Abstract:
The present invention provides an underwater cable arrangement includes an underwater cable having one or more external devices mounted on the cable. In one form of the invention, the external devices are powered primarily or entirely by inductive coupling between a coil disposed in the cable and a coil disposed in the external device. The invention also provides a variety of external devices capable of use with an underwater cable. The invention further provides a coil support arrangement for supporting a coil within an underwater cable in a manner protecting a core of the coil from damage.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus of acquiring and processing seismic data. One or more controllers are each coupled to seismic sensors at to each other to form a line of data acquisition units. A main controller is coupled to a crossover line unit and to a power supply. Power and data control is distributed among the main controller, the crossover line controller, and each of the plurality of data acquisition units.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an accelerometer for measuring seismic data. The accelerometer includes a proof mass that is resiliently coupled to a support structure by folded beams, S-shaped balanced beams, straight beams, and/or folded beams with resonance damping. The support structure further includes travel stops for limiting transverse motion of the proof mass.
Abstract:
An accelerometer for measuring seismic data. The accelerometer includes a measurement mass assembly having top and bottom electrodes, a top capacitor electrode, and bottom capacitor electrode. One or more of the electrodes include re-entrant openings formed in the surface of the electrodes.
Abstract:
The invention includes a seismic data acquisition apparatus having a recorder (316) co-located with a sensor unit (320) in a seismic spread and a communication device for direct communication with a central recorder (202). A memory (408) located in the recorder and/or in the central controller holds location parameters associated with the sensor unit, and the parameters can be updated. Methods of seismic data acquisition including sensing seismic energy and recording the sensed energy at the sensor location, and delivering the recorded information to a central recorder by manually retrieving removable memory from each recorder, by wireless transmission of the information, or by removing the information from each recorder by inductive or cable connectors and a transfer device.
Abstract:
Provided is a permanent seafloor seismic recording system utilizing Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems seismic sensors. The system includes and expandable backbone, multiple hubs and sensor lines. The sensor lines include multiple sensor modules that include 3-C accelerometers and a hydrophone for providing a 4-C sensor module output signal.
Abstract:
A GPS-based underwater cable positioning system for use in determining the shape and position of hydrophone streamers (A, B, C, D) toward underwater behind survey vessels (V) involved in marine seismic prospecting. The system includes a plurality of surface units towed behind the vessel. Each surface unit includes a GPS receiver to receive radio frequency GPS signals and to determine its position. Each surface unit also has an acoustic transmitter to transmit an acoustic message signal representing its position and an optional time stamp into the water. Acoustic receiver units, attached spaced apart locations along one or more streamer cables, each include an acoustic receiver to receive the acoustic message signals from the surface units and to determine its position from the message signals. To augment the message signals from the surface units at locations distant from the surface units, acoustic tranceiver units may be used.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an adaptive filtering method (Fig. 5B) for substantially elimination ground roll noise encounterred during seismic data acquisition.(Fig 1) An apparatus for acquiring seismic data is provided that includes an adaptive filtering circuit (Fig.5B) coupled to a multi-axis sensor device.(305)
Abstract:
An in-water distributed control system for use in marine seismic survey. The system includes a shipboard interface and power supply coupled to an in-water subsystem via a high bandwidth communication link. The in-water subsystem includes a remote control module for generating firing commands based on synchronizing and position parameters transmitted by the interface. The remote control module transmits power, data, and commends to a plurality of gun control modules. Each gun control module operates an air gun. An individually addressable remote cut-off valve controls air to each air gun. Depth and pressure at the gun control module is sensed by at least one DT/PT module. An optional expansion unit provides additional DT/PT capability.
Abstract:
A graphical user interface (GUI) and control system (102) for controlling and testing an acoustic source (14). The control system includes real-time data processing (124) of individual source near-field measured signatures and synthesis of array far-field signatures. The control system (102) determines individual source out-of-specification conditions and computes far-field signatures based on an array configuration and, when applicable, excluding failed sources. Source, array, and troubleshooting information are presented to a user in real-time over a GUI monitor (126) to allow informed decision-making regarding continued and/or modified survey operations and operational parameters.