In-line cable retriever

An in-line retriever for a marine seismic streamer, the streamer having electrically connected seismic sensors therein, the in-line retriever comprising:

• a substantially cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end, each of said first and second ends of said housing comprising a coupling for connecting said retriever in-line to a section of seismic streamer;
• a gas canister disposed within said housing adapted to retain a quantity of pressurized gas;
• an inflatable bag within said housing;
• a gas conduit for placing said gas cylinder and said inflatable bag in fluid communication, said gas conduit having a first end sealingly connected to said canister, and a second end sealingly connected to said inflatable bag;
• a membrane disposed within the path of fluid communication between said gas canister and said gas conduit;
• an actuator mechanism for penetrating said membrane at a sensed pressure in response to a selected water depth, thereby creating fluid communication between said gas canister and said inflatable bag such that said inflatable bag is inflated;
• and
• a pop-open cover disposed on said housing, said pop-open cover opening due to the force of gas inflating said inflatable bag so as to allow said bag to exit said housing in response to inflation.

A method of retrieving a marine seismic cable, the cable having electrical conductors therein, comprising the steps of:

• mounting at least one retriever in-line in the marine seismic cable, the retriever conducting electrical signals from the cable therethrough;
• detecting hydraulic pressure on the buoyancy device indicative of water depth;
• and
• upon detecting a predetermined pressure, activating the retriever, thereby causing the cable to rise substantially to the surface of the water body.