Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an input device for controlling a robotic surgical tool. The input device can include a first pair of opposing links and a second pair of opposing links. The first pair of opposing links and second pair of opposing links can be arranged radially symmetrically. The input device can be configured to control operation of the robotic surgical tool.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring acceleration waveform measurements while deploying a tool along a borehole. A conveyance and a sensor section are configured to deploy the sensor section in the borehole. At least one multi-axis receiver is configured to detect acceleration waveform signals while the sensor section is being deployed in the borehole.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: A technique is designed to measure parameters of hydrophones, such as measurement of hydrophone acceleration canceling properties. The technique involves testing a selected hydrophone under conditions representative of the actual conditions in which the hydrophone is to be operated. By using the representative conditions, the acceleration canceling properties of the hydrophone and/or other parameters of the hydrophone are more accurately determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating optical communications and sensing, with downhole optical or other sensors, in high temperature oilfield applications. The apparatus can include a downhole telemetry cartridge for downhole use at temperatures in excess of about 115 degrees Celsius. The apparatus can also include a downhole light source optically connected to the telemetry cartridge. The light source may include at least one remotely pumped laser optically connected to a surface pump laser via optical fiber(s). The remotely pumped laser may drive the downhole optical or other sensors for their operations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring acceleration waveform measurements while deploying a tool along a borehole. A conveyance and a sensor section are configured to deploy the sensor section in the borehole. At least one multi-axis receiver is configured to detect acceleration waveform signals while the sensor section is being deployed in the borehole.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: Subterranean oilfield high-temperature devices configured or designed to facilitate downhole monitoring and high data transmission rates with remotely pumped lasers that are configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, at temperatures in excess of 115 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A technique is designed to measure parameters of hydrophones, such as measurement of hydrophone acceleration canceling properties. The technique involves testing a selected hydrophone under conditions representative of the actual conditions in which the hydrophone is to be operated. By using the representative conditions, the acceleration canceling properties of the hydrophone and/or other parameters of the hydrophone are more accurately determined.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for deploying and retrieving sensors downhole are provided. The apparatus can include an outer tubular member disposed about one or more inner tubular members coupled to a fluid directional controller. The fluid directional controller may include a housing separating an interior cavity from an external environment of the wellbore. One end of the outer tubular member and at least one end of an inner tubular member may communicate with the interior cavity. The housing may also include a passageway configured to provide fluid communication between the interior cavity and the external environment. A flow control device may selectively facilitate fluid flow through the passageway. Accordingly, a sensor located in the interior cavity may be selectively exposed to fluid from the external environment. Sensors may be deployed by flowing fluid through a particular tubular member in one direction and retrieved by flowing fluid in another direction.

Abstract: A distributed vibration sensor is positioned in a wellbore to measure fluid flow. The output of the sensor is monitored to acquire a distribution of vibration along a region of interest in the wellbore. An indication of the effectiveness of a well treatment to stimulate fluid flow in the wellbore may be provided based on the acquired vibration distribution. In some embodiments, the well treatment may be adjusted based on the indication of effectiveness.

Abstract: Subterranean oilfield high-temperature devices configured or designed to facilitate downhole monitoring and high data transmission rates with laser diodes that are configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, at temperatures in excess of 115 degrees centigrade without active cooling.

Abstract: Subterranean oilfield high-temperature devices configured or designed to facilitate downhole monitoring and high data transmission rates with laser diodes that are configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, at temperatures in excess of 115 degrees centigrade without active cooling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for positioning seismic arrays. The method comprises determining a first position of an array, deploying the array, collecting inertial data at a plurality of points on the array once the array is at least partially deployed, and determining a second position of the array by augmenting the first position with the inertial data. The apparatus comprises a seismic array, an inertial sensor mounted on the seismic array and capable of gathering inertial data, and a computing device adapted to receive and analyze the inertial data to determine a position for the seismic array from the inertial data.