Patent ID: 6543965
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: H02G

Abstract:
An underwater cable branching apparatus, comprising:an elongate cable junction housing for positioning in line between two cables for installation underwater, the housing having a first junction at one end having a through bore for receiving the end of a first underwater cable and a second junction at the opposite end having a through bore for receiving the end of a second underwater cable; a first connector and a second connector in the housing for releasably connecting the end of the first cable to the end of the second cable; a connector mounting mechanism in the housing including a first pivotal linkage for moveably mounting the first connector for movement between a first position aligned with the second connector for connecting the first and second cable ends together in line, and a second position separated from the first connector and rotated upwardly and out of the housing for allowing the first cable end to be connected to another cable, and a second pivotal linkage for moveably mounting the second connector for movement between a first position aligned with the first connector for connecting the first and second cable ends together in line, and a second position separated from the first connector and rotated upwardly and out of the housing for allowing the second cable end to be connected to another cable; and the housing having an upper opening for allowing rotation of said connectors out of the housing for re-connection to additional cables.