Patents by Inventor Keith Elder
Keith Elder 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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Patent number: 11269095Abstract: A cableless seismic acquisition system that is configured to resolve the locations of a plurality of cableless seismic acquisition units (e.g., up to 1,000,000 or more) of the system at sub-meter levels of accuracy (e.g., less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, etc.) free of many of the limitations of existing manners of determining cableless unit locations in seismic acquisition systems. While accurately determining cableless unit locations for use in mapping underground structures of interest, the disclosed cableless seismic acquisition system also limits power demands of and ultimately power consumption by the cableless units to extend serviceable deployment time of the cableless acquisition system.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventors: Keith Elder, Jerry Edward Stair, Garrick Thomas Wager, Steven Kooper, Joshua Dice
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Publication number: 20210181361Abstract: A cableless seismic acquisition system that is configured to resolve the locations of a plurality of cableless seismic acquisition units (e.g., up to 1,000,000 or more) of the system at sub-meter levels of accuracy (e.g., less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, etc.) free of many of the limitations of existing manners of determining cableless unit locations in seismic acquisition systems. While accurately determining cableless unit locations for use in mapping underground structures of interest, the disclosed cableless seismic acquisition system also limits power demands of and ultimately power consumption by the cableless units to extend serviceable deployment time of the cableless acquisition system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2019Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Keith Elder, Jerry Edward Stair, Garrick Thomas Wager, Steven Kooper, Joshua Dice
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Patent number: 10761227Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring seismic data using a wireless network and a number of individual data acquisition modules that are configured to collect seismic data and forward data to a central recording and control system. In one implementation, a number of remote modules are arranged in lines. Base station modules receive information from the lines and relay the information to a central control and recording system. Radio links operating on multiple frequencies are used by the modules. Dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. Modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, David Elam, Douglas B. Crice
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Publication number: 20200225374Abstract: A multimode seismic unit can selectively operate in any one or more of multimode readout modes. In one embodiment, a multimode seismic unit (1600) includes a physical mode selector switch (1602). The mode selector switch (1602) allows for manual selection of output modes including wireless, nodal, dual mode or automatic mode selection. The unit (1600) further includes an antenna (1604) for RF transmissions and a data port (1606) for uploading data in a nodal mode. The multimode unit can be used to implement a variety of single mode and multimode seismic arrays.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2019Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
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Publication number: 20200166663Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2019Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
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Patent number: 10495767Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
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Patent number: 10241221Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for use of directionalized antennas at a seismic module in a seismic survey array. The directionalized antenna may be selectively controlled such that the control of the transmission functionality and reception functionality are independently controlled to transmit data in and receive data from different directions. In turn, bandwidth utilization may be improved in the survey. Additionally, the directionalized antennas may allow for simultaneous transmission and reception of data in a serial data transfer line.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventors: Keith Elder, Andrew T. Prokop, Steven Kooper
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Patent number: 10156650Abstract: A multimode seismic unit can selectively operate in any one or more of multimode readout modes. In one embodiment, a multimode seismic unit (1600) includes a physical mode selector switch (1602). The mode selector switch (1602) allows for manual selection of output modes including wireless, nodal, dual mode or automatic mode selection. The unit (1600) further includes an antenna (1604) for RF transmissions and a data port (1606) for uploading data in a nodal mode. The multimode unit can be used to implement a variety of single mode and multimode seismic arrays.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
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Patent number: 10107926Abstract: A cableless seismic acquisition system that is configured to resolve the locations of a plurality of cableless seismic acquisition units (e.g., up to 1,000,000 or more) of the system at sub-meter levels of accuracy (e.g., less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, etc.) free of many of the limitations of existing manners of determining cableless unit locations in seismic acquisition systems. While accurately determining cableless unit locations for use in mapping underground structures of interest, the disclosed cableless seismic acquisition system also limits power demands of and ultimately power consumption by the cableless units to extend serviceable deployment time of the cableless acquisition system.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventors: Keith Elder, Jerry Edward Stair, Garrick Thomas Wager, Steven Kooper, Joshua Dice
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Publication number: 20180231676Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for use of directionalized antennas at a seismic module in a seismic survey array. The directionalized antenna may be selectively controlled such that the control of the transmission functionality and reception functionality are independently controlled to transmit data in and receive data from different directions. In turn, bandwidth utilization may be improved in the survey. Additionally, the directionalized antennas may allow for simultaneous transmission and reception of data in a serial data transfer line.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2017Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Keith Elder, Andrew T. Prokop, Steven Kooper
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Patent number: 9930430Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for use of directionalized antennas at a seismic module in a seismic survey array to allow for simultaneous transmission and reception of data in a serial data transfer line. The directionalized antenna may be selectively controlled such that the control of the transmission functionality and reception functionality are independently controlled to transmit data in and receive data from different directions. In turn, bandwidth utilization may be improved in the survey.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventor: Keith Elder
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Publication number: 20170357019Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring seismic data using a wireless network and a number of individual data acquisition modules that are configured to collect seismic data and forward data to a central recording and control system. In one implementation, a number of remote modules are arranged in lines. Base station modules receive information from the lines and relay the information to a central control and recording system. Radio links operating on multiple frequencies are used by the modules. Dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. Modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, Kevin Rose, Calvin Day, David Elam, Kip Ingram, Douglas B. Crice, Mihai Beffa
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Publication number: 20170357018Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
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Patent number: 9841517Abstract: Systems and methods for utilization of a smart antenna in facilitating wireless communication between adjacent seismic data acquisition modules. The smart antenna may target an adjacent module with a radiation pattern directed toward the adjacent module. As such, the modules may employ space division multiplexing techniques to avoid interference between modules in the array. The modules may scan throughout a continuum of positions to locate adjacent modules. Once located, a spatial signal signature may be identified for the adjacent module and beamforming vectors may be calculated for targeting the radiation pattern toward the located module.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventors: Keith Elder, Andrew T. Prokop, Steven Kooper
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Publication number: 20170208373Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for use of directionalized antennas at a seismic module in a seismic survey array to allow for simultaneous transmission and reception of data in a serial data transfer line. The directionalized antenna may be selectively controlled such that the control of the transmission functionality and reception functionality are independently controlled to transmit data in and receive data from different directions. In turn, bandwidth utilization may be improved in the survey.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventor: Keith Elder
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Patent number: 9594175Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
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Publication number: 20160178770Abstract: Presented are systems and methods for deploying wireless data acquisition modules that facilitate autonomous initialization. The wireless data acquisition modules may initiate a initialization process in response to a stimulus associated with being deployed. The wireless data acquisition module may further conduct a neighbor discovery process and in turn establish a data transfer path among one or more other wireless data acquisition modules. Further, information obtained during a series of autonomous tests may be communicated during the neighbor discovery process and the establishment of the data transfer path may at least in part be based on the information obtained in the autonomous tests.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2015Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Steven Kooper, Keith Elder
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Patent number: 9140811Abstract: Presented are systems and methods for deploying wireless data acquisition modules that facilitate autonomous initialization. The wireless data acquisition modules may initiate a initialization process in response to a stimulus associated with being deployed. The wireless data acquisition module may further conduct a neighbor discovery process and in turn establish a data transfer path among one or more other wireless data acquisition modules. Further, information obtained during a series of autonomous tests may be communicated during the neighbor discovery process and the establishment of the data transfer path may at least in part be based on the information obtained in the autonomous tests.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.Inventors: Steven Kooper, Keith Elder
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Publication number: 20150124563Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition employing a dynamic multiplexing technique. The dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. As such, modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, Kevin Rose, Calvin Day, David Elam, Kip Ingram, Douglas B. Crice
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Patent number: 8982810Abstract: A method of acquiring seismic data. The method includes receiving seismic signals at one or more sensors; sampling the received seismic signals into a plurality of samples, compressing at least some of the samples in selected packets before arranging the compressed samples into packets; arranging the samples into a plurality of packets; computing packet efficiency for a packet of the plurality of packets; transmitting the plurality of packets by varying time intervals between transmissions of the packets.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: INOVA Ltd.Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, Andras Feszthammer, Donald E. Clayton, Henry T. Polk