Casing Or Housing Patents (Class 367/188)
  • Patent number: 11866132
    Abstract: A watercraft mounting system that embodies a moving mounting platform and a protective hull cavity which provides protection, prevents damage and improves storage of data collection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hobie Cat IP, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Christopher Kardas, Drew William Brackett, William John Broadway, James Taylor Czarnowski, Philip James Dow, Elizabeth Catherine Sexton, Shane Yellin
  • Patent number: 11869479
    Abstract: A 1D ultrasonic converter unit having at least three ultrasonic converters and a control unit for individually controlling each ultrasonic converter, wherein each ultrasonic converter has a housing, a piezoelectric body, and a sound decoupling layer for decoupling sound waves in a gaseous medium, is embedded in a common carrier structure, and emits and/or receives the same frequency between 20 kHz and 400 kHz. Each ultrasonic converter has one sound channel having an input opening associated with one sound decoupling layer, and an output opening. The output openings are arranged along a line, a distance between two adjacent output openings corresponds at most to the whole or half the wavelength of the sound frequency and is smaller than the distance of the input openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs SE
    Inventors: Thomas Kaindl, Regine Augenstein, Mario Kupnik, Axel Jaeger, Matthias Rutsch
  • Patent number: 11828896
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combined submarine seismic acquisition node with a secondary positioning function, including an ocean bottom node connected with an external loading ship; a protective sleeve circumferentially covering outside the ocean bottom node; and response components fixed inside the ocean bottom node, and the response components are configured to send position information of the ocean bottom node, and the response components may perform an information interaction with the loading ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Juan Wang, Shengquan Zhang, Qingyu You, Shaoqing Li, Yonggang Guo
  • Patent number: 11753118
    Abstract: Disclosed is a submersible buoy device and a control method thereof. The submersible buoy device includes an encapsulated housing, a watertight penetration socket, an underwater acoustic communication body, a data acquisition body, a control body and a mounting bracket. By integrally integrating the watertight penetration socket, the underwater acoustic communication body, the data acquisition body and the control body on the encapsulated housing, different types of multi-sensor data in the submersible buoy device can be automatically collected and processed. Adaptive scheduling and linkage control are carried out by the control body to the unity of each functional module, thereby achieving one-stop automatic operation of all measurement data to acoustic transmission communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources
    Inventors: Huiwu Wang, Qinglei Su, Yanliang Guo
  • Patent number: 11703580
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a sensor body, a cushion member, a retainer unit, and a drainage path. The sensor body includes an ultrasonic microphone and a microphone support unit which allows a protruding part of the ultrasonic microphone located at a distal end in an axial direction to protrude and supports the protruding part. The cushion member covers the protruding part. The retainer unit allows exposure of a portion of the cushion member that is located at the distal end in the axial direction, and a portion of the cushion member that is located at a proximal end in the axial direction is sandwiched between the retainer unit and an outer peripheral surface of the protruding part. The drainage path penetrates the retainer unit in a radial direction to allow water to be discharged out of the retainer unit from a gap between the retainer unit and the cushion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Ueda, Takeo Tsuzuki, Taketo Harada, Mitsuyasu Matsuura
  • Patent number: 11630225
    Abstract: A data seismic sensing system and method for obtaining seismic refraction data and tomography data. The system may comprise a subsurface sensor array, wherein the subsurface sensor array is a fiber optic cable disposed near a wellbore, a seismic source, wherein the seismic source is a truck-mounted seismic vibrator comprising a base plate, and a surface sensor array, wherein the surface sensor array is coupled to the seismic source. The method may comprise disposing a surface sensor array on a surface, disposing a subsurface sensor array into a wellbore, activating a seismic source, wherein the seismic source is configured to create a seismic wave, recording a reflected seismic wave with the surface sensor array and the subsurface sensor array, and creating a seismic refraction data and a seismic tomography data from the reflected seismic wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Clifford Bland, Glenn Andrew Wilson
  • Patent number: 11609350
    Abstract: A modular seismic unit storage and handling system with a gantry robot and charging magazine is provided. The storage and handling system can include a storage container. The storage and handling system can include a top hat and a top hat extension. The storage and handling system can include an automated connection and charging magazine. The top hat can be connected to a gantry robot. The gantry robot can include a robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Magseis FF LLC
    Inventors: Sam Hand, Michael Morris, Matthew Stubbe
  • Patent number: 11523201
    Abstract: A multifunctional microphone, includes a controlling mainboard; a sound collector electrically connected with the controlling mainboard; a speaker electrically connected with the controlling mainboard; and a sound adjusting module arranged on the controlling mainboard and configured to adjust sound collected by the sound collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Changliang Zhu
  • Patent number: 10921165
    Abstract: A seismic sensor station employs a sensor unit that is mounted on a central mounting post attached to the base of a sensor station housing. The only path of mechanically supporting contact that exists between the sensor unit and the base is through the central mounting post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Alexis Peregrin Fernihough, Steven James Maas, Akbar Arab Sadeghabadi
  • Patent number: 10838091
    Abstract: A sensor device includes an elongated housing containing particle motion sensors spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the elongated housing, where the elongated housing has a width. A second portion includes communication circuitry to communicate over a communication medium, the second portion coupled to the elongated housing and having a width that is greater than the width of the elongated housing. The second portion includes an impact surface that is above a top surface of the second portion, the impact surface to receive an impact force for deploying the sensor device into a ground surface. The second portion further includes a connector structure to mechanically connect the impact surface to the elongated housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Seth Ian Friedly
  • Patent number: 10773421
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of efficiently manufacturing a recycled pulp from a used sanitary article, said recycled pulp being reusable for sanitary articles and having an ash content and antibacterial properties both meeting the standards for sanitary articles. A method for manufacturing a recycled pulp reusable for sanitary articles by recovering a pulp fiber from a used sanitary article that contains the pulp fiber and a high water-absorbing polymer, said method comprising an ozone treatment step for immersing the used sanitary article or pulp fiber in an ozone-containing aqueous solution and thus disintegrating the high water-absorbing polymer contained in the used sanitary article or sticking to the pulp fiber, characterized in that the used sanitary article or pulp fiber is treated with a cationic antibacterial agent before, after or together with the ozone treatment step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Konishi, Toshio Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 10684185
    Abstract: A sensor and/or sound detection device having a sensing device having a sensitive surface, an access channel being designed in such a way that air and/or a gas is transferable through the open access channel between a spatial surroundings of the sensor/detection device and the sensitive surface, and an at least partially water-impermeable membrane having respectively an inner side of the membrane facing the associated access channel being designed in such a way that a contact surface on the respective inner side of the respective membrane is pressed against an associated membrane contact surface on the associated access channel in such a way that the associated access channel is sealed in a liquid-tight manner when an outer side of the respective membrane or a covering layer on the respective outer side of the membrane is wetted with at least a minimum quantity of liquid and the respective membrane is deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Haug, Holger Hoefer, Jochen Reinmuth, Michael Knauss, Sebastian Schuler-Watkins
  • Patent number: 10310110
    Abstract: A system for seismic data acquisition includes data recorders that lack external electrical connectors. A seismic data recorder includes a housing. Within the housing the seismic data recorder includes circuitry configured to detect and digitize seismic signals and communication circuitry. The communication circuitry includes a first transmitter plate adjacent a wall of the housing, and a first driver coupled to the first transmitter plate. The communication circuitry configured to communicate the digitized seismic signals to a data retrieval unit that is external to the data acquisition unit via a capacitor formed by the first transmitter plate, the wall of the housing, and a receiver plate external to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Geospace Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robbin Barnet Adams, James Michael Hallaman, Roy James, Samuel Anil Choudhari, Danny Sheen, Barry S. Basile, Ronny Raborn
  • Patent number: 9995836
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for deploying and retrieving a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes from the back deck of a marine vessel using an overboard node deployment and retrieval system are presented. The overboard system may comprise one or more overboard wheels that are actively powered to move in response to changes in movement of the deployed cable. The overboard system may comprise a first overboard wheel with a plurality of rollers and a second overboard wheel configured to detect movement and/or changes in a position of the deployment line. The overboard system may be configured to move the first overboard wheel in response to movement of the second overboard wheel. In addition, the first overboard wheel may comprise at least one opening or pocket configured to hold a node while the node passes across the wheel. Other seismic devices may also pass through the overboard system, such as transponders and weights attached to the deployment cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Seabed Geosolutions B.V.
    Inventors: Arne Henning Rokkan, Richard Edward Henman, Leif Johan Larsen, Johan Fredrik Naes, Mariann Ervik, Ole-Fredrik Semb
  • Patent number: 9291730
    Abstract: A stress-relief device is provided, which is configured for being mounted on a geophysical equipment or node connected to at least two cables. The device includes a case configured for surrounding the geophysical equipment or node and for making at least an opening for enabling a connection between each of the at least two cables and the geophysical equipment or node. The device also includes a housing for housing a portion of each of the two cables, the housing being configured for substantially preventing any movement of said portions of the two cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SERCEL
    Inventors: Yann Pichot, Johann Dabouineau, Simon Gambini
  • Patent number: 9109787
    Abstract: An LED module includes a circular body member for mounting in a lighting assembly or luminaire that can be oriented in an opening in the luminaire by rotating the module about a center axis to a predetermined position to direct the light in a selected pattern. A mounting assembly captures the LED modules between top and bottom mounting members. The LED modules include a heat conducting body coupled to the mounting assembly to conduct heat away from the LED and PCB. A top side of the LED body cooperates with the mounting assembly. A bottom side of the LED body has a cavity supporting a PCB with a plurality of LEDs. A lens body is coupled to the bottom side of the body of the LED module to direct the light to the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert R. Nankil
  • Patent number: 9057643
    Abstract: A seismic sensing unit includes four uniaxial sensors each capable of detecting a movement component along a respective axis having a respective orientation and arranged such that the angles between any two of said respective orientations of said respective axes are substantially equal, wherein the uniaxial sensors are arranged such that in use the respective axes are at substantially the same angle to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and wherein the uniaxial sensors are geophones, accelerometers, seismometers or their combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Hughes Jones
  • Publication number: 20150092519
    Abstract: A sphere-inscribed wheel-driven mobile platform for universal orientation includes an outer shell unit, a seismometer module, a level sensing module, a movable unit, and a bearing unit. The outer shell unit includes an inner spherical surface defining an accommodating chamber. The seismometer module is disposed in the accommodating chamber, and defines a central axis. The movable unit is mounted to the seismometer module, and includes two rotating wheel units. The bearing unit is mounted to the seismometer module, and includes a plurality of bearing members disposed around the central axis. The seismometer module and the inner spherical surface are spaced by the movable unit and the bearing unit. The seismometer module is rotatable about the central axis and a rotating axis perpendicular to the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Chau-Chang Wang, Hsin-Hung Chen, Nai-Jen Chang
  • Publication number: 20150066297
    Abstract: A multi-sonic sensor having a housing, a removable clamp member, a sonic sensor array, and a magnetically connected temperature bail that operates in three modes—a running average, an outlier average, and a string line steering mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: SAUER-DANFOSS INC.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Bloms, Richard J. Wolf, Michael Olson, Scott Lee Kessler, Jack Zeng
  • Publication number: 20150043310
    Abstract: Sensor stations, system and methods for sensing seismic parameters of a subsurface structure are provided. The sensor station includes a sensor housing and a sensor unit. The sensor housing includes a base with a removable lid and receptacles for receiving the fiber optic cable therethrough. The base has a cavity therein accessible upon removal of the removable lid. The sensor unit is positionable in the cavity of the sensor housing. The sensor unit is operatively connectable to a portion of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cable for communicating seismic data sensed by the sensor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Steven James Maas, Akbar Arab-Sadeghabadi, Daniel Joseph Gentner, JR.
  • Patent number: 8942066
    Abstract: A composite assembly for a motor vehicle having at least one electroacoustic transducer for outputting sound waves and at least one wall element of the motor vehicle, behind which the transducer is mounted in a concealed manner, wherein an intermediate element for influencing the sound emission behavior is arranged between the transducer and the wall element, the intermediate element having a contact surface facing the wall element for passing on the sound waves. At least one recess is formed within the contact surface, in which recess no contact is made between the intermediate element and the wall element. In this way, it is possible to influence the emission characteristics of the electroacoustic transducer in a very flexible and need-oriented manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claudia Prausse, Stephan Max, Olgierd Zaleski, Andreas Bockstedte
  • Publication number: 20140347962
    Abstract: An arrangement on a component of a motor vehicle, having a sensor with a substantially planar end surface, a sealing ring which encloses the sensor, and a carrier element for maintaining the spacing of the sensor in the axial direction relative to the component. The sensor extends with the sealing ring into a cut-out of the component. The sensor has a surrounding sealing ring, an additional ring element which lies further to the outside in a radial direction and has at least two cut-outs which are distributed over the circumference. The elastic ring element of the sealing ring or decoupling ring seals against water which enters from outside and for correct self-positioning in the cut-out of the component. The cut-outs according in the ring element, which lies on the outside, allow water which has entered to drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Peter BAUMANN, Thilo DRAEGER, Georg LAMBERT, Ralf SCHMUELLING
  • Publication number: 20140328144
    Abstract: An improved casing apparatus is provided for coupling of seismic receivers, such as a geophone, to a substrate for the gathering of seismic data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: GEODESIGN LTD.
    Inventor: Ross William Huntley
  • Publication number: 20140328143
    Abstract: The hammer union pressure transducer engages with a cinch nut of a hammer union coupling to cinch a nose end toward an internal sealing surface of a male component of the hammer union coupling. The transducer includes a connection end removably threaded to the nose end. An anti-rotation device engages the connection end and the nose end, inhibiting inadvertent unthreading. The anti-rotation device is removable or shearable, allowing unthreading of the connection end from the nose end as desired. A recess may be formed on the external sealing surface of the nose end and an insert may be disposed in the recess. The insert, if used, may be formed of a material that is different from a material of the nose end. An upgrade kit may also be employed and includes an adapter plate to connect to the nose end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Viatran Corporation
    Inventors: Surinder Sood, Matthew D. Miles, John R. Biagioni, Joel D. Neri
  • Patent number: 8879362
    Abstract: A marine seismic exploration method and system comprised of continuous recording, self-contained ocean bottom pods characterized by low profile casings. An external bumper is provided to promote ocean bottom coupling and prevent fishing net entrapment. Pods are tethered together with flexible, non-rigid, non-conducting cable used to control pod deployment. Pods are deployed and retrieved from a boat deck configured to have a storage system and a handling system to attach pods to cable on-the-fly. The storage system is a juke box configuration of slots wherein individual pods are randomly stored in the slots to permit data extraction, charging, testing and synchronizing without opening the pods. A pod may include an inertial navigation system to determine ocean floor location and a rubidium clock for timing. The system includes mathematical gimballing. The cable may include shear couplings designed to automatically shear apart if a certain level of cable tension is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fairfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, James N. Thompson, Hal B. Haygood
  • Patent number: 8840340
    Abstract: There is described an apparatus and method for deploying a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors (5) joined together by connection cables (6) in one or more “chains”, and connected to an input/output device (8). An input/output connection unit (7, 15) is provided on a carrier (10), and the sensors are held on or in deployment devices (14a-14e) mounted to the carrier with their connection cables (6) connected to the input/output connection unit (7, 15). The input/output device (8) may also be mounted to the carrier, and connected to the connection unit (7, 15). The carrier (10), sensors, and input/output device (8) may be delivered as a single package to the area where the sensor array is to be deployed. The sensors are then moved from the carrier to their final positions. The deployment devices (14a-14e) may be detached from the carrier and moved sequentially to the sensor positions, and a sensor may be removed from the deployment device at each sensor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: TGS Geophysical Company (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Frank L. Eisenhower, Richard Edward Luff, Peter Hadfield, Ike Greenberg, Michael Henshaw, John Churchill
  • Patent number: 8797830
    Abstract: An explosion-proof system for generating acoustic energy. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a main housing defining an open housing space and an opening. A cover structure is configured for removable attachment to the main housing structure to cover the opening and provide an explosion-proof housing structure. The cover structure includes an integral head mass. An acoustic energy emitting assembly includes the head mass, and an excitation assembly disposed within the explosion-proof housing structure. An electronic circuit is disposed within the explosion-proof housing structure to generate a drive signal for driving the excitation assembly to cause the acoustic energy emitting assembly to resonate and generate acoustic energy. In one embodiment the acoustic energy is a beam of ultrasonic energy useful for testing ultrasonic gas detectors. A method is also described for testing ultrasonic gas leak detectors using an ultrasonic source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: General Monitors, Inc.
    Inventors: Shankar B. Baliga, John G. Romero, Scott W. Reed, Cristian S. Filimon
  • Patent number: 8737172
    Abstract: A hull-mounted sonar array is provided. The array comprises a linear arrangement of hydrophones disposed within a generally D-shaped housing. The D-shaped housing comprises a generally flat portion having a first and second end and a curved portion extending from the first end to the second end. The hydrophones are arranged along the generally flat portion of the housing, equidistant from the curved portion. The housing is mounted to the hull of a vessel by, for example, a marine adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Thaddeus J. Kurpiewski
  • Patent number: 8699301
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for acquiring seismic data over a loose surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing capable of moving on the loose surface with an opening configured at a bottom surface of the housing. The apparatus further includes a seismic sensing unit configured within the housing at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may be the bottom surface of the housing. The seismic sensing unit is operable to retractably move within the housing towards and away from the opening. In response to the seismic sensing unit moving towards the opening, the seismic sensing unit establishes contact with the loose surface for acquiring the seismic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
    Inventors: Tariq Ali Alkhalifah, Hashim Sari Almalki, Fahad Mohammed Almalki, Sajjad Ali Muhammad Khan Syed
  • Patent number: 8681587
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for rotational alignment and attachment of ultrasonic transducers to a barrier with one submerged surface uses a temporary transducer assembly to position mounting rings on opposite surfaces of the barrier. Plural permanent transducers are then mounted to each mounting ring and are aligned with each other across the barrier by virtue of the alignment of their mounting rings. The submerged mounting ring is used like a cylinder in combination with a mounting plate for the transducers on the submerged side of the barrier or each submerged side transducer has a suction cup fitting for use to exclude water from between each transducer and the submerged barrier surface to facilitate bonding of the submerged side transducers to the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilt, Henry A. Scarton, Tristan Lawry, Gary J. Saulnier, Jonathan D. Ashdown
  • Publication number: 20140036622
    Abstract: A seismic sensor node 1 comprising one or more seismic sensors (8,9) and an annular skirt (3) defining an annular axis. The annular skirt (3) has a cutting edge (10) which appears serrated when viewed at a right angle to the annular axis. The skirt (3) also has a series of ribs (15) and channels (11) which terminate at the cutting edge so that the cutting edge has an undulating shape when viewed parallel with the annular axis. The ribbed shape of the skirt (3) makes it particularly resistant to ellipsoid or modal oscillation, so that it can transmit seismic vibrations to the seismic sensor (s) with minimal distortion, attenuation or damping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GO SCIENCE LIMITED
    Inventor: Harry George Dennis Gosling
  • Publication number: 20140036624
    Abstract: A sensor probe system for measuring a signature of a marine seismic source array, the system including a base-mounted part attached to a base; a sensor probe configured to sink toward ocean bottom when released in water, wherein the sensor probe includes a signature sensor for measuring the signature of the source array; and a cable connecting the sensor probe to the base-mounted part so that the sensor probe is retrievable. A portion of the cable is wound in the base-mounted part and a remaining part of the cable is wound on a tail of the sensor probe prior to launch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Hélène TONCHIA
  • Publication number: 20140022869
    Abstract: A micro geophone having pole pieces do not extend out around the sides of the magnet, thereby allowing a reduced geophone diameter for a given magnet diameter. The pole pieces are adhesively bonded to the magnet using an adhesive, which may be made suitably electrically conductive by silver or nickel fillers or non-conductive by mica fillers such as borosilicate glass micro-spheres. Axial space is economized by eliminating traditional spider retaining rings. The spider springs are seated directly against the coil form and secured by adhesive fillets disposed on the outward-facing spring circumferences. The spider springs include circumferential notches to receive adhesive. A two-piece bimetallic coil form of aluminum and a heavier material, joined by adhesive, is provided. Headers are affixed to the housing within the seats by adhesive. A straight or rounded chamfer at each of the geophone ends allows the overall geophone dimensions to be maximized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: DANIEL M. WOO
  • Patent number: 8611191
    Abstract: A self-contained, wireless seismic data acquisition unit having a cylindrically shaped case with smooth side walls along the length of the case. A retaining ring around the circumference is used to secure the cylindrical upper portion of the case to the cylindrical lower portion of the case. Interleaved fingers on the upper portion of the case and the lower portion of the case prevent the upper portion and the lower portion from rotating relative to one another. Ruggedized external electrical contacts are physically decoupled from rigid attachment to the internal electrical components of the unit utilizing electrical pins that “float” relative to the external case and the internal circuit board on which the pins are carried. The seismic sensors in the unit, such as geophones, and the antennae for the unit are located along the major axis of the cylindrically shaped case to improve fidelity and timing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Fairfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
  • Patent number: 8589079
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8566036
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8566037
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Publication number: 20130258816
    Abstract: Disclosed are an earthquake monitoring device and a method of installing the same, which can permit stable and efficient installation and operation on any ground surface with free-field conditions including level and sloped ground conditions, and can provide precise monitoring results of earthquakes. The earthquake monitoring device includes a sensor for sensing vibration; and a base having an upper surface formed into a leveled surface, wherein the sensor is secured to the upper surface, and the base is placed on an excavated ground such that the upper surface of the base is positioned on a ground surface or the sensor on the upper surface of the base intersects the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE & MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventor: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE & MINERAL RESOURCES
  • Patent number: 8536663
    Abstract: A metal mesh lid MEMS package includes a substrate, a MEMS electronic component coupled to the substrate, and a metal mesh lid coupled to the substrate with a lid adhesive. The metal mesh lid includes a polymeric lid body having a top port formed therein and a metal mesh cap coupled to the lid body. The metal mesh cap covers the top port and serves as both a particulate filter and a continuous conductive shield for EMI/RF interferences. Further, the metal mesh cap provides a locking feature for the lid adhesive to maximize the attach strength of the metal mesh lid to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Amkor Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Shih-Wei Kuo, Russell Shumway, Louis B. Troche, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8537636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seismic cable (3) comprising at least two sensor nodes (4), the cable being adapted to lie permanently on a seabed (5). By covering each sensor node (4) and a length of the cable (3) connecting the sensor nodes (4) with a flexible protective socket (7), there is obtained a leak-tight connection, whereby penetration of water and/or moisture into the components of the sensor node (4) is not permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Norvald Berland
  • Patent number: 8526269
    Abstract: Methods and systems for acoustically determining reservoir parameters of subterranean formations. A tool comprising at least one seismic source or seismic receiver mounted thereon; a conveyance configured for movement of the acoustic tool in a borehole traversing the subterranean formations; and a source retainer configured or designed for permanent deployment in the borehole to removably retain the acoustic tool in the borehole. The source retainer when deployed provides acoustic coupling with the borehole and removably retains the acoustic tool in the borehole so that, over multiple deployments, the acoustic tool is repeatedly deployed at the same predetermined location and orientation relative to the subterranean formation, and with the same acoustic coupling to the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Kamata, Tsunehisa Kimura
  • Publication number: 20130215722
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor device includes a sensing unit and a component module disposed in a casing. The sensing unit is configured to generate a sensing signal in response to receipt of an external sound wave. The component module includes a base seat, a circuit unit and a cushioning unit. The base seat has a base board and a lower seat portion under the base board. The base board is formed with a recess. The circuit unit is disposed in the recess, is coupled electrically to the sensing unit for receiving the sensing signal therefrom, and is to be coupled electrically to an external electronic circuit. The cushioning unit is disposed at the base seat, and is proximate to the sensing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Wen-Jong Wu, Chuin-Shan Chen, Nai-Chang Wu, Chia-Yu Lin, Tzu-Chin Tsai, Chiun-Hua Chang, Shih-Feng Lee
  • Patent number: 8509034
    Abstract: A hydrophone for recording underwater sound includes a housing having an outer surface designed to serve as a boundary surface for an incident sound wave and at least one vibration sensor having a sensor surface for recording sound waves and for preparing a sensor signal. The sensor surface of the vibration sensor is in an opening of the housing. A hydrophone assembly includes a plurality of the hydrophones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Timo Klinge
  • Patent number: 8494776
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8478533
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Publication number: 20130163384
    Abstract: A stress-relief device is provided, which is configured for being mounted on a geophysical equipment or node connected to at least two cables. The device includes a case configured for surrounding the geophysical equipment or node and for making at least an opening for enabling a connection between each of the at least two cables and the geophysical equipment or node. The device also includes a housing for housing a portion of each of the two cables, the housing being configured for substantially preventing any movement of said portions of the two cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SERCEL
    Inventor: Sercel
  • Publication number: 20130100779
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an acoustic sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: forming an acoustic sensor unit by forming a lower electrode on an upper portion of a substrate, forming etching holes on the lower electrode, forming a sacrifice layer on an upper portion of the lower electrode, and coupling a diaphragm to an upper portion of the sacrifice layer; coupling a lower portion of the substrate of the acoustic sensor unit to a printed circuit board on which a sound pressure input hole is formed so as to expose the lower portion of the substrate of the acoustic sensor unit to the outside through the sound pressure input hole; attaching a cover covering the acoustic sensor unit on the printed circuit board; etching the substrate of the acoustic sensor unit to form an acoustic chamber; and removing the sacrifice layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Electronics & Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jae Woo LEE, Chang Han Je, Woo Seok Yang, Jong Dae Kim
  • Patent number: 8411532
    Abstract: A distance sensor equipped with a mount for mounting the sensor in a mount hole of a bumper of a vehicle. The mount includes a casing with a sensor holder, a bezel, and a resin-made retainer. The bezel is made up of a cylindrical member joined to the sensor holder and a flange having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the mount hole. The retainer includes an annular base joined to the bezel, a plurality of arms, and a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions extend from ends of the arms radially outward of the base and serve to establish a snap-fit on a peripheral edge of the mount hole, thereby nipping a wall of the bumper between the protrusions and the flange tightly to secure the distance sensor to the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Tsuzuki, Yasuhiro Kawashima, Tadao Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8347658
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: RE45268
    Abstract: A seismic exploration method and unit comprised of continuous recording, self-contained wireless seismometer units or pods. The self-contained unit may include a tilt meter, a compass and a mechanically gimbaled clock platform. Upon retrieval, seismic data recorded by the unit can be extracted and the unit can be charged, tested, re-synchronized, and operation can be re-initiated without the need to open the unit's case. The unit may include an additional geophone to mechanically vibrate the unit to gauge the degree of coupling between the unit and the earth. The unit may correct seismic data for the effects of crystal aging arising from the clock. Deployment location of the unit may be determined tracking linear and angular acceleration from an initial position. The unit may utilize multiple geophones angularly oriented to one another in order to redundantly measure seismic activity in a particular plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fairfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Hal B. Haygood