Patents by Inventor John J. Sallas

John J. Sallas 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: 11693136
    Abstract: A seismic vibrator is configured to operate close to resonance for range of actuating frequencies. The vibrator has a baseplate, a reaction mass coupled to the baseplate via an elastic coupling mechanism and an actuator configured to displace the reaction mass with an actuating frequency. The vibrator also has a frequency-adjusting system configured to adjust a natural frequency of the elastic coupling mechanism and the reaction mass, to track the actuating frequency so that to achieve resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: SERCEL
    Inventor: John J. Sallas
  • Publication number: 20210132242
    Abstract: A seismic vibrator is configured to operate close to resonance for range of actuating frequencies. The vibrator has a baseplate, a reaction mass coupled to the baseplate via an elastic coupling mechanism and an actuator configured to displace the reaction mass with an actuating frequency. The vibrator also has a frequency-adjusting system configured to adjust a natural frequency of the elastic coupling mechanism and the reaction mass, to track the actuating frequency so that to achieve resonance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: John J. SALLAS
  • Patent number: 10718878
    Abstract: Computing device, software and method for balancing forces acting on a piston of a marine vibrator towed in a body of water. The method includes estimating with a management system located on a vessel or a controller located on a marine vibrator, a transient pressure disturbance in the body of water; computing, at the controller, a force correction for the piston of the marine vibrator, based on the transient pressure disturbance; and instructing an actuation system of the marine vibrator to apply the force correction to the piston in anticipation of an arrival of the transient pressure disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventors: Ivan Torres Tamanaja, John J. Sallas
  • Publication number: 20190212461
    Abstract: Computing device, software and method for balancing forces acting on a piston of a marine vibrator towed in a body of water. The method includes estimating with a management system located on a vessel or a controller located on a marine vibrator, a transient pressure disturbance in the body of water; computing, at the controller, a force correction for the piston of the marine vibrator, based on the transient pressure disturbance; and instructing an actuation system of the marine vibrator to apply the force correction to the piston in anticipation of an arrival of the transient pressure disturbance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Ivan TORRES TAMANAJA, John J. SALLAS
  • Patent number: 10101477
    Abstract: A system and method for performing seismic exploration with multiple acquisition systems is disclosed. The method includes configuring a first seismic source located outside of an exclusion zone and configuring a second seismic source located inside of the exclusion zone. The method further includes obtaining a first seismic dataset corresponding to a first seismic signal emitted by the first seismic source and obtaining a second seismic dataset corresponding to a second seismic signal emitted by the second seismic source. The method further includes combining the first and second datasets to create a complete dataset covering a survey area and creating a seismic image of a subsurface of the survey area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventors: Cécile Berron, Philippe Herrmann, Julien Cotton, Eric Forgues, John J. Sallas
  • Patent number: 10042064
    Abstract: A sweep generator is employed to generate a sweep to be used by a seismic vibrator device for generating a desired target output spectrum, wherein the frequency sweep is designed so as to comply with one or more constraints imposed by the seismic vibrator device and/or imposed by the environment in which the device is to be used. In one embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with at least a pump flow constraint imposed by the seismic vibrator device. In another embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with all of multiple operational constraints of the seismic vibrator device, such as both mass displacement and pump flow constraints. Environmental constraints may also be accounted for in certain embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventor: John J. Sallas
  • Patent number: 9535178
    Abstract: A sweep generator is employed to generate a sweep to be used by a seismic vibrator device for generating a desired target output spectrum, wherein the frequency sweep is designed so as to comply with one or more constraints imposed by the seismic vibrator device and/or imposed by the environment in which the device is to be used. In one embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with at least a pump flow constraint imposed by the seismic vibrator device. In another embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with all of multiple operational constraints of the seismic vibrator device, such as both mass displacement and pump flow constraints. Environmental constraints may also be accounted for in certain embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: CGG VERITAS
    Inventor: John J. Sallas
  • Publication number: 20160313460
    Abstract: A system and method for performing seismic exploration with multiple acquisition systems is disclosed. The method includes configuring a first seismic source located outside of an exclusion zone and configuring a second seismic source located inside of the exclusion zone. The method further includes obtaining a first seismic dataset corresponding to a first seismic signal emitted by the first seismic source and obtaining a second seismic dataset corresponding to a second seismic signal emitted by the second seismic source. The method further includes combining the first and second datasets to create a complete dataset covering a survey area and creating a seismic image of a subsurface of the survey area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Cécile Berron, Philippe Herrmann, Julien Cotton, Eric Forgues, John J. Sallas
  • Patent number: 9348042
    Abstract: A seismic source configured to generate seismic waves underground. The source includes a tank configured to be buried underground, the tank having a cavity; an actuation mechanism provided inside the cavity, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to have at least one movable part that moves back and forth to generate a seismic wave having a desired frequency; and a first fluid provided inside the cavity and around the actuation mechanism and configured to transform the back and forth movement of the at least one movable part into a varying pressure that directly acts on walls of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventor: John J. Sallas
  • Publication number: 20150346364
    Abstract: A sweep generator is employed to generate a sweep to be used by a seismic vibrator device for generating a desired target output spectrum, wherein the frequency sweep is designed so as to comply with one or more constraints imposed by the seismic vibrator device and/or imposed by the environment in which the device is to be used. In one embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with at least a pump flow constraint imposed by the seismic vibrator device. In another embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with all of multiple operational constraints of the seismic vibrator device, such as both mass displacement and pump flow constraints. Environmental constraints may also be accounted for in certain embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventor: John J. SALLAS
  • Publication number: 20150309195
    Abstract: Method and source assembly for enhancing low-frequency seismic signals. The source assembly includes a vehicle configured to move to a desired location above ground; a lift and hydraulic actuator system attached to the vehicle and configured to generate seismic waves into the ground; auxiliary equipment attached to the vehicle; and one or more sensors located on the vehicle or the auxiliary equipment for measuring a vertical acceleration or a representation of the vertical acceleration of the source assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventor: John J. SALLAS
  • Patent number: 9042203
    Abstract: Computer software, controller and method for generating a desired pilot signal for driving a vibratory source. The method includes steps for selecting a pilot target amplitude spectrum for the vibratory source; determining an initial pilot signal that matches the pilot target amplitude spectrum; associating the initial pilot signal with first and second frequency bands, the second frequency band including a high-frequency end of a range of the vibratory source; band-passing a first part of the initial pilot signal associated with the first frequency band with a first band-pass configuration; band-passing a second part of the initial pilot signal associated with the second frequency band with a second band-pass configuration; level compressing the first and second parts of the initial pilot signal; recombining the first and second parts of the initial pilot signal to form a recombined pilot signal; and processing the recombined pilot signal to obtain the desired pilot signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SA
    Inventor: John J. Sallas
  • Patent number: 8792300
    Abstract: Computer software, computer and method for generating with a computing device a desired pilot signal for driving a vibratory source to generate seismic waves. The method includes steps for compressing a pilot signal in a force domain and also compressing a mass displacement in a displacement domain. The resulting desired pilot signal boosts the low-frequency end of the vibratory source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: CGGVeritas Services SA
    Inventor: John J. Sallas
  • Patent number: 8773950
    Abstract: A method for seismic prospecting that includes a step of deploying plural vibratory sources on the ground; a step of receiving at each vibratory source a corresponding pilot signal for driving the vibratory source; a step of asynchronously actuating the vibratory sources to generate seismic waves into the ground; and a step of continuously recording seismic signals produced by the seismic waves. Pilot signals for the plural vibratory sources are obtained by spectrally shaping starting sequences into continuous pseudorandom sequences that are weakly correlated over a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cggveritas Services SA
    Inventor: John J. Sallas
  • Publication number: 20140003197
    Abstract: A sweep generator is employed to generate a sweep to be used by a seismic vibrator device for generating a desired target output spectrum, wherein the frequency sweep is designed so as to comply with one or more constraints imposed by the seismic vibrator device and/or imposed by the environment in which the device is to be used. In one embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with at least a pump flow constraint imposed by the seismic vibrator device. In another embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with all of multiple operational constraints of the seismic vibrator device, such as both mass displacement and pump flow constraints. Environmental constraints may also be accounted for in certain embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventor: John J. SALLAS
  • Patent number: 8559275
    Abstract: A sweep generator is employed to generate a sweep to be used by a seismic vibrator device for generating a desired target output spectrum, wherein the frequency sweep is designed so as to comply with one or more constraints imposed by the seismic vibrator device and/or imposed by the environment in which the device is to be used. In one embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with at least a pump flow constraint imposed by the seismic vibrator device. In another embodiment, a sweep generator determines a sweep for achieving a desired target output spectrum by a given seismic vibrator device in compliance with all of multiple operational constraints of the seismic vibrator device, such as both mass displacement and pump flow constraints. Environmental constraints may also be accounted for in certain embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: CGG Veritas
    Inventor: John J. Sallas
  • Publication number: 20130163380
    Abstract: Computer software, computer and method for generating with a computing device a desired pilot signal for driving a vibratory source to generate seismic waves. The method includes steps for compressing a pilot signal in a force domain and also compressing a mass displacement in a displacement domain. The resulting desired pilot signal boosts the low-frequency end of the vibratory source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SA
    Inventor: John J. SALLAS
  • Publication number: 20130163386
    Abstract: A seismic source configured to generate seismic waves underground. The source includes a tank configured to be buried underground, the tank having a cavity; an actuation mechanism provided inside the cavity, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to have at least one movable part that moves back and forth to generate a seismic wave having a desired frequency; and a first fluid provided inside the cavity and around the actuation mechanism and configured to transform the back and forth movement of the at least one movable part into a varying pressure that directly acts on walls of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SA
    Inventor: John J. SALLAS
  • Publication number: 20130163381
    Abstract: A method for seismic prospecting that includes a step of deploying plural vibratory sources on the ground; a step of receiving at each vibratory source a corresponding pilot signal for driving the vibratory source; a step of asynchronously actuating the vibratory sources to generate seismic waves into the ground; and a step of continuously recording seismic signals produced by the seismic waves. Pilot signals for the plural vibratory sources are obtained by spectrally shaping starting sequences into continuous pseudorandom sequences that are weakly correlated over a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SA
    Inventor: John J. SALLAS
  • Publication number: 20130163385
    Abstract: Computer software, controller and method for generating a desired pilot signal for driving a vibratory source. The method includes steps for selecting a pilot target amplitude spectrum for the vibratory source; determining an initial pilot signal that matches the pilot target amplitude spectrum; associating the initial pilot signal with first and second frequency bands, the second frequency band including a high-frequency end of a range of the vibratory source; band-passing a first part of the initial pilot signal associated with the first frequency band with a first band-pass configuration; band-passing a second part of the initial pilot signal associated with the second frequency band with a second band-pass configuration; level compressing the first and second parts of the initial pilot signal; recombining the first and second parts of the initial pilot signal to form a recombined pilot signal; and processing the recombined pilot signal to obtain the desired pilot signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SA
    Inventor: John J. SALLAS