Patent Description:
In this disclosure the terms "rope" and "cable" are used interchangeably. Both are examples of a "tensile strength member," meaning a component that readily transmits tensile forces but not compressive forces. Tensile strength members must generally be connected to other components in order to be useful. A flexible cable provides a good example. Most cables include some type of end-fitting configured to transmit a load. For example, a cable used in a hoist generally includes a lifting hook on its free end. This lifting hook may be rigged to a load. The assembly of an end-fitting and the portion of the cable to which it is attached is commonly called a "termination. " Most high-strength cables are presently made of steel. The cable is a wound or braided assembly of individual steel wire. An end fitting (such as a lifting hook) is often attached to the steel cable by placing a length of the cable within a cavity running through a portion of the end fitting. The wires within the end fitting are splayed apart and a potting compound is then used to lock the wires within the fitting. The term "potting compound" means any substance which transitions from a liquid to a solid over time. Examples include molten lead, thermoplastics, and UV-cure or thermoset resins (such as two-part polyesters or epoxies). Other examples include plasters, ceramics, and cements. The term "solid" is by no means limited to an ordered crystalline structure such as found in most metals. In the context of this invention, the term "solid" means a state in which the material does not flow significantly under the influence of gravity. Thus, a soft but stable wax is yet another example of such a solid.

Molten lead was traditionally used as a potting compound for steel cables. Once the individual wires were splayed within the expanding cavity of an end-fitting, molten lead was poured into the cavity. The lead then solidified and locked a portion of the cable in the cavity. In more recent years lead has been replaced by high-strength epoxies.

Modern cables may still be made of steel, but high-strengh synthetic filaments are becoming more common. These include DYNEEMA, SPECTRA, TECHNORA, TWARON, KEVLAR, VECTRAN, PBO, carbon fiber, and glass fiber (among many Others). Modern cables may also be made of older, lower-strength synthetic materials such as NYLON. In the case of high-strength synthetics, the individual filaments have a thickness that is less than that of human hair. The filaments are very strong in tension, but they are not very rigid. They also tend to have low surface friction. These facts make such synthetic filaments difficult to handle during the process of adding a termination and difficult to organize. Hybrid cable designs are also emerging in which traditional materials are combined with high-strength synthetic materials. These present additional challenges, since the metal portions may be quite stiff while the synthetic portions will not be.

Those skilled in the art will know that cables made from synthetic filaments have a wide variety of constructions. In many cases a protective jacket will be provided over the exterior of the synthetic filament. This jacket does not carry any significant tensile load and it may therefore be made of a different material.

Most larger cables are made as an organized grouping of smaller cables. The smaller cables are often referred to as "strands. " One example is a parallel core of synthetic filaments surrounded by a jacket of braided filaments. In other cases the cable may be braided throughout. In still other examples the cable construction may be: (<NUM>) an entirely parallel construction enclosed in a jacket made of different material, (<NUM>) a helical "twist" construction, (<NUM>) a more complex construction of multiple helices, multiple braids, or some combination of helices and braids, or (<NUM>) a hybrid construction including metallic constituents.

The reader is referred to commonly-owned <CIT> for more detailed descriptions regarding the application of an attachment to a sub-component of a larger cable. The '<NUM> Patent explains how individual anchors can be attached to the strands and the anchors can then be attached to a common collector to create a uniform load-bearing structure.

The present invention is not limited to multi-stranded terminations. Any form of cable termination may be used, such as a single socket for example. The exemplary embodiments depicted all include multi-stranded terminations but this fact should not be viewed as limiting. The embodiments also pertain to the specific field of deep water lifting and lowering. The invention is by no means limited to this field, however. Finally, the termination types depicted are most suitable for high-strength synthetic fibers. The present invention may be applied to many different cable types and is not limited to such fibers.

It is known from <CIT> to provide an underwater reconnaissance system having a reconnaissance platform configured to monitor conditions at a sea floor and transmit data relating to said conditions to a control station for controlling said platform. The device described by this document comprises a cable connected at one end to a first cage housing comprising a first group of measuring instruments with communication means, and a second cage housing connected to the first cage housing and comprising a second group of measuring instruments.

Reference is also made to <CIT>, <NPL>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

According to the present invention there is provided an integrated termination package for marine operations, comprising.

It comprises a cable termination including an integral instrument package. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the termination package includes a position-determining system and an on-board processor. The processor determines a current location in space for the termination based on the information it is receiving. This positional information may then be transmitted to an external receiver. In the scenario where the termination is attached to a payload, the positional information may be used by an external positioning device (such as a crane) to control the motion of the termination and thereby place the payload in a desired position with improved accuracy. Such an instrument package may also be used to aid the automation of various lifting processes.

The termination also preferably includes load-monitoring and recording features. These features act as a "black box" for the termination, monitoring its performance and reporting (in real-time or at a later time) any exceedances or any deterioration in performance or structural integrity.

<FIG> provides an exploded view of an intelligent cable termination <NUM>, such as may be used to create an embodiment of the present Invention. The particular cable <NUM> shown has nine individual strands <NUM> surrounding a core. All these components are encompassed within a surrounding jacket. A portion of the jacket is removed to reveal the individual strands and the core, A strand termination <NUM> is affixed to the end of each Individual strand <NUM>, Each strand termination <NUM> is then attached to collector <NUM>.

The intelligent cable termination <NUM> is configured to attach to an external element (such as a payload to be hoisted and placed by a crane). A connecting feature can be added to collector <NUM>. However, in the version shown, the connecting feature (clevis structure <NUM>) is incorporated as part of housing <NUM>. Housing <NUM> connects to collector <NUM>. Using this approach, tension carried by strands <NUM> is transmitted to the collector, then to housing <NUM> and finally through clevis structure <NUM> to an external element.

In addition to carrying the cable's load, housing <NUM> in this embodiment provides additional internal space for housing an instrument package of packages. The instrument package or packages allows the integrated termination to become an "intelligent" termination, as will be described subsequently.

Middle strand collector <NUM> slides over the splayed strands and attaches to the perimeter of collector <NUM>. Distal strand collector <NUM> (which is split into two halves in this version), clamps over the small end of the middle strand collector and seals the interface between the middle strand collector and the jacketed portion of the cable.

<FIG> is a sectional elevation view showing an exemplary structure for a strand termination <NUM>. The individual filaments within strand <NUM> (which may be a million filaments or more in the case of an advanced synthetic material) are connected to anchor <NUM>, such as by potting a length of the filaments within cavity <NUM> to form potted region <NUM>. Loading stud <NUM> is connected to anchor <NUM> via threaded engagement <NUM>. The loading stud is equipped with a suitable force-transferring feature - in this Case male thread <NUM>. This assembly thereby transmits tensile loads from strand <NUM> to loading stud <NUM>,.

<FIG> is a sectional elevation view depicting an exemplary connection between strand termination <NUM> and collector <NUM>. In this version a ball-and-socket connection is used. Opening <NUM> passes through collector <NUM> at an angle. A hemispherical receiver <NUM>, is provided in the portion of the opening opposite the strand, Hemi bearing <NUM> tests in receiver <NUM>. Loading stud <NUM> passes through hemi bearing <NUM>. Load cell <NUM> is placed on top of hemi bearing <NUM>. 'Nut <NUM> secures the assembly in place. Each individual strand termination includes its own adjusting nut, The nuts may be used to Individually allocate the total tension among the strands. Load cell <NUM> provides an electrical Output that corresponds to the amount of compressive load it is presently experiencing. Each individual strand termination is preferably provided with a load cell so that the load on each strand can be monitored.

The load cell shown in this version is illustrative of any load/stress/strain sensing device that is incorporated into a cable or strand's load path. Other types of devices may be substituted. As an additional example, a pressure sensing device can be provided within the potted region inside the anchor. As still another example, a strain gauge may be attached to the exterior surface of the strand termination.

<FIG> shows a cross sectional view through an exemplary cable assembly of the type depicted in <FIG>. This particular cable has ten sub-groupings - core <NUM> surrounded b)e nine strands <NUM>. Optional Jacket <NUM> may be provided to surround and protect the other components. White cable jackets are not common in the field of deep water lowering and lifting (primarily due to infection limitations), with the addition of sensory technologies, an external jacket may be an advantageous feature.

<FIG> depicts a plan view of collector <NUM> (the same version as shown in <FIG>). Center opening <NUM> receives core <NUM>. Nine openings <NUM> are provided for the nine strands <NUM>. Nine through holes <NUM> are provided for bolts that are used to attach the collector to the housing.

<FIG> provides a perspective view of collector <NUM> and housing <NUM>. The reader will note howthe nine through holes <NUM> in the collector align with nine receivers <NUM> in housing <NUM>. Each receiver <NUM> includes a female thread. Nine bolts <NUM> are passed through the receiver and into the nine threaded receivers <NUM> in the housing. The bolts are then tightened to secure the collector to housing <NUM>.

In this example housing <NUM> is machined as one integral piece. It includes clevis, structure <NUM> with transverse hole <NUM>. This is configured to receive a tang and cross-pin in order to attach the housing to some external element. An example of an external element would be a payload that is to be lifted and moved using the inventive cable termination. In many cases additional rigging (such as lifting slings) and hardware will be added to the clevis structure shown. Thus, the clevis structure should be viewed as exemplary and non-limiting,.

Housing <NUM> includes an internal recess <NUM> that may be used to house one or more instrumentation packages. <FIG> shows a sectional elevation view through collector <NUM> and housing <NUM>. Cavity <NUM> is provided in the portion of the housing that faces the collector. One or more additional recesses may be provided where the limitations of structural strength requirements permit. In the example shown, two such recesses <NUM> are provided.

it is preferable to provide space for instrumentation within the integrated termination itself. However, any available region around the integrated termination could be employed as space for instrumentation - provided that It is sufficiently protected. The protective body for the instrumentation need not be the same body that is used for the integrated termination. Housing <NUM> is preferably quite robust, and in some cases may be sealed from water and/or water pressure. Given that most instruments are sensitive to water and / or the pressures of deep water operation, a boundary will typically need to be established. This can either be done within housing <NUM> as an example, or individually between instrument package components. For example the power source and sensors may have independently sealed packages for this purpose. Housing <NUM> would then not require an overall seal.

The user will note in <FIG> how bolts <NUM> may be placed in through holes <NUM> and threaded into receivers <NUM>. <FIG> shows a sectional view through an assembly made according to the present invention (The section is taken on the same plane used for <FIG>). Core termination <NUM> is provided on the end of core <NUM> in this example. It is secured within central opening <NUM> in collector <NUM>. In this version core <NUM> is not intended to carry significant tension. It houses communication and f or power lines that extend along the entire length, or in some cases a portion, of the cable.

first instrument package <NUM> and second instrument package <NUM> are contained within housing <NUM>. These instrument packages are connected to the elements in core <NUM> (such as fiber optic lines and electrical conductors). The instrument packages are also connected (in this version) to the load cells monitoring the load on each individual strand. As will be known to those working in the field of deep water lifting, the addition of power, communication, data, air, fluid, or any form of auxiliary service line can be incorporated with the strength member to increase the service context of the intelligent termination. These service lines can be incorporated in countless configurations, such as inside strands, between strands, within layers of the jacket, temporarily wrapped and unwrapped around the outside of the cable, etc. The proposed invention is not limited to any specific cable design. However, the addition of auxiliary service tines can significantly increase the advantages of the inventive termination.

As an example of the above, the addition of fiber optics and in some cases power within the lifting cable may allow high speed data transfer for real-time feedback of position, or operation of subsea ROVs and/or AUVs. In such cases, the intelligent termination can more easily become the power and/or communication hub for additional machines and/or devices operating at depth.

The reader will also note in the example of <FIG> that middle strand collector <NUM> has been attached to the outer perimeter of collector <NUM>. The unification of these elements (see <FIG> - housing, collector, middle strand collector, distal strand collector, and cable) creates a solid and protective assembly. As shown in <FIG>, the instrument packages and associated connections are well-protected inside a very solid surrounding structure, This configuration is preferable, as a cable termination frequently lives in a hostile environment. As covered previously, this housing may take on many shapes and forms, including separate or attached housings that may not be within the termination casing.

The instrument package(s) may include many types of electronic devices. <FIG> schematically depicts an exemplary embodiment to aid the reader's understanding. The reader should first bear in mind that some versions will include external power and/or communication connections, while others will not. The unconnected versions will run on internal power and may save information for subsequent downloading, or pulse information to other sources on an interval or as-needed basis (such as a strand integrity breach alarm signaling an acoustic transmitter to communicate to a ship-board receiver). Tire connected versions may transfer information up the cable (to a receiver on board a surface vessel) as they are being used. <FIG> shows an externally-connected version (meaning a version that is designed to maintain communication up the cable).

The instrument package(s) may include only analog devices. An example would be load cell circuitry that sends a sensed value up the cable. It is preferable in most cases, however, to include digital devices such as one or more processors. These may be used to convert information to a digital format and thereby facilitate easier retention and transmittal. The example of <FIG> uses digital circuitry.

Processor <NUM> is ideally a programmable device capable of running suitable software. It includes an associated memory <NUM>. The memory is preferably non-volatile so that it may store data over time even if the power is lost, Power supply <NUM> provides stable power to all the components shown (The power connections are not depicted). The power supply may draw input power from battery <NUM>, from external power connector <NUM>, or both. Additionally it may draw power from an alternate source such as an ROV tether or auxiliary power source on the sea floor,.

Inertial measurement system <NUM> ("IMS") provides position and orientation data to the processor. It preferably provides full six degree of freedom information, Using conventional nomenclature, this means that the IMS provides such information as X-axis position, Y-axis position, roll angle, pitch angle, and yaw angle. The IMS may also provide such information as arale-of-change for these values. The information provided by the IMS allows the processor to "know" the termination's position and space and its orientation. This assumes, of course, that accurate initial information is provided, (an initial value for all six state variables). Providing initial state information is well understood in the art. As one example, the termination might be placed in an initial "zeroing" fixture. After it is zeroed the cable to which the termination is connected would then be lifted by a boom on a crane and swung into service moving a payload.

The IMS is not limited to any particular kind of system. Such systems have traditionally used spinning gyroscopes in combination with linear accelerometers. However, since space will be somewhat limited inside the termination, solid state solutions are preferable. The preferred embodiments will likely employ "ring laser gyros" As those skilled in the art will know, these devices are not gyros at all. Rather, each individual ring laser measures interference between counter-propagating laser beams to sense angular velocity. Mathematical functions are used to convert the angular velocity to angular position.

Linear accelerometers (essentially very accurate force detectors) are used to measure linear acceleration. Three orthogonal ring laser assemblies are used and multiple linear accelerometers are used. The IMS generally contains its own internal processor and memory. These units integrate the received data to produce values for the six state variables. Alternatively, raw data may be fed from the IMS to the processor and the processor may perform the integrating functions.

The reader should bear in mind that not all inventive, embodiments will include a full six degree of freedom IMS. As an example, some embodiments may provide only positional data without any attitude data. Others may provide attitude data with no reference to position. Still others may omit an IMS altogether.

Multiple input/output ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are provided for the processor. I/O port <NUM> provides connection to communication connector <NUM>. In this example the communication connector provides a hard-wired connecting to the far end of the cable. If, for example, the cable is being paid off a shipboard crane, the far end of the cable will remain on the ship and the communication connector will allow real-time communication between the ship and the termination (even though the termination may be thousands of meters below the ocean's surface).

I/O port <NUM> connects processor <NUM> to acoustic transducer <NUM>. The acoustic transducer is connected to acoustic antenna <NUM>. This is a device intended for undersea communications. It allows sonar-like signals to be sent by the termination to other devices. The termination can also receive these signals from an external source. This type of communication device is merely an example, as it is one of many potential technologies that can be used to either transmit or receive information.

I/O port <NUM> connects the numerous food cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (feeding load data from the individual strands) to processor <NUM> (any type of load sensor may be substituted). I/O port <NUM> connects multiple sensors to the processor. In this example, it connects pressure sensor <NUM>, temperature sensor <NUM>, and salinity sensor <NUM>. These are merely examples of the many forms of sensors that may be tied into the instrument package. These may reside within the housing or be separate. In some cases they may be entirely separate, such as those on the subset infrastructure - and may simply communicate data to the instrument package.

Returning briefly to <FIG>, the reader will note the numerous wire connections <NUM> to the core and to the load cells monitoring the strand loads. The processor is able to use these connections to monitor position and loading information and to send that data back to the far end of the cable through the electrical and/or optical connections in core <NUM>. Of course if the termination is designed to be a standalone system without power and / or communication running down the cable, this data is simply stored for ship-side retrieval or transmitted on an as needed basis. Power in that case is handed via a sufficient local power source.

In the version shown in <FIG> the integrated termination is configured for deep water lifting operations. The termination is provided with a pair of thrusters that can provide limited positioning adjustment - controlling both the twist in the cable as it moves down the water column, and the positioning of the payload as it nears its point of connection on the sea floor. Thruster controller <NUM> controls the orientation and thrust provided by the thrusters. The thruster controller is integrated with processor <NUM> as shown, <FIG> provides a perspective view of the completed termination with a series of thrusters <NUM> included. Each thruster may be independently pivoted about its trunnion mount <NUM>. Each thruster may also be throttled and reversed in this embodiment. The orientation and affiliation of thrusters may vary widely, and may not necessarily be integral to the termination housing. For example these may be mounted to a large external frame. In other cases there may further be auxiliary thrusters or position orienting devices mounted to the actual payload.

<FIG> shows a view of the termination <NUM> attached to a representative payload <NUM> in a deep water lifting scenario. Lifting tang <NUM> on the payload is connected to the clevis assembly by a cross-pin. Cable <NUM> suspends the assembly from a crane located on a surface vessel. Thrusters <NUM> provide selective lateral and torsional mobility on the sea floor, as well as assuring that the cable is not twisted when travel ing to and from the vessel through the water column which has alternating currents. With synthetic fiber and hybrid ropes in particular, this is helpful in assuring that rope integrity remains intact.

Surface vessel crane control systems include stabilization functions that are generally referred to as "anti-heave" functions. These are designed to minimize wave-induced motion of the payload on the end of the cable. However, these anti-heave functions in the prior art have no useful information regarding the exact motion of the termination and its attached payload when at depth. Rather, they attempt to compensate using only information regarding the motion of the surface vessel. This is a challenge when running in deep water. It is especially significant with the use of synthetic fibers as the delayed spring response is more difficult to predict. In the present invention (for embodiments including real-time data transmission), the termination can transmit accurate motion and position information which can then be used by the surface anti-heave systems or an inline device.

<FIG> shows another embodiment in which there is no communication through the cable. Extended housing <NUM> includes a larger cavity <NUM>. A large battery <NUM> is provided in this cavity. The battery provides electrical power to the instrument packages, the load cells, and other items requiring electrical power. In this version the instrument packages are more akin to the "black box" of an aircraft (a flight data recorder). An external port (not shown) is provided so that when the termination is brought in for service the battery can be recharged and the internally-stored data can be downloaded. Of course, non-wired options are also possible for the battery charging and data downloading (such as an inductive connection).

Other components may be provided to proactively monitor the state of the load strands (as opposed to inferring their state from the loads applied to them). <FIG> shows an embodiment in which strand <NUM> includes embedded sensing/communication elements <NUM>. These elements are intended to be used in monitoring the condition of the cable (though they may possibly be used for communication as well). In the version shown, these elements are optical fibers that stretch from one end of the cable to the other. Light is applied to the far end of the cable. Sensor <NUM> measures the light transmitted and sensor lead <NUM> passes through the loading stud to carry this information to the processor (sensor lead <NUM> carries the load cell information). The optical fibers are sized to break as the strand is over-stressed. Alternately if a strand is damaged or cut in operation the ceased light would indicate a potential hazard. A reduction in light transmission thereby indicates a cable overstress. This example is one of many possible configurations. Fiber optics could run through a jacket, down the center of the rope, etc. Alternatively, the use of electrical conductors could carry a similar function - providing either strain or pass/fail criteria for damage to the cable. Importantly, in all cases the termination may aid in collecting or transmitting the relevant information to determine the "health of the lifting cable. In the event of a sensed problem, it could further be used to communicate the hazard to the surface vessel and / or other subsea equipment.

Most damage, especially with synthetic fiber cables, would occur in the last few meters of the cable (as it reaches the termination). This is generally due to the fact that ROVs would be operating in this area. Thus, in some embodiments the sensing/comm elements <NUM> may only be included in this portion of the cable. One approach is to embed a <NUM> meter loop of conductive material and then monitor for breaks in this material (such as by monitoring for increased resistance).

The sensors and other components provided within the intelligent cable termination need not be connected directly to the termination itself. <FIG> illustrates a placement scenario where downward visibility is needed from payload <NUM>. Camera <NUM> is mounted on payload <NUM> in a. position providing a good downward field of view. Cable <NUM> attaches to camera <NUM> and to connector <NUM> on intelligent cable termination <NUM>. In this version, video data is fed into the instrument package(s) within the termination and then up cable <NUM> to a surface ship. The video data is used to guide the placement of the payload. The camera and cable may be left with the payload when the payload is released from intelligent cable termination <NUM>. Connector <NUM> may facilitate this detachment (by being designed to reliably pull free upon the application of a specified detachment force).

<FIG> and <FIG> show still another embodiment in which ROV's (remotely operated vehicles) are used. It is common in undersea lifting operations to use ROV's to guide and place a payload. These ROV's are typically lowered and controlled using a cable other than the cable used for lifting the payload. Many ROV's are lowered into a working position in a protective "ROV garage. " The ROV garage may contain a tether connected to the ROV. The tether often pays off a reel as needed. The tether may carry electrical power, bidirectional data signals, and air or fluid pressure. In recent years autonomous underwater vehicles ("AUV's") are replacing ROV's in some applications. In this disclosure, the term "ROV" shall be understood to encompass both ROV's and AUV's. An AUV does not usually have a tether but it may still be deployed from a garage and it is often charged in that garage.

<FIG> shows an embodiment in which two ROV garages <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to intelligent cable tennination <NUM>. Each ROV garage contains an ROV <NUM>, <NUM>. Using this system, the ROV's are lowered with the payload. The ROV's may be used to manipulate the position and orientation of the payload, as well as operating other systems such as the mechanism that releases the payload from the cable. The ROV's may also provide video data so that a surface operator can see the state of the payload and its surroundings.

<FIG> shows the same assembly with ROV <NUM> having left its garage <NUM>. ROV <NUM> may be maneuvered as needed. It contains multiple thrusters that allow it to orient, itself in a desired direction and provide force in a desired direction. Information regarding the state of the ROV may be sent via tether <NUM> back to ROV garage <NUM>. This information may then be fed into the instrument packagefs) within intelligent cable termination <NUM> (and possibly back up cable <NUM>).

It is also possible to establish communications directly between the payload and the intelligent cable termination. In the version of <FIG>. electrical cable <NUM> connects connector <NUM> on the termination to connector <NUM> on the payload. If, for example, the payload contains a release mechanism, this connection may be used to instruct the payload to release itself from intelligent cable termination <NUM>. Cable <NUM> would then detach itself as the intelligent cable termination is lifted away from the payload.

<FIG> depicts a more common configuration for a pay load. In this version payload <NUM> rests atop a standard pallet <NUM> with four legs <NUM>. Rigging is used to appropriately suspend the load. In this case four slings <NUM> extend, along the sides of the payload and down to the pallet. The four slings are joined to tang <NUM>, which is connected to the intelligent cable termination. Release mechanism <NUM> is provided to selectively release tang <NUM>.

When the assembly reaches its destination (such as the seabed), release mechanism <NUM> is actuated and the tang and slings fall free from the intelligent cable termination. The release mechanism may be actuated by an instrument package in the termination. Alternatively, it may be released by an ROV. The rigging may remain with the payload indefinitely. In the alternative, an ROV can be used to detach and retrieve the rigging.

For the embodiments in which information is transmitted from the intelligent cable termination up the cable, the reader should bear in mind that the extraction point for this information may be in different locations. The "payload end" of the cable is the end to which the termination is attached. A cable is often paid off a drum on a surface vessel. Information applied to the cable at the payload end must be extracted at some point distal to the payload end. This extraction point may simply be the opposite end of the cable. However, it may also be "some intermediate point where the information carrying components of the cable depart the load carrying components.

One may make some generalizing statements regarding the invention that will be true for most embodiments:.

Claim 1:
An integrated termination package for marine operations, comprising:
a. a cable (<NUM>) including a plurality of strands (<NUM>), a payload end and an extraction point distal to said payload end;
b. an intelligent cable termination (<NUM>) connected to said payload end of said cable (<NUM>), said intelligent cable termination (<NUM>) including a payload connecting feature (<NUM>);
c. said intelligent cable termination (<NUM>) including an instrument package, said instrument package including a processor; and
d. a communication link contained within said instrument package, wherein said communication link is configured to transmit information from said processor, wherein the intelligent cable termination (<NUM>) includes:
a housing (<NUM>) configured to transmit a tensile load placed on said cable to said payload connecting feature (<NUM>), the instrument package being contained within said housing (<NUM>);
a collector (<NUM>) connected to the housing (<NUM>); and
a middle strand collector (<NUM>) configured to slide over the plurality of strands (<NUM>) and attach to a perimeter of the collector (<NUM>), wherein each individual strand (<NUM>) includes a strand termination (<NUM>), and wherein the strand termination (<NUM>) of each individual stand (<NUM>) is configured to attach to the collector (<NUM>).