| 摘要 |
1. A fairing for use on a cable, in particular a lead-in cable for a seismic streamer array, the fairing comprising a plurality of fairing sections, each having a central opening in which the cable is received and a streamlined profile which acts to reduce drag when the cable is moved through water in a direction transverse to its length; and at least one coupling assembly for fastening together adjacent fairing sections in such a manner as to permit rotation of said adjacent fairing sections relative to one another. 2. A fairing according to claim 1, in which the coupling assembly comprises a pair of end connectors each of which is secured to an end of one of a pair of adjacent fairing sections and has a radially outwardly projecting flange formed thereon, and an annular clamping ring which is made of a low friction material and which secures together the flanges formed on the end connector while permitting them to rotate relative to one another. 3. A fairing according to claim 2, in which the end connectors are secured to the fairing sections by crimping. 4. A fairing according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the annular clamping ring is made in two semi-circular parts which are secured together, and is of U-shaped cross-section so as to trap the flanges of the end connectors within the U-section. 5. A fairing according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the clamping ring is made of a plastics bearing material, such as polyoxymethylene (POM). 6. A fairing according to any preceding claim, in which at least one fairing section is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending ridges formed on the part of the fairing section which will, in use, be at or adjacent a leading edge thereof. |
