Patents Assigned to ION Geophysical Corporation
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Publication number: 20100276224Abstract: A seismic vibrator has a base plate with at least four isolators isolating a frame from the base plate. Each of these isolators is offset from the plate's footprint on shelves to free up area on the plate's top surface. An accelerometer disposed directly on the base plate detects the acceleration imparted to the plate. To reduce flexing and bending, the plate has an increased stiffness and approximately the same mass of a plate for a comparably rated vibrator. The accelerometer disposes at a particular location of the plate that experiences transition between longitudinal flexing along the plate's length. This transition location better represents the actual acceleration of the plate during vibration and avoids overly increased and decreased acceleration readings that would be obtained from other locations on the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: ION Geophysical CorporationInventor: Zhouhong Wei
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Patent number: 7813222Abstract: A seismic data acquisition method is provided that includes receiving seismic signals at a sensor; sampling the received seismic signals into a plurality of samples, each sample having a selected number of bits (“bit length”); arranging the samples in packets, wherein some of the packets include one or more compressed samples; and transmitting the packet to a remote unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Ion Geophysical CorporationInventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, Andras Feszthammer, Donald E. Clayton, Henry T. Polk
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Publication number: 20100245119Abstract: A two-tier communication system for a seismic streamer. The communication system operates over an unshielded twisted-pair communication line extending the length of the streamer. Repeater units having a repeater function and a device controller function divide the twisted pair into line segments. Coils on each segment couple signals inductively to collocated external devices in a low-speed 2400 baud FSK data link between the devices and an associated device controller. A Gaussian 8-level FSK high-speed 60 kbit/s data link is established along all the segments with the repeaters re-transmitting boosted signals along the entire length of the communication line. The coils are transparent at the high-speed data rate. Time division multiple access (TDMA) or frequency division multiple access (FDMA) is used to accommodate the two links on the single twisted pair.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Robert E. Rouquette, Robert H. Kemp, JR., Dale J. Lambert, Clem B. Guillot, III, Daniel B. Seale
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Publication number: 20100239367Abstract: A connection system for connecting external devices to specified locations on a marine seismic streamer. Inner collars having raised bosses are clamped to the cable at specified locations along its length. Each inner collar forms a circular race encircling the cable. An external device is attached to a pair of cuffs in the form of C-shaped cylindrical rings each with a circular inner surface. A gap in the ring interrupts the inner surface. The width of the gap is greater than the diameter of the bosses so that the cuffs may be slid onto the collars when the gaps are aligned with the bosses. The bosses are circumferentially offset when the cable is in its normal operating state to lock the cuff and the external device to the collars. The cuffs and the external device can be installed on or removed from the cable by twisting the cable to align the bosses and sliding the cuffs onto or off of the collars. When installed, the cuffs ride on the races to allow the cable to rotate inside the cuffs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventor: Andre W. Olivier
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Patent number: 7793606Abstract: A position controller capable of controlling the depth or lateral position of a towed array. The position controller comprises a tubular fuselage from which a pair of wings may be extended over a range of sweep angles between fully open and stowed positions. In fully or partly open positions, two wings present a positive angle of attack relative to the axis of the fuselage. In the stowed position, the wings are fully retracted into a wing receptacle within the fuselage for unfettered passage into and out of a submarine on the array deployment and retrieval handling system.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: André W. Olivier, Lloyd Joseph LaCour, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100226204Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Tim Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham
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Patent number: 7768872Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of choosing a cell structure for seismic gathers dictating a grid of azimuth-offset bins that can be of various shapes and sizes. Processes that use offset-azimuth information are optimized to operate on these cells of azimuth-offset bins and invert for seismic properties. The method provides for acquisition of 3D seismic data, selecting a seismic gather bin for sorting the data, selecting at least one cell structure for the gather that may or may not be space filling, and sorting the data in to the cell structure of the gather bin. The cell structures may be any shape including hexagonal, and may be of variable sizes and may overlap.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Ion Geophysical CorporationInventors: Russell Aaron Kappius, Edward Louis Jenner
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Publication number: 20100157734Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a seismic source signal are provided for generating energy in the form of a plurality of time sequence vibratory signals, the vibratory signals being partitioned as a function of time and/or frequency, wherein each of the plurality of signals comprises a distinguishing signature. The partitioned vibratory signals are emitted into a terrain of interest as seismic source signals for conducting a seismic survey.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Gary A. Sitton, Robert Bloor, J. MacDonald Smith
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Publication number: 20100149922Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a seismic source signal are provided for generating energy in the form of a plurality of time sequence vibratory signals, the vibratory signals being partitioned as a function of time and/or frequency, wherein each of the plurality of signals comprises a distinguishing signature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Gary A. Sitton, Robert Bloor, J. MacDonald Smith
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Publication number: 20100149916Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a seismic source signal are provided for generating energy in the form of a plurality of time sequence vibratory signals, the vibratory signals being partitioned as a function of time and/or frequency, wherein each of the plurality of signals comprises a distinguishing signature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Gary A. Sitton, Robert Bloor, J. MacDonald Smith
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Publication number: 20100149915Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a seismic source signal are provided for generating energy in the form of a plurality of time sequence vibratory signals, the vibratory signals being partitioned as a function of time and/or frequency, wherein each of the plurality of signals comprises a distinguishing signature. The partitioned vibratory signals are emitted into a terrain of interest as seismic source signals for conducting a seismic survey.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Gary A. Sitton, Robert Bloor, J. MacDonald Smith
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Patent number: 7734838Abstract: An apparatus for in-field configuration of a seismic device such as a seismic sensor may include a memory module having data for configuring the seismic device, a location sensor determining a location parameter for the seismic sensor, and a communication device transmitting the determined location parameter to a selected external device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Dennis R. Pavel, Scott T. Hoenmans, Andrew Bull, Chris Green
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Patent number: 7729202Abstract: An apparatus and method for seismic data acquisition is provided, which, in one aspect, define a plurality of attributes relating to acquisition of seismic data by the apparatus, determine a value of each attribute when the apparatus is deployed for acquiring seismic data, generate a message for each attribute whose determined value meets a selected criterion, and transmit wirelessly each generated message to a remote unit without solicitation of such a message by the remote unit. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Richard Eperjesi, Keith Elder
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Patent number: 7725264Abstract: An exemplary system for managing the deployment of a seismic data acquisition system uses a module configured to execute a plurality of task in the field by receiving one or more seismic devices. The module may include a power source that provides electrical power to the seismic devices. The module may also include a processor programmed to retrieve data stored in the seismic devices, perform diagnostics, facilitate inventory and logistics control, configure seismic devices and update data or pre-programmed instructions in the seismic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Ion Geophysical CorporationInventors: Dennis R. Pavel, Scott T. Hoenmans, Richard Eperjesi, Andra Streho, Gerardo Garcia, Richard Pedersen, Dmitry Grinblat
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Patent number: 7643375Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Phil Behn, John Chester, Leo Dekkers, John Downey, Keith Elder, Jerry Iseli
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Patent number: 7639567Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a seismic source signal are provided for generating energy in the form of a plurality of time sequence vibratory signals, the vibratory signals being partitioned as a function of time and/or frequency, wherein each of the plurality of signals comprises a distinguishing signature. The partitioned vibratory signals are emitted into a terrain of interest as seismic source signals for conducting a seismic survey.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Gary A. Sitton, Robert Bloor, J. MacDonald Smith
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Publication number: 20090302849Abstract: A system and method include receiving electromagnetic energy emanating from a target using a plurality of receivers, and generating a pseudo-source based at least in part on a location of one or more of the plurality of receivers and the received electromagnetic information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: IVAN VASCONCELOS, ROBERT I. BLOOR
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Publication number: 20090279384Abstract: A method of controlling distributed devices includes configuring the devices to respond to a controlled signal; positioning the devices in an area of interest; and transmitting the controlled signal into the earth. The earth acts as the signal transmission medium. The method may include controlling a signal generator with a controller to transmit the controlled signal. An illustrative controlled signal may have a fixed frequency, a fixed amplitude, a fixed wave form, a modulated frequency, a modulated amplitude, a modulated wave form, and/or a predetermined duration. In aspects, the method may include connecting the signal generator to the earth and transmitting the controlled signal into the earth using the signal generator. Afterwards, the signal generator may be operated to impart seismic energy into the earth. The devices may be used to detect and record seismic energy that has reflected from underground formations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventor: Dennis R. Pavel
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Patent number: 7613071Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: James Iseli, Kambiz Afkami, Xiabong Wu
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Publication number: 20090251994Abstract: An arrangement for conducting a seismic survey and methods for operating a vibrator array in a seismic survey. A signal source coupled to an array of vibrators drives the vibrators with a set of signals to generate seismic signals into a survey area. Each of the signals of the set has an autocorrelation function and a cross correlation function with the other signals of the set that decays faster with time than reflections of the seismic signals from the survey area. One such set of signals includes a linear FM sweep phase-modulated by a maximal-length sequence code shifted a different number of chips for each signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventor: Robert E. Rouquette