Abstract: An electronic abacus calculator comprising an electronic abacus display screen in combination with a numeric display and an electronic keyboard calculator. The invention also comprises a personal abacus, which comprises a mechanical abacus or an electronic abacus calculator or both in a suitable carrying case, which is designed to open and make the abacus available for use in the case.

Abstract: A method of forming a scale model for simulation of a seismic survey is disclosed. The model includes layers which are formed by way of stereolithography or similar methods, from a CAD data base; the precision of the formation of the layers allows for construction of the model without adhesives between all layers for structural integrity of the model, although adhesive or a wetting agent may be used, depending upon the desired simulation experiment. The model also includes molded layers which are poured, injected, or otherwise introduced in liquid form. The liquid may then be solidified, or may remain in liquid form, depending upon the survey. These molded layers may be made into the prefabricated layers where appropriate, or during the process of constructing the model. Simulation of the survey may be made by imparting acoustic energy thereinto and detecting the same.

Abstract: A method and system for using sonography to image the internal structure of geophysical and geologic models are disclosed. The sonography system includes a wand having a plurality of piezoelectric elements at an active surface thereof, each coupled to driver/receiver circuitry. Certain of the piezoelectric elements are selected as ultrasonic sources and receivers; the source/receiver designation may vary over time, as each of the elements may either generate or receive acoustic energy. A computer system, connected to the wand, receives signals from the receivers corresponding to reflected and refracted ultrasonic energy, and generates a zero offset trace image therefrom. In the geophysical case, the scale model is formed of materials such as plastics and rubbers having the desired properties for simulating the response of a portion or layer in the earth to ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: A method of forming a scale model for simulation of a seismic survey is disclosed. The model includes layers which are formed by way of stereolithography or similar methods, from a CAD data base; the precision of the formation of the layers allows for construction of the model without adhesives between all layers for structural integrity of the model, although adhesive or a wetting agent may be used, depending upon the desired simulation experiment. The model also includes molded layers which are poured, injected, or otherwise introduced in liquid form. The liquid may then be solidified, or may remain in liquid form, depending upon the survey. These molded layers may be made into the prefabricated layers where appropriate, or during the process of constructing the model. Simulation of the survey may be made by imparting acoustic energy thereinto and detecting the same.

Abstract: A method and system for using sonography to image the internal structure of geophysical and geologic models are disclosed. The sonography system includes a wand having a plurality of piezoelectric elements at an active surface thereof, each coupled to driver/receiver circuitry. Certain of the piezoelectric elements are selected as ultrasonic sources and receivers; the source/receiver designation may vary over time, as each of the elements may either generate or receive acoustic energy. A computer system, connected to the wand, receives signals from the receivers corresponding to reflected and refracted ultrasonic energy, and generates a zero offset trace image therefrom. In the geophysical case, the scale model is formed of materials such as plastics and rubbers having the desired properties for simulating the response of a portion or layer in the earth to ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: A method of performing a marine seismic survey is disclosed Seismic receivers, either hydrophones or geophones, are deployed in a set of parallel lines in the survey area. The acoustic energy is generated from a conventional marine seismic source towed by a vessel traveling in paths which are substantially perpendicular to the lines of receiver stations. The paths may pass over the lines of receiver stations, and may also pass outside of the receiver area. Alternative embodiments are disclosed which include sequencing of multiple sets of receiver station lines with one another, so that shots fired along different segments of the path correspond to the different sets of receiver stations. In addition, multiple sources may be towed and alternatively fired, to improve the survey efficiency.

Abstract: A marine seismic surveying system and method are disclosed. A plurality of receiver arrays, each arranged as groups of receivers (hydrophones or geophones) mounted along a cable, extend from a central location thereamong, and are connected to a platform near the central location. Systems with single and multiple platforms and their associated arrays are disclosed. The arrays each extend from the central location in different directions, preferably in a symmetrical fashion, and have their terminal ends fixed in position by way of an anchor or dynamic positioning means. Position and depth indicating instruments are also preferably mounted in each array, and at other locations in the area so that the receivers may be accurately located. The survey is accomplished by a seismic source traveling along a path which intersects the lines defined by one or more of the seismic arrays at an angle, for example a 45.degree. angle for perpendicularly deployed arrays.