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 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 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 wireless data transfer on an autonomous seismic node are described. In an embodiment, an autonomous seismic node configured for wireless data transfer includes one or more power sources, one or more seismic sensors, one or more recording devices, and a wireless system. In one embodiment, the wireless system comprises a node electronics interface in data communication with one or more of the power sources, seismic sensors, and recording devices, and a wireless data communication interface for communication with an external data handling system. A communication system may include one or more vessel-based wireless systems configured to communicate with one or more node based wireless systems.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses related to automatically and simultaneously charging a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes on a marine vessel before and/or after deployment to the seabed are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes are simultaneously charged in a CSC approved ISO container. Each autonomous seismic node may comprise a plurality of power connectors, a plurality of rechargeable batteries, and a battery management system. Each of the nodes may be configured to couple with a charging system on the marine vessel, which may include a power source, one or more power/charging stations, one or more power connectors, and a network. In one embodiment, a storage rack in a container has a plurality of charging rails that the plurality of nodes can be placed upon for storage and charging. The node may have a plurality of power connectors disposed within a plurality of grooves that are configured to couple with the plurality of charging rails for simultaneous charging.

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: Containerized handling, deployment, and retrieval systems for deploying and retrieving a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes from the back deck of a marine vessel are presented. The handling system may comprise a deployment system and a node storage and service system fully contained within a plurality of CSC approved ISO containers. Each of the components of the handling system may be located in a CSC approved ISO container for storage, operation, and transport. In one embodiment, the node deployment system is configured to retrieve and deploy autonomous seismic nodes from the back deck of a vessel. In one embodiment, the node storage and service system is configured to transfer nodes to and from the node deployment system for storage and servicing.

Abstract: Embodiments of an autonomous seismic node that can be positioned on the seabed are disclosed. The autonomous seismic node comprises a pressurized node housing substantially surrounded and/or enclosed by a non-pressurized node housing. The seismic node may be substantially rectangular or square shaped for node storage, handling, and deployment. One or more node locks may be coupled to either (or both) of the pressurized node housing or the non-pressurized node housing. The pressurized node housing may be formed as a cast monolithic titanium structure and may be a complex shape with irregularly shaped sides and be asymmetrical. In other embodiments, a non-pressurized housing may substantially enclose other devices or payloads besides a node, such as weights or transponders, and be coupled to a plurality of protrusions.

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 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 of systems and methods for storing and handling a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes are presented. The node handling and storage system may be coupled to a node deployment system that deploys and/or retrieves nodes from water from the back deck of a marine vessel. One embodiment of the node handling and storage system includes a plurality of portable containers that may be assembled in a variety of configurations based on the vessel and survey requirements. The containers are coupled to an autonomous or semi-autonomous node conveyor and/or transport system that moves the nodes between and within the containers for node cleaning, downloading, charging, servicing, and storage. The conveyor system may include a plurality of different transport devices and/or systems, such as rotatable conveyors, lateral conveyors, lift mechanisms, and elevators.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for obtaining at least one of fucoidan and laminarin from live, harvested seaweed, wherein the process comprises the steps of: (i) harvesting seaweed comprising fucoidan and laminarin to obtain live, harvested seaweed, wherein the live, harvested seaweed exudes to form an exudate solution; (ii) collecting the exudate solution from the live, harvested seaweed, wherein the fucoidan and laminarin are dissolved in the exudate solution; and (iii) separating the at least one of fucoidan or laminarin from the exudate solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing cellulose ether products which is characterized in that superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are dried and milled, or mill-dried, conjointly with moist cellulose ether and also to the cellulose ether products resulting from this process.

Abstract: A description is given of a cellulose ether composition as additive for the extrusion of mineral masses which comprises 70 to 99.9% by weight of cellulose ether and 0.1 to 30% by weight of superabsorbent polymer, as well as a process for the extrusion of mineral masses using these compositions as additive.

Abstract: A method of preparing construction material systems is described. The process includes extruding a composition of construction materials and an irreversibly crosslinked cellulose derivative that is prepared by a particular process.

Abstract: A description is given of cellulose derivatives having gel-like rheological properties in aqueous solution characterized in that: a) cellulose is alkalized with aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution in the presence of a suspension medium, b) the alkalized cellulose is reacted with one or more alkylene oxides, c) then reacted with an alkyl halide present in the suspension medium d) subsequently or simultaneously the alkalized cellulose is reacted with a crosslinking agent in an amount of 0.0001 to 0.05 eq, where the unit “eq” represents the molar ratio of crosslinking agent relative to the anhydroglucose unit (AGU) of the cellulose used, and e) after, if appropriate, further addition of alkali metal hydroxide and/or alkylating agent, the resultant irreversibly crosslinked cellulose derivative is separated off from the reaction mixture, if appropriate purified and dried.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses cellulose ether blends comprising

Abstract: A description is given of cellulose derivatives having gel-like rheological properties in aqueous solution characterized in that:

Abstract: A hydrocolloid composition comprising at least one sulpoalkyl-substituted polysacharide ether, is described. More particularly, the hydrocolloid composition includes: a) at least one sulphoalkyl-substituted polysaccharide ether, which is soluble in each of cold water and hot water, e.g., carboxymethylsulphoethylcellulose (CMSEC); b) optionally at least one nonionic polysaccharide ether having a thermoreversible gel point (or cloud point) of greater than 35° C. and less than 100° C.; and c) optionally at least one additive, e.g., an antioxidant. Also described are dispersion-bound architectural formulations and emulsion paints which comprise the hydrocolloid compositions of the present invention.