Buoyant Patents (Class 174/101.5)
  • Patent number: 11951588
    Abstract: An optical film-thickness measuring apparatus capable of eliminating an influence of a fluid flow on optical fiber cables when the fluid, such as pure water, is flowing through a through-hole of a polishing pad, and capable of achieving highly accurate measuring of a film thickness is disclosed. The optical film-thickness measuring apparatus includes: a light-emitting optical fiber cable coupled to a light source; a light-receiving optical fiber cable arranged to receive light reflected from the workpiece; a cable housing surrounding the light-emitting optical fiber cable and the light-receiving optical fiber cable; and a flow-passage structure defining a fluid passage adjacent to the light-emitting optical fiber cable and the light-receiving optical fiber cable. The light-emitting optical fiber cable and the light-receiving optical fiber cable are supported by at least one of the cable housing and the flow-passage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Kinoshita, Toshifumi Kimba, Yoshikazu Kato, Yoichi Shiokawa
  • Patent number: 11668846
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses, systems, and methods for urging matching rotational orientations of geophysical sensors in a marine geophysical streamer. An embodiment discloses a marine geophysical streamer comprising a jacket; spacers disposed longitudinally within the jacket, the spacers containing geophysical sensors; and an alignment preserver disposed within the jacket, the alignment preserver encompassing at least a portion of each of the spacers and configured to urge matching rotational orientations for the geophysical sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventor: Matthew Eric Lyssy
  • Patent number: 11646132
    Abstract: A cable has a tensile armor having a number of elongated polymeric tensile elements. At least one of the elongated polymeric tensile elements includes a bundle of high tensile fibers and a jacket tightly retaining the bundle of fibers. The elongated polymeric tensile elements are arranged with a lay loss of 1.5% at most. A method of manufacturing such a cable is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Prysmian S.p.A.
    Inventors: Enrico Maria Consonni, Gianni Miramonti, Luca Giorgio Maria De Rai, Paolo Veggetti
  • Patent number: 11513247
    Abstract: A master data acquisitions system is provided. A trigger emits a sync signal to be sensed by each of a plurality of data acquisition systems. A controller is communicatively coupled with each of the plurality of data acquisition systems. The controller receives data from each of the data acquisition systems. The data for each of the plurality of data acquisition systems include the sensed sync signal. The controller synchronizes the data from each of the plurality of data acquisition systems by aligning the sensed sync signal for each of the plurality of data acquisition systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Oluwatosin Ogundare, Claudio Olmi, David Bennett, Terry Bickley
  • Patent number: 11492540
    Abstract: Solvent mixtures for downhole elemental sulfur removal and formation stimulation, and methods for utilizing such solvent mixtures, are described herein. One method includes providing a solvent mixture that includes an elemental sulfur solvent fraction and an odorant fraction that includes a lactate ester solvent. The method also includes injecting the solvent mixture into a hydrocarbon well such that the elemental sulfur solvent fraction of the solvent mixture dissolves elemental sulfur deposited on well components, and contacting the solvent mixture with water such that the lactate ester solvent within the odorant fraction reacts with the water to generate lactic acid. The method further includes stimulating a formation through which the hydrocarbon well extends by flowing the solvent mixture including the lactic acid through the hydrocarbon well and into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Kevin A. Harnsberry, Paul Scott Northrop
  • Patent number: 11099085
    Abstract: Fiber optic cables with improved performance for use in distributed sensing, for instance in distributed acoustic sensors, are disclosed. In one embodiment a fiber optic cable (210) comprises a core (208) and cladding (206) disposed within a buffer material (202) surrounded by a jacket (204) and arranged so that the core is offset from the center of the cable. By offsetting the core from the center of the jacket any bending effects on the core can be maximized compared to the core being located at the center of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Optasense Holdings Limited
    Inventors: David John Hill, Magnus McEwen-King, Roger Ian Crickmore
  • Patent number: 10943711
    Abstract: Motor vehicle charging cable for DC voltage charging an electrical energy storage device of a motor vehicle includes a first electrical conductor for a first DC voltage phase, and a second electrical conductor for a second DC voltage phase. The first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor each have an insulation layer and conductor cores which run in the respective insulation layer and form a conductor core strand. The first and the second electrical conductor each have a first coolant duct for cooling the respective conductor core strand from the inside, which first coolant duct is surrounded by the respective conductor cores. The first and the second electrical conductor each further have a second coolant duct for cooling the respective conductor core strand from the outside, which second coolant duct surrounds the respective conductor cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventors: Raoul Heyne, Jari Rönfanz
  • Patent number: 10847286
    Abstract: A Metal-Clad (MC) cable assembly includes a core having a plurality of power conductors cabled with a subassembly, each of the plurality of power conductors and the subassembly including an electrical conductor, a layer of insulation, and a jacket layer. The MC cable assembly further includes an assembly jacket layer disposed over the subassembly, and a metal sheath disposed over the core. In one approach, the subassembly is a cabled set of conductors (e.g., twisted pair) operating as class 2 or class 3 circuit conductors in accordance with Article 725 of the National Electrical Code®. In another approach, the MC cable assembly includes a protective layer disposed around the jacket layer of one or more of the plurality of power conductors and the subassembly. In yet another approach, a bonding/grounding conductor is cabled with the plurality of power conductors and the subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: AFC Cable Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George Anthony Straniero, Paul R. Picard, Richard A. Ricci, Peter Lafreniere
  • Patent number: 10784019
    Abstract: A cable includes: a linear conductor; a plurality of resin hollow tubes which are disposed around the conductor so that an air layer is formed around the conductor and which extend in a longitudinal direction of the conductor; and an insulating protective member configured to protect the conductor and the plurality of hollow tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Furuta
  • Patent number: 10683623
    Abstract: The invention relates to an elongate tensioning unit comprising a casing which encloses an interior space, and a plurality of tensioning elements which extend in the longitudinal direction of the tensioning unit and are accommodated in the interior space of the casing. According to the invention, the casing comprises, at, at least one circumferential position, a depression which projects into the interior space and in which at least one electric functional unit, for example at least one lighting unit, and at least one connection line for the at least one electric functional unit are accommodated. Alternatively, the at least one electric functional unit can also be accommodated in an associated recess in a water-repelling element arranged on the outer surface of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: DYWIDAG-Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Brand, Thomas Kahl, Marcel Kasper
  • Patent number: 10676331
    Abstract: A test unit (412) has an aerial drone (414) which deploys an NDE scanner (416) on a metal surface of the EUT (26) from an aerial drone (414). The test unit (412) has a winch (424) with a winch drive motor (504) and a drive pulley (520) for dispensing and retrieving a deployment tether (418). The winch (424) also includes a reel motor (502) and a reel (496) on which the deployment tether (418) is spooled. The winch drive motor (504) and the reel motor (502) are synchronized to provide a take-up loop (546) formed of the deployment tether (418) which extends between the drive pulley (520) and the reel (496). A take-up arm (512) is connected between the take-up loop (546) and a position sensor (514) for determining the length (544) of the take-up loop (546). The deployment tether (418) is preferably provided by a cogged drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ScanTech Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey Alan Dorsey
  • Patent number: 10648128
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling in a tension member in particular for conveyor belts, in particular a tension member which is configured as a steel cable. The method is intended to allow the full penetration of the tension member structure. Here, the method contains at least the following method steps: —introducing the individual wires (2, 2?, 2?, 2??, 2??) of the strand (5) into the stranding head (1) of a stranding machine (10) and—partially or fully applying at least one coating agent to at least 50% of the individual wires (2, 2?, 2?, 2??, 2??) of the strand (5) prior to the twisting of the individual wires (2, 2?, 2?, 2??, 2??) to form a strand (5) or simultaneously with the twisting of the individual wires (2, 2?, 2?, 2??, 2??) to form a strand (5) and—twisting the individual wires (2, 2?, 2?, 2??, 2??) to form a strand (5), wherein at least 50% of the individual wires (2, 2?, 2?, 2??, 2??) have been provided with at least one coating agent, and—making a cable from at least one strand (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Lotz, Marius Dreier, Harald Koch, Iordanis Pavlidis
  • Patent number: 10613241
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a streamer section. The method includes coupling together a plurality of prefabricated harness modules. A harness module includes a plurality of geophysical sensors disposed along a length of the harness module and a sensor node communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. A first connector is disposed at a first end of the harness module and a second connector disposed at a second end of the harness module. The first connector is coupled to the sensor node and is configured to couple to a second harness module and receive data from a sensor node in the second harness module. The second connector is coupled to the sensor node and is configured to couple to a third harness module and forward data to a sensor node in the third harness module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Øyvind Hillesund, Geir Andre Motzfeldt Drange, Oeystein Traetten, Bengt Finnøen
  • Patent number: 10418153
    Abstract: A data transmission cable which can be fabricated includes a plurality of pairs of cores that each comprise a pair of twisted together cores, a central filler which is surrounded by the pairs of cores and bears against the pairs of cores, where the pairs of cores are aligned with one another via the central filler, and a plurality of bundles of filler threads are also arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction around the pairs of cores, and where each bundle of filler threads is arranged to bear against two pairs of cores that are respectively adjacent to one another such that the pairs of cores are affixed to one another firstly by the central filler and secondly by the bundles of filler threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Blaich, Micheal Kasper
  • Patent number: 10345544
    Abstract: A composite optoelectronic HDMI cable having the advantages of low signal attenuation, long distance application, ease of installation and light weight is disclosed. Specifically, a fiber optic bundle unit is provided in the HDMI cable instead of the existing copper wire or alloy conductor, and the overall outer diameter is reduced by half and the weight is reduced by three quarters when compared to the copper wire or alloy conductor. It is very convenient for long-distance use or project laying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Sure-Fire Electrical Corporation
    Inventor: Chun-Lai Shen
  • Patent number: 10330805
    Abstract: A geophysical sensor deployment sleeve includes an electrically non-conductive fiber woven into a shape of a tube open at one end and closed at the other end. The fiber has a tensile strength such that upward force applied to the open end of the tube is capable of removal of a sensor or sensor recording node disposed in the tube in a hole below a ground surface irrespective of consolidated materials infiltrating and/or covering the tube below ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Geophysical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Scott, Richard A. Degner
  • Patent number: 10136538
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an electronic element support frame, an electronic element assembly, and an electrical assembly. The electronic element support frame has a body, an isolative wall, and a pair of retaining parts. The body has an axial direction. The isolative wall is arranged to continuously extend along the axial direction of the body. The pair of retaining parts are arranged on the body and disposed at two sides of the isolative wall, respectively. The retaining parts together with the isolative wall enclose a pair of accommodating parts, respectively. The accommodating parts extend continuously along the axial direction of the isolative wall to accommodate pins of the electronic element, respectively. The electronic element support frame of the present disclosure can avoid erroneous contact between the pins of the electronic element, thereby enhancing safety performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Tyco Electronics Technology (SIP) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jifa Wang, Xiao Zhou, Cancan Zhao, Haomai Yin
  • Patent number: 9947434
    Abstract: A tether may include a core, a hybrid layer surrounding the core, and a jacket surrounding the hybrid layer. The hybrid layer may include a plurality of strength members, and a plurality of electrical conductor bundles. Each electrical conductor bundle of the plurality of electrical bundles may include a compliant element, a plurality of electrical conducting elements surrounding the compliant element, and an insulating layer surrounding the plurality of electrical conducting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Elias Wolfgang Patten, Damon Vander Lind
  • Patent number: 9941029
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide an EM source cable assembly with a buoyant member having first and second ends, and a longitudinal axis connecting the first end to the second end, and a plurality of indentations disposed along a surface of the buoyant member between the first end and the second end, wherein the indentations are operable to receive corresponding cables. The indentations extend along the longitudinal axis, and may be arranged helically about the longitudinal axis. The buoyant member may have a low density core material and a dense outer material, each of which may be a polymeric material. The low density material may be a foam, and the buoyant member may be formed by coextruding the low density material and the dense outer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: James Mackay, Philip Heelan, Peter Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 9909640
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for mitigating vibrations in a device towed in water. The apparatus includes one or more tuned elastic sections having a complex spring rate and adapted to attenuate vibrations in a specified frequency range; and a head end coupler adapted to couple the apparatus for vibration mitigation to a component of an electro-mechanical cable or a tow assembly. One of the one or more tuned elastic sections is coupled to the head end coupler with a high impedance material interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SERCEL, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Cerniway, Michael Maples, Gaetan Mellier
  • Patent number: 9869363
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for mitigating vibrations in a device towed in water. The apparatus includes one or more tuned elastic sections having a complex spring rate and adapted to attenuate vibrations in a specified frequency range; and a head end coupler adapted to couple the apparatus for vibration mitigation to a component of an electro-mechanical cable or a tow assembly. One of the one or more tuned elastic sections is coupled to the head end coupler with a high impedance material interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SERCEL, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Cerniway, Michael Maples, Gaetan Mellier
  • Patent number: 9753168
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for performing marine geophysical surveys that utilize a streamer having variable stiffness. An embodiment discloses a sensor streamer comprising: an outer surface; tension members within the outer surface extending along a length of the sensor streamer; spacers disposed within the outer surface along the length of the sensor streamer; a geophysical sensor disposed in an interior of one of the spacers; and an actuator assembly configured to apply tension to the tension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventor: Rune Sindre Voldsbekk
  • Patent number: 9605778
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a tubular comprises a tubular outer sheath defining an inner void; one or more core elements or assemblies disposed within the inner void; and a substantially solid filler in various embodiments disposed within and substantially filling the inner void, where the filler is adapted to give the tubular hoop strength in a crush situation and comprises a polymer with a density of at least 1.0. In some embodiments, these core assemblies comprise an extruded polymer layer typically extruded about core elements in a single pass, fitting about them without a sharp edge and defining an outer shape. The resulting tubular can comprise multiple regions which, though substantially filled, are filled with differing fillers densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Owen Mast, Fraser Hynd Thomson, Rosianita Balena, Flavio Vasconcelos
  • Patent number: 9424961
    Abstract: An insulated wire having a rectangular shaped cross-section, containing: a conductor having a rectangular shaped cross-section; and an insulating layer coated on the conductor, in which the insulating layer has a foamed layer composed of a thermosetting resin containing bubbles, the cross-section of the insulating layer has a shape composed of a flat portion and a corner portion, and the insulating layer satisfies the relationship represented by the following formula: ?1<3 and (T2/?2)>(T1/?1) wherein T1 [?m] represents a thickness of the flat portion; ?1 represents a relative dielectric constant of the flat portion; T2 [?m] represents a thickness of the corner portion; and ?2 represents a relative dielectric constant of the corner portion, and an electric/electronic equipment, a motor, or a transformer, using the insulated wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Furukawa Magnet Wire Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Oya, Daisuke Muto, Keiichi Tomizawa
  • Patent number: 9377545
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a solid-core streamer with particle motion sensors disposed within the solid core. Some embodiments may additionally include one or more pressure sensors that are disposed outside of the solid core. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also include one or more electromagnetic sensors. Also disclosed are various methods of operating an apparatus that includes a streamer with particle motion sensors disposed within the solid core of the streamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Mattias Südow, Jon Magnus Sorli, Øyvind Hillesund
  • Patent number: 9250342
    Abstract: Described herein is a seismic streamer formed of sections including a main sheath covered with an external sheath, wherein said external sheath is formed using a thermoplastic material loaded with a biocide material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Vignaux
  • Patent number: 9117587
    Abstract: A noise reduction device includes a magnetic core and an elastically deformable elastic sheet. The magnetic core surrounds an outer periphery of an electric cable, and reduces noise emitted from the electric cable. The elastic sheet is wrapped around the electric cable so as to surround the electric cable, and is sandwiched between an inner peripheral surface of the magnetic core and an outer peripheral surface of the electric cable and elastically deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuichi Nagata, Jun Mizushima, Akito Toyama
  • Patent number: 8653369
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrically conductive buoyant cable. The cable includes an electrical conductor member having at least one pair of electrical conductors. The electrical conductors are embedded into a core member. The core member defines a filler layer. A reinforcing member is similarly embedded into the core. The reinforcing member includes strands of reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing members are grouped to support the electrical conductor and prevent delamination. A skin member surrounds the core member and encapsulates the members and prevents water penetration. A tie down member secures each end of the cable while an end cap is fitted over the tie down member. The end cap is sized and shaped for compatible engagement with the desired movable device and a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Smartpool LLC
    Inventors: Wing-kin Hui, Wing-tak Hui
  • Publication number: 20130319721
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrically conductive buoyant cable. The cable includes an electrical conductor member having at least one electrical conductor. The cable also includes a filler layer that consists of buoyant materials with relative density lower than 1. The filler layer surrounds and encloses the electrical conductor member. The invention includes a jacket, which, in one embodiment, contains a small quantity of filler material or no filler material. The jacket surrounds the filler layer. In one embodiment, the filler layer and the jacket are made of the same material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Wing-kin Hui
  • Patent number: 8593906
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a streamer having one or more sensor holders for retaining seismic sensors therein. The sensor holders have a reduced cross-sectional area to increase gel continuity and coupling through the streamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Oeystein Traetten, Rafael Ryberg
  • Patent number: 8493815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to streamer cables. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for preparing a streamer cable. The method may comprise retrofitting the streamer cable with a solid void-filler material, where the streamer cable was configured as a liquid-filled streamer cable. The retrofitting may comprise introducing a void-filler material into the streamer cable when the void-filler material is in a liquid state and curing or otherwise solidifying the void-filler material to a solid state. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a streamer cable comprising an outer skin and-at least one sensor positioned within the outer skin. The streamer cable may also comprise a solid void-filler material positioned between the outer skin and the at least one sensor, wherein the solid void-filler material is coupled to the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. P. Fernihough, William G. Kikendall, Phillip R. Goines, Stephen M. Gribble, Philip M. Manrique
  • Patent number: 8477561
    Abstract: A seismic streamer system for acquiring seismic data includes a plurality of first cable sections each employing a first sensor configuration therein, and at least one second cable section operatively connected to one or more of the first cable sections and employing a second sensor configuration therein. In various embodiments of the streamer system, one or more of the second cable sections are sparsely integrated into a streamer, a streamer array, and/or a seismic spread. The first sensor configuration may, e.g., include a conventional hydrophone distribution, and the second sensor configuration may, e.g., include multicomponent sensors such as at least one of a particle velocity sensor, a pressure gradient sensor, an accelerometer, and a combination thereof. The present invention is useful for attenuating noise in the measured seismic data as well as deghosting the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Rohitashva Singh, Johan O. A. Robertsson, Ottar Kristiansen
  • Publication number: 20130062092
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrically conductive buoyant cable. The cable includes an electrical conductor member having at least one pair of electrical conductors. The electrical conductors are embedded into a core member. The core member defines a filler layer. A reinforcing member is similarly embedded into the core. The reinforcing member includes strands of reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing members are grouped to support the electrical conductor and prevent delamination. A skin member surrounds the core member and encapsulates the members and prevents water penetration. A tie down member secures each end of the cable while an end cap is fitted over the tie down member. The end cap is sized and shaped for compatible engagement with the desired movable device and a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Wing-kin HUI, Wing-tak Hui
  • Publication number: 20110174207
    Abstract: A system comprises towed marine seismic equipment marine seismic equipment, adapted for towing through a body of water; and a coating of copper particles covering the marine seismic equipment to protect from marine growth. A method comprises towing marine seismic equipment having a coating of copper particles thereon to protect from marine growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce William Harrick, Andre Stenzel
  • Patent number: 7822515
    Abstract: An ocean bottom cable system includes a sensor cable configured to be extended from a vessel to the bottom of the body of water. The sensor cable includes a plurality of seismic sensor units at spaced apart locations. A lead in cable is coupled at a to at least one of the vessel and a buoy, and to an aft lead in cable segment. The segment includes a cable loop to compensate water-caused motion of the lead in cable substantially without moving the sensor units. A first swivel is disposed between a forward end of the sensor cable and an aft end of the aft lead in cable segment. The first swivel enables relative rotation between the sensor cable and the segment. At least a second swivel is disposed between the second end of the lead in cable and a forward end of the aft lead in segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: PGS Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. George, Ole-Fredrik Semb
  • Patent number: 7710819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to streamer cables. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for preparing a streamer cable. The method may comprise retrofitting the streamer cable with a solid void-filler material, where the streamer cable was configured as a liquid-filled streamer cable. The retrofitting may comprise introducing a void-filler material into the streamer cable when the void-filler material is in a liquid state and curing or otherwise solidifying the void-filler material to a solid state. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a streamer cable comprising an outer skin and at least one sensor positioned within the outer skin. The streamer cable may also comprise a solid void-filler material positioned between the outer skin and the at least one sensor, wherein the solid void-filler material is coupled to the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. P. Fernihough, William G. Kikendall, Phillip R. Goines, Stephen M. Gribble, Philip M. Manrique
  • Publication number: 20100061189
    Abstract: A seismic streamer includes a jacket covering an exterior of the streamer, at least one strength member extending along the length of and disposed inside the jacket, at least one seismic sensor mounted in a sensor spacer affixed to the at least one strength member, and a void filler made from a material introduced into the jacket in liquid form and undergoing state change thereafter. The jacket includes an inner layer in contact with and having adhesiveness to the void filler, and an outer layer disposed over the outer layer and having substantially no adhesiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Andre Stenzel, Jan-Aake Jenssen
  • Publication number: 20100020644
    Abstract: Described herein is a seismic streamer formed of sections including a main sheath covered with an external sheath, wherein said external sheath is formed using a thermoplastic material loaded with a biocide material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SERCEL
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Vignaux
  • Publication number: 20090202210
    Abstract: A composite material for a cable floatation jacket is provided. The composite material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer matrix, and a plurality of carbon constituents interspersed in the thermoplastic elastomer matrix. The carbon constituents comprise a plurality of carbon fibers, and a plurality of carbon microballoons attached to each of the carbon fibers. The composite material in heated liquid form can be extruded onto a cable core to produce the floatation jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alain T. Pellen
  • Patent number: 7573781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to streamer cables. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for preparing a streamer cable. The method may comprise retrofitting the streamer cable with a solid void-filler material, where the streamer cable was configured as a liquid-filled streamer cable. The retrofitting may comprise introducing a void-filler material into the streamer cable when the void-filler material is in a liquid state and curing or otherwise solidifying the void-filler material to a solid state. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a streamer cable comprising an outer skin and at least one sensor positioned within the outer skin. The streamer cable may also comprise a solid void-filler material positioned between the outer skin and the at least one sensor, wherein the solid void-filler material is coupled to the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Teledyne Technologies Incorporation
    Inventors: Robert A. P. Fernihough, William G. Kikendall, Phillip R. Goines, Stephen M. Gribble, Philip M. Manrique
  • Publication number: 20090038140
    Abstract: A seismic streamer includes a jacket covering an exterior of the streamer. At least one strength member extends along the length of the streamer and is disposed inside the jacket. At least one seismic sensor is disposed in a sensor spacer affixed to the at least one strength member. An encapsulant is disposed between the sensor and the sensor spacer. The encapsulant is a substantially solid material that is soluble upon contact with a void filling material. A void filling material is disposed in the interior of the jacket and fills substantially all void space therein. The void filling material is introduced to the interior of the jacket in liquid form and undergoing state change to substantially solid thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andre Stenzel, Bruce William Harrick, Troy L. McKey, III, James Andrew Langley, III
  • Publication number: 20080296040
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrically conductive buoyant cable. The cable includes an electrical conductor member having at least one electrical conductor. The cable also includes a filler layer that consists of buoyant materials with relative density lower than 1. The filler layer surrounds and encloses the electrical conductor member. The invention includes a jacket, which, in one embodiment, contains a small quantity of filler material or no filler material. The jacket surrounds the filler layer. In one embodiment, the filler layer and the jacket are made of the same material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Wing-kin Hui
  • Patent number: 7446535
    Abstract: An electromagnetic sensor cable includes at least one strength member configured to be coupled to a vessel for towing in a body of water and extending along the length of the cable. A jacket covers the strength member and extends along the length of the cable. At least one electrode mounting sleeve is disposed along the jacket and is coupled at its longitudinal ends to one end of a segment of the jacket. The longitudinal ends of the sleeve are configured to mate with a corresponding end of the jacket segment. The sleeve includes a passage therethrough for the at least one strength member. The sleeve includes a mounting surface for a fiber electrode material thereon disposed between the longitudinal ends of the sleeve. At least one electrical contact surface is disposed on the mounting surface. Electrically conductive fiber electrode material is disposed on the mounting surface and is in electrical contact with the electrical contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: PGS Geopysical AS
    Inventors: Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn, Ulf Peter Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 7239577
    Abstract: In one embodiment the invention comprises a particle velocity sensor that includes a housing with a geophone mounted in the housing. A fluid that substantially surrounds the geophone is included within the housing. The particle velocity sensor has an acoustic impedance within the range of about 750,000 Newton seconds per cubic meter (Ns/m3) to about 3,000,000 Newton seconds per cubic meter (Ns/m3). In another embodiment the invention comprises method of geophysical exploration in which a seismic signal is generated in a body of water and detected with a plurality of co-located particle velocity sensors and pressure gradient sensors positioned within a seismic cable. The output signal of either or both of the particle velocity sensors or the pressure gradient sensors is modified to substantially equalize the output signals from the particle velocity sensors and the pressure gradient sensors. The output signals from particle velocity sensors and pressure gradient sensors are then combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: PGS Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn, Audun Sødal, Andre Stenzel
  • Patent number: 7142481
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a marine seismic streamer includes a conveyor for transporting assembled mechanical harness from a storage device therefor to a storage device for storing completed marine streamer. The apparatus includes a first extruder for filling the harness with a void fill material and a second extruder for depositing jacketing material onto the filled harness both extruders being intermediate the two storage devices. A means for changing state of the void filling material is disposed proximate an outlet of the first extruder. In one embodiment, the means for changing state includes a radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: D. Richard Metzbower, Steven J. Maas
  • Patent number: 6970396
    Abstract: A method for attaching seismic sensors in a seismic cable that includes a strength member inside a cable jacket with a fiber tube wound around the strength member and a sensor station base attached around the cable wherein the jacket is removed, at least one fiber tube is extracted and a seismic sensor is attached to the fiber tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: PGS Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Maas, D. Richard Metzbower, Ian McMillan
  • Patent number: 6806423
    Abstract: A grounding device for water vehicles. The device includes an elongated electrical conductive section. The device also includes an elongated rope for increasing water resistance positioned in an adjacent relation to the elongated electrical conductive section. The device is of particular usefulness in grounding RF transmitters on high speed water vehicles having electrically insulative hulls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignees: BAE SYSTEMS Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John Harris, David George Klingensmith, Sr., Marvin Bradford Hardy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6678212
    Abstract: A seismic cable (1) and a method of manufacturing such a cable. The cable includes a plurality of elongated electrical/optical elements which are arranged to be interconnected with a number of seismic sensor devices arranged at intervals along the cable. A polymeric sheath and a protective outer armoring surround the elements to provide protection against radial stress of said cable. The sensor devices are installed outside of the elements and the armoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Anton Marius Knudsen, Jorn Wardeberg
  • Patent number: 6570821
    Abstract: Towed low-noise linear acoustic antennas configured for seismic exploration. The jacket of this antenna is pierced with holes that allow seawater to enter the inside of the antenna. The hydrophones are isolated by enclosing them in polyurethane envelopes filled with oil or gel. Buoyancy is ensured by lightening the jacket with hollow inclusions formed from microspheres. Such a structure allows the output noise level of the hydrophones to be reduced by 15 dB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Thales Underwater Systems S.A.S.
    Inventor: Gilles Moresco
  • Patent number: 6563762
    Abstract: A termination assembly for disposal between a marine tow cable and an acoustic receiver array includes a cable sleeve having a grip portion adapted to grip a cable outer jacket, and a collar portion for disposition on a strength member portion of the cable. The termination assembly further includes a coupling comprising an inner sleeve for mounting on a coax portion of the cable, an electrical connector for abutting a distal end of the coax portion, a coupling body interconnecting the inner sleeve and the electrical connector, the coupling body having a cylindrically-shaped wall disposed around the electrical connector to define therebetween an annular recess for receiving a connector of the acoustic receiver array, a coupling nut mounted on the coupling body and engageable with the acoustic receiver array connector to lock the acoustic receiver array connector onto the electrical connector, and an outer sleeve fixed to the coupling body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael R. Williams