Coupler/coupling ring assembly, methods, and applications.
Abstract
A coupler for a load-bearing, non-signal-transmitting cable includes a body portion having integral first and second ends and an integral gate having a key entry region, wherein the body portion has a free space at least partially enclosed by an inner surface of the body portion and the gate. A complimentary coupling ring includes an integral perimetal body having a head section, a foot section, and two arm sections therebetween, wherein at least one of the arm sections has a key region, further wherein the key region consists of a solid, integral portion of the at least one arm section. A coupler/coupling ring assembly comprises a coupler and a coupling ring that is removeably engageable with the coupler. The coupler/coupling ring assembly is particularly suited for interconnecting lengths of load-bearing, non-signal-transmitting cable, particularly suited for, but not limited to, undersea applications such as attaching a seismic data recording device to the coupler via the coupling ring.

Term
6.5 yearsleft in the term
Expires 8 April 2033.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Expires
8 claims: 1 independent, 7 dependent
- 1CLAIMS REIVINDICACIONES ΪΜ " ΪΜ“ INSTITUTE IX LA INSTITUTO IX LA 1. Un conjunto de acoplador/anillo de acoplamiento, que comprende:one. A coupler / coupling ring assembly, comprising: a coupler component, which includes: un componente de acoplador, que incluye: a generally cylindrical, one-piece central body portion oriented along a main longitudinal axis, z, including an end of opposite section that decreases cylindrically in cross section removably connected thereto, wherein the one-piece central body portion has a first one-piece arm and a second one-piece arm opposite and arranged in a term yz and substantially along the main longitudinal axis in a separate and opposite relationship forming an access providing an open keyway entry region within a space in an interior region of the central body portion of the coupler component;and, a coupling ring component that detachably engages the inner region of the center body portion of the coupler component to provide an intentional on / off relationship between the coupling ring component and the coupler component, including the coupling ring component: una porción de cuerpo central en una sola pieza, generalmente cilindrica, orientada a lo largo de un eje longitudinal principal, z, que incluye un extremo de sección opuesto que decrece cilindricamente en sección transversal conectado de forma desmontable al mismo, en donde la porción de cuerpo central en una sola pieza tiene un primer brazo en una sola pieza y un segundo brazo en una sola pieza opuestos y dispuestos en una plazo y-z y sustancialmente a lo largo del eje longitudinal principal en una relación separada y opuesta formando un acceso que proporciona una región de entrada de chaveta abierta dentro de un espacio en una región interior de la porción de cuerpo central del componente de acoplador;y, un componente de anillo de acoplamiento que se engancha de forma desmontable con la región interior de la porción de cuerpo central del componente de acoplador para proporcionar una relación de conexión/desconexión intencional entre el componente de anillo de acoplamiento y el componente de acoplador, incluyendo el componente de anillo de acoplamiento: • Ί •Ί τ. \ tCANO PIEDAD • USTRIAL a perimeter body in the form of a ring in one piece, characterized by a continuous non-circular perimeter, which has a head section, a foot section, and two opposite arm sections not parallel to each other , where the head section has an interior curvature, C, and the foot section has an opposite interior curvature, c, where c> C, wherein in addition at least one of the arm sections has a key region that is complementary to the access, where in addition the key region consists of a one-piece portion of the at least one arm section, in which the component of coupling ring further comprises at least one of a non-keyed crossbar integrally connected to the two arm sections, arranged between the key region and the foot section and at least one protrusion protruding inwardly from an inner surface of the perimeter body, arranged between the key region and the foot section, where in addition, in an assembled condition , the component ring component is disposed substantially in the yz plane and substantially along the main longitudinal axis of the coupler component to have a substantially flat orientation of the coupling ring component with a limited extension for the at least one of a bar cross no τ. \tCANO PIEDAD •USTRIAL un cuerpo perimetral en la forma de un anillo en una sola pieza, caracterizado por un perímetro continuo no circular, que tiene una sección de cabeza, una sección de pie, y dos secciones de brazo opuestas no paralelamente entre las mismas, en donde la sección de cabeza tiene una curvatura interior, C, y la sección de pie tiene una curvatura interior opuesta, c, en donde c>C, en donde además al menos una de las secciones de brazo tiene una región de chaveta que es complementaria al acceso, en donde además la región de chaveta consiste en una porción en una sola pieza de la al menos una sección de brazo, en donde el componente de anillo de acoplamiento comprende además al menos una de una barra transversal no chavetada integralmente conectada a las dos secciones de brazo, dispuesta entre la región de chaveta y la sección de pie y al menos una protuberancia que sobresale hacia dentro a partir de una superficie interior del cuerpo perimetral, dispuesta entre la región de chaveta y la sección de pie, en donde además, en una condición ensamblada, el componente de anillo de componente está dispuesto sustancialmente en el plano y-z y sustancialmente a lo largo del eje longitudinal principal del componente de acoplador para tener una orientación sustancialmente plana del componente de anillo de acoplamiento con una extensión limitada para el al menos uno de una barra transversal no IMPIí ΐΜ «τιτιΐ ΓΠ urriTAN't« keyed integrally connecting two arm sections, arranged between the key region and the foot section and the at least one protrusion protruding inwards from an inner surface of the perimeter body, arranged between the key region and the foot section. IMPIí ΐΜ«τιτιΐ ΓΠ urriTAN't « chavetada conectando integralmente dos secciones de brazo, dispuesta entre la región de chaveta y la sección de pie y la al menos una protuberancia que sobresale hacia dentro a partir de una superficie interior del cuerpo perimetral, dispuesta entre la región de chaveta y la sección de pie.
241 paragraphs in 50 sections, as filed
(54) Title: COUPLING / COUPLING RING ASSEMBLY, METHODS AND APPLICATIONS. (54) Title: COUPLER / COUPLING RING ASSEMBLY, METHODS, AND APPLICATIONS.
(57) Summary
A coupler for a load bearing and non-signal transmission cable includes a body portion having one-piece first and second ends and a one-piece access having a keyway entry region, wherein the body portion has a clearance that is, at least in part, encompassed by an interior surface of the body portion and the access. A complementary coupling ring includes a one-piece perimeter body having a head section, a foot section, and two arm sections therebetween, in which at least one of the arm sections has a region of key, in which in addition the key region consists of a solid portion and a single piece of at least one arm section. A coupler / coupling ring assembly comprising a coupler and a coupling ring that can be detachably engaged with the coupler. The coupler / coupler ring assembly is particularly adapted to interconnect lengths of load bearing and non-signal transmission cable, particularly adapted for, but not limited to, subsea applications such as affixing a seismic data recording device to the coupler via the coupling ring.
(57) Abstract
A coupler for a load-bearing, non-signal-transmitting cable ineludes a body portion having integral first and second ends and an integral gate having a key entry region, where the body portion has a free space at least partially enclosed by an inner surface of the body portion and the gate. A complimentary coupling ring ineludes an integral perimetal body having a head section, a foot section, and two arm sections therebetween, where at least one of the arm sections has a key region, further where the key region consists of a solid, integral portion of the at least one arm section. A coupler / coupling ring assembly comprises a coupler and a coupling ring that is removeably engageable with the coupler. The coupler / coupling ring assembly is particularly suited for interconnecting lengths of load-bearing, non-signal-transmitting cable, particularly suited for, but not limited to, undersea applications such as attaching a seismic data recording device to the coupler via the coupling ring .
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PATENT TITLE NO. 342247 _SE_
StCMTARÍA Di ECONOMÍA
Institute
Mexican Property
Industrial
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Headline (s): FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
Address: 1111 Glllingham Lañe, Sugar Land, Texas, 77478, USA
Name: COUPLING / COUPLING RING ASSEMBLY, METHODS AND APPLICATIONS.
Classification: lnt.CI.8: G01V1 / 16; G01V1 / 20; G01V1 / 38
Inventor (s):
REAGAN WOODARD; MATTHEW BASNIGHT; ETIENNE MARC; JAMES N. THOMPSON; WILLIAM HOPEWELL
REQUEST
IM
Núi
MX / a2C 14/012203 filing appeal in
Country:
US
Validity: Twenty | years | check of Vencifnient reference patent saotorga with found
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conformity with ¡from Ja f
PRIORITY
Date:
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April 2012 April 2013 (the 23rd of the presentation of the property subscribes to present the leca title with Industrial function (Official Journal of the Federation 01/01/2004, 06/16/2005, 28101/2006 ,> / 05 / 2009,06 / 01/21 floor a), 4th and 12th fraction> s I and III
07/2004 'ropledai | e delegates ectors Dr
07/01/2002 .. 07/07 / 2004,1 | l Instituto Mexicano de IU ^ ir ^ saaiJeiAflis
Number:
13 / 442,074 articles 1, 2 * fraction V, 6 fraction III, and 58 of the Industrial Industrial Property Law, this patent is valid for twenty years, non-renewable, current and will be subject to the payment of the fee to maintain Agents the II Regulations of II 709/2007); Articles 1 ndustrial (DOF 27/12/1999, rei icultades in Go
SsS 'articles 6 fractions II! and 7 ° bis 2 of ¡formed on 02 / OB / 1S34, 10/25/1995, 12/26/1997,
2010. 01/27/2012 and 04/09/2012); articles 1,: the Jndust Property> to DOF 14/12/1999, ions I and III and 30 of the Statu
07/19/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13 J 1 in the Deputy General Directors. Coordinator, Divisional Directors. Titi βραΤΤαΓΠβΤΠβΠσβ and uuua suucauel Industrial. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007):
Law of the 7/05/1999, fraction V Formed the
Organic) 07); 1st, 3rd ires of the Property
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Arenal No. 550. Step 1,
Cok Pueblo Santa María Tspepan. Xochirniíco. C P. 16020,
Mexico City
Tel. (55) 53 34 0Γ 00 www.inipigob.mx
Issue Date: September 22, 2016
THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS
NAHANNY CANAL REYES
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<img file="MX342247B_D0007.tif" />
MX / 2016/76866
IMPI
<img file="MX342247B_D0008.tif" />
INSTITUTO MEX, CANO Dt LA PROPIEDAD, INDUSTRIAI
COUPLING / COUPLING RING ASSEMBLY, METHOD
APPLICATIONS
Cross reference to related request
The present application refers to the application with serial number 13 / 442,074, filed on April 9, 2012 and entitled Coupler, Coupling Ring Assembly, Methods, and Applications, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. .
Government sponsorship
N / A.
Field of technique
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of seismic exploration. More particularly, the embodiments described herein relate to a coupler, a coupling ring, a coupler / coupling ring assembly, and applications thereof, for connecting lengths of rope or cable and fixing nodes of recording of seismic data at said rope or cable lengths.
Background
Seismic exploration operations generally use a source of seismic energy to generate an acoustic signal that propagates into the Earth's interior. The acoustic signal is reflected in part by seismic reflectors in the Earth's subsoil, which may include surfaces of
MEXICAN INSTITUTE
DF. THE PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL or lithological of the subsoil due to different properties, a separation between fluid layers that can be characterized as elastic is detected and registered. The signals reflected by seismic receiving units (hereinafter 'nodes') that are on, or near, the surface of the Earth, thereby generating a seismic survey of the subsoil environment. The recorded seismic energy signals or data can then be processed to give information regarding the lithological formations of the subsoil, identifying distinctive features such as, for example, limits of lithological formations of the subsoil.
In general, the method for detecting and recording seismic signals is similar on land and in marine environments; However, marine environments present unique challenges presented by the body of water that covers the Earth's surface. Seismic exploration operations in marine environments are generally carried out from the deck of one or more seismic exploration vessels, such as floating platforms or ships. Seismic survey ships generally provide storage and transportation for a plurality of nodes and associated operating equipment. Deep water seismic exploration generally involves the deployment of nodes from the
IMPIAS
MEXICAN INSTITUTE
FROM PROPERTY 'CVa-w & si ^ KJ'. '
INDUSTRIAL seismic exploration vessel deck and its placement on, or near, the bottom of a body of water.
As shown and described in US Pat. USA with No. 7,933,165 (the Ί65 patent), the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, Figure IA is a schematic side view of a deployment operation from a ship 5 using a cable (load bearing and no signal transmission) 1. In the deployment operation, cable 1 is released above a vault 10 of ship 5 from a reel, sheave or pulley, powered or otherwise, such as a cable handling device 15. Cable 1 it includes a plurality of connectors 20 which are to pass through at least a portion of the cable manipulator 15. A seismic detection unit ('node') 25 is coupled to each of the respective connectors 20 as the cable passes over the vault 10 by the personnel on board the ship. In the deployment operation, nodes 25 are coupled to connectors 20 by a lanyard 30, which can be a length of flexible rope, cable, or chain. The cable with the nodes 25 coupled therewith form a main line cable which falls to rest on, or near, a 4 0 bottom of a body of water 35 to form at least a portion of a seismic matrix. The main line cable
IMPI
INSTITUTO MEXICANO r »e rROfiíOAD INDUSTRIA}.
<img file="MX342247B_D0009.tif" />
It can be many miles long and have more than ZOO nodes attached. After one or more cables give ..... the main 'lIfl'SST' · 'have been placed on the bottom 40 to help lower the nodes to the bottom 40, the seismic inspection is performed.
Referring once again to the Ί65 patent, Figure IB is a perspective view of a portion of the cable (load bearing and non-signal transmission) 1 prior to coupling with the nodes 25 of Figure IA. Each of the connectors 20 generally includes a body 4 5 that is larger than the diameter of the cable, and is configured to clamp or clamp to an external surface of the cable. The connectors 20 include ring-type or hook-type members 50 to facilitate connection and disconnection of the nodes. The cable also includes a plurality of discrete cable coupling devices 55 that are configured to connect ends of cable sections to increase the overall length of the cable. After seismic inspection, the cable and nodes are recovered. During recovery, the cable is wound or routed through a winch, reel or sheave, a driven pressure roller, or otherwise, for example, the cable manipulator 15 of Figure IA, which pulls out of the water, using traction, cable and nodes. As the cable passes over the deck of the ship,
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OE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
<img file="MX342247B_D0011.tif" />
nodes are detached from cable and cable and nodes are stacked
Because cable 1 shown in Figures IA and IB can be routed through a cable manipulator during deployment and / or retrieval, connectors 20 and / or cable coupling devices 55 pose a risk of hooking, tying or entangling the cable. In some cases, the ring-type or hook-type members 50 protrude relative to the periphery of the body 45, which can snag, tie or tangle the cable. In addition, ring-type or hook-type members 50 create the risk of injury to personnel that may be in the vicinity of the cable, such as during coupling and decoupling of nodes. Furthermore, in rough seas or simply during node deployment and / or recapture operations, the lanyard may become pinched at the point of connection to the connector, resulting in entanglement or disconnection and the loss of one or more nodes. .
Fig. 1C (Fig. 7A of the Ί65 patent) is a perspective view of a cable connector 715, including a rotatable clamping element 700 which is arranged on a central coupling section 225. Rotating clamping element 700 includes a pivot portion 705 and a clamp ring 710 coupled by a neck 725. The pivot portion 705 is configured to be located
<img file="MX342247B_D0012.tif" />
IMPI
INSTITUTO MIXICANO OE LA EROEIEDAO INDUSTRIAL within a circumferential groove in the connector and can rotate relative to the groove and / or connector 715. Locking ring 710 is configured as a locking point for a node or node rope and / or a holding device as described in the '165 patent. As shown, clamp ring 710 is shaped like a D-ring and includes a gap 720 to define a split ring. The outer dimension of the pivot portion 705 is substantially circular and defines a diameter that is equal to, or slightly smaller than, an outside diameter of the center mating section 225 of the connector.
The inventors of the present invention have recognized the advantages and benefits of a practical and robust solution that relates to solving problems and addressing deficiencies in the technique that has been described above, and others that are known in the art.
Summary
An embodiment of the invention relates to a coupler. A non-limiting and exemplary embodiment of the invention is a coupler for a charging support cable, particularly in, but not limited to, underwater applications. The coupler includes a body portion having one piece first and second ends and a one piece access having a keyway entry region, wherein the body portion has a gap
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE • S FREE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY that is, at least in part, encompassed by an interior surface of the body portion and access. In various non-limiting aspects, the coupler further includes the following distinctive features and / or characteristics:
- the keyway entry region is a solid and one-piece portion of the access;
- the keyway entry region has a thickness that is less than the thickness of any other portion of the access;
- the thickness of the keyway entry region is greater than 0.015 inches;
- the key entry region is flat;
- the keyway entry region consists of a separate opening between opposite distal ends disconnected from access;
- at least one of the distal ends decreases in cross section to form a distal edge, ·
- the distal edge has a length, L, along one axis and a width, IV, along a different axis;
- the distal edge has a length, L, along an x axis and a width, W, along an axis and that is perpendicular with respect to the x axis, in which in addition the coupler has a longitudinal axis along length of a z axis that is perpendicular to the axes
<img file="MX342247B_D0013.tif" />
x and y;
IMPI
IWCTfTl ΓΤΠ uctiCí κιζλ
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF LA MOPIIDAO, INDUSTRIAL
<img file="MX342247B_D0014.tif" />
- at least one of the opposite and disconnected distal ends of the access includes a flange in 'úhá SOTa<sup>1 </sup>piece;
- the opposite and disconnected distal ends of the access are separated by a distance d, where d> 0.015 inches;
- d is a constant value;
- the opposite and disconnected distal ends of the access are symmetrical;
- the first and second ends are threaded and the connecting ends of the first and second end connectors are threaded;
- the inner surface of the body portion is at an angle;
- the inner surface of the body portion has a vertex that lies between its ends;
- the inner surface of the body portion is curved;
- the inner surface of the body portion is flat;
- the access further comprises two opposite and disconnected tongue sections having respective distal ends;
- at least one of the distal ends decreases in cross section to form a distal edge;
- the distal edge has a length, L, along an x axis and a width, IV, along an y axis that
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OE THE PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL
<img file="MX342247B_D0015.tif" />
it is perpendicular with respect to the x axis, in which in addition the coupler has a longitudinal axis along a z axis that is perpendicular with respect to the x and y axes;
- at least one of the tongue sections has a flange;
- the distal ends of the two opposite tongue sections are separated by a distance d, where d> 0.015 inches;
- d is a constant value;
- the two opposite tongue sections are symmetrical.
In a related embodiment, the coupler includes a body portion having first and second ends, and two opposite and symmetrical tongue sections having respective opposite distal ends that are disposed between the first and second ends, in which further the body portion has an open clearance which is defined by an interior surface of the body portion and the two opposite tongue sections, wherein in addition at least one of the distal ends decreases in cross section to form a distal edge, in which in addition the distal ends of the two opposing tongue sections are separated by a distance d, where d> 0.015 inches , which defines an opening to the free space of the coupler body, in which also the distal edge has
IMPI
CHELA PROPERTY MEXICAN INSTITUTE
INDUSTRIAL
<img file="MX342247B_D0016.tif" />
a length, L, along one axis and a width, W, along a different axis. In various non-limiting aspects, the coupler further includes the following distinctive features and / or characteristics:
- in which in addition the distal edge has a length, i, along an x axis and a width, ¡V, along an axis and that is perpendicular with respect to the x axis, in which the coupler also has a longitudinal axis along a z axis that is perpendicular to the x and y axes.
- the free end of at least one of the tongue sections has an inwardly projecting flange;
- the first end is threaded;
- the inner surface of the body portion is at an angle;
- the inner surface of the body portion has a vertex that is arranged between its ends;
- the inner surface of the body portion is curved;
- the inner surface of the body portion is flat;
- d is a constant value.
An embodiment of the invention relates to a coupling ring. A non-limiting and exemplary embodiment of the invention is a coupling ring that includes a one-piece perimeter body having a head section, a foot section, and two arm sections between them, wherein at least one of the
<img file="MX342247B_D0017.tif" />
Arm sections have a key region, wherein further the key region consists of a solid, one-piece portion of the at least one arm section. In various non-limiting aspects, the coupling ring further includes the following distinctive features and / or characteristics:
- the key region has a thickness that is less than the thickness of any other portion of the arm;
- the key region has a thickness that is greater than 0.015 inches;
- the key region is flat;
- the key region is arranged closer to the foot section than to the head section;
- the head section has an interior curvature, C, and the foot section has an opposite interior curvature, c, in which c> C;
- the coupling ring further includes a crossbar connecting the two arm sections in one piece, which is arranged between the key region and the foot section;
- the coupling ring further includes at least one protrusion protruding inwardly from an inner surface of the perimeter body, which is arranged between the key region and the foot section;
IMPI
INSTITUT · MIXICANO ΓΗ IA RWORISDAD INDUSTRIA!
- the key region has two opposite V-shaped walls;
- the key region has two opposite and inclined walls and a flat surface that lies between a base end of the walls, in the shape of _ /;
- the key region has two opposite and sloping top walls and two opposite and sloping bottom walls, and a flat region having a rectangular cross-sectional shape between the top and bottom walls, in the shape of \ __ / / \;
the key region is a pinched region of the arm having an arbitrary shape of a reduced dimension.
An embodiment of the invention relates to a coupler / coupling ring assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler / coupling ring assembly is particularly adapted to interconnect lengths of load bearing cable; more particularly, but not limited to, in subsea applications, and attaching a seismic data logging device to the coupler via the coupling ring. In a non-limiting and exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coupler / coupling ring assembly comprises a coupler that includes a body portion having first and second ends in one piece and one-piece access that
<img file="MX342247B_D0018.tif" />
- 13 IMPI
<img file="MX342247B_D0019.tif" />
INSTITUTO MtXICANO '
OF THE PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL ___ has a keyway entry region consisting of a separate opening between opposite distal ends' 'and' disconnected from access, in which the body portion has a clearance that is, at least in part, encompassed by an interior surface of the body portion and access; and a coupling ring that can be detachably engaged with the coupler, the coupling ring including a one-piece perimeter body having, a head section, a foot section, and two arm sections therebetween, in which at least one of the arm sections has a key region that is complementary to the access, wherein in addition the key region consists of a solid portion and a single piece of the at least one arm section. In various non-limiting aspects, the coupling ring further includes the following distinctive features and / or characteristics:
- at least one of the distal ends of the access decreases in cross section to form a distal edge;
- the distal edge has a length, L, along one axis and a width, W, along a different axis;
- in which in addition the distal edge has a length, L, along an x axis and a width, W, along an axis and which is perpendicular with respect to the x axis, in which the coupler also has a longitudinal axis to what
<img file="MX342247B_D0020.tif" />
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE
OSLA PROPERTY. INDUSTRIAL length of a z axis that is perpendicular to x and y axes. ''
- at least one of the opposite and disconnected distal ends of the access includes a one-piece flange;
- the opposite and disconnected distal ends of the access are separated by a distance d, where d> 0.015 inches;
- d is a constant value;
- the opposite and disconnected distal ends of the access are symmetrical;
- the access further comprises two opposite and disconnected tongue sections having respective distal ends;
- the distal end of at least one of the tongue sections decreases in cross section to form a distal edge having a length, L, along one axis and a width, W, along a different axis;
- in which in addition the distal edge has a length, L, along an x axis and a width,! V, along an axis and which is perpendicular with respect to the x axis, in which the coupler also has a longitudinal axis along a z axis that is perpendicular to the x and y axes.
- the coupling ring has a maximum separation distance between the two arms that is substantially the same
IMPI ”'
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL FROFIEDAD
<img file="MX342247B_D0021.tif" />
a, or larger than, a maximum axis and cross-section dimension of the coupler body portion;
- the key region of the coupling ring has a thickness that is less than the thickness of any other portion of the arm;
- the key region of the coupling ring has a thickness that is greater than 0.015 inches;
- the key region of the coupling ring is flat;
- the key region of the coupling ring is arranged closer to the foot section than to the head section;
- the head section has an interior curvature, C, and the foot section has an opposite interior curvature, c, in which c> C;
- the coupling ring further comprises a crossbar connecting in a single piece the two arm sections, which is arranged between the key region and the foot section;
- further comprising at least one protrusion protruding inwardly from an inner surface of the perimeter body of the coupling ring, which is arranged between the key region and the foot section.
Distinctive features and additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description below, and in part will be readily apparent to
<img file="MX342247B_D0022.tif" />
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE
OE THE PROPERTY
INDUSTRIAL WORKERS will be recognized by those skilled in the art from that disclosure or will be recognized by practice of the invention as described herein, including the detailed disclosure given hereinafter, the claims, as well as the accompanying drawings.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely by way of example of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or general framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention such as this is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the present specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.
Brief description of the drawings
The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure IA is a schematic side view of an operation of deploying a seismic cable from a maritime vessel, as is known in the art;
IMPIí
Ix uixiriuz »'
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL RROFIEDAD
<img file="MX342247B_D0023.tif" />
Figure IB is a perspective view of a portion of a seismic cable, as known in the art;
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a portion of a cable connector including a rotatable fastener, as is known in the art;
Figure 2 is a photograph of a coupler according to an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a photograph of a coupler according to an exemplary non-limiting aspect of the invention;
Figure 4 is a photograph of a coupling ring according to an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a photograph of a coupling ring according to an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a photograph of the key region of a coupling ring according to a non-limiting and exemplary aspect of the invention;
Figure 7 is a photograph of a coupler and coupling ring of a coupler / coupling ring assembly in a disassembled state, in accordance with an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the invention.
IMPI
<img file="MX342247B_D0024.tif" />
The rope lanyard and D-link are not part of the invention per se; and Figure 8 is a photograph of a coupler / coupling ring assembly, in accordance with an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of exemplary non-limiting embodiments of the invention
An exemplary embodiment of a cable coupler 100 that is particularly adapted to interconnect lengths of load bearing cable (eg, rope, plastic cable, braided cable, etc.) is illustrated in Figure 2. The coupler 100 includes a body portion 102 having first and second ends 103-1, 103-2. The coupler body also comprises a one-piece access 207 having a keyway inlet region 208. The coupler body also has an open clearance 107 which is, at least in part, encompassed by an inner surface 110 of the body portion and port 207 (see also FIG. 8).
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the open clearance is substantially encompassed by two opposed tab sections 105-1, 105-2, which form the access. The two opposite tongue sections and in one piece 105-1,
105-2 have opposite distal (free) ends 106-1,
106- 2 respective (see figure 8) that are arranged
IMPI
MEXICAN INSTITUTE
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Dt THE INDUSTRIAL HtOFIEDAD between the first and second ends of the body portion. As illustrated, the tongue sections are symmetrical in size and shape, but need not be. In the exemplary aspect, the distal end (106-1, 106-2) of each tab section decreases in cross section to form an edge of length L that is oriented along an x axis as shown in figures 2, 3. The edge has a width ¡V that is oriented along an axis and as shown. In addition, the coupler has a longitudinal axis along a z axis of the coordinate system. The x, y, and z axes form a Cartesian coordinate system. In a non-limiting and exemplary manner, the distal ends of the tab sections are separated by a distance d, forming the keyway entry region of the access. In one aspect, d is as small as possible in practice; more in particular, d> 0.015 inches; more particularly, d <0.5 inches, however d may be larger than 0.125 inches. The exemplary interval 0.015 <d <0.125 inches represents a practical operating distance in underwater seismic node applications. The separation distance d is constant, as illustrated, but may alternatively vary along length L. Again, as will be more clearly described hereinafter in connection with the coupler / ring assembly
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MEXICAN INSTITUTE «LA RROFIEDAD ~„ industrial ^ arr-c coupling, size, shape, orientation and spacing of tongue sections7u 'ótTfás' (jeóftgfTfás of access and key entry region, they are designed to optimally facilitate deliberate engagement / disengagement of the coupling ring (described hereafter) with the coupler while minimizing the opportunity for unintentional disengagement of the coupling ring from the coupler while is in use. For this purpose, the distal end of at least one of the tongue sections has a flange 212 (FIG. 2) projecting inwardly into clearance 107. As illustrated, the flange has an inclined surface, which is once again designed to minimize the opportunity for unintentional disengagement of the coupling ring from the coupler while in use. The skilled artisan will appreciate that other shapes of the flange or flanges (eg j, L, hook, ball, others) can be used, all of which serve to deflect the complementary key region of the coupling ring (described in the successive) of a releasable alignment with the keyway inlet region of the coupler access.
As further illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the inner surface 110 of the coupler body 102 is at an angle. Although this can be found in
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INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dt LA PROPltUAO INDUSTRIAL angle in a single or multiple directions, it is shown in the figure as a symmetrical roof (or valley) that has a vertex that is aligned in opposition with respect to the keyway space that separates the ends Opposite distals of reed sections 105-1, 105-2. Alternatively, the interior surface 110 could be curved or flat. As will be more clearly described below in relation to the coupler / coupling ring assembly, the size and shape of the open space 107 is designed to facilitate free limited movement of the engaged coupling ring within the space in an environment of use while minimizing the opportunity for unintentional disengagement of the coupling ring from the coupler, while optimizing at the same time the simplicity of unintentional disengagement of the coupling ring from the coupler.
FIG. 3 shows an exemplary aspect 100-1 of coupler 100 including a decreasing cross-section first end connector 302 that may be (and is, as shown) removably coupled to a connection end 307. of the first end connector 302 with the first end 103-1 of the coupler. In the illustrated exemplary aspect, the first end 103-1 of the coupler and the connecting end 307 of the first end connector 302 are threaded to enable a connection
<img file="MX342247B_D0025.tif" />
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INDUSTRIAL ~ · safe. Other mechanisms known in the art can be used to make a secure connection, such as but not limited to, a tongue / groove, snap fit, key / lock, and others. The first end connector 302 has an opposite, open end 309 (see also Figure 7) which is adapted to securely receive and hold a terminal end of a cable 1 (see Figure 7), as known in technique.
If coupler 100 is a terminal coupler (as shown, for example, in Figure 7), then the second end 103-2 of the coupler body may simply terminate with an arbitrarily shaped end, a capped end, a decreasing cross-section end, a threaded end, or otherwise. Alternatively, if coupler 100 is an intermediate coupler for interconnecting two lengths of cable, then the second end 103-2 of the coupler body will be similar to the first end, comprising a second end connector of decreasing cross section 303 that is likely to be identical to the first end connector 302, which may be detachably coupled at one connection end thereof with the second end 103-2 of the coupler body. Alternatively, the first and second ends can be reverse threaded.
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MEXICAN INSTITUTE,,, OlLAPSOPISOAU
According to an alternative aspect, ιν ^ ιιαι!
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keyway entry of the pnode body a solid portion and in one piece of the access. In the present aspect, this may appear identical or similar to the keyway region 417 of the coupling ring as shown in FIG. 6. In the present aspect, the inlet region of
<td>cotter pin</td><td>a thickness that</td><td>is</td><td>smaller than</td><td>the</td><td>thickness of</td>
<td>any other</td><td colspan="2">access portion</td><td>. Further,</td><td>how</td><td>a portal</td>
<td>complementary</td><td>with the region</td><td>of</td><td>key</td><td>of the</td><td>ring of</td>
coupling, the keyway entry region may have a thickness greater than 0.015 inch, advantageously between 0.015 inch and 0.125 inch, or greater than 0.125 inch. The key inlet region may be flat as shown, or in another shape (and size, orientation, etc.) complementary to the key region of the coupling ring. In the present aspect, the key region of the coupling ring will comprise opposite and disconnected ends to allow engagement / disengagement of the coupling ring with the coupler body.
A complementary embodiment of the invention is a coupling ring 400 as illustrated in Figure 4 (see also Figure 7). Coupling ring 400 has a one-piece perimeter body 402 having a head section 407, a foot section 409, and two arm sections 411 therebetween. Body 402 has
<img file="MX342247B_D0027.tif" />
forged metal link such as, for example, a D-shaped link or a pear-shaped link. At least one of the arm sections lll has a key region 417 consisting of a solid, one-piece portion of the at least one arm section. As shown in Figure 6, when viewed from the side, the key region of the coupling ring body has a minimum thickness, T, where advantageously 0.015 inch <T <0.125 inch and is complementary with the distance of the key inlet region of the coupler, d, as described above. Advantageously, the key region 417 as shown in Figures 4, 4-A has at least one flat surface region 418. The key region 417 is further shown having opposite sloping and symmetrical side walls 429 that form a shape. Alternatively, if no flat surface region 418 is present, the key region may be V-shaped; or in the form of in the presence of the flat surface region 418 only on one side of the coupling ring body. The size, shape and orientation of the key region can advantageously have a different shape as long as it is
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MEXICAN INSTITUTE i
Dt THE complementary industrial nature with the keyway entry region of the coupler access. The size, shape, thickness, and orientation of the key region (particularly with opposite flat surface regions) is designed to optimize the ease of deliberately engaging / disengaging the coupling ring with the coupler and minimizing unintentional disengagement of the coupling ring relative to the coupler while in use. Advantageously, the at least one key region in the at least one arm of the coupling ring body is arranged closer to the foot section than to the head section. This placement facilitates, among other advantages, the simplicity of deliberately engaging / disengaging the coupling ring with the coupler and minimizes the unintentional disengagement of the coupling ring from the coupler while in use.
Geometric functional optimization of the coupling ring and coupler / coupling ring assembly benefit from the 'pear-shaped link' shape<sup>7</sup> as an advantageous example of the coupler ring (Figure 4). In the present aspect, the head section has an interior curvature, C, and the foot section has an opposite interior curvature, c, where c> C.
Coupling ring 400 in Figure 4 further includes a cross bar 421 that connects in a single
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INJTTTUTO MEXICANO $ w the «opiídad in» ust «ial piece with the two arm sections, and which is arranged between the key region and the foot section. While the cross bar can add resistance to the coupling ring, it advantageously creates a barrier against movement of the looped end of the lanyard rope or cable away from the foot section of the coupling ring body under conditions of use. . Keeping the looped end of the lanyard cord or rope around the foot section of the coupling ring body helps stabilize the position and movement of the coupling ring in the coupler while in use, thereby further minimizing unintentional disengagement of the coupling ring relative to the coupler while in use, and avoiding pinching or other unwanted effects on the lanyard cord or rope. To this end, the coupling ring may alternatively include, instead of the crossbar, at least one protrusion 490 protruding inwardly from an inner surface of the perimeter body and disposed between the key region and the foot section as illustrated in figure 5. The at least one protrusion would function in a manner similar to that of the crossbar in creating a barrier against movement of the looped end of the lanyard rope or cable away from the foot section of the body of
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MEXICAN INSTITUTE, • E EA OWN AGE coupling ring. As would be appreciated by ^ HW<sup>1</sup> and; ~ '<sup>31 </sup>in the art, the at least one protuberance of the puc.de feQttaE », a variable length, angular orientation, body and / or end shape, etc., to best provide its barrier functionality.
A complementary embodiment of the invention is a coupler / coupling ring assembly 500 as illustrated in Figures 7, 8. Figure 7 shows a coupler 100-2 and a coupling ring 400-1 comprising the coupler assembly. / coupling ring 500 in a disengaged condition. As shown, the coupler / coupling ring assembly comprises a coupler, which includes a body portion having first and second ends, and a one-piece access having a keyway entry region consisting of a space between opposite and disconnected distal ends of access. As shown, the access comprises two opposing tongue sections having respective opposing distal (free) ends which are 'spaced apart by a distance, d, forming a keyed entry region, which is disposed between the first and second ends , wherein further the body portion has an open clearance that is substantially encompassed by an inner surface of the body portion and the two opposite tab sections; and a ring of
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FÍ MEXICAN INSTITUTE - «'r = · I<sup>1</sup>;
DI PROPERTY indiistuiai XS. ^ Ej-τ '' - 'ΐΜ' 'industrial detachable form with coupling a body a head section coupling that can be hooked on the coupler, including the one-piece perimeter ring having a section of foot, and two arm sections between them, in which at least one of the arm sections has a key region that is complementary to the access, wherein in addition the key region consists of a solid portion and a single piece of the at least one arm section. The free end of at least one of the tongue sections decreases in cross section to form a distal edge, where the distal edge has a length, L, along an x axis and a width, W, along of an y axis that is perpendicular to the x axis. The coupler has a longitudinal axis along a z axis that is perpendicular to the x and y axes. The flat surface of the clamped region has a longitudinal axis that is parallel with respect to the x axis. The perimeter body of the coupling ring has a cross section dimension that is larger than d.
As noted hereinabove, the geometries of the respective key inlet and key inlet regions of the coupling ring and coupler body can be reversed such that the tongue portions of the body coupler are connected (no gap) and the ring arm
IMPI
INSTITUTO MEXICANO • E LA PKOFISDAO INDUSTRIAL coupling is split (with appropriate end geometries) to allow coupling / unhooking of the assembly.
The coupler body has a region that lies between the port and at least one of the first and second ends, where the region is characterized by a maximum radial dimension of the body portion. This region could be in the form of single or multiple extensions optionally arranged symmetrically of the radial dimension of the body. In one aspect, this maximum radial dimension comprises a circumferential region of the body portion which is illustrated as d<sub>m</sub>to<sub>X</sub> in Figure 7. As further shown in Figure 7, the coupling ring has a maximum separation distance A between the two arms that is substantially equal to (ie not considerably less than) or slightly greater than the maximum diametrical dimension d<sub>m</sub>¿<sub>x</sub> (eg, maximum diameter if cylindrical) of the coupler body portion. The advantageous effect of this dimensional relationship is illustrated in FIG. 8, showing the coupler / coupling ring assembly 500 in a engaged assembly condition (and as it is during use). It can be seen that the coupling ring is almost parallel to, and in the longitudinal plane (yz) of, the coupler, and is generally centered in the coupler clearance around the
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MEXICAN INSTITUTE -.ςί. ', J
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INDUSTRIAL '<sup>s</sup>* a .__ coupling ring head region. During operation, either the crossbar (or bump or bumps) of the coupling ring or, more likely, the looped end of the lanyard cable around the foot of the coupling ring, limits the 'flat' orientation (or nearly plane) of the coupling ring in the yz plane. However, the degree of flatness obtained from the assembly, when tension is present on the lanyard, advantageously reduces or eliminates clamping of the lanyard cord or rope, minimizing the unintentional disengagement of the coupling ring with respect to the coupler while found in use, and provides better recovery, winding, stowage, and deployment of a long cable length with multiple coupler / coupler ring assemblies. In contrast, if the D-shaped link at the other end of the lanyard as shown in Figure 7 were coupled with the coupler instead of the materialized coupling ring, its smaller dimension, which is considerably less than the maximum diameter of the coupler would result in the link moving in the coupler at a much greater angle to the horizontal and vertical directions, and would create additional instability and an increased risk of disengagement of the assembly or bending and possible breakage of the link.
IMPI
MIXICAN INSTITUTE Dt LA INDUSTRIAL FRONEUAD
It will be appreciated, however, that the operational interaction
<img file="MX342247B_D0029.tif" />
between the coupler body and the coupling ring for the purpose of obtaining an almost parallel relationship between them is not affected by a lighter or heavier gauge coupling ring; that is, a lighter duty coupling ring can be used with a conventional task coupler, and will be advantageously designed and dimensioned so that the same benefits are provided (eg, minimizing
<td>clamping)</td><td>than</td><td>a coupling ring</td><td>of a caliber or</td>
<td colspan="2">different size.</td><td></td><td></td>
<td>All</td><td>the</td><td>references including</td><td>publications,</td>
<td>requests</td><td>of</td><td>patent and patents which</td><td>are cited in the</td>
This document is hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if it had been indicated individually and specifies that each reference be incorporated by reference and have been set forth in their entirety herein.
The use of the terms one and one and the / and similar references in the context of the description of the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural, unless stated otherwise in this document or clearly contradicts the context. The expressions understanding / understanding,
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MEXICAN INSTITUTE M IA INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
<img file="MX342247B_D0030.tif" />
having / having, including guide includes and containing / containing are to be construed as open expressions (ie, meaning including, but not limited to), unless noted otherwise. The expression connected is to be interpreted as partially or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something in between.
The statement of ranges of values herein is intended to serve merely as a shortcut method of referring individually to each separate value that falls within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each Separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were recited individually in this document.
All of the methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicts the context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary text (eg, such as) provided herein, is intended to merely further clarify the embodiments of the invention, and does not impose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.
IMPI ™
MEXICAN INSTITUTE
OE LA MONEDAD OstoSEÍL industrial
No text in the specification should be construed as indicating, as essential to the practice of the invention, any element not claimed.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but rather the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative and equivalent constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, such as It is defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover the modifications and variations of the present invention, as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to put the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.
Contents50
40 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20 Sheet 21 Sheet 22 Sheet 23 Sheet 24 Sheet 25 Sheet 26 Sheet 27 Sheet 28 Sheet 29 Sheet 30 Sheet 31 Sheet 32 Sheet 33 Sheet 34 Sheet 35 Sheet 36 Sheet 37 Sheet 38 Sheet 39 Sheet 40
13 members in 7 offices
Priority claims7
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13442074 | United States of America | – | |
| 201213442074 | United States of America | A | |
| 2013035610 | United States of America | W | |
| 13442074 | – | – | – |
| PCTUS2013035610 | – | – | – |
| US201213442074 | – | – | – |
| WO2013US35610 | – | – | – |
Members13
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US2013266366A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CA2869966A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2013154989A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| EP2836856A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| MX2014012203A | Mexico | A | |
| US9256002B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| EP2836856A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| RU2014142800A | Russian Federation | A | |
| MX342247BThis record | Mexico | B | |
| RU2638903C2 | Russian Federation | C2 | |
| EP2836856B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| CA2869966C | Canada | C | |
| MY170888A | Malaysia | A |
1 legal event, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Events
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Grant or registrationFG | FG |
Numbers
- Publication
- 342247
- Publication, DOCDB
- 342247
- Publication, EPODOC
- MX342247
- Application
- 2014012203
- Application, DOCDB
- 2014012203
- Application, EPODOC
- MX20140012203
Titles
- Spanish
- ACOPLAMIENTO / ENSAMBLE DE ANILLO DE ACOPLAMIENTO, METODOS Y APLICACIONES.
Classification
- CPC, 6
- G01V1/202
- H01R13/523
- H02G1/10
- Y10T403/57
- F16G11/00
- F16G15/00
- IPC, 3
- G01V1 38
- G01V1 16
- G01V1 20