Abstract: A while-drilling Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) data acquisition system utilizing the same seismic shots for three purposes is disclosed. First, the seismic shots provide a means for synchronizing a downhole clock in the VSP receiver to a master clock at the surface, thereby enabling correct determination of seismic travel times. Second, the same seismic shots are also used to communicate commands and other information to the downhole VSP receiver, such commands controlling the actions of the VSP receiver or associated devices. Third, the same seismic shots are utilized for purposes of the VSP survey itself, i.e. determination of seismic travel times, forming of seismic images, and determination of geologic and formation fluid properties using the VSP methods.

Abstract: A system for analyzing three-dimensional seismic data includes a plurality of digitizer units, each with a configuration of geophones, a data recording and control center, a base GPS receiver with an associated antenna with a substantially unrestricted view of the sky and at the respective digitizer units low-power slave GPS receivers that acquire and track GPS satellite signals using tracking assistance information provided by the base GPS receiver. The slave GPS receivers use the tracking assistance information to acquire and track GPS satellite signals that may be relatively weak at the receivers, due to conditions at the site, such as foliage canopies and so forth. The system processes range information provided by the slave GPS receivers over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A system for analyzing three-dimensional seismic data includes a plurality of digitizer units, each with a configuration of geophones, a data recording and control center, a base GPS receiver with an associated antenna with a substantially unrestricted view of the sky and at the respective digitizer units low-power slave GPS receivers that acquire and track GPS satellite signals using tracking assistance information provided by the base GPS receiver. The slave GPS receivers use the tracking assistance information to acquire and track GPS satellite signals that may be relatively weak at the receivers, due to conditions at the site, such as foliage canopies and so forth. The system processes range information provided by the slave GPS receivers over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A network distributed seismic data acquisition system comprises seismic receivers, connected to remote data acquisition modules, receiver lines, base line modules base lines, a central recording system and a seismic source event generation unit. A Global positioning system antenna is positioned at many or all seismic receiver take-out points. Each antenna is supported by minimal antenna signal processing circuitry for transmitting antenna reception to a base GPS receiver having full GPS signal processing capability for determining the distinctive global position of each antenna.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes signals such as interrogate commands generated from a Master Clock or other High Precision Clocks in a distributed sensor data acquisition system featuring a communications network (such as a land/transition zone seismic data acquisition system) to stabilize the oscillator (timing cycle) frequency of Remote Clocks elsewhere in the network. The disclosed invention is characterized by the utilization of highly stable timing signals from a Master Clock or other High Precision Clocks as a calibration standard to improve the oscillator frequency of distributed Remote Clocks of lesser inherent stability. Implementation of the disclosed invention results in improved synchronization of seismic amplitude data concurrently acquired over a wide area and improved subsurface geologic resolution.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for a multiple conduit cable assembly comprises a cylindrical protective collar surrounding an inner cylindrical core. The collar is axially secured to the inner core but partially rotatable about the core. The distal end of the collar is formed to rotatively mesh with another collar of the same shape to mechanically secure a joint of two collars. Cable conduits enter the assembly through one axial end for electrical junction to terminals imbedded within the inner core. The terminals are functionally aligned with one of four parallel chord sections on the distal end-face of the inner core. The cross-sectional area of the inner core end-face is divided into two half-area sections; two parallel chord sections in each half-area section. The distal end-faces of the several chord sections are profiled to three, axially spaced, cross-sectional planes to axially mesh respective connector pins and sockets.

Abstract: A network distributed seismic data acquisition system comprises seismic receivers connected to remote acquisition modules, receiver lines, line tap units, base lines, a central recording system and a seismic source event generation unit synchronized to a master clock. One or more high precision clocks is added to the network to correct for timing uncertainty associated with propagation of commands through the network. Seismic receivers and seismic sources are thereby synchronized with greater accuracy than otherwise possible. Timing errors that interfere with the processing of the seismic recordings are greatly reduced, thus enabling an improvement in subsurface geologic imaging.

Abstract: A system for analyzing three-dimensional seismic data includes a plurality of digitizer units, each with a configuration of geophones, a data recording and control center, a base GPS receiver with an associated antenna with a substantially unrestricted view of the sky and at the respective digitizer units low-power slave GPS receivers that acquire and track GPS satellite signals using tracking assistance information provided by the base GPS receiver. The slave GPS receivers use the tracking assistance information to acquire and track GPS satellite signals that may be relatively weak at the receivers, due to conditions at the site, such as foliage canopies and so forth. The system processes range information provided by the slave GPS receivers over an extended period of time.