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: 7999552
    Abstract: A sensor cable for surveying. The sensor cable may comprise at least one pair of current sensor electrodes and an amplifier. The current sensor electrodes may be disposed along opposite sides of the sensor cable. The current sensor electrodes may be configured to detect current in an electromagnetic field transverse to an inline direction of the sensor cable. The amplifier may be configured to amplify the current in the electromagnetic field for detection by the electrode pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kamal Babour, Leendert Combee, James P. Brady, Martin Howlid
  • Patent number: 7884612
    Abstract: A multi-component field source for surveying subsea formations includes at least two electrodes having a direction of motion, wherein the at least two electrodes are configured to produce an electric dipole in an orientation that is not parallel to both the direction of motion of the electrodes and the seafloor. A method for logging subsea formations includes transmitting electromagnetic energy into the subsea formations with at least two electrodes having a direction of motion and configured to produce an electric dipole in an orientation that is not parallel to both the direction of motion of the electrodes and the seafloor; and receiving signals that comprise electromagnetic energy that has traversed the subsea formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ugo Conti, Andrea Zerilli, David Alumbaugh, Martin Howlid, Leendert Combee, Kevin Eyl
  • Patent number: 7796466
    Abstract: Seabed sensor units, systems including same, and methods for acquiring seabed data are described, one seabed sensor unit comprising a base, the base containing at least one sensor able to detect a seismic signal, electronics comprising a clock and one or more electronic components enabling the sensor to communicate seismic data to one or more memory modules, and a local autonomous power source. 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: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Leendert Combee, Nicolas Goujon, Kenneth E. Welker, Svein Arne Frivik
  • Publication number: 20100103770
    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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Robbert J. De Kok, Nicolas Goujon, Leendert Combee, Aslaug H. S. Melbø
  • Publication number: 20100039890
    Abstract: A seismic data acquisition assembly includes a cable; seismic sensors that are disposed along the cable; and a filler material inside the cable. The filler includes a hydrocarbon-based liquid and an agent to cause the filler material to have a rheological property that is substantially different than a corresponding rheological property of the hydrocarbon-based liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Gary John Tustin, Gerald Henry Meeten, Timothy G.J. Jones, Valerie Anderson, Oeystein Traetten, Henk Keers, Ottar Kristiansen, Nils Halvor Heieren, Leendert Combee, Bent Andreas Kjellesvig
  • Patent number: 7656746
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robbert J. De Kok, Nicolas Goujon, Leendert Combee, Aslaug H. S. Melbø
  • Publication number: 20100019929
    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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: PHILIP HEELAN, Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20100013485
    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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: David L. Alumbaugh, Andrea Zerilli, H. Frank Morrison, Martin Howlid, James P. Brady, Leendert Combee, Edward Nichols, Nestor Cuevas
  • Publication number: 20100001733
    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: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20090295394
    Abstract: A sensor cable for surveying. The sensor cable may comprise at least one pair of current sensor electrodes and an amplifier. The current sensor electrodes may be disposed along opposite sides of the sensor cable. The current sensor electrodes may be configured to detect current in an electromagnetic field transverse to an inline direction of the sensor cable. The amplifier may be configured to amplify the current in the electromagnetic field for detection by the electrode pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Kamal Babour, Leendert Combee, James P. Brady, Martin Howlid
  • Publication number: 20090268552
    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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Svein Arne Frivik, Leendert Combee
  • Patent number: 7450467
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning seismic streamers are disclosed that enable two or more streamers to be positioned in over/under configuration. One system comprises first and second pluralities of remotely controllable birds mounted on or inline in first and second streamers, the birds functioning to control position of the streamers relative to each other, to another pair of streamers, or to some reference. 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: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Tallak Tveide, Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20080144442
    Abstract: Seabed sensor units, systems including same, and methods for acquiring seabed data are described, one seabed sensor unit comprising a base, the base containing at least one sensor able to detect a seismic signal, electronics comprising a clock and one or more electronic components enabling the sensor to communicate seismic data to one or more memory modules, and a local autonomous power source. 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Leendert Combee, Nicolas Goujon, Kenneth E. Welker, Svein Arne Frivik
  • Patent number: 7366056
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method for conducting a bathymetric survey across a seismic spread includes the steps of emitting a signal from a pinger positioned within the seismic spread, measuring the arrival time of a bottom reflection of the signal at a receiver positioned within the seismic spread, measuring the arrival time of a direct arrival of the signal at the receiver, and determining the water depth utilizing the measured arrival times of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Svein Arne Frivik, Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20080008042
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method for conducting a bathymetric survey across a seismic spread includes the steps of emitting a signal from a pinger positioned within the seismic spread, measuring the arrival time of a bottom reflection of the signal at a receiver positioned within the seismic spread, measuring the arrival time of a direct arrival of the signal at the receiver, and determining the water depth utilizing the measured arrival times of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: SVEIN ARNE FRIVIK, Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20070223308
    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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Svein Frivik, Leendert Combee
  • Publication number: 20070145980
    Abstract: A multi-component field source for surveying subsea formations includes at least two electrodes having a direction of motion, wherein the at least two electrodes are configured to produce an electric dipole in an orientation that is not parallel to both the direction of motion of the electrodes and the seafloor. A method for logging subsea formations includes transmitting electromagnetic energy into the subsea formations with at least two electrodes having a direction of motion and configured to produce an electric dipole in an orientation that is not parallel to both the direction of motion of the electrodes and the seafloor; and receiving signals that comprise electromagnetic energy that has traversed the subsea formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Ugo Conti, Andrea Zerilli, David Alumbaugh, Martin Howlid, Leendert Combee, Kevin Eyl
  • Patent number: 7230878
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring seismic data using a seabed seismic data cable positioned on a seabed are described, one method including deploying a seabed seismic cable, the cable comprising two or more active sections separated by at least one jumper section; and acquiring seabed seismic data using the seabed seismic cable. Certain methods include analyzing spacing needed between active sensor units in the active sections prior to deploying the seabed seismic cable, and selecting a length of the jumper section based on the analysis. 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 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: WesternGeco, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Martin Howlid, Leendert Combee, Aslaug Strømmen Melbø, Nicolas Goujon
  • Publication number: 20070076524
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring seismic data using a seabed seismic data cable positioned on a seabed are described, one method including deploying a seabed seismic cable, the cable comprising two or more active sections separated by at least one jumper section; and acquiring seabed seismic data using the seabed seismic cable. Certain methods include analyzing spacing needed between active sensor units in the active sections prior to deploying the seabed seismic cable, and selecting a length of the jumper section based on the analysis. 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: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 5, 2007
    Inventors: Martin Howlid, Leendert Combee, Aslaug Melbo, Nicolas Goujon
  • Publication number: 20060245300
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Robert De Kok, Nicolas Goujon, Leendert Combee, Aslaug Melbo