Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selectively generating a next-in-time positional code for disconnectably connecting recording circuitry to different but contiguous sets of detectors, i.e. an "active" array, from among a plurality of detectors positioned along the line of survey. For this purpose a microcomputer system that includes a system bus connected (via a port) to the rollalong switch, is employed.

Abstract: The present invention indicates that acoustic characteristics associated with gas/oil-containing strata such as a sandstone, limestone or dolostone, including reflectivity coefficients can be normalized (and favorably compared) with similar characteristics calculated and displayed by means of a machine-implemented data processing method in which well logging and geologic data are fed thereto to calculate such characteristics without the need for shear-wave velocities.In more detail, in accordance with the invention brine-saturated bulk and shear moduli, (i.e., Kw* and Gw*) of a sandstone, limestone or dolostone can be predicted as a function of, say, brine-saturated P-wave modulus (Pw*) alone (independent of shear-wave velocity). In that way, resulting acoustic values including seismic velocities and amplitudes (also, reflectivities) as a function of a saturation operator can ultimately be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the accurate mapping of shallow crustal earth formations by means for refractive seismic waves to identify structure, elastic parameters and lithology of the strata undergoing survey to indicate deposits of ore, marker rock, economic minerals and the like. After a "roll-along" technique has been used in the field to collect the refraction data and preliminary processing steps undertaken in which there are provisions for (i) accurate separation and determination of seismic shear and compressional responses; (ii) stacking displays that allow for accurate identification of shape of the surveyed strata; and (iii) final depth displays of the refracting bed segments associated with seismic shear and compressional wave velocities as well as Poisson's ratios, in accordance with the present invention, additional processing then occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selectively providing an alarm-generating digital code so as to alert an operator that the next-in-time positions of a source-detector array are the last approved locations before the recording truck location must be changed, i.e., "rolled forward" a predetermined distance along the line of survey and array parameters renormalized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to testing--at a second recording truck--a positional reference code (generated by a first recording truck); the reference code (associated with next-in-time positions of a source-detector array operatively connected to the second truck) is interrogated using a microcomputer system of a ground positional controller housed in the second truck. Result: coordination of operations (between trucks) is assured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for conditionally updating source-detector array parameters related to a seismic exploration system, especially during generation and collection of seismic data using a vibratory source detector array positioned at known locations along a line of survey at the earth's surface. The updated array and source parameter are generated as bits of digital data in a microcomputer system of a ground position controller housed in a recording truck associated with the exploration system of interest.

Abstract: Amplitude-versus-time information of a seismic time section is automatically migrated so that events on the time section are displaced, both vertically and horizontally, into positions on a seismic depth section that correspond to actual spatial positions of seismic reflectors in the subsurface. The migration is continuous in the sense that it moves the entire waveforms, not merely previously picked events.

Abstract: A method of updating pipe specification files of a computer-dominated piping graphics system, off-line. Interactive cross-checking of new data increases likelihood of effective, later batch operations.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a method of seismic exploration using vibratory sources activated by stationary, Gaussian codes. The method has the channel-capacity economy of sign-bit recording, at both the sources and receivers, without the sacrifice of any desired seismic information in the final processed records. Even the relative amplitudes between traces may be recovered in the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides for on-site capture of methane at sea, for isotopic examination. Liquid and interfering gases are separated from the methane; the methane is oxidized to form carbon dioxide and water; and the carbon dioxide and water are isotopically analyzed for carbon and deuterium distribution to determine methane origin, as an aid to evaluation of hydrocarbon potential of an earth formation.

Abstract: The present invention indicates that gas-containing strata of an earth formation have low Poisson's ratios and that the acoustic contrast with the overburden rock has a surprising effect as a function of the angle of incidence on a seismic wave associated with an array of sources and detectors: viz., a significant--and progressive--change in P-wave reflection coefficient as a function of the angle of incidence occurs. Thus, differentiating between high-intensity amplitude annomalies of nongas- and gas-containing media is simplified: progressive change in amplitude intensity of resulting traces generated by the field array as a function of offset between each source-detector pair, is associated with the last-mentioned medium only.

Abstract: The present invention indicates that gas-containing strata of an earth formation have low Poisson's ratios and that the acoustic contrast with the overburden rock has a surprising effect as a function of the angle of incidence on a seismic wave associated with an array of sources and detectors: viz., a significant--and progressive--change in P-wave reflection coefficient as a function of the angle of incidence occurs. Thus, differentiating between high-intensity amplitude anomalies of nongas- and gas-containing media is simplified: progressive change in amplitude intensity of resulting traces generated by the field array as a function of offset between each source-detector pair, is associated with the last-mentioned medium only.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, satellite navigation, receiver system of an exploration system for exploring for hydrocarbons in earth formations can be tested for fieldworthiness using a portable microcomputer-controlled satellite navigation simulator. From encoded inputs of local latitude, longitude, Greenwich mean time and antenna height, both array data parameters and real-time control signals are generated for simulating signals of an orbiting TRANSIT navigation satellite vis-a-vis the satellite navigation receiver system. To such system the received signals are indistinguishable from conventional TRANSIT satellite navigation signals. Result: by merely cross-checking simulator "turn-key" encoded data with the final computed fix, a technologist (who need not be a programming expert) can determine the fieldworthiness of the satellite navigation receiver system.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an impulse generator of high portability is provided using a pair of guillotinized, separately activated hammer/anvil sub-assemblies. Since each sub-assembly is horizontal positioned, say in contact with the earth from a position below the wheel of an exploration truck, the equivalent of the "flying blade" of a guillotine, i.e., a weighted hammer element, must be provided with horizontal movement. This is done by tensioning a plurality of springs attached between the hammer element and a rectangular main frame.During cocking and release of the hammer, the explorationist is provided with a series of visual signals in the form of deactivated and activated panel lights. These signals are automatically provided by controller means of the present invention. Release of the cocked hammer, however, is operator controlled for safety reasons say by activation of a latching means attached to the main frame of the assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a marine streamer test system and method (MARSTEST) is disclosed for testing field-worthiness of hydrophone sections within the streamer under both passive and dynamic operating conditions. With regard to a passive operating state, five (5) test parameters are automatically generated and compared with upper and lower limits stored within a mini-computer housed aboard the marine exploration boat. Any out-of-specification values trip an alarm network and a printer to warn of the malfunctioning streamer section. Result: replacement or other repair can be effected. With regard to dynamic operating conditions, acceptable "signature" characteristics of the streamer (such characteristics can be 2 or more of the above 5 parameters) are stored within the computer aboard the exploration boat and are compared with actually generated field parameter values acquired during operations, say between "shots", i.e.

Abstract: A "red-alert" end condition digital signal is generated by a transponder system of the present invention formed essentially of MSI's (Medium Scale Integrated Chips) including an oscillator/ripple counter controlling a coded analog multiplexer network in circuit with a RTL compatible gate/driver circuit. The aforementioned system both is initiated by and is in power dependent relationship with a MARK-SPACE interrogation signal and has special utility in digitally monitoring product "overflow" conditions in source/product storage tank networks associated with an oil refinery and/or a chemical complex.

Abstract: The liquid level within a storage tank network is continuously monitored by a transducer system of the present invention formed essentially of MSI's (Medium Scale Integrated Chips) including a differential pressure (dp) cell in circuit with a digital volt meter (DVM) which, in turn, is connected to a series of look-up ROM's (Read-Only Memories). In operation and as a function of dp cell output level, DVM is continuously applying BCD signals to the ROM's, such signals being proportional to liquid level. The ROM's retain, in memory, the Gray code translations of the BCD input. The ROM's are then periodically accessed via an analog multiplexer controlled by an oscillator/ripple counter to provide corresponding microcircuit level signals at the output of a 7-segment decoder/driver. Thereafter, the microcircuit signals are regenerated--at levels compatible with conventional MARK-SPACE tank gauging systems--using an isolation/driver network in circuit with the 7-segment decoder/driver.

Abstract: Description is hereinafter had to a digital computer-aided graphics system for producing in a plane having two-dimensional coordinate axes a planar representation of a three-dimensional pipeline described in easy-to-understand coded input format as a series of workpoints paired into overlapping sets, each set containing a dominant and subservient point identified by relative three-dimensional coordinates.

Abstract: A "red-alert" end condition digital signal is generated by a transponder system of the present invention formed essentially of MSI's (Medium Scale Integrated Chips) including an oscillator/ripple counter controlling a fixed Gray code logic encoding network in circuit with a driver circuit. The aforementioned system both is initiated by and is in power dependent relationship with a MARK-SPACE interrogation signal and has special utility in digitally monitoring product "overflow" conditions in source/product storage tank networks associated with an oil refinery and/or a chemical complex.

Abstract: The liquid level within a storage tank network is continuously monitored by a transducer system of the present invention formed essentially of MSI's (Medium Scale Integrated Chips) including a differential pressure (dp) cell in circuit with a digital volt meter (DVM) which, in turn, is connected to a series of look-up ROM's (Read-Only Memories). In operation and as a function of dp cell output level, DVM is continuously applying BCD signals to the ROM's, such signals being proportional to liquid level. The ROM's retain, in memory, the Gray code translations of the BCD input. The ROM's are then periodically accessed via an analog multiplexer controlled by an oscillator/ripple counter to provide corresponding microcircuit level signals at the output of a 7-segment decoder/driver. Thereafter, the microcircuit signals are regenerated--at levels compatible with conventional MARK-SPACE tank gauging systems--using an isolation/driver network in circuit with the 7-segment decoder/driver.