Office Action 2: Final Rejection (2025-03-05)
Rejection types: Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

This listing of claims will replace all prior versions and listings of claims in the application.

LISTING OF CLAIMS:

Atty. Docket No.: HAM-033714 US CON

Claims 1-196 (Canceled)2195

Claim 197 (Currently Amended) A method for producing a load bearing data and/or energy cable (20, 120, 220, 320, 420), comprising the steps of:
a) providing a first strength member (14);
b) providing a conductor that is capable of data signal and/or electrical energy transmission and is capable of elongation;
c) forming an elongatable internally located conductive structure by:(i) coupling said conductor \[\[o\]\] to said first strength member (14) while ensuring that the conductor remains able to elongate;
(ii) coupling the combination of the conductor \[\[nd\]\] and the first strength member (14) to thermoplastic material that is capable of reaching a molten phase and deforming during subsequent heating;
d) braiding a strength-members jacket layer (52) of polymeric material so as to enclose the elongatable internally-located conductive structure while ensuring that the conductor remains elongatable during the steps of surrounding the elongatable internally-located conductive structure with the strength-member jacket layer (52) so that the conductor retains its ability to elongate during further desired processing steps and does not break upon stretching under heat and tension of the strength-member jacket layer (52), wherein the first strength member (14) and strength-member layer (52) are selected and formed so that said first strength member (14) has less breaking strength than the strength member jacket layer (52); and
e) stretching under heat the strength-member jacket layer (52) and the elongatable internally-located conductive structure followed by cooling both

the elongatable internally-located conductive structure as well as the strength member jacket layer (52), while maintaining a tension needed to retain the elongated load bearing data and/or energycable at a determined amount of elongation from its initial length, thereby permanently lengthening the load bearing data and/or energycable a predetermined amount while simultaneously not breaking or causing to become brittle the conductor.

Claim 198 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 197 further comprising an additional step of selecting to form the first strength member (14) with a different mass of material in comparison with a mass of material selected for forming the braided strength member jacket layer (52).

Claim 199 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 198 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the material mass of the first strength member (14) a material mass that is lesser than the material mass of the braided strength member jacket layer (52).

Claim 200 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 199 where the step of coupling the combination of the conductor and the first strength member (14) to the layer of thermoplastic material further comprises enclosing the combination of the conductor that is coupled to the first strength member (14) within the layer of thermoplastic material.

Claim 201 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 199 further comprising selecting to form the conductor at the moment it is being coupled to the first strength member (14).

Claim 202 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 201 further comprising an additional step of selecting to form the conductor by braiding the conductor about the first strength member (14).

Claim 203 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 202 further comprising an additional step of selecting a braid angle when forming the braided conductor that is more obtuse in comparison to a braid angle selected for the initial formation with a braiding machine of the strength-member jacket layer (52).

Claim 204 (Currently Amended) The method of claim 200 further comprising extruding and/or pultruding the layer of thermoplastic material about the combination of the conductor coupled to the first strength member (14) prior to forming the strength-member jacket layer (52).

Claim 205 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 199 further comprising additional steps of forming a shielding layer (36) of electrically conductive material around the layer of thermoplastic material prior to forming the strength-member jacket layer (52).

Claim 206 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 205 further comprising selecting to form another layer of thermoplastic material about the shielding layer (36) of electrically conductive material, prior to forming the strength-member jacket layer (52).

Claim 207 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 206 further comprising forming about the another layer of thermoplastic material a sheath of tightly braided fibers and/or filaments having a higher softening point than the softening point of the another layer of thermoplastic material, prior to forming the strength-member jacket layer (52).

Claim 208 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 207 further comprising additional steps of selecting to situate between the another layer of thermoplastic material and the sheath of tightly braided fibers and/or filaments from a minimum of at least one fiber optic conductor (22) to several fiber optic conductors prior to forming the strength- member jacket layer (52) by wrapping from at least one to several fiber optic conductors in spiral form about the another layer of thermoplastic material in such a fashion so as to ensure sufficient slack in the at least one fiber optic conductor (22) so that it does not break during the stretching of the strength member jacket layer (52).

Claim 209 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 208 further comprising steps of selecting to situate additional thermoplastic material so as to fill in at least some of spaces (97, 98) existing between the another layer of thermoplastic material; the sheath of tightly braided fibers and/or filaments; and the at least one fiber optic conductor (22).

Claim 210 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 199 wherein, at least prior to the step of permanently elongating the strength member jacket layer (52), the method further comprises an additional step of selecting to form the at least a first strength member (14) with a potential for constructional elongation at 10\* C. that is different in comparison to a potential for constructional elongation at C.\* of the conductor.

Claim 211 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 199 further comprising an additional step of selecting to form the first strength member (14) so that it requires more tension to elongate it beyond two percent stretch in comparison to a tension required to elongate the conductor the same certain amount.

Claim 212 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 205 further comprising selecting to employ the shielding layer (36) formed of electrically conductive material as another conductor, including so as to form a conductive loop employing the shielding layer (36) and the conductor.

Claim 213 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 205 further comprising additional steps of selecting to situate from at least one to several fiber optic conductors between at least the strength-member jacket layer (52) and the shielding layer (36).

Claim 214 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 208 further comprising selecting to employ the shielding layer as the output loop of a first conductive loop while employing the conductor as the input loop of the first conductive loop, while employing at least one fiber optic conductor as another input.

Claim 215 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 199 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the first strength member (14) a strength member having a

breaking strength that is between two hundred fifty grams to sixteen hundred kilograms while selecting a breaking strength for the strength member jacket layer (52) that is at least four thousand kilograms up to four million kilograms.

Claim 216 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 199 further comprising an additional step of selecting to form the first strength member (14) with a different diameter and/or width in comparison with a diameter and/or width selected for forming the braided strength member jacket layer (52).

Claim 217 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 216 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the diameter and/or width of the first strength member (14) a diameter and/or width that is lesser than the diameter and/or width of the braided strength member jacket layer (52).

Claim 218 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 217 wherein, at least prior to the step of permanently elongating the strength member jacket layer (52), the method further comprises an additional step of selecting to form the strength member jacket layer (52) with an ability to elongate at temperatures lesser than 500 C. that is different in comparison to an ability to elongate of the first strength member (14) at temperatures lesser than 50\*C.

Claim 219 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 217 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the first strength member (14) a strength member having a breaking strength that is between seventy thousand to twenty times lesser than the breaking strength of the strength member jacket layer (52).

Claim 220 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 217 further comprising an additional step of selecting to stretch the strength member jacket layer (52) to an extent that causes the first strength member (14) to experience failure.
Atty. Docket No.: HAM-033714 US CON Page 7 of 9

Claim 221 (Previously Presented) The method of claim 217 further comprising an additional step of selecting to stretch the strength member jacket layer (52) to an extent that causes the first strength member (14) to break.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
This Office action is responsive to Applicant’s response submitted 26 February 2025.
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220 and 221 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 15, 16, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 respectively of U.S. Patent No. 11,252,212. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because each and every limitation in the current claim of the current application can be found in the corresponding claims of the ‘212 Patent.  The Examiner notes while Applicant has amended the cable from a head sonar cable to a load bearing data and/or energy cable, the terminology used to label such cable does not structurally distinguish the cable in the ‘212 Patent from the cable in the current application.  The claim language recites the same limitations directed to the load bearing data and/or energy cable as it did to the sonar headliner cable.
At least claim 197 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over at least claims 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 13 together of U.S. Patent No. 8,731,353. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because each and every limitation in the current claim of the current application can be found in the corresponding claims of the ‘353 Patent.  The Examiner notes while Applicant has amended the cable from a head sonar cable to a load bearing data and/or energy cable, the terminology used to label such cable does not structurally distinguish the cable in the ‘353 Patent from the cable in the current application.  The claim language recites the same limitations directed to the load bearing data and/or energy cable as it did to the sonar headliner cable.
At least claim 197 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over at least claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 12 together of U.S. Patent No. 9,110,189. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because each and every limitation in the current claim of the current application can be found in the corresponding claims of the ‘189 Patent.  The Examiner notes while Applicant has amended the cable from a head sonar cable to a load bearing data and/or energy cable, the terminology used to label such cable does not structurally distinguish the cable in the ‘189 Patent from the cable in the current application.  The claim language recites the same limitations directed to the load bearing data and/or energy cable as it did to the sonar headliner cable.
At least claim 197 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over at least claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 13 and 15 together of U.S. Patent No. 9,704,617. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because each and every limitation in the current claim of the current application can be found in the corresponding claims of the ‘617 Patent.  The Examiner notes while Applicant has amended the cable from a head sonar cable to a load bearing data and/or energy cable, the terminology used to label such cable does not structurally distinguish the cable in the ‘617 Patent from the cable in the current application.  The claim language recites the same limitations directed to the load bearing data and/or energy cable as it did to the sonar headliner cable.
Examiner’s Statement of Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Claims 197-221 are allowed for the reasons set forth in the previous Office action mailed 23 December 2024.
Therefore, claims 197-221 are allowed.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record.  Applicant’s amendment to the claim language has necessitated a new grounds for a Double Patent Rejection presented in this Office action.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
By the present amendment, claims 197 and 204 have been amended to more clearly define the claimed invention. Accordingly, claims 197-221 are pending and under active prosecution in the present application. It is believed and intended that no new matter has been added by this amendment. Reconsideration of all pending claims are respectfully requested in view of the following remarks.
I
. Claim Objections
Claims 197 and 204 were objected to because of various informalities. Claims 197 and 204 have been amended to correct the various informalities. Therefore, it is respectfully requested that the objections to claims 197 and 204 be withdrawn.
II. Statutory Double Patenting Re
j
ections
Claims 197-221 stand rejected on the ground of statutory double patenting (35 U.S.C. §101) for claiming the same invention as that of claims 1-25 of U.S. Patent No. 11,252,212 ("the '212 patent").
It is respectfully submitted that claims 197-221 of the subject application do not claim the same invention as that of claims 1-25 of the '212 patent. In particular, each of claims 197-221 relates to a method for producing a load bearing data and/or energy cable. Each of claims 1-25 of the '212 patent, on the other hand, relates to a receiver device configured to receive at least one of audio and video packet streams from a data network or to a method for receiving audio or video packet streams from a data network. Therefore, it is clear that the subject matter claimed in claims 197-221 of the subject application is unrelated to the subject matter claimed in claims 1-25 of the '212 patent. Claims 197-221 of the subject application thus do not claim the same invention as that of claims 1-25 of the '212 patent.
In view of the above, it is respectfully requested that the statutory double patenting rejections (i.e., the 35 U.S.C. §101 rejections) of claims 197-221 be withdrawn.
III. Non-Statutory Double Patenting Re
j
ections
At least claim 1 stands rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over at least claims 1-3, 7-9, and 13 of U.S. Patent No. 8,731,353. The
Applicant respectfully submits that claim 1 was previously cancelled. Therefore, this non- statutory double patenting rejection of at least claim 1 is moot.
At least claim 1 stands rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over at least claims 1-3, 6-8, and 12 of U.S. Patent No. 9,110,189. The Applicant respectfully submits that claim 1 was previously cancelled. Therefore, this non- statutory double patenting rejection of at least claim 1 is moot.
At least claim 1 stands rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over at least claims 1-3, 6, 8, 13, and 15 of U.S. Patent No. 9,704,617. The Applicant respectfully submits that claim 1 was previously cancelled. Therefore, this non-statutory double patenting rejection of at least claim 1 is moot.
IV. Allowable Subject Matter
The Applicant thanks the Examiner for indicating that claims 197-221 are allowed.
V. Conclusion

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
This Office action is responsive to Applicant’s response submitted 04 June 2025.
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Terminal Disclaimer
The terminal disclaimer filed on 04 June 2025 disclaiming the terminal portion of any patent granted on this application which would extend beyond the expiration date of U.S. Patent 11,525,212 and U.S. Patent 8,731,353 and U.S. Patent 9,110,189 and U.S. Patent 9,704,617 has been reviewed and is accepted.  The terminal disclaimer has been recorded.
Examiner’s Statement of Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Claims 197-221 are allowed for the reason set forth in the previous Office action mailed 23 December 2024.
Therefore, claims 197-221 are allowed.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US11252212: Claims:
1. A receiver device configured to receive at least one of audio and video packet streams from a data network, the receiver device comprising:
a first data interface configured to receive a first audio or video packet stream comprising samples of an audio or video channel;
a second data interface configured to receive a second audio or video packet stream comprising the samples of the audio or video channel; and
a processor configured to extract samples from the first and second audio or video packet streams and to determine an output time for the extracted samples;
a buffer configured to temporarily store the extracted samples for output;
wherein the processor is further configured to cause the extracted samples to be written to the buffer based on the respective output time, such that extracted samples having the same output time are written to the same location in the buffer.
2. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein the buffer is able to temporarily store a predetermined maximum number of extracted samples.
3. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein the buffer is able to temporarily store the extracted samples in sequential order according to their respective output time.
4. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein the output time is the playout time.
5. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein the location is the storage space allocated to store one sample.
6. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein a first extracted sample written to the location is written over a second extracted sample from a different packet stream previously written to the location.
7. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second extracted samples are identical.
8. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein the buffer is associated with one output channel and each audio or video packet stream is directed to the same output channel.
9. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein the receiver device further comprises a third data interface configured to receive a third audio or video packet stream comprising the samples of the media audio or video channel, wherein the processor further operates to extract samples from the third audio or video packet stream and to determine an output time for the extracted samples, and to cause the extracted samples to be written to the buffer based on the respective output time.
10. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein the processor further operates to detect samples that are corrupted and to prevent these corrupted samples from being written to the buffer.
11. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein all the samples contained in one audio or video packet of the first media packet stream are not all contained in any single audio or video packet of the second audio or video packet stream.
12. A receiver device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second audio or video packet streams are received from different data interfaces of a transmitter device connected to the data network.
13. A receiver device according to claim 1, where the samples of the audio or video channel each have an associated timestamp and the processor operates to determine the output time for the extracted samples based on the respective timestamps.
14. A method of receiving audio or video packet streams from a data network, the method comprising:
receiving a first audio or video packet stream comprising samples of a audio or video channel;
receiving a second audio or video packet stream comprising the samples of the media channel;
extracting samples from the first and second audio or video packet streams;
determining an output time for the extracted samples;
based on the respective output time of the extracted sample, writing each extracted sample to a buffer for output, such that extracted samples having the same output time are written to the same location in the buffer.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the step of writing each extracted sample to a buffer comprises writing the extracted samples in sequential order according to the respective output time of each extracted sample.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the step of receiving the first audio or video packet stream is from a first data interface of a transmitter device connected to the data network and the step of receiving the second audio or video packet streams is from the first or a second data interface of the transmitter device connected to the data network.
17. A method according to claim 14, wherein the method further comprises sending one message to request that the first and second audio or video packet streams be received.
18. A method according to claim 14, wherein the step of writing each extracted sample to a buffer comprises writing a first extracted sample to a location and then writing a second extracted sample from a different packet stream over the first extracted sample at the location.
Ref US8731353: Claims:
1. A method for producing a headline sonar cable (20, 120) having a high breaking-strength and lighter weight in water than a conventional headline sonar cable having a strength member formed exclusively of steel wire, the method for producing the headline sonar cable (20, 120) comprising steps of:
a. providing a conductor (22, 122) that is formed so as to be capable of undergoing permanent elongation and that also is adapted for at least data signal transmission;
b. forming a strength-member jacket layer (52) of polymeric material around at least a portion of the conductor (22, 122) while simultaneously ensuring that the at least a portion of the conductor (22, 122) remains elongatable when enclosed within the strength-member jacket layer (52); and
c. stretching the strength-member jacket layer (52) so as to permanently elongate both the strength member jacket layer (52) and the at least a portion of the conductor (22, 122) while simultaneously not breaking the at least a portion of the conductor.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising an additional step of enclosing the at least a portion of the conductor within at least a layer of a deformable material, the layer of deformable material situated between the conductor and at least portions of the strength member.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the deformable material a thermoplastic material.
4. The method of any one of claim 2 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the deformable material a material capable of tolerating temperatures that at least include temperatures between 100 degrees Centigrade and 124 degrees Centigrade.
5. The method of claim 2 further comprising additional steps of selecting for the deformable material a material capable of tolerating temperatures that at least include a temperature range that is between 100 degrees Centigrade and 124 degrees Centigrade and that also experiences a phase change at such temperature range.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising additional steps of forming the conductor is such a fashion, and selecting an amount of permanent elongation to stretch both the strength-member jacket layer as well as the at least a portion of the conductor in such a fashion that the at least a portion of the conductor is able to not break for at least six calendar months from a date of first use of the produced headline sonar cable.
7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising additional steps of heating the strength-member jacket layer (52) to a temperature that enables permanently elongating the strength-member jacket layer (52) while stretching the strength-member jacket layer (52).
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising additional steps of cooling at least the strength-member jacket layer (52) while maintaining tension on the strength-member jacket layer (52).
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing the elongatable conductor (22) further comprises the additional steps of assembling an elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34) provided for the headline sonar cable (20) by wrapping the conductor (22) around a rod (24) that permanently deforms during the subsequent stretching of the strength-member jacket layer (52) surrounding the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34) thereby lengthening the elongatable internally located conductive structure while not breaking the conductor (22).
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of providing the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34) further comprises the step of enclosing the conductor (22) and the rod (24) within a sheath layer (32) of material that has a higher softening temperature than that of the rod (24).
11. The method of claim 9 wherein twisting the conductor (22) excessively in a direction corresponding to a lay direction of the conductor (22) ensures slack in the conductor (22).
12. The, method of claim 9 wherein forming the conductor (22) with a spiral shape ensures slack in the conductor (22).
13. The method of claim 9 comprising further steps of:
c. before braiding the strength-member jacket layer (52) around the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34), enclosing the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34) within a tight layer of impervious material which softens at a higher temperature than that at which the deformable rod (24) softens for retaining material of the rod (24) within the layer of impervious material;
d. after braiding the strength-member jacket layer (52) around the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34), heating the headline sonar cable (20) to a temperature at which material of the deformable rod (24) softens;
e. stretching of the strength-member jacket layer (52) sufficiently to elongate the headline sonar cable (20) and to thereby:
i. deform the rod (24) responsive to a reduction in cross-sectional area of the strength-member jacket layer (52); and
ii permanently lengthen the strength-member jacket layer (52); and

f. while maintaining tension on the strength-member jacket layer (52), cooling the headline sonar cable (20) until the material of the deformable rod (24) solidifies.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing the elongatable, conductor (22, 122) further comprises the steps of assembling an elongatable internally-located conductive structure (134) by enclosing an unstretched elongatable braided conductor (122) that is capable of data signal transmission within a non-conductive braided sheath (124).
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of providing the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (134) further comprises the step of enclosing the braided conductor (122) enclosed within the braided sheath (124) within an extruded layer (132) of polymeric material.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of enclosing the braided conductor (122) enclosed within the braided sheath (124) within an extruded layer (132) of polymeric material further comprised a step of forming the extruded layer (132) from cellular polyethylene.
17. The method of claim 1 comprising a further step of braiding a shielding layer (36) of electrically conductive material around the elongatable conductor (22, 122), the braided shielding layer (36) being capable of elongating while remaining unimpaired.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising a step of enclosing the elongatable conductor (22, 122) and the shielding layer (36) within a barrier layer (42) of insulating material.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of providing the barrier layer (42) of insulating material enclosing the elongatable conductor (22, 122) and the shielding layer (36) comprises a further step of including cellular polyethylene in the barrier layer (42).
20. A headline sonar cable (20, 120) capable of transmitting at least data signals, the headline sonar cable having a strength member and having a conductor, the headline sonar cable having a high breaking-strength and lighter weight in water than a conventional headline sonar cable having a strength member formed exclusively of steel wire, the headline sonar cable produced by a method, the method for producing the headline sonar cable (20, 120) comprising steps of:
a. providing a conductor (22, 122) that is formed so as to be capable of undergoing permanent elongation and that also is adapted for at least data signal transmission;
b. forming a strength-member jacket layer (52) of polymeric material around at least a portion of the conductor (22, 122) while simultaneously ensuring that the at least a portion of the conductor (22, 122) remains elongatable when enclosed within the strength-member jacket layer (52); and
c. stretching the strength-member jacket layer (52) so as to permanently elongate both the strength member jacket layer (52) and the at least a portion, of the conductor (22, 122) while simultaneously not breaking the at least a portion of the conductor.
21. The headline sonar cable (20, 120) produced by the method of claim 20 wherein the method further comprises coupling the conductor (22, 122) with a deformable rod (24) and selecting for the deformable rod (24) a material that is a thermoplastic material.
22. The headline sonar cable (20, 120) produced by the method of claim 20 wherein the method further comprises an additional step of enclosing the at least a portion of the conductor within at least a layer of a deformable material, the layer of deformable material situated between the conductor and at least portions of the strength member.
23. The headline sonar cable (20, 12) produced by the method of claim 22 further comprising further steps of:
c. before braiding the strength-member jacket layer (52) around the at least a portion of the conductor (22, 122), enclosing the conductor (22, 122) within a tight layer of impervious material which softens at a higher temperature than that at which the deformable material situated between the conductor and at least portions of the strength member softens, for retaining material of the deformable material within the layer of impervious material;
d. after braiding the strength-member jacket layer (52) around the conductor (20, 120), heating the headline sonar cable (20) to a temperature at which material of the deformable material softens; e. stretching of the strength-member jacket layer (52) sufficiently to elongate the headline sonar cable (20) and to thereby: i. deform the deformable material responsive to a reduction in cross-sectional area of the strength-member jacket layer (52); and ii permanently lengthen the strength-member jacket layer (52); and
f. while maintaining tension on the strength-member jacket layer (52), cooling the headline sonar cable (20) until the material of the deformable material solidifies.
24. The headline sonar cable produced by the method of claim 23 wherein the step of providing the elongatable conductor (22, 122) further comprises the steps of assembling an elongatable internally-located conductive structure (134) by enclosing an unstretched elongatable braided conductor (122) that is capable of data signal transmission within a non-conductive sheath (124).
25. The headline sonar cable produced by the method of claim 24 wherein the step of providing the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (134) further comprises the step of enclosing the braided conductor (122) enclosed within the sheath (124) within an extruded layer (132) of polymeric material.
Ref US9110189: Claims:
1. A method for producing a towing warp (20, 120) having a high breaking-strength and lighter weight in water than a conventional towing warp having a strength member formed exclusively of steel wire, the method for producing the towing warp (20, 120) comprising steps of:
a. providing a conductor (22, 122) that is formed so as to be capable of undergoing permanent elongation and that also is adapted for at least electrical energy and/or current transmission;
b. forming a strength-member jacket layer (52) of polymeric material around at least a portion of the conductor (22, 122) while simultaneously ensuring that the at least a portion of the conductor (22, 122) remains elongatable when enclosed within the strength-member jacket layer (52); and
c. stretching the strength-member jacket layer (52) so as to permanently elongate both the strength member jacket layer (52) and the at least a portion of the conductor (22, 122) while simultaneously not breaking the at least a portion of the conductor.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising an additional step of enclosing the at least a portion of the conductor within at least a layer of a deformable material, the layer of deformable material situated between the conductor and at least portions of the strength member.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the deformable material a thermoplastic material.
4. The method of claim 2 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the deformable material a material capable of tolerating temperatures that at least include temperatures between 100 degrees Centigrade and 124 degrees Centigrade.
5. The method of claim 2 further comprising additional steps of selecting for the deformable material a material capable of tolerating temperatures that at least include a temperature range that is between 100 degrees Centigrade and 124 degrees Centigrade and that also experiences a phase change at such temperature range.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising additional steps of forming the conductor is such a fashion, and selecting an amount of permanent elongation to stretch both the strength-member jacket layer as well as the at least a portion of the conductor in such a fashion that the at least a portion of the conductor is able to not break for at least six calendar months from a date of first use of the produced towing warp.
7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising additional steps of heating the strength-member jacket layer (52) to a temperature that enables permanently elongating the strength-member jacket layer (52) while stretching the strength-member jacket layer (52).
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising additional steps of cooling at least the strength-member jacket layer (52) while maintaining tension on the strength-member jacket layer (52).
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing the elongatable conductor (22) further comprises the additional steps of assembling an elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34) provided for the towing warp (20) by wrapping the conductor (22) around a rod (24) that permanently deforms during the subsequent stretching of the strength-member jacket layer (52) surrounding the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34) thereby lengthening the elongatable internally located conductive structure while not breaking the conductor (22).
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of providing the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34) further comprises the step of enclosing the conductor (22) and the rod (24) within a sheath layer (32) of material that has a higher softening temperature than that of the rod (24).
11. The method of claim 9 wherein twisting the conductor (22) excessively in a direction corresponding to a lay direction of the conductor (22) ensures slack in the conductor (22).
12. The method of claim 9 wherein forming the conductor (22) with a spiral shape ensures slack in the conductor (22).
13. The method of claim 9 comprising further steps of:
c. before braiding the strength-member jacket layer (52) around the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34), enclosing the elongatable internally-located conductive structure (34) within a tight layer of impervious material which softens at a higher temperature
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