Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods including: a latching mechanism comprising: a first latch configured to attach to a door of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); a second latch configured to attach to a portion of the UAV distal from the first latch; a string connected between the first and second latch, where the string secures the door shut; at least two radio modules in communication with a ground control station; and at least two burn wires in contact with a portion of the string between the first latch and the second latch; where current from a backup battery passes to at least one burn wire when the burn signal is received, where the burn wire causes the connection between the first latch and the second latch to be broken and the door of the UAV is separated from the UAV, and where the parachute is deployed when the door of the UAV is separated from a rest of the UAV.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods including: a latching mechanism comprising: a first latch configured to attach to a door of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); a second latch configured to attach to a portion of the UAV distal from the first latch; a string connected between the first and second latch, where the string secures the door shut; at least two radio modules in communication with a ground control station; and at least two burn wires in contact with a portion of the string between the first latch and the second latch; where current from a backup battery passes to at least one burn wire when the burn signal is received, where the burn wire causes the connection between the first latch and the second latch to be broken and the door of the UAV is separated from the UAV, and where the parachute is deployed when the door of the UAV is separated from a rest of the UAV.

Abstract: System and methods for generating microseismic velocity models are provided. One or more existing well sites in proximity to a planned well site are selected. Historical microseismic velocity models associated with the selected well sites are obtained. The formation depths for each velocity component of the historical models are correlated to formation depths from well logs acquired for a subsurface formation associated with the planned well site. A classification and non-linear regression on the historical microseismic velocity models is performed to identify the best-fitting velocity components for layers of the subsurface formation corresponding to the correlated formation depths. An initial microseismic velocity model of the formation is generated using the best-fitting velocity components. Seismic wave propagation through each layer of the formation is simulated using the generated model.

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: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for finding and physically altering underground targets. Multiple projectiles are dispersed into the ground and determine their spatial orientation using seismic waves, and then operate as an array to locate and properly time kinetic pulses to focus seismic waves on the target.

Abstract: An embodiment of 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: An embodiment of 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 may generate and sustain an acoustic signal for a significant amount of time.

Abstract: An embodiment of 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. In an embodiment, because the engine repeats the thermodynamic process, the engine can generate and sustain an acoustic signal for a significant amount of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for finding and physically altering underground targets. Multiple nodes are dispersed into the ground and determine their spatial orientation using seismic waves, and then operate as an array to locate and properly time kinetic pulses to focus seismic waves on the target.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for finding and physically altering underground targets. Multiple nodes are dispersed into the ground and determine their spatial orientation using seismic waves, and then operate as an array to locate and properly time kinetic pulses to focus seismic waves on the target.

Abstract: An underwater target such as the hull of a ship is tested for its susceptibility to damage from explosive shock waves emerging from a rigid conical shell in response to detonation of an explosive charge therein. Such shell is located underwater in close spaced relation to the ship hull.

Abstract: Shells fired from the gun of a ship create an underwater explosion that is used to drive a sonar system. Sonobuoys [201] and/or a ship-towed array measure acoustic signals caused by the underwater explosion. A ship processing component [306] analyzes the signals and locates reflections of objects [102] in the signals. In addition to controlling the location at which to fire a shell, an adjustable fuze on the shell may be set to thereby control the depth at which the shell explodes. The low-frequency impulsive nature of the explosion makes it particularly suited for detecting objects in a littoral environment.

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: The invention provides a method and apparatus for neutralizing mines and obstacles that can quickly and efficiently clear a specified surf zone without human intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes firing tubes including a combustion chamber, a mechanism for supplying an aluminum fuel to the combustion chamber; and an ignitor for igniting the aluminum fuel within said combustion chamber to generate pressure waves. The firing tubes arranged in arrays located on sides of a main body of an autonomous vehicle. Activation of the firing tubes on a rear side of the main body is utilized in a preferred embodiment to propel the vehicle forward. Forward propagating pressure waves generated by firing tubes arranged on forward facing first and second sides of the main body are utilized to destroy mines and other obstructions located within a selected surf area.

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 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: The present invention provide a pyroacoustic device for protecting submarines or surface vessels, the device being characterized by the fact that it comprises: a structure (240) suitable for forming a positioning device for controlled positioning under water; and a case (100) connected to the positioning device, which case (100) contains: a plurality of charges (110) each suitable for generating an acoustic effect; and control means (125, 126; 140; 121) suitable for initiating said plurality of charges (110) in a controlled sequence.

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: 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: The invention provides a method and apparatus for neutralizing mines and obstacles that can quickly and efficiently clear a specified surf zone without human intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes firing tubes including a combustion chamber, a mechanism for supplying an aluminum fuel to the combustion chamber; and an ignitor for igniting the aluminum fuel within said combustion chamber to generate pressure waves. The firing tubes arranged in arrays located on sides of a main body of an autonomous vehicle. Activation of the firing tubes on a rear side of the main body is utilized in a preferred embodiment to propel the vehicle forward. Forward propagating pressure waves generated by firing tubes arranged on forward facing first and second sides of the main body are utilized to destroy mines and other obstructions located within a selected surf area.

Abstract: A well tool in accordance with the invention comprises an attenuation device which attenuates tube waves associated with an elastic wave emission and/or reception set (1, 12). The attenuation device comprises a bubble generator (2) which releases into the well a gas not readily soluble in the well fluid, slightly overpressured in relation to the hydrostatic pressure, in the form of calibrated bubbles which greatly attenuate the parasitic tube waves. The attenuation device is placed above or below the elastic wave emission and/or reception set having a plurality of pickups whose signals are acquired by a local electronic module (14) and/or a source of elastic waves such as a vibrator. A bubble trap (17) is preferably associated with the bubble generator (2) in order to limit the volume of gas to be generated in situ. The invention is applicable to VSP type seismic prospecting and acoustic logging.

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: A two-phase shock wave generator including a combustion chamber including a first, combustion, portion having an input port and a second, detonation, portion downstream of the first portion and having an output aperture; an air-fuel supply line, operative to feed the input port with an air-fuel mixture, an igniter, associated with the air-fuel supply line, which ignites the air-fuel mixture in the supply line and initiates a burning front which propagates towards the input port and a turbulence stimulator, fixedly mounted in the combustion chamber, which enhances and controls burning of the air-fuel mixture and includes a first section, situated within the combustion portion of the combustion chamber and having a preselected first gas dynamic resistance and a second section, situated within the detonation portion of the combustion chamber and having a preselected second gas dynamic resistance, lower than the first resistance, wherein the first resistance is such that burning of the air-fuel mixture in the com

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 closed-cycle combustion low-frequency acoustic pulse source for use underwater. An elongated combustion chamber, having a first end and a second end and an elongated elastic sleeve, is filled with a stoichiometric mixture of oxygen and hydrogen from an electrolyzer. When the mixture is ignited at the first end of the chamber, a longitudinally traveling flame front is initiated at the first end of the chamber. The moving front results in a traveling thermal pressure pulse. The pressure pulse is communicated to the surrounding underwater medium producing a generally uni-directional acoustic pressure pulse along the longitudinal axis of the elongated chamber. An alternative embodiment utilizes an array of sources disposed along the generally horizontal longitudinal axis of the array.

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: An underwater acoustic transmitter adapted to be released from a submerged ubmarine to float towards the surface of the water and explode a plurality of signalling charges at a predetermined depth in a predetermined time sequence.

Abstract: An underwater signalling device to fire explosives at a preselected depth a prearranged time sequence, which is intended to be part of an underwater sound communication system.

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.

Abstract: A device for under-water signalling has a chamber (38) which is normally closed by a replaceable element (39). A cartridge (16) in the device can be fired to release gas into the chamber and rupture the element (39), thus causing a sound wave to travel through the water and releasing the contents of the chamber into the water. When an end cap (13) has been removed to prepare the device for use, water pressure can act on a piston (23) to cause firing of the cartridge.

Abstract: Oxygen and propane are supplied to the combustion chamber of a marine seismic gas exploder from a pair of pressure regulated gas charging cylinders. Ignition of the resultant explosive gas mixture drives a piston connected with means for creating an acoustic disturbance in the water. The outputs from the charging cylinders are fed simultaneously to a mixing manifold connected to a large orifice communicating with the combustion chamber.The ratio of gases in the resultant mixture is automatically determined by the relative volumes and pressures of the charging cylinders, which may be precisely regulated by adjustment of pistons movable within such cylinders and by gas pressure regulation. To safeguard against too rapid voiding of a small volume charging cylinder, voiding of the larger volume cylinder may be initiated first with the aid of a choke downstream of the manifold. This will create an artificial back pressure in the distribution system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improvements in a recoil reducing system of a gas gun which create pulses in a liquid medium by introducing therein gas under high pressure. The release of high pressure gas from the barrel of such a gas gun causes recoil of the barrel. To reduce recoil, a reaction plate is attached to the barrel by metal rods so that the high pressure gas will impinge upon the reaction plate before escaping into the medium, and the force exerted on the reaction plate by the impinging gas will at least partially balance the force of recoil. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a layer of shock absorbent material is interposed between the reaction plate and the impinging gas to absorb some of the energy of the gas. Flexing of the metal rods is thereby reduced and the life of the rods is extended. Alternatively, the flexing of the rods is reduced by connecting each rod to the reaction plate through a chain link type of connection comprising two rings, each ring passing through the other ring.

Abstract: A high resolution seismic data acquisition system is made up of an electronically-fired shotgun source integrally connected to a detector-recording means displaced from the shotgun source.

Abstract: A device for underwater generation of low frequency sound comprising a coally shaped explosion chamber open at both ends, a firing chamber having inlet and outlet passages at opposite ends thereof, ignition means in the firing chamber, a restricted orifice between the outlet passage of the firing chamber and the small open end of the explosion chamber, a mixing chamber opening into said inlet passage, and two supply lines for introducing gases to form a combustible mixture in the mixing chamber, the combined resistance the supply lines and the mixing chamber offer to the flow of gas in the upstream direction being slightly greater than the flow resistance of said restricted orifice, the arrangement being such that when the gases in the firing chamber are ignited with the device submerged in water the flame spreads down stream through the explosion chamber and also upstream into the supply lines thereby extinguishing the flame.