Abstract: An airborne time domain electromagnetic survey system is provided. The system and apparatus of the present invention are able to address the interest in exploring base metals and uranium deposits at depths approaching 1 kilometer. It encompasses a transmitter coil having a large magnetic dipole moment, flight stability, which is light weight, compatible with small helicopters, and can be transported, setup and repaired in the field. It is of a semi-rigid modular structure that can decrease the incidence of damage or breakage during take-off or landing in rough terrain.

Abstract: A tow assembly for an airborne electromagnetic surveying system, comprising: a semi-rigid transmitter coil frame supporting a transmitter coil, the transmitter coil frame being formed from a plurality of serially connected frame sections forming a loop, the transmitter coil frame having articulating joints at a plurality of locations about a circumference thereof enabling the transmitter coil frame to at least partially bend at the articulating joints; and a suspension assembly for towing the transmitter coil frame behind an aircraft, the suspension assembly comprising a plurality of ropes and attached to the circumference of the transmitter coil frame at spaced apart locations.

Abstract: A suspension net is provided for distributing tension forces from a tow rope to an electromagnetic bird used for geophysical surveying. The suspension net allows large transmitter loop sizes, and the net structure generally avoids rope confusions that can occur during lift-up.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a HTEM system that includes a semi-rigid bucking coil and an algorithm to determine the magnetic field B from the measured signal dB/dt. The bucking coil may be positioned in a concentric coplanar manner relative to a transmitter coil and receiver coil, in order to minimize spurious signals at the receiver coil during data acquisition time. Signals gathered by the system may be further processed by a signal processing means. Moreover, measurements performed upon data generated by the system may be performed upon the entire period of a current waveform applied to the transmitter and bucking coils.

Abstract: A method and system for geophysical surveying. A non-rigid airship having a self-supporting gas envelope and propulsion units coupled to the gas envelope, the propulsion units being configured to control the steering and altitude of the airship without the aid of a rudder or elevators, is provided with geophysical survey equipment, and geophysical data is collected while flying the airship. Also a method for geophysical surveying that includes providing a first airship with a first set of geophysical survey equipment, providing a second airship with a second set of geophysical survey equipment that is complimentary to the first set, and conducting an airborne geophysical survey by flying the first airship and the second airship along a designated flight path within a predetermined range of each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a double-suspension receiver coil apparatus and system for conducting electromagnetic surveys including, both ground-based and airborne measurements. The present invention includes at least one receiver coil suspended by way of first suspension members within an inner frame and said inner frame being suspended by second suspension members within an inner ring which is further enclosed within an outer frame. The double-suspension receiver coil apparatus functions so as to maintain the receiver coil position while minimizing vibrations in order to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio and enable accurate measurements. The receiver coil may be in an airborne system in a near-horizontal position or in a ground system in a vertical position.

Abstract: A method for identifying a possible porphyry copper deposit which includes flying an airborne sensor over a survey area measuring natural electromagnetic fields in the survey area, and then determining, in dependence on the measured natural electromagnetic fields, if one or more sub-areas in the survey area have a resistivity pattern that corresponds to a predetermined resistivity signature for a porphyry copper deposit.

Abstract: An airborne time domain electromagnetic survey system is provided. The system and apparatus of the present invention are able to address the interest in exploring base metals and uranium deposits at depths approaching 1 kilometer. It encompasses a transmitter coil having a large magnetic dipole moment, flight stability, which is light weight, compatible with small helicopters, and can be transported, setup and repaired in the field. It is of a semi-rigid modular structure that can decrease the incidence of damage or breakage during take-off or landing in rough terrain.

Abstract: An airborne time domain electromagnetic surveying system is provided. The system includes a tow assembly with a flexible support frame. The flexible support frame spaced apart from the aircraft includes a transmitter section with a transmitter loop and a receiver section with a sensor aligned with the central axis of the transmitter section. The flexible support frame has a lightweight modular structure that enables the surface area of the transmitter section to be increased and decreased to suit particular survey applications. The transmitter loop sends a pulse in an “ON” interval, and in an “OFF” interval the sensor measures the earth response to the pulse. The tow assembly also includes a sensor for generating selected survey data in the “ON” interval. A transmitter driver enables the creation of earthbound pulse. The system components are linked to a computer and control computer program linked thereto for controlling the functions thereof.