Sensor node attachment mechanism and cable retrieval system

A seismic sensor node apparatus comprising

• a cable configured for deployment to a seismic medium;
• and
• a plurality of seismic sensor nodes coupled to the cable, wherein each sensor node comprises
• a seismic sensor disposed within a housing and configured to generate signals responsive to seismic energy propagating in the seismic medium;
• and
• a coupling mechanism fixed to an exterior of the housing for removably coupling the housing to the cable, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises
• a clamp configured to grip the cable in a coupled state and biased in an open position in an uncoupled state;
• and
• a clamp latch configured to secure the clamp in the coupled state and biased in a latched position both when the clamp is secured the coupled state and biased in the open position in the uncoupled state.

A cable retrieval system for paying out or retrieving a length of a cable with sensor nodes attached thereto, the system comprising

• an overboarding unit through which the cable travels during payout or retrieval from deployment;
• a position sensing device positioned with respect to the overboarding unit such that a field of view of the position sensing device includes a path of the cable either forward or aft, or both, of the overboarding unit before sections of the cable reach the overboarding unit;
• and
• a control system connected to the position sensing device and to the overboarding unit;
• wherein
• the control system is configured to receive position information from the position sensing device of one of the sensor nodes attached to the cable when the one of the sensor nodes is within the field of view;
• and
• the control system is configured to process the position information to time control signals to operate the overboarding unit such that the one of the sensor nodes avoids contact with structures on the overboarding unit as the cable passes through the overboarding unit.