Abstract: A marine seismic streamer having a plurality of seismic recovery units spaced along the length thereof. Each unit includes an inflation flotation device that will deploy when the streamer sinks to a trigger depth which is continuously adjusted in response to the actual operating conditions at the time.

Abstract: An improved ocean bottom seismometer is disclosed wherein a skirted spherical configuration provides bottom weight and provides a sealed area for seawater ballast which may be ejected to provide positive buoyancy for retrieval.

Abstract: A method for locating an ocean bottom seismic cable is disclosed wherein a series of shots from a seismic pulse generator are fired. The distance to one seismic pulse detector is determined for each shot defining a spherical surface upon which the detector may be located. The intersection of the spherical surfaces determine the exact location of the detector. Depth detectors may be used to eliminate one half of the possible locations for each shot.

Abstract: A marine seismic cable is sectionalized with the individual cable sections being joined by articulated connector assemblies which permit relative bending movement between such individual cable sections.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for structuring a plurality of supply and control conduits having a length substantially greater than its cross sectional width wherein the control conduits for each supply conduit are segregated and covered. The segregated and covered control conduits are bundled in a generally annular shape and the supply conduits are placed around the control conduits in a generally circular fashion. The entire bundle is then covered to retain its circular shape by periodically fastening the resultant bundle circumferentially or by extruding a covering over its entire length.

Abstract: A marine cable location system includes a plurality of magnetic compasses located at known spaced intervals along a cable being towed by a marine vessel. These compass readings are recorded along with an onboard magnetic compass reading, an onboard gyrocompass reading, and satellite navigational information. From these recordings, the X-Y coordinates of cable compasses with respect to vessel heading are determined. These X-Y coordinates are recorded along with the vessel's position and heading on magnetic tape and a cathode-ray tube so as to provide a visual display of the cable position with respect to the vessel.