Abstract: A technique includes towing a spread of at least one streamer to acquire seismic data in response to energy produced by a seismic source. The technique includes towing the seismic source at least 100 meters behind a front end of the spread to configure the spread to acquire a split spread gather record.

Abstract: A seismic survey system includes a winch having a winch cable coupleable to a source array towable between two deflected lead-ins, a positioning system for determining a current position of the source array and a controller for adjusting the winch to modify the current position of the source array to a desired crossline position. The winches may be attached to the deflected lead-ins or mounted on a tow vessel. The winches exert lateral forces on the source array, derived from the deflected lead-ins, to control the inline position of the source array. A method includes positioning a seismic source array in tow behind a vessel comprises determining a current position of the source array and adjusting a lateral force applied to the source array to move the source array to a desired crossline position. Optionally, by adjusting the gun cable winch, the inline position may be controlled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the position of a buoyancy element in a marine survey are described in which a passive reflecting material is disposed on the buoyancy element to enable a radar on the vessel to detect the position of the buoyancy element. The radar may emit a frequency modulated continuous wave or a sequence of frequency modulated or phase modulated sinusoidal waves.

Abstract: Techniques or mechanisms are provided to improve accuracy in determining headings and/or shapes of carrier structures based on measurements made by one or more compasses that are attached to or provided with the carrier structures. The carrier structures are used to carry survey receivers that detect survey signals affected by a subterranean structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic steering of marine seismic sources are described. One system comprises a marine seismic spread comprising a towing vessel and a seismic source, the seismic source comprising one or more source arrays each having a center of source array, each source array having one or more source strings; a seismic source deployment sub-system on the towing vessel, the sub-system controlled by a controller including a software module, the software module and the deployment sub-system adapted to control an inline distance between one of the centers of source array and a target coordinate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing 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).

Abstract: A technique includes obtaining different sets of data, which are provided by seismic sensors that share a tow line in common. Each data set is associated with a different spatial sampling interval. The technique includes processing the different sets of data to generate a signal that is indicative of a seismic event that is detected by the set of towed seismic sensors. The processing includes using the different spatial sampling intervals to at least partially eliminate noise from the signal.

Abstract: A system for passive acoustic monitoring in connection with seismic surveying includes a survey vessel having a recording system thereon. At least one seismic energy source is coupled to the vessel by a first towing cable. The towing cable includes at least one conductor therein. At least one seismic sensor streamer is coupled to the vessel by a lead in cable. At least one acoustic sensor is coupled to the at least one source by a second towing cable. The second towing cable includes at least one signal conductor configured to transmit signals from the acoustic sensor to the at least one conductor in the first towing cable. The at least one acoustic sensor is configured to detect marine mammal vocalization.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the production of acoustic pulses used in marine seismic surveys. A source array system comprises a plurality of acoustic sources suspended from a float in a plurality of layers positioned at different vertical levels. A bridle is coupled to the plurality of layers to enable towing of the source array system. The bridle is constructed and connected in a manner such that the arrangement of acoustic sources substantially retains its nominal shape during towing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic steering of marine seismic sources are described. One system comprises a marine seismic spread comprising a towing vessel and a seismic source, the seismic source comprising one or more source arrays each having a center of source array, each source array having one or more source strings; a seismic source deployment sub-system on the towing vessel, the sub-system controlled by a controller including a software module, the software module and the deployment sub-system adapted to control an inline distance between one of the centers of source array and a target coordinate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating submarine formations, such as geological formations located generally under a body of water. Multiple hydrofoils (130), responding to moving water, hydrodynamic, or Bernoulli forces, provide controllable orientation and separation for multiple receivers (135) as they are towed (125) through water (110) in the course of a geophysical survey such as a controlled source electromagnetic survey. The inventive method can be used to provide mutual orthogonality for three antennas in a multiple component electromagnetic receiver.

Abstract: A lateral force and depth control device for a marine streamer includes a housing configured to be coupled within the streamer. A control surface is mounted to the housing such that a rotary orientation and an angle of attack of the control surface with respect to the housing are changeable. The device includes means for moving the control surface to a selected rotary orientation with respect to the housing. The device includes means for moving the control surface to a selected angle of attack with respect to the housing. A removable coupling is provided to couple the control surface to the means for moving to a selected rotary orientation and means for moving to a selected angle of attack.

Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.

Abstract: A method for use in seismic surveying includes determining the shape of a seismic cable during a seismic survey; determining the tension on the seismic cable at a plurality of points along the seismic cable; and predicting a current that will impact the seismic cable from the determined shape and the determined tension. The method may be practiced two-dimensionally in the context of a marine survey employing a towed streamer array or three-dimensionally in the context of laying an array of ocean bottom cables on the seabed. The predicted currents can, in some embodiments, be used to make steering corrections for the seismic cables.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acoustically determining reservoir parameters of subterranean formations. A tool comprising at least one seismic source or seismic receiver mounted thereon; a conveyance configured for movement of the acoustic tool in a borehole traversing the subterranean formations; and a source retainer configured or designed for permanent deployment in the borehole to removably retain the acoustic tool in the borehole. The source retainer when deployed provides acoustic coupling with the borehole and removably retains the acoustic tool in the borehole so that, over multiple deployments, the acoustic tool is repeatedly deployed at the same predetermined location and orientation relative to the subterranean formation, and with the same acoustic coupling to the borehole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating heterodyned seismic signals as well as methods of using the heterodyned signals and a system for generating the heterodyned seismic signals. The heterodyned signals can be used near sensitive marine animals because the source frequencies are ultrasonic and the heterodyned seismic signal is generated in a narrow beam.

Abstract: Methods are described for actively steering a towed marine seismic component using one or more actively controllable control members; reducing the actively steering of the control members during duration of a time window of recording seismic reflections from a sub-surface geological feature of interest; and resuming the actively steering of the control members after the time window. The marine seismic component may be a streamer, a source, or both. Other methods allow measuring initial orientation of a streamer based on measuring static control surface angle of a control surface of an inline steerable bird. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, and allow a reader to ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensing system, in particular to sensing system for sensing undersea seismic events. A vibration sensor is provided for sensing seismic vibrations on the sea bed is provided. The vibration sensor is electrically coupled to a transmitter unit, the transmitter unit being arranged to transmit, in use, an acoustic wave from which the presence of a seismic vibration can be inferred. The acoustic wave modulates light travelling along a nearby optical cable, the modulation being recovered at a distant monitoring station. A flotation arrangement is provide for retaining the transmitter unit in a raised position relative to the sea bed to facilitate the coupling of the acoustic wave to the optical cable.

Abstract: A seabed region (18) that lies under a seabed surface area of at least one square meter, is analyzed by an acoustic analysis of the region. Locations of the generation and detection of sound are precisely correlated to the location of a vertical drill hole in the sea bed by mounting an acoustic imaging apparatus (16) that holds acoustic transducers (44, 46), on a carriage (26) that is positioned with respect to the drill hole, using the drill hole as the horizontal position reference. The carriage of the acoustic imager apparatus is clamped to a post that lies in the drill hole. An arm (30 and/or 32) is supported on the carriage through a frame (28), with at least one acoustic generator (44) and one acoustic echo detector (46) mounted on the arm. The arm can be rotated to positions lying about the hole axis (14) to accurately scan a wide area.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for remotely controlling position of marine seismic equipment. One apparatus comprises a source connected to a tow member; and an adjustment mechanism connected to the source and the tow member, the adjustment mechanism adapted to actively manipulate an angle of attack of the source. 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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring marine seismic data are described. One method comprises selecting tow depth of one or more marine seismic streamers based at least in part on lack of or presence of currents at different depths, and allowing the current to contribute to steering the streamers to desired lateral positions at the selected tow depth. 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.

Abstract: Seismic exploration techniques and the seismic imaging of subsurface layers, particularly apparatus for seismic exploration near the seafloor, are disclosed. The apparatus enables controlled depth towing of detectors to be carried out a short distance above the seafloor. The apparatus includes a streamer depth controller and at least one altitude keeper device, attached at intervals along the length of a towed streamer. The streamer carries detectors for measuring, for example, P- and S-waves in the seafloor.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the shape and separation of an arrangement of streamers towed behind a survey vessel. Each streamer is steered laterally by lateral steering devices positioned along its length at specific nodes. Each streamer is driven by its lateral steering devices to achieve a specified separation from a neighboring streamer. One of these actual streamers, used as a reference by the other actual streamers, is steered to achieve a specified separation from an imaginary, or ghost, streamer virtually towed with the actual streamers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for moving seismic streamer steering devices to target positions are disclosed. One method comprises calculating forces required to steer one or more seismic streamer steering devices in a seismic spread to target positions, the calculated forces based wholly or in part on information in modulated underwater acoustic transmissions, and steering the streamer steering devices to the target positions using the calculated forces. 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.

Abstract: An elongate body for parenteral injection at low velocity from a device is described. The body has at least one pointed end and comprises at least one active material. In addition, the body has a compressive strength of greater than or equal to 5 Newton and the pointed end has an included angle of between about 10-50°. A solid vaccine formulation for needle-free parenteral delivery, methods for making the body, packaging of the body and use of the body, packaging and suitable delivery device are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring marine seismic data are described. One method comprises selecting tow depth of one or more marine seismic streamers based at least in part on lack of or presence of currents at different depths, and allowing the current to contribute to steering the streamers to desired lateral positions at the selected tow depth. 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.

Abstract: A deflector device (22) for use with a tow line between a seismic survey vessel and a tow, in particular a seismic streamer or streamer array, in the water behind the vessel comprises a vertically oriented wing-shaped body (28) shaped to produce in use a sideways force which urges the tow line laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the towing vessel. The wing-shaped body (28) includes one or more buoyancy elements, and a rearwardly extending boom (32). A pivotable control surface (54) extends sideways from the boom (32), and is shaped to produce in use a force having a substantial vertical component. The angle of the control surface is remotely controllable, in order to control the depth of the deflector device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining inline skew of one or more seismic streamers are disclosed. One system embodiment includes a seismic streamer including a plurality of receivers, a skew detector adapted to detect inline skew of the streamer, and a receiver selector adapted to select which receivers in the streamer to use in data acquisition based on the detected streamer inline skew. 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.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently acquiring towed streamer marine seismic data are described. One method and system comprises positioning a plurality of source-only tow vessels and one or more source-streamer tow vessels to acquire a wide- and/or full-azimuth seismic survey without need for the spread to repeat a path once traversed. Another method and system allows surveying a sub-sea geologic feature using a marine seismic spread, the spread smartly negotiating at least one turn during the surveying, and shooting and recording during the turn. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing 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).

Abstract: Methods are described for actively steering a towed marine seismic component using one or more actively controllable control members; reducing the actively steering of the control members during duration of a time window of recording seismic reflections from a sub-surface geological feature of interest; and resuming the actively steering of the control members after the time window. The marine seismic component may be a streamer, a source, or both. Other methods allow measuring initial orientation of a streamer based on measuring static control surface angle of a control surface of an inline steerable bird. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, and allow a reader to ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A technique includes determining at least one parameter that characterizes a seismic survey in which multiple interfering seismic sources are fired and seismic sensors sense energy that is produced by the seismic sources. The determination of the parameter(s) includes optimizing the seismic survey for separation of the sensed energy according to the seismic sources.

Abstract: Marine seismic data is acquired with a system of steerable seismic streamers that are intentionally maintained in a flared configuration while the streamers are towed through a body of water.

Abstract: Systems and methods for marine seismic surveying of strata beneath a seafloor are disclosed, including, in certain aspects, locating an under water sensor cable with sensing apparatus on a seafloor beneath water; the cable having a first end connected to a first unmanned powered vehicle and a second end connected to a second unmanned powered vehicle; and, with the two vehicles, locating, moving, re-locating, raising, and/or maintaining tension on the cable. 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 and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A connection system for connecting external devices to a streamer. The connection system comprises three outer collars maintained collinearly aligned by a stabilizing member, such as a lightweight, rigid tube, attached to each outer collar. The tube extends parallel to the bores of the outer collars. The forward and aft outer collars ride on races formed on the periphery of inner collars clamped around mounting structure in the interior of the streamer. An external device is attached to the forward collar and to the intermediate collar, which does not ride on an inner collar. The spacing between the forward and intermediate collars is fixed by the standard spacing of the two attachment points in standard external devices. The spacing between the forward and aft collars is set by the specified spacing of mounting structures in the interior of the streamer.

Abstract: A method for towing a streamer array includes moving a vessel along a body of water. Streamers are towed by vessel. A relative position is determined at selected points along each streamer with respect to the vessel. At least one of the streamers is deflected at at least one longitudinal position along the streamer in response to the determined positions to maintain the streamers in a selected geometry. The selected geometry is related to one of survey vessel heading, energy source trajectory, previously plotted sensor trajectory and a lateral separation related to distance from the towing vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides for cable motion detection. In one aspect of the instant invention, a method is provided for cable motion detection using orientation sensor. The method includes determining at least one initial inclination of at least one orientation sensor coupled to a seismic cable, determining at least one current inclination of the at least one orientation sensor, and determining whether the at least one seismic cable has moved from the at least one initial inclination and the at least one current inclination.

Abstract: Marine seismic survey systems and methods are presented. One system comprises a source array, a tow vessel, one or more source tow members, one or more deflecting members operatively connected to the source array; one or more streamers connected to the tow vessel by a corresponding number of streamer tow members, one or more of the streamers positioned by corresponding one or more active or passive streamer deflectors, one or more source separation members connecting one or more source tow members to one or more streamer tow members, and optionally one or more streamer separation members connecting one or more streamer tow members. The one or more source separation members help position the source array in conjunction with the one or more. deflecting members. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for positioning a center of a seismic source. The method includes determining a desired center-of-source of the seismic source and selecting one of a first and a second plurality of guns to form the seismic source based upon the desired center-of-source, a center-of-source of the first plurality being different than a center-of-source of the second plurality.

Abstract: A method generates at least one route traversing a plurality of predetermined survey paths in a marine survey. The method includes generating a plurality of routes traversing a subset of the predetermined survey paths. The routes satisfy survey constraints such as run in and run out distances and minimum turn radius. Penalties are generated for the routes, including line change penalties, hazard penalties, streamer feather penalties, and penalties based on survey line priorities, total survey distance and duration, maintenance requirements, and the final location of the ship performing the survey. At least one of the routes is selected on the basis of the penalties.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning one or more spread elements of a marine seismic spread are described. One system comprises a seismic vessel-mounted acoustic Doppler current meter adapted to ascertain at least the horizontal component of the current velocity vector at a point ahead of the seismic vessel, and one or more controllers adapted to use the ascertained current velocity vector to control position of one or more seismic spread elements. 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).

Abstract: An inventive method provides for control of a seismic survey spread while conducting a seismic survey, the spread having a vessel, a plurality of spread control elements, a plurality of navigation nodes, and a plurality of sources and receivers. The method includes the step of collecting input data, including navigation data for the navigation nodes, operating states from sensors associated with the spread control elements, environmental data for the survey, and survey design data. The positions of the sources and receivers are estimated using the navigation data, the operating states, and the environmental data. Optimum tracks for the sources and receivers are determined using the position estimates and a portion of the input data that includes at least the survey design data. Drive commands are calculated for at least two of the spread control elements using the determined optimum tracks. The inventive method is complemented by an inventive system.

Abstract: A method for determining a sail plan for a towed-array marine seismic survey, includes: dividing a survey area into a regular grid of tiles; and identifying a subset of the tiles as nodes around which continuously curved sail lines are defined. The nodes define regular pattern further including: a first subpattern of nodes; and a second subpattern of nodes offset from the first subpattern. In alternative aspects, a computer-readable program storage medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method, or a computing apparatus may be programmed to perform the method. A method for conducting a towed array marine survey includes: traversing a plurality of continuously curved sail lines across a survey area, each sail line being relative to a node; and acquiring seismic data while traversing the continuously curved sail lines.

Abstract: A technique includes towing a particle motion sensor in connection with a seismic survey and controlling the survey to cause a notch in a frequency response of the particle motion sensor to substantially coincide with a frequency band at which aliased vibration noise appears in a seismic signal acquisition space of the particle motion sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for connecting two seismic streamers are disclosed that enable two streamers to be towed in a desired arrangement. One apparatus comprises an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion, and an orientation member connected to the elongate member between the first and second portions, the orientation member functioning, when the streamers are connected by the apparatus and towed, to maintain orientation of the streamers. 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.

Abstract: A lateral force and depth control device for a marine streamer includes a housing configured to be coupled within the streamer. A control surface is mounted to the housing such that a rotary orientation and an angle of attack of the control surface with respect to the housing are changeable. The device includes means for moving the control surface to a selected rotary orientation with respect to the housing. The device includes means for moving the control surface to a selected angle of attack with respect to the housing. A removable coupling is provided to couple the control surface to the means for moving to a selected rotary orientation and means for moving to a selected angle of attack.

Abstract: Methods are described for actively steering a towed marine seismic component using one or more actively controllable control members; reducing the actively steering of the control members during duration of a time window of recording seismic reflections from a sub-surface geological feature of interest; and resuming the actively steering of the control members after the time window. The marine seismic component may be a streamer, a source, or both. Other methods allow measuring initial orientation of a streamer based on measuring static control surface angle of a control surface of an inline steerable bird. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, and allow a reader to ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for remotely controlling position of marine seismic equipment. One apparatus comprises a source connected to a tow member; and an adjustment mechanism connected to the source and the tow member, the adjustment mechanism adapted to actively manipulate an angle of attack of the source. 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.

Abstract: A seabed region (18) that lies under a seabed surface area of over one square meter, is analyzed by comparing a core sample taken near the middle of the region and/or data from a geotechnical insitu cone penetrometer installed at the middle of the region, to an acoustic analysis of the region. Locations of the acoustic analysis are precisely correlated to the location of the core test sample or cone test by mounting an acoustic imaging apparatus (16) that holds acoustic transducers (44, 46), on a carriage (26) that is positioned on the core drill (12) or cone penetrometer barrel staff. The carriage of the acoustic imager apparatus is clamped to the core drill when the core drill is not rotating. An arm (30 and/or 32) is supported on the carriage through a frame (28), with at least one acoustic generator (44) and one acoustic echo detector (46) mounted on the arm. The arm can be rotated to positions lying about the drill axis (14) to accurately scan a wide area.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting external devices to a streamer. The connection system comprises three outer collars maintained collinearly aligned by a stabilizing member, such as a lightweight, rigid tube, attached to each outer collar. The tube extends parallel to the bores of the outer collars. The forward and aft outer collars ride on races formed on the periphery of inner collars clamped around mounting structure in the interior of the streamer. An external device is attached to the forward collar and to the intermediate collar, which does not ride on an inner collar. The spacing between the forward and intermediate collars is fixed by the standard spacing of the two attachment points in standard external devices. The spacing between the forward and aft collars is set by the specified spacing of mounting structures in the interior of the streamer.

Abstract: A marine seismic energy source includes a seismic tow cable configured to be towed by a vessel from one end and at least one seismic source coupled proximate another end of the tow cable. The at least one seismic source is associated with a depth controller. The depth controller is configured to move the seismic source to a selectable depth in a body of water.

Abstract: A seismic survey system includes a winch having a winch cable coupleable to a source array towable between two deflected lead-ins, a positioning system for determining a current position of the source array and a controller for adjusting the winch to modify the current position of the source array to a desired crossline position. The winches may be attached to the deflected lead-ins or mounted on a tow vessel. The winches exert lateral forces on the source array, derived from the deflected lead-ins, to control the inline position of the source array. A method includes positioning a seismic source array in tow behind a vessel comprises determining a current position of the source array and adjusting a lateral force applied to the source array to move the source array to a desired crossline position. Optionally, by adjusting the gun cable winch, the inline position may be controlled.