US4281402A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marine cable decoupler
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1979-07-02
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Granted: 1981-07-28
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Expires: 1999-07-02
Abstract
Abstract A decoupling apparatus for isolating a towed marine streamer from noise transmitted from the tow vessel. The decoupling device comprises a fluid spring positioned in the tow cable with changes in the spring constant being minimized by controlling the fluid pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 Vitold R. Kruka
- 👤 Charles W. Ruth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 09:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A decoupling apparatus for substantially isolating a towed seismic cable from noise transmitted along the tow cable from the towing vessel, said decoupling apparatus comprising: a fluid spring means, said spring means being disposed in said tow cable between said tow vessel and said seismic cable; means coupled to spring means for minimizing the spring constant of the spring means; and said spring means being coupled between one end of said seismic cable and one end of said tow cable whereby said seismic cable is isolated from the tow cable.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A decoupling apparatus for substantially isolating a towed seismic cable from noise transmitted along the tow cable from the towing vessel, said decoupling apparatus comprising: a fluid spring means, said spring means being disposed in said tow cable between said tow vessel and said seismic cable; means coupled to spring means for minimizing the spring constant of the spring means; and said spring means being coupled between one end of said seismic cable and one end of said tow cable whereby said seismic cable is isolated from the tow cable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spring means is an air spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spring means is a hydraulic cylinder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the means for minimizing the spring constant comprises means for maintaining a relative constant fluid pressure in said spring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for minimizing the spring constant comprises a surge tank.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 5 and in addition means for maintaining a substantially constant pressure in said surge tank.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 and in addition a housing, said housing surrounding said spring means and shaped to reduce the noise produced by the flow of water past said decoupler.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3 and in addition, a streamlined housing, said housing being adapted to surround said spring means, said housing having a hemispherial shaped front and a cone shaped rear, said cone shaped rear having a length to diameter greater than four.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the streamlined housing is free-flooding through small ports in the housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spring means is attached to said tow cable by swivel means that permit the spring means to rotate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 9 and in addition gravity responsive means for maintaining the orientation of said spring means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said gravity responsive means comprises a ballast member attached to said spring means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for maintaining a substantially constant pressure in the surge tank comprises a source of pressurized fluid coupled to said surge tank, pressure control means disposed to maintain the pressurized fluid supplied to said surge tank substantially at a preset value and vent means disposed on said surge tank to vent said surge tank when the pressure in the surge tank exceeds the preset value.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-07-27 | 1985-01-26 | 1985-07-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-07-27 | 1989-01-26 | 1989-07-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-07-27 | 1993-01-26 | 1993-07-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |