Abstract: A retriever is provided for a marine seismic cable or other tool. The retriever first comprises a housing. Disposed within the housing is a canister for containing gas under pressure. An inflatable bag is fluidly connected to the gas canister within the housing. Gas is prohibited from exiting the gas canister and inflating the bag until hydrostatic pressure acting upon the retriever exceeds a designated amount. If the cable sinks to a certain depth within a water body, the corresponding hydrostatic pressure acting upon the cable will exceed the preset pressure level. An actuating mechanism is then actuated, causing gas to exit the gas canister and to inflate the inflatable bag. In one arrangement, a pop-open cover is provided on the housing. As the bag inflates, it acts to release the pop-open cover from the housing and to further inflate outside of the housing of the retriever. The inflated bag will cause the cable to be buoyantly lifted to the surface of the water body.

Abstract: A retriever is provided for a marine seismic cable or other tool. The retriever first comprises a housing. Disposed within the housing is a canister for containing gas under pressure. An inflatable bag is fluidly connected to the gas canister within the housing. Gas is prohibited from exiting the gas canister and inflating the bag until hydrostatic pressure acting upon the retriever exceeds a designated amount. If the cable sinks to a certain depth within a water body, the corresponding hydrostatic pressure acting upon the cable will exceed the preset pressure level. An actuating mechanism is then actuated, causing gas to exit the gas canister and to inflate the inflatable bag. In one arrangement, a pop-open cover is provided on the housing. As the bag inflates, it acts to release the pop-open cover from the housing and to further inflate outside of the housing of the retriever. The inflated bag will cause the cable to be buoyantly lifted to the surface of the water body.