Abstract: A towable watercraft is provided with a tow bar which extends over a front portion of a hull of the watercraft, and downwardly along the outside of the hull front portion to an elevation where a tow line can be secured to an end portion of the tow bar. A steering system operates the tow bar to pivot the tow bar and the hull relative to each other as the watercraft is being towed. The steering system includes a steering column turned by a steering wheel or bar, a steering drive shaft secured to the tow bar and pivotally supported relative to the hull, and a gear mechanism or a pulley mechanism linking the steering column and the steering drive shaft and providing a substantial mechanical advantage. A housing is provided for the steering system to contain the drive shaft and the linking mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for docking a motorboat including providing boat docking apparatus with a length of cable, having a weight affixed to one end, and cable retrieving apparatus, having a second end of the cable adhering thereto. The boat is moved to within the length of cable, and the weight, with one end of the cable, is propelled to the boat. The cable is attached to the boat and the motor of the boat is operated into reverse sufficient to tighten the cable while a steering mechanism is operated, against the force of the cable, to align the boat with a boat trailer. The cable retrieving apparatus is activated to retrieve the cable and pull the boat to the trailer and the boat is hoisted into the trailer in a normal fashion.

Abstract: A controllable hook assembly for retrieving a barge's towing bridle or broken tow cable while maintaining a safe standoff distance between the drifting vessel and the recovery vessel. It may also be used for emergency towing of a vessel adrift or otherwise in distress. The disclosed assembly consists of a bidirectional side-planing otterboard integrated with a retrieval/towing hook which is shackled to a recovery towline. The depth and lateral position of the towed assembly are controlled by the length of recovery towline and the speed of the recovery towing vessel, respectively.

Abstract: A ski board is arranged to include a polymeric skin envelope housing a foam core, to include a rear wall having a plurality of parallel troughs orthogonally intersecting the rear wall canted upwardly towards the top wall to receive the leg portions of an individual therewithin. A rudder control handle is mounted forwardly and in alignment with each trough between each trough and the forward wall of the ski board structure. A tow ring mounted medially of the rudders in adjacency to the forward wall is arranged to receive a tow rope for towing of the organization.

Abstract: A controllable hook assembly and method for retrieving a barge's towing bridle or broken tow cable while maintaining a safe standoff distance between the drifting vessel and the recovery vessel. It may also be used for emergency towing of a vessel adrift or otherwise in distress. The disclosed assembly consists of a bidirectional side-planing otterboard integrated with a retrieval/towing hook which is shackled to a recovery towline. The depth and lateral position of the towed assembly are controlled by the length of recovery towline and the speed of the recovery towing vessel, respectively.

Abstract: A towable tank for holding a liquid is collapsible, submergible, and steele. A bladder for holding a liquid is disposed in a housing having openings formed therein. Horizontally mounted diving planes on the housing cause the tank to submerge when under tow. Hydrostatic pressure exerted on the bladder by water entering the openings in the housing causes the liquid in the bladder to be pumped to a liquid user. A tow line from the towing vehicle is connected to a tow bar. The tow bar is connected through a connecting rod to a vertically mounted crankshaft. The crankshaft is connected to a steering plane mounted on the exterior of the housing. While the tank is under tow, the steering plane aligns with the longitudinal axis of the tank. A spring attached between the crankshaft and housing causes the steering plane to steer the tank away from a direction being towed when the towing force is removed.

Abstract: The towed glider flight control system of the invention has a towing frame interconnecting and pivotally connected at each end to the towed glider and the towing aircraft. Sensors measuring the angular relationships between the towing frame and the towed glider and the rage of change in these relationships and sensors measuring flight conditions of the glider and towing aircraft are connected to the input of a computer of which the output connects to the glider aerodynamic control surface. The computer determines differences between sensor sensed parameter values existing when a selected spatial geometric relationship exists between the glider and towing aircraft and sensor parameter values received by the computer from the sensors and from these differences the computer calculates motions required of the glider aerodynamic flight path control surfaces to establish a glider flight which establish and maintain the selected spatial geometric relationship of the glider and towing aircraft.

Abstract: A retractable steering device for liquid/bulk cargo carrying barges includes a rectangular barge hull having a generally flat bottom and an upper deck and generally vertical port and starboard sidewalls. A cargo hold is contained at the central portion of and within the barge hull for containing a liquid or bulk cargo. Port and starboard wing tanks are positioned respectively between the port and sidewalls of the hull and the cargo hold. A pair of longitudinally extending slots are positioned adjacent the respective port and starboard wing tanks, each defining an opening that communicates at least with the barge bottom to provide an opening to the sea under the barge bottom.

Abstract: A steering unit (10) for a barge tow (12). The steering unit (10) has a hull (16) which includes a pair of spaced longitudinally extending portions (50, 52) and defining a cavity or tunnel (54) therebetween. A propeller (48) and rudder (36) are mounted within the cavity (54). Rear flaring side portions (74) define the cavity (54) adjacent the rudder (36) and the rudder (36) is movable between contact positions against opposed side portions (74) for exerting a maximum side thrust.

Abstract: A recreational water sled and method for carrying a rider while being towed behind a boat includes a sled member and a downwardly-extending rudder, with a vertical steering pole extending approximately to chest height for a standing rider, and with a three point tow rope system, including a tow rope section attached to the upper extremity of the steering pole.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic coupling apparatus for use with a tug and barge tow includes a bumper frame which is pivotally carried by the tub. The bumper frame includes a bearing surface that is positioned to bear against the barge so that a load transfer between the tub and the barge occurs at the bearing surface. A magnetic coupling preferably in the form of a plurality of coil members is carried at the load transfer surface for developing a magnetic field which can form a connection between the barge and the tug. An electrical power source is carried by the tub for energizing the magnetic field and a powered guide comprising a powered sheave and a pair of lines extending from the sheave to the barge defines a steering mechanism for angling the bumper frame and tug with respect to each other when maneuvering to each barge while making up a tow of several barges, for example.

Abstract: An automatic steering control system between a towing marine vehicle and a towed marine vehicle comprising a main rudder and an active flap rudder extension on the towed vehicle controlled for independent oscillation by an active flap actuator that imparts a turning force to the flap in one direction to cause the flap and rudder to move together in an opposite direction and control means extending between the towing and towed vehicles for automatically controlling the active flap rudder extension.

Abstract: A retractable steering device for liquid/bulk cargo carrying barges includes a rectangular barge hull having a generally flat bottom and an upper deck and generally vertical port and starboard sidewalls. A cargo hold is contained at the central portion of and within the barge hull for containing a liquid or bulk cargo. Port and starboard wing tanks are positioned respectively between the port and sidewalls of the hull and the cargo hold. A pair of longitudinally extending slots are positioned adjacent the respective port and starboard wing tanks, each defining an opening that communicates at least with the barge bottom to provide an opening to the sea under the barge bottom.

Abstract: A remotely controllable tail buoy for use in marine geophysical prospecting operations is disclosed. The tail buoy is attached to the trailing end of one or more seismic streamers towed by the vessel. The tail buoy is provided with rudders that are controlled by a steering mechanism and communication system. The communication system collects and processes radio signals emitted from a radio transmitter located on the towing vessel. The processed signals control the steering mechanism which includes a hydraulic pump for directing fluid into a hydraulic cylinder. The fluid flow rotates the rudders. The tail buoy will travel toward the direction that the rudders are turned and thus avoid hooking or entangling of the tail buoy on other like tail buoys or structures.

Abstract: Air guns to be fired in water for carrying out seismic prospecting of the sea bed are suspended from a single rigid buoyant-body pararane so that the position of the air guns in the water is not unfavorably influenced by wave movements on the water surface.

Abstract: A float for use in seismic surveys of the sea bed supports a plurality of seismic pulse transmitters (6) which are suspended on lines (7) beneath the float (1). At a distance from the front end of the float (1), on one sidewall thereof, a fastening device for a towing cable and a lead-in for control lines and lines for supplying operating medium to the pulse transmitters are provided. These lines and cables are gathered in a common line (3) which extends behind the tow ship. The line (3), at a distance away from the float (1), is connected to a line (4) which leads to a length-regulating device (12) inside the front section of the float. The float is also provided with at least one motor (10) with a drive shaft (9)leading to hoisting drums (8) for the lines (7) to the respective seismic pulse transmitters (6). Both the motors (10, 12) and the seismic pulse transmitters (6) are connected to the pneumatic supply line.

Abstract: The drogue (1) has a steering system (8) which may be assisted by a rudder (4). The drogue is steered by varying the towing angle by applying a longitudinal differential force to the rope (6). The drogue is highly stable. It is capable of effectively countering the heeling torque of a boat (5). It may also be used for performing experiments at a distance from acoustic interference from the towing vessel. It may also be used for steering the course of a free balloon above the waves within a downwind sector.

Abstract: A device for controlling a seismic cable that is towed behind a vessel (1), so that the cable follows a path that is displaced laterally in relation to the path of the vessel, comprises a frame structure (6, 7) extending transversely to the towing direction and outwardly from the area of gun suspension from the cable having longitudinal frame members provided with intermediate transverse members extending obliquely or in a curved manner whereby the front ends of the transverse members, as seen in the towing direction, are disposed further outwards laterally than the rear ends of the transverse members. When towed, the frame will this be forced outwardly by the water flowing through the frame structure and the desired lateral displacement will be achieved.

Abstract: A remotely-controllable, surface-referenced paravane for use in towing an object in a body of water at a controlled lateral offset from the pathway of the towing vessel is disclosed. The principal components of the paravane are a buoyant hull, a cambered hydrofoil shaped keel attached to the bottom of the hull and extending generally downwardly into the body of water, a remotely-controllable steering means, and a tow cable which connects the paravane to the towing vessel. Passage of the cambered hydrofoil shaped keel through the water generates a lateral force, similar to the lift generated by an airfoil, which causes the paravane to move laterally away from the pathway of the towing vessel in the direction of the lateral force. The remotely-controllable steering means is used to compensate for changes in the speed of the towing vessel or variations in wind, waves, or currents so as to maintain the lateral offset of the paravane within certain limits.

Abstract: A float for use in seismic surveys of the sea bed supports a plurality of seismic pulse transmitters (6) which are suspended on lines (7) beneath the float (1). At a distance from the front end of the float (1), on one sidewall thereof, a fastening device for a towing cable and a lead-in for control lines and lines for supplying operating medium to the pulse transmitters are provided. These lines and cables are gathered in a common line (3) which extends behind the tow ship. The line (3), at a distance away from the float (1), is connected to a line (4) which leads to a length-regulating device (12) inside the front section of the float. The float is also provided with at least one motor (10) with a drive shaft (9) leading to hoisting drums (8) for the lines (7) to the respective seismic pulse transmitters (6). Both the motors (10, 12) and the seismic pulse transmitters (6) are connected to the pneumatic supply line.

Abstract: A towline connected tug and LT at sea is rearranged as an articulatively integrated tow in sheltered waters to moor the LT or to make sternway in channels with a fair tide by a stern thrustor pivotally mounted to the transom of the LT or for a horizontal above water stowed position at sea.

Abstract: A readily alterable arrangement, to suit the need at sea and in coastal inlet passages for control and disposition of vessels, comprises: pulled barges outfitted with a condition responsive linkage mechanism for implementing a rudder, towlines conveying propulsive force to barges, and tugs continually employed in tow or exchange of barges being loaded/unloaded in the interim of tug port calls. The linkage mechanism, dependent upon a pivotal beam mounted forwardly of the barge mass center, imparts propulsive force on the longitudinal centerline or at either barge side as transmitted to the pivotal beam ends by a bridle leg arranged towline terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for recovering a towed body to onboard a towing ship while the towing ship is underway. A saddle is employed in cooperation with a rudder to engage one end of the towed body and, subsequent to engagement, the saddle means is slid forward to engage the opposite end of the towed body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for fastening two hulls to each other, one of the hulls usually being a motor hull and the other a cargo hull. The device includes a first pair of booms (1,2) extending essentially parallel to each other between the hulls (5,6) and at least one further boom, preferably one further pair of booms (3,4) extending, as seen from one side, crosswise in relation to the first pair of booms (1,2) so that all the booms (1,2; 3,4), seen from the side, constitute the diagonals of a quadrangle determined by the fastening points of the booms. Preferably, the booms are fastened to the hulls by means of transversal bars (8,9) mounted pivotably in horizontal planes on the hulls. At least two of the booms are preferably adjustable as to their length.

Abstract: A marine cable positioning system which includes a plurality of magnetic compasses and a plurality of lateral positioning devices spaced at known intervals along the cable being towed by a marine vessel. Readings from the compasses together with readings from a magnetic compass and gyrocompass onboard the towing vessel are gathered and used with a selected reference heading to generate X-Y coordinates of the lateral positioning devices with respect to the towing vessel and selected reference heading. These coordinates are recorded and provided to a cathode ray tube for visual display of the relative position of each lateral positioning device with respect to the vessel and selected heading. Coded digital commands are generated and transmitted to each lateral positioning device for adjustment of its control surfaces whereby the lateral thrust produced the device as it is towed through the water is varied and the horizontal position of the portion of the cable to either side of the device controlled.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable water sled device is disclosed which includes a joystick for controlling a rudder and an elevator. The base of the water sled device is provided with upwardly extending, hollow side, front and rear walls which are individually fillable with water to vary the buoyancy of the device. A preferred embodiment of this invention further includes a hydrofoil assembly downwardly extending from a forward section of the device and a flotation mattress attached to an upper surface of the device to provide for user comfort and to further allow the buoyancy of the device to be controlled.

Abstract: A steering system comprising a propeller in a flow duct across a ship is provided with a wedge shaped valve to shift the flow direction between the sides of the ship, which wedge shaped valve has its vertical pivot shaft in the wedge center line directed into the onflow and its wedge sides arranged as flow guides.

Abstract: A hydraulic quick release system for tightening and releasing tug and barge cable connections in the event of a breakage of a cable. The system comprises a novel hydraulic circuit comprising a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted on the stern of the tug with apparatus for attaching the barge cable connections to the hydraulic cylinders. Each cylinder has an apparatus for actuating the cylinders simultaneously and independent of each other to tighten and loosen the cable connections. There is provided in the system by-passing apparatus whereby each cylinder may be independently actuated as required by conditions. Controlling apparatus permit the cylinders to be quickly actuated to tighten and loosen the barge cable connections as desired with apparatus being provided for increasing the extending speed of the cylinders in order that the cables can be quickly released from the cylinders by a quick extending thereof.

Abstract: A readily alterable arrangement, to suit the need at sea and in coastal inlet passages for control and disposition of vessels, comprises: pulled barges outfitted with a condition responsive linkage mechanism for implementing a rudder, towlines conveying propulsive force to barges, and tugs continually employed in tow or exchange of barges being loaded/unloaded in the interim of tug port calls. The linkage mechanism, dependent upon a pivotal beam mounted forwardly of the barge mass center, imparts propulsive force on the longitudinal centerline or at either barge side as transmitted to the pivotal beam ends by a bridle leg arranged towline terminal.

Abstract: A steerable ocean floor dredge vehicle is provided which is of the towed variety, or partially self-propelled. The vehicle is towed from a surface ship via a rigid length of pipe or tubing, connected to the dredge vehicle via a pivoting joint permitting pivotal movement about two transverse axes and preferably about a third axis, and a telescoping joint for providing movement along the direction of the axis of the towing line. Pivoting means connect from the sides of the dredge vehicle to the towing pipe at a point between the telescopic joint and the surface. The pivoting means comprise two flexible cables extending about rollers on the dredge vehicle, or hydraulic piston and cylinder combinations.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for controlling the relative course of travel between a barge and a push boat wherein the stern of the barge and the bow of the push boat are directly connected together by a connecting mechanism which permits relative freedom of movement of the boat and barge and the rudder angle of the push boat is controlled by the relative drift angle between the barge and boat occurring at the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: A steerable ocean floor dredge vehicle is provided which is of the towed variety, or partially self-propelled. The vehicle is towed from a surface ship via a rigid length of pipe or tubing, connnected to the dredge vehicle via a pivoting joint permitting pivotal movement about two transverse axes and preferably about a third axis, and a telescoping joint for providing movement along the direction of the axis of the towing line. Two flexible cables are connected to the towing pipe between the telescopic joint and the surface, extending about rollers on the dredge vehicle and being wrapped about a winch powered by a remotely controllable, reversible servo motor.

Abstract: Two modifications of an offshore marine seismic energy source tow system are disclosed. Both systems comprise transmitters and receivers therein for continuously measuring the distance between a vessel towed submerged geophone streamer cable and a towed seismic air gun supporting paravane on each side of the streamer cable for generating and transmitting corrective steering signals to the paravane for maintaining each seismic air gun spaced from the towed submerged geophones at an exact predetermined distance for producing more accurate seismic velocity measurements. One embodiment has the acoustic transmitter on the geophone streamer cable and an acoustic receiver on each paravane in line with the transmitter, and a second embodiment has an acoustic transmitter on each paravane and a corresponding acoustic receiver for each paravane on the geophone streamer cable transversely of the transmitter. Methods for assembling the above two systems are disclosed.

Abstract: In marine seismic exploration, it is common for a vessel to tow a streamer, which includes a plurality of pressure sensitive detectors or hydrophones, for the purpose of acquiring seismic signals representative of the underlying structure of the earth. To aid in the interpretation of these seismic signals, it is necessary to know the precise location of the streamer at the time the signals are acquired. Disclosed herein is a method and system for providing a model representative of the location of the streamer relative to the location of the vessel. In one aspect, the system includes an apparatus mounted at the stern of the vessel and coupled to the near end of the streamer. This apparatus is adapted to provide measurements of the yaw and pitch of that portion of the streamer adjacent the vessel. These measurements are employed in the generation of the position model.