| 摘要 |
2105061 9218380 PCTABS00016 This invention relates to a Grapnel which is particularly intended for recovering telecommunications cables from the deep oceans. The Grapnel has special features in that it treats the cable gently, and that it cuts the cables and holds a predetermined side. The Grapnel comprises a rotor (10) which is adapted for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the Grapnel. The rotor is located between two cutting stations (11 and 12). The rotor is preset for rotation in either the clockwise or the anti-clockwise direction. In operation, the rotor (10) acquires one run of cable from below and this run of cable is held clear of both cutting stations (11 and 12). The rotor (10) acquires the other run of cable from above, and this run of cable is introduced into one of the cutting stations. After winding, both cutting stations are actuated, and a predetermined run is cut. The other predetermined run is held because it is wound round the rotor and it can be retrieved to the surface. It should be appreciated that the direction of rotation of the rotor decides which end is cut and which end is held, and the direction of the rotation remains the same even if the Grapnel deploys upside-down.
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