Abstract: There is provided an optical-fiber cable construction comprising a ruggedizing core providing at least one channel which contains at least one optical fiber surrounded by a gel. The gel is preferably thixotropic. The channel preferably extends from within the core to the external surface of the core, and the gel is partially contained in the core by means of a skin extending the width of the channel or by an axially oriented plug. The plug may be bonded to the walls of the channel or wedged in the channel.

Abstract: There is provided a cable construction which resists attack by mammals, fowl or fish. The cable construction consists of a core containing at least one optical fiber about which there is an organic cushion layer, preferably polymeric in nature. About the cushion layer there are a pair of counter-helically wound resin-impregnated inorganic fibers to provide tensile and hoop strength. About the pair of counter-helically wound inorganic fibers there is provided one or more layer(s) of resin-impregnated inorganic fibers helically-wound to an angle greater than 60.degree., and preferably approaching 90.degree.. These fibers when bitten provide needle-like projections which irritate the mammal, e.g., rodent, fowl or fish and discourage any attempt to continue to attack the cable. The cable is normally provided with an outer casing of a thermoplastic polymer for handling purposes. It may also include a layer containing abrasive materials which also deters attack by mammal, fowl or fish.

Abstract: There is provided a hybrid cable comprised of a plurality of optical fibers and metal conductors wound at a common lay angle. At least the metal conductors are sheathed by a fiber-reinforced resin and are prevented thereby from hockling.

Abstract: A tanker having a submersible hull has a mast extending above the hull supporting a bridge section. The base of the mast is journaled in the hull for rotation about a vertical axis. The bridge section is rotatably supported on the mast. Drive means rotates the mast relative to the hull and the bridge section such that the hull and bridge section remain aligned while the angular position of the mast is changed. Rotary ice cutters are positioned along one side of the mast and are positioned relative to the surrounding ice by rotation of the mast so as to be aligned with the direction in which the ice encroaches on the mast.

Abstract: A resin reinforced fiber structure is formed by coating and curing the resin of resin coated fibers in air form a hard gel surface is passed in contact with a mass of particles maintained at a temperature from about 95.degree. C. to the thermal degradation temperature of the resin to complete internal cure of the resin.

Abstract: A resin reinforced fiber structure is formed by coating and curing the resin of resin coated fibers in air form a hard gel surface is passed through a bath containing a molten metal at a temperature from about 95.degree. C. to the anaerobic degradation temperature of the resin to complete internal cure of the resin under non-oxidizing conditions.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting the ends of two optical fiber cables to provide accurate alignment of the optical fibers free of stress from the mechanical linkage of the respective cables. The sheath at the adjoining end of each cable is split in two and separated to expose the optical fiber. The split ends of the sheath are inserted in separate diverging holes in a mounting ferrule while the exposed optical fiber is inserted in a central bore between the diverging holes. The sheath ends are anchored by cementing the ends in the holes. Only the very outer end of the exposed optical fiber is anchored by cement in the ferrule to fix the alignment of the fiber. The rest of the exposed fiber between the anchored outer end and the point at which the sheath is split is bowed slightly to relieve any tension on the fiber. The ends of the cables are joined by mounting the ferrules in a common connector body with the outer ends of the fibers held in abutting axial alignment.

Abstract: A room temperature vulcanizable silicone rubber having a high coefficient of thermal expansion is provided at the interface between an optical fiber and a surrounding fiber reinforced resin shell in a cable construction. The surrounding rubber because of high coefficient thermal expansion shrinks more than the optical fiber or the resin shell during the manufacture operation. This relieves radial compressive loads on the optical fiber and prevents the distortion of the optical fiber by the surrounding fiber reinforced shell in manufacture and use. As a consequence, light transmission qualities are not impaired.

Abstract: A mobile drilling and production platform for arctic regions in which a hull having a deck forming the production platform is supported on a first set of parallel runners secured to the underside of the hull and extending fore and aft with spaces between the runners. A second set of parallel segmented runners are secured to the underside of the hull and extend perpendicular to the first set of runners, the second set of runners including a plurality of sections positioned in the spaces between the first set of runners. A plurality of rotating ice cutters are mounted on the hull and extend down in front of the ends of each of the runners, the ice cutters cutting channels in the ice in which the runners move and support the hull. One set of runners is vertically movable from the hull relative to the other set of runners whereby the weight of the hull can be transferred from one set of runners to the other to permit movement of the platform along two perpendicular axes or coordinance of motion.

Abstract: A resin reinforced fiber structure is formed by drawing fibers under tension, in spaced relation to each other through a bath containing a molten heat curable resin, combining the fibers in mutual contact for removal of excess resin, spreading the fibers for passage through a preheating zone and then in a recombined state through a plurality of radiant heating zones and relatively narrow cold shaping dies in series. The preheating and heating zones provide heated surfaces in spaced relation to the resin coated fibers, effect a viscosity break to enable the resin to more completely wet the fibers and advance polymerization towards a gel point. The narrow cold shaping dies provide the desired shape to the final article and remove excess resin as cure is advanced. The fiber reinforced resin structure at about the resin gel point is passed through a final cold shaping die, and then to a final curing zone.

Abstract: An oversized connector providing an optical fiber bonded in a bore hole is machined about the center axis of the optical fiber to properly center the optical fiber in relation to the centerline of a receptacle for the connector containing another optical fiber whose central axis is also in line with the centerline of the receptacle.

Abstract: An arctic vehicle is provided for the rapid transport of goods, machinery, and personnel over ice, snow and frozen ground surfaces.The vehicle is supported partially while at rest and/or under way by a cushion of air which is entrained by a system of seals. Seals along the sides terminate in runners for guiding and partially supporting the vehicles. A cutter system is deployed in front of each runner to form smooth running tracks or furrows over ice, snow, and frozen ground surfaces. A transverse cutter may be deployed in front of the forward transverse seal for removing major ice protrusions between the runners, to reduce seal leakage and wear, and improve ride characteristics. The cut tracks, in addition to providing smooth transit, engage the runners and side seals to prevent lateral shifting of the vehicle by the action of crosswinds and sideslopes.The vehicle may be self-propelled or towed.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting in which a self-propelled surface vessel tows a submergible elongated cargo container by means of a semi-rigid boom extending from the stern of the vessel to the nose of the cargo container. The position of the boom is controlled from the stern of the vessel to hold the nose of the container at a level below the wake of the towing vessel.

Abstract: A mounting structure for supporting a drilling platform on the ocean floor comprises an open precast vessel having a bottom wall and a side wall extending up from and around the perimeter of the bottom wall which is adapted to be recessed in the ocean floor at the drilling site. A monopod drilling structure having a base and a supporting column extending upwardly from the base to a drilling platform is positioned on top of the vessel with the bottom of the supporting column having a vertical passage opening through the bottom of the base into the vessel. Sealing means is provided between the top of the vessel and the bottom of the drilling structure which provides a water-tight seal, permitting the interior of the vessel to be pumped dry when the drilling structure is in place.

Abstract: There is provided a reusable flexible fairing for securing to anchoring cables to reduce cable drag which consists of two wedge shaped interlocking body members interconnected by a flexible web providing a contoured inner surface which in combination with contoured end walls of the body members embrace the cable to be faired and provide a streamline cross-sectional profile for minimizing drag. There is also provided a system for adding and removing the fairing from a cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing directional drilling from an offshore drilling platform, the drilling platform being of monopod construction with a submerged base, a single vertical column extending up from the base and supporting a platform above the water, the column having a vertical moon pool extending downwardly from the platform and opening in the base. A conductor pipe for receiving a drill string from a drilling rig mounted on the platform extends from the platform through the moon pool, the conductor pipe curving in an arc. The conductor pipe is supported vertically at its upper end. The conductor pipe is supported at the lower end at a position displaced from the center of the moon pool. The upper and lower supports permit rotation of the conductor pipe about a common vertical axis, the radial displacement of the lower end of the conductor pipe from this axis due to the curvature of the pipe being adjustable.

Abstract: There is described a comminuting type ice cutter for use with vessels operating in ice-covered waters. Fluid, such as water or air, is injected into the region of each cutter edge to break the partial vacuum which is created at the cleavage interface of the ice fragments as they are broken away from the body of ice by the cutting or wedging action of the cutters. The fluid is introduced by passages extending through the cutter blades and opening adjacent the cutter edges. Alternatively the fluid may be forced into the cutting region by separate jets which may be either stationary or may rotate with the blades.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and supporting a drilling platform on the ocean floor in which the drilling platform is a monopod structure with a broad flat base. The ocean floor is dredged to form a large level area depressed below the mudline. A precast drilling cellar having a flat bottom wall and upstanding side walls extending around the perimeter of the bottom wall is lowered to the leveled area. Hydraulic jets in the bottom of the cellar displace material from beneath the cellar, allowing the cellar to sink into the ocean floor to the depth of the sidewalls. The platform is centered over the cellar with the base resting on the top of the sidewalls.