Abstract: An autonomous sensor node for undersea seismic surveying is formed as a sphere with density similar to sea water in order to minimize effects of noise. The node is capable of measuring both seismic pressure waves and water-borne particle velocity in three dimensions. The node floats above the seafloor to greatly decrease the impact of shear wave noise contamination generated by seabed waves. The node is attached to an anchor resting on the seabed by a tether. The tether is configured to prevent transfer of any tensile forces caused by shear waves in the seabed stratum from the anchor to the node. The tether may have a varying density along its length to entirely attenuate any force transfer from the seafloor.

Abstract: A multi-axis acceleration sensor comprises a frame, a central mass disposed within the frame, and a plurality of transducers mechanically coupled between the frame and the central mass. At least a first set of the transducers are arranged between the frame and the central mass in a manner configured to measure translational and rotational motion with respect to a first predefined axis.

Abstract: A multi-axis acceleration sensor comprises a frame, a central mass disposed within the frame, and a plurality of transducers mechanically coupled between the frame and the central mass. At least a first set of the transducers are arranged between the frame and the central mass in a manner configured to measure translational and rotational motion with respect to a first predefined axis.

Abstract: A multi-axis acceleration sensor comprises a frame, a central mass disposed within the frame, and a plurality of transducers mechanically coupled between the frame and the central mass. At least a first set of the transducers are arranged between the frame and the central mass in a manner configured to measure translational and rotational motion with respect to a first predefined axis.

Abstract: An autonomous sensor node for undersea seismic surveying is formed as a sphere with density similar to sea water in order to minimize effects of noise. The node is capable of measuring both seismic pressure waves and water-borne particle velocity in three dimensions. The node floats above the seafloor to greatly decrease the impact of shear wave noise contamination generated by seabed waves. The node is attached to an anchor resting on the seabed by a tether. The tether is configured to prevent transfer of any tensile forces caused by shear waves in the seabed stratum from the anchor to the node. The tether may have a varying density along its length to entirely attenuate any force transfer from the seafloor.

Abstract: A seismic apparatus includes one or more seismic cable systems configured to acquire seismic data, each seismic cable system having one or more of a cable jacket, a reservoir for a ballast fluid or other ballast medium, and an actuator or other transfer mechanism configured to transfer the ballast fluid between the reservoir and the seismic cable system during acquisition of the seismic data, e.g., where the ballast fluid is transferred to the seismic cable system within the cable jacket. A controller can be configured to adjust a buoyancy of the seismic cable system responsive to the transfer of the ballast fluid, e.g., where the internal volume expands or contract based on the fluid transfer.

Abstract: A multi-axis, single mass acceleration sensor includes a three-dimensional frame, a test mass, a plurality of transducers, and a plurality of struts. The test mass may have three principal axes disposed within and spaced apart from the frame. The transducers are mechanically coupled to the frame. The struts are configured to couple to the central mass at each of the three principal axes, respectively, and to couple with respective sets of the transducers, thereby suspending the test mass within the frame. The sensor is thus responsive to translational motion in multiple independent directions and to rotational motion about multiple independent axes.

Abstract: An attachment system for securing an object, such as a seismic node or other external device, to a rope or cable includes a latch block and a latch member movably connected to the latch block for selective engagement with a coupling feature on the rope or cable. The latch block may be attached to or integrated with the object and can include opposing side members defining a channel extending through the latch block, the channel sized for selective receipt of the rope or cable therein. The latch member may selectively engage the coupling feature as the rope or cable is received in sliding engagement within the channel.

Abstract: A multi-axis acceleration sensor comprises a frame, a central mass disposed within the frame, and a plurality of transducers mechanically coupled between the frame and the central mass. At least a first set of the transducers are arranged between the frame and the central mass in a manner configured to measure translational and rotational motion with respect to a first predefined axis.

Abstract: A multi-axis, single mass acceleration sensor includes a three-dimensional frame, a test mass, a plurality of transducers, and a plurality of struts. The test mass may have three principal axes disposed within and spaced apart from the frame. The transducers are mechanically coupled to the frame. The struts are configured to couple to the central mass at each of the three principal axes, respectively, and to couple with respective sets of the transducers, thereby suspending the test mass within the frame. The sensor is thus responsive to translational motion in multiple independent directions and to rotational motion about multiple independent axes.

Abstract: An example system for deploying seismic sensor stations includes a cable storage device configured to deploy a rope, and a plurality of seismic sensor stations each having a respective coupling mechanism. The respective coupling mechanism of a seismic sensor station of the plurality of seismic sensor stations is configurable in a first position such that the rope is free to deploy through or by the seismic sensor station, and is configurable in a second position such that the rope is gripped to attach the seismic sensor station to the rope for deployment. The example system further includes a deployment control system configured to selectively cause the respective coupling mechanism of each of the plurality of seismic sensor stations to grip the rope.

Abstract: A seismic sensor comprises a central mass having three principal axes and disposed within a frame. A plurality of transducers is mechanically coupled between the frame and the central mass. The transducers are arranged in pairs, with the transducers in each pair being coupled to opposing sides of the central mass, as defined along each of the three principal axes. Electronics can be provided to combine signals of the transducers in each pair to generate output characterizing acceleration and rotation of the frame.

Abstract: An seismic sensor device may include a sensor module and a connected vessel. The sensor module may include a seismic sensor for collecting seismic data. The vessel may include a first region for engaging the sensor module. The vessel may also include a second region for coupling the seismic sensor device to a location for collecting seismic data.

Abstract: A seismic data collection system is disclosed. The system may include at least a first housing and a second housing. The first housing may be configured to detachably couple to the second housing. The system mays also include various components such as one or more seismic sensors, a clock, or memory. Each of the components may be arranged in one of the first housing or second housing.

Abstract: A seismic deployment system having a deployment apparatus, a tow line, and a carrier line having a plurality of seismic sensor coupled therealong. The deployment apparatus has a hydrodynamic body. The tow line is configured for towing the hydrodynamic body through a water column. The carrier line is engaged with the deployment apparatus. The deployment apparatus is configured to control tension in the carrier line for deployment of the seismic sensors while the hydrodynamic body is towed through the water column by the tow line.

Abstract: A seismic apparatus includes one or more seismic cable systems configured to acquire seismic data, each seismic cable system having one or more of a cable jacket, a reservoir for a ballast fluid or other ballast medium, and an actuator or other transfer mechanism configured to transfer the ballast fluid between the reservoir and the seismic cable system during acquisition of the seismic data, e.g., where the ballast fluid is transferred to the seismic cable system within the cable jacket. A controller can be configured to adjust a buoyancy of the seismic cable system responsive to the transfer of the ballast fluid, e.g., where the internal volume expands or contract based on the fluid transfer.

Abstract: An attachment system for securing an object, such as a seismic node or other external device, to a rope or cable includes a latch block and a latch member movably connected to the latch block for selective engagement with a coupling feature on the rope or cable. The latch block may be attached to or integrated with the object and can include opposing side members defining a channel extending through the latch block, the channel sized for selective receipt of the rope or cable therein. The latch member may selectively engage the coupling feature as the rope or cable is received in sliding engagement within the channel.

Abstract: A seismic apparatus includes one or more seismic cable systems configured to acquire seismic data, each seismic cable system having one or more of a cable jacket, a reservoir for a ballast fluid or other ballast medium, and an actuator or other transfer mechanism configured to transfer the ballast fluid between the reservoir and the seismic cable system during acquisition of the seismic data, e.g., where the ballast fluid is transferred to the seismic cable system within the cable jacket. A controller can be configured to adjust a buoyancy of the seismic cable system responsive to the transfer of the ballast fluid, e.g., where the internal volume expands or contract based on the fluid transfer.

Abstract: A seismic node assembly includes a power source and a seismic sensor, e.g., with the power source disposed in a power source module and the seismic sensor disposed in a sensor module. A coupling can be defined by selective engagement between the power source (or power source module) and the sensor (or sensor module), with the power source electrically coupled to the seismic sensor, or a singular housing can be used. The seismic sensor is configured for acquiring seismic data when deployed to a seismic medium, and an acoustic transponder or wireless transceiver can be adapted for communicating command and clock signals during deployment and retrieval, or when the node is operationally deployed to the seismic medium.

Abstract: A seismic deployment system having a deployment apparatus, a tow line, and a carrier line having a plurality of seismic sensor coupled therealong. The deployment apparatus has a hydrodynamic body. The tow line is configured for towing the hydrodynamic body through a water column. The carrier line is engaged with the deployment apparatus. The deployment apparatus is configured to control tension in the carrier line for deployment of the seismic sensors while the hydrodynamic body is towed through the water column by the tow line.