Patents by Inventor Roger L. Fyffe
Roger L. Fyffe 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).
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Patent number: 11796702Abstract: Systems and methods for retrieving seismic data acquisition units from an underwater seismic survey are provided. The system includes an underwater vehicle with a base and an underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism. The underwater vehicle receives environmental information and identifies a seismic data acquisition unit located on an ocean bottom. The underwater vehicle obtains an indication to perform a non-landing retrieval operation. The underwater vehicle sets a position of the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism to extend away from the base of the underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle retrieves the seismic data acquisition unit by coupling the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism with a seismic data acquisition unit interlocking mechanism. The underwater vehicle stores the seismic data acquisition unit and then sets the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism in a second position to perform the non-landing retrieval operation for a second seismic data acquisition unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Patent number: 11662494Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system to locate seismic data acquisition units in a marine environment. The system can include a first seismic data acquisition unit. The first seismic data acquisition unit can include a case having a wall defining an internal compartment, a power source, a clock, a seismic data recorder, and at least one geophone disposed within the case. The system can include a flexible connector and a telltale component, wherein the flexible connector and the telltale component can be stored adjacent to the first seismic data acquisition unit, wherein a second seismic data acquisition unit is coupled with the first seismic data acquisition unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc
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Patent number: 11650344Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to delivering nodes to an ocean bottom. A system can include a tether management system (TMS) towed by a vessel that moves on the surface of the ocean in a first direction. An underwater vehicle (UV) can be connected to the TMS and can move in a second direction that is different from the first direction. A thruster can be coupled to the TMS can cause the TMS to move in a third direction that is different from the first direction. A control unit can control the thruster to move the TMS in the third direction based on a cross-line location policy, and cause the UV to deploy nodes to target locations on the ocean bottom.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Publication number: 20220196868Abstract: Performing a seismic survey in an aqueous medium is provided. A system can include a transfer device with a first vertical side and a second vertical side. The transfer device can include a chute to receive units. The chute extends from the first vertical side to the second vertical side. The chute has a first end at the first vertical side that is higher than a second end at the second vertical side opposite the first end to establish a first slope for the chute, which causes the units to slide from the first end towards the second end via gravity. The transfer device includes a retainer at the second end of the chute to be actuated by an arm of a first underwater vehicle that mates with the chute. The transfer device can be towed by a marine vessel via an unpowered rope.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Chance MANN, Roger L. FYFFE
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Publication number: 20210341637Abstract: Systems and methods for retrieving seismic data acquisition units from an underwater seismic survey are provided. The system includes an underwater vehicle with a base and an underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism. The underwater vehicle receives environmental information and identifies a seismic data acquisition unit located on an ocean bottom. The underwater vehicle obtains an indication to perform a non-landing retrieval operation. The underwater vehicle sets a position of the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism to extend away from the base of the underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle retrieves the seismic data acquisition unit by coupling the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism with a seismic data acquisition unit interlocking mechanism. The underwater vehicle stores the seismic data acquisition unit and then sets the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism in a second position to perform the non-landing retrieval operation for a second seismic data acquisition unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Publication number: 20210333427Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of facilitating a seismic survey and locating seismic data acquisition units in a marine environment. The system can include a first seismic data acquisition unit. The first seismic data can include a cleat ring to couple the first seismic data acquisition with a second seismic data acquisition unit. The system can include a rope having a first end coupled to a first portion of the first seismic data acquisition unit and a second end coupled to a second portion of the first seismic data acquisition unit. The system can include a cavity formed by the cleat ring. The system can include a telltale component coupled to a portion of the rope. The rope and the telltale component can be stored in the cavity of the first seismic data acquisition unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicant: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc
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Patent number: 11131785Abstract: Systems and methods for deployment of ocean bottom seismic receivers into a body of water having a surface and a seabed. The system can include a remote operated vehicle (ROV) comprising a first wireless communication device. The system can include a seismic data receiver deployed on the seabed comprising a second wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device can be configured to communicate with the second wireless communication device. The ROV can move to a position adjacent to the seismic data receiver. The ROV can establish a wireless link with the seismic data receiver via the first communication device and second wireless communication device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: James N. Thompson, Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Roger L. Fyffe
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Patent number: 11092711Abstract: Systems and methods for retrieving seismic data acquisition units from an underwater seismic survey are provided. The system includes an underwater vehicle with a base and an underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism. The underwater vehicle receives environmental information and identifies a seismic data acquisition unit located on an ocean bottom. The underwater vehicle obtains an indication to perform a non-landing retrieval operation. The underwater vehicle sets a position of the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism to extend away from the base of the underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle retrieves the seismic data acquisition unit by coupling the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism with a seismic data acquisition unit interlocking mechanism. The underwater vehicle stores the seismic data acquisition unit and then sets the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism in a second position to perform the non-landing retrieval operation for a second seismic data acquisition unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATEDInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Patent number: 11061157Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of facilitating a seismic survey and locating seismic data acquisition units in a marine environment. The system can include a first seismic data acquisition unit. The first seismic data can include a cleat ring to couple the first seismic data acquisition with a second seismic data acquisition unit. The system can include a rope having a first end coupled to a first portion of the first seismic data acquisition unit and a second end coupled to a second portion of the first seismic data acquisition unit. The system can include a cavity formed by the cleat ring. The system can include a telltale component coupled to a portion of the rope. The rope and the telltale component can be stored in the cavity of the first seismic data acquisition unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc
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Patent number: 11048006Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to underwater seismic exploration with a helical conveyor and skid structure. The system can include an underwater vehicle comprising a sensor to identify a case having a hydrodynamic shape, wherein the case stores one or more ocean bottom seismometer (“OBS”) units. The underwater vehicle includes an arm. The underwater vehicle includes an actuator to position the arm in an open state above a cap of the case, or to close the arm. The underwater vehicle can move the arm to a bottom portion of the case opposite the cap. An opening of the case can be aligned with the conveyor of the underwater vehicle. The conveyor can receive, via the opening of the case, a first OBS unit of the one or more OBS units. The conveyor can move the first OBS unit to the seabed to acquire seismic data from the seabed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc
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Patent number: 11048007Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering seismic data acquisition units to an ocean bottom are provided. A system includes an underwater vehicle including with sensors to determine environmental information. A control unit obtains, based on the environmental information and a policy, an indication to perform a fly-by deployment. The control unit sets an angle of a ramp with respect to a base of the underwater vehicle. The control unit identifies a launch event for a seismic data acquisition unit of a plurality of seismic data acquisition units stored in the underwater vehicle, and deploys the seismic data acquisition unit from the ramp towards the ocean bottom based on the identification of the launch event and the environmental information.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Patent number: 11048004Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a skid structure for underwater seismic exploration. The system can include an underwater vehicle comprising a skid structure. A conveyor is provided in the skid structure. The conveyor includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A capture appliance is provided at the first end of the conveyor. The capture appliance includes an arm to close to hold a case storing one or more ocean bottom seismometer (“OBS”) units, and to open to release the case. The capture appliance includes an alignment mechanism to align an opening of the case with the first end of the conveyor. A deployment appliance can be at the second end of the conveyor. The deployment appliance can place an OBS unit of the one or more OBS units onto the seabed to acquire seismic data from the seabed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc
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Patent number: 10921475Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering seismic data acquisition units to, and retrieving from, an underwater vehicle. A sensor storage container can be tethered to a surface vessel, which can move on the surface with a non-zero velocity. The underwater vehicle can include a storage compartment to store seismic data acquisition units and a propulsion system to aid the movement of the underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle also can include passive and active protrusions for coupling with corresponding receptacles on the sensor storage container. The sensor storage container also can include a propulsion system to aid movement of the sensor storage container. The propulsion systems of both the underwater vehicle and the sensor storage container can be controlled to allow the underwater vehicle and the sensor storage container to couple and allow transfer of seismic data acquisition units.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Patent number: 10908310Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a helical conveyor for underwater seismic exploration. The system can include a case having a cylindrical portion. A cap is positioned adjacent to a first end of the case. A conveyor having a helix structure is provided within the case. The conveyor can receive an ocean bottom seismometer (“OBS”) unit at a first end of the conveyer and transport the OBS unit via the helix structure to a second end of the conveyor to provide the OBS unit on the seabed to acquire the seismic data. The system can include a propulsion system to receive an instruction and, responsive to the instruction, facilitate movement of the case.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc
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Publication number: 20200174148Abstract: Systems and methods for deployment and retrieval of ocean bottom seismic receivers. In some embodiments, the system includes a carrier containing receivers. The carrier can include a frame having a mounted structure (e.g., a movable carousel, movable conveyor, fixed parallel rails, or a barrel) for seating and releasing the receivers (e.g., axially stacked). The structure can facilitate delivering receivers to a discharge port on the frame. The system can include a discharge mechanism for removing receivers from the carrier. In some embodiments, the method includes loading a carrier with receivers, transporting the carrier from a surface vessel to a position adjacent the seabed, and using an ROV to remove receivers from the carrier and place the receivers on the seabed. In some embodiments, an ROV adjacent the seabed engages a deployment line that guides receivers from the vessel down to the ROV for “on-time” delivery and placement on the seabed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2020Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: James N. Thompson, Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Roger L. Fyffe
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Publication number: 20200110187Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering seismic data acquisition units to, and retrieving from, an underwater vehicle. A sensor storage container can be tethered to a surface vessel, which can move on the surface with a non-zero velocity. The underwater vehicle can include a storage compartment to store seismic data acquisition units and a propulsion system to aid the movement of the underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle also can include passive and active protrusions for coupling with corresponding receptacles on the sensor storage container. The sensor storage container also can include a propulsion system to aid movement of the sensor storage container. The propulsion systems of both the underwater vehicle and the sensor storage container can be controlled to allow the underwater vehicle and the sensor storage container to couple and allow transfer of seismic data acquisition units.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2018Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Publication number: 20200110186Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering seismic data acquisition units to an ocean bottom are provided. A system includes an underwater vehicle including with sensors to determine environmental information. A control unit obtains, based on the environmental information and a policy, an indication to perform a fly-by deployment. The control unit sets an angle of a ramp with respect to a base of the underwater vehicle. The control unit identifies a launch event for a seismic data acquisition unit of a plurality of seismic data acquisition units stored in the underwater vehicle, and deploys the seismic data acquisition unit from the ramp towards the ocean bottom based on the identification of the launch event and the environmental information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2018Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Publication number: 20200110189Abstract: Systems and methods for retrieving seismic data acquisition units from an underwater seismic survey are provided. The system includes an underwater vehicle with a base and an underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism. The underwater vehicle receives environmental information and identifies a seismic data acquisition unit located on an ocean bottom. The underwater vehicle obtains an indication to perform a non-landing retrieval operation. The underwater vehicle sets a position of the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism to extend away from the base of the underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle retrieves the seismic data acquisition unit by coupling the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism with a seismic data acquisition unit interlocking mechanism. The underwater vehicle stores the seismic data acquisition unit and then sets the underwater vehicle interlocking mechanism in a second position to perform the non-landing retrieval operation for a second seismic data acquisition unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2018Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Publication number: 20200110188Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to delivering nodes to an ocean bottom. A system can include a tether management system (TMS) towed by a vessel that moves on the surface of the ocean in a first direction. An underwater vehicle (UV) can be connected to the TMS and can move in a second direction that is different from the first direction. A thruster can be coupled to the TMS can cause the TMS to move in a third direction that is different from the first direction. A control unit can control the thruster to move the TMS in the third direction based on a cross-line location policy, and cause the UV to deploy nodes to target locations on the ocean bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2018Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Roger L. Fyffe, Etienne Marc, Chance Mann
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Patent number: 10598808Abstract: Systems and methods for deployment and retrieval of ocean bottom seismic receivers. In some embodiments, the system includes a carrier containing receivers. The carrier can include a frame having a mounted structure (e.g., a movable carousel, movable conveyor, fixed parallel rails, or a barrel) for seating and releasing the receivers (e.g., axially stacked). The structure can facilitate delivering receivers to a discharge port on the frame. The system can include a discharge mechanism for removing receivers from the carrier. In some embodiments, the method includes loading a carrier with receivers, transporting the carrier from a surface vessel to a position adjacent the seabed, and using an ROV to remove receivers from the carrier and place the receivers on the seabed. In some embodiments, an ROV adjacent the seabed engages a deployment line that guides receivers from the vessel down to the ROV for “on-time” delivery and placement on the seabed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: MAGSEIS FF LLCInventors: James N. Thompson, Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Roger L. Fyffe