Abstract: Apparatus and methods to operationally deploy land-based seismic nodes. An autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle includes apparatus for placing, monitoring, testing, servicing, and collecting nodes in a harsh environment such as, e.g., tundra or desert. Associated methods of node deployment and retrieval are disclosed including a ‘rollover deployment.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which uses directly modulated InGaN Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or InGaN lasers as the transmitters for an underwater data-communication device. The receiver uses automatic gain control to facilitate performance of the apparatus over a wide-range of distances and water turbidities.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which uses directly modulated InGaN Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or InGaN lasers as the transmitters for an underwater data-communication device. The receiver uses automatic gain control to facilitate performance of the apparatus over a wide-range of distances and water turbidities.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to operationally link (couple/decouple) a plurality of relatively massive, complimentary payload platforms (i.e., suspended machinery and ROV) at relatively deep working depths in an unstable marine environment (water column) while the payload platforms are in-transit. An apparatus includes a suspended machinery, an ROV, a capture collar, an extendable/retractable harpoon, and actuating machinery to controllably effect extension and retraction thereof. A method includes providing an in-transit suspended machinery having a capture collar, providing an in-transit ROV having an extendable/retractable harpoon, approaching the in-transit suspended machinery with the ROV, maneuvering the ROV so as to bring an end of the partially extended harpoon into aligned proximity with the capture collar, and further extending the harpoon so that it securely engages the capture collar.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The vessel includes a cable storage device disposed on a deck of the vessel, a workstation disposed on the vessel, a ramp at least partially disposed on the deck, and a node storage and handling system disposed on the vessel. The node storage and handling system comprises a cable handler disposed between the cable storage device and the ramp, the cable handler having a cable disposed thereon and the cable defining a cable path passing over the workstation during a node deployment or retrieval operation, a node storage rack positioned between a bow and a stern of the vessel, and at least one conveyor belt to transfer nodes between the workstation and the node storage rack.

Abstract: A wireless seismic data acquisition unit with a wireless receiver providing access to a common remote time reference shared by a plurality of wireless seismic data acquisition units in a seismic system. The receiver is capable of replicating local version of remote time epoch to which a seismic sensor analog-to-digital converter is synchronized. The receiver is capable of replicating local version of remote common time reference for the purpose of time stamping local node events. The receiver is capable of being placed in a low power, non-operational state over periods of time during which the seismic data acquisition unit continues to record seismic data, thus conserving unit battery power. The system implements a method to correct the local time clock based on intermittent access to the common remote time reference. The method corrects the local time clock via a voltage controlled oscillator to account for environmentally induced timing errors.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the temperature of a battery located within a seismic node is disclosed herein. The device comprising a geophone, having a coil configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a seismic vibration; a circuit configured to measure a value of an electrical property of the coil; a nontransitory storage medium storing program code, configured to convert the electrical property to a temperature.

Abstract: The transmission system combines a self-contained, wireless seismic acquisition unit and a wireless, line of site, communications unit to form a plurality of individual short-range transmission networks and also a mid-range, line of sight transmission network. Each seismic unit has a power source, a short-range transmitter/receiver disposed within a casing and a geophone disposed within the casing. Each wireless communications unit is formed of an elongated support structure on which is mounted an independent power source, mid-range radio transmitter/receiver; and a short-range transmitter/receiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the short-range transmitter/receiver of the acquisition unit. Preferably, when deployed, the acquisition unit is buried under the surface of the ground, while the wireless communications unit is positioned in the near vicinity of the buried unit so as to vertically protrude above the ground.

Abstract: A method of performing a seismic survey including: deploying nodal seismic sensors at positions in a survey region; activating a plurality of seismic sources; and using the nodal seismic sensors to record seismic signals generated in response to the activation of the plurality of signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to operationally link (couple/decouple) a plurality of relatively massive, complimentary payload platforms (i.e., suspended machinery and ROV) at relatively deep working depths in an unstable marine environment (water column) while the payload platforms are in-transit. An apparatus includes a suspended machinery, an ROV, a capture collar, an extendable/retractable harpoon, and actuating machinery to controllably effect extension and retraction thereof. A method includes providing an in-transit suspended machinery having a capture collar, providing an in-transit ROV having an extendable/retractable harpoon, approaching the in-transit suspended machinery with the ROV, maneuvering the ROV so as to bring an end of the partially extended harpoon into aligned proximity with the capture collar, and further extending the harpoon so that it securely engages the capture collar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. In one embodiment, a method for performing a seismic survey in a water column is described. The method comprises providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cable handling device adjacent the cable storage device. The flexible cable comprises a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in the water column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes the workstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the water column.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which uses directly modulated InGaN Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or InGaN lasers as the transmitters for an underwater data-communication device. The receiver uses automatic gain control to facilitate performance of the apparatus over a wide-range of distances and water turbidities.

Abstract: Machinery and methods are described whereby a free flying, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) can safely capture and take on board lightly managed seismic sensor devices (payload) while they are in-transit via a surface vessel in a (deep) water column. ROV payload can be replenished without the need for the ROV to return to the surface vessel to receive additional payload and to do so without the need for heavy launch and recovery machinery. The reverse process of returning payload from the ROV to the surface vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A real-time, marine acoustic monitoring system and method for detecting, tracking, recording, analyzing, communicating and otherwise obtaining and manipulating data indicative of marine presence and/or activity, and using such data to avoid or mitigate detrimental impact on the marine environment. The system includes sub-sea instrumentation packages (SPs) including sensors recording acoustic signals and other sensor data that allow elapsed and/or real-time, in-situ data communications and control of the individual instrumentation packages and system configuration. Each SP may have wireless, acoustic, and/or optical modules or components to enable the communication between SPs and/or other collection points such as surface vessels, ROVs, sub-sea transceivers, or AUVs.

Abstract: A method of performing a seismic survey including: deploying nodal seismic sensors at positions in a survey region; activating a plurality of seismic sources; and using the nodal seismic sensors to record seismic signals generated in response to the activation of the plurality of signals.

Abstract: A computing system and method for determining the x, y energy receiver (node) positions regardless of the angle at which the energy was released from the source. The process and computing system involves an iterative looping technique that is executed in data processing software wherein an initial model position based on, in essence, a best guess as to a node's location, followed with the iterative process of statistically comparing model data to actual data and then adjusting the model position by some predetermined amount and comparing this new result to the actual data to determine if the newly adjusted position is statistically better or worse than the originally selected position assumption. The process can be repeated using continuously smaller distance adjustments to the previously determined best position. Once satisfied that the true best position has been achieved, the processing can cease and the XY position data may be used in the normal course of generating seismic maps.

Abstract: A coupler for a cable includes a body portion having integral first and second ends and an integral gate having a key entry region, wherein the body portion has a free space at least partially enclosed by an inner surface of the body portion and the gate. A complimentary coupling ring includes an integral perimetal body having a head section, a foot section, and two arm sections therebetween, wherein at least one of the arm sections has a key region, wherein the key region consists of a solid, integral portion of the at least one arm section. A coupler/coupling ring assembly comprises a coupler and a coupling ring that is removeably engageable with the coupler. The coupler/coupling ring assembly is suited for interconnecting lengths of cable, particularly suited for, but not limited to, undersea applications such as attaching a seismic data recording device to the coupler via the coupling ring.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) including a deployable anchor and a method for operating an AUV having a deployable anchor in a hover mode.

Abstract: An item storage, dispensing, and receiving apparatus includes a frame assembly having a height and length, including at least one section thereof having two opposing side wall sections, wherein each opposing side wall section includes vertically spaced rails disposed on an inner surface thereof such that each rail on a respective side wall section is located opposite a corresponding rail on the opposing side wall section, further wherein the at least one section has an open space fully extending between the vertically spaced rails between the two opposing side wall sections over the height and length, and a conveyance mechanism located within the open space along at least a portion of the length, wherein the conveyance mechanism is movable in a vertical direction in the open space along the height.

Abstract: A payload control apparatus includes a spring-line a spring line actuating mechanism, a spring line flying sheave over which a load line can pass, and a spring line, wherein the spring line flying sheave can move into a position either where the flying sheave is spaced from and in non-contact with or contacting but non-path-altering in relation to the load line, further wherein the spring-line flying sheave can be moved into another position such that the flying sheave engages the load-line and alters its path length. Thus, when a marine surface vessel falls in a heave event that would otherwise cause the payload at the end of the load line to fall as well, the flying sheave will move to increase the path length causing a shortening of the path length, thereby preventing the payload from falling.