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US 4,222,340 AGranted
Cable depth control apparatus
AssigneeSyntron, Inc.
InventorJimmy R. Cole
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus to control the depth in the water of a marine cable, such as a streamer of seismic geophones or hydrophones towed behind an exploration boat during seismic surveys of submerged formations, and maintain the cable at a desired depth. The apparatus includes structure to prevent damage from obstacles in the water and other imparing of performance. The apparatus includes other structure to improve performance characteristics in operation.
Claims10
A depth control apparatus for a seismic cable or the like, comprising:
- (a) spring means for exerting a force corresponding to that of water pressure at a desired operating depth for the cable;
- (b) piston means responding to ambient water pressure for exerting a force against said spring means;
- (c) a control body member for enclosing said spring means and said piston means, said control body member being mounted to said cable at a spaced position therefrom;
- (d) diving plane means for causing said apparatus and the cable to move to the desired operating depth;
- (e) moment arm means interconnecting said piston means and said diving plane means;
- (f) front and aft spring insert means mounted in said control body member for exerting a force on said spring means;
- (g) an adjusting screw mounted with said front spring insert means in said control body member for adjusting the relative position of said front spring insert means with respect to said rear insert means to control the amount of force on said spring means;
- and
- (h) a plurality of guide rods mounted in said control body member for restraining said front spring insert means against relative rotational movement during adjusting of the position thereof by said adjusting screw.
6 more elements
A depth control apparatus for a seismic cable or the like, comprising:
- (a) spring means for exerting a force corresponding to that of water pressure at a desired operating depth for the cable;
- (b) piston means responding to ambient water pressure for exerting a force against said spring means;
- (c) a control body member for enclosing said spring means and said piston means, said control body member being mounted to said cable at a spaced position therefrom;
- (d) diving plane means for causing said apparatus and the cable to move to the desired operating depth;
- (e) moment arm means interconnecting said piston means and said diving plane means;
- (f) front and aft spring insert means mounted in said control body member for exerting a force on said spring means;
- (g) an adjusting screw mounted with said front spring insert means in said control body member for adjusting the relative position of said front spring insert means with respect to said rear insert means to control the amount of force on said spring means;
- (h) a nose piece formed at a front end of said control body member;
- (i) an adjustment opening formed in said nose piece for access to said adjusting screw;
- and
- (j) means for closing said adjustment opening.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.