Abstract: A system and method for confirming ignition of a fuel source in a wellbore. The system includes a tool, a fuel source associated with the tool, a control unit to ignite the fuel source, and a sensor to receive an ignition parameter corresponding to the fuel source. The ignition parameter indicates that ignition of the fuel source has occurred.

Abstract: An agricultural enhancement method for removing or overcoming soil fragipan, hardpan, or other natural and/or artificial soil compaction barriers is disclosed. These barriers prevent root and/or water penetration, which inhibits agricultural development. Consequently, removing and overcoming these barriers is beneficial to the soil and to agricultural yields.

Abstract: A technique for use in geophysical surveying acquires seismic data at low seismic frequencies to generate better starting models for subsurface attributes rather than enhancing the bandwidth of airguns for broadband imaging as in conventional practice.

Abstract: Controller and method for generating a frequency sweep for a seismic survey that uses a seismic source. The method includes receiving specification data about the seismic source; receiving environmental data about an infrastructure affected by the seismic survey; receiving guideline data about the infrastructure; setting a target energy spectrum density to be emitted by the seismic source during the seismic survey; and calculating, in a processor, the frequency sweep based on the specification data, environmental data, guideline data and the target energy spectrum density.

Abstract: The current invention concerns an apparatus that is an explosive disruption device and a method for its use. The apparatus includes an internal container which holds an explosive charge, an external container which holds the internal container and a screw lid which holds the internal container in place within the external container.

Abstract: A detonation wave pressure harnessing system includes a detonator tube that generates a detonation wave. The detonation wave produces a pressure in a coupling chamber that is substantially sealed when the detonation wave is generated. An interface between the coupling chamber and a target converts the pressure into a force that is applied to the target. The system includes an inflow valve assembly and an outflow valve assembly and a control system that controls the outflow valve assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments seismic energy sources configured to generate enhanced shear wave energy in order to more accurately determine the distribution and orientation of fractures in subterranean formations. At least one seismic energy source includes an elongate rod having a first end and a second end, a detonator coupled to the first end, and a bull plug coupled to the second end. An explosive is helically-wrapped about the elongate rod continuously from the first end to the second end and configured to detonate such that a time-delayed detonation is achieved which induces increased shear wave energy in the surrounding formations.

Abstract: An improved seismic exploration system and method involves an overpressure wave generator for generating an overpressure wave and a coupling component for converting a pressure of said generated overpressure wave into a force that produces a conducted acoustic wave in a target media. The coupling component includes a coupling chamber, a push plate assembly including a top plate, piston rod, and an earth plate, a movement constraining vessel including a stabilizing component for constraining movement of the push plate assembly and a sealing component for substantially sealing the coupling component, and a stop component for preventing the movement constraining vessel from striking the earth plate.

Abstract: An explosive cartridge comprising: an explosive composition; a deactivating agent that is capable of desensitising the explosive composition; and a barrier element that prevents contact between the explosive composition and the deactivating agent and that is adapted to be at least partially removed on use of the explosive cartridge.

Abstract: An air, fuel, and water mixture is injected into a resonance chamber forming micro-packets. The micro-packets are ignited forming micro-explosions in a combustion chamber containing a central resonance chamber creating a standing wave interfering with a standing wave in the resonance chamber generating the micro-packets. The interfering waves are in phase aiding in the disassociation of molecules, including hydrogen and oxygen, in the air, fuel and water mixture. Efficient combustion is achieved with a nearly zero carbon emissions. The heat generated from the combustion may be used to produce work by any conventional device, such as a steam engine or turbine or generate heat for a building.

Abstract: An improved system for coupling a generated overpressure wave to a target media includes a coupling chamber and an interface between the coupling chamber and a target media. Pressure produced in the coupling chamber by a generated overpressure wave is applied to the interface thereby converting the pressure in the coupling chamber into a force that produces a conducted acoustic wave in the target media.

Abstract: A seismic gun system for surveying underground geological topology, the seismic gun system comprising a projectile, a seismic gun body, a barrel, and a guide tube. The projectile includes an outer tubular jacket and a frangible material in its interior. A exterior surface of the tubular jacket is textured to regulate tubular jacket disruption. The barrel includes a breach end and a muzzle end. The breach end is connectable to the seismic gun body for receiving the projectile into said barrel and said muzzle end directing the projectile towards the bottom of a bore hole. The guide tube has an upper end and a terminal end. The upper end of the guide tube is connectable to the muzzle end of the barrel. The guide tube has walls to direct the projectile towards the bottom of the bore hole when aimed therein.

Abstract: A seismic gun assembly comprising a barrel and guide tube assembly for delivering a projectile to the bottom of a bore hole with a non-line-of-sight section. The guide tube being either a large diameter guide tube or a tight fitted guide tube. The large diameter guide tube allowing the projectile to perform shallow angle bounces to reach the bottom of a non-line-of-sight bore hole. The tight fitted guide tube allows the projectile to ride the inner wall of the guide tube to reach the bottom of a non-line-of-sight bore hole. The projectile comprises an outer jacket and a frangible core. The seismic gun barrel assembly additionally comprises a fluid exclusion puck for preventing fluids from entering the guide tube, a suppressing collar for suppressing seismic noise, and a method for modulating recoil.

Abstract: An explosive cartridge comprising: an explosive composition; a deactivating agent that is capable of desensitising the explosive composition; and a barrier element that prevents contact between the explosive composition and the deactivating agent and that is adapted to be at least partially removed on use of the explosive cartridge.

Abstract: A device for generating an acoustic signal in a fluid includes an engine operable to repeat a thermodynamic process to vibrate a membrane of the engine to generate an acoustic signal having more than one period. The thermodynamic process includes heating mass inside a chamber of an engine to generate pressure inside the chamber; in response to generating the pressure, moving in a first direction a portion of a membrane of the engine; removing mass from inside the chamber to decrease the pressure inside the chamber; and in response to decreasing the pressure inside the chamber, moving the membrane portion in a second direction. Because the engine repeats the thermodynamic process, the engine can generate and sustain an acoustic signal for a significant amount of time.

Abstract: A method of generating seismic waves in a rock mass surrounding a well comprises the steps of: (a) providing a packer and a fluid withdrawal line within the well, wherein the packer is located below the weathering zone and defines the upper limit of a working volume within the well, and the fluid withdrawal line is adapted to withdraw fluid from the working volume; and (b) providing and detonating an air-fuel mixture in the working volume to generate seismic waves, combustion products of the detonation being withdrawn from the working volume via the fluid withdrawal line.

Abstract: A regenerative combustion device having a combustion zone, and chemicals contained within the combustion zone, such as water, having a first equilibrium state, and a second combustible state. Means for transforming the chemicals from the first equilibrium state to the second combustible state, such as electrodes, are disposed within the chemicals. An igniter, such as a spark plug or similar device, is disposed within the combustion zone for igniting combustion of the chemicals in the second combustible state. The combustion products are contained within the combustion zone, and the chemicals are selected such that the combustion products naturally chemically revert into the chemicals in the first equilibrium state following combustion. The combustion device may thus be repeatedly reused, requiring only a brief wait after each ignition to allow the regeneration of combustible gasses within the head space.

Abstract: Barrel assemblies (1) each include a plurality of projectiles (11) arranged in-line within barrel (12) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling projectiles (11) through the muzzle of barrel (12). Projectiles (11) are arranged with one another and barrel (12) so as to prevent rearward travel of an ignited propellant charge to the trailing propellant charge. The matter or objects contained within holding body (17) may include explosive charges for scismic exploration, fire retardants, fire extinguishing means, pyrotechnics, herbicide, insecticide, fertilizer or seeds. Methods of delivering loaded projectiles (11) for civilian purposes are claimed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method for measuring the first arrival time of seismic waves from detonation in seismic explorations, comprising a or several detectors for measuring seismic waves and converting them into electrical signals and a signal processing means for calculating an average energy of the electrical signals to determine the first arrival time of seismic waves and using a smooth filtering method to compute accurately the first arrival time backwards from the first maximum valve in the average energy curve.

Abstract: A seismic signaling apparatus (100) and method for enhancing the repeatability of the generated seismic signals are disclosed. The seismic signaling apparatus (100) includes a support frame (102) having an air-gun array (114) operably mounted thereto. The air-gun array (114) includes a plurality of air-guns (118, 120, 122) that are positioned such that a tapered, heavy centered, point source seismic signal is generated upon firing of the air-gun array (114). Shock absorbing members (124) are attached to adjacent air-guns (118, 120, 122) in order to absorb the force generated by the firing of the air-gun array (114). In particular, the shock absorbing members (124) absorb the forces associated with air-gun recoil to minimize the movement of the air-guns (118, 120, 122) relative to each other and the support frame (102), thereby stabilizing the air-gun array (114) and enhancing the repeatability of the generated seismic signals.

Abstract: An improved seismic method comprises the steps of generating seismic waves by exploding an explosive device in a subterranean formation, wherein the explosive device comprises a plurality of explosive elements whereby there is a time delay between the detonations of the individual explosive elements, and detecting the seismic waves and/or reflections thereof with seismic detectors. Also disclosed are geophysical survey systems that comprise a seismic energy source comprising an explosive device that comprises a plurality of explosive elements, the seismic energy source being located in a subterranean formation, and a plurality of seismic detectors that are adapted to detect seismic waves and/or reflections generated when the seismic energy source explodes.

Abstract: A sound mitigation system and method reduce the transmission of acoustic output from explosions underwater. The system is submerged to bottom terrain of a body of water and has at a series of gas-generating devices providing volumes of gas that are fed to refractory heat resistant tubing assemblies and flexible general tubing assemblies. The heat resistant and general tubing assemblies extend between adjacent gas generating devices and are provided with at least one row of holes to vent bubbles of gas and form a virtually continuous curtain of bubbles rising to the surface of the water between detonating explosives and areas of interest. The curtain of bubbles mitigates the effects of the explosions on marine mammals and endangered, threatened, or protected species within an area adjacent to the explosions.

Abstract: An improved seismic method comprises the steps of generating seismic waves by exploding an explosive device in a subterranean formation, wherein the explosive device comprises a plurality of explosive elements whereby there is a time delay between the detonations of the individual explosive elements, and detecting the seismic waves and/or reflections thereof with seismic detectors. Also disclosed are geophysical survey systems that comprise a seismic energy source comprising an explosive device that comprises a plurality of explosive elements, the seismic energy source being located in a subterranean formation, and a plurality of seismic detectors that are adapted to detect seismic waves and/or reflections generated when the seismic energy source explodes.

Abstract: A method of generating seismic waves in a rock mass surrounding a well comprises the steps of:

Abstract: A seismic acquisition system includes one or more perforating shaped charge modules activable to generate seismic signals into an earth sub-surface. The seismic signals are created by perforating jets formed by the perforating shaped charge modules when activated. The perforating jets produce directional seismic signals that reduce the amount of lateral noise. One or more detectors are employed to receive signals reflected from the earth sub-surface in response to the seismic signals.

Abstract: High-power pressure wave source for generating pressure waves that can be repeated by igniting a combustible fluid mixture and by increasing its rate of combustion up to detonation. The high-performance pressure wave source has a channel, which expands toward one of its ends and forms a combustion chamber, a feed means for the components of the fluid mixture, and an igniting means in the area of the narrow end of the channel, a discharge means for the waste gas in the area of the wide end of the channel, and a membrane closing the wide end of the channel on the front side, as well as a plurality of vortex generators distributed over the length of the channel.

Abstract: A seismic acquisition system includes one or more perforating shaped charge modules activable to generate seismic signals into an earth sub-surface. The seismic signals are created by perforating jets formed by the perforating shaped charge modules when activated. The perforating jets produce directional seismic signals that reduce the amount of lateral noise. One or more detectors are employed to receive signals reflected from the earth sub-surface in response to the seismic signals.

Abstract: An underwater high energy acoustic communications device has inner shell-like structure having an outer surface connected to first ends of tuning springs and outer shell-like structure having an inner surface connected to second ends of the tuning springs to concentrically locate and space the inner and outer structures apart. Explosive units mounted on the inner surface of the outer structure each includes an explosive squib, rigid tube, and projectile. A micro-controller feeds firing signals over electrical leads to the explosive units to detonate them and fire their projectiles to strike the inner structure that emits ringing high-energy broadband acoustic signals that are propagated into surrounding seawater. A transducer connected to the micro controller receives acoustic signals from a remote source to activate the micro-controller to generates preprogrammed sequences of firing signals to propagate coded messages by the high-energy broadband, acoustic signals.

Abstract: A seismic pulse generator (1) has a chamber (4) pressurised with gas. The generator includes a solenoid valve (60) which can be actuated to cause the release to atmosphere of only a small amount of pressurised gas from a small control chamber (34) behind a main piston (30) to enable the piston to move away from a valve seat (32) around an outlet (26). This permits the abrupt release of the pressurised gas in the chamber (4) through the outlet and the “firing” of the generator. The arrangement maximises the use of the main pressurised gas for actual “firing” of the generator.

Abstract: A self-contained tool incorporates an electronic system for significantly reducing the number of batteries required to detonate an explosive downhole, making the tool short enough for transport by helicopter, rather than by boat, to an offshore well. This shortness is further beneficial for negotiating tight-radius bends in deviated wells. Safety is improved by a shear pin holding a pressure-activated switch in an open position until sufficient pressure shears the shear pin. Control from the surface is provided in applications where fluid pressure is controlled at the surface and raised to shear the shear pin. Longer run-in time is better accommodated by the combination of the electronic system and the shear pin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating as shear ("S") wave for use in oil and gas exploration, where such S-wave is created by detonating an explosive packaging in a shot hole in a manner that produces directionally controlled S-wave force vectors at each source station across a 3-D survey grid.

Abstract: A pulsed combustion acoustic wave generator includes a tubular barrel having an inlet end and an open outlet end, a fuel controller for metering a controlled quantity of fuel into the inlet end of the barrel, an oxidant controller for metering a controlled quantity of oxidant into the inlet end of the barrel and an igniter extending into the inlet end of the barrel that is controllable by an operator to ignite a mixture of fuel and oxidant in the inlet end.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing geophones beneath the surface of the earth includes a machine frame that supports an elongated probe rod. The probe rod is dimensioned to reach a selected subterranean earth layer. The rod has upper and lower end portions. A geophone holder is positioned at the lower end of the rod for holding a geophone and its cable. A plurality of drive wheels carried by the frame transport the rod between the upper and lower positions. The drive rollers include at least an opposed pair of upper wheels and an opposed pair of lower wheels. The wheels are loaded with an adjustable spring pusher so that extensive pressure can be applied from the drive wheels to the pipe for gripping and driving the pipe even when muddy. A gear train interconnects all of the driving wheels so that all of the wheels rotate at the same rotational speed. A gear train preferably includes six gears including a pair of upper gears, a pair of lower gears, and a pair of intermediate drive gears.

Abstract: A disposable point detachably mounted on the lower end of a vertically movable hole forming elongated member with the point having an explosive charge mounted therein in order for the disposable point and explosive charge to remain in the bottom of a hole formed by the elongated member and point when they are forced into a subsurface formation which is to be seismically explored with the elongated member then being retracted.

Abstract: An explosive actuated acoustic device emits sound to be used in torpedo countermeasures. Numbered devices are delivered over an extended area and sink through the water. The devices are actuated at different times as they sink, to provide sound masking over an extended period of time. The devices also include safety devices which prevent premature actuation from jarring or jolting and from impact with the water.

Abstract: An underwater sound source with a remote controlled actuator comprising a oy having a buoyant portion, a plurality of launch tubes storing acoustic charges, a radio transceiver, control circuitry, hinged doors at the bottom of the tubes, and a safety release circuit. The hinged doors are secured by pneumatic actuators to allow a selected door to open on a radio signal from a remote location. The charges are pressure sensitive and will explode at a preselected depth. A launch platform can deploy the device and remove itself from the general vicinity of the test site. The device releases the charges on command from a transmitter aboard a vessel and reports on the status of the launch tube doors to a receiver aboard a vessel. A safety valve can be opened automatically or on power failure to insure that all acoustic charges have been discharged.

Abstract: A vibrating hole forming device for seismic exploration in which a vertically elongated mounting pipe with attached rack gear is powered vertically by a hydraulically driven pinion gear which will mechanically push the pipe downwardly into the earth's surface. A vibrating mechanism imparts vibration to the downward force exerted by the pinion gear and rack gear. Vibration is imparted to the pipe automatically when hydraulic pressure required to operate the pinion gear reaches a predetermined pressure such as when the point on the lower end of the pipe encounters a predetermined resistance to further downward movement. This enables a lightweight unit to impart a constant downward force and a vibration force when needed to enable the device to penetrate through sands or extremely dense subsurface terrain thereby eliminating the necessity of providing a heavy weight vehicle such as is required when conventional hole forming devices are used on which the device is mounted.

Abstract: A downhole seismic acoustical signal source capable of selectively firing numerous, prewired explosive charges. The downhole seismic source has a firing system that uses a sequence of combinations of two conductors at a time and a downhole diode array to select and fire a single charge. The conductors are connected to a Surface Control Unit at the surface. A seismic crew on the surface can select and fire any charge through this control unit. The downhole seismic source has the ability to fire numerous explosive charges in a given downhole trip through the firing of many individual explosive charges.

Abstract: A simple and low maintenance Ride Control System (RCS) for Air Cushion Vehicles (ACV) is presented. This RCS reduces the effect of water wave generated pressure pulses on ACV ride by venting the pressure pulses from the pressurized supporting gas cushion and/or restricting gas flow into a powered blower that supplies the pressurized supporting gas cushion as the pressure pulses occur. The preferred embodiment utilizes high aspect ratio low moment of inertia vanes that are individually driven by brushless electric servo motors and the vanes can rotate in either direction through 360 degrees. A vane braking and locking mechanism is presented that brakes and locks the vanes in a closed position in the event of power failure to the vane drive motors. A further feature of the invention is a venturi that is positioned between the powered blower and the pressurized supporting gas cushion to reduce the effect of the pressure pulses on blower operation.

Abstract: A simple, low cost, and reliable, normally cyclic, fluid control valve that in preferred configuration includes one or more rotary valve elements where such valve elements have openings that align with each other and/or with a flow passageway thus forming an aperture for fluid flow during valve cycles. Rotary valve elements may be oriented in different directions to connecting ducts and may have a variety of shapes with a preferred shape being cylindrical. Simple motors drive rotary valve elements such that a rate of valve cycling and/or amount of aperture can be easily controlled by a controller such as a microprocessor. Easy valve servicing and installation are other features. Dynamic sealing of the fluids is preferably accomplished by use of simple low cost labyrinth seals.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater acoustic charge deployment buoy that can deploy ustic charges at preselected time periods. The device can operate away from any control vessels or structures. The device comprises a plurality of launch tubes disposed within a frame supported by an elastomeric floatation collar. An electrical control circuit is fastened to the upper surface of the frame to control acoustic charge release times. A hinged door that is held closed by a burn wire is disposed on lower end of each launch tube. Activation of the control circuit causes the burn wire to part, releasing the hinged door. When the hinged door opens, gravity causes the acoustic charge to drop from the launch tube. The device can deploy a plurality of acoustic charges at preselected times remote from control vessels or structures.

Abstract: Conductive members are sewed and mounted to a damper main body. The conductive members are made of a woven wire which is formed by winding double conductive foils. The shape of the corrugations of the damper increases as the position approaches from the inner periphery to the outer periphery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for geophysical exploration wherein a seismic wave is passed through a bore hole so at to sequentially detonate a plurality of explosive charges disposed within said bore hole at spaced intervals. A preselected seismic wave magnitude represented by a stored voltage is compared with signals generated by electro-acoustic sensors associated with each charge. When the magnitude of a seismic wave in the bore hole equals the preselected magnitude, a voltage stored on a capacitor discharges into a detonator. Means are provided for varying the stored voltage representing the preselected magnitude from the surface of the bore hole and for detonating any unexploded charges which may after the initial seismic wave passes through the bore hole. A firing circuit is armed substantially simultaneously with the initiation of the seismic wave in the bore hole. The firing circuit is armed for only approximately 0.1 to 0.5 seconds thereby preventing late detonation which destroys seismic data.

Abstract: A blasting system wherein the actuation of detonators at a plurality of blast holes is controlled by firing one or more test blasts and, at each blast hole, monitoring the resulting shock wave to derive data which is used to determine time delay criteria for the blast holes.Each detonator includes a shock sensitive device which detects the shock wave. Each detonator has on-board signal processing capability and optionally is connected to a central control computer.

Abstract: A downhole seismic acoustical signal source capable of selectively firing numerous, prewired explosive charges. The downhole seismic source uses a self-contained firing circuit that is capable of receiving select and fire signals from a seismic crew at the ground surface through a standard seven conductor wireline cable to detonate the explosive charges. The downhole seismic source is capable of generating numerous signals in a given downhole trip through the firing of many individual explosive charges.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for generating seismic signals in the earth utilizing one or more shells. A tubular barrel made of frangible material, such as plastic, has a shell positioned within it, the shell having a head with an electrically actuated primer button. A continuity block is positioned within the barrel providing electrical continuity with the shell and the primer button. Conductors are connected to the continuity block and extending exteriorly of the barrel, the shell being fired by connecting the conductors to a voltage source. The barrel may be elongatd to house a plurality of spaced apart shells, the first shell being electrically fired and the other shells being fired by percussion. Each percussion shell is engaged by a plunger which is actuated by the slug fired from the adjacent shell so that upon firing of the electric shell, the slug thereof fires the first percussion shell and each percussion shell thereafter is fired in sequence.

Abstract: Multiple downhole seismic signals are generated by an apparatus comprising one or more elongated rod segments insertable in a borehole and provide with spaced-apart predetermined lengths of Primacord explosive charge helically wrapped on the exterior of the rod segment and spaced apart by circumferential baffles supported on the rod segment. The charges are selectively fired through a motor actuated selector switch and a switch stepping and firing circuit including only two conductors and blocking diodes for imposing signals of opposite polarity on the selector switch and its actuating motor.

Abstract: A method for predicting the ground vibration and airborne noise at any position resulting from a blasting operation using the data obtained from one or more single-charge low level blasts. By using convolution in the frequency domain, large charge weight nonlinear vibrations are considered, such that the optimum excitation frequency (detonation delays) is induced for minimizing objectionable ground and air vibrations and noise. The method also allows optimization of the number, position and loading of the blast holes, and the number and position of charges detonated per delay period, to produce maximum removal of material without damage to surrounding structures.

Abstract: A seismic geophysical prospecting method and apparatus is described involving the sequential shooting of lump explosive charges spaced apart in a borehole so as to produce seismic wave reinforcement in a given direction. Fast acting electronic switch means control the detonation of each charge responsive to the advance of the seismic waves front substantially independent of formation pressure wave velocity.

Abstract: A transportable seismic energy source having a baseplate for contacting the earth, an upper master cylinder affixed at its lower end to the base plate and extending uprightly from it, a receiving cylinder of outside diameter less than the internal diameter of the master cylinder and supported coaxially within the upper portion of the master cylinder, the master cylinder and receiving cylinder being filled with liquid, a slug firing gun mounted to the master cylinder and arranged so that the gun muzzle extends coaxially and above the receiving cylinder.