Abstract: A method for creating a composite cable having at least one high-performance termination on at least one end. A high-performance termination is added to an end of a short synthetic tensile strength member. The strength of the tensile strength member and termination is then tested. Once tested satisfactorily, the short cable is spiced onto a long cable of the same type using prior art splicing techniques. The union of the short cable and the long cable creates a “composite” cable having a high-performance termination on at least one end. In most applications it is preferable to set the length of the short cable so that the interwoven splice will exist at a desired location.

Abstract: A method for creating a termination by attaching some kind of fitting to the end of a tensile member such as a cable. The end fitting is provided with one or more internal cavities. Each cavity has a proximal portion that is adjacent to the area where the tensile member exits the fitting and a distal portion on its opposite end. A length of the tensile member's filaments is placed within this expanding cavity and infused with liquid potting compound. The method exploits the characteristic of a liquid potting compound as it transitions to a solid. During the solidification process tension is applied. The resulting linear displacement tends to pull the filaments residing in the potting compound into better alignment and improve load sharing.

Abstract: An assembly and method for using a flexible tensile member as part of the rigging for a heavy machine such as those used in the mining industry. The inventive tensile member includes a core surrounded by a separate armor layer. The armor layer assumes various forms, including a hollow cylinder having a substantial wall thickness. The core produces excellent strength in tension (and with a substantial reduction in weight). The armor layer protects the core from external blows and forces produced by the weight of the other parts of the machine's rigging and the hostile environment in which the machine operates.

Abstract: A method for creating a termination by attaching some kind of fitting to the end of a tensile member such as a cable. The end fitting is provided with one or more internal cavities. Each cavity has a proximal portion that is adjacent to the area where the tensile member exits the fitting and a distal portion on its opposite end. A length of the tensile member's filaments is placed within this expanding cavity and infused with liquid potting compound. The method exploits the characteristic of a liquid potting compound as it transitions to a solid. Once the potting compound in at least a portion of the cavity has transitioned sufficiently to hold the filaments at a desired level, tension is placed on the tensile member and a small linear displacement may be imposed on the tensile member. This linear displacement tends to pull the filaments residing in the potting compound into better alignment and improve load sharing.

Abstract: Advanced components that are useful in providing a compact overall cable termination for a multi-stranded cable and in providing for the control and inspection of the individual components of a multi-stranded cable. Multiple individual cable strands are provided with a termination on their free end. These terminations are connected to a collector. An advanced collar is provided that assists in the transition of the strands as they leave the collector and transition to the structure found in the free portion of the cable.

Abstract: A method for creating a termination by attaching some kind of fitting to the end of a tensile member such as a cable. The end fitting is provided with one or more internal cavities. Each cavity has a proximal portion that is adjacent to the area where the tensile member exits the fitting and a distal portion on its opposite end. A length of the tensile member's filaments is placed within this expanding cavity and infused with liquid potting compound. The method exploits the characteristic of a liquid potting compound as it transitions to a solid. Once the potting compound in at least a portion of the cavity has transitioned sufficiently to hold the filaments at a desired level, tension is placed on the tensile member and a small linear displacement may be imposed on the tensile member. This linear displacement tends to pull the filaments residing in the potting compound into better alignment and improve load sharing.

Abstract: A method for straightening, constraining, cutting and terminating a multi-stranded, non-parallel cable. The method includes: (1) dividing the cable into smaller components which are in the size range suitable for the prior art termination technology; (2) creating a termination on the end of each of the smaller components; (3) providing a collector which reassembles the individual terminations back into a single unit; and (4) maintaining alignment between the terminations and the smaller components while the terminations and the collector are in a connected state.

Abstract: A novel cable construction provided an armored covering over a cable containing high-strength synthetic filaments. The synthetic cable is provided with a strong and tough termination where it attaches to heavy machinery, such as mining machinery. An external armoring is then provided for a desired portion of the cable (up to the entire length of the cable). A collar is preferably provided to seal the end of the armoring portion to a cable jacket (where a cable jacket is present).

Abstract: A termination system which improves the consistency and repeatability of the wicking of the liquid potting compound in the transition area between the potted and the imported filaments. The termination system controllably compresses the filaments within the transition area to produce repeatable wicking. The potting compound selected and the degree of compression employed combine to produce a desired wicking effect.

Abstract: A method and hardware for damping and controlling unwanted motion in the fixed rigging of large machines. In a first approach large clamp blocks are added to multi-cable rigging systems. These blocks use a first cable to damp the motion of an adjacent cable. The invention also encompasses adding armored sections to synthetic cables to enhance their abrasion resistance and cut resistance.

Abstract: A cable termination in which part of the potted region is free flex somewhat. A portion of the potted region is maintained within an anchor and rigidly held in the conventional fashion. Another portion, however, extends out of the anchor to ease the transition between the unpotted cable filaments and the filaments locked within the anchor.

Abstract: Systems and methods of deploying seismic data acquisition units from a marine vessel are disclosed. The system can include a spindle coupled to a tether. A robotic arm can couple the spindle to a tether via one or more tumblers. The tether can connect to a seismic data acquisition unit via a connection block having a mechanical force device. The assembled spindle, tether and seismic data acquisition unit can be deployed from the deck via a deployment block.

Abstract: A cable termination including an integral instrument package providing intelligence. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the termination includes a position-determining system and an on-board processor. The processor determines a current location in space for the termination based on the information it is receiving. This positional information may then be transmitted to an external receiver. In the scenario where the termination is attached to a payload, the positional information may be used by an external positioning device (such as a crane) to control the motion of the termination and thereby place the payload in a desired position. The termination also preferably includes load-monitoring and recording features. The termination may also carry one or more ROV's/AUV's.

Abstract: A method for creating a termination by attaching some kind of fitting to the end of a tensile member such as a cable. The end fitting is provided with an internal cavity. The cavity has a proximal portion that is adjacent the area where the tensile member exits the fitting and a distal portion on its opposite end. A length of the tensile member's filaments is placed within this expanding cavity and infused with liquid potting compound. The method exploits the characteristic of a liquid potting compound as it transitions to a solid. The potting compound in one portion of the cavity is typically transitioned to a solid at a more rapid rate than other portions. Once the potting compound in one portion of the cavity has transitioned sufficiently to hold the filaments at the desired level, tension is placed on the tensile member and a small linear displacement may be imposed on the tensile member.

Abstract: A method for creating a termination by attaching some kind of fitting to the end of a tensile member such as a cable. The end fitting is provided with one or more internal cavities. Each cavity has a proximal portion that is adjacent to the area where the tensile member exits the fitting and a distal portion on its opposite end. A length of the tensile member's filaments is placed within this expanding cavity and infused with liquid potting compound. The method exploits the characteristic of a liquid potting compound as it transitions to a solid. Once the potting compound in at least a portion of the cavity has transitioned sufficiently to hold the filaments at a desired level, tension is placed on the tensile-member and a small linear displacement may be imposed on the tensile member. This linear displacement tends to pull the filaments residing in the potting compound into better alignment and improve load sharing.

Abstract: A method for creating a termination by attaching some kind of fitting to the end of a tensile member such as a cable. The end fitting is provided with one or more internal cavities. Each cavity has a proximal portion that is adjacent to the area where the tensile member exits the fitting and a distal portion on its opposite end. A length of the tensile member's filaments is placed within this expanding cavity and infused with liquid potting compound. The method exploits the characteristic of a liquid potting compound as it transitions to a solid. Once the potting compound in at least a portion of the cavity has transitioned sufficiently to hold the filaments at a desired level, tension is placed on the tensile member and a small linear displacement may be imposed on the tensile member. This linear displacement tends to pull the filaments residing in the potting compound into better alignment and improve load sharing.

Abstract: A protected synthetic tensile member assembly including one or more fixed terminations used to transmit a tensile load from the tensile member to an external component. The tensile member includes access for inspection of its constituent fibers in at least one selected inspection region. The region is selected on the basis of the area of interest to the tensile member's use—such as the area of greatest stress concentration or the area of greatest abrasion. A removable cover is provided for the inspection region. A user may selectively remove this cover in order to gain access to the inspection region.

Abstract: A cable including an integrated intelligent cable module. The module preferably includes an integral instrument package. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the module includes a position-determining system and an on-board processor. The processor determines a current location in space for the module based on the information it is receiving. This positional information may then be transmitted to an external receiver. The module also preferably includes load-monitoring and recording features. These features act as a “black box” for the cable, monitoring its performance and reporting (in real-time or at a later time) any exceedances or any deterioration in performance or structural integrity.

Abstract: A protected synthetic tensile member assembly including one or more fixed terminations used to transmit a tensile load from the tensile member to an external component. The tensile member includes access for inspection of its constituent fibers in at least one selected inspection region. The region is selected on the basis of the area of interest to the tensile member's use—such as the area of greatest stress concentration or the area of greatest abrasion. A removable cover is provided for the inspection region. A user may selectively remove this cover in order to gain access to the inspection region.

Abstract: A method for creating a composite cable having at least one high-performance termination on at least one end. A high-performance termination is added to an end of a short synthetic tensile strength member. The strength of the tensile strength member and termination is then tested. Once tested satisfactorily, the short cable is spiced onto a long cable of the same type using prior art splicing techniques. The union of the short cable and the long cable creates a “composite” cable having a high-performance termination on at least one end. In most applications preferable to set the length of the short cable so that the interwoven splice will exist at a desired location.