In-line rotational positioning module for towed array paravanes

Abstract

A rotary positioning module (RPM) for a paravane for use in connection with cable or hose towed from a towing platform through a towing medium. The RPM includes a stationary portion and a rotational portion, The stationary portion is adapted to be attached to the cable or hose, and includes a plurality of electrically-energizable field windings symmetrically positioned around the cable or hose, The rotational portion is rotatably mounted around the stationary portion for controlling orientation of rotary positioning module wings attached thereto as it is being towed through the towing medium to facilitate the positioning of the cable or hose in a towed array. The rotational portion includes a plurality of permanent magnets symmetrically positioned around the stationary portion in proximity to the field windings of the stationary portion and a rotary position sensor. The rotational position sensor senses the angular position of the rotational portion relative to the stationary portion and enables a controller on a towing platform to control the electric current to the field windings to facilitate the angular positioning of the rotational portion in relation to the stationary portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.