Abstract: A dual-wavelength absorption detector is provided. The detector includes an electronics section, a three branched optical guide and a detector-cell. Each branch of the optical guide has a plurality of fibers, and at one end the branches are separated and connected to different portions of the electronics section. Two of the three branches are terminated next to LEDs having different wavelengths, a measuring wavelength and a reference wavelength. The third branch is terminated next to a photodetector. At the opposite end of the optical guide the three branches are combined to form a common end which is terminated within the detector-cell. The detector-cell includes a continuous-flow sample cell connected to a sample line. Within the detector-cell, the common end's fiber ends are held at a fixed location on one side of the sample cell with a concave mirror being located on the opposite side.

Abstract: A subsurface seismic source for generating seismic waves comprises a fluid supply conduit section conducting fluid downward and having a seat for receiving a blocking body transported by said fluid. Said body blocks the fluid through said section when forced against said seat by said mud. At least one piston chamber is arranged adjacent to and connected with said section, has in one end wall at one end an opening to said section above said blocking body when forced against said seat, and comprises a biased piston closing said chamber at the other end and being driven to the corresponding other end wall when the blocking body is forced against said seat. Said blocking body is forced through said seat at a predetermined mud pressure level, thereby releasing said piston, the piston colliding against the one end wall and generating seismic waves.

Abstract: A system for control of automatic refueling of automotive vehicles parked alongside a fuel dispenser unit which allows for a customer to control a refueling procedure without having to exit the vehicle. The control system includes a processing unit, control operating units, operating units and a communications system which is located within the vehicle to be refueled. The communications system has the capability to start, monitor and finish the refueling procedure by transmitting and receiving data signals which concern the refueling procedure such as signals which start the refueling procedure and signals which interrupt the procedure. The data signals are received by the from the vehicle into the processing unit where the signals are processed. The processed data signals are directed to control operating units. The control operating units then direct operating units in carrying out operating functions which are necessary to automatically refuel the vehicle.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring strain variations of a strain responsive element of a micromachined sensor device while subjected to outside parameter conditions, at least two oscillation resonance modes of said element are activated and interrogated optically. Thereby correspondingly at least two resonance frequencies are obtained. From parameter/frequency characteristics of said device correspondingly at least two parameter values are derived.

Abstract: A remote seismic sensing system is provided which operates as a bipolarized, differential mode, LDI (laser differential interferometry) system to detect electrical signals produced at a remote location. In preferred embodiments, the system is used in seismic surveying to detect array signals. An amplified array signal (the electrical signal is coupled to an array retroreflector apparatus (target). The array signal is obtained from an array of seismic detectors, e.g., geophones or hydrophones. The amplified array signal increases the velocity of a Doppler shifting optical component on the target. The target converts a defused sensing beam into two polarized return sensing signals, both of the return sensing signals having been Doppler shifted by the target to contain frequency components that represent motions, e.g., ground motions and wind motions, that are common to both signals and to contain a difference signal which represents the array signal.

Abstract: The method sequentially determines dips and corresponding estimated dip components of traces in a panel of data. The method can be applied to any data which can be represented as a function of two coordinates. In particular, the method can be applied to seismic data traces. The method in one embodiment sums data on traces along a preselected range of trial dips on a panel of data. The energy of the summed data with their corresponding trial dip are then displayed. The dip which has the peak of maximum energy on the display is then selected as a valid dip. An estimated dip component of the selected dip is then determined and subtracted from the traces along the selected dip. The process is then repeated, sequentially, determining a dip and an estimated dip component from the panel of data until the desired number of dips and estimated dip components are determined or the residual energy of the remaining data on the traces are below a preselected value.

Abstract: A marine seismic cable section with stress members and internal wiring located within the cable section in a manner which reduces internal bending stresses upon the cable section when wound upon a storage reel. Stress members are at least near a horizontal plane passing through and at approximately equal distances from the center line of the cable section. Internal wiring is located in a vertical crisscrossing pattern down the length of the cable section. In one important embodiment, the cable section contains an elastomeric filler material to retain and support stress members, internal wiring and other internal components at their desired location and to prevent damage to internal wiring and components due to external stress when the cable section is wound on a cable reel. Stress relief sections are also provided to further reduce bending stress within the seismic cable section in other embodiments.

Abstract: A marine cable deployment apparatus for deploying marine seismic cable from a ship which reduces tension force on the cable at the cable storage reel when the cable storage reel (drum) is winding out the cable. Marine cable is subject to a longitudinal tension force which can damage the marine cable when it is deployed from a storage reel. The apparatus of this application reduces the longitudinal tension force on a portion of marine cable so that the portion of cable can be deployed from a storage reel. The apparatus includes a collar attached to the marine cable and a cable deployment tool which is placed around the marine cable. The cable deployment tool has dogs which engage the collar and a locking ring which holds the dogs in place. The cable is deployed with the deployment tool accompanying the deployed cable. A line between the deployment tool and the ship provides an opposing force to the longitudinal tension force on the cable trailing behind the collar.