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Patent Number: |
6837175 |
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Case ID: |
82858 |
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Patent Title:
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Asymmetric tow system for multiple linear seismic arrays |
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Status: |
ACTIVE |
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Status Date: |
1/4/2005 9:43:03 AM |
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Issue Date:
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1/4/2005 |
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Filed Date:
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7/24/2003 |
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Serial #:
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627103 |
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Assignee Name:
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The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy (Washington, DC) |
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Inventor(s):
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Gieseke, Thomas J. |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a device for towing long multiple line
arrays.
More particularly, the invention relates to a device for towing long
multiple linear arrays with a streamlined composite tow cable, with the
composite tow cable having direct mechanical and electrical connections to
each towed array.
The array towing arrangement and bridle configuration present minimal drag
to the tow platform and consequently the proposed arrangement can be towed
at greater speeds than other more traditional towing arrangements. The
reduced drag enables higher tow speed and in turn more rapid coverage of
large areas of the ocean floor.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
The current art for undersea oil exploration is guided by seismic analysis
of the ocean floor. Large surface ships 90 tow multiple linear arrays 92
equipped with low frequ . . . . More |
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An asymmetric towing system for towing multiple linear arrays includes a
tow platform and a single composite tow cable extending from the tow
platform and having the multiple linear arrays connected both mechanically
and electrically thereto. The composite tow cable is shaped by a hard
streamlined casing and houses a load bearing cable for mechanical
connection to each array and plural individual array connections for
establishing electrical communication between each array and the tow
platform. A single depressor is connected to a distal end of the composite
cable for spreading the composite cable in a substantially lateral
direction from and to one side of the tow platform.
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What is claimed is:
1. An asymmetric multiline towed array for towing by a tow platform
comprising:
a support cable having a first end for connection to the tow platform and
an opposing distal end, said support cable including both mechanical and
signal components;
at least one array connected to said mechanical and signal components of
said support cable; and
a depressor connected to the distal end of said support cable for spreading
said support cable in a substantially lateral direction from one side of
the tow platform;
wherein the signal component of said support cable includes at least one
array connector for communications connection with said array.
2. The system according to claim 1 wherein said support cable is
streamlined in shape to include a rounded leading nose portion and a
tapered tail portion trailing the nose portion.
3. The system according to claim 1 wherein the mech . . . . More |
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