Abstract: A sandwich cable fairing designed for attachment to cables that are towed at operational speeds by marine vessels. The sandwich cable fairing has a design that combines layers of elastic and damping materials. The fairing dampens the vibration caused when the cable is towed at operational speeds. The outer layers (“bread”) of the fairing are made from a material with a modulus of elasticity that provides a desired amount of stiffness. In the middle of the sandwich cable fairing is damping layer made from a viscoelastic material. The layering of materials allows the fairing to have the flexibility to be crushed by cable equipment while maintaining the requisite stiffness to reducing flapping and the resulting vibration.

Abstract: This application relates to electric winders, particularly, to an intelligent electric winder and a control method therefor. The intelligent electric winder includes a support, a control unit and a winder body, where the winder body includes a casing, a winding reel, a drive structure, and a cable. The drive structure is electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit includes: a socket and a host; the host is arranged inside the casing, and the socket is arranged outside the casing; a start/stop button is provided on a surface of the socket, and the socket is connected to a free end of the cable. Through the intelligent electric winder and a control method therefor, the winding reel is controlled to start or stop winding by sending a wireless control signal, so that the intelligent electric winder is controlled to wind or unwind cables through the wireless communication.

Abstract: This document describes a system for the deployment, towing and recovery of marine equipment from a waterborne carrier, which carrier comprises a hoisting arrangement for lifting the marine equipment into the water. The system cooperates with the hoisting arrangement, and comprises a lateral deployment-recovery assembly for deployment and recovery on a lateral side of the carrier, and includes: a tow winch and an aft lateral outrigger connected to the carrier. The assembly also comprises a tow line guide and a guider winch including a guide line attachable to the tow line guide. The aft outrigger comprises a seat for the tow line guide and a sheave for the guide line to enable guiding of the tow line guide to the seat. The document also describes a method.

Abstract: Deployment of coiled tubing may be assisted using an apparatus comprising a source of coiled tubing, a coiled tubing distributor that comprises a passageway adapted to allow engaging the coiled tubing from the source of coiled tubing where the passageway comprises a coiled tubing receiver comprising a predetermined radius and a support frame, connected to the passageway, that is adapted to accept a portion of the coiled tubing therethrough, and a slip disposed intermediate the passageway and the support frame where the slip is adapted to accept a portion of the coiled tubing therethrough. The apparatus may be mounted to a structure and a portion of the coiled tubing deployed from the source of coiled tubing about the coiled tubing receiver through the slip. The apparatus is allowed to compensate for motion of the structure while the portion of the coiled tubing is deployed about the coiled tubing receiver through the slip.

Abstract: A mooring arrangement for a floating device includes a band and a drum adapted to pay out and pull in the band. The mooring arrangement includes a band guide, the band is extending from the drum via the band guide and is adapted to be coupled to an anchoring arrangement, the band guide being configured to tilt about an articulation axis being parallel with a longitudinal axis of the part of the band situated between the drum and the band guide in order to position the band to compensate for movement in the floating device and thus reduce the wear in the band.

Abstract: A method for operating a towing winch and an electric drive for a towing winch, the towing winch including a rotatable winch drum for spooling a spoolable medium, and an electric motor operably coupled to the winch drum to rotate the winch drum, wherein the electric drive is configured to be operably coupled to the electric motor, and configured to control, during a towing of at least one object connected to the spoolable medium, a tension of the spoolable medium between the winch drum and the at least one object to be towed to be equal to or lower than a tension limit value; and monitor, during the towing, a roll angle of the tug, and in response to the monitored roll angle of the tug being outside of a predetermined range, lower the tension limit value providing roll compensation.

Abstract: A fairlead that is intended to equip a towing device that can be installed on the deck of a ship and includes a winch, a cable passing through the fairlead under the action of the winch, the fairlead comprising: an open-section channel extending in a main direction for guiding the cable, a movable bolt closing a section of the channel, a force sensor that is situated in front of the bolt in one sense of the main direction and is configured to detect an external force, and a trigger configured to open the bolt when a force exerted on the sensor and oriented along the main axis in the sense exceeds a predetermined force, and to close the bolt when this force ceases.

Abstract: Many embodiments described herein prevent damage to a surf rope and/or watercraft due to a surf rope remaining in the water after it is released by a wakesurfer. The wakesurfing system may include a first and second reel assembly arranged and configured to retract a discarded surf rope. The first reel assembly may have a telescoping and rotatable boom and may be coupled to a side of the watercraft. The second reel assembly may be coupled to a tower, pylon, or ski hook of the watercraft. The first reel assembly may have a first cord reel coupled to a handle of the surf rope, and the second reel assembly may have a second cord reel coupled to a proximal location of the surf rope. The first and second cord reels, and the surf rope, may be in a retracted position when not in use, and in an extended position when used by a wakesurfer.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically controlling a reel system for oilfield operations. The electronically controlled reel system for oilfield operations comprises a reel, and an electronic control system in communication with the reel to electronically control rotation of the reel. The method of controlling a reel for an oilfield operation comprises receiving a command from an electronic control system; and supplying an electrical control signal to the reel based on the command to control rotation of the reel.

Abstract: A combined autonomous underwater vehicle and buoy device that may travel underwater in a horizontal orientation as an underwater glider to a desired location and then, at the desired location, move into a vertical orientation and operate as a buoy. The combined autonomous underwater vehicle and buoy device includes an elongated device body having a ballast tank, a plurality of fins, and a deployable weight. While in water, the device body may operate the ballast tank to selectively increase its buoyancy to cause vertical descent and decrease its buoyancy to cause vertical ascent, with the fins generating lift that moves the device body horizontally from this vertical motion. To move to the vertical orientation, the device body may reposition the deployable weight to adjust the center of mass of the device body sufficiently to cause the device body to move from the horizontal orientation to the vertical orientation.

Abstract: An unmanned seismic vessel system can include a hull system configured to provide buoyancy and a storage apparatus configured for storing one or more seismic nodes, each seismic node having at least one seismic sensor configured to acquire seismic data. A deployment system can be configured for deploying the seismic nodes from the storage apparatus to the water column, where the seismic data are responsive to a seismic wavefield, with a controller configured to operate the deployment system so that the seismic nodes are automatically deployed in a seismic array.

Abstract: A towing device intended to equip the deck of a ship (10) and comprising a winch (16), a cable (14) and a fairlead (20), the cable (14) circulating in the fairlead (20) under the action of the winch (16), the fairlead (20) comprising a frame (21) and at least one first and one second sectors, the sectors making it possible to guide the cable (14) in a channel formed in each of the sectors. The device comprises an articulation with a degree of freedom allowing the rotation of the second sector relative to the frame (21) about an axis contained in a plane comprising a first direction in which the cable can extend in the first sector, characterized in that the first sector is secured to the frame (21) and is interposed between the winch (16) and the second sector.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the suction motor is operable using current supplied from an energy storage member when the power cord is removed and operable using current supplied from an external source when the power cord is in electrical communication with the suction motor.

Abstract: A boat apparatus includes an aesthetically pleasing table and a generally horizontal member to which it is mounted. In another aspect, a table is mounted to a ski rope tow bar. Another aspect provides a table mounted to a side rail such that at least a majority of the table projects outboard from a seating area.

Abstract: A rope storage system includes a boat that has at least one cleat coupled to the boat. A retracting unit is removably coupled to the at least one cleat. A rope is releasably contained within the retracting unit. The rope is selectively urged outwardly from the retracting unit and the rope may secure the boat to a restraint. The rope is biased into the retracting unit such that the rope is stored within the retracting unit. Thus, the retracting unit reduces a tripping hazard with respect to the rope. A cleat lock is movably coupled to the retracting unit. The cleat lock releasably engages the at least one cleat such that the retracting unit is removably retained on the at least one cleat.

Abstract: A nautical cleat engagement device provides secure engagement to a nautical cleat without directly tying a rope or line to the nautical cleat. The device includes a housing which may be incorporated into or coupled to whatever a user might wish to secure to a cleat. An opening extends into a bottom surface of the housing. The opening is elongated for receiving a horn cleat through the opening. The housing has a cavity in alignment with the opening permitting rotation of the horn cleat within the housing into a locking position within the cavity. A locking pin extends through the housing into the cavity to inhibit rotation of the horn cleat from the locking position.

Abstract: A system for controlling a towrope winch may comprise a computing device configured to send and receive data to and from the towrope winch, and a towrope winch application configured to operate on the computing device, in which the computing device is configured to operate the towrope winch based on data inputted by the user to the towrope winch application. A towrope winch user interface may comprise a processor configured to send and receive data to and from a towrope winch, and a towrope winch application configured to operate with the processor, in which the processor is configured to operate the towrope winch based on data inputted by the user to the towrope winch application.

Abstract: A tow winch powered by a DC motor and a rechargeable battery. A tow rope is wound by the winch spool, the tow rope having a tow handle with one or more wireless throttle control members to start, stop and adjust the speed and acceleration of the retrieval operation. A marker device is incorporated into or attached to the tow rope and a sensor switch is provided on the base, whereby when the marker device is detected by the sensor switch the winch is disengaged. The base and operational components are sized and structured such that straps may be connected to the base and the tow winch carried like a backpack.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and displaying the suitability of water conditions in a zone for the launch or recovery of a smaller craft (10) from or to a host ship (12) is disclosed. The system and method detect one or more external environment parameters such as the height, direction and period of the swell, and one or more parameters relating to the ship operating conditions such as the heading, speed, pitch and roll angles, and processes these to determine the suitability of the conditions for launch or recovery.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a rope tender is rotatably affixed to the center pull on the tower to carry the rope over wakeboard racks. The rope tender is clamped to the center pull on the tower by a clamp. The rope is then pulled through an end loop on the rope tender and attached to the center pull on the tower. In one embodiment, the rope tender is looped one or more times in the middle to achieve a flexible, spring effect for the rope tender. The rope may also be pulled through the middle loop for support.

Abstract: A watercraft immobilizing apparatus and system for a marine vessel to passively defend against an attacking engine-powered watercraft includes a towed array of entanglement lines. The entanglement lines can be provided on and administered from removable/replaceable storage cartridges mountable on and/or deployed via davits, outriggers, paravanes, and/or weighted submersible rollers to foul and immobilize propellers and engine cooling water intakes of encroaching watercraft.

Abstract: A towrope winch with a safety shutoff device includes a winch configured to wind a rope; and a safety shutoff device which deactivates the winch if the rope moves outside a designated range of angles relative to an intake of the winch.

Abstract: A supply vessel (6) equipped with passenger seating (21) for transferring service personnel to and from an offshore facility (1), said supply vessel having a transfer speed of at least 16 knots, wherein an aft deck of the supply vessel (6) has a tug boat layout equipped with at least one towing winch (11), and a tugger winch (12).

Abstract: A towrope winch with a safety shutoff device includes a winch configured to wind a rope; and a safety shutoff device which deactivates the winch if, during winding of the rope, a foreign object enters a winch intake along with the rope to actuate the safety shutoff device.

Abstract: A seismic survey array that includes one or more streamers adjustably fixed to a towing vessel by at least a first deflected lead-in and a second deflected lead-in and at least one group of source arrays having one or more devices for generating pulses in water vessel. The array is further provided with means for laterally and/or longitudinally changing the position of the source array(s) with respect to the vessel and/or its direction of motion, the means including a wire and winching system. The means for adjusting the position of the source arrays further includes a wire or rope with one end fixed to one front end of the units and extending from the unit to the adjacent lead-in and back to a capstan arranged on the front end of the unit.

Abstract: A towrope winch with a safety shutoff device includes a winch configured to wind a rope; and a safety shutoff device which deactivates the winch if the rope moves outside a designated range of angles relative to an intake of the winch.

Abstract: A pull-in device for a towline (31) arranged to connect a towable object (2) to a towing vessel (1), in which a reel (323) which is arranged to receive the towline (31) is arranged in a reeling device (32) fixed to the towing vessel (1), and in which the reeling device (32) is provided with a pull-in controller (325) arranged to selectably provide a rotationally rigid connection between a tensioning handle (33) and a pull-in spring (324), alternatively a rotationally rigid connection between the pull-in spring (324) and the towline reel (323).

Abstract: A handling system with an improved fairlead is provided for protecting a tow cable wherein the cable breaking strength exceeds the system-rated tension load; the fairlead being positioned collinearly between the system bellmouth and winch. A guide slot passes through the fairlead positioning the cable higher than the winch release point and bellmouth entry point, maintaining the cable down-slope as the cable exits the fairlead. The slot has a hemispherical portion tapering inward to a groove extending downward. Near the groove bottom, at the fairlead end nearest the bellmouth, is a cutting device. Under tension, the cable rides in the hemispherical portion of the groove. If tension suddenly increases from a snag, the resulting force drives the cable down into the groove where the cable is cut by the device, separating before the force damages the system. The constrained cable end is securely held in place by the taper.

Abstract: A towed array deployment system is provided that uses the flow of fluid through the interior of a tube to deploy a towed line array. The system includes a small surface water craft such as an unmanned surface vehicle having a length between seven and eleven meters and a U-shaped tube mounted to the outside of the hull of the watercraft below the waterline. A towed array is fed from a winch aboard the surface craft, through one end of the tube, and the fluid is introduced through into the interior of the tube to force the towed array for deployment through the tube and out a second end of the tube near the stern of the watercraft.

Abstract: A cable brake system for deployments of cable comprising: a frame configured to be mounted on a ship; a repeater supporting track mounted longitudinally to the frame, the supporting track being configured for slidingly supporting a plurality of repeaters; a spool positioned exterior to the frame, the spool having the cable wrapped therearound and being capable of supplying the cable to an interior of the frame; at least one planar surface on an interior of the frame, the planar surface being positioned approximately parallel to the repeater supporting track; and a plurality of brake sub-assemblies being supported by the planar surface in a manner so as to establish a serpentine path for the cable and to impart variable frictional resistance to the cable.

Abstract: A paravane for a seismic acquisition system includes a float, a frame suspended from the float, deflectors affixed to the frame, and means for coupling a tow rope to a lead-in functionally extending between a forward end and an aft end of the frame. The paravane includes means for selectively changing an effective position along the lead-in of the means for coupling the tow cable.

Abstract: A towed array deployment system is provided that uses the flow of fluid through the interior of a tube to deploy a towed line array. The system includes a small surface water craft such as an unmanned surface vehicle having a length between seven and eleven meters and a U-shaped tube mounted to the outside of the hull of the watercraft below the waterline. A towed array is fed from a winch aboard the surface craft, through one end of the tube, and the fluid is introduced through into the interior of the tube to force the towed array for deployment through the tube and out a second end of the tube near the stern of the watercraft.

Abstract: A towrope winch with a safety shutoff device includes a winch configured to wind a rope; and a safety shutoff device which deactivates the winch if the rope moves outside a designated range of angles relative to an intake of the winch.

Abstract: A system for controlling a towrope winch may comprise a computing device configured to send and receive data to and from the towrope winch, and a towrope winch application configured to operate on the computing device, in which the computing device is configured to operate the towrope winch based on data inputted by the user to the towrope winch application. A towrope winch user interface may comprise a processor configured to send and receive data to and from a towrope winch, and a towrope winch application configured to operate with the processor, in which the processor is configured to operate the towrope winch based on data inputted by the user to the towrope winch application.

Abstract: A device used when towing a user with a watercraft includes a tow-rope and a tow-rope retraction device receiving the tow-rope. The tow-rope retraction device is configured to selectively retract the tow-rope so as to accelerate a user being towed by the watercraft on the tow-rope. A method of towing a user with a watercraft includes selectively retracting a tow-rope while towing the user to accelerate the user.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite rope structure comprising the following steps. Impregnated yarns comprising fibers within a resin matrix are fabricated at a first location. The impregnated yarns are transported from the first location to a second location. The impregnated yarns are dispensed at the second location. The resin matrix of the dispensed impregnated yarns is cured at the second location to obtain the composite rope structure.

Abstract: A seismic survey system includes a winch having a winch cable coupleable to a source array towable between two deflected lead-ins, a positioning system for determining a current position of the source array and a controller for adjusting the winch to modify the current position of the source array to a desired crossline position. The winches may be attached to the deflected lead-ins or mounted on a tow vessel. The winches exert lateral forces on the source array, derived from the deflected lead-ins, to control the inline position of the source array. A method includes positioning a seismic source array in tow behind a vessel comprises determining a current position of the source array and adjusting a lateral force applied to the source array to move the source array to a desired crossline position. Optionally, by adjusting the gun cable winch, the inline position may be controlled.

Abstract: A free flooded section of an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) contains a rotating cylindrical drum, which serves as a spool for a towed line array cable. At the end of the cable is a reverse thruster with the ability to propel itself away from the UUV when the UUV is submerged. The thruster moves away from the UUV, pulling the cable and unspooling it as it does so in order to deploy the array. To recover the array, the cylindrical drum rotates to reel in the cable. The cable is guided through a series of winding guides that allow the cable to be wound evenly on the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in handling a load where a load-bearing rope and a service cable are inter-wound as they are being paid out, having a wrapping device for wrapping a securing member around the service cable and the load-bearing rope, and to unwrap the securing member from the service cable and load-bearing rope as either of them is recovered. The securing member is wound around the service cable and the hoist rope, to hold the service cable relative to the load-bearing rope and to reduce the extent of creeping of the service cable down the load-bearing rope. The securing member can be planar, in the form of a strip, tape or ribbon, or can have a circular cross-section, in the form of a rope. In preferred embodiments, the securing member is resilient and is applied to the rope in tension.

Abstract: Tow rope rewinder apparatus includes a spool driven by an electric motor. The motor becomes deenergized after tension of the tow rope reaches a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: The launch and recovery system provides a dive wing and drogue assembly that is towed behind a ship by cables. The dive wing imparts a downward thrust to the drogue, so that the drogue is towed underwater, placing tension on the cables. The cables become stiff due to the speed of the ship and the weight and depth of the dive wing and drogue assembly, so that the cables take on the character of rails. The boat or watercraft to be launched is placed on a sling carriage that is slidably mounted on the cables, so that the sling slides down the cables, launching the watercraft in the stable wake of the ship. The watercraft is recovered by tying a winch cable or line to the watercraft, winching the watercraft back onto the sling, and winching the sling back onto the fantail of the ship.

Abstract: A system or apparatus and method for retrieving cable from water during marine operations is provided that reduces damage to the cable from pulling forces during the retrieval. A pulling device distributes the forces and stresses all along the cable components. In one embodiment, the pulling drive comprises a pulling drum powered by a clutching system or by a hydraulic torque conversion system set to slip or stall at a selectable force value. The apparatus may use a see-saw action to maintain the forces below damaging levels. The system may be adapted for deploying cable in marine operations as well.

Abstract: One or more docking cages releasably attached to a tow line extending from the stern of a retrieval ship, emit tracking beacon beams picked up by sensors in unmanned underwater sea craft vehicles being approached, for steered propulsion thereof into rammed hook attachment to the cages. A sea craft vehicle thereby releasably attached to a cage, is towed onboard the retrieval ship by storage reel-in of the tow line, which is then disconnected from the cage and the retrieved vehicle for subsequent use in retrieval of other unmanned sea craft vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for use in handling a load includes a load-bearing rope, and a mechanism for paying out and recovering the rope. There is also a drum for holding a service cable with a length of the service cable extending from the drum. A wrapping device rotates the length of service cable around the rope as the rope is payed out to wrap the service cable around the rope, and to unwrap the service cable from the rope as the rope is recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tugboat. The design comprises a towing installation which can turn through 360° in the horizontal plane about a vertical shaft. Above the towing installation there is a pilot house, and beneath it there are one or more propellers. This design provides optimal thrust in all directions in line with the rowing cable, in combination with good resistance and swell properties.

Abstract: A towrope retriever system for a watercraft for simplifying and improving the safety of the towrope handling, storage, reeling out, and reeling in of a towrope, in which the towrope retriever is connected to or integrated into a support unit such as a tower or pylon securely attached to the watercraft, substantially increasing the overall height of the watercraft, and allowing the performer to jump higher and perform more challenging aerial maneuvers, is disclosed. The towrope retriever may be rotatable to allow the performer a greater flexibility of movement and may be easily removed for storage.

Abstract: An emergency towing system for vessels. This system comprises a return guide fitted to the vessel to be towed; a closed ring-cable is fitted around this return guide, wherein this ring-cable comprises a coupling-member which, when the ring-cable is heaved around, establishes a connection with a contra-coupling-member on the vessel to be towed.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying cable in a body of water comprising an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) capable of converting vertical motion into horizontal travel, having a housing and means to deploy cable in a body of water. The cable, usually a cable sensor array, is released from a cable storage section of the AUV as the AUV glides. Vertical motion can be provided by buoyancy change, by dropping the AUV into the water, or by release of the AUV from a weighted bunker at the bottom.

Abstract: A marine towed array has a plurality of tow bodies of positive buoyancy each containing a marine acoustic source, such as a vibrator source. Each tow body uses a reel containing an electro-mechanical tow cable connecting the sources, whereby reeling and unreeling of the cable, controlled from a towing ship, changes the spacing of the tow bodies. One of the tow bodies at an end of the array is attachable to the towing ship.

Abstract: A towrope retriever system for a watercraft for simplifying and improving the safety of the towrope handling, storage, reeling out, and reeling in of a towrope, in which the towrope retriever is connected to or integrated into a support unit such as a tower or pylon securely attached to the watercraft, substantially increasing the overall height of the watercraft, and allowing the performer to jump higher and perform more challenging aerial maneuvers, is disclosed. The towrope retriever may be rotatable to allow the performer a greater flexibility of movement and may be easily removed for storage.