Abstract: A logging-while-drilling (LWD) tool for use within a formation. The LWD tool may include a transmitter, a receiver, and an acoustic isolator. The transmitter may be operable to transmit an acoustic signal into the formation. The receiver may be operable to receive an acoustic response from the formation. The acoustic isolator may be positioned longitudinally between the transmitter and the receiver to reduce a transfer of acoustic energy between the transmitter and the receiver through the LWD tool. The acoustic isolator may include annular chambers formed in a body of the acoustic isolator and positioned along a longitudinal axis of the acoustic isolator.

Abstract: A plant monitoring apparatus 100 includes: a soil state estimation unit 200 that estimates a state of soil by, with use of frequency association information calculated based on vibration measured via the soil, referencing soil state estimation information in which the frequency association information and information indicating states of the soil are associated with soil states; and a plant state estimation unit 300 that estimates a state of a plant by, with use of growth association information that was calculated based on vibration of the plant and indicates growth of the plant, referencing plant state estimation information in which the growth association information and information indicating states of the plant above a plant soil surface are associated with plant states above the plant soil surface.

Abstract: An acoustic while drilling receiving transducer array adopts a full-digital structure and a non-oil-filled rubber encapsulation arrangement mode, and the full-digital device of the acoustic while drilling receiving transducer array includes first modules, configured to carry out acoustic-to-electric conversion on weakly received acoustic signals of strata; second modules, configured to carry out amplification, filtering, gain control and digital-to-analog conversion on the weakly received acoustic signals; and a third module, configured to control interfaces of the device and convert external input and output signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing focused blind deconvolution of signals received by a plurality of sensors are disclosed. In some embodiments, this may include determining a cross-correlation of first and second signals, obtaining a cross-correlation of a first response function and a second response function based on the cross-correlation of the first and second signals and subject to a first constraint that the first and second response functions are maximally white, and obtaining the first and second response functions based on the cross-correlation of the first and second response functions and subject to a second constraint that the first and second response functions are maximally front-loaded.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and system for reliably locating underground pipes, particularly non-metallic pipes. The invention uses portable seismic generator to direct seismic waves into the earth at a downrange sampling location suspected to overlie a buried section of pipe. The seismic waves are imbued with a distinctive attribute, such as a predetermined frequency or digital pulse. Upon encountering the pipe, seismic waves are efficiently converted to longitudinal waves which are conducted lengthwise along the pipe to an accessible region. A receiver coupled to the accessible region is tuned to detect vibrations that carry the distinctive attribute. The receiver wirelessly transmits data indicative of the intensity of detected vibrations to a remote communicator which may be attached directly to the seismic generator. By sampling several locations in near vicinity, the most probable location of the buried pipe can be deduced.

Abstract: Directional environmental control provides nearly immediate comfort. A location associated with a mobile device determines an air terminal that best serves the location. Conditioned air may thus be streamed from the air terminal to the location associated with the mobile device. The conditioned air may be heated or cooled according to a profile associated with a user of the mobile device.

Abstract: Methods and systems of measuring acoustic signals via a borehole wall are disclosed. One or more non-contact magneto-dynamic sensors are configured or designed for deployment at at least one depth in a borehole. The magneto-dynamic sensor comprises a coil excited by an electric current and a circuitry for outputting a signal corresponding to a time-varying impedance of the coil. A processor is configured to perform signal processing for deriving at least one of a magnitude or a frequency of vibration of the borehole wall based on the output signal from the circuitry.

Abstract: A downhole tool orientation determination system to determine a radial orientation of a tool conveyed downhole into a pipe via a carrier and a method of determining a radial orientation of a tool conveyed downhole into a pipe via a carrier are described. The system includes an orientation tool conveyed downhole by the carrier that conveys the tool, and a distributed acoustic sensor (DAS). The DAS includes an optical fiber disposed axially along an outer surface of the pipe; and a processor to determine an orientation of the orientation tool with respect to the optical fiber based on a measurement by the optical fiber at different rotational positions of the orientation tool. The processor determines the radial orientation of the tool with respect to the optical fiber based on the orientation of the orientation tool with respect to the optical fiber.

Abstract: Event amplitudes associated with a reflector in a subterranean formation are estimated, wherein the events are detected by azimuthally distributed receivers of an acoustic tool in a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The receiver closest to an azimuthal position of the reflector is identified based on the estimated event amplitudes. The azimuthal position of the reflector is determined using data obtained from (1) the receiver identified as closest to the azimuthal position of the reflector, and (2) two others of the receivers that are azimuthally adjacent the receiver identified as closest to the azimuthal position of the reflector.

Abstract: A downhole control method for use in a wellbore that includes deploying a stand-alone power source and a stand-alone hydraulic reservoir downhole; powering a downhole controller using the stand-alone power source; measuring a downhole fluid parameter; and actuating an inflow control device, using the stand-alone hydraulic reservoir and the downhole controller, based on the measured downhole fluid parameter. In one aspect, the stand-alone power source is selected from the group consisting of a battery and a downhole power generator. In another aspect, the stand-alone hydraulic reservoir, the downhole controller, the stand-alone power source, and the inflow control device comprise a remotely-powered, open-hole completion system.

Abstract: An array of seismic energy receivers is deployed at fixed locations across the length and width of a land surface area of interest. A land fleet composed of a number of vibratory swept frequency or vibroseis seismic energy sources is deployed at predetermined initial locations within the receiver array. The sources are arranged in groups which at their initial locations are spaced from other groups of the source fleet by an intergroup spacing distance representing a segment of the receiver array. Each of the vibratory sources in a source group is assigned within that group a designated specific length for its energy emissions and a frequency sweep band different from the other sources in the group. The sources in all groups concurrently emit energy at a succession of spaced, assigned locations as they are moved incrementally over their respective intergroup spacings.

Abstract: An azimuthally acoustic imaging logging while drilling (LWD) apparatus employs two sets of transmitting transducers to excite multipole mode waves. One set is high-frequency monopole and polarized pole transmitting transducers, and the other set is low-frequency dipole and quadrupole transmitting transducers. Separation of a high-frequency transmitting state from a low-frequency transmitting state is realized by using a dual-row transmission solution. Each set of transmitting transducers operates at transducer resonance points through a matching circuit, thereby greatly increasing the transmitted energy.

Abstract: A computer receives a first audio signal that is acquired by a first user device used by a first user in a conference and a second audio signal that is acquired by a second user device used by a second user in the conference. The computer processes the first audio signal based on the second audio signal to improve quality of the first audio signal, and sends the processed first audio signal to the conference.

Abstract: A fiber optic acoustic sensor and a method of using same. The sensor includes a light emitting diode and a fiber optic probe having a transmitting multimode optical fiber and at least one receiving multimode optical fiber. The transmitting multimode optical fiber and the receiving multimode optical fiber are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe. The fiber optic probe communicates with the light emitting diode. The sensor further includes a cantilever, which includes a cantilever rod. The cantilever rod includes a proximal end with an edge reflector located thereon. The edge reflector is spaced apart from the fiber probe and oriented to face said fiber probe. The edge reflector is able to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic probe. The sensor further includes a light intensity detector communicating with the fiber optic probe.

Abstract: An electronic stylus to be used with a capacitive touch screen includes a tip portion having an electrically conductive tip and an electrically conductive supporting rod attached to the tip. The tip portion further includes a first electrical shielding tube enclosing and shielding the supporting rod and a second electrical shielding tube enclosing the first electrical shielding tube and the supporting rod. The electrical stylus further includes a circuit coupled to the supporting rod to integrate and amplify a current induced at the tip and an electrical conductive housing to house the circuit therein. The first electrical shielding tube and the second electrical shielding tube are to reduce skew effect between the supporting rod and a surface of a touch screen when the electronic stylus is held against the surface of the touch screen.

Abstract: A method of performing a seismic sweep determining a user-defined force at a frequency using user defined inputs; determining a maximum force at the frequency using sweep parameters; and using the maximum force to drive a seismic source if the user-defined force is greater than the maximum force.

Abstract: Multiple Modeling, wherein the wavefield is separated into up/down wavefield on either source-side or receiver-side; wherein WEMM is used to extrapolate and predict multiples, which are attenuated from OBC seismic data.

Abstract: An acoustic attenuator assembly for an acoustic tool for performing acoustic investigation of a subterranean formation is disclosed. The acoustic attenuator assembly includes a first end portion (205) and a second end portion (210) having a bore therethough to enable passage of an electrical line. The acoustic attenuator assembly further includes a fiber portion (230) disposed between the first and second end portion so that the fiber portion attenuates at least a portion of acoustic energy when the acoustic energy is received by one or both of the first (205) and second (210) end portions. The fiber portion (230) includes a continuous flexible portion that allows relative deflection of the first (205) and second (210) end portions.

Abstract: Method for seismic prospecting using counter-rotating (207-208) eccentric-mass (201, 202) vibrator (CREMV) technology adapted as vibrator sources for seismic prospecting to produce controlled sweeps, as in the manner used in modern seismic prospecting, but with large forces at low frequencies, e.g. forces >275 kN at frequencies between 1 and 5 Hz. This is achieved by adapting the CREMV to enable rotational frequency and the eccentricity (205, 206) of the masses relative to their rotation axes (203-204) to be varied independently and simultaneously, and by designing the CREMV such that the radius of rotation of the center of mass of each rotating mass is on the order of 50 cm or more.

Abstract: A method for seismic surveying includes disposing a plurality of seismic sensors in a selected pattern above an area of the Earth's subsurface to be evaluated. A seismic energy source is repeatedly actuated proximate the seismic sensors. Signals generated by the seismic sensors, indexed in time with respect to each actuation of the seismic energy source are recorded. The recorded signals are processed to generate an image corresponding to at least one point in the subsurface. The processing includes stacking recordings from each sensor for a plurality of actuations of the source and beam steering a response of the seismic sensors such that the at least one point is equivalent to a focal point of a response of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An earthquake monitoring sensor based on an asymmetrical shape of facilities and an earthquake monitoring system including the same. The earthquake monitoring sensor is provided to facilities having an asymmetrical shape vulnerable to an earthquake and provides a rapid earthquake response with regard to an earthquake-vulnerable direction of the facilities, thereby enabling establishment of effective countermeasures to the earthquake.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing sonic well logging within a wellbore based on optical Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) are provided. A sonic well logging system based on DAS may be capable of producing the functional equivalent of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of acoustic sensors. In this manner, the emplacement of the sonic well logging system based on DAS may not be nearly as complex or expensive as emplacing a sonic well logging system based on traditional methods. Furthermore, multiplexing may be simpler, downhole electronics need not be used, and the sonic well logging system may be used in extreme, high temperature environments.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for measuring seismic parameters, such as ground force, of a seismic vibrator used for generating seismic signals through a geological formation are provided. The seismic vibrator has a base plate positionable adjacent a ground surface of the geological formation. A sensor pad may be provided with an optical cable positionable between the base plate of the seismic vibrator and the ground surface of the geological formation, a laser for passing a light through the optical cable, and a detector for detecting disturbances in the laser light whereby a ground force applied to the ground surface may be determined.

Abstract: A container data center includes a container, a plurality of power supplies, an electric switch system, a plurality of normally closed switches, an alarm device, and a controller. The electric switch system is received in the container. The plurality of normally closed switches are connected between the power supplies and the electric switch system. Each normally closed switch is connected with a corresponding one of the power supplies in series. The controller is connected to the normally closed switches and the alarm device, configured for receiving earthquake information containing an earthquake intensity, and configured for controlling the alarm device to activate alarms and controlling some of the normally closed switches or all the normally closed switches to open when the earthquake intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined earthquake intensity.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for stimulating a borehole of a well. The invention provides an apparatus that generates low-frequency seismic type elastic waves that propagate to the geologic formation and in order to enhance the movement of fluids in the geologic formation toward a well. The apparatus may operate automatically driven by a power source that may be located on the ground surface. The regime of operation may be determined by user input. Operation of the apparatus may carried out while production of a natural resource is ongoing.

Abstract: An excitation device for downhole seismic testing, includes an excitation hammer, a holding arm connected at one end thereof to the excitation hammer to allow the excitation hammer to rotate about the other end thereof, a support post having the other end of the holding arm rotatably coupled to an upper end thereof to support the excitation hammer and the holding arm at a certain height, and an excitation source configured to allow the support post to stand upright on the upper side thereof and which generates a seismic wave when struck by the rotated excitation hammer. The support post is formed at a lower end thereof with a securing section detachably inserted into a groove for the support post formed on the upper side of the excitation source such that the support post, the holding arm, the excitation hammer and the excitation source can be separated from each other.

Abstract: A downhole tool for subsurface disposal is provided. The tool comprises an elongated tool body, an enclosure attached to an exterior surface of the tool body. The enclosure comprises at least one transducer disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure, and an electronics board coupled to and disposed adjacent to the at least one transducer. The enclosure also defines an internal cavity, and the internal cavity contains a fluid for insulating the at least one transducer from a downhole environment. The fluid is in direct contact with the at least one transducer and the electronics board.

Abstract: A seismic energy source includes an inlet aperture and an inlet pipe in fluid communication with an outlet of the inlet aperture at an inlet end of the inlet pipe. The inlet pipe is in fluid communication with an accumulator at an outlet end of the inlet pipe. An outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the accumulator at an inlet end of the outlet pipe and is connected to an outlet valve at an outlet end of the outlet pipe. The outlet valve is actuated by fluid pressure in the outlet pipe. An actuation pressure of the valve, and diameter, length and material properties of the outlet pipe are selected to cause a reflected water pressure wave resulting from closure of the valve to travel within the outlet pipe at a selected velocity. Motion of the seismic source through the water provides water pressure to operate the source.

Abstract: An excitation device for downhole seismic testing, includes an excitation hammer, a holding arm connected at one end thereof to the excitation hammer to allow the excitation hammer to rotate about the other end thereof, a support post having the other end of the holding arm rotatably coupled to an upper end thereof to support the excitation hammer and the holding arm at a certain height, and an excitation source configured to allow the support post to stand upright on the upper side thereof and which generates a seismic wave when struck by the rotated excitation hammer. The support post is formed at a lower end thereof with a securing section detachably inserted into a groove for the support post formed on the upper side of the excitation source such that the support post, the holding arm, the excitation hammer and the excitation source can be separated from each other.

Abstract: An enclosure for housing a transducer and electronics for disposal on a downhole tool. A transducer is disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure contains a fluid surrounding the transducer. Enclosures also include transducers linked to motor means for selective rotation of the transducers within the enclosure. Enclosures with transducer arrays for phased or targeted signal transmission/detection.

Abstract: An acoustic isolator section for an acoustic well logging tool, the isolator section comprising: an isolator comprising: (i) an isolator body; (ii) a mass; (iii) a resiliently deformable portion formed integrally with the isolator body; (iv) a movement limiter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sweep-type vibratory seismic source where a baseplate is put to the ground and a series of impulses are applied through the baseplate into the ground and where the baseplate may periodically de-couple from the ground during the delivery of the impulses. A de-coupling baseplate tends to undertake a very high frequency flexing while high frequency energy is being delivered to the ground. The high frequency flexing may be picked up by the vibrator control system and interpreted as an unintended signal being delivered into the ground. While there are already issues getting high frequency data in the return wave field, allowing the vibrator electronics to alter the actual signal in a manner intended to squelch the high pitched ringing of the baseplate is apt to reduce the high frequency data in the data record. One solution for reducing the de-coupling and the ringing of the baseplate is a dampening pad positioned between the baseplate and the ground.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for inducing seismic energy waves in a subterranean formation. More particularly, improved seismic transducers are provided that comprise enhanced baseplates. Baseplates are provided that comprise an intermediate plate and a plurality of contact plates secured to the underside of the intermediate plate. The contact plates provide a surface area for engagement with the ground surface that is more limited than the lower surface area of the intermediate plate. Advantages of such baseplate enhancements include, but are not limited to, a reduction of baseplate harmonics or ringing and enhanced baseplate strength so as to reduce baseplate fatigue or failure, a reduction of baseplate flexure. These advantages ultimately translate to improved seismic surveys, having higher resolution of the formations surveyed and resulting in surveys reaching greater depths.

Abstract: A technique includes providing a source in a first well and a seismic receiver in a second well to detect a seismic event that is caused by the source. The technique includes referencing clocks in the source and receiver to a common reference time frame and determining a time in the reference time frame at which the seismic source generates the seismic event.

Abstract: A measuring device for a drilling apparatus which comprises a series of drilling rods, rotary and axially mobile. The measuring device comprises sensors, disposed on the series of rods, and feed devices of the electromagnetic induction type, able to feed the sensors electrically. Each of the devices is connected to a feed source and comprises a rotary element and a stator. A guide unit is mounted on the apparatus, and a slider, on which the stator is supported, is able to slide on the guide unit with an axial motion corresponding to that of the series of rods.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the location of miners trapped in an underground mine that includes recording a reference seismic signature for each of a plurality of underground base stations in the mine in advance of an emergency. The reference seismic signatures are created by generating first a seismic signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio at each base station, monitoring the signal with a permanent array of surface seismic sensors, and recording each unique signature on a central computer. In the event of an emergency, trapped miners can generate a second seismic signal at any of the underground base stations which can be easily identified with the central computer by using the pre-recorded reference seismic signature to overcome a weak signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A measurement package for disposal on an apparatus such as a downhole tool or a tool like device. The measurement package including an enclosure, a first acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure, a second acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure and electronics housed within the enclosure that is in communication with the first and second transducers. Further, an acoustic transmitter and receivers can be disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure. The enclosure can contain attenuative material surrounding the transmitter and receivers, and electronics for controlling the transmitter and receivers and communicating with the downhole tool.

Abstract: One example of a seismic vibrator system includes a baseplate having a bottom surface and a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism being operable to a deployed position; a hold-down mass connected to the baseplate; a lifting mechanism in operational connection with the hold-down mass and the baseplate to apply a selected hold-down weight to the baseplate; and a driving mechanism functionally connected to the baseplate to transmit seismic energy through the baseplate into a ground surface to which the baseplate is coupled, wherein the coupling mechanism is urged outward from the bottom surface and into physical contact with the ground surface when operated to the deployed position.

Abstract: A method for seismic surveying includes disposing a plurality of seismic sensors in a selected pattern above an area of the Earth's subsurface to be evaluated. A seismic energy source is repeatedly actuated proximate the seismic sensors. Signals generated by the seismic sensors, indexed in time with respect to each actuation of the seismic energy source are recorded. The recorded signals are processed to generate an image corresponding to at least one point in the subsurface. The processing includes stacking recordings from each sensor for a plurality of actuations of the source and beam steering a response of the seismic sensors such that the at least one point is equivalent to a focal point of a response of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating seismic body waves in a hydrocarbon reservoir includes a closed-loop borehole source having a resonant cavity for generating resonant energy, a drive source and a control unit. The drive source injects pressure pulses to the resonant cavity at a predetermined or selectable pressure and frequency. The fluid circulates between the cavity and the drive source in a closed-loop fashion. In another embodiment, the borehole source utilizes a smart or controllable material that is responsive to an applied excitation field. The cavity includes an excitation coil for providing an excitation field that changes a material property of the smart fluid. The control unit is programmed to adjust operating parameters to produce seismic waves having a selected frequency and amplitude. In one embodiment, a control unit adjusts operating parameters in response to measured parameters of interest or surface commands.

Abstract: Elastodynamic waves are generated by a tool having a hammer rotatably connected with a housing by a first hinge and an actuator arm rotatably connected with the hammer by a second hinge. An axial force applied to the actuator arm by a drive shaft and spring is translated and amplified to a radial impact force by rotation of the hammer around the first hinge. The tool may also include a stabilizer arm connected to the actuator arm by a third hinge, and connected to the housing by a fourth hinge. The housing may be an acoustic wireline tool cylinder having an opening that permits the hammer mass to extend outside the housing when rotated in a first direction. The housing may also include a second opening that permits the hammer mass to extend outside the housing when rotated in a second direction, and a third opening that permits the hammer mass to extend outside the housing when rotated between the first and second openings.

Abstract: An example apparatus for generating acoustic waves is disclosed. The example apparatus includes a housing, and at least one plate having a moment arm, wherein each plate couples to the housing. The example apparatus for generating acoustic also includes at least one axial driver coupled to each moment arm, wherein each axial driver aligns with a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a caliper and method for mapping the dimensions and topography of a formation such as the sidewall of a borehole. Examples of formations in which embodiments of the invention can be used include, but are not limited to, an oil, gas, pile borehole or barrette that has been drilled or excavated into the earth.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a seismic signal in a wellbore includes an elongated housing configured to be disposed in the wellbore; a piston slidably disposed in an internal bore in the elongated housing; a strike plate fixed on the elongated housing proximate one end of the internal bore; and an energizing mechanism configured to move the piston to hit the strike plate. A downhole system for seismic survey of a formation penetrated by a wellbore includes at least one seismic receiver; a seismic source; and at least one inflatable packer configured to separate the seismic source and the at least one seismic receiver in different compartments in the wellbore when inflated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for seismic data acquisition. One embodiment of the method includes accessing data acquired by at least two particle motion sensors. The data includes a seismic signal and a noise signal and the at least two particle motion sensors being separated by a length determined based on a noise coherence length. The method may also include processing the accessed data to remove a portion of the noise signal.

Abstract: A downhole receiver for gathering seismic and sonic data from inside a borehole includes a substantially tubular housing adapted for axial connection to a tool string, and one or more sensors. A damping element is provided to flexibly couple each sensor to the tubular housing. An actuator extends the one or more sensors substantially radially with respect to the tubular housing to clamp the sensors against the wall of the borehole. In selected embodiments, the sensors may be one or multiple component geophones, accelerometers, hydrophones, vibrometers, or the like.

Abstract: A marine seismic source method capable of retaining low frequencies is disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises a seismic source that generates an up-going wave and first down-going wave with opposite polarity. The up-going wave reflects off the ocean surface as a second down-going wave having the same polarity as the first down-going wave and the first and second down-going waves combine substantially in-phase to form a third down-going wave. A source apparatus to accomplish the method is also disclosed. One source apparatus embodiment comprises a device wherein at least part of the device is below the surface of the water and the device is adapted to cause oscillations below the surface of the water, and means for oscillating the device in the water to create an up-going wave and a first down-going wave and the up-going wave has reverse polarity relative to the first down-going wave.

Abstract: Acoustic transducers configured with integrated electronics technology are adapted to digitize signal data close to the transducer. The transducers are packaged with a reduced number of elements and sealed for exposure to harsh environments, without oil compensation. A transducer assembly includes a frame, an acoustic transducer element disposed on the frame, and an electronics module disposed on the frame and linked to the acoustic transducer element. The pressure and temperature tolerant electronics module is adapted to process a signal associated with the transducer element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for imparting a precise amount of impulse energy to be delivered to the ground. The apparatus includes an anvil for operative deployment against the earth a hammer operatively connected to the anvil for striking the anvil; and a control system operatively connected to the hammer for controlling the impulse energy of the hammer striking the anvil. The control system includes a linear feedback system for measuring the linear position of the hammer with respect to the anvil during a force stroke and a processor for receiving linear position data from the linear feedback system for controlling the relative speed of the hammer with respect to the anvil during a force stroke through an actuation system.

Abstract: An acoustic logging tool sleeve with a preferably discontinuous, alternating structure that is acoustically opaque in some zones, and acoustically transparent in others. The sleeve may be modular, with several stages connected together. The multiple stages provide a sleeve that may be useful with a variety of borehole logging tools to reduce or eliminate the transmission of noise to the receiving elements.