the submersible plow and any soil surcharge loads can be supported by a first set of support members, or skids, and a second set of support members, or stabilizers. This allows the submersible plow to perform a stable forward tilling operation. This stable position is achieved without the use of complex interlocking components, such as an interlocking bellmouth or interlocking plowshare.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the submersible plow is configured such that, in an operational configuration, at least one support member of the first set and at least one support member of the second set contact the submerged surface, the weight of the submersible plow on the submerged surface is supported by the at least one support member of the first set and at least one support member of the second set, and the orientation of the plow and the resulting furrow depth can be controlled by varying the first and second directions.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the plowshare includes a heel extending rearward from the cutting blade, and in an operational configuration, the heel is angled relative to the contact plane to maintain the heel elevated above the submerged surface or bottom of the furrow during tillage operation. In this manner, the submersible plow does not rely on heel reaction to change plow direction and resulting furrow depth.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the first direction is such that at least one support member of the first set extends toward or beyond the front of the submersible plow.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the second direction is such that at least one support member of the second set extends toward or beyond a rear plowshare of the submersible plow. At least one support member of the second set is a rearward extending stabilizer.

[0016] In certain embodiments of the operational configuration, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is from about 80 degrees to about 180 degrees. Thus, the range of first and second directions allows the cutting blade to be lowered from the submerged surface to the required trench depth while the weight of the submerged plow is supported by the skids and stabilizers.

[0017] In certain embodiments, a connection point between at least one of the first set of support members and the body portion is located toward or proximal to the first end of the body portion; A connection point between at least one of the second set of support members and the body portion is located toward or adjacent to the first end of the body portion.

[0018] By connecting both support members towards the front of the submersible plough, the centre of gravity of the plough is moved further forward compared to known systems, which helps to balance the submersible plough during deployment, and furthermore the connection point can be moved away from the soil fracture surface.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the connection point between the plowshare and the body portion is located towards or adjacent to the second end of the body portion.

[0020] In certain embodiments, at least one support member of the second set is sized to extend from a connection point between the at least one support member of the second set and the body portion to the cutting blade of the plowshare. That is, the rearwardly extending support member can extend from a forwardly located connection point to the rear of the plow. In this manner, the rearwardly extending support member can support the rear of the underwater plow.

[0021] In certain embodiments, in an operational configuration, at least one support member of the second set extends from a connection point between the at least one support member of the second set and the body portion to or beyond the cutting blade of the plowshare.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the actuation means comprises: a first actuation means coupled to the body portion and to a first set of at least one support member, wherein the first actuation means is configured to rotate the first set of at least one support member relative to the body portion; second actuation means coupled to the body portion and to the second set of at least one support member, where the second actuation means is configured to rotate the second set of at least one support member relative to the body portion; Equipped with.

[0023] In certain embodiments in an operational setting, the orientation of the plowshare relative to the body is fixed. The present invention does not require the plowshare to articulate relative to the body, so the submersible plow is less complex yet still able to achieve a stable forward pitching configuration.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the plowshare includes a body portion from which the cutting blade extends and a rear surface across which, in use, the elongate element passes as it passes from the body portion through a groove cut by the cutting blade.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the submersible plow further comprises a depressor extending from the second end of the body portion, the depressor configured to guide the elongated element into the groove cut by the cutting blade.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the lower portion of the rear surface is convex. In this way, the elongated elements follow a curved path across the rear surface of the ploughshare as it is deployed. This helps to maintain the curvature of the elongated elements above the MBR as they are deployed from the submerged plough and as the plough tilts forward during deployment.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the submersible plow includes a towbar coupled to the body portion, the towbar being for connecting to a towline.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the tow bar is rotatable between a towing position and a deployed position.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly for providing an elongate element to a submerged surface, the assembly comprising: An underwater plough according to the first aspect of the present invention; a vessel having a towline connected to the towbar of the submersible plow; Equipped with.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of tilling actuation of an underwater plough for providing elongate elements to a submerged surface, the method comprising: providing an underwater plow, wherein the underwater plow comprises: a body portion adapted to receive and guide the elongated element therethrough, the body portion comprising: a first end disposed at or toward the front of the submersible plow; a second end disposed at or toward the rear of the submersible plow; a longitudinal axis along which the first end and the second end are spaced apart; a plowshare extending from an underside of the body portion, the plowshare having a cutting blade for cutting the bottom of the groove in which the elongated element is disposed; a support means for supporting the submersible plow against a submerged surface, the support means comprising: a first set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; a second set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; At least one support member of the first set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, and at least one support member of the second set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface; A tow bar connected to the body and connected to a towing line; Equipped with; placing the submersible plow on a surface of the deployment vessel in a deployed configuration, the deployed configuration including at least one support member of a first set extending from the body portion in a first direction, at least one support member of a second set extending from the body portion in a second direction oblique to the first direction, a contact portion of the at least one support member of the first set and a contact portion of the at least one support member of the second set contacting the surface of the deployment vessel, a longitudinal axis of the body portion being inclined relative to the surface of the deployment vessel, the longitudinal axis being closer to the surface of the deployment vessel at a first end of the submersible plow than at a second end of the submersible plow, the tow bar being in a deployed position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the body portion such that the tow bar extends substantially perpendicularly from the body portion, and the cutting blade is in contact with or adjacent to the surface of the deployment vessel; Loading the elongated cable into an underwater plow; suspending the submersible plow from a towline connected to a towbar and deploying the submersible plow from a deployment vessel onto a submerged surface of the body of water; Includes.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the underwater plough of the third aspect of the invention is of the first aspect of the invention.

[0032] In certain embodiments in an operational configuration, at least one support member of the first set and at least one support member of the second set contact the submerged surface such that the weight of the submerged plow on the submerged surface is supported by the at least one support member of the first set and at least one support member of the second set, and the orientation of the submerged plow and the resulting furrow depth can be controlled by varying the first and second directions.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the first direction is such that at least one support member of the first set extends toward or beyond the front of the submersible plow.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the second direction is such that at least one support member of the second set extends toward or beyond the rear ploughshare of the submersible plough.

[0035] In certain embodiments in an operational configuration, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is from about 80 degrees to about 180 degrees.

[0036] In certain embodiments, a connection point between at least one of the first set of support members and the body portion is located toward or proximal to the first end of the body portion; A connection point between at least one of the second set of support members and the body portion is located toward or adjacent to the first end of the body portion.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the connection point between the plowshare and the body portion is located towards or adjacent to the second end of the body portion.

[0038] In certain embodiments, at least one support member of the second set is sized to extend from a connection point between the at least one support member of the second set and the body portion to a cutting blade of the plowshare.

[0039] In certain embodiments, in an operational configuration, at least one support member of the second set extends from a connection point between the at least one support member of the second set and the body portion to or beyond the cutting blade of the plowshare.

[0040] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of deploying an underwater plough for delivering an elongate element to a submerged surface, said method comprising the steps of: providing an underwater plow, wherein the underwater plow comprises: a body portion adapted to receive and guide the elongated element therethrough, the body portion comprising: a first end disposed at or toward the front of the submersible plow; a second end disposed at or toward the rear of the submersible plow; a longitudinal axis along which the first end and the second end are spaced apart; a plowshare extending from an underside of the body portion, the plowshare having a cutting blade for cutting the bottom of the groove in which the elongated element is disposed; a support means for supporting the submersible plow against a submerged surface, the support means comprising: a first set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; a second set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; At least one support member of the first set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, and at least one support member of the second set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface; A tow bar connected to the body and connected to a towing line; Equipped with; placing the submersible plow on a surface of the deployment vessel in a deployed configuration, the deployed configuration including at least one support member of a first set extending from the body portion in a first direction, at least one support member of a second set extending from the body portion in a second direction oblique to the first direction, a contact portion of the at least one support member of the first set and a contact portion of the at least one support member of the second set contacting the surface of the deployment vessel, a longitudinal axis of the body portion being inclined relative to the surface of the deployment vessel, the longitudinal axis being closer to the surface of the deployment vessel at a first end of the submersible plow than at a second end of the submersible plow, the tow bar being in a deployed position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the body portion such that the tow bar extends substantially perpendicularly from the body portion, and the cutting blade is in contact with or adjacent to the surface of the deployment vessel; Loading the elongated cable into an underwater plow; suspending the submersible plow from a towline connected to a towbar and deploying the submersible plow from a deployment vessel onto a submerged surface of the body of water; Includes.

[0041] The deployed configuration provides a gentler path for the elongated elements as they pass underwater ploughs of the deployment vessel, i.e. the elongated elements experience less bending as they pass underwater ploughs because the submersible ploughs are angled forward.

[0042] In a particular embodiment, the underwater plough of the fourth aspect of the invention is of the first aspect of the invention.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the step of deploying the submersible plow from the deployment vessel onto a submerged surface of the body of water includes embarking the submersible plow from the deployment vessel with the submersible plow in a deployment configuration.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the step of deploying the submersible plow from the deployment vessel onto a submerged surface of the body of water further includes contacting the submersible plow with the submersible plow in the deployed configuration.

[0045] The deployed configuration reduces the risk of damage to the elongated elements when the submersible plough reaches a submerged surface, i.e., the deployed configuration angles the ploughshares such that the elongated elements are not trapped under the ploughshares when the submersible plough contacts a submerged surface.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the step of deploying an underwater plow from a deployment vessel onto a submerged surface of the body of water includes: placing the submersible plow in a second deployed configuration by decreasing the angle between the first direction and the second direction and rotating the towbar forward to a second deployed position; and lowering the submersible plow into the body of water at a second deployment setting.

[0047] In the second deployment configuration, the weight of the submersible plow is transferred, which ensures that the submersible plow is deployed into the body of water in an orientation that allows the elongated elements to pass through the submersible plow at a low wrap angle.

[0048] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of deploying and operating a subsea plough which combines the third and fourth aspects of the present invention.

[0049] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an underwater plough for providing an elongate element to a submerged surface, the underwater plough comprising: a body portion adapted to receive and guide said elongated element therethrough, said body portion comprising: a first end disposed at or toward the front of the submersible plow; a second end disposed at or toward the rear of the submersible plow; a longitudinal axis along which the first end and the second end are spaced apart; a plowshare extending from an underside of the body portion, the plowshare having a cutting blade for cutting the bottom of a groove in which the elongated element is disposed; a support means for supporting the submersible plow against a submerged surface, the support means comprising: a first set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; a second set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; at least one support member of the first set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface and at least one support member of the second set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, the contact portion of the at least one support member of the first set and the contact portion of the at least one support member of the second set defining a contact plane; A drawbar connected to the body portion and to a drawline; Equipped with; The submersible plow has a deployment configuration for deployment on a submerged surface, the deployment configuration comprising: At least one support member of the first set extends in a first direction from the body portion; at least one support member of the second set extends from the body portion in a second direction obliquely relative to the first direction; a longitudinal axis of the body portion is inclined relative to the contact plane, the longitudinal axis being closer to the contact plane at the second end of the submersible plow than at the second end of the submersible plow; the towbar is in a deployed position angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the body portion so as to extend substantially perpendicularly from the body portion; the cutting blade is positioned in a deployed position such that the cutting blade contacts or is adjacent to a surface of the vessel prior to deployment and / or contacts or is adjacent to a submerged surface after deployment; the ploughshare is oriented so that a portion of the ploughshare extending rearward from the cutting blade is elevated above the surface of the vessel prior to deployment and / or elevated above the submerged surface after deployment; Includes.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the submersible plow has a second deployment setting, the second deployment setting comprising: the angle between the first direction and the second direction is reduced compared to the first deployment configuration; The towbar is in a second deployed position, in which the towbar is rotated forward compared to the first deployed position.

[0051] In a particular embodiment, the submersible plough of the sixth aspect of the invention includes all the features of the submersible plough of the first aspect of the invention.

[0052] As used herein, it will be understood that in this disclosure "providing an elongated element on a submerged surface" may alternatively be referred to as "providing an elongated element on the seabed," "guiding an elongated element to a submerged surface or seabed," or "guiding an elongated element into a groove formed in a submerged surface or seabed."

[0053] As used herein, it will be understood that the terms "front" and "rear" with respect to an underwater plow are defined relative to the direction of plow movement during tillage operations. Similarly, it will be understood that the terms "upstream" or "downstream" with respect to an underwater plow are defined relative to the direction of deployment of the elongated elements, not the direction of plow movement.

[0054] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the characteristics "diagonally" or "at an angle" (e.g., "the second direction is at an angle relative to the first direction") refer to the angle when considering a side view of the submersible plow as shown in the figures, i.e., the angle in a substantially vertical plane through the submersible plow.

[0055] As used herein, the term "underside" will be understood to refer to the side of the underwater plow, or the side of its body, which faces downwardly towards a submerged surface when in use.

[0056] As used herein, an "operational setting for tillage operation" will be understood to be a configuration or particular arrangement of features of a submersible plow that allows the submersible plow to perform a tillage operation, i.e., to plow or cut a furrow in a particular water surface. This phrase can also be restated as "the submersible plow is mobile or configured to be mobile in operation." Similarly, a "deployment setting" is a configuration or particular arrangement of features of a submersible plow that allows the submersible plow to be deployed from a watercraft. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0057] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a known submersible plow; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the submersible plow in a stowed position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the submersible plow of FIG. 2; [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the submersible plow of FIG. 2; [Diagram 5] 3 shows the underwater plow of FIG. 2 in its lowest cutting position. [Figure 6] 3 shows the submersible plow of FIG. 2 during deployment onto a submerged surface. [Figure 7] 3 shows the submersible plow of FIG. 2 during deployment onto a submerged surface. [Figure 8] 3 shows the submersible plow of FIG. 2 during deployment onto a submerged surface. [Figure 9] 3 shows the submersible plow of FIG. 2 during deployment onto a submerged surface.

[0058] In the drawings, like reference numbers refer to like parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] 2 shows a submersible plow 200 for providing elongated elements in a submerged surface. As an example, the submersible plow 200 can be used to trench cables, such as power cables, telecommunication cables, and the like, in a submerged surface, such as an ocean bottom or river bed.

[0060] The submersible plow 200 includes a body portion 202 (also called a plow beam) for receiving and guiding an elongated element therethrough. The body portion 202 has a first end 202 disposed at or toward the front of the submersible plow 200. 1 and a second end 202 disposed toward the rear or aft end of the submersible plow 200. 2The submersible plow 200 has a longitudinal axis 203, represented by a dashed line, along which a first end 202 extends. 1 and the second end 202 2 As shown in Figure 2, in the stowed configuration, the longitudinal axis 203 of the submersible plow 200 is generally aligned with the front of the plow 200, in the direction of trench digging.

[0061] In this embodiment, the body portion 202 includes a first end 202 1 The elongated element includes a bellmouth 204 located at the first end 202 and configured to receive the elongated element therein. In use, the elongated element includes a first end 202 1 to second end 202 2 Before passing through the body portion 202 , it is received in the bell mouth 204 .

[0062] The submersible plow 200 further includes a plowshare 206 extending from an underside of the body portion 202. In this example, the plowshare 206 is connected to the body portion 202 at a connection point or area, which is located at the second end 202 of the body portion 202. 2 That is, the plowshare 206 is located toward or proximate to the rear of the submersible plow 200.

[0063] The plowshare 206 includes a cutting blade 208 for cutting the bottom of the trench in which the elongate elements are deposited. In this embodiment, the cutting blade 208 extends forwardly from the body of the plowshare 206. In this embodiment, the plowshare 206 includes a heel portion 224 that extends rearwardly from the cutting blade 208. In this example, the heel portion 224 forms the base of the plowshare 206.

[0064] The submersible plow 200 includes a second end 202 2The plowshare 206 further includes a depressor 214 extending from the plowshare 206, the depressor 214 configured to guide the elongated element into the groove cut by the cutting blade 208. The depressor 214 is aligned with the rear surface of the plowshare 206 such that as the elongated element passes from the body portion 202 into the groove, the elongated element is guided into the groove by the rear surface of the plowshare 206 and the depressor 214.

[0065] The submersible plow 200 further includes support means for supporting the submersible plow 200 against a submerged surface.

[0066] The support means includes a first set of at least one support member 216 extending from an underside of the body portion 202. In this example, the first set of support members 216 are skids. In this example, the first set includes two skids 216 spaced apart across the width of the body portion 202. However, it will be appreciated that the first set may include any number of skids 216.

[0067] In this example, each skid 216 is connected to the body 202 at a respective connection point 230. In this example, the connection points 230 between each skid 216 and the body 202 are at the first end 202 of the body 202. 1 That is, the skid 216 extends from or toward a location at the front of the submersible plow 200.

[0068] Each skid 216 includes a contact portion 217 for contacting a submerged surface. In this example, the contact portion 217 is a pivotable leg disposed at the end of an elongated leg that is connected to the body portion 202.

[0069] The support means further includes a second set of at least one support member 218 extending from the underside of the body portion 202. In this example, the second set of support members 218 are stabilizers. In this example, the second set includes two stabilizers 218 separated across the width of the body portion 202. However, it will be appreciated that the second set may include any number of stabilizers 218.

[0070] In this example, each stabilizer 218 is connected to the body portion 202 at a respective connection point 232. The connection points 232 between each stabilizer 218 and the body portion 202 are located at the first end 202 of the body portion 202. 1 Towards or at the first end 202 of the body portion 202 1 That is, the stabilizer 218 extends from or toward the front of the submersible plow 200. In this manner, the connection point 232 is spaced from the soil breaking surface.

[0071] In this example, the connection point between the stabilizer 218 and the main body 202 is located rearward of the connection point between the skid 216 and the main body 202. That is, the skid 216 is located rearward of the connection point between the stabilizer 218 and the first end 202 of the main body 202. 1 Close to.

[0072] The connection points 230, 232 are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the submersible plow 200, but are both located toward the front of the submersible plow 200, and the spacing is relatively small compared to the length of the submersible plow 200. For example, the connection points 230, 232 may be spaced apart by about 10 cm to about 100 cm. This location and spacing helps the submersible plow 200 to more easily achieve a pitched forward configuration while still being supported by the skids 216 and stabilizer 218. That is, with the connection points 230 spaced closer together, the pitch of the submersible plow 200 is more sensitive to changes in the direction of the skids 216 and stabilizer 218.

[0073] Each stabilizer 218 includes a contact portion 219 for contacting a submerged surface. In this embodiment, the contact portion 219 is a curved end at the end of an elongated leg that is connected to the body portion 202.

[0074] In this embodiment, the stabilizers 218 are sized to extend from the body portion 202 to or beyond the cutting blades 208 of the plowshares 206. That is, in a configuration in which the stabilizers 218 face toward the cutting blades 208, the contact portions 219 of the stabilizers 218 extend to or beyond the cutting blades 208. In other words, the distance from the connection point 232 to the contact portions 219 of the respective stabilizers 218 is greater than or substantially equal to the distance from the connection point 232 to the cutting blades 208. In this manner, the stabilizers 218 are sized to support the rear of the plowshares 206 and the submersible plow 200.

[0075] The contacting portions of the skid 216 and the stabilizer 218 define a contact plane, i.e., the plane including the contacting portions of the skid 216 and the stabilizer 218 is defined as the contact plane. For example, when the submersible plow 200 is positioned on a horizontal ocean bottom, the contact plane is flush with the ocean bottom.

[0076] The skids 216 and the stabilizers 218 are rotatable relative to the body portion 202. In this example, each skid 216 is rotatable about a connection point 230 between the respective skid 216 and the body portion 202. Specifically, each skid 216 is rotatable about an axis of rotation that extends from the connection point 230 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202.

[0077] For example, for a submersible plow 200 located on a horizontal seabed, the axis of rotation is horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202 (i.e., when considering the side view of FIG. 2, going into the page). Similarly, each stabilizer 218 is rotatable about a connection point 232 between the respective stabilizer 218 and the body portion 202, and is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending from the connection point 230 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 203.

[0078] The submersible plow 200 includes actuation means configured to rotate the skid 216 and / or the stabilizer 218 relative to the body part 202. In this embodiment, the actuation means consists of separate actuation means for the skid 216 and the stabilizer 218. That is, the actuation means includes a first actuation means 220 coupled to the body part 202 and the skid 216, the first actuation means 220 configured to rotate the skid 216 relative to the body part 202. Furthermore, the actuation means includes a second actuation means 222 coupled to the body part 202 and the stabilizer 218, the second actuation means 222 configured to rotate the stabilizer 218 relative to the body part 202.

[0079] In this example, the first actuation means 220 and the second actuation means 222 each include at least one hydraulic actuator, electric actuator, pneumatic actuator, etc. The "actuation" of these actuators refers to the extension and contraction of the actuator. In this example, the first actuation means 220 includes a separate hydraulic cylinder for each of the skids 216. Similarly, the second actuation means 220 includes a separate hydraulic cylinder for each of the stabilizers 218. However, in other examples, the first actuation means 220 and the second actuation means each may include a single actuator, or actuator system, configured to actuate multiple skids 216 or stabilizers 218, respectively.

[0080] As shown, the actuators of both the first actuation means 220 and the second actuation means 222 are connected to the body portion 202 at locations spaced apart from the connection points 230, 232 of the skid 216 and stabilizer 218, respectively. In this manner, actuation of the actuation means causes the skid 216 / stabilizer 218 to rotate about the respective connection points 230, 232.

[0081] In this embodiment, the submersible plow 200 includes a tow bar 212 coupled to the body portion 202. The tow bar 212 is best seen in Figures 6-9. The tow bar 212 is for connecting to a tow line. It will be appreciated that the submersible plow 200 may include two separate tow bars, for example, a port and a starboard, both of which may operate in the manner described herein.

[0082] 2 and 3, the tow bar 212 is in a towing position and the plow 300 can be towed along a submerged surface via a towline, i.e., the tow bar 212 is oriented to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202. As a result, the connection point with the towline is towards or at the front of the submersible plow 200.

[0083] 2, the submersible plow 200 is configured to be stowed on the deck of a vessel prior to deployment into a body of water. In the stowed configuration, the contact plane is substantially flush with the heel portion 224 of the plowshare 206. Thus, when positioned on the deck of a vessel, the skid 216, stabilizer 218 and plowshare 206, including the heel portion 224, all contact the vessel deck.

[0084] FIG. 3 shows the submersible plow 200 in a tillage operation configuration.

[0085] In an operational configuration, the skid 216 extends in a first direction from the body portion 202. The stabilizer 218 extends in a second direction from the body portion 202 at an angle to the first direction. In this example, both the first direction and the second direction are angled away from the longitudinal axis of the body portion.

[0086] In this example, the first direction is such that the skid 216 extends toward or past the front of the submersible plow 200. In this manner, the skid 216 supports the front of the submersible plow 200.

[0087] In this example, the second direction is such that the stabilizer 218 extends toward or beyond the rear plowshare 206 of the submersible plow 200. In particular, the second direction is such that the stabilizer 218 extends toward or beyond the cutting edge 208 of the plowshare 206. In this manner, the stabilizer 218 provides support to the rear of the plowshare 206 and the submersible plow 200.

[0088] In this manner, the skids 216 and stabilizer 218 are positioned to contact the submerged surface at a location that can support the weight of the submersible plow 200 and the resulting soil surcharge load. That is, the first and second directions are such that the skids 216 and stabilizer 218 extend away from each other. This allows the skids 216 and stabilizer 218 to contact the ground at a location that provides a wide, stable base while still allowing the submersible plow 200 to be pitched forward by the skids 216 and stabilizer 218 (as described below).

[0089] In the operational configuration, the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202 is angled relative to the contact plane, and the longitudinal axis 203 extends along the first end 202 of the submersible plow 200. 1 , the second end 202 of the underwater plow 200 2 That is, in use, the submersible plow 200 is pitched forward with the bellmouth 204 angled or pointed toward the submerged surface.

[0090] In this example, the orientation between the body portion 202 and the plowshare 206 is fixed, at least in the operational configuration, so that as the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202 is angled toward the submerged surface, the plowshare 206 is also pitched forward relative to the stowed configuration.

[0091] In the operational configuration, the cutting blade 208 is positioned to contact the submerged surface or bottom of the furrow during the tillage start operation. When the plowshare 206 is pitched forward, the portion of the plowshare 206 extending rearward from the cutting blade 208 remains elevated from the submerged surface or bottom of the furrow during the tillage start operation. In other words, when clear of the cutting blade 208, the bottom of the plowshare 206 remains elevated from the submerged surface. In this embodiment, the heel portion 224 extends rearward from the cutting blade 208 and is therefore angled relative to the contact plane in the operational configuration. In this manner, the heel portion 224 can remain elevated from the submerged surface or bottom of the furrow during the tillage start operation.

[0092] With the plowshare 206 pitched forward, the cutting blade 208 essentially provides a single point of contact between the plowshare 206 and the submerged surface or bottom of the furrow during the start of the tillage operation. That is, the cutting blade 208 faces downward toward the submerged surface. It will be appreciated that in an arrangement in which the plowshare 206 includes multiple laterally spaced cutting blades, for example for cutting a wide furrow, each cutting blade may provide a point of contact between the plowshare 206 and the submerged surface or bottom of the furrow during the start of the tillage operation.

[0093] In use, the submersible plow 200 loaded with the elongated element or cable is placed in an operational configuration on a submerged surface. The submersible plow 200 is then towed to perform a tilling operation, i.e., the submersible plow 200 is towed across the submerged surface, with the submersible plow 200 moving relative to the cable such that an upstream portion of the cable passes through the submersible plow 200 and is deposited in a groove formed by the cutting blade 208 on the downstream side of the submersible plow 200.

[0094] The submersible plow 200 is configured such that actuation of the actuating means in an operational setting changes the first and second directions (through rotation of the respective skids 216 or stabilizers 218) which changes the orientation of the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202 relative to the contact plane and / or changes the distance between the body portion 202 and the contact plane. That is, when the submersible plow 200 is in use and positioned on a submerged surface, the actuating means is actuated in an operational setting such that the first and second directions are changed. That is, the angle between the skids 216 and the stabilizers 218 is changed. By doing so, this changes the orientation of the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202 relative to the submerged surface and / or changes the distance between the body portion 202 and the submerged surface. During this or these changes, the submersible plow 200 is supported by the support means.

[0095] Figures 4 and 5 show the submersible plow 200 in use, at different stages of operation of the actuation means. In particular, the sequence illustrated by Figures 3-5 shows the skid 216 and stabilizer 218 rotating away from each other such that the body portion 202 is lowered towards the submerged surface and the longitudinal axis 203 is brought into a substantially horizontal position. The rotation of the skid 216 and stabilizer 218 away from each other is achieved by retraction of one or both of the first and second actuation means 220 and 222.

[0096] As an example, the operational configuration of the submersible plow 200 can encompass an angle between the first direction and the second direction of from about 80 degrees to about 180 degrees. For example, in Figure 3, the angle between the skid 216 and the stabilizer 218 is about 90 degrees. In Figure 4, the angle between the skid 216 and the stabilizer 218 is about 120 degrees.

[0097] In this example, the tillage action performed by the submersible plough 200 in the operational setting is to progressively cut a furrow to the required depth. That is, with the submersible plough 200 in the configuration shown in Figure 3, as the submersible plough 200 is towed, the cutting blades 208 begin to cut a furrow into the submerged surface. When the actuation means is actuated, the body portion 202 is lowered, which in turn causes the ploughshare 206 to be lowered, increasing the depth of the cut furrow, for example as shown in Figure 4. The orientation of the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202 is changed, causing the longitudinal axis 203 to rotate towards a more horizontal position (relative to the horizontal submerged surface). This causes the cutting angle of the cutting blades 208 to change.

[0098] 5, the body portion 202 is at its lowest position adjacent the submerged surface such that the trench depth is at its maximum, however, it will be appreciated that the desired groove depth may be reached prior to this lowest position.

[0099] During operation of the actuation means (and the resulting changes in the first and second directions), the submersible plow 200 is supported by the support means. That is, the submersible plow 200 is configured such that, in an operational setting, the skids 216 and stabilizers 218 can generally support the weight of the submersible plow 200 and any additional soil surcharge loads on the submerged surface. In this way, the direction of the plow and the resulting furrow depth can be controlled by the support means alone, i.e., by changing the first and second directions. This removes the dependency on reaction forces on the plowshare 206, for example at the heel 224. Instead, as shown in FIG. 4, the heel 224 can remain elevated from the submerged surface or furrow bottom until the furrow has been cut to the required depth by the cutting blade 208. In this way, the cutting blade 208 can remain the only point of contact between the plowshare 206 and the submerged surface or furrow bottom during the plowing start operation.

[0100] By supporting the submersible plow 200 primarily on the support means, rather than relying on the heel of the plowshare, the submersible plow 200 can be actuated forward for tilling without the need for additional features on the plow, such as an articulating bellmouth or articulating plowshare. In this manner, the submersible plow 200 can have a fixed orientation between the body portion 202 and the bellmouth 204, at least in an operational configuration. Similarly, the submersible plow 200 can have a fixed orientation between the body portion 202 and the plowshare 206, at least in an operational configuration.

[0101] In this way, the towing point of the submersible plow 200 is low enough to ensure a stable positioning. However, the reduced functionality increases the reliability of the submersible plow 200. The risk of cable loops forming under the submersible plow 200 is also reduced because the bellmouth 204 is positioned downwards.

[0102] Furthermore, reducing heel friction actually improves the stability of the submersible plow 200. In particular, in the arrangement of the present disclosure, the support reaction is at seabed level throughout the tilling operation, rather than at the bottom of the furrow. This reduces the moment arm of the support reaction about the contact portion 217 of the skid 216, reducing the risk of the submersible plow 200 tipping forward or tilting sideways in the case of an offset towing load.

[0103] It should be noted that in known systems, rear stabilizers are used simply to limit uncontrolled sinking in very soft conditions and to provide some stability when landing the plow on a submerged surface. They provide little or no support for the weight of the submerged plow, instead they typically become buoyant as the heel experiences ground reaction forces due to the weight of the submerged plow.

[0104] 3-5 show the skid 216 and stabilizer 218 lowering the cutting blade 208 of the submersible plow 200, the same process may be performed in reverse to raise the cutting blade 208 out of the cutting groove. Specifically, while the weight of the submersible plow 200 is supported by the skid 216 and stabilizer, the actuation means may be actuated to change the orientation of the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202 relative to the submerged surface and / or to change the distance between the body portion 202 and the submerged surface. In doing so, the plowshare 206 is lifted out of the cutting groove. In general, the relative actuation of the first actuation means 220 and the second actuation means 222 determines whether or how much the orientation of the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202 relative to the submerged surface changes. Similarly, the relative actuation of the first actuation means 220 and the second actuation means 222 determines whether or to what extent the distance between the body portion 202 and the submerged surface changes.

[0105] The submersible plow 200 may include or be coupled to a control system configured to control actuation of the actuation means based on a determination of one or more of furrow depth, the relative positions of the bellmouth 204, the skids 216 and stabilizers 218, or the inclination of the body portion 202. Such determination may be based on signals from sensors within the submersible plow 200 or from external sensors, such as sonar, that provide ground level feedback. The control means may include a predetermined relationship between actuation of the actuation means (i.e., either or both of the skids 216 and stabilizers 218) and changes in furrow depth.

[0106] It will be appreciated that details regarding the specific features of the plow will vary depending on the plow specifications required. For example, the geometry of the skid 216, the geometry of the stabilizer 218, the materials used for the skid 216 and stabilizer 218, and the load capacity of the actuators used will all be specific to the size of the plow, the range of towing loads, the type of soil, etc. Of course, it will be appreciated that the additional support functions required of the stabilizer 218 will affect the selection of the length, cross section and material of the stabilizer, and will also affect the load capacity of the actuators used to operate the stabilizer 218. For example, stronger materials and actuators having higher load capacities may be selected to ensure that the stabilizer can contribute substantially to supporting the weight of the plow.

[0107] Figures 6 to 9 show the deployment process of the submersible plough 200. Figure 6 shows the submersible plough 200 positioned on the deck of a vessel, which is typically also a towing vessel. The cable 201 to be laid in the cutting groove is loaded onto the plough 200. Once loaded, the cable 201 runs from an upstream component such as the Linear Cable Engine (LCE) 250, through the bellmouth 204, through the body 202, between the aft face of the ploughshare 206 and the depressor 214, to a downstream component such as the stern roller 252.

[0108] In Figure 6, the submersible plow 200 is shown in a first deployed configuration similar to the operational configuration described above. The first deployed configuration differs from the operational configuration only in that the tow bar 212 is in a deployed position (also known as a launch position and a recovery position). In the deployed position, the tow bar 212 is angled away from the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202. In this embodiment, the tow bar 212 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202 such that the tow bar 212 extends substantially perpendicularly from the body portion 202 when the submersible plow 200 is positioned on the surface of the deployment vessel.

[0109] 6, the first deployment configuration of the submersible plow provides a gentler cable path between the LCE 250 and the stern roller 252. That is, the cable 201 experiences less bending as it passes through the submersible plow 200 because the submersible plow 200 is tilted forward.

[0110] 7, the towline 254 is used to lift the submersible plow 200, move the submersible plow 200 overboard onto the stern rollers 252, and then lower the submersible plow 200 to a submerged surface. When the submersible plow 200 is suspended in the first deployed configuration, the center of gravity of the submersible plow 200 is substantially below the towbar 212. As such, there is a minimum rotational moment about the connection point between the towbar 212 and the body portion 202. Thus, the submersible plow 200 can remain in a desired orientation with the towbar 212 substantially vertical when the submersible plow 200 is overboard.

[0111] In this example, the lower part of the rear face of the plowshare 206 is curved. In other words, the lower part of the rear face of the plowshare 206 is convex. In contrast, the remaining part of the rear face may be substantially flat. By way of example, the convex lower part of the rear face of the plowshare 206 may have a radius of about 1 m to about 7 m. In this way, the effective radius of the cable 201 as it passes through the rear face of the plowshare 206 is reduced so as to avoid excessive bending of the cable 201 below the minimum bend radius (MBR). By way of example, the MBR for a telecommunication cable may be about 1.5 m, and for a large power cable, the MBR may be about 5 m. This facilitates the passage of the cable 201 through the submersible plow 200 without the need for a large or pivoting bellmouth. This is particularly advantageous in the overboarding process shown in FIG. 7.

[0112] 8 shows the submersible plow 200 being lowered to a submerged surface. In this example, the submersible plow 200 has transitioned to a second deployed configuration. In the second deployed configuration, the angle between the first direction and the second direction (i.e., the angle between the skids 216 and the stabilizers 218) is reduced compared to the first deployed configuration. In this example, the second deployed configuration of the submersible plow 200 corresponds generally to the stowed configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0113] Additionally, the drawbar 212 has been rotated forward from the first deployed position illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 to a second deployed position. In the second deployed position, the drawbar 212 is still angled away from the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion 202, but at a smaller angle; i.e., the drawbar 212 is closer to the towing position. For example, in the second deployed position, the drawbar 212 can be angled at about 30 degrees to about 70 degrees, preferably about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis 203 of the body portion.

[0114] The reduction in the angle between the skid 216 and the stabilizer 218 ensures that the center of gravity of the submersible plow 200 remains generally below the tow bar 212 while the submersible plow 200 is suspended with the tow bar 212 in the second deployed position.

[0115] When suspended in the second deployment configuration, the bellmouth 204 faces generally upwards towards the water surface. This provides a gentler cable path through the submersible plow 200 and a lower cable wrap angle. This reduces the build-up of tension in the cable due to build-up of wrap friction. This effect is particularly important near ships where cable tension is greatest due to the cable's own weight in the water.

[0116] Locating the connection points 230, 232 toward the front of the body portion 202 is beneficial in balancing the weight of the submersible plow 200 to facilitate the cable routing illustrated in Figure 8. That is, if the stabilizer 218 were located toward the rear of the submersible plow 200, it would be difficult to locate the center of gravity under the drawbar 212 in the configuration shown in Figure 8.

[0117] Prior to touchdown, the tow bar 212 is rotated from the second deployed position back to the first deployed position, which causes the submersible plow 200 to touch down at the contact plane of the submerged surface, just prior to touchdown when tension in the cable 201 is at its lowest.

[0118] 9 shows the submersible plow 200 in its deployed / operating configuration in contact with the submersible surface. As described above, the submersible plow 200 is supported by the support means with the heel 224 elevated above the submerged surface. Landing the submersible plow 200 on the submerged surface with the ploughshare 206 at a positive pitch angle leaves the submersible plow 200 above the submerged surface, reducing the risk of damage to the cable product upon landing. This means that the cable 201 is less likely to be pinched between the ploughshare 206 and the submerged surface upon landing.

[0119] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that features described in connection with any of the above-described embodiments may be interchangeably applied between different embodiments. The above-described embodiments are examples for illustrating various features of the present invention.

[0120] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification is understood to contemplate the plural as well as the singular, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0121] In assessing the orientation of a plough, a common frame of reference for the (component of the) plough can be used: thus, if the plough is placed on a flat ground surface, "horizontal" is parallel to the flat ground surface, and "vertical" is perpendicular to (i.e. upward from) the flat ground surface, even if the flat ground surface is inclined.

[0122] It is understood that features, integers, properties, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are also applicable to other aspects, embodiments or examples described herein, except where inconsistent therewith. All of the features disclosed herein (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed herein (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or any novel one, or any novel combination of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. 1. An underwater plow for providing an elongated element to a submerged surface, comprising: a body portion adapted to receive and guide said elongated element therethrough, said body portion comprising: a first end disposed at or toward the front of the underwater plow; a second end disposed at or toward the rear of the submersible plow; a longitudinal axis along which the first end and the second end are spaced apart; a plowshare extending from an underside of the body portion, the plowshare having a cutting blade for cutting the bottom of a groove in which the elongated element is disposed; a support means for supporting the submersible plow against a submerged surface, the support means comprising: a first set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; a second set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; at least one support member of the first set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, at least one support member of the second set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, the contact portion of the at least one support member of the first set and the contact portion of the at least one support member of the second set define a contact plane, at least one support member of the first set is rotatable relative to the body portion, and at least one support member of the second set is rotatable relative to the body portion; actuation means configured to rotate at least one support member of the first set relative to the body portion and / or to rotate at least one support member of the second set relative to the body portion; Equipped with the submersible plow has an operational configuration for a tillage operation, the operational configuration including at least one support member of the first set extending from the body portion in a first direction, at least one support member of the second set extending from the body portion in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, the longitudinal axis of the body portion at an angle to the contact plane, the longitudinal axis being closer to the contact plane at the first end of the submersible plow than at the second end of the submersible plow, and the cutting blades positioned to contact the submerged surface or bottom of a furrow during a tillage operation; The submersible plow is configured such that by actuating the actuating means while in the operational setting, the first direction and the second direction change while the submersible plow is supported by the support means, thereby changing the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the body portion relative to the contact plane and / or the distance between the body portion and the contact plane.

2. 2. The submersible plow of claim 1, wherein in the operational configuration, at least one support member of the first set and at least one support member of the second set are configured to contact the submerged surface, the weight of the submersible plow on the submerged surface is supported by at least one support member of the first set and at least one support member of the second set, and the orientation of the submersible plow and the resulting furrow depth can be controlled by varying the first direction and the second direction.

3. The plowshare includes a heel portion extending rearwardly from the cutting blade; 3. The submersible plow of claim 1 or 2, wherein in the operational configuration, the heel is angled relative to the contact plane so that the heel remains elevated above the bottom of the submerged surface or furrow during tillage operation.

4. 4. An underwater plough as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first direction is such that at least one support member of the first set extends towards or beyond the front of the underwater plough.

5. 5. A submersible plough as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second direction is such that at least one support member of the second set extends towards or past the ploughshare at the rear of the submersible plough.

6. 6. The submersible plow of claim 1, wherein in the operational configuration, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is from about 80 degrees to about 180 degrees.

7. a connection point between at least one support member of the first set and the body portion is located toward or adjacent to the first end of the body portion; 7. An underwater plow as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a connection point between at least one support member of the second set and the body portion is located towards or adjacent to the first end of the body portion.

8. 8. An underwater plow as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connection point between the plowshare and the body portion is located towards or adjacent to the second end of the body portion.

9. 8. The submersible plow of claim 7, wherein at least one support member of the second set is sized to extend from a connection point between the at least one support member of the second set and the body portion to the cutting blade of the plowshare.

10. 10. The submersible plow of claim 9, wherein in the operational configuration, at least one support member of the second set extends from a connection point between the at least one support member of the second set and the body portion to or beyond the cutting blade of the plowshare.

11. The actuation means comprises: a first actuation means coupled to the body portion and to the first set of at least one support member, wherein the first actuation means is configured to rotate the first set of at least one support member relative to the body portion; second actuation means coupled to the body portion and to at least one support member of the second set, wherein the second actuation means is configured to rotate the at least one support member of the second set relative to the body portion; The underwater plow according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising:

12. A submersible plough as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the operational configuration the orientation of the ploughshare relative to the body is fixed.

13. 13. An underwater plough as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ploughshare comprises a body portion from which the cutting blade extends and a rear surface which, in use, traverses as the elongate element passes from the body portion into a groove cut by the cutting blade.

14. The submersible plow of claim 13 , further comprising a depressor extending from the second end of the body portion, the depressor configured to guide the elongated element into a groove cut by the cutting blade.

15. 15. An underwater plough as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the lower part of the rear face is convex.

16. 16. The submersible plow of any preceding claim, wherein the submersible plow includes a drawbar coupled to the body portion, the drawbar being connected to a towline.

17. 17. The submersible plow of claim 16, wherein the tow bar is rotatable between a towing position and a deployed position.

18. 1. An assembly for providing an elongated element to a submerged surface, comprising: The underwater plow according to claim 16 or 17, a vessel having a towline connected to the towbar of the submersible plow; An assembly comprising:

19. 1. A method of operating a submersible plow for providing an elongated element to a submerged surface, comprising: providing the submersible plow, wherein the submersible plow comprises: a body portion adapted to receive and guide said elongated element therethrough, said body portion comprising: a first end disposed at or toward the front of the underwater plow; a second end disposed at or toward the rear of the submersible plow; a longitudinal axis along which the first end and the second end are spaced apart; a plowshare extending from an underside of the body portion, the plowshare having a cutting blade for cutting the bottom of a groove in which the elongated element is disposed; a support means for supporting the submersible plow against a submerged surface, the support means comprising: a first set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; a second set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; at least one support member of the first set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, at least one support member of the second set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, the contact portion of the at least one support member of the first set and the contact portion of the at least one support member of the second set define a contact plane, at least one support member of the first set is rotatable relative to the body portion, and at least one support member of the second set is rotatable relative to the body portion; actuation means configured to rotate at least one support member of the first set relative to the body portion and / or to rotate at least one support member of the second set relative to the body portion; With placing the submersible plow in an operative configuration on a submerged surface, the operative configuration including at least one support member of the first set extending in a first direction from the body portion, at least one support member of the second set extending in a second direction from the body portion at an angle to the first direction, the longitudinal axis of the body portion at an angle to the contact plane, the longitudinal axis being closer to the contact plane at the first end of the submersible plow than at the second end of the submersible plow, and the cutting blades positioned to contact the submerged surface or bottom of a furrow during a tillage operation; performing tilling with the underwater plow; operating the actuation means with the submersible plough in the operational configuration to vary the first direction and the second direction while the submersible plough is supported by the support means to vary the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the body portion relative to a submerged surface and / or the distance between the body portion and the submerged surface; A method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein in the operational configuration, at least one support member of the first set and at least one support member of the second set contact the submerged surface such that the weight of the submerged plow on the submerged surface is supported by at least one support member of the first set and at least one support member of the second set, and the orientation of the submerged plow and the resulting furrow depth can be controlled by varying the first direction and the second direction.

21. 21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the first direction is such that at least one support member of the first set extends towards or beyond the front of the submersible plough.

22. A method according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the second direction is such that at least one support member of the second set extends towards or past the ploughshare at the rear of the submersible plough.

23. 23. The method of any of claims 19 to 22, wherein in the operational configuration, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is from about 80 degrees to about 180 degrees.

24. a connection point between at least one support member of the first set and the body portion is located toward or adjacent to the first end of the body portion; 24. The method of any of claims 19 to 23, wherein a connection point between at least one support member of the second set and the body portion is located towards or adjacent to the first end of the body portion.

25. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the connection point between the ploughshare and the body portion is located towards or adjacent to the second end of the body portion.

26. 26. The method of any of claims 19 to 25, wherein at least one support member of the second set is sized to extend from a connection point between the at least one support member of the second set and the body portion to the cutting blade of the ploughshare.

27. A method according to any of claims 19 to 26, wherein in the operational configuration, at least one support member of the second set extends from a connection point between the at least one support member of the second set and the body portion to or beyond the cutting blade of the ploughshare.

28. 1. A method of deploying an underwater plow for providing an elongated element to a submerged surface, comprising: providing the submersible plow, wherein the submersible plow comprises: a body portion adapted to receive and guide said elongated element therethrough, said body portion comprising: a first end disposed at or toward the front of the underwater plow; a second end disposed at or toward the rear of the submersible plow; a longitudinal axis along which the first end and the second end are spaced apart; a plowshare extending from an underside of the body portion, the plowshare having a cutting blade for cutting the bottom of a groove in which the elongated element is disposed; a support means for supporting the submersible plow against a submerged surface, the support means comprising: a first set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; a second set of at least one support member extending from an underside of the body portion; At least one support member of the first set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface, and at least one support member of the second set has a contact portion for contacting a submerged surface; A drawbar connected to the body portion and to a drawline; With placing the submersible plow on a surface of the deployment vessel in a deployed configuration, the deployed configuration including at least one support member of the first set extending from the body portion in a first direction, at least one support member of the second set extending from the body portion in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, a contact portion of at least one support member of the first set and a contact portion of at least one support member of the second set contacting the surface of the deployment vessel, the longitudinal axis of the body portion being at an angle to the surface of the deployment vessel, the longitudinal axis being closer to the surface of the deployment vessel at the first end of the submersible plow than the second end of the submersible plow, the tow bar being in a deployed position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the body portion such that the tow bar extends substantially perpendicularly from the body portion, and the cutting blade is in contact with or adjacent to the surface of the deployment vessel; loading an elongated cable into the submersible plow; suspending the submersible plow from a towline connected to the towbar and deploying the submersible plow from the deployment vessel onto a submerged surface of the body of water; A method comprising:

29. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein deploying the submersible plow from the deployment vessel onto a submerged surface of a body of water includes embarking the submersible plow from the deployment vessel with the submersible plow in the deployment configuration.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of deploying the submersible plow from the deployment vessel onto a submerged surface of a body of water further comprises contacting the submersible plow with the submersible plow in the deployed configuration.

31. Deploying the underwater plow from the deployment vessel onto a submerged surface of a body of water includes: placing the submersible plow in a second deployed configuration by decreasing the angle between the first direction and the second direction and rotating the drawbar forward to a second deployed position; 31. The method of claim 29 or 30, further comprising lowering the submersible plow into the body of water at the second deployment setting.

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