Abstract: A method of acquiring seismic data. The method includes receiving seismic signals at one or more sensors; sampling the received seismic signals into a plurality of samples, compressing at least some of the samples in selected packets before arranging the compressed samples into packets; arranging the samples into a plurality of packets; computing packet efficiency for a packet of the plurality of packets; transmitting the plurality of packets by varying time intervals between transmissions of the packets.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for conducting a seismic survey. The system includes a seismic sensor supplying a seismic signal; sampling circuitry configured to convert the signal to a sequence of samples, each sample represented by a bit string; a data communication device configured to transmit compressed seismic data; a recording computer configured to receive compressed seismic data; at least one processor with a computer memory accessible thereto, the at least one processor configured to: create a sample block by storing at least a portion of the sequence of samples in memory units in the computer memory, wherein each sample is stored in a corresponding memory unit; and compress data contained in the sample block by encoding all bits of a particular bit number from the memory units of the sample block in sequence to produce compressed seismic data.

Abstract: A seismic vibrator has a baseplate composed at least partially of a composite material. The baseplate has a body composed of the composite material and has top and bottom plates composed of a metallic material. The top plate supports isolators for isolating the vibrator's mass and frame from the baseplate. Internally, the composite body has a central structure to which couple stilts for supporting the mass and a piston for the vibrator's actuator. A lattice structure surrounds the central structure. This lattice structure has radial ribs extending from the central structure and has radial ribs interconnecting the radial ribs.

Abstract: A connector for forming an electrical connection includes a connector body having internal threads formed on an inner surface, a locking member mounted in the connector body and resiliently projecting into a valley of the internal threads, and a plug having external threads complementary to the internal threads. The apex of the external threads may include a recess for receiving the locking member.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring seismic data from a seismic survey plan is provided. A survey area is selected in which the seismic data will be acquired. A coordinate for at least one point of interest within the survey area is determined and input into a portable navigation device. A navigation solution is determined between a GPS-determined location of the portable navigation device and the determined coordinate and thereupon presented in a human cognizable media. A seismic device may be positioned at the determined coordinate to insonify a subterranean formation with seismic energy or for detecting reflected seismic energy. Data may be periodically entered into and retrieved from the portable navigation device by an in-field operator. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A vibrator-coupled ground filter improves seismic data recorded during a seismic operation. This filter is based on a ground model that takes into consideration the vibrator system, the coupling system between the baseplate and captured ground, and the coupled ground system. Using acceleration data from the baseplate and the reaction mass, the ground model can be used to derive particular variables for the ground model to help characterize the system. Using the derived variables in a ground filter, the recorded seismic data can be corrected to remove errors in the trace data produced by typical assumptions.

Abstract: A system for acquiring seismic information may include a seismic spread in signal communication with a central controller having a central recording system, a source encoder in signal communication with the seismic spread, and a source decoder in wireless signal communication with the source encoder. The source decoder and the encoder are each selectively responsive to a control signal and can be selectively configured to transmit the control signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of a configurable acquisition unit are disclosed together with applications for configurable acquisition units. In one embodiment, an acquisition unit includes a seismic data collection module that with a first housing. The acquisition unit also includes a second module with a second housing. The first housing is releasably coupled to the second housing, and when the first housing is coupled to the second housing, an outer surface of the first housing abuts an outer surface of the second housing.

Abstract: A method of controlling a seismic vehicle may include estimating at least one orientation parameter for the seismic vehicle and controlling at least one operating parameter in view of the estimated orientation parameter(s). In non-limiting arrangements, the control may relate to re-positioning the seismic vehicle, adjusting value of a hold-down force or target drive force, and/or updating a seismic data acquisition database.

Abstract: A system and methods for acquiring seismic data is provided. In one aspect, the system and methods utilize a plurality of field service units placed over a region of interest, a repeater unit that wirelessly communicates with the field service units and a remote unit for controlling and processing the seismic data acquired by the field service units. In one aspect, the system and methods determine a condition associated with each of a plurality of attributes relating to acquisition of the seismic data at each field service unit, generate messages at each field service unit when the condition of a particular attribute meets a selected criterion, transmit the generated messages, receive the messages transmitted by at least a group of field service units at a repeater unit placed in the region of interest, analyze the messages received from the group of field service units at the repeater unit and then transmit information relating to the received messages to the remote unit for further processing.

Abstract: A seismic source signal apparatus for generating a seismic source signal may include a seismic source component for coupling a reaction mass to the earth; a controllable valve operatively connected to the seismic source component; and a controller controlling the controllable valve with a primary control signal generated by using a model of a response of the controllable valve over a selected operating range. The model is used to reduce nonlinearity in flow versus displacement response of the controllable valve.

Abstract: A method of performing a seismic sweep includes forming a composite force profile; constructing a target seismic frequency sweep using the composite force profile; and operating a seismic source using the constructed target frequency seismic sweep.

Abstract: A method of controlling communications relating to seismic data acquisition may include synchronizing the start of one or more seismic energy sources via a communication protocol. The protocol may be generated at a seismic recording system, source control software running on a processor, or generated from a seismic energy source encoder. The protocol may consist of an encoder message that includes start information and that is combined with a request for information contained at the seismic energy source. The requested information may be sent in a decoder message that is returned in synchronized manner.

Abstract: A method of controlling seismic data acquisition includes synchronizing a sampling rate of at least one node configured to acquire seismic data with a GPS timing signal from a first GPS seismic device; and delaying sending a start signal to one or more seismic sources, the delay being with reference to a GPS timing signal from a second GPS device.

Abstract: A method of controlling seismic data acquisition may include sending a first message to place a plurality of energy sources into an operating mode; sending a second message to place at least one of plurality of energy sources into a non-operating mode; and sending a third message from at least one energy source to a controller.

Abstract: A method of performing a seismic sweep determining a user-defined force at a frequency using user defined inputs; determining a maximum force at the frequency using sweep parameters; and using the maximum force to drive a seismic source if the user-defined force is greater than the maximum force.

Abstract: A connector for forming an electrical connection includes a connector body having internal threads formed on an inner surface, a locking member mounted in the connector body and resiliently projecting into a valley of the internal threads, and a plug having external threads complementary to the internal threads. The apex of the external threads may include a recess for receiving the locking member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates methods and apparatus conducting a seismic survey. The apparatus includes an analog interface and power supply both disposed in a housing. The analog interface is configured to receive analog seismic data from a seismic sensor. The apparatus includes one or more of: (i) an isolation transformer disposed between the power supply and the analog interface and (ii) a analog interface clock configured to synchronized with a power supply clock. The method may include reducing power transmission losses and/or the effect of power supply noise on the seismic signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates methods and apparatus conducting a seismic survey while supplying power and data over multiple conductor pairs. In aspects, the disclosure also relates to maintaining power distribution during a failure of at least one conductor pair. The method includes superimposing data and power on each of a plurality of conductor pairs. The apparatus may include a power supply with power supplied by the plurality of conductor pairs carrying power and data.

Abstract: A connector for forming an electrical connection includes a connector body and an insulator disposed in the connector body. The insulator may include a plurality of female contact and a plurality of passages. Each passage allows access to one of the female contacts and is at least partially defined by a plurality of inwardly projecting rings. The connector also includes a plug having a plurality of male contact male contacts complementary to the female contacts. Each male contact male contact has a tower shaped to sealingly seat within an associated passage in the insulator.