Automated cable handling and transport apparatus and vehicle

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus and vehicle for laying seismic line cable on the ground, retrieving the cable from near the ground surface, and transporting the cable. The vehicle carries at least one cable reel for unspooling the cable therefrom when laying cable and spooling the cable thereon when retrieving the cable. When laying cable, a towed depression wheel forms a depression wheel forms a channel in the ground for laying the unspooled cable therein. The cable reel includes an electric slip ring for electrically energizing and testing the cable components while the cable is being laid. When used in very cold environments, a temperature controlled enclosure encloses the cable reel for maintaining the cable at a temperature at which it is sufficiently flexible for handling and laying. When retrieving cable, a motor power controller automatically controls the power to the cable reel drive motor for maintaining constant tension in the cable being retrieved. A cable tension measuring device provides feedback to the motor power controller. The cable being retrieved passes over a guide roller attached to the end of an arm pivotally attached to the vehicle. The arm is pivotally biased upward and away from the ground surface for tensioning the cable being retrieved. The cable also passes over a plurality of sheaves mounted on the arm or the vehicle for flexing the cable to remove any foreign material adhering to the cable being retrieved.