Patents by Inventor William Guyton

William Guyton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11422274
    Abstract: Systems and methods of performing a seismic survey are provided. The system includes a seismic data acquisition unit having a transmitter window disposed in a first aperture of a lid, and having a receiver window disposed in a second aperture of the lid. A first gasket is positioned between the transmitter window and the first aperture to provide a clearance greater than a threshold to allow the transmitter window to deform. A second gasket is positioned between the receiver window and the second aperture to provide a clearance greater than the threshold to allow the receiver window to deform. At least one of the transmitter window and the receiver window of the seismic data acquisition unit are configured to pass at least one of optical and electromagnetic communications to or from an extraction vehicle via at least one of a transmitter window and a receiver window of the extraction vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Magseis FF LLC
    Inventors: Michael Morris, William Guyton, Matthew Stubbe, Chris Nikirk
  • Patent number: 11327200
    Abstract: A wireless seismic data acquisition unit with a wireless receiver providing access to a common remote time reference shared by wireless seismic data acquisition units in a seismic system. The receiver can replicate local version of remote time epoch to which a seismic sensor analog-to-digital converter is synchronized. The receiver can replicate local version of remote common time reference to time stamp local node events. The receiver can be placed in a low power, non-operational state over periods of time during which the unit continues to record seismic data, thus conserving unit battery power. The system corrects the local time clock based on intermittent access to the common remote time reference. The system corrects the local time clock via a voltage controlled oscillator to account for environmentally induced timing errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: MAGSEIS FF LLC
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Patent number: 10677946
    Abstract: Systems and methods of performing a seismic survey in a marine environment are provided. The system includes a seismic data acquisition unit disposed on a seabed in the marine environment. The seismic data acquisition unit includes a local pressure sensor, an optical transmitter and an optical receiver to determine one or more pressure values. The system includes an extraction vehicle including a reference pressure sensor, an optical transmitter, and an optical receiver to establish an optical communications link with the seismic data acquisition unit, and generate reference pressure data. The system includes at least one of the local pressure sensor and the one or more pressure values calibrated based on the reference pressure data generated by the extraction vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: MAGSEIS FF LLC
    Inventors: Michael Morris, William Guyton
  • Publication number: 20200041674
    Abstract: Systems and methods of performing a seismic survey are provided. The system includes a seismic data acquisition unit having a transmitter window disposed in a first aperture of a lid, and having a receiver window disposed in a second aperture of the lid. A first gasket is positioned between the transmitter window and the first aperture to provide a clearance greater than a threshold to allow the transmitter window to deform. A second gasket is positioned between the receiver window and the second aperture to provide a clearance greater than the threshold to allow the receiver window to deform. At least one of the transmitter window and the receiver window of the seismic data acquisition unit are configured to pass at least one of optical and electromagnetic communications to or from an extraction vehicle via at least one of a transmitter window and a receiver window of the extraction vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Morris, William Guyton, Matthew Stubbe, Chris Nikirk
  • Patent number: 10488537
    Abstract: Systems and methods of performing a seismic survey are provided. The system includes a seismic data acquisition unit having a transmitter window disposed in a first aperture of a lid, and having a receiver window disposed in a second aperture of the lid. A first gasket is positioned between the transmitter window and the first aperture to provide a clearance greater than a threshold to allow the transmitter window to deform. A second gasket is positioned between the receiver window and the second aperture to provide a clearance greater than the threshold to allow the receiver window to deform. At least one of the transmitter window and the receiver window of the seismic data acquisition unit are configured to pass at least one of optical and electromagnetic communications to or from an extraction vehicle via at least one of a transmitter window and a receiver window of the extraction vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: MAGSEIS FF LLC
    Inventors: Michael Morris, William Guyton, Matthew Stubbe, Chris Nikirk
  • Publication number: 20190235127
    Abstract: A wireless seismic data acquisition unit with a wireless receiver providing access to a common remote time reference shared by wireless seismic data acquisition units in a seismic system. The receiver can replicate local version of remote time epoch to which a seismic sensor analog-to-digital converter is synchronized. The receiver can replicate local version of remote common time reference to time stamp local node events. The receiver can be placed in a low power, non-operational state over periods of time during which the unit continues to record seismic data, thus conserving unit battery power. The system corrects the local time clock based on intermittent access to the common remote time reference. The system corrects the local time clock via a voltage controlled oscillator to account for environmentally induced timing errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Patent number: 10281613
    Abstract: A wireless seismic data acquisition unit with a wireless receiver providing access to a common remote time reference shared by wireless seismic data acquisition units in a seismic system. The receiver can replicate local version of remote time epoch to which a seismic sensor analog-to-digital converter is synchronized. The receiver can replicate local version of remote common time reference to time stamp local node events. The receiver can be placed in a low power, non-operational state over periods of time during which the unit continues to record seismic data, thus conserving unit battery power. The system corrects the local time clock based on intermittent access to the common remote time reference. The system corrects the local time clock via a voltage controlled oscillator to account for environmentally induced timing errors. The system provides a more stable method of correcting drift in the local time clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: MAGSEIS FF LLC
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Patent number: 10045455
    Abstract: A self-contained, wireless seismic data acquisition unit having a cylindrically shaped case with smooth side walls along the length of the case. A retaining ring around the circumference is used to secure the cylindrical upper portion of the case to the cylindrical lower portion of the case. Interleaved fingers on the upper portion of the case and the lower portion of the case prevent the upper portion and the lower portion from rotating relative to one another. Ruggedized external electrical contacts are physically decoupled from rigid attachment to the internal electrical components of the unit utilizing electrical pins that “float” relative to the external case and the internal circuit board on which the pins are carried. The seismic sensors in the unit, such as geophones, and the antennae for the unit are located along the major axis of the cylindrically shaped case to improve fidelity and timing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Publication number: 20180003838
    Abstract: Systems and methods of performing a seismic survey in a marine environment are provided. The system includes a seismic data acquisition unit disposed on a seabed in the marine environment. The seismic data acquisition unit includes a local pressure sensor, an optical transmitter and an optical receiver to determine one or more pressure values. The system includes an extraction vehicle including a reference pressure sensor, an optical transmitter, and an optical receiver to establish an optical communications link with the seismic data acquisition unit, and generate reference pressure data. The system includes at least one of the local pressure sensor and the one or more pressure values calibrated based on the reference pressure data generated by the extraction vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Fairfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Morris, William Guyton
  • Publication number: 20180003837
    Abstract: Systems and methods of performing a seismic survey are provided. The system includes a seismic data acquisition unit having a transmitter window disposed in a first aperture of a lid, and having a receiver window disposed in a second aperture of the lid. A first gasket is positioned between the transmitter window and the first aperture to provide a clearance greater than a threshold to allow the transmitter window to deform. A second gasket is positioned between the receiver window and the second aperture to provide a clearance greater than the threshold to allow the receiver window to deform. At least one of the transmitter window and the receiver window of the seismic data acquisition unit are configured to pass at least one of optical and electromagnetic communications to or from an extraction vehicle via at least one of a transmitter window and a receiver window of the extraction vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Fairfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Morris, William Guyton, Matthew Stubbe, Chris Nikirk
  • Publication number: 20170299740
    Abstract: In one aspect, a seismic data acquisition unit is disclosed including a closed housing containing: a seismic sensor; a processor operatively coupled to the seismic sensor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor to record seismic data from the sensor; and a power source configured to power the sensor, processor and memory. The sensor, processor, memory and power source are configured to be assemble as an operable unit in the absence of the closed housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: William Guyton, John C. Downey, Geoff Rice, Christopher T. Nikirk
  • Patent number: 9720116
    Abstract: In one aspect, a seismic data acquisition unit is disclosed including a closed housing containing: a seismic sensor; a processor operatively coupled to the seismic sensor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor to record seismic data from the sensor; and a power source configured to power the sensor, processor and memory. The sensor, processor, memory and power source are configured to be assemble as an operable unit in the absence of the closed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: William Guyton, John C. Downey, Geoff Rice, Christopher T. Nikirk
  • Publication number: 20170176638
    Abstract: A wireless seismic data acquisition unit with a wireless receiver providing access to a common remote time reference shared by wireless seismic data acquisition units in a seismic system. The receiver can replicate local version of remote time epoch to which a seismic sensor analog-to-digital converter is synchronized. The receiver can replicate local version of remote common time reference to time stamp local node events. The receiver can be placed in a low power, non-operational state over periods of time during which the unit continues to record seismic data, thus conserving unit battery power. The system corrects the local time clock based on intermittent access to the common remote time reference. The system corrects the local time clock via a voltage controlled oscillator to account for environmentally induced timing errors. The system provides a more stable method of correcting drift in the local time clock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Patent number: 9562984
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Publication number: 20160374226
    Abstract: A self-contained, wireless seismic data acquisition unit having a cylindrically shaped case with smooth side walls along the length of the case. A retaining ring around the circumference is used to secure the cylindrical upper portion of the case to the cylindrical lower portion of the case. Interleaved fingers on the upper portion of the case and the lower portion of the case prevent the upper portion and the lower portion from rotating relative to one another. Ruggedized external electrical contacts are physically decoupled from rigid attachment to the internal electrical components of the unit utilizing electrical pins that “float” relative to the external case and the internal circuit board on which the pins are carried. The seismic sensors in the unit, such as geophones, and the antennae for the unit are located along the major axis of the cylindrically shaped case to improve fidelity and timing functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Patent number: 9488743
    Abstract: A self-contained, wireless seismic data acquisition unit having a cylindrically shaped case with smooth side walls along the length of the case. A retaining ring around the circumference is used to secure the cylindrical upper portion of the case to the cylindrical lower portion of the case. Interleaved fingers on the upper portion of the case and the lower portion of the case prevent the upper portion and the lower portion from rotating relative to one another. Ruggedized external electrical contacts are physically decoupled from rigid attachment to the internal electrical components of the unit utilizing electrical pins that “float” relative to the external case and the internal circuit board on which the pins are carried. The seismic sensors in the unit, such as geophones, and the antennae for the unit are located along the major axis of the cylindrically shaped case to improve fidelity and timing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Fairfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Patent number: 9465124
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Publication number: 20160290877
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Fairfield Industries Incorporated, d/b/a FairfieldNodal
    Inventors: Timothy M. Betzner, William Guyton
  • Patent number: 9459359
    Abstract: A self-contained, wireless seismic data acquisition unit having a cylindrically shaped case with smooth side walls along the length of the case. A retaining ring around the circumference is used to secure the cylindrical upper portion of the case to the cylindrical lower portion of the case. Interleaved fingers on the upper portion of the case and the lower portion of the case prevent the upper portion and the lower portion from rotating relative to one another. Ruggedized external electrical contacts are physically decoupled from rigid attachment to the internal electrical components of the unit utilizing electrical pins that “float” relative to the external case and the internal circuit board on which the pins are carried. The seismic sensors in the unit, such as geophones, and the antennae for the unit are located along the major axis of the cylindrically shaped case to improve fidelity and timing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Fairfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Publication number: 20140126329
    Abstract: In one aspect, a seismic data acquisition unit is disclosed including a closed housing containing: a seismic sensor; a processor operatively coupled to the seismic sensor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor to record seismic data from the sensor; and a power source configured to power the sensor, processor and memory. The sensor, processor, memory and power source are configured to be assemble as an operable unit in the absence of the closed housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: William GUYTON, John C. DOWNEY, Geoff RICE, Christopher T. NIKIRK