Abstract:
A control device ( 10, 5 O,  100 ) for controlling the position of an instrumented cable towed in water, such as a marine seismic streamer, and/or a towed instrumented cable array (streamer) with the possibility to control the individual instrumented cables, both in shape and position, in relation to other instrumented cables and by that counteract cross currents and/or other dynamic forces which affect a towed array behind a seismic survey vessel. The control device ( 10, 50, 100 ) is adapted for plain and rapid mounting and demounting so that the streamer easily can be deployed and recovered, and in an easy way be reeled onto and out from a drum. The control device is further entirely or partly arranged for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and/or communication, i.e. signals/data, between a main body and wings. The control device, motor and drive gear housings ( 51 ) provided with wings ( 52 ) or wings ( 11, 102 ) house drive means ( 22 ), power supply ( 23 ), electronics and sensor means.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to devices for controlling the position of an instrumented cable towed in water, such as a marine seismic streamer, and/or an instrumented towed cable array (streamer array), and especially to control devices where the wings or motor and drive gear housings provided with wings house drive means, power supply, electronics and sensor means. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     A marine seismic streamer is an elongate cable-like structure, (typically up to several thousand meters long), which contains an array of hydrophones and associated electronic equipment along its length, and which is used in marine seismic surveying. In order to perform a 3D/4D marine seismic survey, a plurality of such streamers is towed behind a seismic survey vessel. Acoustic signals produced by the seismic sources are directed down through the water into the sea bed beneath, where they are reflected from the various strata. The reflected signals are received by the hydrophones, and then digitized and processed to build up a representation of the earth strata in the area being surveyed. 
     The streamers are typically towed at a constant depth of about five to ten meters, in order to facilitate the removal of undesired “ghost” reflections from the surface of the water. To keep the streamers at a constant depth, control devices known as “birds” are attached to each streamer at intervals of 200 to 300 meters. 
     Low frequency depth variations and lateral motions are inevitable. The main reasons for streamer depth variations are long periodic waves. In general, the worst-case situation is when towing in the same direction as the swell. Streamer lateral motions are mainly due to sea current components perpendicular to the towing direction. In the case of both swell and cross-current influences, the risk of streamer entanglement is therefore increased. 
     The streamer tension decreases proportional to the distance from the towing point. Therefore, low frequency streamer lateral and vertical motion tends to have larger amplitudes closer to the tail. However, the forces acting perpendicular to the streamer are non-uniformly distributed over the streamer length, and change over time as the towed array moves forward. 
     During a seismic survey, the streamers are intended to remain straight, parallel to each other, equally spaced and at the same depth. However, after deploying the streamers, it is typically necessary for the vessel to cruise in a straight line for at least three streamer lengths before the streamer distribution approximates this ideal arrangement and the survey can begin. This increases the time taken to carry out the survey, and therefore increases the cost of the survey. However, because of sea currents, the streamers frequently fail to accurately follow the path of the seismic survey vessel, sometimes deviating from this path at an angle, known as the feathering angle. This can adversely affect the coverage of the survey, frequently requiring that certain parts of the survey be repeated. In really bad circumstances, the streamers can actually become entangled, especially at the end of the streamers, which can cause great damage and considerable financial loss. 
     Several patents cover control devices for seismic streamers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,027 (Norman, L. Owsley et al.) describes a lateral force device for displacing a towed underwater acoustic cable, providing displacement in the horizontal and vertical directions, the device has a rotationally mounted body. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,752 (Loran, D. Ambs et al.) describes a seismic streamer position control module having a body with a first end and a second end and a bore therethrough from the first end to the second end for receiving a seismic streamer therethrough, at least one control surface, the at least one recess in which is initially disposed the at least one control surface movably connected to the body for movement from and into the at least one recess and for movement, when extended from the body, for attitude adjustment. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,342 (Bertheas, Jean et al.) describes a method for controlling the navigation of a towed linear acoustic antenna. Control devices equipped with variable-incidence wings are fixed onto the antenna. Through a differential action, the wings allow the control device to be turned about the longitudinal axis of the antenna, so that a hydrodynamic force oriented in any given direction about the longitudinal axis of the antenna is achieved. The control device can be detached automatically as the antenna is raised, so that the antenna can be wound freely onto a drum. This method also allows full control of the deformation, immersion and heading. 
     WO 03/008906 A2 (Nicholson, James et al.) describes a control device for controlling the position of a marine streamer comprising an annular aerofoil, a mount for mounting the aerofoil onto and around the streamer, and control means for controlling the tilt and/or rotation of the annular aerofoil to thereby adjust the lateral position and/or depth of the streamer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,223 B2 (Bittleston, Simon Hastings) describes a control device or “bird” for controlling the position of a marine seismic streamer, which is provided with an elongate, partly flexible body which is designed to be electrically and mechanically connected in series with a streamer. In a preferred form the control device has two opposed wings which are independently controllable in order to control the streamer&#39;s lateral position, as well as depth. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,879,542 B2 (Soreau, Didier) describes a bird with a pair of horizontal wings and a pair of vertical wings for lateral and horizontal control, respectively. The wing rotation is controlled by pendulum forces on lateral force wing pair. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,459,653 (Kuche, Hans-Walter) describes a collapsible depth controller for mounting in relation to seismic cables or similar devices, comprising two wings, each being rotatably connected to a main body relative to a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the depth controller. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,474 (Kuche, Hans-Walter) describes a depth control apparatus for seismic streamers, comprising a central unit adapted for inserted mounting in the streamer, substantially in axial alignment with the streamer, a housing which can rotate about the central unit and carries at least one control wing being angularly adjustable about a transverse axis, adapted to be substantially horizontal in operative position, and an electric motor for adjusting the angle of the control wing about the transverse axis. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,286 (Olivier, Andre W. et al.) describes a depth control device for an underwater cable which includes a rotary actuator having a rotating output shaft connected to a swash plate. Rotation of the swash plate by the actuator causes a rocker arm to pivot about an axis transverse to the axis of the output shaft. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,992 (Olivier, Andre W. et al.) describes a device for controlling the position of an underwater cable comprising a body, first and second actuators, and a pair of wings. The body is stationary mountable to the underwater cable and the first and second actuators are disposed in the body. Each wing has an axis of rotation and the wings are coupled to the first and second actuators to control the depth and the horizontal position of the underwater cable in the water. 
     Control devices in accordance with these current designs suffer from a number of disadvantages. As the control devices (in some of the publications mentioned above) hang beneath the streamer, they produce considerable noise as they are towed through the water. This noise interferes with the reflected signals detected by the hydrophones in the streamers. Some of the control devices comprise a pair of wings or rudders mounted on a rotatable structure surrounding the seismic streamer in order to generate lift force in a specified direction. This is an expensive and relatively complex electro-mechanical construction that is highly vulnerable in underwater operations. Some of the control devices mentioned in the publications above operate with a pair of wings or rudders in a bank-to-turn manoeuvre, so that the roll angle for the control device is defined from desired total force. This adds complexity to the local control loop for the superior control system, and provides poorer stability properties by that very fact that the roll angle must be continuously adjusted according to changes in desired total force, especially induced by the depth control. 
     Further, it is not known solutions for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and signals/data between the main body and wings, something which will result in a more robust system, which are less exposed to function failure or mechanical failure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The main object of the invention is to provide a control device which fully or partly alleviates the disadvantages of the mentioned current designs. It is further an object to provide a control device which is plain to mount and demount, so that the streamer easily can be deployed and recovered, and that it can be reeled onto and out of a drum in an easy way. It is further an object of the present invention that the control device should contribute to that the streamer can withstand the affection from unverifiable forces in the environment around the streamer. It is further an object that the control device should have a low power requirement for controlling, and that it can provide a control force in an arbitrary direction, depending on the angle of rotation. It is further an object of the present invention that it should provide opportunities for untwisting twists applied to the streamer. It is further an object of the invention that it should allow faster course change operations and shorter finishing and deploying of streamers, and shorter run-ins after line-turns and other operations to an approximately ideal position. 
     Finally it is an object of the invention to provide a control device which entirely or partly is arranged for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and/or communication, i.e. signals/data, between main body and wings. 
     First control device according to the invention is described according to the preamble of claim. 
     Second control device according to the invention is described according to the preamble of claim. 
     A control device for controlling a seismic streamer, especially a multi-section streamer, according to the present invention, is based on a smart wing concept or a combined motor and drive gear housing provided with a wing in one unit. The control device is formed by a main body and at least three wings, so-called smart wings, or at least three motor and drive gear housings provided with wings. The term smart wing is used to illustrate that wing, power supply (batteries), control means, drive means, and sensors are integrated into the one and same unit, referred to as smart wing, which wing easily can be attached and detached. The alternative including motor and drive gear housing is used to illustrate that power supply (batteries), control means, drive means, and sensor are integrated into the one and same unit, referred to as a motor and drive gear housing which is provided a wing, which motor and drive gear housing forms a detachable unit which easily can be attached and detached. 
     The main body is preferably elongate and mainly tubular, and is at its ends provided with mechanical and electrical connection means to be arranged in series between two adjacent sections of a streamer. Further, the main body is at adapted positions provided with fastening and connection means for smart wings or motor and drive gear housings provided with wings, which main body is adapted to the different alternatives. 
     The control device includes preferably at least three such smart wings or motor and drive gear housings provided with wings, evenly distributed around the main body. 
     The smart wings are preferably duplex in the form of a fastening part and a wing part, where the fastening part is adapted for connection to the main body via adapted fastening and connection means. In addition the smart wings preferably include a guard attached to the wing part by means of suitable means or is integrated into the wing part. The guard has a mainly elongate ellipse-shape, with an interior and exterior surface, which surfaces preferably have a shape and size similar to the cross sectional shape of the wing. The guard has on the interior surface a protruding element which has a shape similar to the cross sectional shape of the wing, and a size adapted for travelling in mainly rectangular recesses provided in the main body. The purpose of the guard is to prevent objects in the water, such as seaweed, ropes, plastic, etc. from being attached between the wing and the main body. The wing part housing mechanics, electronics, control means and sensors, is arranged to the fastening part by means of a shaft, and the wing part extends perpendicular from the fastening part, and accordingly the main body. The wing part includes an exterior protective housing, preferably made of hard plastics, which housing is formed by two parts assembled to one unit with wing shape/rudder shape, which has a tapering width out from the main body towards the end of the wing part. 
     The fastening part has a shape adapted to the fastening and connection means of the main body for detachable arrangement, and can thus be considered as a quick release coupling. The fastening part further includes connection means for connecting the smart wing electronically and for signals to the streamer/main body. 
     The motor and drive gear housings are adapted for fastening and connection to the main body via adapted fastening and connection means connecting the motor and drive gear housings both mechanically and electronically/for signals to the streamer/main body, and adapted for mutual fastening via adapted fastening means. The motor and drive gear housing, which house mechanics, electronics, control means and sensors, are connected to the wing part by means of a shaft, and the wing extends perpendicular out from the motor and drive gear housing, and accordingly the main body. The wing part is also here preferably formed by to parts, preferably in hard plastics, which are assembled into one unit with a wing shape/rudder shape, which has a tapering width out from the main body towards the end of the wing part. 
     Each wing part, both for the smart wing and for the alternative with motor and drive gear housings provided with a wing in one unit, is thus rotatable about an axis extending transversal of the streamer and the wings will respond to control signals and sensor means for independent adjustment of the respective angular position of the mentioned wing, for in this way to control the lateral and vertical position of the streamer. The control device further includes sensor means, such as a roll sensor arranged in the main body, to determine the rotation position of the streamer and main body in a plan perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the streamer. The control device is preferably further also provided with a depth sensor, such as a pressure sensor, arranged in the main body. 
     By the use of the control device in a multi-section streamer including an electrical energy line, the control means, at least partly, are arranged to receive electric energy from the electrical energy line. As the streamer also includes a control line, the control means are preferably arranged to receive signals from the control line. 
     To avoid streamer malfunction in case of mechanical damage of the control means (e.g. leakage), the feed-through of conductors between the streamer sections are separated from the wing mechanism, control means and sensors. 
     The control means include electrical motors, preferably also gear and clutch, and can also include means for measuring the rotation position of the streamer and control means, means for measuring depth and means for measuring mutual position between the streamers/control devices. 
     The control means are preferably arranged to the house of the smart wings or to the motor and drive gear housings by means of suitable means. 
     A preferable control strategy used on a control device according to the invention is not based on a traditional bank-to-turn manoeuvre where the rotation position is determined from a combination of commanded lateral and vertical force, which in general continuously vary. Instead the control device is controlled to a predefined rotation position given by a commanded lateral force alone, which in general is static in longer periods of time. The lift is approximately proportional with the plane area of the wings, with the square velocity through water, and with the attack angle of the wing, which is controllable through the control means. 
     This is only one of many control methods which can be implemented for a streamer which is provided with control devices according to the invention, something which is described in the applicants&#39; at the same time filed application NO 20063182. 
     The present application will therefore focus on the design of the control device and not methods for controlling a streamer, but references are herein made to the applicants&#39; at the same time filed application NO 20063182 regarding control of streamers and similar. 
     The control means are operated on basis of commando messages/settings through the streamer from a control unit onboard a vessel performing the operation. 
     As mentioned, the smart wings or motor and drive gear housings provided with wings detachably arranged to the main body, and the control devices are preferably evenly distributed along the entire streamer length, preferably with approximately the same distance between. 
     The control devices are arranged to control both the vertical and the lateral movement, preferably at the same time. The control means can set up the commanded lift by actuators (motors). The smart wings and motor and drive gear housings provided with wings are preferably arranged symmetrically around the length axis of the streamer and main body. 
     By means of the present invention it is provided a control device which easily can be mounted and demounted into a streamer. This especially by that the wing, control means, drive means and power supply are made as a detachable unit. As a streamer is to be reeled onto a drum, the smart wing or motor and drive gear housings provided with wings can easily be removed and will thus not cause any problems for the collection on the drum. Another advantage with the present invention is that if drive means, wing or something else should fail or be damaged, it is easy to replace the entire smart wing or motor and drive gear housings provided with wings, without replacing the entire control device. 
     In that the smart wing or motor and drive gear housings provided with wings include the most of the electronics, sensors, power supply and drive means it is also possible, in addition to above, to provide a compact design. 
     According to one embodiment of the control device it is provided with wireless/contactless transfer of communication, i.e. signals/data, and energy between the main body and wings. This results in that there is no need for mechanical connections for energy and communication between main body and wings, and it is thus no risk for leakage. Such a solution only requires a mechanical connection of the wings to the main body. 
     Wireless/contactless transfer of energy and/or communication can further be used for the detachment of the wings or motor and drive gear housings provided with wings from the main body without using tools. It also provides opportunities for remote detachment of the wings or motor and drive gear housings provided with wings. In that the control device is provided with wireless/contactless communication it will also be possible with communication with an external unit for calibration and diagnostics, for example on the quarterdeck of a vessel. 
     Preferable details and features of the invention will appear from the example description below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will below be described in detail with references to the Figures, where: 
         FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of a control device according to the invention, for connection between two streamer sections, 
         FIG. 2  shows details of a main body of the control device in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  shows a partly cut-trough view, showing details of a wing part of the control device in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 4  shows details of a guard and a fastening part of the control device in  FIG. 1 , seen from the connection side, 
         FIG. 5  shows a control device according to a second embodiment of the invention for connection between two streamer sections, 
         FIG. 6  shows details of a main body of the control device in  FIG. 5 , 
         FIG. 7  is a split view of the main body in  FIG. 6 , 
         FIG. 8  shows a partly cut-through view, showing details of a motor and drive gear housing provided with wings for the control device in  FIG. 5 , 
         FIG. 9  shows a control device according to a third embodiment adapted for wireless/contactless transfer of communication and/or energy, 
         FIG. 10   a - b  show details of the arrangement of wing to the main body, and 
         FIG. 11   a - b  show details of means for wireless/contactless transfer of communication and/or energy. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of a control device  10  according to the invention for connection in series between two adjacent streamer sections of a multi-section streamer. A control device  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes three similar wings  11 , so-called smart wings, which are evenly distributed around a main body  12 , which is shown in detail in  FIG. 2 , and is a so-called three-axis bird. In the example shown as three smart wings  11 , it will be 120 degrees between the wings  11 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  which shows details of the main body  12 . The main body  12  is mainly an elongate streamlined tubular housing  13 , which at its end includes connection means  14   a  and  14   b  adapted for mechanical and electrical connection in series in a multi-section seismic streamer, of the kind being towed behind seismic survey vessel. The connection means  14   a - b  are for this adapted with similar connection points (not shown) in each end of each streamer section, which connection points normally are used to connect two adjacent streamer sections together. 
     The main body  12  includes further specially shaped fastening and connection means  15  for the connection of the smart wings  11 , both mechanical and electrical. The main body  12  is in addition preferably provided with mainly rectangular recesses  16  to allow the travelling of a guard  29 , further described below. The main body  12  is further provided with a circuit card and electronics for communication with an external control unit via the control line of the streamer. The main body  12  is preferably arranged so that the feed-through of conductors between the streamer sections are separated from the wing mechanisms, drive means, control means and sensors. This is to avoid function failure in case of mechanical damage of the control device  10 , e.g. leakage. 
     The main body  12  preferably further includes a roll sensor (not shown) and/or a depth meter (not shown), preferably in the form of a pressure sensor. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  which shows a partly cut-through view of a smart wing  11  according to the invention. The control device  10  is, as mentioned, provided with three smart wings  11 , or rudders, which smart wings  11  extend perpendicular from the longitudinal axis of the main body  12  and accordingly the streamer. The smart wings  11  are preferably formed by two parts, a wing part  20  and a fastening part  30 . In addition it is preferably arranged a guard  29  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) between the wing part  20  and the fastening part  30 , further described below. The fastening part  30  is adapted for fastening and connection with the main body  12  via its fastening and connection means  15 . The fastening and connection means  15  and the fastening part  30  are preferably designed so that a quick-release coupling is provided, both mechanically and electrically, further described below. The wing part  20 , which house the drive means  22 , power supply  23  (batteries) and possible sensors (not shown), is connected to the fastening part  30  by means of a shaft  24 , and the wing part extends thus perpendicular from the fastening part  30 , and accordingly the main body  12 . The wing part  20  includes an exterior protective housing, preferably in hard plastics, which housing preferably is formed by two parts assembled together into one unit with wing shape/rudder shape, which has a tapering width out from the main body  12  towards the end of the wing part  20 . 
     The drive means  22  is preferably one or more electrical motors which further preferably is connected to a gear  26  which further preferably is connected to the shaft  24  via a clutch  27 . Neither gear nor clutch is a necessity, but will be a great advantage in connection with the controlling of the system and for the operating time of the control device. The drive means  22  are provided with energy from the conductors in the streamer, via at least one rechargeable buffer battery  23  for back-up force at the lack of energy and to avoid overload in the energy system of the streamer. 
     The drive means  22  are further arranged to the wing part  20  in a suitable manner and includes preferably sleeves and bearings  28  to achieve a fixed positioning of the shaft  24  and to ensure as low resistance as possible in rotation of the shaft  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  which shows details of a guard  29  and a fastening part  30  according to the invention. The guard  29  has mainly an elongated ellipse-shape, with an exterior and interior surface, which surfaces have a shape and size similar to the cross-sectional shape of the wing  11 , and a size adapted for travelling in the rectangular recesses  16  in the main body  12 . The guard  29  is preferably either arranged to the wing  11  by means of suitable means or integrated into the wing  11 . The guard  29  will thus rotate with the wing  11  and the guard has as purpose to prevent objects in the water, such as seaweed, ropes, plastics, driftwood, etc. from getting attached between the main body  12  and the wing  11 . 
     The fastening part  30  has, as mentioned, a shape which is adapted to the fastening and connection means  15  of the main body  12  for detachable fastening, and can be considered as a quick-release coupling. The fastening part  30  includes further connection means  31  for connecting the smart wing electrical and for signals to the streamer/main body  12  via adapted connection means  32  ( FIG. 2 ) in the main body  12 . 
     Each wing part  20  (and guard  29 ) is thus rotatable about an axis extending transversal to the streamer, and the wings  11  will respond to control signals and sensor means for independent adjustment of the respective angular position for the mentioned wing part  20 , in this way to control the lateral and vertical position of the streamer. 
     As the smart wings  11  are disconnected from the main body  12 , the streamer can be reeled in onto a drum with the main body  12  still connected to the streamer. In the same way the streamer can easily be deployed from a drum and successively be provided with the smart wings  11  as the streamer is deployed. 
     The control device  10  is preferably connected to an external control system of a survey vessel, e.g. a Seismic Towed Array Positioning System, via a streamer data bus. The control device uses the data bus for transferring status from the sensors and information on mechanical function and force. 
     The control parameters are transferred to the control devices  10  for controlling the control devices  10  in the Y and Z direction. The control means in the control devices  10  adjust the wing part  20  to correct position by means of the drive means  22 . 
     The control device can further be provided with a wing position sensor and/or an acoustic position sensor and/or sensors for measuring roll angle and/or depth sensor or similar suitable means which can be used for the controlling of the streamer. 
     Many different control strategies can as mentioned be used on a control device according to the invention, and this is thus not mentioned broadly herein, but references are made to the application NO 20063182 in the name of the applicant for a suitable method for controlling. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5  which shows a second embodiment of a control device  50  according to the invention. 
     A second embodiment of the invention is based on detachable motor and drive gear housings provided with wings  52 . Also this embodiment is connected in series between two adjacent streamer sections of a multi-section streamer. A control device  50  according to a second embodiment of the invention includes preferably three equal motor and drive gear housings  51  provided with wings  52 , evenly distributed around a main body  53 , as shown in detail in  FIG. 5 , and is a so-called three-axis bird. In the shown example with three wings  52 , it will be 120 degrees between the wings  52 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6  which shows details of the main body  53 . The main body  53  is preferably elongate and tubular, and is at its ends provided with connection means  54   a  and  54   b , adapted for mechanical and electrical connection in series in a multi-section streamer, of the kind being towed behind a seismic survey vessel. The connection means  54   a - b  are for this adapted with corresponding connection points (not shown) at each end of each streamer section, which connection points normally are used to connect two streamer sections together. 
     The main body  53  is formed by four parts assembled together into one unit, which parts include a conical end part  55 , a main part  56 , a lock disc  57  and a end part  58 . The connection means  54   a - b  are arranged at the conical end part  55  and end part  58 , respectively. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7  which shows a split view of the main body  53  showing details of the important parts of the main body  53 . 
     The conical end part  55  is mainly tubular, with a tapering end against a central projection  59 , in which projection the connection means  54   a  are arranged. 
     Against the conical end art  55 , the main body  53  includes a main part  56 , which mainly is a circular disc with an outer circumference as the conical end part  55 . The main part  56  has at the side facing the conical end part  55  a circular flange  60  adapted to the inner circumference of the conical end part  55 . Both the conical end part  55  and the main part  56  are provided with adapted means for secure fastening together, such as screws arranged in connection with the main part  56 , and threaded holes in the conical end part  55 . The main part  56  further includes, at the side facing away from the conical end part  55 , a central tubular projection  61 . On the tubular projection  61  is preferably arranged a specially designed lock plate  62  for locking connections (not shown) for electrical connection and signal connection of the motor and drive gear housings  51 . The lock plate  62  further includes, at adapted places, through holes  63  for fastening the lock plate  62  to the main part  56 . The main part  56  further includes through holes  64  for insertion of connection means for the connection of motor and drive gear housing  51 , further described below. The main part  56  is at the side facing the conical end part also provided with fastening points (not shown) for a circuit card (not shown). The main part  56  further includes threaded holes (not shown) for fastening the end part  58 , lock disc  57  and main part  56  together by means of suitable means, further described below. 
     The lock disc  57  which is mainly circular has an outer circumference adapted to the outer circumference of the main part  56  and the conical end part  55  and has a centrally arranged through hole  65  adapted to the projection  61  of the main for arrangement thereon, against the lock plate  62  of the projection  61  of the main part  56 . The lock disc  57  includes specially designed lock holes  66  for the fastening of motor and drive gear housings  51 , further described below. In addition the lock plate  57  includes specially designed through holes  67  for insertion of connection points for electrical connection and signal connection of the motor and drive gear housings  51 , further described below. In addition the lock plate  57  includes specially designed through holes  68  for the fastening of the end part  58  and the lock disc  57  to the main part  56 , further described below. The specially shaped holes  66 ,  67  and  68  allows the lock disc  57  to travel some in the rotation direction about the projection  61  in connection with locking and unlocking of the motor and drive gear housings  51 , further described below. 
     The end part  58  is formed by a mainly tubular body  69  with a perpendicularly arranged end plate  70  at the end facing the lock plate  57 , while the other end is provided with connection means  54   b  for streamer connection. The end plate  70  is further provided with through holes  71  for insertion of connection points for electrical connection and signal connection for the motor and drive gear housings  51 , through holes  72  for insertion of fastening means for motor and drive gear housing  51 , and through holes  73  for insertion of fastening means, such as fastening bolts, to fasten the end part  58  via the end plate  70  and the lock disc  57  together with the main part  56 . In this way the parts  55 ,  56 ,  57  and  58  are fixed together, where the lock disc  57  due to the specially designed holes  66 - 68  is allowed to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position in relation to the locking and unlocking of the motor and drive gear housings  51  to the main body, further described below. 
     In the conical end part  55 , as mentioned, electronics (not shown) and a circuit card (not shown) are arranged, which are fixed to the flange  60  of the main part  56  connecting the control device  50  to the streamer control line and energy line. 
     The main body  53  includes, as mentioned, electrical connection points and signal connection points (not shown), which extend from the circuit card through the holes  64  in the main part, the holes  67  in the lock disc and terminate as a connection point for the motor and drive gear housings  51  at the holes  71  in the end plate  70  of the end part, further described below. 
     The main body  53  is preferably arranged so that the feed-through of conductors between the streamer sections are separated from the control device  50  to avoid function failure in case of mechanical damage of the control device  50 , e.g. leakage. 
     The main body  53  preferably further includes a roll sensor and/or a depth sensor (not shown), preferably in the form of a pressure sensor. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8  which shows a partly cut-through view, showing details of the motor and drive gear housing  51  with wing  52  according to the invention. According to a second embodiment of the invention it is provided a combined unit of a motor and drive gear housing  51  and a wing  52 . The control device  50  is, as mentioned, provided with three such units and thus three wings  52 , or rudders, which wings  52  extend perpendicularly out from the longitudinal axis of the main body  53 . 
     The motor and drive gear housing  51  is adapted for mechanical fastening and electrical connection and signal connection with the main body  53  via its fastening and connection means, i.e. the specially designed lock holes  66  of the lock disc  57 , and the electrical and signal connection means. Preferably the fastening and connection means of the main body  53  and the motor and drive gear housing  51  are designed so that a quick-release coupling, both mechanically and for the electrics/signals, further describe below. The wing  52  is connected to the motor and drive gear housing  51  by means of a shaft  80  which is arranged to the wing  52  by means of suitable means, such as a plate  81 . The wing  52  extends thus perpendicularly out from the motor and drive gear housing  51  and accordingly the main body  53 . The wing  52  is formed by two equal opposite parts, preferably in hard plastics, which are assembled together to one unit with a wing shape/rudder shape, which has a tapering width out from the main part  53  and motor drive gear housing  51  towards the end of the wing  52 . 
     The motor and drive gear housing  51  includes an exterior protective housing, wherein drive means (not shown), power supply (batteries) and possibly sensor means (not shown) are arranged. The drive means are preferably as in the first embodiment one or several electrical motors (not shown) which preferably is/are connected to a gear (not shown), which further is connected with the shaft  80  via a clutch (not shown). Preferably the most of the shaft  80 , gear and clutch are enclosed in a protruding part  82  of the motor and drive gear housing  51 , which part  82  extends perpendicularly out from the upper surface of the motor and drive gear housing, and extends thus in the same direction as the shaft  80 . Preferably the protruding part  82  includes sleeves and bearings (not shown) to hold the shaft  80  in place, and to ensure as low resistance in the rotation of the shaft  80  as possible. In this way the drive means are well protected against external objects which else could damage the drive means and the fastening of the wing  52 . 
     The motor and drive gear housing  51  has further preferably a curved exterior shape to provide as low resistance as possible as the control device  50 /streamer is towed through the water. In addition the shape of the motor and drive gear housing  51  is adapted so that they together form an elongate streamlined body as they are arranged to the main body  52 . 
     The motor and drive gear housing  51  includes further preferably fastening means  83  to lock the motor and drive gear housing  51  to the main body  53 , lock means  84  to lock the motor and drive gear housings  51  mutually to the adjacent motor and drive gear housing  51 , and connection means  85  for electrical connection and signal connection to the main body  53  for connection to the streamer energy system and control line. The drive means are preferably supplied with energy through the conductors in the streamer, via one or several rechargeable buffer batteries for back-up energy at the lack of energy, and to avoid overload in the streamer energy system. 
     After the main body  53  is connected between two streamer sections, the motor and drive gear housings  51  provided with wings  52  can be arranged to the main body  53 . By rotating the lock disc  57  to unlocked position, the lock holes  66  of the lock disc  57  coincide with the holes  72  of the end part  58 . The fastening means  83  for locking the motor and drive gear housing  51  to the main body  53 , which preferably is specially designed lock pins adapted to the specially designed lock holes  66  of the lock disc  57 , are inserted into the holes  72  of the end part  58  and into the lock holes  66  of the lock disc  57 . Electrical and signal connection are also performed in that the connection means  85  for electricity and signals are connected to the electrical connection points provided in the main body  53 . After all the three motor and drive gear housings  51  are adapted with the fastening means  83  in the lock holes  63 , and mutually fixed via the locking means  84 , the lock disc  57  is turned  57  from unlocked to locked position by means of a suitable tool, so that the lock disc  57  locks the fastening means  83  in the lock holes  66 , and the motor and drive gear housings  51  provided with wings  52  are thus locked to the main body  53  and mutually locked to each other. 
     Each wing  52  is thus rotatable about an axis extending transversal of the streamer, and the wings  52  will respond to control signals and sensor means for independent adjustment of the respective angular position for the mentioned wing  52 , for in this way to control the lateral and vertical position of the streamer. 
     As the motor and drive gear housing  51  provided with wings are removed from the main body  53 , the streamer can easily be reeled onto a drum with the main body  53  still connected to the streamer. Similar the streamer can easily be reeled out from a drum by successively arranging motor and drive gear housings  51  provided with wings  52  as the streamer is deployed. 
     The control device  50  is preferably connected to an external control system of a survey vessel and controlled as described in the first embodiment. 
     It is obvious that the features of the two first embodiments can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9  which shows an example of a third embodiment, in the form of a cross-section through a control device  100  according to the invention, adapted for wireless/contactless transfer of communication, i.e. signals/data, and/or energy between main body  101  and wings  102 , preferably both communication and energy. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10   a - b  which show details of the arrangement of a wing  102  to the main body  101 . According to the third embodiment the main body  101  includes, as previous, specially designed fastening means  103  for fastening of the wings  102  mechanically to the main body  101 . The wings  102  are, as previous, provided with a fastening part  104  which is adapted for mechanical fastening to the main body  101  via its fastening means  103 . In contrast to the previous embodiments, the main body  101  and wings  102  do not need to include means for the connection of electricity or control signals, as this embodiment is adapted for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and communication, i.e. signals/data, further described below. 
     The wings  102  include, as for the previous embodiments, drive means, batteries and possible sensors, which are not described further herein. The wing further includes, as previous, a shaft  105  ( FIG. 10   b ), which by means of a specially designed end part  106 , shown in  FIG. 11   a , is arranged to the fastening part  104  of the wing. 
     The drive means in the previous embodiments where provided with energy through conductors in the streamer, via at least one rechargeable battery for back-up energy at lack of energy, and to avoid overload in the energy system of the streamer, but in contrast to the two embodiments described above, the wings  102  are not mechanically connected to the main body  101 /streamer for the transfer of communication and energy, but by means of means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer of communication, i.e. signals/data, and energy, further described below. 
     The shaft  105  in this embodiment is adapted to house means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and communication, and for mechanical fastening to fastening part  104  for wing  102  by means of the specially designed end piece  106 , as shown in  FIG. 11   a.    
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  which show details of means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer of communication, i.e. data/signals, and energy, and details of fastening part  104  for wing  102  and fastening between shaft  105  and fastening part  104  for wing  102 . 
     The fastening part  104  for wing, as also shown in  FIGS. 10   a - b , preferably has a mainly elongate shallow U-profile with a cerif, with the opening orientated down against the main body  101 . The cerif preferably includes tracks or recesses  111  adapted to the specially designed fastening means  103  of the main body  101 , which preferably are formed by a mainly rectangular shape with protruding fastening elements  112 . In contrast to the first embodiment, where the main body had specially designed fastening and connecting means, where the fastening part of the wing interlocked with a recess in the main body, the main body  101  is now adapted so that the fastening part  104  of the wing interlock with the exterior of fastening means  102  adapted in the main body  101 , as shown in  FIG. 10   a . The fastening part  104  for wing and fastening means  103  in the main body  101  are thus adapted for rapid connection and rapid disconnection. 
     The main body  101  can further include a safety means  126 , such as an elastic or spring-loaded element to hold the wing  102  in place after the wing  102  is arranged to the main body  101 . 
     The main body  101  further includes a recess  113 , as shown in  FIG. 10   b , with a through centrally arranged hole for the arrangement of means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer, and a sleeve/cover  114 , as shown in  FIG. 10   a , to fasten means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer, which sleeve/cover  114  has a through centrally arranged hole  115  adapted to the means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer, which means  110  are described in detail below. 
     The fastening part  104  for wing further includes a through hole  116 , as shown in  FIGS. 10   b  and  11   a , preferably circular and centrally arranged, adapted to means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and communication, and a recess  117 , as shown in  FIG. 11   a , adapted the end piece  106  of the shaft  105 , and fastening means, such as through holes  118 , for the fastening of the shaft  105  thereto. 
     The means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and communication, shown in detail in  FIG. 11   b , are preferably equal for both the wing and main body  101 , and arranged in each wing  102  and correspondingly for each wing at suitable positions in the main body  101 , in such a way that that the means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer in the main body  101  and wing  102  are arranged against each other, preferably with the smallest possible distance, preferably in the rotation axis of the wing in relation to the main body  101 . 
     The means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer include a core  120 , one or more coils  121 , a circuit card  122 , coaxial connectors  123 , and encapsulation  124 . 
     The core  120  is preferably a ferrite core or similar, which preferably mainly has a disc-shape with a given depth/width, which further preferably has a mainly circular recess at the one side to house the coil(s)  121 . The coil(s) is/are wound with adapted thread and number of windings for the optimization of efficiency for the transfer of energy/signal/data. Also the diameter/size of the core  120  will be vital for how high efficiency the system has, and must thus be adapted so that the actual efficiency is achieved. 
     If it is adequate, the means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer can also include a buffer plate  125 , which is arranged between the core  120  and the electronic card  122  to avoid short-circuiting, which buffer plate  125  preferably is provided with control holes for coil thread to the circuit card  122 . 
     Further, the coil(s)  121  and core  120 , and buffer plate  125 , if it is used, are casted in an encapsulation  124  of a material with low water break-through, low water absorption, low dielectric coefficient and high weather resisting (treated for UV radiation), such as polyurethane. 
     An advantage with the use of a buffer plate  125  is that by cast-in/encapsulation of the buffer plate  125  between core and electronic card  122 , short-circuiting is also avoided, but this can also be achieved by replacing the buffer plate  125  with an encapsulation, something which will be chosen in the most cases. 
     The encapsulation  124  is preferably casted in with special epoxy to ensure a good fastening against the components. The cast-in of the encapsulation  124  is preferably performed in a vacuum chamber for the removal of air bubbles and thus ensures better pressure properties. 
     The encapsulation  124  preferably has a mainly disc-shape with a given width, and which preferably at its ends is provided with steps  126   a - b , adapted for arrangement in the shaft  105  and to the centrally arranged through hole  116  in the fastening part  104  of the wing, respectively, and for arrangement in the recess  113  of the main body  101 , and fastening by means of the sleeve/cover  114 . Between the shaft  105  and fastening part  104  for wing and means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer, and between the recess  113  and sleeve/cover  114  and means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer, one or more O-ring seals  127 , preferably double O-rings, in such a way that that water is prevented from entering. The means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer are arranged in such a way that the circuit card  121  is facing the shaft  105  of the wing and the interior of the main body  101 , in such a way that the core  120  and coil(s)  121  are facing each other for the means  110  for wireless/contactless transfer in the wing and main body  101 . 
     The circuit card  122  is arranged/provided with control electronics adapted the encapsulation  124  with core  120  and coil(s)  121 , and possibly buffer plate  125 , and includes electronics for communication/signal processing, which circuit card  122  is arranged against the encapsulation  124 , against the buffer plate  125  if it is used. The circuit card further includes its own coaxial connector  123  for the connection of radio signals. The circuit card  122  further includes one or more coil plugs for the connection of the coil threads. Further the circuit card  122  includes connection for “plug electronics” for charge/supply circuit of the circuit card of the wing  102  and circuit card of the main body  101 , and connection of “plug electronics” to a radio chip on the circuit card of the wing  102  and circuit card of the main body  101 . It should be mentioned that the different plugs/connectors can be soldered directly onto the circuit card. 
     In this way it is provided a wireless/contactless transfer of energy and communication, where the coil(s)  121  is/are used for both energy transfer and as an antenna for communication. By that the transfer of energy and transfer of communication are performed at different frequencies, which frequencies preferably are far from each other, they will not disturb one another. 
     In this way it is provided a wireless/contactless transfer between a main body  101  and wings  102 , which wireless/contactless transfer can be both unidirectional or bidirectional, which results in that the system is far more robust for operating in a demanding environment, as streamers usually operate in. Further, the wings  102  are not mechanically connected to the streamer or main body  101  electronically or for signals, something resulting in more stabile operating conditions for the total system and less danger for function failure. 
     It should finally be mentioned that the latter embodiment easily can be combined with the two first embodiments to provide further embodiments. 
     Modifications 
     The shape and size of the wings can vary according to desired properties for the control device. 
     A twist/rotation indicator or similar can be arranged in connection with the main body to identify if a twist/rotation has occurred in the streamer. 
     Wireless communication, such as radio, infrared light, ultrasound or similar can be arranged between the main body and wings, or between main body and motor and drive gear housings, instead of a mechanical connection. The wings/motor and drive gear housings can thus be remotely controlled to be released/removed from the control device during an operation, if a need for this should arise, without this interfering the operation. 
     By that the control device is provided with wireless communication it will also be possible with a communication with an external unit for calibration and diagnostics, for example at the quarterdeck of a vessel. 
     The control device can be provided with an adaptive controller to improve the local control loop to achieve a more rapid response to desired changes of the control device. An adaptive controller will also contribute in that the control device better can counteract factors which affect a streamer and which changes over time and/or as the streamer/control device moves through the water, including velocity changes. 
     It can also be preferable to arrange a control pin in the wing, which control pin extends down into a track with limited extension, arranged at the upper surface of the motor and drive gear housing, which control pin can travel in the track. This can be used to limit the wing deflection of the wing, for example in the case of function failure of the wing. 
     Even though it is described that the means for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and/or communication preferably have a disc-shape, it is obvious that the means can have other shapes, for example the core can be E-shaped, pot-shaped, U-shaped, bar-shaped or similar suitable shapes. The core can be of different materials, such as ferrite with low loss or metal powder, but preferably a material with low permeability. 
     The means for wireless/contactless transfer can further include separate coils for transfer of communication and for transfer of energy. 
     As described, the means for wireless/contactless transfer can further include a buffer plate between the circuit card and the core to prevent short-circuiting, but this can also be achieved by arranging a layer with cast-in material of the same type as the encapsulation between the circuit card and core, or that the circuit card is provided with an insulating material at the surface facing the core. 
     The buffer plate can also be casted in between the core and the electronic card to avoid short-circuiting.