Abstract: A three-axis seismic vibrator is provided which imparts compressional and shear wave seismic vibrations, either sequentially or simultaneously, into the Earth's surface. The seismic vibrator includes an earth-contacting baseplate which transmits vibrational energy into the Earth's surface; a support structure; a vibrator assembly pivotally supported at one end by the support structure; and servo-hydraulic control circuits which activate reciprocal vibration along the vibratory axis of the vibrator assembly and sustained oscillatory vibration of the vibrator assembly. The vibrations thus generated are transferred to the baseplate and injected into the Earth's surface. These vibrations and their reflections can then be recorded and analyzed to determine the mineral content of the Earth's surface in the immediate area.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer assembly includes a piezoelectric ceramic crystal. The assembly also includes a pair of solid circular metal plates positioned to sandwich the piezoelectric ceramic crystal between them, wherein each of the metal plates comprises: (i) an outer rim circling a concave portion formed in a first surface of the metal plate, the first surface oriented toward the piezoelectric ceramic crystal; and (ii) an epoxy wicking barrier formed in the first surface, adjacent to the outer rim. The assembly also includes an epoxy adhesive interposed between the metal plates and the piezoelectric ceramic crystal, wherein the outer rim of each plate is bonded to the piezoelectric ceramic crystal by the epoxy adhesive, the pair of plates thus forming a cavity between them. The assembly also includes a flexing stop attached to each first surface.

Abstract: The invention is a seismic acquisition system for communicating seismic sensor signals to a recording unit, including a control unit and analog-to-digital conveyer units connected to the control unit. The conveyer units each include integral interconnecting cables having an hermaphroditic connector at each end, analog seismic sensor inputs and signal processing circuitry disposed within a watertight housing forming part of the cables. The circuitry includes analog-to-digital conveyers connected to the analog inputs, a buffer for digitized signals transmitted to one converter unit from other converter units interconnected to the conveyer unit opposite to the control unit connection, a digital transceiver for retransmission of digitized sensor signals and the buffered signals at a first data rate to the control unit. The control unit includes a second buffer for signals from the conveyer unit and for signals retransmitted from other control units serially codected to the control unit.

Abstract: A sleeve air gun for releasing compressed air into water. The air gun housing has a chamber enclosed with an end cap. The end cap is engaged with the air gun housing with a retainer that is light weight and expedites the engagement and disengagement of the end cap and housing. The retainer can comprise a light weight ring that engages the housing and end cap. The retainer uniquely permits larger diameter air guns to be constructed without disproportionately increasing the weight of the air gun. The larger diameter air gun expedites the discharge of compressed air from the air gun, which maximizes the acoustic pulse generated in the water.

Abstract: An air gun for releasing compressed air into the environment. Two opposing shuttle valves selectively open ports to release compressed air more quickly from the air gun. A centering mechanism returns the first and second shuttle valves to the initial position. The centering mechanism can comprise a pressure compensation system or mechanical stop for positioning the first and second shuttles at the selected position.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is for an improved electrical connector assembly used on couplers and program modules in marine streamers used in offshore seismic exploration. In particular, the invention disclosed herein is comprised of a deformable seal ring with a plurality of holes formed therein through which pass individual conductor wires through which are transmitted signals from various hydrophones disposed along the marine streamer. Deformable nipples are disposed on each side of the seal disk 16 around each of the openings extending through the seal disk. The seal disk and nipples are deformed around the conductor wires passing through the openings in the seal disk through use of a compression disk and spring which provides dynamic spring loading of the seal disk-conductor wire interface, thereby maintaining the integrity of the seal established between those components.

Abstract: This invention is a seismic source system for marine surveying using a small diameter hose bundle containing an electrical cable disposed within an air hose which is reinforced with torque-balanced layers of armor components and protective jacket and connected to a termination assembly at one end for connection to an electrical power supply, pressurized air supply and control system and connected to another termination assembly at the other end for connection to an air gun subarray comprising multiple air guns.