Patents Assigned to Sercel
  • Publication number: 20110310698
    Abstract: A seismic streamer includes a sensor comprises an axially oriented body including a plurality of axially oriented channels arranged in opposing pairs; a plurality of hydrophones arranged in opposing pairs in the channels; a pair of orthogonally oriented acoustic particle motion sensors; and a tilt sensor adjacent or associated with the particle motion sensors. The streamer has a plurality of hydrophones, as previously described, aligned with a plurality of accelerometers which detect movement of the streamer in the horizontal and vertical directions, all coupled with a tilt sensor, so that the marine seismic system can detect whether a detected seismic signal is a reflection from a geologic structure beneath the streamer or a downward traveling reflection from the air/seawater interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SERCEL, INC.
    Inventors: Mike Maples, John S. Hepp
  • Patent number: 8002031
    Abstract: The invention concerns an independent measuring and processing probe designed to be lowered in a tube for temporarily installation at the bottom of a hydrocarbon well. It includes removable anchoring resources (3, 4) capable of anchoring the probe to a casing at the bottom of the well, a set of sensors, at least one of which is a seismic sensor, recording resources, resources for processing the measurements provided by the sensors, and a central body (1) integrally reamed throughout the whole of its length by an opening (2) so as to allow free passage through the probe when it is in the anchored position. Such a probe can be used in particular to effect a reliable preliminary study on the well before installing a more complete observation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventors: Thierry De Kimpe, Jean-Eric Negre, Jean Czernichow
  • Publication number: 20110132885
    Abstract: A laser machining system may include an opposite side camera to provide workpiece alignment from an opposite side of the system (i.e., the side opposite the laser machining process). The opposite side camera may be used with an air bearing positioning stage, and a portion of the stage and/or the opposite side camera may be moved to allow the opposite side camera to image a feature on the workpiece to be aligned. The opposite side alignment may be used with back side scribing and/or dual side scribing of a workpiece with alignment from one or both sides of the workpiece. Laser machining systems and methods may also be used to provide quasi-stealth scribing and multi-beam scribing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: J.P. Sercel Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Sercel, Marco Mendes, Randal R. Hill, Norm Bergeron, Jeremy Hsu, Lawrence Liu
  • Publication number: 20110132549
    Abstract: Laser lift off systems and methods may be used to provide monolithic laser lift off with minimal cracking by reducing the size of one or more beam spots in one or more dimensions to reduce plume pressure while maintaining sufficient energy to provide separation. By irradiating irradiation zones with various shapes and in various patterns, the laser lift off systems and methods use laser energy more efficiently, reduce cracking when separating layers, and improve productivity. Some laser lift off systems and methods described herein separate layers of material by irradiating non-contiguous irradiation zones with laser lift off zones (LOZs) that extend beyond the irradiation zones. Other laser lift off systems and methods described herein separate layers of material by shaping the irradiation zones and by controlling the overlap of the irradiation zones in a way that avoids uneven exposure of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: J.P. Sercel Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Sercel, Marco Mendes, Jie Fu
  • Patent number: 7929378
    Abstract: An assembly for forming a container for transport and handling of at least two marine seismic source arrays, wherein said arrays each include at least one series of units formed by at least two marine seismic sources, characterized in that it includes a basic structure including a floor and a ceiling connected by central posts extending in a substantially central plane with respect to said floor and said ceiling, and lateral posts intended to removably connect the lateral ends of said floor and the lateral ends of said ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventor: Michel Gros
  • Patent number: 7869443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method, data acquisition device consisting of a wireless network comprising a first assembly of nodes, termed active nodes (100) of the network, and a second assembly of nodes, termed peripheral nodes (110) of the network, network for which one wishes to perform an access from peripheral nodes (110) to the network of active nodes (100), characterized in that it comprises means for organizing in a perfectly controlled manner a routing of the data and/or commands within the network of active nodes (100) according to a first mode of transmission of data and/or of commands, and means for transmitting data between the peripheral nodes (110) and the active nodes (100) according to a second mode of transmission of data, said first mode of transmission of data and/or of commands and said second mode of transmission of data being temporally separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventors: Pierre Sagot, Florent Guichard, Stéphane Molton
  • Patent number: 7869444
    Abstract: A data acquisition network includes an assembly of nodes including at least one wireless network of nodes in which two neighboring nodes transmit data between each other by radio waves. The assembly of nodes also includes at least one other network of nodes in which two neighboring nodes transmit data between each other by a cable. The data is also conveyed by radio waves. The at least one other network forms a cabled network of nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Menard, Daniel Pennec, Dominique Deniau, Jean-Luc Dronet
  • Publication number: 20100329075
    Abstract: A method for assistance in the localization of streamers towed by a vessel including at least one onboard acoustic controller, each streamer having: geophysical data sensors; acoustic means for measuring distance from at least one adjacent linear antenna; and means for the absolute localization of said antennas. The method includes at least one phase for the generating an acoustic cycle determining sequences and at least one phase for defining at least two distinct acoustic cycles representing a theoretical geometry capable of representing the shape of said streamers; at least one step for determining the real geometry of said streamers; at least one step for detecting a change in real geometry followed by a step for generating a new acoustic cycle, selected from among those defined during said phase for defining and adapted to said change in real geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SERCEL
    Inventors: Gaëtan Mellier, Gilles Poete
  • Patent number: 7846847
    Abstract: A lift off process is used to separate a layer of material from a substrate by irradiating an interface between the layer of material and the substrate. According to one exemplary process, the layer is separated into a plurality of sections corresponding to dies on the substrate and a homogeneous beam spot is shaped to cover an integer number of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: J.P. Sercel Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Jongkook Park, Jeffrey P. Sercel, Patrick J. Sercel
  • Publication number: 20100301027
    Abstract: A variable astigmatic focal beam spot is formed using lasers with an anamorphic beam delivery system. The variable astigmatic focal beam spot can be used for cutting applications, for example, to scribe semiconductor wafers such as light emitting diode (LED) wafers. The exemplary anamorphic beam delivery system comprises a series of optical components, which deliberately introduce astigmatism to produce focal points separated into two principal meridians, i.e. vertical and horizontal. The astigmatic focal points result in an asymmetric, yet sharply focused, beam spot that consists of sharpened leading and trailing edges. Adjusting the astigmatic focal points changes the aspect ratio of the compressed focal beam spot, allowing adjustment of energy density at the target without affecting laser output power. Scribing wafers with properly optimized energy and power density increases scribing speeds while minimizing excessive heating and collateral material damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: J. P. Sercel Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Sercel, Jeffrey P. Sercel, Jongkook Park
  • Patent number: 7797998
    Abstract: The invention relates to an accelerometer comprising a moving mass (5) and a fixed part (2), which uses variations in capacitance (3, 4) in order to detect the movement of the mass (5). The inventive accelerometer comprises a first series of electrodes (4) which are solidly connected to the mass (5) and which are interdigitated with a series of electrodes (3, 7) which are solidly connected to the fixed part (2). According to the invention, each moving electrode (4), together with an adjacent fixed electrode (3), forms a capacitance which varies according to the position of the moving mass (5). The accelerometer further comprises an electronic circuit which is used to detect the variation in at least one capacitance between the moving mass (5) and the fixed part (2), in the form of a moving mass displacement indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Menard, Maurice Moreau
  • Publication number: 20100198561
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a data acquisition apparatus and method. According to the disclosure, a first means providing a series of first digital sampled data (X) at an imperfect sampling frequency (FE) provided by a local clock (2) comprises sigma-delta modulation means (3) arranged to produce said series of first digital sigma-delta modulated data (X), a second gauging means (50) for measuring the frequency error of the local clock (2) in view of a reference clock (6), a third means for correcting the first data based at least on the measured frequency error, which comprises at least an interpolation means (4) to produce second digital data (Y) based on at least an interpolation of said first series (X) and compensating the measured frequency error (FD), and at least a decimation filter (7) for producing third digital data (A) based on said second digital data (Y), are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: SERCEL
    Inventor: Jérôme Laine
  • Patent number: 7730786
    Abstract: A seismic sensor, having a body which incorporates means for detecting and/or measuring waves, and, in the extension of said body, a tip for insertion into the ground, said tip extending between an upper end and a lower end, wherein said tip has at least two wings which together give said tip a V-shaped profile, said wings having between them at least one cavity which extends from said upper end to close to said lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventors: Yann Pichot, Christian Grégoire
  • Patent number: 7709768
    Abstract: A variable astigmatic focal beam spot is formed using lasers with an anamorphic beam delivery system. The variable astigmatic focal beam spot can be used for cutting applications, for example, to scribe semiconductor wafers such as light emitting diode (LED) wafers. The exemplary anamorphic beam delivery system comprises a series of optical components, which deliberately introduce astigmatism to produce focal points separated into two principal meridians, i.e. vertical and horizontal. The astigmatic focal points result in an asymmetric, yet sharply focused, beam spot that consists of sharpened leading and trailing edges. Adjusting the astigmatic focal points changes the aspect ratio of the compressed focal beam spot, allowing adjustment of energy density at the target without affecting laser output power. Scribing wafers with properly optimized energy and power density increases scribing speeds while minimizing excessive heating and collateral material damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: JP Sercel Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Sercel, Jeffrey P. Sercel, Jongkook Park
  • Publication number: 20100089885
    Abstract: Multiple beamlet laser beam delivery systems and methods may be used in laser machining systems and methods to machine multiple regions on a workpiece simultaneously. One embodiment of a laser machining system and method may be used, for example, to scribe one or more lines in large flat workpieces such as solar panels. In particular, laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe lines in thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with accuracy, high speed and reduced cost. The multiple beam delivery systems may be movable to scribe multiple lines simultaneously in the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: J.P. SERCEL ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Sercel, Marco Mendes, Terrence A. Murphy, JR., Lawrence Roberts, Xiangyang Song, Michael Von Dadelszen
  • Publication number: 20100089880
    Abstract: Laser machining systems and methods may include debris removal systems to remove debris generated by the machining process and/or outgassing or filtration systems to remove harmful gases and filter and recycle air within the system. The laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe one or more lines in large flat workpieces such as solar panels. In particular, laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe lines in thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with accuracy, high speed and reduced cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: J.P. SERCEL ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Sercel, Joshua H. Freed, Terrence A. Murphy, JR., Randal R. Hill, Michael Von Dadelszen
  • Publication number: 20100089884
    Abstract: Laser machining systems and methods may use one or more moving laser scanning stages with force cancellation. The force cancellation is provided by moving masses linearly with equal and opposition motion. One or more of the masses may be a laser scanning stage. The laser machining systems may be used to scribe one or more lines in large flat workpieces such as solar panels. In particular, laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe lines in thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with accuracy, high speed and reduced cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: J.P. SERCEL ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Sercel, Marco Mendes, Terrence A. Murphy, JR., Lawrence F. Roberts, Paul Szczapa
  • Publication number: 20100089886
    Abstract: Vision correction and tracking systems may be used in laser machining systems and methods to improve the accuracy of the machining. The laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe one or more lines in large flat workpieces such as solar panels. In particular, laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe lines in thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with accuracy, high speed and reduced cost. The vision correction and/or tracking systems may be used to provide scribe line alignment and uniformity based on detected parameters of the scribe lines and/or changes in the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: J.P. SERCEL ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Sercel, Donald J. Lemmo, Terrence A. Murphy, JR., Lawrence Roberts, Tom Loomis, Miroslaw Sokol
  • Publication number: 20100020644
    Abstract: Described herein is a seismic streamer formed of sections including a main sheath covered with an external sheath, wherein said external sheath is formed using a thermoplastic material loaded with a biocide material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SERCEL
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Vignaux
  • Patent number: 7630447
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method of digital communication between synchronized submarine devices, system including means of sending a signal in modulated bit form, at least one sender (100) and at least one receiver (200), characterized in that said at least one sender (100) sends a signal enabling both any data to be transmitted to said at least one receiver (200) and a propagation time between said at least one sender (100) and said at least one receiver (200) to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventors: Gérard Ayela, Christophe L'her