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 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 weight distribution device for a seated person is disclosed. The weight distribution device comprises a seat cushion designed to elevate a user's buttocks and pelvic region significantly when the user is seated upon a vehicle seat. The weight distribution device distributes the weight of the seated person away from the user's ishial tuberosities by elevating the user's buttocks and pelvic region so that pressure on the user's ishial tuberosities is greatly reduced in relation to the rest of the user's anatomical structures in the buttocks and pelvic region.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting seismic waves propagating through a subterranean formation surrounding a borehole. In a first embodiment, a sensor module uses the rotation of bogey wheels to extend and retract a sensor package for selective contact and magnetic coupling to casing lining the borehole. In a second embodiment, a sensor module is magnetically coupled to the casing wall during its travel and dragged therealong while maintaining contact therewith. In a third embodiment, a sensor module is interfaced with the borehole environment to detect seismic waves using coupling through liquid in the borehole. Two or more of the above embodiments may be combined within a single sensor array to provide a resulting seismic survey combining the optimum of the outputs of each embodiment into a single data set.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of an environment are disclosed. A vibrational energy may be imparted into an environment and a magnitude of damping of the vibrational energy may be measured and at least one characteristic of the environment may be determined. Particularly, a vibratory source may be operated and coupled to an environment. At least one characteristic of the environment may be determined based on a shift in at least one steady-state frequency of oscillation of the vibratory source. An apparatus may include at least one vibratory source and a structure for positioning the at least one vibratory source proximate to an environment. Further, the apparatus may include an analysis device for determining at least one characteristic of the environment based at least partially upon shift in a steady-state oscillation frequency of the vibratory source for the given impetus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for coupling seismic or other downhole sensors to a borehole wall in high temperature and pressure environments. In one embodiment, one or more metal bellows mounted to a sensor module are inflated to clamp the sensor module within the borehole and couple an associated seismic sensor to a borehole wall. Once the sensing operation is complete, the bellows are deflated and the sensor module is unclamped by deflation of the metal bellows. In a further embodiment, a magnetic drive pump in a pump module is used to supply fluid pressure for inflating the metal bellows using borehole fluid or fluid from a reservoir. The pump includes a magnetic drive motor configured with a rotor assembly to be exposed to borehole fluid pressure including a rotatable armature for driving an impeller and an associated coil under control of electronics isolated from borehole pressure.