Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for data and/or power transfer to and from an ocean bottom seismic node are described. In an embodiment, an autonomous seismic node is configured with a bulkhead connector assembly that may be coupled to a plug assembly for data and/or power transfer and a pressure cap assembly when utilized subsea. A plurality of pins may be located on the bulkhead assembly in a substantially flat contact surface to obtain an external electrical connection to the node. The pins on the bulkhead assembly may form a flat circuit with an external device, such as a plug assembly or pressure cap assembly. One or more external devices may be coupled to the pressure cap assembly and/or bulkhead connector for increased functionality to the node. A quick release assembly and/or locking ring may be utilized to fasten any external device to the bulkhead connector assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of autonomous underwater seismic vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed based on acoustic communications with an underwater vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle. In an embodiment, the underwater vehicle is lowered from a surface vessel along with a subsea station with a plurality of AUVs. The AUVs are configured to acoustically communicate with the underwater vehicle or a second surface vessel for deployment and retrieval operations. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is configured to instruct the AUVs to leave the subsea station or underwater vehicle and to travel to their intended seabed destination. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is also configured to selectively instruct the AUVs to leave the seabed and return to a seabed location and/or a subsea station for retrieval.

Abstract: Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems and methods, for automatically attaching and detaching seismic devices to a deployment cable, including a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes. A node installation system may include a moveable node carrier coupled to a cable detection device and a node attachment device that is configured to move a direct attachment mechanism on a node into a locking or closed position about the deployment cable. In an embodiment for retrieval and/or detachment operations, the system may also be configured to automatically detect the position of a node and remove the node from the deployment line by actuating the direct attachment mechanism into an open or unlocked position. Other devices besides a node may be attached and detached from the deployment line if they are coupled to one or more direct attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems, and methods, for attaching autonomous seismic nodes directly to a deployment cable. The nodes may be attached to the deployment cable by a removable fastener or insert. The fastener may be a staple that surrounds the cable and rigidly couples to the node to securely fasten the cable to the node. The fastener may be secured into the node itself, a housing or enclosure surrounding the node, or into a receiver or mechanism attached to the node. Other fasteners besides a staple may include bands, wires, pins, straps, ties, clamps, and other similar devices that may be inserted around a portion of the deployment line and be removably coupled to the node. After retrieval of the node, the fastener may be removed and discarded.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for data and/or power transfer to and from an ocean bottom seismic node are described. In an embodiment, an autonomous seismic node is configured with a bulkhead connector assembly that may be coupled to a plug assembly for data and/or power transfer and a pressure cap assembly when utilized subsea. A plurality of pins may be located on the bulkhead assembly in a substantially flat contact surface to obtain an external electrical connection to the node. The pins on the bulkhead assembly may form a flat circuit with an external device, such as a plug assembly or pressure cap assembly. One or more external devices may be coupled to the pressure cap assembly and/or bulkhead connector for increased functionality to the node. A quick release assembly and/or locking ring may be utilized to fasten any external device to the bulkhead connector assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of seismic autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed. In one embodiment, the AUV comprises a buoyant body coupled to a pressure vessel that contains substantially all of the AUV's electronic components. The pressure vessel may comprise a plurality of composite components coupled together by a metallic ring to provide a substantially cylindrical shape to the pressure vessel. The AUV body provides lift to the AUV during lateral movement and compensates for an overall negative buoyancy of the AUV. The AUV may include a plurality of thrusters for propulsion. A vertical thruster may be used to create an upwards attack angle during takeoff and to maintain depth and orientation during flight. During normal flight operations, the AUV is configured to travel horizontally and vertically in a body of water by using only the horizontal thrusters.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for data and/or power transfer to and from an ocean bottom seismic node are described. In an embodiment, an autonomous seismic node is configured with a bulkhead connector assembly that may be coupled to a plug assembly for data and/or power transfer and a pressure cap assembly when utilized subsea. A plurality of pins may be located on the bulkhead assembly in a substantially flat contact surface to obtain an external electrical connection to the node. The pins on the bulkhead assembly may form a flat circuit with an external device, such as a plug assembly or pressure cap assembly. One or more external devices may be coupled to the pressure cap assembly and/or bulkhead connector for increased functionality to the node. A quick release assembly and/or locking ring may be utilized to fasten any external device to the bulkhead connector assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of seismic autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed. In one embodiment, the AUV comprises a buoyant body coupled to a pressure vessel that contains substantially all of the AUV's electronic components. The pressure vessel may comprise a plurality of composite components coupled together by a metallic ring to provide a substantially cylindrical shape to the pressure vessel. The AUV body provides lift to the AUV during lateral movement and compensates for an overall negative buoyancy of the AUV. The AUV may include a plurality of thrusters for propulsion. A vertical thruster may be used to create an upwards attack angle during takeoff and to maintain depth and orientation during flight. During normal flight operations, the AUV is configured to travel horizontally and vertically in a body of water by using only the horizontal thrusters.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for monitoring, positioning, and/or guiding a plurality of seismic nodes on or near the seabed by a plurality of acoustic pinging devices coupled to a deployment line and at least one surface buoy. The acoustic pinging devices are configured to emit a unique ID that may be detected by a receiver or transceiver located on each of the surface buoys. The acoustic pinging devices may be coupled to each node or only to a portion of the plurality of nodes (such as every two, three, or four nodes). The monitoring system may be configured to identify the ID, position, depth, and height of each seismic node during travel to the seabed and upon node touchdown with the seabed. A guidance system may be configured to guide the deployment of the deployment cable based upon node position data determined by the monitoring system.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of autonomous underwater seismic vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed based on acoustic communications with an underwater vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle. In an embodiment, the underwater vehicle is lowered from a surface vessel along with a subsea station with a plurality of AUVs. The AUVs are configured to acoustically communicate with the underwater vehicle or a second surface vessel for deployment and retrieval operations. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is configured to instruct the AUVs to leave the subsea station or underwater vehicle and to travel to their intended seabed destination. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is also configured to selectively instruct the AUVs to leave the seabed and return to a seabed location and/or a subsea station for retrieval.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for monitoring, positioning, and/or guiding a plurality of seismic nodes on or near the seabed by a plurality of acoustic pinging devices coupled to a deployment line and at least one surface buoy. The acoustic pinging devices are configured to emit a unique ID that may be detected by a receiver or transceiver located on each of the surface buoys. The acoustic pinging devices may be coupled to each node or only to a portion of the plurality of nodes (such as every two, three, or four nodes). The monitoring system may be configured to identify the ID, position, depth, and height of each seismic node during travel to the seabed and upon node touchdown with the seabed. A guidance system may be configured to guide the deployment of the deployment cable based upon node position data determined by the monitoring system.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of autonomous underwater seismic vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed based on acoustic communications with an underwater vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle. In an embodiment, the underwater vehicle is lowered from a surface vessel along with a subsea station with a plurality of AUVs. The AUVs are configured to acoustically communicate with the underwater vehicle or a second surface vessel for deployment and retrieval operations. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is configured to instruct the AUVs to leave the subsea station or underwater vehicle and to travel to their intended seabed destination. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is also configured to selectively instruct the AUVs to leave the seabed and return to a seabed location and/or a subsea station for retrieval.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for deploying and retrieving a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes from the back deck of a marine vessel using an overboard node deployment and retrieval system are presented. The overboard system may comprise one or more overboard wheels that are actively powered to move in response to changes in movement of the deployed cable. The overboard system may comprise a first overboard wheel with a plurality of rollers and a second overboard wheel configured to detect movement and/or changes in a position of the deployment line. The overboard system may be configured to move the first overboard wheel in response to movement of the second overboard wheel. In addition, the first overboard wheel may comprise at least one opening or pocket configured to hold a node while the node passes across the wheel. Other seismic devices may also pass through the overboard system, such as transponders and weights attached to the deployment cable.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of autonomous underwater seismic vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed based on acoustic communications with an underwater vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle. In an embodiment, the underwater vehicle is lowered from a surface vessel along with a subsea station with a plurality of AUVs. The AUVs are configured to acoustically communicate with the underwater vehicle or a second surface vessel for deployment and retrieval operations. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is configured to instruct the AUVs to leave the subsea station or underwater vehicle and to travel to their intended seabed destination. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is also configured to selectively instruct the AUVs to leave the seabed and return to a seabed location and/or a subsea station for retrieval.

Abstract: Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems and methods, for attaching autonomous seismic nodes to a deployment cable. In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a seismic node having a direct attachment mechanism configured to directly attach the seismic node to a deployment line, the direct attachment mechanism being configurable between an open and/or unlocked position and a closed and/or locked position to release and retain the deployment line.

Abstract: Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems, and methods, for attaching autonomous seismic nodes directly to a deployment cable. The nodes may be attached to the deployment cable by a removable fastener or insert. The fastener may be a staple that surrounds the cable and rigidly couples to the node to securely fasten the cable to the node. The fastener may be secured into the node itself, a housing or enclosure surrounding the node, or into a receiver or mechanism attached to the node. Other fasteners besides a staple may include bands, wires, pins, straps, ties, clamps, and other similar devices that may be inserted around a portion of the deployment line and be removably coupled to the node. After retrieval of the node, the fastener may be removed and discarded.

Abstract: Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems and methods, for automatically attaching and detaching seismic devices to a deployment cable, including a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes. A node installation system may include a moveable node carrier coupled to a cable detection device and a node attachment device that is configured to move a direct attachment mechanism on a node into a locking or closed position about the deployment cable. In an embodiment for retrieval and/or detachment operations, the system may also be configured to automatically detect the position of a node and remove the node from the deployment line by actuating the direct attachment mechanism into an open or unlocked position. Other devices besides a node may be attached and detached from the deployment line if they are coupled to one or more direct attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for guiding and/or positioning a plurality of seismic nodes on or near the seabed by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). In one embodiment, an underwater vehicle is configured to monitor the deployment of cable connected to a plurality of seismic nodes, including the touchdown monitoring, positioning, and guiding of deployed autonomous seismic nodes or ocean bottom cable. The underwater vehicle may comprise a propulsion system configured to steer and propel the vehicle in a body of water, a tracking system configured to automatically track the cable and/or attached seismic nodes, and a guidance system configured to communicate with a surface vessel node data in real time or near real time for active guidance and/or positioning of the deployment cable.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of autonomous underwater seismic vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed based on acoustic communications with an underwater vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle. In an embodiment, the underwater vehicle is lowered from a surface vessel along with a subsea station with a plurality of AUVs. The AUVs are configured to acoustically communicate with the underwater vehicle or a second surface vessel for deployment and retrieval operations. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is configured to instruct the AUVs to leave the subsea station or underwater vehicle and to travel to their intended seabed destination. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is also configured to selectively instruct the AUVs to leave the seabed and return to a seabed location and/or a subsea station for retrieval.

Abstract: Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems and methods, for automatically attaching and detaching seismic devices to a deployment cable, including a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes. A node installation system may include a moveable node carrier coupled to a cable detection device and a node attachment device that is configured to move a direct attachment mechanism on a node into a locking or closed position about the deployment cable. In an embodiment for retrieval and/or detachment operations, the system may also be configured to automatically detect the position of a node and remove the node from the deployment line by actuating the direct attachment mechanism into an open or unlocked position. Other devices besides a node may be attached and detached from the deployment line if they are coupled to one or more direct attachment mechanisms.