Buoyant electrode and system for high speed towing

An improved oceanographic system adapted for being towed at high speed within a body of water for transferring electrical current thereto comprising:

• an electrode;
• central strain means disposed for effectively providing a central foundation for said electrode capable of withstanding high tensional loadings;
• buoyant sleeve means surrounding said central strain means ans substantially co-extensive therewith for providing a supporting force therefor;
• a plurality of lightweight metal electrical conductor means placed in a predetermined pattern about the outer surface of said buoyant sleeve means, effectively forming a layer overlying said buoyant sleeve means for conduction of electricity therealong;
• first connector means effectively connected to said central strain means at one end thereof for providing mechanical attachment thereto and effectively electrically connected to said plurality of electrical conductor means for electrical energy transfer therebetween;
• lightweight conductor serving means effectively electrically and mechanically connected to said first connector means and disposed so as to be tightly wound about said predetermined pattern of the aforesaid plurality of lightweight metal electrical conductors and extending a predetermined distance therealong for providing retaining engagement thereof and electrical conduction therefrom;
• second connector means effectively joined to the other end of said central strain means for attachment of auxiliary devices to be towed thereby;
• insulated electrical conductor means effectively attached to said second connector means for current conducting cooperation therewith;
• oceanographic instrument means effectively mechanically connected to said insulated electrical conductor means, so as to be towed thereby for performing predetermined oceanographic functions;
• electrically operated means effectively attached to, and located within, said oceanographic instrument means and effectively electrically connected to said insulated electrical conductor means for activating said oceanographic means to perform said predetermined oceanographic functions;
• and
• electrical current return electrode means effectively electrically connected to said electrically operated means, and effectively mechanically connected to said oceanographic instrument means, so as to be towed thereby, said electrical current return electrode means extending aft of said oceanographic instrument means and in electrical contact with said body of water for providing a current return path therethrough.