Seismic signal coupling device and method

A method of coupling a seismic signal to a sensor package on an ocean-bottom cable, comprising the steps of:

• a. enclosing the sensor package in an enclosure;
• b. mounting an open structure squirrel cage around the enclosure to permit the passage of water through the squirrel cage to contact the enclosure;
• and
• c. placing the squirrel cage on the ocean floor to receive the seismic signal from the ocean floor.

A seismic signal coupler for coupling a seismic signal to a geophone in an ocean-bottom cable adapted to lie stationary on the ocean floor, the structure comprising:

• a. a protective cover around the sensor, the sensor electrically connected to the cable at a takeout, the protective cover comprising
• i. a first anchor molded over the takeout and molded to the ocean-bottom cable;
• ii an opposing anchor molded to the cable and spaced apart from the first anchor;
• and
• ii a hollow, substantially cylindrical covering between the first anchor and the opposing anchor and enclosing the sensor package;
• b. a pair of rings around the protective cover;
• and
• c. a plurality of longitudinal bars joining the rings, the longitudinal bars forming an open structure for the passage of water therethrough to conduct a seismic signal from the ocean floor to the sensor.