Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-12-23)
Rejection types: Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
Amendments to the Claims The following "Listing of Claims" replaces all prior versions and Listings of Claims in this patent application.

Listinq of Claims

Claim 1 - 196. (Canceled) 2195

Claim 197. (New): A method for producing a headline sonar 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 said first strength member (14) while ensuring that the conductor remains able to elongate;
(ii) coupling the combination of the conductor nd the first strength member (14) to thermoplastic mate- rial that is capable of reaching a molten phase and deforming during subsequent heating; d) braiding a strength-members jacket layer (52) of poly- meric 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 headline sonar cable at a determined amount of elongation from its initial length, thereby permanently lengthening the headline sonar cable a predetermined amount while simultaneously not breaking or causing to become brittle the conductor.
Claim 198. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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 conductorthat is coupled to the first strength member (14) within the layer of thermoplastic material.
Claim 201. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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 strengthmemberstrength- member jacket layer (52).
Claim 205. (New): 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. (New): The method of claim 205 further comprising selecting to form another layer of thermoplastic material about the -O- shielding layer (36) of electrically conductive material, prior to forming the strength-member jacket layer (52).
Claim 207. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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 10CC. that is different in comparison to a potential for constructional elonga- tion at C° of the conductor.
Claim 211. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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. (New): 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 50°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. (New): 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. (New): 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.
Claim 221. (New): 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. /// /// /// /// /// /// /// -8- -9- -10- -12- -13- -14- -15- -16- Docket no. 2312C0N0October 27, 2022 Docket no. 2312C0N0October 27, 2022 Docket no. 2312CON0October 27, 2022

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
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 .
Claim Objections
Claims 197 and 204 are objected to because of the following informalities:
In regards to claim 197, claim 197 recites “(i) coupling said conductor o said first strength” on line 9.  However, the word “o” appears to be a typographical error and should read “of”.  Claim 197 further recites “(ii) coupling the combination of the conductor nd the” on line 12.  However, the word “nd” appears to be a typographical error and should read “and”.
In regards to claim 204, claim 204 recites “strength member (14) prior to forming the strengthmemberstrength-” on line 4.  However, the word “strengthmemberstrength-” appears to be a typographical error and should read “strength-“.
Appropriate correction is required.
Double Patenting
Statutory
A rejection based on double patenting of the “same invention” type finds its support in the language of 35 U.S.C. 101 which states that “whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process... may obtain a patent therefor...” (Emphasis added). Thus, the term “same invention,” in this context, means an invention drawn to identical subject matter. See Miller v. Eagle Mfg. Co., 151 U.S. 186 (1894); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Ockert, 245 F.2d 467, 114 USPQ 330 (CCPA 1957).
A statutory type (35 U.S.C. 101) double patenting rejection can be overcome by canceling or amending the claims that are directed to the same invention so they are no longer coextensive in scope. The filing of a terminal disclaimer cannot overcome a double patenting rejection based upon 35 U.S.C. 101.
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 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as claiming the same invention as that of 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 prior U.S. Patent No. 11,252,212.
This is a statutory double patenting rejection.
Non-Statutory
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.
At least claim 1 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.
At least claim 1 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.
At least claim 1 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.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 197-221 are allowed.  The prior art of record fails to disclose or reasonably suggest a method for producing a headline sonar cable including the step of stretching under heat the strength-member jacket layer so as to permanently lengthening the headline sonar cable comprising of the strength member jacket layer and the conductor while simultaneously not breaking or causing to become to brittle the conductor in addition to the accompanying features of the independent claim and any intervening claims.
A close prior art of record is U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0045422 to Varkey.  Varkey teaches a cable capable of transmitting a signal having a strength member formed from a polymeric material and conductor formed within the cable.  But Varkey fails to teach the unique combination of method steps to form an elongated/stretched headline sonar cable as recited in the claim language.
References Cited
The references cited made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure.  None of the documents cited by the Examiner discloses or reasonably suggests the allowable subject matter discussed above.
Conclusion


NEXT 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.

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US11525212B2: [content unavailable]
Ref US9704617B2: Claims:
A method for producing a cable ( 20 , 120 ) having a strength member coupled with at least one conductor, the cable ( 20 , 120 ) also having a high breaking-strength and lighter weight in water than a conventional cable having a strength member formed exclusively of steel wire, the method for producing the cable ( 20 , 120 ) having the strength member coupled with the at least one conductor 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 braided 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 braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and c. stretching the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) so as to permanently elongate both the braided 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.
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 braided 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 braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and
c. stretching the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) so as to permanently elongate both the braided 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.
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 braided strength member.
The method of claim 2 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the deformable material a thermoplastic material.
The method of claim 2 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the conductor an optical fiber.
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.
The method of claim 3 further comprising additional steps of forming the conductor is such a fashion, and selecting an amount of permanent elongation to stretch both the braided 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 cable.
The method of claim 3 further comprising additional steps of heating the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) to a temperature that enables permanently elongating the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) while stretching the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ).
The method of claim 7 further comprising additional steps of cooling at least the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) while maintaining tension on the strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ).
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 cable ( 20 ) by wrapping the conductor ( 22 ) around a rod ( 24 ) that permanently deforms during the subsequent stretching of the braided 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 ).
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 ).
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 ).
The method of claim 9 wherein forming the conductor ( 22 ) with a spiral shape ensures slack in the conductor ( 22 ).
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 braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) around the elongatable internally-located conductive structure ( 34 ), heating the cable ( 20 ) to a temperature at which material of the deformable rod ( 24 ) softens; e. stretching of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) sufficiently to elongate the cable ( 20 ) and to thereby: i. deform the rod ( 24 ) responsive to a reduction in cross-sectional area of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and ii. permanently lengthen the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and f. while maintaining tension on the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ), cooling the cable ( 20 ) until the material of the deformable rod ( 24 ) solidifies.
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 braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) around the elongatable internally-located conductive structure ( 34 ), heating the cable ( 20 ) to a temperature at which material of the deformable rod ( 24 ) softens;
e. stretching of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) sufficiently to elongate the cable ( 20 ) and to thereby: i. deform the rod ( 24 ) responsive to a reduction in cross-sectional area of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and ii. permanently lengthen the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and
i. deform the rod ( 24 ) responsive to a reduction in cross-sectional area of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and
ii. permanently lengthen the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and
f. while maintaining tension on the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ), cooling the cable ( 20 ) until the material of the deformable rod ( 24 ) solidifies.
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 electrical energy and/or current transmission within a non-conductive braided sheath ( 124 ).
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.
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 comprises a step of forming the extruded layer ( 132 ) from cellular polyethylene.
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.
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.
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 ).
A cable ( 20 , 120 ) capable of transmitting at least data signals, the cable having a strength member and having at least one conductor, the cable having a high breaking-strength and lighter weight in water than a conventional cable having a strength member formed exclusively of steel wire, the cable produced by a method, the method for producing the 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 electrical energy and/or current transmission; b. forming a braided 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 braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and c. stretching the braided 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.
c. stretching the braided 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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 braided 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 cable ( 20 ) to a temperature at which material of the deformable material softens; e. stretching of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) sufficiently to elongate the cable ( 20 ) and to thereby: i. deform the deformable material responsive to a reduction in cross-sectional area of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and ii. permanently lengthen the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and f. while maintaining tension on the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ), cooling the cable ( 20 ) until the material of the deformable material solidifies.
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 braided 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 cable ( 20 ) to a temperature at which material of the deformable material softens;
e. stretching of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) sufficiently to elongate the cable ( 20 ) and to thereby: i. deform the deformable material responsive to a reduction in cross-sectional area of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and ii. permanently lengthen the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and
i. deform the deformable material responsive to a reduction in cross-sectional area of the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ); and
f. while maintaining tension on the braided strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ), cooling the cable ( 20 ) until the material of the deformable material solidifies.
The 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 electrical energy and/or current transmission within a non-conductive sheath ( 124 ).
The 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.
A cable ( 20 , 120 ) capable of transmitting at least electrical energy and/or data signals, the cable ( 20 , 120 ) having a strength member jacket layer ( 52 ) and having at least one conductor ( 22 , 122 ), the cable ( 20 , 120 ) having a lighter weight in water than a conventional cable having a strength member formed exclusively of steel wire, the conductor ( 22 , 122 ) being adapted for at least electrical energy and/or current transmission, and the strength-member jacket layer ( 52 ) being formed of polymeric material around at least a portion of the conductor ( 22 , 122 ), the cable ( 20 , 120 ) being characterized by the fact that the conductor ( 22 , 122 ) is formed with a braided construction.
The cable ( 20 , 120 ) of claim 26 further characterized by the fact that the cable also includes a deformable thermoplastic material.
The cable ( 20 , 120 ) of claim 26 further characterized by the fact that the cable also includes a conductor that is an optical fiber.
Ref US9110189B2: Claims:
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.
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.
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.
The method of claim 2 further comprising an additional step of selecting for the deformable material a thermoplastic material.
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.
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.
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.
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 ).
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 ).
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 ).
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 ro
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