sentences:  Spiess is probably best remembered for his role in the creation of R/P FLIP (Floating Instrument Platform), a unique 355-ft long research platform that is towed to the work area and then rotated to a vertical position to form a stable observation post in deep water.FLIP has remained in use for more than 40 years primarily for physical oceanographic and acoustic experiments.Spiess collaborated with Fred Fisher and Phillip Rudnick in development of the vessel.