Patent ID: 6988854
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: G02B,H02G

Abstract:
1. An underwater cable laying device for laying cable in a trench in an underwater substrate, said device comprising: a movable support structure for supporting said cable dispenser above said trench and for traveling on said substrate along said trench; a cable dispenser mounted on said support for dispensing cable into said trench; said dispenser comprising an elongated stationary spool having at least one end flange, said spool being mounted on said support structure so as to leave said one end flange free of obstructions to the movement of the cable off of said spool over said flange, and wherein said spool has a hollow center and including a guide structure for guiding said cable off of said spool, and into and through said hollow center; a waterproof powered dispensing mechanism for withdrawing cable from said spool in the general direction of the longitudinal axis of said spool over said flange while controlling the tension on said cable and directing said cable into said trench.