Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for controlling a tissue-treatment motion by a surgical instrument are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and dynamic vibration absorber device for reducing a resonant frequency of a node to which the dynamic vibration absorber device is attached to. The dynamic vibration absorber device includes a housing configured to be attached to the node; an absorber mass located inside the housing; and first and second diaphragms attached to the housing and configured to suspend the absorber mass inside the housing. The dynamic vibration absorber device changes a resonant frequency of the node to two smaller vibration peaks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mitigating vibrations in a device towed in water. The apparatus includes one or more tuned elastic sections having a complex spring rate and adapted to attenuate vibrations in a specified frequency range; and a head end coupler adapted to couple the apparatus for vibration mitigation to a component of an electro-mechanical cable or a tow assembly. One of the one or more tuned elastic sections is coupled to the head end coupler with a high impedance material interface.

Abstract: Method and dynamic vibration absorber device for reducing a resonant frequency of a node to which the dynamic vibration absorber device is attached to. The dynamic vibration absorber device includes a housing configured to be attached to the node; an absorber mass located inside the housing; and first and second diaphragms attached to the housing and configured to suspend the absorber mass inside the housing. The dynamic vibration absorber device changes a resonant frequency of the node to two smaller vibration peaks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mitigating vibrations in a device towed in water. The apparatus includes one or more tuned elastic sections having a complex spring rate and adapted to attenuate vibrations in a specified frequency range; and a head end coupler adapted to couple the apparatus for vibration mitigation to a component of an electro-mechanical cable or a tow assembly. One of the one or more tuned elastic sections is coupled to the head end coupler with a high impedance material interface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for suppressing cable dynamics in a device towed in water. The apparatus includes at least one section for suppression of motion, wherein the at least one section includes an axial motion suppression section; and the axial motion suppression section comprising equipment for the attenuation of axial vibrations in an electro-mechanical cable. The equipment is configured to produce a digressive stiffness curve.

Abstract: A torque relief system dissipates a torque in a marine cable section to be used for seismic data collection. The system includes a bench having a deadman unit; a tensioning element connected to the deadman unit; a swivel bearing unit connected to the tensioning element and configured to receive a first end of the marine cable section; and at least one bearing unit configured to support the marine cable section with reduced friction so that when the tensioning element tenses the marine cable section, the marine cable section and the first end rotate freely until the torque is dissipated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for suppressing cable dynamics in a device towed in water. The apparatus includes at least one section for suppression of motion, wherein the at least one section includes an axial motion suppression section; and the axial motion suppression section comprising equipment for the attenuation of axial vibrations in an electro-mechanical cable. The equipment is configured to produce a digressive stiffness curve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mitigating vibrations in a device towed in water. The apparatus includes one or more tuned elastic sections having a complex spring rate and adapted to attenuate vibrations in a specified frequency range; and a head end coupler adapted to couple the apparatus for vibration mitigation to a component of an electro-mechanical cable or a tow assembly. One of the one or more tuned elastic sections is coupled to the head end coupler with a high impedance material interface.

Abstract: A torque relief system dissipates a torque in a marine cable section to be used for seismic data collection. The system includes a bench having a deadman unit; a tensioning element connected to the deadman unit; a swivel bearing unit connected to the tensioning element and configured to receive a first end of the marine cable section; and at least one bearing unit configured to support the marine cable section with reduced friction so that when the tensioning element tenses the marine cable section, the marine cable section and the first end rotate freely until the torque is dissipated.

Abstract: A hydrophone includes a body formed of a flexible, plastic material. The body includes a plurality of channels and each channel may have one or more wells. The wells are adapted to receive an active element which includes mounting hardware. The mounting hardware includes a soft, rubber grommet or other means which suspends the active element, thereby permitting the flexing of the body without introducing that motion to the active element.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modeling functional processes in enterprises, and for simulating and valuing the effects of various products and services on those processes, are described herein. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention for marketing at least one of products and services to an operator of an enterprise includes presenting a first process model and a second process model. The first process model can graphically illustrate how at least one functional group in the enterprise responds to a selected operational circumstance. The second process model can graphically illustrate how the at least one functional group responds to the selected operational circumstance after the enterprise has implemented at least one of a selected product and a selected service configured to facilitate operation of the enterprise.

Abstract: A seismic coupling device for geophones firmly couples seismic sensors to the sea floor. The structure is open for the free flow of sea water and mud through the structure so that it moves freely through the sea water and solidly embeds itself in the ocean bottom. It is preferably made of a corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel, which also resists bending forces on the cable take-up reel, and provides further mechanical protection for sensor components enclosed within. A segmented ring at each end clamps around the protective enclosure which encloses the sensor package, and a further pair of segmented rings inside the ends clamps around the enclosure. A plurality of axially oriented longitudinal bars couple to the rings to form a squirrel cage around the enclosure.

Abstract: A hydrophone streamer including a central member running substantially the length of the streamer with a strength member and a plurality of conductors has formed therein space adapted to receive a plurality of a spaced apart pairs of collars, a cylindrical chamber wall between each of the pairs of collars defining a chamber, and one or more hydrophones within the chamber. The chamber wall has one or more opening through it for the free passage of sea water into the chamber, thereby shielding the hydrophones from extraneous noise while exposing the hydrophones to a seismic signal conducted by the sea water surrounding the streamer.

Abstract: An arcuate or flat ferroelectric sensor is incorporated in a seismic streamer. The structure comprises an interior cable, a surrounding woven strength member, an overlying foam floatation layer, and an enclosing jacket. One or more elongate channels are formed in the overlying floatation layer, and one or more hydrophones are mounted in the channel(s). The elongate channel enlarges the acoustic aperture for the reception of seismic signals.