×

Streamer connection system

  • US 8,348,543 B2
  • Filed: 03/23/2009
  • Issued: 01/08/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2009
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A connection system for connecting an external device to a location on an underwater cable, the connection system comprising:

  • a first collar attached around a longitudinally extending underwater cable at a first location, the first collar having an outer cylindrical race encircling the underwater cable and a raised boss on a periphery of the first collar forward of the outer cylindrical race, wherein the raised boss has a rear bearing surface extending circumferentially part of the way around the periphery and perpendicular to the underwater cable, the rear bearing surface defining a forward end of the outer cylindrical race;

    a second collar attached around the underwater cable at a second location aft of the first location, the second collar having an outer cylindrical race encircling the underwater cable and a raised boss on a periphery of the second collar forward of the outer cylindrical race, wherein the raised boss has a rear bearing surface extending circumferentially part of the way around the periphery and perpendicular to the underwater cable, the rear bearing surface defining a forward end of the outer cylindrical race;

    a first C-shaped cuff including an outer surface having attachment means for attaching an external device to the outer surface, an inner surface defining an inner diameter, and a throat formed by a longitudinal gap between the ends of the C, wherein the gap has a width greater than or equal to a maximum circumferential dimension of the boss on the first collar;

    a second C-shaped cuff including an outer surface having attachment means for attaching an external device to the outer surface, an inner surface defining an inner diameter, and a throat formed by a longitudinal gap between the ends of the C, wherein the gap has a width greater than or equal to a maximum circumferential dimension of the boss on the second collar;

    wherein in a normal operating state, the first and second collars are inserted into the first and second cuffs, respectively, such that;

    the outer cylindrical races of the first and second collars are rotatably engaged with the inner surfaces of the first and second cuffs, respectively, and the rear bearing surfaces of each raised boss are located forward of each cuff; and

    one of the first and second raised bosses is circumferentially offset from one of the gaps in the first and second cuffs whenever the other of the first and second raised bosses is circumferentially aligned with the other of the gaps in the first and second cuffs,whereby removal of the cuffs from the collars by a force acting in the forward direction on the cuffs is prevented.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×