Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a active-over-passive coordinated motion winch designed to be used in combination with a class of existing offshore lifting systems such as A-Frames, booms or cranes to minimize the relative movement between a payload position and a destination position occurring commonly in offshore operations. The configuration of this system allows a remote operated vehicle (ROV) or any other launched load to be firmly captured until it is delivered to the desired destination. The configuration of the system also permits towed loads, such as sonar devices, to closely maintain level tow paths along the sea floor.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a active-over-passive coordinated motion winch designed to be used in combination with a class of existing offshore lifting systems such as A-Frames, booms or cranes to minimize the relative movement between a payload position and a destination position occurring commonly in offshore operations. The configuration of this system allows a remote operated vehicle (ROV) or any other launched load to be firmly captured until it is delivered to the desired destination. The configuration of the system also permits towed loads, such as sonar devices, to closely maintain level tow paths along the sea floor.

Abstract: A rotary cable treatment assembly for use on cables having a non-circular cross section formed from a stator that housing a rotor formed from two hydraulically sealing bearings. A cable having a non-circular cross section is passed through the assembly wherein a lubricant or high viscosity inhibitor is pressurized to about 3000 psi within the assembly causing the fluid to coat all internal strands that form the cable. The rotor and hydraulically sealing bearings rotate according to the helix of the cable to reduce or eliminate wear on the cable and sealing.

Abstract: The instant invention teaches a docking head having a sheave which is capable of translating position within its plane or rotation so as to alter the placement of its axis of rotation, thereby allowing the docking head to safely accommodate umbilical cable mounted fixed floatation devices. The system senses the floatation presence and automatically shifts the sheave to allow trouble free passage of the floatation up to and including the step of latching the payload.

Abstract: A linear cable engine (LCE) uniquely grips a cable so as to avoid damage to the protective/insulative sheath thereon during retrieval and deployment. The LCE includes a design which encompasses the cable and actually applies pressure radially to the cable. This allows for the application of much higher force as the cable is in a state of hydrostatic stress resulting in a higher allowable tension on the cable. Deformable polymeric gripping elements are mounted to the outer surface of the driving mechanism. Each of the gripping elements, which may be an elastomeric block or annular tire-shaped member, has a profiled surface effective to embrace the cable and is identical in shape and construction, one or another. The elements have an indention capable of matching one or more given cable radii and a hollow or gel filled cross-section which may contain strategically placed stiffeners.

Abstract: The instant invention teaches a docking head having a sheave which is capable of translating position within its plane or rotation so as to alter the placement of its axis of rotation, thereby allowing the docking head to safely accommodate umbilical cable mounted fixed floatation devices. The system senses the floatation presence and automatically shifts the sheave to allow trouble free passage of the floatation up to and including the step of latching the payload.

Abstract: A rotary cable treatment assembly for use on cables having a non-circular cross section formed from a stator that housing a rotor formed from two hydraulically sealing bearings. A cable having a non-circular cross section is passed through the assembly wherein a lubricant or high viscosity inhibitor is pressurized to about 3000 psi within the assembly causing the fluid to coat all internal strands that form the cable. The rotor and hydraulically sealing bearings rotate according to the helix of the cable to reduce or eliminate wear on the cable and sealing.

Abstract: A cable winding system has a powered spool for receiving the cable in continuous evenly distributed coils. A levelwind mechanism is attached to the spool and guides the cable onto the spool by a pawl traversing a powered diamond screw groove. The levelwind is attached to a load compensated hydraulic system which prevents stresses from being transmitted to the pawl. The levelwind has a sheave to accept cable angularly disposed to the axis of the spool.