Abstract: The present invention provides a track-type carriage system for heavy vehicles, and, in the preferred embodiment, a track-type carriage system for an articulated steering seismic vibrator vehicle. The carriage system consists of four track modules, two fore and two aft, each independently mounted at one end of a heavy axle and bearing a proportionate share of the vehicle weight as applied to the track module via a ground pressure cylinder. Each track module includes an S-shaped frame interrelating a large drive wheel mounted to the axle, a pair of forwardly mounted idler wheels and a plurality of mid-wheels. A stabilizing mechanism manages torsional and lateral forces and also accommodates for fore and aft movement of the track module frame.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for breaking hard surfaces which has a torsional spring and an oscillating member attached to the spring along the spring length and to a working tool and a hydraulic generator at either end. A tubular housing anchors the torsional spring at one end to prevent reciprocal movement and is also attached by an attachment means to the torsional reaction mass. Another tubular housing is attached to the torsional reaction mass at one end and to the bearing housing at the other.

Abstract: An improved inclinable vibratory seismic source arranged to be vehicle mounted including a base plate mounted for movement relative to the vehicle frame and for engagement with the ground. Hydraulic cylinders are provided for raising and lowering the base plate. A shaft is connected to the base plate by a U-Joint and has a vibratory mass located thereon. Also, located on the shaft is a reaction mass that is resiliently coupled to the vibratory mass and tuned so that the reaction mass remains virtually vibration free. Control apparatus is connected to the reaction mass to position the shaft and vibratory mass at a preselected azimuth and inclination.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for imparting only shear wave energy into the earth comprising a vibrating pad for connection to a mobile support, such as a wheeled vehicle, and means for vibrating the pad to impart at least two polarizations of shear wave energy into the earth. One such means includes azimuthally rotating the pad and/or the vibration energy generator.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a pavement breaker which includes a carriage, a lifting means for raising and lowering an impact arm which impact arm includes a tool for impacting a surface, mounted on one end and an oscillating member mounted on the other end. The control apparatus basically includes electrical apparatus for measuring the total weight being applied through the lifting means to the tool when it is in contact with the surface to be impacted and apparatus for limiting the amount of horizontal force that can be applied to the impact arm during the process of impacting the surface of the earth. A processor receives an electrical signal from the electrical apparatus which is applied to the lift control apparatus in a manner to stabilize the lifting force. A signal output is generated by the horizontal force limiting apparatus when a predetermined amount of horizontal force is received by the electrical device.

Abstract: A rigid, earth-contacting target for use with an acoustic signal generator is designed to be impacted by a mass propelled downwardly by compressed air or other energy source. The target includes an upper impact-receiving member slidably interfitted with a lower ground-contacting member. An elastomeric disc is confined between the upper and lower members so as to experience three-dimensional compression in response to such impact. The bulk modulus of the elastomer determines the degree to which the rate of acceleration of the lower member is reduced as compared to that of the upper member, and thus in turn, controls the frequency content of the resultant acoustic pulse.

Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus for breaking a hard surface such as a concrete road or bridge deck and essentially consists of a support for a torsional spring which is horizontally fixed to the support with a spaced rotational journal so that the torsional spring is mounted substantially horizontally. An oscillating member of desired mass characteristics is attached to the torsional spring with a force generating apparatus such as a hydraulic vibrator on one end of the oscillating member and a road crushing tool on the opposite end of the oscillating member. The oscillating member is attached rigidly to the torsional spring. Apparatus is also provided for positioning the impact or road crushing tool against the surface to be crushed and for maintaining the tool in that position during the crushing operation.The hydraulic vibrator, when it is operated, causes an axial oscillation in the torsional spring/mass system.

Abstract: A movable inner cylindrical valve member is rigidly attached to the upper end of an air powered impact projectile designed for striking a target to produce an acoustic pulse. By seating upwardly within the bore of a fixed outer valve member against spaced apart tapered valve faces, the cylindrical wall of the inner valve member covers intermediate air pressure ports in the bore wall. In operation, the axial separating movement between the inner and outer valve members will instantly admit air pressure adjacent the closed end of the bore of the outer valve member in order to exert an accelerating force to drive the projectile. At the same time, the operation of this valve can be made essentially pressure independent by proper selection and placement of the annular seals which contact the valve faces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seismic source device, known in the industry as an air gun, having shuttle control for allowing a predetermined discharge of compressed air into water for purposes of seismic exploration. The shuttle is controlled by secondary shuttle means for closing the exhaust ports before all of the compressed air in the firing chamber of the air gun is exhausted. This point of closing the exhaust ports before virtually all of the compressed air is discharged differs from prior art air guns. By preventing further discharge of air, secondary pulses are greatly reduced, thereby enhancing the operation of the entire system. Further, by preventing all the air in the firing chamber from being discharged, the system becomes more efficient and more cost effective.

Abstract: A seismic signal source adaptable for use with various types of seismic exploration vehicles which move over land. A signal means forms a seismic signal, and a transfer means transfers the signal to a fluid-filled tire of the vehicle for improved and more efficient coupling of the signal to the ground surface. Whether the vehicle with which the source is mounted is stationary or moving, signals may be sent from the source into the ground.