Apparatus for retrieving oceanographic cable from the sea bottom
Patent
·
OSTI ID:5464456
Lost oceanographic instruments can be recovered by locating and retrieving the line to which they are attached. A cable grabber formed of a 4-layered sandwich presently is employed, the sandwich including upper and lower plowheads and upper and lower spring-loaded pressure plates, the plates being attached by upper and lower mounting braces to a tow sled which itself can be towed in any manner. The entire apparatus is symmetrically formed to permit an upside down operation. The pressure plates are resiliently maintained in a spaced disposition, while the plowheads include plowshares to dig into the bottom sediment and guide a trapped cable section into the space between the plates. The sled itself is free-flooding to improve stability. The resistance of a trapped cable to the pull of the sled causes the pressure plates to wedge together and clamp about the cable. Breakage of the cable is avoided by minimizing bending and by using a spring arrangement that exerts a controlled clamping force. (7 claims)
- Assignee:
- US Navy
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3608947
- OSTI ID:
- 5464456
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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