Abstract: An underwater fishing line cutter includes a housing with forward and rearward sections and a slot extending along the side thereof. A line support is mounted in each forward and rearward section of the slot, and a cutter carrier is mounted within the hollow interior of the housing. A control line is connected to the cutter carrier such that a rearward pull on the control line will move the cutting edge to sever a fishline journaled within the slot.

Abstract: An arrangement for sweeping moored mines (8) with at least one cable cutter (4) that is arranged on a sweeping line (2) and is designed for cutting through the mooring line (9) for a respective mine (8). To achieve a relatively fast and safe destruction of the moored mines (8), in addition to the cable cutters (4), mine destruction devices (3) are also attached to the respective sweeping line (2), which devices are fastened respectively in front of the snap grippers (4) in towing direction. The mine destruction devices (3) each have on clamping device (12) that can attach itself to the mooring line (9), a buoyancy element (14) that is connected to the clamping device (12) with an unreelable line (16) and a mine destroying activator (15) that is attached to the buoyancy element (14). If the mooring line (9) hits the mine destruction device (3), the clamping device (12) detaches itself from the sweeping line and clamps down on the mooring line (9).

Abstract: A band cutter transversely cuts a band having a longitudinal axis and major and minor transverse dimensions perpendicular to the band's longitudinal axis, the major dimension of the band being greater than the minor dimension of the band. The band cutter has a housing having a barrel chamber and a support channel formed therein, the barrel chamber and the support channel having longitudinal axes which are generally parallel and coaxial to each other. A band slot, extending through the housing and transversely intersecting the support channel, is adapted to receive the band and prevent significant lateral and rotational movement of the band during cutting. A blade is positioned within the support channel and is sized to move along the support channel.

Abstract: An explosive cutter for severing a mooring of a moored mine includes a securing apparatus for attaching the explosive cutter to a mooring and for detaching the explosive cutter from an underwater vessel. The securing apparatus includes a mooring capturing jaw; a clamping lever having a withdrawn position in which it is clear of the capturing jaw and a clamping position in which it closes off the capturing jaw for holding the mooring captive in the capturing jaw; and a slidable shuttle having a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A cleaning device 20 for cleaning a boat's deployed anchor chain 14, or for cleaning ropes, lines or similar items, and having: i) a generally O-shaped handle 21 having a central through opening 22 for permitting the user to grasp the handle 21, and at least two smaller through openings 24, 25 adjacent its opposite ends for permitting removable connection to a conventional boat hook 52 or to a retrieval line 26 and weight 29; ii) a pair of spaced, laterally projecting, generally cylindrical coaxial anchor chain guides 35, 36 rigidly secured to respective ones of the opposite ends of the handle 21, each having a longitudinally extending radial opening 39, 42 extending in different angular directions from the axis extending therethrough; and iii), a flexible, brush-like scrubbing medium 49, 50 bonded to the inner cylindrical surfaces of the anchor chain guides 35, 36 and having a plurality of cleaning bristles 50 extending radially inward towards, but terminating short of, the axis extending through the coaxial

Abstract: A pivoting wire deflection and severance (PWDS) system that provides protection against wire/cable strikes for aircraft, especially helicopters, having external, belly-mounted gun systems that are pivotable in the elevational plane. The PWDS system is operative to protect against wire/cable strikes with the gun system in a forward stowed flight position and with the gun system pivoted to any position within the predetermined elevation angle of the gun system. The PWDS system includes a hard mounted wire cutter and a pivotable deflector member. The wire cutter includes upper and lower cutting jaws disposed in a housing and operative to sever wires/cables. The wire cutter housing is mounted in combination with the gun system so that the wire cutter provides protection against wire/cable strikes with the gun system in the forward stowed flight position. The deflector member is an elongated structure having first and second ends.

Abstract: A minesweeping system, self-contained within the water vessel sought to be rotected against contact-actuated moored mines, effective against moored mines which are directly in the path of the vessel, featuring a beam-and-float arrangement. A ruddered float is maintained by a control system in virtually forward position with respect to the vessel and is attached at the fore end of a long boom beam, the aft end of which is pivotably attached to the bow of the vessel. A depressor for maintaining submergence of the lower end of the tow wire and the inward ends of the sweepwires is attached at the lower end of the tow wire, the upper end of which is attached to the beam near the float. Port and starboard sweepwires are attached to the tow wire near the depressor, each sweepwire projecting generally horizontally and backwardly obliquely. Diverters attached at the outward ends of the two sweepwires maintain their proper orientation. Cutters are situated along the outward ends of the sweepwires.

Abstract: A system for severing anchor cable mooring lines and oil well drill pipes is disclosed in which a primary hydraulic system containing a first fluid under pressure is utilized to actuate cutters and a secondary hydraulic system containing a second fluid under pressure is used to control valves which regulate the application of the first fluid to the cutters. The system is designed to operate independently of local power sources during an emergency.

Abstract: An explosive-type cable cutter assembly which includes a breech housing having a central passageway formed in it and a first slot extending from the exterior surface of the breech housing and opening into the passageway and a second slot extending from the exterior surface of the breech housing and opening into the passageway. The slots are each elongated in the direction of the central axis of the breech and each include a forwardmost edge and a rearwardmost edge. The cable cutting assembly also incldues a threadable plug with an impact wall positioned forward of the slots and radial ports extending from the exterior surface of the breech housing into the passageway between the impact wall and the slots. The cable cutter assembly further includes a piston cutter assembly having a piston cutter adapted for travel within the passageway in the breech housing. The piston cutter assembly includes an explosive cartridge with attached piston cutter. The piston cutter includes a cutting edge and a base end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater cable cutting device which is used in combination with a geophysical exploration apparatus carrying a depth control unit. The depth control unit is provided with guiding planes which are protected by the cable cutting device mounted ahead of the depth control unit. The cutting device has a generally flat body having a curved forward portion and a pair of hook-shaped cutting portions on opposite rearwardly extending sides of the flat body for deflecting a cable from the depth control unit and severing the cable or mooring line with its cutting surface formed by the hooked-shaped cutting elements. The device is attached to an elongated housing and abuts a securing shank of the depth control unit, without requiring any modifications to be made to the depth control unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely placing and welding a patch over an underwater breach in the hull of a ship. The apparatus is lowered into position over the side of the ship by a winch and cable, then held against the ship's hull by electromagnets. The apparatus has a generally streamlined frame containing a chamber within which a patch plate is carried. Wheels are disposed on the frame to permit the frame to be driven along the hull and positioned over the breach. The patch plate is then moved into position against the hull and welded into place. Operation of the apparatus is viewed through video cameras and is remotely controlled by an operator on board the ship.

Abstract: A device for detecting and/or sweeping electrically controlled mines, which evice will provide an indication of the presence of a control cable connected to the mine, and will serve as a countermeasure for such mines, by selectively detonating same after cutting of its control line after the sweeping vessel is beyond the mine's effective range. The circuitry of the device includes a high D.C. voltage source connected with a capacitor so as to charge the capacitor through a protective current limiting resistor, whereby the voltage is caused to discharge through the control cable so as to indicate the presence of the mine. An insulated blade type grapple knife system, to prevent inadvertent shorting of the detonating circuit, is used in conjunction with a sensitivity adjustable magnetometer and a switch to provide the desired safety range to permit the cutter to sever the mine's control cable without endangering the tow vessel or its personnel.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for detecting partially submerged wires and determng the location of the above water portion thereof by injecting into the submerged portion a radio frequency electrical signal, and utilizing radio direction finders to obtain a fix on the resulting radiating above water portion. An insulation cutting probe is used, and a radio frequency injection signal generator is described that minimizes power loss to the water medium.

Abstract: A minehunting apparatus is carried by an underwater transporting drone to the mooring cable of a mine. The minehunting apparatus includes a housing and clamping levers pivotably mounted on the housing to close around the mooring cable. Inside the housing are explosives which are detonated by a coded sonar signal. To improve the maneuverability of the transporting drone, the weight of the minehunting apparatus is balanced so that the apparatus has an essentially neutral buoyancy during the transporting process in the water. After the clamping mechanism has clamped itself around the mooring cable, a lighterweight is released to cause the remainder of the minehunting apparatus to float upwardly toward the mine.

Abstract: A water fillable chute, to be employed as a submerged tractor device is cected to a plurality of wire severing grapnels by means of a metallic chain for sweeping command type river mines.

Abstract: An active, automatic-firing, impact responsive cable-cutting apparatus for use on conventional aircraft such as helicopters for virtually instantaneously forcibly severing obstructive cables. A lightweight, non-corrosive frame comprising a mounting base portion and an integral, outwardly extending, angular deflection arm is adapted to be selectively mounted on an aircraft or on an extension pole which extends downwardly toward the ground or forward of the nose of the aircraft. Mechanical firing components of the assembly are housed within a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be accessed for maintenance through a removable butt. Sharpened, serrated guide blades extending along outwardly angled forward edges of the frame are adapted to strain the outer periphery of a cable as it is forcibly deflected and guided into a central mouth. A removable cutting block is provided at the interior of the apparatus adjacent the cutting assembly mouth in operative association with a rigid, angular, cutter knife.

Abstract: A submersible ROV removes extraneous material from the surface of submerged metal with a cleaning tool and measures the thickness of the metal with an ultrasonic probe. A camera allows visual operation of the ROV. The cleaning tool and ultrasonic probe can reach areas of limited access making the ROV useful for inspecting the interior of holding tanks. A submersible, electrical power supply can be combined with the ROV to provide an intrinsically safe system which is particularly useful in environments where sparks pose a substantial hazard.

Abstract: An anchor for hooking and cutting a submarine cable comprises an anchor body part, a cable-hooking part and a connecting part, these parts being connected together into a form like a fishing hook. A cable-sensing device is provided on the inner side of the connecting part and spring-biased in the floating-up direction. A cutting device is provided for cutting and holding the submarine cable by being advanced from the anchor body part by hydraulic pressure making use of a force such as sea water pressure or a tugging force for raising the submarine cable externally applied to the anchor body part when the cable-sensing device is caused to sink against the biasing force in the floating-up direction by receiving the tension in the cable hooked on the inner side of the connecting part.

Abstract: A cable detector has a plurality of rotatably series connected hooks having an opening mouth for accepting a cable on sea bottom with an equal angular intervals, a contact pressure sensing means for indicating that a cable is engaged with one of said hooks by measuring contact pressure on one of the hooks, and an electrical switch which is actuated by said contact pressure sensing means to provide an electrical signal when a cable is detected.

Abstract: An upper and a lower blade are fixed together at an adjustable angle and have means for mounting same on the leading edge of the propeller drive housing of an inboard/outboard motor to cut kelp and other seaweed which would otherwise foul the prop and clog the cool, sea water input vents. The cutter has adjustable brackets which will accommodate a wide variety of different types of propeller drive housings, and will accommodate outboard motors as well as inboard motors, and will even fit on the advance edge a sailboat keel. In one embodiment, it has a combination brace/mesh screen which extends from the cutter to the propeller drive housing in front of the cooling water inlets to keep bits of seaweed and other debris from entering and clogging the cooling system, causing overheating the destruction of the motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for destroying sea mines, especially anchored cable mines, and to an improved mine-sweeping method. The apparatus consists of an active device and upthrust mechanisms which permit the active device to climb up the anchor chain to the mine, which, once encountered, is destroyed. In one preferred embodiment, the device comprises a hollow charge carrier with rocket propulsion which is temporarily secured to a towing device, such as a towing cable. The device is released when it encounters the anchor chain of a mine, it rises along the chain, and then destroys the mine.

Abstract: A securing arrangement so executed as to be tripped for release on actuation for the purpose of changing the state of an attached item of equipment. It is so executed as to secure the equipment by means of a loadable link (8) in a securing position. The equipment can be released by means of a tripping arrangement (36, 37, 42) by breaking the link by the actuation of an actuating arrangement (20, 32) by means of a specific factor such as a change in pressure. The link consists of a device which is capable of being cut through, such as a cable (8). The tripping arrangement comprises a blade (36, 37) provided with an edge so arranged as to be moved by the effect of the force of a tensioned spring (42) into a position in which the cable is cut through. The actuating arrangement (20, 32) is so arranged as to hold the blade in its first position by means of a locking arrangement (26), and as to release the blade so that it will adopt its second position upon actuation by means of said factor.

Abstract: A safety joint for a multitube hose bundle which separates and severs the control hoses when a predetermined tension is exceeded. The control hoses are severed by a rotating cutting blade activated by a pin in cam slot which rotates the cutting blade upon separation of the safety joint.

Abstract: A device for clamping a marker to a mine mooring cable upon severing by a tter utilizes a V-shaped body having a liner that is explosively deformed into clamping engagement with the cable in response to cutter actuation. A smoke flare is included and ignited to provide a prolonged locating signal.

Abstract: Percussion device for triggering the primer of a blasting charge of an actuation device. It comprises a striker (4) moveably housed and retained in a support (1), as well as a helical traction spring (7) of which one end (8) is secured to the striker. The other end (9) of the spring (7) is provided with a hook member (10) allowing to maintain the spring in a tensioned state and to suddenly release the spring to cause the percussion by spring contraction. The invention is particularly applicable to devices to sever cables, for example on boats, in case of dismasting.

Abstract: This invention improves on explosively actuated cable cutters in that it orporates a remote capability of activating the cutter. The improved apparatus comprises an acoustical transducer for receiving a remote coded signal, an electric circuit designed to detect the specific coded signal, a motor and gear mechanism which is initiated upon detection of the remote coded signal to activate the explosively actuated cable cutter.The electronics and motor compartment are hydrostatically sealed and pitted with a pressure switch and a water intrusion fail-safe circuit. The pressure switch is designed to inactivate the apparatus beyond a preset ocean depth, and the water intrusion fail-safe circuit is designed to detect any seawater seepage into the sealed electronics compartment. Upon the detection of such seepage the intrusion fail-safe circuit disconnects the system from the battery thereby removing danger of premature triggering of the cable cutter.

Abstract: In improved cable cutter for undersea use is presented which has a self-cained, pressure compensated hydraulic system which allows it to operate in the deep ocean. The cable cutter is designed to operate from and mate with manipulators of Navy deep submergence vehicles. The concept of this cable cutter is a closed hydraulic system which provides driving force on a piston pushing a cutting blade against an anvil. The hydraulic power is provided by an internal gear pump. The gear pump has a drive shaft which mates with the rotary output of a deep submergence vehicle manipulator. The hydraulic fluid reservoir also serves as a pressure compensator for working in the deep ocean. The hydraulic fluid system comprises a main cylinder which contains the drive piston and a secondary cylinder which consists of a flexible tube that allows fluid pressure equalization with the environment as well as volume compensation. Both cylinders are mounted between manifold components.

Abstract: An underwater cutting or penetrating device includes a source of liquid nogen for cooling a workpiece to a cryogenic temperature before impact by an explosively driven member. Attachment by magnet or clamp, and provision for confining the coolant by flexible gasket or boot are described.

Abstract: A tactical wire-cutting system for helicopters includes a forwardly extending probe having a plurality of explosive cutting charges disposed along the probe. The probe is inclined with respect to the vertical as defined by the normal helicopter trim during flight such that a suspended cable will come into successive contact with the explosive cutting charges. The charges are designed to catch and hold the cable until detonation and thereafter to allow the cable to proceed to the next successfully positioned charge if unsevered.

Abstract: A channel-shape sweep line retainer extends along the leading front edge of an elevating fin, with the open side of the retainer facing the trailing rear edge of the fin. Extending across the fin at the open side of the retainer is a bar mounted on the fin for movement toward and away from the retainer, but normally locked in its forward position by a pair of laterally spaced arms extending rearwardly away from the bar with their front ends engaging it. The rear ends of the arms are pivotally connected to the fin so that when arm-positioning spring means between the arms and connected to them are pulled rearwardly, the front ends of the arms will be swung inwardly toward each other out of engagement with the bar, whereupon the bar can be retracted to open the retainer for admission or release of a sweep line.

Abstract: An explosive cutting device comprising an upper and lower member, each having a charge retaining area and a standoff area, a linear shaped explosive charge contained within each charge retaining area of the upper and lower member, a pair of anti-jet distortion members located on both the upper and lower member thereby defining an opening between the upper and lower member into which a target member to be severed is placed, a fastening means for securing the upper member to the lower member, and means for detonating the linear shaped explosive charge within the upper and lower member.

Abstract: 1. In an improved paravane the combination comprising;A body unit,A charge housing,Means for slideably engaging said charge housing with said body unit,A mooring line engaging means pivotally connected to and extending from s charge housing,An explosive charge disposed in said charge housing,A detonation means attached to said body unit and connected to said explosive charge for actuating said explosive charge upon a predetermined amount of relative movement between said charge housing and said body unit, andA locking means disposed in said charge housing between said mooring line engaging means and said detonation means for preventing relative movement between said charge housing and said body unit prior to movement of said mooring line engaging means.

Abstract: A submarine explosive device for cutting anchoring chains or cables of sea mines. The device is towed through the water by a mine sweeping vessel via a towing cable. The device includes a gripper body which has a pair of parallel shank portions extending in the towing direction and defining a gripper mouth therebetween for catching the anchoring chains or cables of sea mines. A stabilization float is releasably connected to the gripper body. A release plate is mounted in the throat of the gripper mouth and is adapted to ignite an explosive charge mounted in one of the shank portions of the gripper body. The towing cable is removably mounted in a longitudinal groove extending through the gripper body. Towing cable protecting means are mounted in the other shank portion of the gripper body. The portion of the gripper body in which the explosive charge is housed can be sheared off the remainder of the gripper body when a predetermined force, applied to this portion of the gripper body, is exceeded.

Abstract: A frangible container is pivotally connected to the sweep wire of mine sweeping equipment so as to intercept the mine mooring wire passing therealong and be pivoted thereby so as to connect thereto during the pivot motion and to be severed as the mooring wire continues to pass along the sweep wire, thereby providing a force to sever the frangible container to allow release of its tethered marker for floating to the surface with the buoyant mine when the mooring wire is severed, following the marker releasing operation.

Abstract: A cutting device for producing a cutting jet from a shaped charge in a cavity of revolution comprising a body provided with a blind hole of revolution constituted from the bottom by a cylindrical-conical portion whose conical surface is defined by a conical liner surmounted by cylindrical portions of different diameters for supporting a member of revolution having two channels parallel to the axis of the blind hole. A tubular space is formed above the channels and the channels and the space between the member of revolution and the liner are filled with explosive, the tubular space being surmounted by a detonator. The plane of the two channels define the direction of the cutting jet.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic cutter for cutting an object such as a buoy-rope, tube, cable or the like and adapted to be mounted on a submarine vehicle, and including a fixed arm containing an explosive charge having a dihedral covering, and a second arm pivotally mounted to the fixed arm through a body portion which operatively engages an ejector which is adapted for engagement in the free end of a gun barrel, the ejector having an electrical circuit and a pyrotechnic circuit for ejecting the body having the arms, and detonating the explosive charge after a suitable time lag, so that explosion of the charge cuts the object.

Abstract: A mine anchor line cutter is slidable lengthwise of a cutter body provided with a bore behind the cutter for receiving an explosive charge that is detonated by the mine anchor line that is to be cut, whereby to drive the cutter forward. The cutter body is supported by a stabilizing fin, the front portion of which is overlapped by a retaining member shaped to hook over a sweep line. Extending through the retaining member and fin and into the cutter body is a shear screw that connects them together but that is weak enough to be sheared off by movement of the cutter body rearwardly, due to recoil when the tool is fired, whereby all of the tool will separate from the sweep line supporting it.

Abstract: A submergible ignition device for a submarine explosive cable cutter adapted to cut the anchoring chains and steel cables of sea mines by detonating an explosive charge. A detonator is mounted in a housing and detonates an explosive charge when impacted by a spring-biased ignition needle. A driver rod is connected to a cotter safety pin. The driver rod coacts with a shear plate which is punched through by the driver rod when the latter is impacted by a predetermined force. A spring-biased blocking rotor having a built-in detonator is adapted to coact with an ignition needle. The blocking rotor is released by the action of the driver rod. A water pressure safety device also coacts with the blocking rotor and includes a dummy position setting device. All of the safety devices are operatively connected to ensure that said detonator can only be triggered after the safety devices have been positively moved to their unblocking positions.

Abstract: An improved cable or chain cutting implement comprises a two piece body pion with sharpened cutting edges on one end thereof. The two pieces of the body portion are configured so as to encompass a towing or sweep cable in gripping relation thereto. A spring retaining member holds the pieces of the body portion in operative relationship to one another and the towing or sweep cable. A plurality of these cutting implements may be attached to a single towed sweep line to comprise an improved, high speed mine sweeping system.

Abstract: A device is attachable to an outwardly extensible, rotatable arm of a manned submergible chamber and is formed with a horizontally pivoted gate to engage and hold a cable upon rotation of the arm. The device is provided with a track-mounted blade to sever the cable; the blade being actuated from within the manned chamber. In another embodiment, the device is capable of gripping the cable before severing, severing the cable and then permitting the severed cable to be lifted to the surface while continuing to grip the cable. The device is particularly useful for removing entangled cables from an underwater work area, such as an offshore drilling station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the presence of, and severing command ables submerged in an aqueous medium, utilizing a galvanic current pulse generated by a galvanic cell with one electrode thereof serving as a cable cutter.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which permits a broken guideline which normally extends upwardly from an underwater guidepost to be cut and replaced in one trip.

Abstract: A quick release device for a line to be subjected to tension, and a method for using the device wherein a remotely generated control signal is received by a control signal receiver which acts to detonate an explosive charge thereby to open, remotely, a tension transmitter or link, in the line.

Abstract: A free-running river mine disabler having a float which is propelled under he river surface by means of the river current. A wire cutter is towed along the river bottom by said float in such manner as to sever the ignition wires of electrically detonated mines.

Abstract: A minesweeping cutter device includes a tubular body closed at one end and aving a cable engaging recess at the other end, a barrel member reciprocable in the body by cable engagement to fire a chisel propelling charge. The chisel has its cutting edge spaced from the cable until the charge is fired so that a reliable cutting velocity is achieved before impact. An erecting vane has a sweep wire channel and is provided with a sliding gate on a guide rail that diverges angularly from the axis of the channel.