Abstract: A flexible nose assembly for an underwater vehicle provides increased energy-absorbing capabilities and facilitates recovery and handling of the vehicle. The flexible nose assembly includes a flexible nose cap, at least one retrieval device, and at least one cable that is strong in tension, yet weak in compression which is coupled between the retrieval device and the UUV body. The flexible nose cap has a gap formed therein allowing the communication of environmental water into the region between the vehicle body and the nose cap. Optionally, the retrieval device may be recessed into the flexible nose assembly, thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag and overall vehicle length. Energy-absorbing ballast can be positioned within the nose cap in order to further enhance survivability.

Abstract: A towrope retriever system for a watercraft for simplifying and improving the safety of the towrope handling, storage, reeling out, and reeling in of a towrope, in which the towrope retriever is connected to or integrated into a support unit such as a tower or pylon securely attached to the watercraft, substantially increasing the overall height of the watercraft, and allowing the performer to jump higher and perform more challenging aerial maneuvers, is disclosed. The towrope retriever may be rotatable to allow the performer a greater flexibility of movement and may be easily removed for storage.

Abstract: A towrope retriever system for a watercraft for simplifying and improving the safety of the towrope handling, storage, reeling out, and reeling in of a towrope, in which the towrope retriever is connected to or integrated into a support unit such as a tower or pylon securely attached to the watercraft, substantially increasing the overall height of the watercraft, and allowing the performer to jump higher and perform more challenging aerial maneuvers, is disclosed. The towrope retriever may be rotatable to allow the performer a greater flexibility of movement and may be easily removed for storage.

Abstract: A water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system is disclosed. The system includes a reel having a quantity of tow rope wound therearound. The reel is powered by an electric motor through a drive shaft which is also coupled to an electrically controlled brake or clutch. The brake or clutch acts to keep the drive shaft, and thus the reel, from rotating freely when the electric motor is not being used to pay out or retrieve tow rope. An embodiment of the water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system having radio remote control is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tether retraction device having particular utility with multi-line towed arrays. A system for retrieving and deploying a multi-line towed array having a plurality of array lines has at least one tether joinable between two of the plurality of array lines. A tether retraction device is incorporated into at least one of the array lines for retracting the tether. Each tether retraction device has a tether take-up spool, and a spring driven drive means which causes the tether to wind onto the take-up spool when the array is towed at slow speeds and allows deployment of the tether from the take-up spool when tension in the tether caused by tow forces exceeds the spring force applied by the spring driven drive means.

Abstract: A method for bringing people in life boats in the sea aboard a support vessel, in which a rescue craft is launched from a ramp in the stern of the support vessel. The rescue craft carrying a rope from a winch in front of the ramp. The rope is attached to a life boat in the sea. The life boat is hauled onto the ramp by the winch and the life boat is emptied. A support vessel for launching and recovery of rescue crafts and life boats including a stern ramp for launching and entering of rescue crafts and life boats and a winch for hauling the rescue crafts and life boats onto the ramp.

Abstract: A device for performing yo-yo seismic shooting on the sea bed by means of a sled. An umbilical traction cable connecting the vessel to this sled passes over a set of sheaves whose relative distances apart are controlled by an actuator enabling a determined length of cable to be let out or to be taken in so as to obtain discontinuous movement of the sled.

Abstract: A system and method for the capture of a target surface vessel by a second vessel. The system includes an initially stowed deployable net, means for deploying the net, a tether coupled to the net, and a winch for drawing in the tether to pull the target vessel toward the second vessel.

Abstract: A water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system is disclosed. The system includes a reel having a quantity of tow rope wound therearound. The reel is powered by an electric motor through a drive shaft which is also coupled to an electrically controlled brake or clutch. The brake or clutch acts to keep the drive shaft, and thus the reel, from rotating freely when the electric motor is not being used to pay out or retrieve tow rope. An embodiment of the water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system having radio remote control is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for the capture of a target surface vessel by a second vessel. The system includes an initially stowed deployable net, means for deploying the net, a tether coupled to the net, and a winch for drawing in the tether to pull the target vessel toward the second vessel.

Abstract: A seismic survey vessel having a displacement monohull is provided with a streamer deck which width increases progressively from amidships towards the stern of the vessel, on both sides of the centerline of the vessel. This increased width of the streamer deck, reaching 37.5 meters at the stern, facilitates the deployment and towing of particularly wide streamer arrays, containing as many as sixteen streamers. It also provides space for the installation of novel streamer handling systems, one for each streamer, across the width of the rear of the streamer deck.

Abstract: A capture and alignment mechanism which locks a deployable body to a sheave assembly. The sheave assembly is connected to a carriage which rides on a boom positioned above the deck of a ship and extends over the ship's st. The mechanism includes a capture body having a conical shaped inner surface and a pair of capture pins positioned 180 degrees apart near the bottom of the capture body. A cable is terminated by a cable termination assembly which couples the deployable body to one end of the cable, while the other end of the cable is wrapped around a winch. The termination assembly includes a termination cone having an outer surface which aligns with the conical shaped inner surface of the capture body when the deployable body is hoisted upward to the capture and alignment mechanism. The capture pins are moved to an open position by a pneumatic cylinder allowing the termination cone to align with the inner surface of the capture body.

Abstract: A parasailing assembly to suspend a rider from a parachute which is being towed by a boat, with the rider supported by one of various rider support structures, such as a body harness or a seat assembly. The parasailing assembly includes an improved connecting assembly that is structured to removably interconnect a rider support structure to the canopy of a parachute and preferably, includes two elongated straps, each having an interconnecting link disposed intermediate opposite ends thereof. Preferably, each strap of the connecting assembly has at least one end is connected to rider support structure, on opposite sides of the rider. In addition, either fixedly or removably attached to the interconnecting link is a base portion having a plurality of strap segments, each of which is connected, preferably but not necessarily in a fixed manner, to a separate grouping of riser line sets which extend up to the canopy of the parachute.

Abstract: An apparatus supported by a vessel for removing a seismic cable and attached buoy from water. A clamp for gripping the cable and attached buoy is connected to a boom. The boom manuevers the clamp into engagement with the floating buoy, lifts the buoy from the water, and moves the buoy horizontally relative to the vessel. A cable puller can cooperate with the boom to reel the cable from the water without requiring manual intervention. The boom can comprise an extensible, telescoping structure or an articulated structure. Multiple cable ends can be independently captured to permit cable installation or repair, and the operations can be facilitated with a control panel for operating the moving components.

Abstract: A portable seismic vessel which is truck transportable to remote survey sites. The vessel is assembled with multiple self-contained, autonomous modules. Different modules provide crew quarters, dining facilities, propulsion, fuel and equipment storage. The vessel is capable of storing and deploying acoustic energy sources, seismic streamers, and recording equipment for processing seismic data. A unique ballast system accommodates structural flexing of the vessel. The vessel is uniquely suitable to efficiently access previously inaccessible survey sites and provides design flexibility in customizing the seismic vessel to unique operating requirements.

Abstract: A system for supporting marine seismic equipment such as sensors and positioning equipment deployed behind a marine seismic vessel. The vessel tows a lattice like web instead of individual streamer cables to carry hydrophones, and can deploy a geophone supporting web from the vessel to rest on the sea floor. The web can be formed with individual conductor members for providing structural support and signal transmission capabilities. The lattice construction of the web provides for redundant signal transmission capabilities in the event of individual conductor failure. The web provides this enhanced signal transmission capability while permitting high density sensor placement.

Abstract: A storage pocket for an inflatable towable vehicle that includes an inflatable member and a protective outer shell. The storage pocket includes a flexible panel attached to the outer shell by sewing or other suitable methods. The flexible panel comprises a continuous solid lower portion and an open weave net upper portion that allows ventilation of the storage compartment to prevent mildew of items stored. Indicia on the lower portion may include warnings and water safety information. Attachment of the storage pocket to the outer shell conserves valuable interior space in the towable vehicle and does not interfere with passenger comfort.

Abstract: A device for emergency towing of vessels. The device has a structure and function for storage where active parts are protected against adverse external influence, thereby making the device ready for use without the risk of jamming or other malfunctions. The device can be easily and rapidly activated, and the towing wire can be extended even on a dead ship. The device includes a braking arrangement in which the braking of the towing wire can be conducted with an increasing braking effect, from no braking to complete braking of the extended towing wire.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for deploying and retrieving a towed array from a ehicle. This apparatus includes a cable storage device positioned inside the vehicle hull. A winch is positioned adjacent this cable storage device for paying out the array and retrieving the array from and to the cable storage device. The array extends in a first length from the cable storage device to the winch to a hull exit point. A fluid bearing is positioned between the first and second length of the array. This fluid bearing comprises an internal arcuate cable conveying passageway and a fluid inlet for introducing a fluid to said internal cable conveying passageway so as to reduce stress and friction on the array.

Abstract: Water skiers towed behind a boat can be towed by varying lengths of rope automatically adjusted by letting out or reeling in the rope to provide different lengths. The rope, trailable aft of the boat having a first boat-connecting end and a second terminal handle end has at least one length indicator placed on the rope between the first boat connecting end and the second terminal handle end. The rope is connected to a winching means mounted on said boat attached to the first boat-connecting end. A switching means allows an occupant of the boat to actuate the winching means as the boat moves through the water. A sensing means senses the passage of the length indicator on the rope, and provides a signal to the winching means upon sensing the length indicator. This signal stops the winching means, disposing the sensing means within ten centimeters of the length indicator, thereby providing at least two precisely predetermined lengths of rope trailable aft of the boat.

Abstract: A towed array handling system is provided for installation within the enled sails of future submarines. The system has a large diameter reel which provides storage for the entire array and tow cable when not deployed. The area within the enlarged sail is sufficient to allow for a dual winch and reel system for separately storing and deploying single line and/or multi line arrays. The reel applies the full tension of the streamed array as it is deployed and retrieved. When locked, the reel applies the full array streaming tension during high speed tow. The towed array is ducted from the winch to a mid ships tow point via a guide path through a ballast tank which contains only two bends. The upper sheave at the bend closest to the winch is free wheeling and the lower sheave is part of a transfer device which pulls the array from the winch during the initial phase of deployment. The guide duct is aligned with the winch to provide even spooling of the array, especially the multi line array, onto the winch.

Abstract: An improved acoustic source array system is provided by the invention to generate acoustic signals underwater. The system has an array of acoustic signal sources, such as air guns, towable while underwater behind a surface vessel. The array includes a plurality of these sources, and spreader bar assemblies including these sources. The sources are attached by these assemblies at predetermined separation distances in the array. The spreader bar assemblies provide manifolds for storing and regulating energy, such as compressed air, to operate the sources. The array is connected to the vessel by an umbilical. The sources are controlled by a shipboard controller for firing the sources to provide acoustic signals underwater at selected times. The array may be towed from the ship with the flat side of the array assuming an angle of approximately 45.degree. or less with respect to a vertical axis. The flat side of the array includes a horizontal axis that is normal to the direction of tow.

Abstract: A parasailing assembly designed to suspend a rider from a parachute being towed by a boat, the assembly including a rider support structure formed of a rigid yet lightweight and buoyant material and having a front end, a rear end, a pair of oppositely disposed sides, a top side, a bottom side, and a hollow interior, accessible from one of the sides. A reclining seat structure is disposed within the hollow interior and is structured to support at least one rider in a generally reclined position. A pair of straps are further provided and formed of a flexible yet high strength material, with each one of the straps securely yet removably connected to one of the opposite sides of the rider support structure such that when the assembly is disposed in a launched orientation each of the straps is disposed in spaced parallel relation to the other and provides for balance and stable movement of the rider support structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of stowing a rope or the like. The method comprises the steps of: placing a first looped portion of a rope in a longitudinally extending cavity; and placing successive adjacent looped portions of the rope in respective next adjacent longitudinally extending cavities. The method employs a device which may comprise a number of tubular members defining the rope stowing cavities arranged in juxtaposed relationship. Alternatively, the device may comprise a housing, the interior of which is subdivided to provide the rope stowing cavities. The rope end device combination of the invention is intended as an emergency tow pack for a sea-going vessel.

Abstract: A line-handling device mountable to an object such as a boat is disclosed. The device comprises a driven spool (3) on which a line may be stored coupling structure for coupling the line and the spool, and quick-connect structure disposed on the coupling structure for enabling the line and the spool to be quickly coupled or uncoupled at a distance from the spool. Coupling structure may include an elongated, flexible lead segment attached to the spool such that it may be wound thereon. The lead segment has the quick-connect structure disposed at its free end. The quick-connect structure enables the line and the lead segment to be quickly connected and disconnected, allowing the line to be quickly removed from the device so that it may be used independently. In one embodiment, a motor (10) is mounted within the spool's hub (83) and a slipping clutch (11) is connected between the motor and the spool.

Abstract: A multiple-spool waterski tow rope retriever for reeling in a plurality of waterski tow ropes either together or independently. The device may include a housing for outboard mounting on the back of a ski boat, or it may be mounted inboard whereby the tow ropes would extend through holes in the transom of the boat. A motor drives a driveshaft inside a plurality of tow rope spools. The motor may drive the shaft directly or indirectly via a gear, chain, or belt apparatus. The driveshaft transfers rotational power to each spool through a fluid drive apparatus. For each spool, a sleeve is immovably mounted around the shaft within the center section of the spool. The spools rotate around the sleeve and shaft on bearings and are held in place longitudinally by thrust washers. A sealed void surrounding the sleeve within the center of the spool is filled with a high viscosity oil or other high viscosity fluid. When the shaft rotates at high RPM's, the high viscosity oil transfers the rotational force to the spool.

Abstract: A traction arrangement for a tug boat having a towing winch mounted on the aft and/or fore deck and a tow rope connected to the winch and connectable to a vessel being assisted for necessary measures, such as towing, arresting, steering and equivalent. In order to enhance the stability of the tug boat and the towing, steering, arresting and equivalent properties achieved with the tug boat for the vessel to be assisted, the traction arrangement includes a tow arc mounted essentially in a plane of the deck within an area defined with a transverse bulwark in the front part of the front deck of the tug boat or in the rear part of the aft deck. To be mobile along the tow arc, a towing eyelet is arranged, and through which the tow rope from the towing winch passes to the vessel to be assisted. Traction power is transmitted to the tug boat, and which towing eyelet is on each occasion arranged to be positioned according to the towing angle.

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: An apparatus installed on board any maritime support for hoisting and handling loads at sea, the apparatus having at least one winch on which a cable is wound that enables the load to be raised, a gantry carrying suspension systems for the cable, and enabling the cable together with the load to be moved overboard relative to an edge of the maritime support in order to launch the load, and any fixed guidance and deflection systems close to the edge of the support and capable of receiving the cable after the launching and while the load is in use.

Abstract: A dual pivoted hook line stowing or flaking system is provided for storing coiled line either vertically as on a mast or horizontally as on a deck, in which both of the hooks contain tabs rotatable in a plane parallel to the plane of the loops from outwardly pointed positions to inwardly pointed positions. The rotation of the tabs to the interior of the coiled or looped line permits easy removal of the line for rapid lowering of the sails or to permit unfettered casting or throwing of the line from a coiled position on deck. In one embodiment, the pivoted hook includes a two part structure, with a fixed flange base and an integral fixed barrel into which is inserted a rotatable barrel with the top secured to the top of the rotatable barrel.

Abstract: A trawl cable vibration meter is described for monitoring the vibration in the trawl cables which connect a vessel and a set of trawl doors. The doors are connected to a fishing net and are towed along the ocean floor. A sensor, mounted on the vessel at a location where stress is tranferred to the vessel, provides signals corresponding to the vibration in each cable which is indicative of the interaction between the trawl door and the ocean bottom. An interface provides ongoing information on the vibration, and an alarm system for notifying an operator when a threshold has been exceeded.

Abstract: A combination winch and stowage reel assembly for arrays towed by submari, the assembly comprising a hub, a slip ring mounted in the hub and in communication with a receiver in the submarine, a reel rotatably mounted on the hub, the reel having gear teeth on a periphery thereof, a tow cable fixed to the reel and adapted to have attached to a free end thereof an array to be towed behind the submarine, the tow cable being in communication with the slip ring to form a communication path including the array, the tow cable, the slip ring and the receiver, a drive gear engaged with the reel gear teeth, and a motor for turning the drive gear, thereby to turn the reel on the hub to pay out and take up the cable.

Abstract: A rope winding device having a spool rotatably coupled to the device for receiving the rope, a drive motor attached to the device for rotating the spool to wind the rope on the spool and a solenoid coupled between the device and the spool for selectively moving the spool axially into and out of engagement with the drive motor for selectively rotating the spool. A switch is provided in the rope eyelet for automatically causing the motor to stop when the line is reeled in to its maximum extent. The device includes a stop member on the ski rope for preventing the weight of the towed load to be placed on the spool and includes a friction member for braking the spool and preventing free rotation thereof.

Abstract: A marine cable retrieval apparatus for retrieving marine seismic cable on board a ship which reduces longitudinal tension force on the cable at the cable storage reel when the cable storage reel (drum) is winding up the cable. Marine cable is subject to a tension force which can damage the marine cable when it is placed on a storage reel. The apparatus of this application reduces the tension on a portion of marine cable so that the portion can be retrieved upon a storage reel. The apparatus includes a collar attached to the marine cable and a cable retrievel tool which is placed around the marine cable. The cable retrieval tool has a biasing mechanism which will allow the tool to pass over the collar attached to the marine cable when it is moving away from the ship, but when it is moving toward the ship the biasing mechanism will engage the collar. The cable retrieval tool exerts an opposing force on the collar to the longitudinal tension force on marine cable trailing behind the collar.

Abstract: A submarine has a vertical stabilizer providing a chamber in which is rotbly mounted a reel for rotation about an athwartships axis. One of the side elements of the reel has an engageable surface adjacent its periphery, and a drive motor in the stabilizer is engaged with the engageable surface of the one side element to effect rotation of the reel. An elongated cable is coiled about the hub of the reel and extends outwardly of a passage extending to the aft end of the stabilizer. A mechanism inside in the vertical stabilizer guides the cable between the passage and the storage space to facilitate coiling of the cable on to the reel and for deploying the cable therefrom. A brake mechanism is used to prevent the reel against rotation to prevent further either deploying or coiling of the cable. A driving mechanism controls the rate of deploying of the cable.

Abstract: A boat mooring device connectable into a suitable hole formed into the deck of a boat, the device including a deck plate, a trunnion connected and extending from the unexposed surface of the deck plate, and a spring loaded rope wheel rotatably mounted about a transverse axis at the other end of the trunnion. The device is structured so that rope stored on the rope wheel may be payed out from, or retracted unto, the rope wheel through an aperture in the deck plate as desired. Thereafter, pivotally closing a draw lever hinge connected atop the deck plate's exposed surface activates a spring loaded pawl which lockably engages into one of a plurality of notches formed into the periphery of the rope wheel. When the device is in its closed and locked position, a relatively smooth and uninterrupted surface with the boat deck is provided, the locked mooring rope extending out through the deck plate aperture a desired length for connection to a dock or the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a recoverable tethered platform system and to a tethered platform for use therewith. One end of a tether line is retained at a surface station while the majority of the line is initially mounted on a mandrel in the platform and is drawn from this mandrel as the platform descends. This permits more rapid descent of a platform since there are substantially no line drag forces to overcome during descent. During recovery, the line can be wrapped on a mandrel which is the same as the mandrel in the platform and this rewound mandrel may then be substituted for the empty mandrel in the platform for redeployment.

Abstract: An automatic ski rope rewinding device is presented used to rewind a ski rope when the rope is not pulling a skier. The invention utilizes a standard rope or cord rewinding mechanism which is mounted by L-shaped brackets to the body of the boat. The rewinding mechanism and rope are encased by an outer, waterproof casing. A water removing gasket facilitates removal of water from a rope being rewound and a loop near the attached end of the ski rope is used to directly attach the ski rope to the boat cleat when pulling a skier.

Abstract: A tow apparatus for holding and deploying tow ropes from a boat which employs an axial deploying system, allows the two ropes to be in proper attitude for pulling the skier, clearing any obstructing structures, and provides means for allowing rapid rewind and convenient storage of the tow rope. In one aspect of the invention, an abaxial rope-deploying system may be used in conjunction with the axial system.

Abstract: A device for winding and unwinding a waterski tow-line comprises a substantially enclosed housing having a spool mounted for rotation in the housing. A driven gear is mounted on the spool for rotational driving thereof. A drive shaft is journaled in the housing for rotation and for axial sliding relative to the housing and the drive shaft has a first end portion protruding from the housing and a second end portion extending into the housing. A drive gear is rigidly affixed to the drive shaft for rotation and for axial sliding with it. A spring is mounted in the housing to bias the drive gear into meshing engagement with the driven gear. A crank lever is pivotally connected to the second end portion of the drive shaft by an eccentrically positioned pivot pin.

Abstract: A boat mooring device capable of storing and dispensing a rope used to moor a boat or the like is disclosed. A spring biased reel assembly carrying a rope is rotatably mounted within a case. The reel assembly is urged by the spring in a rope take-up direction. A lock assembly selectively inhibits rotation of the reel assembly in a rope pay-out direction. A unique rope guidance system facilitates the withdrawal of rope from, and retraction of rope into, the device.

Abstract: A cable wiper assembly for airborne sonar includes a housing suspended from a hoist used to rapidly raise and lower a sonar transducer at the end of a cable. The wiper assembly is interposed ahead of the cable-directing sheaves forming part of the hoist to strip away the sea water which adheres to the cable as it is pulled from the ocean. The cable wiper housing includes a series of internal grooves each of which contains and secures one wiper stage. Each stage includes a washer-like wiper of elastomeric material whose internal diameter is just slightly smaller than the cable diameter carried in a shallow cup-shaped holder having an internal port significantly larger than the cable diameter and secured by means of an upper washer-member overlying the wiper whose internal diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the cable.

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 power-operated windlass having a motor that reverses direction to control taking in and paying out of a rope and a shifting mechanism responsive to changes in motor direction which selectively locks and unlocks the rope pulley against rotation in an unwinding direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conducting geophysical exploration from a marine vessel. A ship includes a pair of booms mounted on the stern thereof which are moveable between a stowed position adjacent the ship and an extended position athwartships. A plurality of winches are mounted on the ship. Each winch includes a cable wound thereon. Each cable is journaled over pulleys to a different airgun deployment station on the boom. Each airgun may be individually deployed in the water behind the boom under power of the winch associated therewith. Roller mechanisms mounted on the boom support a different firing line cable which is connected between equipment on the ship and each airgun.

Abstract: A variable depth towed sonar line handling system is arranged to provide a level wind of the sonar cable onto a cable winding drum without significant lateral deflection of the cable. The system includes a boom with sheaves at the inboard and outboard ends and an inboard winch with a cable winding drum. The winch is mounted for axial movement past the boom and is translated axially in synchronism with its rotation so that the fleet angle of the cable remains constant. In preferred embodiments, the winch is located beside the boom and translates fore and aft. This allows the cable to be taken off along the pivot axis of the boom, eliminating cable excursion through the sheaves in boom bobbing. Other features include a fairleading saddle and a combined passive and active shock absorbing system.

Abstract: A ship is provided with booms that may be extended outwardly from the ship. Geophysical devices of different genera are towed from the booms, in the water behind the ship. A UHF antenna is located at the outboard tip of each boom. A line joining the two antennas defines a long reference base line for determining the absolute heading of the ship with respect to a meridian and to locate the absolute positions of selected towed geophysical devices with respect to two-dimensional space. The booms may be automatically oriented along a line perpendicular to the ship's track, independently of the ship's heading.

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 mine-removing apparatus to be drawn behind a mine-sweeping boat and comprising a pulling cable pulling a sound generator for igniting acoustic mines, and electrode-carrying floating cables or an electrically-conductive floating cable loop for igniting magnetic mines, wherein said pulling cable and said floating cables extend in the region close to the boat as a common strand permitting limited longitudinal displacement of said cables relative to each other, said pulling cable extends beyond the trailing end of said floating cables, and all cables can be wound on and off a single winch on the boat stern.

Abstract: A power-operated windlass having a motor that reverses direction to control taking in and paying out of a rope and a shifting mechanism responsive to changes in motor direction which selectively locks and unlocks the rope pulley against rotation in an unwinding direction.