Abstract: A payout control arm is angularly displaceable about a brake shaft during yout of a cable from a storage reel in response to tensioning forces transmitted through the cable from a payout load, the cable being entrained about a pulley rotatably carried on the control arm in spaced relation to the brake shaft. Gearing drivingly connects the pulley to the brake shaft to stop payout and cause the cable to frictionally grip the pulley in response to brake engagement thereby preventing continued transmittal of tensioning forces to the reel.

Abstract: A system for mooring a buoyant case such as a marine mine or other marine vice at a preselected depth below the surface of the water in which the case was launched. After the case has been launched, together with an attached anchor, the anchor and case separate to the extent of a resilient line as they descend through the water. When the case passes through a first preselected depth the resilient line is released from the case, thereby permitting a mooring line, which is connected in series between the resilient line and the case, to payout. As the mooring line unwinds the anchor descends to the ocean floor while the buoyant case ascends toward the surface. When the case ascends through a second preselected depth a brake assembly is activated to stop the payout of the mooring line. After the case has been positioned at the second depth, a locking assembly fixes the position of the case at the mooring depth.

Abstract: A marker buoy, attachable to a submersible article by controllable explos cutter, is provided with a buoyant housing having an interior chamber for storage of a coiled length of flexible cord connecting the buoy to the submersible article. The chamber is provided with vents to permit water flow therethrough. An element of buoyant material within the chamber helps to orient the top surface of the buoy in the upward direction. Release of the buoy by the explosive cutter permits it to float to the surface, with the flow of water through the chamber vents ensuring rapid ascent.