US4736345A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compliant spacer for a marine seismic streamer
Assignee: CROSS-LINE Manufacturing Inc
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Filing: 1987-03-27
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Granted: 1988-04-05
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Expires: 2007-03-27
Abstract
Abstract A spacer for a marine seismic streamer employs a compliant material that mechanically isolates the spacer from the hosewall and strain members of the streamer and also allows the flow of fill fluid therethrough so as to prevent pressure pulse build-up in such fluid during towing of the streamer along a line of exploration.
Inventors
- 👤 William G. Keckler
- 👤 Robert G. Zachariadis
- 👤 Gary T. Griffin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:29
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/16; G01V1/20; G01V1/201
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
A spacer for use in a fluid filled marine seismic streamer having strain members passing therethrough, comprising: (a) an inner ring which provides structural support for said streamer, (b) an intermediate ring which provides support for the passage of streamer strain members, and (c) an outer ring which provides shock and vibration isolation to said spacer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
56 words
A spacer for use in a fluid filled marine seismic streamer having strain members passing therethrough, comprising: (a) an inner ring which provides structural support for said streamer, (b) an intermediate ring which provides support for the passage of streamer strain members, and (c) an outer ring which provides shock and vibration isolation to said spacer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The spacer of claim 1 wherein said outer ring employs a compliant material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The spacer of claim 2 wherein said compliant material has a porosity to permit the flow of streamer fill fluid therethrough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The spacer of claim 3 wherein the cross-sectional area of said complaint material is such that pressure wave buildup within said fill fluid is minimized.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The spacer of claim 3 wherein said compliant material is an open-cell foam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spacer of claim 5 wherein the porosity of said open-cell foam is at least 20 PPI.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The spacer of claim 5 wherein the porosity of said open-cell foam is in the range of 20 to 40 PPI.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The spacer of claim 5 wherein said open-cell foam is a thermoplastic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
95 words
A spacer for a fluid filled marine seismic streamer having strain members passing through its length comprising: (a) a first ring of open-cell foam material positioned within the hosewall of said marine seismic streamer for providing a compliant coupling for said spacer with said hosewall and free flow of said fill fluid therethrough, (b) a second ring of polyurethane material positioned within said first ring and providing isolation of said spacer from strain member vibration, and (c) a third ring of aluminum material positioned within said second ring for providing structural support for second ring.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
95 words
A spacer for a fluid filled marine seismic streamer having strain members passing through its length comprising: (a) a first ring of open-cell foam material positioned within the hosewall of said marine seismic streamer for providing a compliant coupling for said spacer with said hosewall and free flow of said fill fluid therethrough, (b) a second ring of polyurethane material positioned within said first ring and providing isolation of said spacer from strain member vibration, and (c) a third ring of aluminum material positioned within said second ring for providing structural support for second ring.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-04-05 | 1991-10-05 | 1992-04-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-04-05 | 1995-10-05 | 1996-04-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-04-05 | 1999-10-05 | 2000-04-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |