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: 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 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: 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: 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.