Abstract: In one general embodiment, a seismic tool system includes a cable adapted to be deployed within a borehole; and one or more seismic tools suspendable from the cable in the borehole. At least one of the seismic tools includes at least one seismic sensor enclosed within a housing; one or more rollers attached to the housing and adapted to engage the borehole; and a bow spring attached to the housing and including one or more rollers adapted to engage the borehole. The one or more of the rollers are in acoustic communication with the seismic sensor.

Abstract: An artificial habitat assembly for fish or other aquatic life includes a series of vertically spaced plates or discs having a specified gravity less than 1.0, which are held adjacent the bottom of a body of water by an anchor and a flexible stress member to which the plates are attached in vertically spaced relationship. The plates provide areas of shade or darkness which are attractive to fish seeking shelter.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector assembly to connect the end of a seismic cable to a data acquisition unit includes a body member having a plurality of sockets in one end which react with pins on a companion receptacle. A tubular shell which is rotatably mounted on the body member has threads that make up with threads on the receptacle, and a drive ring which engages a shoulder on the body member to force the sockets onto the pins as thread make-up takes place. As the threads are released, the drive ring moves back into engagement with an opposed shoulder on the body member to positively separate the sockets and pins.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly for plugging geophones into a leader cable includes rigid thermoplastic inserts that are positioned within molded polyurethane bodies and molecularly bonded thereto. The male connector member carries a replaceable silicone O-ring seal in an external annular groove therein which engages an internal annular recess on the female body when the connection is made up. The seal keeps out moisture, and releasably couples the connector members together.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein, a leader cable is anchored to a post on the upper end of a geophone case having a spike on its lower end that penetrates the ground to hold the case in an upright postion. The anchor is formed by a continuous stress member in the cable that is looped around the post to isolate the electrical conductors in the cable from strains imposed on the cable. The post can be an integral part of a block located at the upper end of the case, or a bobbin that is captured by a cap that closes the top of the case.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a right angle connector assembly includes a molded elastomer plug body having a rigid thermoplastic insert member mounted and bonded therein, such insert member having sockets that mate with pins on a receptacle that also is made of a rigid thermoplastic material. An upper tubular portion of the receptacle carries a silicone O-ring seal that snaps into an internal recess in the lower portion of the body when the connector is made up to prevent entry of moisture and provide a releasable detent latch.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a water-proof geophone housing assembly includes a lower body member housing a seismic transducer, a cap member closing the upper end of the lower body member, an upper body member molded over the cap member and an upper portion of the lower body member, there being a molecular bond between all confronting surfaces of the members to prevent entry of moisture. The electrical lead wires extending from the transducer through the cap member and upwardly out of the upper body member are water blocked to prevent migration of water therealong.