Abstract: An autonomous seismic node is configured for free-fall from a water surface to the seabed and is capable of rising from the seabed on its own. The seismic node is positively buoyant in water and is substantially tubular in shape, with a length to a diameter ratio of 4:1 or greater. The node comprises a lower section and an upper section, each of which is inserted into an end of a tubular housing. The lower section has a lower end cap assembly with a release mechanism and the upper section has an upper end cap assembly with a plurality of electronic components and a detachable lifting cage. The seismic node may be coupled to a detachable anchor weight or seabed coupling device to assist in free fall to the seabed, and when detached after seismic recording is performed, allows the seismic node to rise to the water surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless data acquisition in seismic monitoring systems are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a signal table for an emitted seismic signal, receiving seismic signal data from a receiver configured to transform seismic signals into seismic signal data, and storing the seismic signal data on a storage system. The method also includes determining a time span for the seismic signal data and generating a reduced data set based on the seismic signal data, the signal table, and the time span.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition system includes a recording unit to record acquired seismic data and ground equipment containing surface units and wireless field digitizer units. Each surface unit is in communication with the recording unit and contains a first wireless communication module and a power supply mechanism transmitter coil. Each wireless field digitizing unit includes a seismic sensor unit, a second wireless communication module in communication with the seismic sensor unit and one of the first wireless communication modules to exchange digital data between the first and second wireless communication modules and a power supply mechanism receiver coil. The power supply mechanism receiver coil is magnetically coupled to the power supply mechanism transmitter coil in one of the surface units to transmit electrical energy wirelessly from the surface unit to the wireless field digitizer.

Abstract: A system and method for improved coupling of geophysical sensors is disclosed. The method includes determining conditions at an installation location, and selecting a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a threaded device having a shaft with a foot and a head. The threaded device has a cavity that is open at the foot and extends inside the shaft from the foot to the head. The sensor assembly further includes a baseplate configured to couple to the threaded device. The method also includes preparing the installation location for installation of the selected sensor assembly and installing the selected sensor assembly at the installation location.

Abstract: A system and method for coupling geophysical sensors is provided. A method for deploying a geophysical sensor includes treating an installation location with a soil stabilizing material. The method also includes pressing a die (906) into the installation location and after a predetermined time period, removing the die from the installation location. The method further includes installing a geophysical sensor in the installation location.

Abstract: A portable charging system has a first part with an electrical power source and a first housing having a first three dimensional shape. A second part that is separate from and independent of the first part has a second housing with a second three dimensional shape comprising a complementary shape to the first three dimensional shape and a charge storage unit containing an ultracapacitor. The charge storage unit is disposed in the second housing. The first three dimensional shape mates with the second three dimensional shape to align the first part with the second part to facilitate wireless transfer of power from the electrical power source to the charge storage unit for storage in the ultracapacitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless data acquisition in seismic monitoring systems are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a signal table for an emitted seismic signal, receiving seismic signal data from a receiver configured to transform seismic signals into seismic signal data, and storing the seismic signal data on a storage system. The method also includes determining a time span for the seismic signal data and generating a reduced data set based on the seismic signal data, the signal table, and the time span.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition system includes a recording unit to record acquired seismic data and ground equipment containing surface units and wireless field digitizer units. Each surface unit is in communication with the recording unit and contains a first wireless communication module and a power supply mechanism transmitter coil. Each wireless field digitizing unit includes a seismic sensor unit, a second wireless communication module in communication with the seismic sensor unit and one of the first wireless communication modules to exchange digital data between the first and second wireless communication modules and a power supply mechanism receiver coil. The power supply mechanism receiver coil is magnetically coupled to the power supply mechanism transmitter coil in one of the surface units to transmit electrical energy wirelessly from the surface unit to the wireless field digitizer.

Abstract: A seismic acquisition system includes a seismic sensor tool for collecting seismic data and an external tool for coupling to the seismic sensor tool to provide energy. The seismic sensor tool includes a base plate and the external tool includes an inductive coil part. The base plate is energized by the inductive coil part through an inductive process to generate heat for melting ice or snow or frozen ground in contact with a housing of the seismic sensor tool.

Abstract: System, apparatus and method for collecting data from, and providing power to, a geophysical data acquisition device are described herein. The method may include charging a data transfer device comprising a data transfer port, a power transfer port and a battery module, coupling the data transfer device to a geophysical data acquisition device, deploying the geophysical data acquisition device and collecting data therewith, collecting data from the geophysical data acquisition device via the data transfer port and providing power to the geophysical data acquisition device via the power transfer port, replacing the data transfer device with a charged device, coupling the data transfer device to a charging station, transferring data from the data transfer device, and transferring power to the data transfer device via the charging station.

Abstract: A system for controlling impulsive sources during a geophysical survey includes a triggering unit that interfaces to an impulsive source and provides an estimated current location for the impulsive source and a shot controller configured to transmit a detonation authorization to the triggering unit. The shot controller or the triggering unit may inhibit detonation of an impulsive source connected to the selected triggering unit if an estimated current location of the impulsive source is substantially different than an intended shot location. A corresponding apparatus and method are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for controlling impulsive sources during a geophysical survey includes receiving a set of predetermined shooting times for an impulsive source, receiving a detonation authorization for the impulsive source, and delaying a triggering of the impulsive source until a next available shooting time of the plurality of predetermined shooting times. A corresponding apparatus and system are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: System, apparatus and method for collecting data from, and providing power to, a geophysical data acquisition device are described herein. The method may include charging a data transfer device comprising a data transfer port, a power transfer port and a battery module, coupling the data transfer device to a geophysical data acquisition device, deploying the geophysical data acquisition device and collecting data therewith, collecting data from the geophysical data acquisition device via the data transfer port and providing power to the geophysical data acquisition device via the power transfer port, replacing the data transfer device with a charged device, coupling the data transfer device to a charging station, transferring data from the data transfer device, and transferring power to the data transfer device via the charging station.

Abstract: An apparatus for in situ geophysical sensing includes a sensor for measuring geophysical data and a liquid absorbent member connected to the sensor that expands in response to contacting a liquid and thereby physically couples the sensor to a local sensing environment. The liquid absorbent member may be formed of beads or pellets or powder that includes a liquid absorbent material. The liquid absorbent member may also include a soluble binding agent for binding the beads or pellets or powder into an integral member such as a casing for containing the sensor. A method and system corresponding to the apparatus are also described herein. The apparatus, method and system described herein may be used to improve borehole sensor data quality without adding significant complexity to the borehole sensor deployment process.

Abstract: A vehicle control unit is disclosed which can be coupled between a tachometer sensor and an electronic ignition system on a vehicle. The unit is also coupled to a speedometer sensor to measure the vehicle's speed. The vehicle control unit limits the vehicle speed by monitoring the tachometer signal from the tachometer sensor and passing the tachometer signal to the ignition system if the engine speed is within predetermined limits. The tachometer signal is a pulse train which is used by the electronic ignition system to determine ignition timing. The vehicle control unit limits both vehicle speed and engine speed by disconnecting pulses from the tachometer sensor and generating time-delayed pulses of its own to delay the combustion of fuel until after the instance of maximum fuel compression, thereby reducing engine power when the vehicle or engine speeds exceed predetermined limits.

Abstract: A vehicle control unit is disclosed which can be coupled between a tachometer sensor and an electronic ignition system on a vehicle. The unit is also coupled to a speedometer sensor to measure the vehicle's speed. The vehicle control unit limits the vehicle speed by monitoring the tachometer signal from the tachometer sensor and passing the tachometer signal to the ignition system if the engine speed is within predetermined limits. The tachometer signal is a pulse train which is used by the electronic ignition system to determine ignition timing. The vehicle control unit limits both vehicle speed and engine speed by disconnecting pulses from the tachometer sensor and generating time-delayed pulses of its own to delay the combustion of fuel until after the instance of maximum fuel compression, thereby reducing engine power when the vehicle or engine speeds exceed predetermined limits.