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Abstract

An apparatus and method for remotely cutting a broken guideline extending from an underwater guide post. The apparatus includes a frame, a clamping mechanism for clamping the frame to an annular groove in the guide post, a pair of opposed, pivotable cutting jaws coupled to the frame, and a remotely actuated power device for pivoting the cutting jaws across the longitudinal axis of the broken guideline to sever the guideline from the guide post. Above the cutting jaws are a pair of pivotal loom jaws which guide the assembly on the post and also deflect any interferring portion of the broken guideline extending along the side of the post. The method includes lowering the frame, jaws and clamping mechanism through the water to a position in which the clamping mechanism is below the annular groove in the guide post, slidably coupling the clamping mechanism to the guide post, raising the clamping mechanism upwardly until it is received in the groove and then actuating the pivotable cutting jaws.

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First Claim