Terrence T Mcmahon

US Patent:

44871538, Dec 11, 1984

Filed:

Sep 30, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/429237

Inventors:

Terrence S. McMahon - Sterling VA
James P. Keller - Mitchellville MD

Assignee:

Eastport International, Inc. - Lanham MD

International Classification:

B63G 800

US Classification:

114312

Abstract:

A cage to retain an undersea vehicle therein and tether reel-in and play-out mechanism is provided. The cage includes a latch for retaining the vehicle in a "garage" portion. A tether drive assembly reels in and out the tether line through a bale which cooperates with a narrow, annular drum to retain the tether line in an annular, cylindrical coil having a width of a single strand of line. The bail, with or without cooperation from additional means, winds and unwinds the tether in the drum.