Abstract: A ranging system comprises a plurality of receivers. A plurality of transmitters is configured to generate acoustic or ranging signals over one or more channels. A processor is configured to define a subset of the transmitters within a predefined limited range or listening distance of each receiver. In the subset, the transmitters are configured to generate the acoustic signals over different channels.

Abstract: A vessel system includes a hull configured to provide buoyancy, one or more seismic sources configured to generate seismic energy, and a deployment apparatus configured to deploy the seismic sources from the hull to a water body or water column. A control system can be configured to operate the deployment apparatus, in order to deploy the seismic sources.

Abstract: A seismic node deployment system comprises a cable supply with one or more seismic nodes configured for coupling to the cable at one or more attachment locations for deployment to a water column. A node attachment system is configured to drive a portion of the cable into periodic or reciprocal motion so that the attachment speed is substantially reduced relative to the speed at which the cable is deployed.

Abstract: A method for compensating a magnetic heading includes one or more of obtaining a magnetic heading from a magnetic instrument deployed with an apparatus, determining location data for the apparatus, determining local field data based on the location data, obtaining a magnetic profile for the magnetic instrument deployed with the apparatus, and compensating the magnetic heading based the magnetic profile. For example, the magnetic profile may be responsive to perturbation of the local geomagnetic field by the apparatus, so that the compensated heading is more responsive to a directional heading of the apparatus, when deployed in the geomagnetic field. An apparatus for performing the method is also described, along with another method for calibrating the magnetic instrument when deployed with the apparatus, in order to generate the magnetic profile.

Abstract: An attachment system for releasably attaching a sensor node to a cable when in a coupled state includes a clamp base and a clamp grip. The clamp base is fixed to a surface of the sensor node. The clamp base further includes a latch that is biased in a latched position when the attachment system is in both the coupled state and an uncoupled state. The clamp grip is pivotably attached the clamp base and biased in an open position when the attachment system is in the uncoupled state. The clamp grip is secured to the clamp base by the latch when the attachment system is in the coupled state.

Abstract: An acoustic communication and messaging system includes an acoustic transducer adapted for communicating signals via a subsurface acoustic medium, and a controller in communication with the acoustic transducer. The controller can include one or more of a signal programmer adapted for defining a limited set of coded signals; e.g., where each of the coded signals selected for low cross-correlation with other coded signals in the limited set, and a signal encoder adapted for defining a set of messages or commands; e.g., where each message is associated with a selected one of the coded signals in the limited set. The acoustic transducer can be adapted to transmit the coded signals associated with identified messages via the subsurface acoustic medium. An interface can be provided for identifying messages for coding and transmission, and for reporting decoded commands to a user.

Abstract: A seismic apparatus includes one or more seismic cable systems configured to acquire seismic data, each seismic cable system having one or more of a cable jacket, a reservoir for a ballast fluid or other ballast medium, and an actuator or other transfer mechanism configured to transfer the ballast fluid between the reservoir and the seismic cable system during acquisition of the seismic data, e.g., where the ballast fluid is transferred to the seismic cable system within the cable jacket. A controller can be configured to adjust a buoyancy of the seismic cable system responsive to the transfer of the ballast fluid, e.g., where the internal volume expands or contract based on the fluid transfer.

Abstract: A multi-axis, single mass acceleration sensor includes a three-dimensional frame, a test mass, a plurality of transducers, and a plurality of struts. The test mass may have three principal axes disposed within and spaced apart from the frame. The transducers are mechanically coupled to the frame. The struts are configured to couple to the central mass at each of the three principal axes, respectively, and to couple with respective sets of the transducers, thereby suspending the test mass within the frame. The sensor is thus responsive to translational motion in multiple independent directions and to rotational motion about multiple independent axes.

Abstract: A marine seismic sensor system includes a seismic node having at least one seismic sensor. The sensor is configured for sampling seismic energy when towed through a water column on a rope. The coupling can be adapted to modulate transmission of acceleration from the rope to the seismic node.

Abstract: A streamer device or other system can include a pylon configured to attach to a locking collar, and a latch mechanism with a seat component. The latch mechanism comprises a pin member configured to attach to the locking collar, and a bias component. The seat component can be configured to retain the bias component when the pylon is attached to the locking collar, and the bias component can be configured to bias the pin member to hold the locking collar to the pylon. The bias may responsive to a position of the seat component, or determined or controlled at least in part based on the position.

Abstract: An attachment system for securing an object, such as a seismic node or other external device, to a rope or cable includes a latch block and a latch member movably connected to the latch block for selective engagement with a coupling feature on the rope or cable. The latch block may be attached to or integrated with the object and can include opposing side members defining a channel extending through the latch block, the channel sized for selective receipt of the rope or cable therein. The latch member may selectively engage the coupling feature as the rope or cable is received in sliding engagement within the channel.

Abstract: A marine array having various embodiments of a modular foil system is disclosed. The modular foil system may be configured to generate lift when towed in a marine environment, and thus used to move, position, and/or depress instrument of the array. The modular foil system may include multiple groups of foil sections, each having an angle of attack that is adjustable relative to other groups of foil sections. For example, each group may be supported by a pair of through cables, and an actuator may adjust a tension in one or both of through cables, thereby alerting the angle of attack. The pair of through cables may converge toward one another at connection points adjacent opposing ends of a given group of foil sections of the modular system. The connection points thus establishing a modular framework to couple the given group to other groups of foils of the system.

Abstract: A seismic node deployment system comprises a cable supply with one or more seismic nodes configured for coupling to the cable at one or more attachment locations for deployment to a water column. A node attachment system is configured to drive a portion of the cable into periodic or reciprocal motion so that the attachment speed is substantially reduced relative to the speed at which the cable is deployed.

Abstract: A method for acquiring seismic data comprises operating a seismic vessel towing at least one of a seismic streamer with a plurality of seismic sensors and a seismic source. The inline distance between the vessel and one or more other vessels is adjusted according to a predefined function, where the seismic vessels travel along offset seismic acquisition lines, by increasing and reducing the in-line distance during the acquisition of the seismic data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting reconnaissance marine seismic surveys. In one example method of acquiring a marine seismic survey, a plurality of streamers are towed behind an acquisition vessel, the plurality of streamers defining a swath. A source is towed behind the acquisition vessel, and at least one other source is towed outside of the swath of streamers.

Abstract: A seismic sensor comprises a central mass having three principal axes and disposed within a frame. A plurality of transducers is mechanically coupled between the frame and the central mass. The transducers are arranged in pairs, with the transducers in each pair being coupled to opposing sides of the central mass, as defined along each of the three principal axes. Electronics can be provided to combine signals of the transducers in each pair to generate output characterizing acceleration and rotation of the frame.

Abstract: An unmanned seismic vessel system can include a hull system configured to provide buoyancy and a storage apparatus configured for storing one or more seismic nodes, each seismic node having at least one seismic sensor configured to acquire seismic data. A deployment system can be configured for deploying the seismic nodes from the storage apparatus to the water column, where the seismic data are responsive to a seismic wavefield, with a controller configured to operate the deployment system so that the seismic nodes are automatically deployed in a seismic array.

Abstract: A control system provides steering control commands to a steering actuator of a steering device on a piece of towed marine equipment. A memory in the control system stores setpoint data including positional values for a desired position of the piece of towed marine equipment. A control module is configured to receive the setpoint data, receive process data representing a calculated actual position of the piece of towed marine equipment; and calculate a control command for the steering actuator of the steering device based upon the setpoint data and the process data. A disturbance adjustment calculation module is configured to combine a disturbance value based upon a measured disturbance with a value of the process data and output a disturbance adjustment value. A correction calculator module adds the disturbance adjustment value to the control command to create an adjusted control command for transmission to the steering actuator.

Abstract: An attachment system for releasably attaching a sensor node to a cable when in a coupled state includes a clamp base and a clamp grip. The clamp base is fixed to a surface of the sensor node. The clamp base further includes a latch that is biased in a latched position when the attachment system is in both the coupled state and an uncoupled state. The clamp grip is pivotably attached the clamp base and biased in an open position when the attachment system is in the uncoupled state. The clamp grip is secured to the clamp base by the latch when the attachment system is in the coupled state.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system for acquiring a marine seismic survey are described. One method may include depositing on a seafloor a line of cable sections extending in a first direction. The line of cable sections may have a first end and a second end and may include a plurality of seismic wavefield receivers. The method may also include moving the line of cable sections by collecting cable sections from the second end of the line and depositing cable sections at the first end of the line so that the line of cable sections travels in the first direction. At least one source vessel may be used to provide acoustical waveforms while the line of cable sections is moving. The acoustical waveforms may be received by the plurality of seismic wavefield receivers in the line of cable sections so as to enable generation of a seismic survey.