Patents Assigned to Fairfield Industries Incorporated
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Publication number: 20140081577Abstract: A method for adjusting an isotropic depth image based on a mis-tie volume is provided. The method generally includes obtaining an isotropic velocity volume for a geophysical volume, obtaining an isotropic depth image of the geophysical volume, obtaining time-depth pairs at downhole locations in the geophysical volume, generating mis-tie values based on the time-depth pairs and the isotropic velocity volume, assigning uncertainties to the mis-tie values, generating a smoothest mis-tie volume that satisfies a target goodness of fit with the mis-tie values. Adjustment of the isotropic depth image may be achieved based on the mis-tie volume or a calibration velocity obtained from the mis-tie volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventor: Paul Docherty
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Patent number: 8619495Abstract: A configuration for the deck of a marine vessel, wherein parallel and perpendicular travel paths, for movement of individual OBS unit storage baskets, are formed along a deck utilizing, in part, the storage baskets themselves. A portion of the deck is divided into a grid defined by a series of low-to-the-deck perpendicular and parallel rails and each square in the grid is configured to hold an OBS unit storage basket. Around the perimeter of the grid is an external containment wall which has a greater height than the rails. Storage baskets seated within the grid are configured to selectively form internal containment walls. Opposing internal and external containment walls define travel paths along which a storage basket can be moved utilizing a low, overhead gantry. A basket need only be lifted a minimal height above the deck in order to be moved along a path. The containment walls and the deck itself constraining uncontrolled swinging of baskets, even in onerous weather or sea conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: James N. Thompson, Jerry L. Laws, Roger L. Fyffe
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Patent number: 8611181Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method of transferring seismic equipment to and from a marine vessel and subsurface location. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel includes a deck having a plurality of seismic sensor devices stored thereon, two remotely operated vehicles, each comprising a seismic sensor storage compartment, and a seismic sensor transfer device comprising a container for transfer of one or more of the seismic sensor devices from the vessel to the sensor storage compartment of at least one of the two remotely operated vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: Reagan Neil Woodward, Jr., James N. Thompson
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Patent number: 8605547Abstract: The transmission system combines a self-contained, wireless seismic acquisition unit and a wireless, line-of-site, communications unit to form a plurality of individual short-range transmission networks and also a mid-range line-of-site transmission network. Each seismic unit has a power source, a short-range transceiver and a geophone disposed within a casing. Each wireless communications unit is formed of an elongated support structure on which is mounted an independent power source, mid-range radio transceiver and a short-range transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the short-range transceiver of the acquisition unit. Preferably, the acquisition unit is buried under the ground surface, while the wireless communications unit is positioned adjacent in the near vicinity of the buried unit and vertically protrudes above the ground.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler
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Patent number: 8605543Abstract: A wireless seismic data acquisition unit with a wireless receiver providing access to a common remote time reference shared by a plurality of wireless seismic data acquisition units in a seismic system. The receiver is capable of replicating local version of remote time epoch to which a seismic sensor analog-to-digital converter is synchronized. The receiver is capable of replicating local version of remote common time reference for the purpose of time stamping local node events. The receiver is capable of being placed in a low power, non-operational state over periods of time during which the seismic data acquisition unit continues to record seismic data, thus conserving unit battery power. The system implements a method to correct the local time clock based on intermittent access to the common remote time reference. The method corrects the local time clock via a voltage controlled oscillator to account for environmentally induced timing errors.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, William Guyton
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Patent number: 8594939Abstract: A method for adjusting an isotropic depth image based on a mis-tie volume is provided. The method generally includes obtaining an isotropic velocity volume for a geophysical volume, obtaining an isotropic depth image of the geophysical volume, obtaining time-depth pairs at downhole locations in the geophysical volume, generating mis-tie values based on the time-depth pairs and the isotropic velocity volume, assigning uncertainties to the mis-tie values, generating a smoothest mis-tie volume that satisfies a target goodness of fit with the mis-tie values. Adjustment of the isotropic depth image may be achieved based on the mis-tie volume or a calibration velocity obtained from the mis-tie volume.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Industries, IncorporatedInventor: Paul Docherty
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Publication number: 20130308421Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. In one embodiment, a method for performing a seismic survey in a water column is described. The method comprises providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cable handling device adjacent the cable storage device. The flexible cable comprises a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in the water column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes the workstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the water column.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATEDInventors: James N. THOMPSON, Etienne MARC
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Patent number: 8579545Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method for transferring one or more seismic sensor devices to or from a support vessel on or near a surface of a body of water and a subsurface marine location. In one embodiment, an apparatus for transferring seismic sensor devices is provided. The apparatus includes a frame structure having one or more rails disposed thereon, the one or more rails comprising an elevator mechanism and defining at least one exit path for one or more seismic sensor devices, and one or more motors coupled to the elevator mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: Stephen W. Jewell, Etienne Marc, James N. Thompson, Reagan N. Woodard, Jr.
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Patent number: 8556540Abstract: A deployment and retrieval apparatus for ocean bottom seismic receivers, the apparatus being a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having a carrier attached thereto and carrying a plurality of receivers. The carrier includes a frame in which is mounted a structure for seating and releasing the receivers. The structure includes one or more movable conveyors disposed to move receivers along a linear path relative to the frame in order to discharge and retrieve ocean bottom seismic receivers.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: James N. Thompson, Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Roger L. Fyffe
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Patent number: 8534959Abstract: A deployment and retrieval apparatus for ocean bottom seismic receivers, the apparatus being a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having a carrier attached thereto and carrying a plurality of receivers. The carrier comprises a frame in which is mounted a structure for seating and releasing said receivers. The structure may comprise a movable carousel or a movable conveyor or fixed parallel rails or a barrel. The structure includes a discharge port on said frame and a discharge mechanism for removing and retrieving said receivers. A method for deployment and retrieval of ocean bottom seismic receivers comprises the steps of loading a carrier with a plurality of receivers, attaching said carrier to an ROV, utilizing said ROV to transport the carrier from a surface vessel to a position adjacent the seabed and thereafter utilizing said ROV to remove receivers from said carrier and place the receivers on the seabed.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2005Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: James N. Thompson, Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Roger L. Fyffe, Stephen W. Mitchell, William E. Boone
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Patent number: 8496407Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is disclosed. In one embodiment, the seismic cable includes a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled together by a connector that prevents transmission of power and data signals between the first cable segment and the second cable segment. Each cable segment includes an inner jacket defining a hollow core, a braided strength fiber surrounding the inner jacket, and an outer jacket circumferentially surrounding the braided strength fiber, wherein the connector isolates the first and second cable segments.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: James N. Thompson, Etienne Marc, Richard Campbell, Richard E. Nye
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Publication number: 20130101355Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying a plurality of seismic sensor units into a water column is provided. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The vessel includes a cable storage device disposed on the vessel, a workstation disposed on a deck of the vessel, a ramp at least partially disposed on the deck, and a node storage and handling system disposed on the vessel. The node storage and handling system comprises a cable handler disposed between the cable storage device and the ramp, the cable handler having a cable disposed thereon and the cable defining a cable path passing over the workstation during a node deployment or retrieval operation, a node storage rack positioned between a bow and a stern of the vessel, and at least one conveyor belt to transfer nodes between the workstation and the node storage rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATEDInventor: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
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Publication number: 20130070558Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method of transferring seismic equipment to and from a marine vessel and subsurface location. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel includes a deck having a plurality of seismic sensor devices stored thereon, two remotely operated vehicles, each comprising a seismic sensor storage compartment, and a seismic sensor transfer device comprising a container for transfer of one or more of the seismic sensor devices from the vessel to the sensor storage compartment of at least one of the two remotely operated vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED d/b/a FairfieldNodalInventor: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED d/b/a
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Patent number: 8328467Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying a plurality of seismic sensor units into a water column is provided. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel includes a node storage and handling system disposed on a deck of the vessel. The node storage and handling system comprises a cable handler positioned adjacent a workstation proximate to a stern of the vessel, a node storage rack positioned between a bow and the stern of the vessel, the workstation being substantially parallel to a length of the node storage rack, and at least a first conveyor and a second conveyor positioned between the node storage rack and the workstation, wherein one of the first conveyor or the second conveyor is vertically movable relative to the node storage rack.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: James N. Thompson, Jerry L. Laws, Larry E. Berges
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Publication number: 20120300586Abstract: The transmission method utilizes multiple seismic acquisition units within an array as intermediate short range radio receivers/transmitters to pass collected seismic data in relay fashion back to a control station. Any one seismic unit in the array is capable of transmitting radio signals to several other seismic units positioned within radio range of the transmitting unit, thus allowing the system to select an optimal transmission path. Utilizing an array of seismic units permits transmission routes back to a control station to be varied as needed. In transmissions from the most remote seismic unit to the control station, each unit within a string receives seismic data from other units and transmits the received seismic data along with the receiving unit's locally stored seismic data. Preferably, as a transmission is passed along a chain, it is bounced between seismic units so as to be relayed by each unit in the array.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: Clifford H. RAY, Glenn D. Fisseler
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Publication number: 20120294122Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: Clifford H. RAY, Glenn D. Fisseler, James N. Thompson, Hal B. Haygood
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Patent number: 8310899Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method of transferring seismic equipment to and from a marine vessel and subsurface location. In one embodiment, the method includes deploying at least one remotely operated vehicle from a vessel operating in a first direction, and operating the at least one remotely operated vehicle in a pattern relative to the direction of the vessel to form at least two receiver lines.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: Reagan Neil Woodard, Jr., James N. Thompson
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Publication number: 20120275269Abstract: The transmission system combines a self-contained, wireless seismic acquistion unit and a wireless, line of site, communications unit to form a plurality of individual short-range transmission networks and also a mid-range, line of sight transmission network.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventor: Clifford H. Ray
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Publication number: 20120269580Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. In one embodiment, the seismic cable includes a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled together by a connector that prevents transmission of power and data signals between the first cable segment and the second cable segment. Each cable segment includes an inner jacket defining a hollow core, a braided strength fiber surrounding the inner jacket, and an outer jacket circumferentially surrounding the braided strength fiber, wherein the connector isolates the first and second cable segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: JAMES N. THOMPSON, Etienne Marc, Richard Campbell, Richard E. Nye
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Patent number: 8296068Abstract: The transmission method utilizes multiple seismic acquisition units within an array as intermediate short range radio receivers/transmitters to pass collected seismic data in relay fashion back to a control station. Any one seismic unit in the array is capable of transmitting radio signals to several other seismic units positioned within radio range of the transmitting unit, thus allowing the system to select an optimal transmission path. Utilizing an array of seismic units permits transmission routes back to a control station to be varied as needed. In transmissions from the most remote seismic unit to the control station, each unit within a string receives seismic data from other units and transmits the received seismic data along with the receiving unit's locally stored seismic data. Preferably, as a transmission is passed along a chain, it is bounced between seismic units so as to be relayed by each unit in the array.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler