Patent ID: 7675821

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: a sensor node ( 24 ) having a main body; a container ( 11 ; 33 ) that contains a data registration unit that is remotely controlled for registration of seismic data collected by the sensor node ( 24 ); a frame structure ( 12 , 13 ; 34 ) that carries the container and that rests on the seabed; a lifting device ( 17 ; 51 ) that lifts and lowers the frame structure; a signal cable ( 32 ) that connects the sensor node to the container; a releasable fastener ( 22 ; 47 , 48 ) that supports the sensor node ( 24 ) to the frame structure and releases the sensor node ( 24 ) after at least a portion of the main body of the sensor node is inserted into the seabed at a horizontal distance from the container ( 11 ; 33 ); a pair of carrier arms ( 20 , 27 ) extending from opposite sides of the container ( 11 ) wherein each carrier arm has a support plate ( 29 , 28 ) that contacts the seabed only when the sensor node ( 24 ) is inserted into the seabed; wherein the sensor node ( 24 ) is positioned juxtaposed to one support plate ( 29 ); and, wherein the other support plate ( 28 ) has an area-moment about a main axis that is approximately the sum of the area-moments of the support plate ( 29 ) and the sensor node ( 24 ).