Apparatus and method for transporting, deploying, and retrieving arrays having nodes interconnected by sections of cable
US7036601B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4457
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus and method for transporting, deploring, and retrieving an array is disclosed. The array has a plurality of nodes interconnected by sections of cable and can be transported, deployed, and retrieved with the apparatus and method of the present invention. The apparatus includes a plurality of first divisions and a plurality of second divisions. The first divisions have first portions or holders capable of individually accommodating the nodes. The second divisions are alternatingly positioned adjacent the first divisions. The second divisions have second portions or surfaces capable of individually accommodating the sections of cable. The first and second divisions can be integral portions of the apparatus, can be separate members positioned on the apparatus, or can be used with a standard cable drum. Preferably, the second divisions can be rotated relative to the first divisions to tightly wind and easily unwind the sections of cable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.