Patents by Inventor Joseph R. Gagliardi
Joseph R. Gagliardi 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).
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Publication number: 20190389540Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2019Publication date: December 26, 2019Inventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Timothy A. Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham
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Patent number: 10286981Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Timothy A. Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham
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Patent number: 10032381Abstract: A marine threat monitoring and defense system and method protects a target vessel in icy or other marine regions. The system uses communications, user interfaces, and data sources to identify marine obstacles (e.g., icebergs, ice floes, pack ice, etc.) near a target vessel performing set operations (e.g., a stationed structure performing drilling or production operations or a seismic survey vessel performing exploration operations with a planned route). The system monitors positions of these identified marine obstacles over time relative to the target vessel and predicts any potential threats. When a threat is predicted, the system plans deployment of support vessels, beacons, and the like to respond to the threat. For example, the system can direct a support vessel to divert the path or break up ice threatening the target vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Des Flynn, John Grant
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Patent number: 9933536Abstract: A marine seismic survey is performed in icy waters by initially planning a survey track traversing a survey area. The initial track is planned based on initial ice conditions in the survey area having the icy waters. After preparing the system, a seismic system is deployed into the water from a survey vessel at the survey area. This is typically done in an area relatively free of ice. At least one escort vessel escorts the survey vessel as it traverses the survey track and obtains seismic data. The survey vessel tows the seismic system under the surface of the icy water to avoid the ice. All the while, systems and operators monitor the survey area along the survey track for actual ice conditions. In this way, the escort vessel can handling the actual ice conditions along the survey track so the survey vessel does not need to halt.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Tim Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham, Ray Pierce
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Patent number: 9604701Abstract: A marine seismic surveying apparatus for obstructed waters includes a deployed device and a buoy. The deployed device is disposed at an end of a streamer and is towed below a surface of water. The buoy extends from the end of the streamer to the water's surface. A coupling connects the buoy to the end of the streamer and is breakable due to tension from the buoy obstructed at the surface of the water. A receiver associated with the buoy obtains location information via the buoy at the water's surface. The deployed device can reckon its location with an inertial navigation system in place of location information obtained with the buoy's receiver. Also, the buoy can be deployed at the surface of the water, and more than one buoy can be available for deployment should one be lost.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Timothy A. Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham
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Patent number: 9535182Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source (e.g., air gun array) of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and the source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes or other issues encountered at the water's surface. The floatation device has a depth controlled float and one or more adjustable buoyancy floats. The controlled float has its buoyancy controlled with pressurized gas used for the air gun source and actively controls the depth of air gun source in the water. Each of the adjustable float connects in line with the controlled float with flexible connections. Each adjustable float has its buoyancy preconfigured to counterbalance the weight in water of the air gun or portion of the source that the float supports.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Timothy A. Dudley, Curt Schneider
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Patent number: 9354343Abstract: In seismic survey for icy waters, streamers are towed behind a vessel under the water's surface to avoid ice. GPS readings may not be consistently obtained because the ice prevents a tail buoy with a GPS receiver from trailing from streamer at the surface. Instead, a device tows on the streamer under the water's surface. The streamer's absolute position is tracked by intermittently bringing the towed device toward the surface so GPS readings can be obtained. The streamer's absolute position can then be used in conjunction with compass readings and can correlate various seismic sensor signals obtained along the streamer during the survey. The compass readings can be corrected for declination using declinometer readings, which can be compensated for iron effects from the vessel or other device carrying the declinometer.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Phillip Roberts, Robert Fischer, Noel Zinn, Curt Schneider, Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Timothy A. Dudley, John Grant, Kevin Simpson
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Publication number: 20140269174Abstract: A marine seismic survey is performed in icy waters by initially planning a survey track traversing a survey area. The initial track is planned based on initial ice conditions in the survey area having the icy waters. After preparing the system, a seismic system is deployed into the water from a survey vessel at the survey area. This is typically done in an area relatively free of ice. At least one escort vessel escorts the survey vessel as it traverses the survey track and obtains seismic data. The survey vessel tows the seismic system under the surface of the icy water to avoid the ice. All the while, systems and operators monitor the survey area along the survey track for actual ice conditions. In this way, the escort vessel can handling the actual ice conditions along the survey track so the survey vessel does not need to halt.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Tim Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham, Ray Pierce
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Publication number: 20140102347Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Timothy A. Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham
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Publication number: 20140104985Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Timothy A. Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham
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Publication number: 20140067249Abstract: A marine threat monitoring and defense system and method protects a target vessel in icy or other marine regions. The system uses communications, user interfaces, and data sources to identify marine obstacles (e.g., icebergs, ice floes, pack ice, etc.) near a target vessel performing set operations (e.g., a stationed structure performing drilling or production operations or a seismic survey vessel performing exploration operations with a planned route). The system monitors positions of these identified marine obstacles over time relative to the target vessel and predicts any potential threats. When a threat is predicted, the system plans deployment of support vessels, beacons, and the like to respond to the threat. For example, the system can direct a support vessel to divert the path or break up ice threatening the target vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Des Flynn, John Grant
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Patent number: 8612129Abstract: A marine threat monitoring and defense system and method protects a target vessel in icy or other marine regions. The system uses communications, user interfaces, and data sources to identify marine obstacles (e.g., icebergs, ice floes, pack ice, etc.) near a target vessel performing set operations (e.g., a stationed structure performing drilling or production operations or a seismic survey vessel performing exploration operations with a planned route). The system monitors positions of these identified marine obstacles over time relative to the target vessel and predicts any potential threats. When a threat is predicted, the system plans deployment of support vessels, beacons, and the like to respond to the threat. For example, the system can direct a support vessel to divert the path or break up ice threatening the target vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Des Flynn, John Grant
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Patent number: 8593905Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Timothy A. Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham
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Publication number: 20120316769Abstract: A marine threat monitoring and defense system and method protects a target vessel in icy or other marine regions. The system uses communications, user interfaces, and data sources to identify marine obstacles (e.g., icebergs, ice floes, pack ice, etc.) near a target vessel performing set operations (e.g., a stationed structure performing drilling or production operations or a seismic survey vessel performing exploration operations with a planned route). The system monitors positions of these identified marine obstacles over time relative to the target vessel and predicts any potential threats. When a threat is predicted, the system plans deployment of support vessels, beacons, and the like to respond to the threat. For example, the system can direct a support vessel to divert the path or break up ice threatening the target vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Des Flynn, John Grant
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Publication number: 20120134234Abstract: In seismic survey for icy waters, streamers are towed behind a vessel under the water's surface to avoid ice. GPS readings may not be consistently obtained because the ice prevents a tail buoy with a GPS receiver from trailing from streamer at the surface. Instead, a device tows on the streamer under the water's surface. The streamer's absolute position is tracked by intermittently bringing the towed device toward the surface so GPS readings can be obtained. The streamer's absolute position can then be used in conjunction with compass readings and can correlate various seismic sensor signals obtained along the streamer during the survey. The compass readings can be corrected for declination using declinometer readings, which can be compensated for iron effects from the vessel or other device carrying the declinometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: ION Geophysical CorporationInventors: Phillip Roberts, Robert Fischer, Noel Zinn, Curt Schneider, Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Timothy A. Dudley, John Grant, Kevin Simpson
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Publication number: 20100226204Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Tim Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham