Patents by Inventor Felix E. Bircher

Felix E. Bircher has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9507043
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for conserving power while conducting an ocean bottom seismic survey. Sensor nodes placed on an ocean floor may be configured to operate in at least an idle mode and an active mode. Each node may adjust its mode of operation from idle mode to active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy B. Rigsby, Felix E. Bircher
  • Publication number: 20160025883
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for collecting seismic data in marine environments. An ocean bottom cable comprising a plurality of sensor nodes for collecting seismic data may be coupled to a submerged hub. The submerged hub may provide seismic data storage, power, clock, and other support for operating the sensor nodes. By providing a submerged hub, the ocean bottom cable may continue collecting seismic data in harsh environments such as the arctic, where the sea surface may be frozen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Dale J. LAMBERT, Felix E. BIRCHER
  • Publication number: 20150323693
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for conserving power while conducting an ocean bottom seismic survey. Sensor nodes placed on an ocean floor may be configured to operate in at least an idle mode and an active mode. Each node may adjust its mode of operation from idle mode to active mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy B. Rigsby, Felix E. Bircher
  • Patent number: 9121969
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for conserving power while conducting an ocean bottom seismic survey. Sensor nodes placed on an ocean floor may be configured to operate in at least an idle mode and an active mode. When a seismic source boat approached the sensor node, the node may adjust its mode of operation from an idle mode to an active mode. After the seismic source boat is no longer near the sensor node, the idle mode may be entered again to conserve power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy B. Rigsby, Felix E. Bircher
  • Publication number: 20150160357
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to seismic data acquisition and more specifically to ocean bottom seismic data acquisition systems. An ocean bottom seismic cable may include a first section comprising a plurality of seismic sensors, wherein the first section is positioned on a floor of a body of water in an area where there are no or substantially no obstructions. The seismic cable may also include a second section coupled to the first section, wherein the second section is positioned above or overlays an obstruction, and wherein the second section does not include seismic sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy B. Rigsby, Felix E. Bircher
  • Publication number: 20140254315
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for conserving power while conducting an ocean bottom seismic survey. Sensor nodes placed on an ocean floor may be configured to operate in at least an idle mode and an active mode. When a seismic source boat approached the sensor node, the node may adjust its mode of operation from an idle mode to an active mode. After the seismic source boat is no longer near the sensor node, the idle mode may be entered again to conserve power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ION Geophysical Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy B. Rigsby, Felix E. Bircher
  • Patent number: RE48594
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for conserving power while conducting an ocean bottom seismic survey. Sensor nodes placed on an ocean floor may be configured to operate in at least an idle mode and an active mode. Each node may adjust its mode of operation from idle mode to active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy B. Rigsby, Felix E. Bircher