| 摘要 |
<p>A latching mechanism used to couple external devices (14) to marine seismic streamer cables (12) is disclosed. The latching device universally couples to collars (18) predominantly used in the seismic industry. A mounting bracket (40) or shank is provided which is coupled to the external device (14). The shank has a lug (66) or finger fixed therein which extends from a mounting surface. Adjacent the lug is a latching device (72) which is comprised of a cylinder having a cam (78) defined at the upper end. The cylinder is recessed within the shank so that the cam (78) and the lug (66) are engaged with an aperture (34) defined in the collars attached to the streamer cable. A lever (82) extends from the cylinder through the exterior of the shank so that an operator may rotate the cylinder, turning the cam (78) in the aperture (34) to a locking position. A spring applies a tensile force to the cylinder, drawing the cam down against the aperature, and pulling the shank tight against the collar. The shank (40) and external device (14) may be uncoupled by simply rotating the lever in the opposite direction which disengages the cam with the aperature, allowing the cam and lug to fall free from the collar. The instant invention provides a device which does not require tools to couple, uncouple or adjust the mechanism. Another advantage is that debris cannot accidentally uncouple the mechanism. Additionally, the design provides a streamline, low noise coupling device.</p> |
