Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive system for controlling seismic data acquisition. A central controller controls seismic sources, detectors and receivers. A user/operator is provided one or more views of the operational components over a graphical user interface and is provided software to change parameters associated with the components. A second controller might be located in a seismic source vehicle. There exists two-way data and audio communication between the two controllers for providing dual control of the system. A field operator, relays information to and receives information from the central operator and controller. Together, the operators make decisions for selecting and operating system components.

Abstract: A seismic source signal generator having feed-forward control having pressure, current and/or valve position sensors that detect system component parameters. Initial and operating parameters are processed during source operation to remove, partially or wholly, harmonic distortions from the seismic source signal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A motion sensing element with position sensing includes a case, a magnet positioned within the case, a spring assembly having an electrically conductive member and a coil assembly coupled to the spring assembly. The coil assembly and magnet are moveable with respect to one another. A capacitor plate is proximate the electrically conductive member with a distance between the capacitor plate and electrically conductive member being variable as the magnet and coil assembly move. Leads connect the capacitor plate and electrically conductive member to a sensing circuit for estimating the relative positions of the magnet and coil assembly.

Abstract: An accelerometer (305) for measuring seismic data. The accelerometer (305) includes an integrated vent hole for use during a vacuum sealing process and a balanced metal pattern for reducing cap wafer bowing. The accelerometer (305) also includes a top cap press frame recess (405) and a bottom cap press frame recess (420) for isolating bonding pressures to specified regions of the accelerometer (305). The accelerometer (305) is vacuum-sealed and includes a balanced metal pattern (730) to prevent degradation of the performance of the accelerometer (305). A dicing process is performed on the accelerometer (305) to isolate the electrical leads of the accelerometer (305). The accelerometer (305) further includes overshock protection bumpers (720) and patterned metal electrodes to reduce stiction during the operation of the accelerometer (305).

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition system includes a connector housing and a mating electrical circuitry module. A single interface couples electrical circuitry housed in the electrical circuitry module to one or more signal data carriers that are consolidated at a single location in the connector housing. Preferably, the connector housing and electrical circuitry module each have a substantially contaminant-free interior regardless of whether these two parts are mated. An alternate connector housing has two plug casings, each of which are provided with a plug. A complementary alternate electrical circuitry module includes two receptacles complementary to the plugs and an interior space for holding the electrical circuitry. A locking pin disposed within the plug casing selectively engages the electrical circuitry module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital optical switch apparatus and process for manufacturing the apparatus. The apparatus includes a mirror assembly coupled to a top cap and to a bottom cap. The top and bottom caps each include one or more electrodes that, when energized with electrical energy, move a mirrored surface to one of a plurality of discrete positions. Mirror assemblies can be cascaded to create a packaged assembly having any multiple of discrete positions. The process includes planar micro-machining techniques to create isolated islands for electrical feed through. The process enables mechanical bonding of multiple tiers via a single bond region and through a bond-pad window.

Abstract: The invention describes a sensor array with digital signals transmitted over an optical fiber for seismic exploration systems. The seismic system includes a transducer for providing digital optical data signals and an optical interrogator for collecting the digital data. The transducer provides data from seismic sensors to the optical interrogator by acting on an optical carrier transmitted along the optical fiber. The system is designed to utilize known electromechanical seismic sensors with fiber optic telemetry.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling, acquiring and monitoring the acquisition of seismic data. The system includes remote equipment for collecting seismic data and for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from a remote location. The system also includes local equipment for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from the remote location. In this manner, the collection of seismic data at remote locations can be controlled and monitored locally.

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: A GPS-based underwater cable positioning system for use in determining the shape and position of hydrophone streamers towed underwater behind survey vessels 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 positions. 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 transceiver units may be used.

Abstract: An underwater cable arrangement includes systems and method for distributing and/or transferring power and/or data to internal devices and external devices disposed along an underwater cable. Under water coupling systems and underwater electrical devices may be used in the distribution and/or transfer of the power and/or data.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition system includes a connector housing and a mating electrical circuitry module. A single interface couples electrical circuitry housed in the electrical circuitry module to one or more signal data carriers that are consolidated at a single location in the connector housing. Preferably, the connector housing and electrical circuitry module each have a substantially contaminant-free interior regardless of whether these two parts are mated. An alternate connector housing has two plug casings, each of which are provided with a plug. A complementary alternate electrical circuitry module includes two receptacles complementary to the plugs and an interior space for holding the electrical circuitry. A locking pin disposed within the plug casing selectively engages the electrical circuitry module.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus (104) includes a plural different spatial direction axis of sensitivity positioned sensor package containing sensor module (305) supported by a planar surface (345) within a cavity (340) of a housing (205) coupled to a first end cap (210) by a PC-board connection (355). Housing (205) is further coupled to first end cap (210) by a first coupling member (315) and a second coupling member (320) and is also coupled to an opposite second end cap (215) by a third coupling member (320) and a fourth coupling member (325). Interface sealing members (330a, 330b, 330c, 330d) seal between housing (205) and first end cap (210). Interface sealing members (335a, 335b, 335c, 335d) seal between housing (205) and second end cap (215).

Abstract: A system for acquiring environmental information measurements. The 5 system (100) utilize a sensor, (205) a front-end circuit, (310) a loop filter (315), a switch controller (206), and a reduced-order loop control circuit to provide reliable data measurements while providing robust system behavior. The system further includes a sensor simulator (330) for simulating the operation of the sensor (205) and testing the operation of the front-end circuit (310) and the loop filter (315).

Abstract: A device and a method for laterally steering a streamer cable towed underwater behind a seismic survey vessel. The device includes a cable-steering assembly rotatably attached to a streamer cable. The assembly includes a body to which one or more wings are mounted. The wings are arranged to pivot about pivot axes. The assembly is ballasted so that the pivot axes of the wings are largely in a vertical plane. A conventional cable-leveling bird is converted to one version of a cable-steering device by ballasting to maintain the pivot axes of the bird's wings largely vertical. With an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the wings, the cable-steering device adjusts the angle of the wings to provide a sideward component of force to steer the streamer.

Abstract: A marine acoustic source system has relativley densely packed energy sources arrayed in a tandem-like fashion along a horizontal plane. Preferably, a longitudinal axis of each source lies orthogonal to a pre-determined towing direction. The system includes protective tubes that encloses supply lines and auxiliary equipment, and a harness. The harness provides the primary mechanical connection for towing the sources through the water. To minimize bending of the supply lines, connectors having angular portions connect the sources to the supply lines. Further, the sources can be arranged such that source connection interfaces for receiving power, hydraulic fluid, or data point alternately in opposing directions. During use, the sources, e.g., air guns, are supported at a predetermined depth beneath the water's surface by a floatation buoy. Upon activation, the sources of a cluster each release individual air bubbles into the water.

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 and to each other to form a network of data acquisition units. A main controller is coupled to a crossline unit via a cable comprising a synchronizing conductor and one or more power/data conductors. Commands and data are packaged such that multiple routings are possible without affecting final calculations. Each crossline unit is capable of accepting a fiber optic input, a wire input or a combination.

Abstract: A seismic cable coupling comprising connector body, a coupling ring is rotatably mounted on the connector body. The coupling ring includes a ring body having a first longitudinal projection and a second longitudinal projection, the first longitudinal projection having an interior surface including a first angled groove, the second longitudinal projection having an exterior surface including a first raised stud. The coupling ring is a hermaphrodite coupling ring that mates with a coupling ring having a substantially identical ring body.

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.