| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 181113000 | Seismic wave generation | 51 |
| 20100000819 | SEISMIC VIBRATOR BASEPLATE - One example of a seismic vibrator system includes a baseplate having a bottom surface and a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism being operable to a deployed position; a hold-down mass connected to the baseplate; a lifting mechanism in operational connection with the hold-down mass and the baseplate to apply a selected hold-down weight to the baseplate; and a driving mechanism functionally connected to the baseplate to transmit seismic energy through the baseplate into a ground surface to which the baseplate is coupled, wherein the coupling mechanism is urged outward from the bottom surface and into physical contact with the ground surface when operated to the deployed position. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20110011668 | SEISMIC WAVE GENERATING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A seismic wave generating device and methods for generating seismic waves having a relatively strong longitudinal energy and a relatively weak transverse energy are disclosed. A device may have a hollow casing and a striking member passing through the hollow casing, the striking member or the hollow casing bearing a spacing member. A method may drive the hollow casing into the earth, then remove earth from within the hollow casing. The method may place a striking member through the hollow casing and may drive the striking member further into the earth to create seismic waves with a relatively strong longitudinal energy and a relatively weak transverse energy. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110017543 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING PARAMETERS OF A SEISMIC SOURCE ARRAY - A method for selecting parameters of a seismic source array comprising a plurality of source elements each having a notional source spectrum is described, the method comprising calculating a ghost response function of the array; calculating directivity effects of the array; and adjusting the parameters of the array such that the directivity effects of the array are compensated by the ghost response to minimize angular variation of a far field response in a predetermined frequency range. A method for determining a phase center of a seismic source array is also related, the method comprising calculating a far field spectrum of the array at predetermined spherical angles, and minimizing the phase difference between the farfield spectra within a predetermined frequency range by adjusting a vertical reference position from which the spherical angles are defined. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110198147 | SEISMIC TRANSDUCERS HAVING IMPROVED POLYGONAL BASEPLATES AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and systems are provided for inducing seismic energy waves in a subterranean formation. More specifically, seismic transducers are provided that incorporate enhanced seismic baseplates. In certain embodiments, baseplates comprise certain enhancements such as having a perimeter in the shape of a polygon, such as, a hexagon or an octagon. In other embodiments, the perimeter of the baseplate may take the form of a polygon having n sides, where n is any integer greater than 4. Advantages of such baseplate enhancements include, but are not limited to, a reduction of baseplate harmonics or ringing, enhanced baseplate strength so as to reduce baseplate fatigue or failure, a reduction of baseplate flexure, and a consequent reduction of baseplate weight resulting in a more responsive baseplate. These advantages ultimately translate to improved seismic surveys, having higher resolution of the formations surveyed and resulting in surveys reaching greater depths. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110266085 | OSCILLATOR IN LIQUID - A oscillator in a liquid includes an actuator element oscillating in a reciprocating manner, and a sound-producing element attached to the actuator element, whereby the actuator element generates a motion in the sound-producing element for producing a sound. The oscillator is made open, whereby the pressure of liquid acts both on a first surface and on a second surface of the wall of the sound-producing element while the sound source is in the liquid. The material and/or structure of the wall of the sound-producing element is provided to be such that the distance between the first surface and the second surface of the wall varies as sound is produced. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110315471 | PIEZOTUBE BOREHOLE SEISMIC SOURCE - A piezoelectric borehole source capable of permanent or semipermanent insertion into a well for uninterrupted well operations is described. The source itself comprises a series of piezoelectric rings mounted to an insulative mandrel internally sized to fit over a section of well tubing, the rings encased in a protective housing and electrically connected to a power source. Providing an AC voltage to the rings will cause expansion and contraction sufficient to create a sonic pulse. The piezoelectric borehole source fits into a standard well, and allows for uninterrupted pass-through of production tubing, and other tubing and electrical cables. Testing using the source may be done at any time, even concurrent with well operations, during standard production. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120145475 | Apparatus and method for generating and propagating polarized acousto-elastic waves - The invention is a polarized seismic wave generator used within a cavity for propagating polarized acousto-elastic shockwaves into surrounding cavity strata. The invention comprises segments with orient-able acousto-elastic shockwave sources, the segment also having shockwave mitigation material. Each shockwave source is configured to generate acousto-elastic shockwaves into surrounding cavity strata, whereby the shockwave mitigation material decouples the generated wave fields. Each segment is constructed to fix the relative azimuthal orientation and vertical inclination of the acousto-elastic shockwave sources. The invention also comprises a frame with a major axis oriented in a vertical relationship with respect to the cavity, the frame holding each segment in a fixed position relative to other segments within the cavity. The invention includes a frame loading segment for loading and fixing the frame within the cavity in a desired azimuthal orientation, and an ignition element for controlling the initiation, sequence and timing of detonation of acousto-elastic shockwave sources. Each segment is aligned in The frame by a frame alignment element. The seismic wave generator may include a stabilizing element for stabilizing the frame in the cavity, and may further include a coupling element for coupling the frame to the cavity; | 06-14-2012 |
| 20130284534 | WHEEL LIFTING APPARATUS - The invention is an electric powered mechanism for lifting and lowering at the wheels for an electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. Preferably a foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground in a rapid progression, acoustic energy is created and delivered into the ground for geophones to sense and record. The electric powered wheel mechanism may be utilized to bring the foot of the rod or piston in contact with the ground or in closer proximity to the ground or level the source prior to emitting the seismic energy or to adjust weight on the acoustic energy delivery system while seismic energy is being delivered. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20140060957 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING PARAMETERS OF A SEISMIC SOURCE ARRAY - A method for selecting parameters of a seismic source array comprising a plurality of source elements each having a notional source spectrum is described, the method comprising calculating a ghost response function of the array; calculating directivity effects of the array; and adjusting the parameters of the array such that the directivity effects of the array are compensated by the ghost response to minimize angular variation of a far field response in a predetermined frequency range. A method for determining a phase center of a seismic source array is also related, the method comprising calculating a far field spectrum of the array at predetermined spherical angles, and minimizing the phase difference between the farfield spectra within a predetermined frequency range by adjusting a vertical reference position from which the spherical angles are defined. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140374188 | DEVICES FOR EXCITING SEISMIC VIBRATIONS - A device for exciting seismic vibrations includes a hydraulic cylinder comprising first and second caps; a partition configured to divide the cylinder into first and second chambers; a rod and piston assembly configured to move in the first chamber; an actuator connected to a rod of the assembly; a first plate connected to the assembly and configured to move in the second chamber; a waveguide configured to move in the second chamber; and a second plate connected to the waveguide. The assembly comprises an axial through channel in a body of the assembly. The actuator is configured to move the rod of the assembly in the through channel between first and second positions. In the first position, a first flow is prevented between first and second sides of the first plate. In the second position, the first flow is allowed between the first and second sides of the first plate. | 12-25-2014 |
| 181114000 | Vehicle-mounted | 4 |
| 20120037444 | CONSTANT HOLDDOWN WEIGHT FOR VIBRATORY SEISMIC SOURCES - The invention relates to maintaining constant holddown force on the vibrator baseplate during actuation. The invention described measures the weight on the point of locomotion verses the baseplate and dynamically adjusts the forces required to keep the holddown force on the baseplate constant. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20130140106 | TRUCK-MOUNTED VIBRATORY SOURCE AND METHOD - Method and land-based system for generating seismic signals. The system includes a vehicle configured to move to a desired location above ground, the vehicle having a first end and a second end, opposite to the first end; a vibratory source configured to generate seismic waves into the ground; a lifting system connecting the first end of the vehicle to the vibratory source and configured to lift or lower the vibratory source relative to the ground; and a balancing device connected to the second end of the vehicle and configured to lift the second end of the vehicle from the ground. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130284535 | DISCRETE ELECTRIC SEISMIC SOURCE - The invention is an electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. Preferably, a foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground in a rapid progression, acoustic energy is created and delivered into the ground for geophones to sense and record. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20140196976 | METHOD OF OPTIMIZING SEISMIC VIBRATOR OUTPUT FORCE - A method of controlling a seismic vehicle may include estimating at least one orientation parameter for the seismic vehicle and controlling at least one operating parameter in view of the estimated orientation parameter(s). In non-limiting arrangements, the control may relate to re-positioning the seismic vehicle, adjusting value of a hold-down force or target drive force, and/or updating a seismic data acquisition database. | 07-17-2014 |
| 181116000 | Explosive | 4 |
| 20080277194 | Engine and technique for generating an acoustic signal - A device for generating an acoustic signal in a fluid includes an engine operable to repeat a thermodynamic process to vibrate a membrane of the engine to generate an acoustic signal having more than one period. The thermodynamic process includes heating mass inside a chamber of an engine to generate pressure inside the chamber; in response to generating the pressure, moving in a first direction a portion of a membrane of the engine; removing mass from inside the chamber to decrease the pressure inside the chamber; and in response to decreasing the pressure inside the chamber, moving the membrane portion in a second direction. Because the engine repeats the thermodynamic process, the engine can generate and sustain an acoustic signal for a significant amount of time. In addition, because the heat in the engine's chamber is generated by a chemical reaction, the engine may quickly generate a significant amount of pressure inside the chamber to quickly accelerate the membrane, and thus generate a powerful acoustic signal. Furthermore, various properties of the membrane and/or the thermodynamic process may be modified to tune the acoustic signal to a desired frequency and/or amplitude. Thus, the engine may be effectively used to generate acoustic signals for a number of different purposes, such detecting and ranging objects in a region, and in a number of different marine environments, such as a littoral environment that contains a large amount of noise, or a deep sea environment at high water pressure. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20110155500 | DEVICE FOR IMPROVED METHOD OF BLASTING - An explosive cartridge comprising:
| 06-30-2011 |
| 20130118828 | SYSTEM FOR COUPLING AN OVERPRESSURE WAVE TO A TARGET MEDIA - An improved system for coupling a generated overpressure wave to a target media includes a coupling chamber and an interface between the coupling chamber and a target media. Pressure produced in the coupling chamber by a generated overpressure wave is applied to the interface thereby converting the pressure in the coupling chamber into a force that produces a conducted acoustic wave in the target media. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20140326531 | System and Method for Coupling an Overpressure Wave to a Target Media - An improved seismic exploration system and method involves an overpressure wave generator for generating an overpressure wave and a coupling component for converting a pressure of said generated overpressure wave into a force that produces a conducted acoustic wave in a target media. The coupling component includes a coupling chamber, a push plate assembly including a top plate, piston rod, and an earth plate, a movement constraining vessel including a stabilizing component for constraining movement of the push plate assembly and a sealing component for substantially sealing the coupling component, and a stop component for preventing the movement constraining vessel from striking the earth plate. | 11-06-2014 |
| 181119000 | Fluid means | 15 |
| 20090114473 | SHEAR WAVE GENERATOR - A shear wave generator for use subsea, including an excitation unit that is fastened to a top plate; a skirt, the upper end of which is fastened sealingly to the top plate and extending downward to an open lower end of the skirt, such that the top plate and skirt form a closed space by lowering to the seabed; and a pump arranged with fluid communication between the space and the surroundings, such that by pumping water out of the space, an underpressure is formed acting to suck the shear wave generator fixedly to and partly into the seabed, and by pumping water into the space, an overpressure is formed acting to lift the shear wave generator up from the seabed. The shear wave generator is distinguished in that the skirt is formed with a larger outer diameter or width at its upper end than at its lower end. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20130264141 | Devices and Systems for Controlling Harmonic Distortion in Seismic Sources - A seismic source signal apparatus for generating a seismic source signal may include a seismic source component for coupling a reaction mass to the earth; a controllable valve operatively connected to the seismic source component; and a controller controlling the controllable valve with a primary control signal generated by using a model of a response of the controllable valve over a selected operating range. The model is used to reduce nonlinearity in flow versus displacement response of the controllable valve. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130333974 | SOURCE ACQUISITION WITH MULTIPLE FREQUENCY COMPONENTS - A seismic source array includes a first source and a second source. The first source has a first spectral output and the second source has a second spectral output different than the first spectral output. The first source has a first total volume different than a second total volume of the second source. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140238772 | DEVICE FOR MARINE SEISMIC EXPLORATIONS FOR DEPOSITS - An air gun for use in generating seismic energy impulses operable at pressures below 1000 psi that reduces high frequencies and cavitation around the discharge of the air gun in order to mitigate damage to the marine environment, the air gun providing a sliding seal at the firing piston, an extension of port widths beyond the diameter of the firing piston and capability to control the speed of the shuttle assembly to reduce and eliminate some of the possible causes of the objectionable high frequencies and cavitation. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140262595 | FLUID DISTRIBUTION DEVICE - Techniques are disclosed herein relating to distribution of fluids. These techniques may be useful in, for example, supplying pressurized air to seismic sources (or arrays of seismic sources), such as those used in marine seismic operations. Some embodiments of this disclosure include a pipe that passes through a fluid distribution block. The pipe may be configured such that it is able to slide along and/or twist about a longitudinal axis of the distribution block. This technique may reduce the effects of the various stresses that may operate on marine seismic source equipment as it is towed through a body of water. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20150122574 | AIRGUN OPERATING CHAMBER LINERS - Various implementations described herein are directed to a method of performing a seismic survey operation. The method may include receiving a target acoustic output for a seismic survey. The method may include selecting an operating chamber liner for an airgun to be used in a seismic survey that corresponds to the target acoustic output. The method may also include performing a seismic survey using the airgun having the selected operating chamber liner. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150129349 | DEVICE FOR MARINE SEISMIC EXPLORATIONS FOR DEPOSITS - An air gun for use in generating seismic energy impulses operable at pressures below 1000 psi that reduces high frequencies and cavitation around the discharge of the air gun in order to mitigate damage to the marine environment, the air gun providing a sliding seal at the firing piston, an extension of port widths beyond the diameter of the firing piston and capability to control the speed of the shuttle assembly to reduce and eliminate some of the possible causes of the objectionable high frequencies and cavitation. | 05-14-2015 |
| 181120000 | Underwater | 8 |
| 20100252356 | ATTENUATING OUT OF BAND ENERGY EMITTED FROM SEISMIC SOURCES - A method for attenuating out of band energy emitted from a seismic source used in a marine seismic survey. The method includes disposing the seismic source in a body of water and releasing a gas into a volume of water surrounding the seismic source. The released gas may be configured such that it displaces the volume of water surrounding the seismic source at a rate less than 2.9×10 | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100320027 | Device for marine seismic exploration for deposits - The device hereof is most preferably an improved performance air gun as sound source for marine seismic exploration for petroleum deposits and it most generally is comprised of, an elongated cylindrical housing bored from each end to a fixed radial wall separating the two bores. The fixed radial wall having a through bore for hollow shaft of air control and release shuttle assembly to reciprocate within. The wall having fixed groove for elastomer shaft seal rings to seal around outside diameter of shuttle shaft and drilled passages for water entry to lubricate shaft seals. Air control end of shuttle assembly having set and release flange and internal bearing. Air release end of shuttle assembly cup shaped air release flange with bearing around outside diameter and seal means. Air control end of cylindrical housing having end cap drilled for air input means. The Air control end cap having bolt on shuttle support shaft with piston rings air input means air valving means and orifice means. The Release air end of cylindrical housing having attachable release air chamber sealing means and two air exhaust ports spaced opposite each other. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110162906 | MARINE SEISMIC SOURCE - A marine seismic source comprises a housing having a central axis, an open end, and a closed end opposite the open end. In addition, the seismic source includes a piston extending coaxially through the open end of the housing. The piston is adapted to axially reciprocate relative to the housing. Further, the piston has a first end distal the housing and a second end disposed within the housing. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20120090914 | Attenuating Out of Band Energy Emitted From Seismic Sources - A method for attenuating out of band energy emitted from a seismic source used in a marine seismic survey. The method includes disposing the seismic source in a body of water and releasing a gas into a volume of water surrounding the seismic source. The released gas may be configured such that it displaces the volume of water surrounding the seismic source at a rate less than 2.9×10 | 04-19-2012 |
| 20130001007 | DIGITAL AIR GUN - A marine air gun generates an acoustic signal in water, for example, during a marine seismic survey. The marine air gun includes digital electronic circuitry. The digital electronic circuitry may control an actuator of the marine air gun, digitize and store data from sensors located on or near the marine air gun, send and/or receive digital communications, store and/or output electrical energy, and/or perform other functions. A marine seismic source system that includes multiple air gun clusters may have a separate digital communication link between a command center and each air gun cluster. Each communication link may provide power and digital communication between the command center and one of the air gun clusters. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130092469 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING DIRECTED SEISMIC WAVES IN WATER - A disclosed seismic source assembly includes a body having a cavity and a seismic source positioned in the cavity. The cavity is in fluid communication with the water via an aperture oriented in a first direction. One or more surfaces of the body define a water contact significantly larger than an area of the aperture and on a side opposite the first direction. A described method includes forming a source assembly by: providing a cavity having an aperture for transmitting seismic waves; rigidly attaching a base to a side of the cavity opposite the aperture, where a transverse area of the base is significantly larger than an area of the aperture; and positioning a seismic source in the cavity. The source assembly is submerged in the water and triggered. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130112495 | Marine Seismic Source - The invention concerns a device for emitting seismic waves designed to operate by being towed by a vessel, characterized in that it comprises means capable of discharging compressed air under high pressure into water, to generate a bubble (44) of a general annular shape. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20160047923 | Compliance Chambers for Marine Vibrators - Marine vibrators and methods of use are disclosed. A marine vibrator may comprise a containment housing, where the containment housing comprises a marine vibrator internal volume, wherein the marine vibrator internal volume comprises a first gas at a first gas pressure. The marine vibrator may further comprise a sound radiating surface. The marine vibrator may additionally comprise a compliance chamber in contact with the first gas, wherein the compliance chamber comprises a chamber housing and a moveable structure, wherein at least the chamber housing and the moveable structure form a compliance chamber internal volume which holds a second gas at a second gas pressure, wherein the moveable structure is configured to move in response to a change in the first gas pressure, and wherein the compliance chamber is configured to condense the second gas in response to compression of the marine vibrator internal volume by the moveable structure. | 02-18-2016 |
| 181121000 | Moving weight | 18 |
| 20090321175 | Seismic vibrator - A seismic vibrator includes a transducer, a reactive mass, a base plate to couple motion of the reactive mass to subsurface formations and a linkage system configured to couple motion of the transducer to the reactive mass and the base plate. The linkage system cooperates with the reactive mass and the transducer to define a first resonant frequency and a second resonant frequency within a range of 1 to 300 Hz. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100071989 | Apparatus and Method for Generating a Seismic Source Signal - A seismic source signal generator includes a mass, a primary accumulator and a secondary accumulator, the secondary accumulator having an internal volume smaller than an internal volume of the primary accumulator. A method for generating a signal using a seismic vibrator includes operating the seismic vibrator using hydraulic fluid, damping hydraulic pressure deviations in the hydraulic fluid using a first accumulator in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic fluid, and damping pressure deviations in the hydraulic fluid using a second accumulator in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic fluid, the second accumulator having an internal volume smaller than an internal volume of the first accumulator. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100276224 | Seismic Vibrator Controlled by Directly Detecting Base Plate Motion - A seismic vibrator has a base plate with at least four isolators isolating a frame from the base plate. Each of these isolators is offset from the plate's footprint on shelves to free up area on the plate's top surface. An accelerometer disposed directly on the base plate detects the acceleration imparted to the plate. To reduce flexing and bending, the plate has an increased stiffness and approximately the same mass of a plate for a comparably rated vibrator. The accelerometer disposes at a particular location of the plate that experiences transition between longitudinal flexing along the plate's length. This transition location better represents the actual acceleration of the plate during vibration and avoids overly increased and decreased acceleration readings that would be obtained from other locations on the plate. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20110139537 | Magnetic mass-lift impulsive seismic energy source including repelling electromagnets and reaction mass damping - A seismic energy source includes a base plate having a first electromagnet thereon. A reaction mass has a second electromagnet thereon. A switchable current source is connected to the first and second electromagnets such that the first electromagnet repels the second electromagnet. At least one damper is functionally connected between the reaction mass and the base plate. The damper is configured to enable faster movement of the reaction mass away from the base plate than toward the base plate. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110180346 | Determining the Polarity of Movement of an Actuator Mass in a Seismic Vibrator - A technique or mechanism for use with a vibrator to be employed for subterranean surveying includes receiving, from a sensor, a unipolar indication of movement of an actuator mass of the vibrator. According to the indication from the sensor, a correlation is determined between the movement of the actuator mass and a reference signal provided to cause movement of the actuator mass. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110198148 | SEISMIC TRANSDUCERS AND BASEPLATES HAVING EXTERNAL DAMPENERS AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and systems are provided for inducing seismic vibrations into subterranean formations. Seismic transducers may comprise a frame, a reaction mass, a driver, and a baseplate. The driver actuates the reaction mass, imparting a vibratory energy to the baseplate. This vibratory energy is then imparted directly to the ground surface to propagate seismic waves into the formation. These seismic waves are then reflected by subsurface geological features. The reflected seismic waves may then be detected and interpreted by seismic detectors to reveal seismic information representative of the surveyed region. An external dampener may be secured to the baseplate, which provide, among other benefits, a damping effect to the baseplate. Advantages include, reduced undesirable baseplate harmonic distortion or “ringing,” reduced baseplate decoupling, and reduced seismic noise due to flexure reduction and more uniform baseplate-to-ground conformance. These advantages ultimately translate to improved seismic surveys, having higher formation resolution and reaching greater depths. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110297476 | MARINE MECHANICAL SEISMIC SOURCE - A marine seismic source comprises a housing having a central axis, an open end, and a closed end opposite the open end. In addition, the source comprises a piston coaxially disposed within the housing. In addition, the source comprises a flywheel disposed within the housing and axially positioned between the closed end and the piston. The flywheel is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. Further, the source comprises a connecting rod moveably coupling the piston to the flywheel. The connecting rod has a first end pivotally coupled to the piston and a second end pivotally coupled to the flywheel. The second end of the connecting rod has a first position at a first distance measured radially from the rotational axis, and a second position at a second distance measured radially from the rotational axis. The first distance is less than the second distance. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20120037445 | METHOD FOR CREATING AN IMPROVED SWEEP FOR A SEISMIC SOURCE - An adapted seismic vibrator for obtaining a true ground force comprising: a baseplate pad; a baseplate drive system, wherein the drive system is connected to the baseplate pad and moves the baseplate pad up and down; a vibrator controller electronics, wherein the electronics are connected to the drive system and causes the drive system to move the baseplate pad up and down; and a plurality of load cell sensors disposed between the baseplate pad and ground, wherein the sensors measure the vibrator output force during a sweep. A method of obtaining a true ground force sweep comprising the steps of: using the load cell sensors to measure an actual output force of a seismic vibrator and electronics to obtain an actual ground force data; using inversion to invert the actual ground force data and desired original pilot sweep to obtain a revised pilot sweep that produces a true ground force sweep; and entering the true ground force sweep into the electronics. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037446 | UNIFORM DISPLACEMENT SWEEP - This invention relates to operating a seismic vibrator to produce a uniform displacement sweep wherein the baseplate drive is connected to the baseplate and the baseplate is moved in an up and down or reciprocating pattern creating displacement of the earth. The reciprocating pattern and physical displacement of the baseplate and the ground in contact with the baseplate is maintained at a relatively constant distance over at least most of the frequencies that are delivered into the earth although a constant displacement of the baseplate at higher frequencies will require greater power. The high frequency energy is more significantly present in the data traces of the recorded return wavefield and shows that Q attenuation is not fully to blame for the relative absence of high frequency data but rather in failing to effectively deliver high frequency energy into the earth in the first place. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120061172 | COUPLING STRUCTURE FOR RESONANT GYROSCOPE - A coupling structure for a resonant microgyroscope produced on a substrate, wherein the coupling structure enables a vibratory movement provided by an excitation mechanism to be detected along a first axis, and enables it to be transmitted to seismic masses lying in a plane containing the first axis. The coupling structure includes a closed assembly of beams connected to the seismic masses so as to be anchored only to the seismic masses, wherein the assembly is positioned to detect the vibratory movement provided by the excitation mechanism, and to transmit it to the seismic masses along at least a second axis contained in the plane, wherein the coupling structure has no point of anchorage to the substrate. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120145476 | SEISMIC SOURCE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - A seismic source of the present disclosure includes a first rotation member and a second rotation member having a common axis of rotation and rotated at a same rotational rate in mutually opposite directions. In addition, the seismic source may include a first mass that is eccentrically coupled to the first rotation member and rotates along with the first rotation member. A second mass may be eccentrically coupled to the second rotation member and configured to rotate along with that member. The second mass may be configured such that the center of gravity of the second mass is located radially external to the center of gravity of the first mass relative to the common axis of rotation. The center of gravities of the first and second mass may be located at the same location along a length of the common axis of rotation. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20130256055 | SEISMIC VIBRATOR HAVING AIRWAVE SUPPRESSION - A seismic vibrator includes a baseplate having a surface configured to couple to a ground surface. A driver is coupled to the baseplate and is configured to move the baseplate in a vibratory manner. A decoupling system is coupled to a part of the baseplate other than the ground-contacting surface. The decoupling system includes a first layer having a Young's modulus greater than that of a second layer coupled to the first layer. The second layer is coupled to the baseplate. The Young's moduli, thicknesses and masses of the first and second layer are selected to provide the decoupling system with a resonant frequency of at most, a spatial aliasing frequency of seismic sensors deployed on the ground surface or a lowest seismic frequency of interest. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20140060958 | HETERODYNED ECCENTRIC VIBRATOR - The invention relates to delivering seismic energy with rotating eccentrics where the eccentrics are driven at relatively high, but different rotational rates create a heterodyned frequency of seismic energy into the earth. The rotating eccentrics may be rotated in opposite directions to deliver pressure waves or in the same direction to create a shear component to the seismic impulses. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140102824 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SOUND PULSES WITHIN BORE HOLES - An impulse sound source for geophysical studies of the earth for oil, gas and other natural resource exploration and more specifically a streamlined design of a hydraulically controlled sound source that may be inserted into oil wells and bore holes for analysis of geological formations deep beneath the earth's surface. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140238773 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PNEUMATIC CONTROL FOR VIBRATOR SOURCE ELEMENT - Method, source array and source element that generate seismic waves. The source element includes an enclosure having an opening covered by a piston; a local supply accumulator fluidly communicating with an interior of the enclosure, a pressure of the fluid inside the local supply accumulator being larger than a pressure of the fluid inside the enclosure; a local supply valve located between the local supply accumulator and the enclosure and configured to control a flow of the fluid from the local supply accumulator to the interior of the enclosure; and a controller configured to control the local supply valve such that the pressure inside the enclosure does not fall below a first preset value based upon an ambient pressure of the enclosure while seismic waves are generated. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140262596 | CONTROLLABLE SEISMIC SOURCE - An apparatus for generating seismic waves includes a housing, a strike surface within the housing, and a hammer movably disposed within the housing. An actuator induces a striking motion in the hammer such that the hammer impacts the strike surface as part of the striking motion. The actuator is selectively adjustable to change characteristics of the striking motion and characteristics of seismic waves generated by the impact. The hammer may be modified to change the physical characteristics of the hammer, thereby changing characteristics of seismic waves generated by the hammer. The hammer may be disposed within a removable shock cavity, and the apparatus may include two hammers and two shock cavities positioned symmetrically about a center of the apparatus. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20150083519 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY SEISMIC RECORDS WITHIN BORE HOLES - A sound source for geophysical studies of the earth for oil, gas and other natural resource exploration and more specifically a streamlined design of a hydraulically controlled impulsive sound source that may be inserted into oil wells and bore holes and a system and method for obtaining high quality seismic records from the impulsive sound source by adjusting and maintaining pressures within the well or bore hole. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150378037 | PNEUMATIC CONTROL FOR MARINE SEISMIC SOURCE AND METHOD - Method, source and shuttle configured to generate acoustic waves under water. The shuttle includes a firing piston closing a firing chamber and contributing to holding the compressed gas, and a transitional region connected to the firing piston. The firing chamber and the transitional region define a most restrictive area through which the compressed gas is released toward the at least one exhaust port, the most restrictive area is substantially smooth while the movable shuttle moves toward the open position, and a profile of the transitional region is selected to reduce a high-frequency content of the acoustic waves. | 12-31-2015 |
