Westech Geophysical, Inc.

Mathew B Riordan

An instrument probe contains a video camera and light source which is positioned in front of the camera for illuminating the passage being inspected, such as a bore or a casing. The power source for the instrument probe is located at the surface. A support cable contains an optical fiber for conducting camera signals to the surface and electrical conductors for conducting power from the surface to the instrument probe. The outer electrical conductor includes strands of copper alternating with and in electrical contact with strength member strands. The cable is enclosed in a stainless steel outer sheath. The support cable is coupled to the instrument probe by three fluid seals. The first seals the outer sheath in the probe. The second seals at the breakaway connection and the third seals at the probe bulkhead. The second and third seals include the use of adhesive caulking.

Video logging system having an optical communications link

A cable containing an optical fiber for conducting communication signals and electrical conductors for conducting power. The optical fiber is centrally located. An inner layer includes electrical conductors and an outer layer includes electrical conductors interspaced with strength members. The interspaced strength members are in electrical contact with the electrical conductors and lower the loop resistance so that a power source may be used at one end of the cable and the equipment to be powered at the other without requiring an excessively large voltage at the power source. In one embodiment, the strength members are formed of steel and are interspaced such that there is one strength member per two electrical conductors. The cable is enclosed in a smooth and continuous stainless steel outer sheath.

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Garden Grove, CA, United States of America

Mathew B Riordan