Patents by Inventor Leendert Combee

Leendert Combee 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: 11255991
    Abstract: A system includes an unmanned marine vessel having a hull; a multi-dimensional seismic sensor array coupled with the hull, wherein the multi-dimensional seismic sensor array is configured to acquire seismic survey data in multiple directions; wherein the unmanned marine vessel comprises a power source configured to drive and provide propulsion to the unmanned marine vessel; and an umbilical cord for coupling the multi-dimensional seismic sensor array with the hull of the unmanned marine vessel, wherein the umbilical provides electrical communication between the unmanned marine vessel and the multi-dimensional seismic sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nicolae Moldoveanu, Olav Lien, Sudhir Pai, Leendert Combee
  • Patent number: 9835749
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for acquiring seismic data using a seabed seismic data cable positioned on a seabed are described, including correcting for the effect of one or more sensor non-linear motions, which improves accuracy of seismic data. One or multiple non-linear movements of the sensor may be corrected for. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robbert J. De Kok, Nicolas Goujon, Leendert Combee, Aslaug Stroemmen Melboe
  • Patent number: 9694885
    Abstract: An unmanned water vessel can include a body defining an internal volume and having a shape adapted to travel through water, with a front and a back; at least one directional device that is exposed to the flow of water past the vehicle when the vehicle travels in a forward direction, the directional device having a first position that provides an angle of attack through the water flow and a second position that provides a second angle of attack through the water flow; and a control system that provides commands to the at least one directional device in view of a starting point, an end point, and at least information about water flow expected to be encountered by the water vessel during travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: WESTERNECO L.L.C.
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20170003408
    Abstract: A system includes an unmanned marine vessel having a hull; a multi-dimensional seismic sensor array coupled with the hull, wherein the multi-dimensional seismic sensor array is configured to acquire seismic survey data in multiple directions; wherein the unmanned marine vessel comprises a power source configured to drive and provide propulsion to the unmanned marine vessel; and an umbilical cord for coupling the multi-dimensional seismic sensor array with the hull of the unmanned marine vessel, wherein the umbilical provides electrical communication between the unmanned marine vessel and the multi-dimensional seismic sensor array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Nicolae Moldoveanu, Olav Lien, Sudhir Pai, Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20160304172
    Abstract: An unmanned water vessel can include a body defining an internal volume and having a shape adapted to travel through water, with a front and a back; at least one directional device that is exposed to the flow of water past the vehicle when the vehicle travels in a forward direction, the directional device having a first position that provides an angle of attack through the water flow and a second position that provides a second angle of attach through the water flow; and a control system that provides commands to the at least one directional device in view of a starting point, an end point, and at least information about water flow expected to be encountered by the water vessel during travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20150198731
    Abstract: Systems and methods for carrying out seismic surveys and/or conducting permanent reservoir monitoring with autonomous or remote-controlled water vehicles, including surface and submersible vehicles, are described. Additional methods carried out by autonomous or remote-controlled water vehicles and associated with seismic surveys are further described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Everhard Muijzert, Kenneth Welker, Iain Cooper, Simon Bittleston, Leendert Combee, Robert Ross, Edward Kotochigov
  • Patent number: 9013952
    Abstract: Systems and methods for carrying out seismic surveys and/or conducting permanent reservoir monitoring with autonomous or remote-controlled water vehicles, including surface and submersible vehicles, are described. Additional methods carried out by autonomous or remote-controlled water vehicles and associated with seismic surveys further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Everhard Muyzert, Kenneth Welker, Iain Cooper, Simon Bittleston, Leendert Combee, Robert Ross, Edward Kotochigov
  • Patent number: 8963549
    Abstract: To survey a subterranean structure, for acquiring an electromagnetic (EM) measurement signal across EM receivers having a target axial spacing, a group of more than two EM receivers in an interval defined by the target axial spacing along a sensor cable is provided. The spacing between successive ones of at least some EM receivers in the group is less than the target axial spacing. EM measurements are acquired using the EM receivers in the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Patent number: 8625387
    Abstract: A method for selecting a signal arrival for determining an accurate position of seismic equipment includes the steps of transmitting a signal from a pinger; predicting a direct arrival and a reflected arrival of the signal at a receiver, wherein each arrival is the time between the transmission of the signal to reception of the signal; measuring arrivals of the signal at the receiver; selecting the measured signal arrival that is similar to the predicted direct arrival as a preliminary signal arrival; defining a confidence interval for the actual direct arrival of the signal based on the predicted direct arrival and the predicted reflected arrival; and finalizing the signal arrival, wherein the selected preliminary signal arrival is the finalized signal arrival if it is within the confidence interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Svein Arne Frivik, Leendert Combee
  • Patent number: 8614580
    Abstract: To perform surveying of a subterranean structure, an electromagnetic (EM) source array has a plurality of electrodes. Different subsets of the electrodes are dynamically activated to provide corresponding EM radiation patterns to survey the subterranean structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Patent number: 8351298
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for acquiring seismic data using a seabed seismic data cable positioned on a seabed are described, including correcting for the effect of one or more sensor non-linear motions, which improves accuracy of seismic data. One or multiple non-linear movements of the sensor may be corrected for. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robbert J. De Kok, Nicolas Goujon, Leendert Combee, Aslaug H. S. Melbø
  • Publication number: 20120194196
    Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) source assembly for performing marine subterranean surveying includes electrodes in an arrangement configured for towing through a body of water. A controller is configured to selectively activate different sets of the plurality of electrodes, where a first of the sets produces an EM field in a first direction, and where a second of the sets produces an EM field in a second, different direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Leendert Combee, Andrea Zerilli
  • Patent number: 8228208
    Abstract: A method for communicating with a receiver during an electromagnetic survey. In one implementation, the method may include sending a survey signal to a subsurface region, wherein the survey signals is a first electromagnetic signal and sending a diagnostic signal to the receiver. The diagnostic signal is a second electromagnetic signal having a diagnostic message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Philip Heelan, Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20120146649
    Abstract: To survey a subterranean structure, for acquiring an electromagnetic (EM) measurement signal across EM receivers having a target axial spacing, a group of more than two EM receivers in an interval defined by the target axial spacing along a sensor cable is provided. The spacing between successive ones of at least some EM receivers in the group is less than the target axial spacing. EM measurements are acquired using the EM receivers in the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20120146650
    Abstract: To perform surveying of a subterranean structure, an electromagnetic (EM) source array has a plurality of electrodes. Different subsets of the electrodes are dynamically activated to provide corresponding EM radiation patterns to survey the subterranean structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20120069702
    Abstract: Systems and methods for carrying out seismic surveys and/or conducting permanent reservoir monitoring with autonomous or remote-controlled water vehicles, including surface and submersible vehicles, are described. Additional methods carried out by autonomous or remote-controlled water vehicles and associated with seismic surveys further described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: Everhard Muyzert, Kenneth Welker, Iain Cooper, Simon Bittleston, Leendert Combee, Robert Ross, Edward Kotochigov
  • Patent number: 8120362
    Abstract: A survey apparatus for surveying a subterranean structure includes an electromagnetic (EM) sensing element to measure an EM field received from the subterranean structure, and a sample collector activatable to collect a sample of soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Patent number: 8080999
    Abstract: A sensor cable for surveying. The sensor cable has a housing, which includes one of more electrodes and a conductive gel surrounding the one or more electrodes. The conductive gel is configured to conduct electrical current to the one or more electrodes and keep the one or more electrodes moist. The housing may also have a membrane surrounding the conductive gel, wherein the membrane is configured to hold the conductive gel in contact with the one or more electrodes and permit electric current to flow between a surrounding medium and the conductive gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Patent number: 8072222
    Abstract: To perform an electromagnetic (EM) surveying of a subterranean structure, a signal generator produces a signal having an analog continuous waveform without steps in the waveform. Producing the signal is in response to an indication specifying a characteristic of the signal. An antenna is responsive to the signal having the analog continuous waveform to emit an EM field to produce the EM surveying of the subterranean structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: WesternGeco L. L. C.
    Inventors: Leendert Combee, Michael Malling, Phil Heelan
  • Patent number: 8008921
    Abstract: A system to perform a marine subterranean survey includes at least one vertical electromagnetic (EM) source and at least one EM receiver to measure a response of a subterranean structure that is responsive to EM signals produced by the vertical EM source. At least one tow cable is used to tow the EM source and EM receiver through a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: David L. Alumbaugh, Andrea Zerilli, H. Frank Morrison, Martin Howlid, James P. Brady, Leendert Combee, Edward Nichols, Nestor Cuevas