Abstract: The system for connecting submarine cables and especially umbilical cables for renewable marine energy farms, is characterized in that it includes an intermediate part for connecting the cables, adapted to be placed between ends for connecting the cables and includes both electrical and mechanical connections for the cables.

Abstract: A seismic data collection system is disclosed. The system may include at least a first housing and a second housing. The first housing may be configured to detachably couple to the second housing. The system mays also include various components such as one or more seismic sensors, a clock, or memory. Each of the components may be arranged in one of the first housing or second housing.

Abstract: A detector comprising a circuit board, a board-side connector which is mounted on the circuit board, and a flexible cable which has a terminal part inserted in the board-side connector, wherein a reinforcement member of the flexible cable is attached to an end part of the flexible cable which includes the terminal part, and the reinforcement member includes a foldable part which allows local bending of the end part of the flexible cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for acquiring seismic data over a loose surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing capable of moving on the loose surface with an opening configured at a bottom surface of the housing. The apparatus further includes a seismic sensing unit configured within the housing at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may be the bottom surface of the housing. The seismic sensing unit is operable to retractably move within the housing towards and away from the opening. In response to the seismic sensing unit moving towards the opening, the seismic sensing unit establishes contact with the loose surface for acquiring the seismic data.

Abstract: A rope-tension system for a marine seismic cable comprising a series of sensor nodes connected between flexible cable sections connected to other sensor nodes and flexible sections by armored cable segments. The flexible sections, which are housed in flexible protective covers, have a pair of ropes as stress members. The two ropes are pivotably pinned at both ends to termination units at the opposite ends of the flexible sections. The two ropes extend through a ring positioned between the two termination units. The pivots at the rope ends form linkages with the ropes that allow the ropes to adjust their positions as the flexible section engages a curved surface during retrieval. The ring presents bearing surfaces with a large radius of curvature to the ropes to avoid sharp bending loads.

Abstract: A system for acquiring seismic data over sand dune surfaces is provided. The system includes a seismic wave generator for emitting a plurality of seismic signals into the Earth in an area covered by sand dunes. The system also includes a sand streamer for acquiring seismic data over the sand dune surfaces, such that the sand streamer includes a plurality of geophones. The plurality of geophones receive a plurality of wave signals transmitted from a subsurface corresponding to the sand dune surface, in response to emission of the plurality of seismic signals to the area of the sand dune surface by the seismic wave generator. Each geophone of the plurality of geophones is mounted on a panel wherein, one or more sides of the panel are coupled loosely to one or more rigid plates. The one or more rigid plates provide stability and mobility to assembly of panels and the plurality of geophones, thereby enabling the sand streamer to move efficiently over the surface of the sand dune.

Abstract: A sensor vehicle of the present invention has one or more rotatable track means (parallel if two or more) spaced apart by a support frame and adapted to be towed or otherwise moved in a forward direction parallel to a forward axis of said track means. Rotatable track means have two or more supporting wheels aligned on a vertical plane along the forward axis, which axis is generally parallel to a ground surface upon which said sensor vehicle travels. Tracked vehicles are well known in the art of ground and earth moving equipment having flexible, elastomer-based tracks or segmented metal tracks with associated support frames and wheels, most of which may be adapted to achieve the objects of the invention.

Abstract: In various embodiments, seismic receivers may detect seismic energy and transmit digital signals representative of the seismic energy to an S-line interface module (SLIM) and/or a smart antenna module (SAM) for collection. A SLIM may be used to connect two or more seismic receivers together. A SAM may include a memory medium for storing digital signals from seismic receivers (e.g., received directly from the seismic receivers or received through a connection to a SLIM) and a wireless transmitter to transmit data stored on the memory medium. The SAM may further include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for receiving and storing timestamps, clock data, and/or positional data relative to the seismic receivers. The timestamps, clock data, and/or positional data may be transmitted along with the digital signal data to an external source (e.g., a laptop) for analysis to detect characteristics of subterranean formations.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole, apparatus including: a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole; a transducer disposed at the carrier and configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic energy into and/or from the earth formation to estimate the property; wherein the transducer includes a plurality of inductively coupled elements in a series, each element configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic energy and at least a first connection to a first element in the plurality and a second connection to a second element in the plurality with at least one of the first element and the second element being disposed between end transducer elements in the series.

Abstract: A technique facilitates performance of seismic surveys in a variety of land and marine environments. The technique employs one or more optical fibers designed for deployment in a seismic survey region. Each optical fiber comprises multiple seismic sensors that are formed in the optical fiber, and those multiple seismic sensors are utilized in detecting reflected seismic signals.

Abstract: A housing for a seismic sensing element (3) for use on the earth's surface comprises connecting means (5) for connecting the housing (3) to a support cable (2) so as to allow relative movement between the sensor housing (3) and the cable (2). This de-couples the sensor housing from the support cable, and improves the fidelity of the sensor. The connecting means (5) preferably comprises resilient connecting elements, to prevent the transmission of vibrations between the support cable and the sensor housing. The sensor housing (3) preferably has a flat base (1), so that there is good coupling between the sensor housing and the earth. Alternatively, the sensor housing can be fitted with a base member ((24a, 24b, 24c) that has at least one flat face (26, 26a, 26b, 26c).

Abstract: An example of a cable positioning mechanism for directing a cable into a seismic sensor housing for connection with the seismic sensor includes a member sized to connect with a seismic sensor housing, the cable passing through the member at opposing anchor points for operational connection to the seismic sensor between the anchor points, wherein the cable is oriented through the member at an angle that is not perpendicular to a vertical axis of the sensor housing.

Abstract: An electromagnetic sensor cable includes at least one strength member configured to be coupled to a vessel for towing in a body of water and extending along the length of the cable. A jacket covers the strength member and extends along the length of the cable. At least one electrode mounting sleeve is disposed along the jacket and is coupled at its longitudinal ends to one end of a segment of the jacket. The longitudinal ends of the sleeve are configured to mate with a corresponding end of the jacket segment. The sleeve includes a passage therethrough for the at least one strength member. The sleeve includes a mounting surface for a fiber electrode material thereon disposed between the longitudinal ends of the sleeve. At least one electrical contact surface is disposed on the mounting surface. Electrically conductive fiber electrode material is disposed on the mounting surface and is in electrical contact with the electrical contact surface.

Abstract: A preferred seismic survey system includes a cable having a sensor unit. The sensor unit includes sensors for detecting acoustical energy (e.g., shear and/or pressure waves) and is disposed in a decoupling device that substantially acoustically uncouples the sensor unit from the cable. One preferred decoupling device includes relatively flexible tension members that isolate the sensor unit from acoustical-energy related movement of the cable. A fastening member, which is optionally formed of vibration absorbing material, affixes the sensor unit to the flexible member. Optionally, a spacer adjusts the resonant frequency of the tension member and a resilient tube encloses the decoupling device. One preferred seismic survey method includes connecting the sensor unit to a cable with a decoupling device that substantially acoustically uncouples the sensor unit from the cable; and positioning a sensor unit on a seabed such that the sensor unit is acoustically coupled to the seabed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention involves an acoustic logging tool for performing acoustic investigations of subsurface geological formations. In one embodiment, the tool comprises a generally longitudinally extending tool body adapted for positioning in a borehole. At least one transmitter is mounted on the tool body to emit acoustic energy. At least one receiver is also mounted on the tool body at a location axially displaced from the at least one transmitter. The receiver is adapted to receive acoustic energy. An attenuator is also positioned along the body and includes at least one cavity having a plurality of particles disposed therein. The attenuator as disclosed herein may be applied to other logging tools for protecting tool components and enhancing measurement quality. Methods for attenuating acoustic energy transmitted through the body of an acoustic logging tool or other logging tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for mounting seismic vibration sensors to a cable designed for use offshore, such that the sensors are optimally coupled to the ocean floor through all cylindrical rotations when the cable has reached the bottom after being slipped over the transom of a deployment vessel. Said coupling is accomplished without the use of a sub-surface robotic vessel to force the sensors into a particular orientation. The housing for the sensors is adapted to endure and minimize the impact on the host cable of the mechanical extremes the system is subjected to in the process of the conventional deployment and retrieval methods.

Abstract: A solid marine seismic cable assembly includes a cable, hydrophone housings, a buoyant filler, and an outer protective jacket. The cable includes a load-bearing fiber bundle, data-transmitting wires, power conductors, optical fibers, and a protective sheath. The data-transmitting wires, power conductors, and optical fibers surround the load-bearing fiber bundle. The protective sheath surrounds the assembly of the data-transmitting wires, power conductors, optical fibers, and the load-bearing fiber bundle. The hydrophone housings affix around the cable in a spaced-apart relationship. Each hydrophone housing includes a hydrophone module, and each hydrophone module contains a hydrophone. The buoyant filler surrounds the cable, and separates the hydrophone housings. The outer protective jacket surrounds the hydrophone housings and the buoyant filler, enclosing the cable assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for carrying out seismic survey includes a plurality of spaced apart seismic detecting sensors each having a geophone unit for detecting seismic activities. The sensors are linked serially with a cable. One end of each geophone unit is flexibly linked to a carrier frame so that the geophone units pivotally move freely relative to the carrier frames. The cable passes through the carrier frames so that the carrier frames are spaced apart serially. Each geophone unit carries a vibrator, a plurality of geophones, a compass, and an inclinometer. The vibrator is positioned on the free end portion of the geophone unit, for embedding the geophone into the ground, while the compass is positioned farthest away from the vibrator. The free pivotal movement of the geophone units enables them to dig into the ground.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for rotatably attaching a sensor to a cable. A cable mount having a groove about a substantial portion of its periphery is fixedly placed on the cable. A sensor mount having a key adapted to slide along the groove is rotatably placed on the cable in a manner which enables the key to remain in the groove when the sensor mount rotates about the cable.

Abstract: The invention comprises a seismic recording apparatus and method. A multichannel recorder is connected to a cable formed from a plurality of signal conductors. Each of the signal conductors is connected to a different channel of the recorder via a multiplexer. The cable has a plurality of takeouts located at spaced distances along its length. Each of the takeouts is connected to a different signal conductor of the cable. A switch means is operably connected to one of the takeouts for selectively interconnecting the takeout and any one or more of several seismic detector connections upon receipt of a remotely generated signal. The invention also includes a number of detector conduits, each of which has one end operably connected to a different one of the seismic detector connections of the switch means. Each detector conduit has at least one geophone located along its length and operably connected thereto. A control means is provided for transmitting a signal to the switch means.

Abstract: The invention comprises a seismic recording apparatus and method. A multichannel recorder is connected to a cable formed from a plurality of signal conductors. Each of the signal conductors is connected to a different channel of the recorder via a multiplexer. The cable has a plurality of takeouts located at spaced distances along its length. Each of the takeouts is connected to a different signal conductor of the cable. A switch means is operably connected to one of the takeouts for selectively interconnecting the takeout and any one or more of several seismic detector connections upon receipt of a remotely generated signal. The invention also includes a number of detector conduits, each of which has one end operably connected to a different one of the seismic detector connections of the switch means. Each detector conduit has at least one geophone located along its length and operably connected thereto. A control means is provided for transmitting a signal to the switch means.

Abstract: A light weight and compact geophone assembly for detecting transient seismic signals along orthogonal axes. The geophone assembly having a plurality of geophones arranged within close proximity of each other within a compact housing. The geophones are interconnected to a conductor cable passing through the housing in a unique water-tight sealing arrangement. At the cable entrance into the housing, the conductor cable is surrounded by a tapered boot compressed about the cable by a sleeve which in turn is fixed in place by a locking nut. The locking nut is received by complementary threads at the cable entrance into the housing. When tightened, the locking nut forces the compression sleeve over the tapered surface of the boot, compressing the boot about the cable. In addition, the locking nut and compression sleeve urge the boot in compression between the cable and the housing. Located atop of the housing is a bubble leveling device.

Abstract: A device for seismic exploration is in the form of a towed streamer. The streamer is easily managed, is very flexible and has a low weight so that it may be towed with moderate tractive forces. The streamer includes a cable with an inner core, one or more layers of insulated conductor pairs and an outer low-friction protective coating. Both the core and the outer low-friction protective layer are of an acoustically substantially inert material of low specific gravity. Seismic signals are obtained series connected gimbal-mounted geophones arranged in strings connected to the cable at positions spaced longitudinally thereof.

Abstract: A transducer in the form of a long cable for producing electrical signals in response to mechanical vibration of the cable. The cable comprises an elongate magnetic member and an electrical conductor extending alongside the magnetic member, the electrical conductor being loosely mounted in the magnetic field of the magnetic member so that mechanical vibration of the cable causes the electrical conductor to move relative to the magnetic field whereby an e.m.f. and hence an electrical signal is induced in the conductor. The transducer may be used in monitoring or security apparatus.

Abstract: An active, low-profile hydrophone for use in aquatic environments having substantially turbulent flow conditions. The hydrophone is generally pisciform such that it may lie substantially flat on the water bottom and oriented in the current so as to reduce ambient noise associated with the turbulent flow. The enclosed sensors are oriented such that they are insensitive to acceleration and are coupled to a unity gain amplifier network also contained within the hydrophone.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a plug-in geophone case includes a body having an open top and a cavity that receives a seismic detector having positive and negative terminals, receptacles on opposite sides of said body for plugging the case into leader cables, a set of three connector pins molded in the case adjacent each receptacle, one end of each pin extending into a receptacle and the other end extending into a recess in the body adjacent one of said terminals, a cover plate for closing the open top of said case, and means for sealingly fastening a connector plug in each of said receptacles, said plugs and receptacles having mating means to prevent connection with the wrong polarity.

Abstract: A telemetry system adapter for connecting a recording station to a telemetry system having a plurality of data acquisition array terminals serially connected together by cables. The adapter may be used to connect the recording station to any array terminal in the telemetry system. At the array terminal to which it is desired to connect the recording station, the cable is disconnected from the array terminal and connected to one connector of the adapter. Another connector of the adapter is connected to the array terminal, and a third connector of the adapter is connected to the recording station. The connectors on the adapter will fit only a respective one of the array terminal connectors, the cable connector or the recording station connector, and therefore cannot be attached incorrectly. The adapter may include an attenuator for balancing data levels and reducing cross-talk interference.

Abstract: A seismic data gathering system includes a seismic cable having a plurality of cable sections, each including a seismic detector and a pair of signal lines for carrying the seismic energy signals produced by the detector in response to seismic energy waves. A shunting resistance is located in each cable section with one end connected to one of the pair of signal lines and the other end connected through a mating connector to the other of the pair of signal lines in the next succeeding cable section so that a shunting resistance is added to the seismic cable each time a detector is added to the seismic cable. In this manner the electrical damping of each seismic detector remains constant when the seismic cable is coupled to a data acquisition unit regardless of the number of detectors included within the seismic cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gathering a geophone sensor string (10) is provided. The geophone sensor string (10) comprises individual sensors (12) for sensing motion of the earth, an interconnecting cable (14) and ring members (22). A line (30) is secured to a ring member (22) at one end of the geophone sensor string. The line is passed through the remaining ring members on the geophone sensor string and extends through the ring member adjacent the opposite end of the geophone sensor string. Drawing the line (30) in the direction of the arrow (32) lifts the sensors off the ground and gathers the sensors and interconnecting cable in an untangled and compact form for storage. The technique of the present invention is adapted for use with vehicles to eliminate manual labor.

Abstract: The seismic method comprises in one preferred embodiment, towing a long, flexible member over the earth's surface, the member having liquid-filled geophones mounted thereon or coupled thereto and suitably spaced therealong, and a seismic cable for receiving the individual outputs of the geophones. Each liquid-filled geophone provides an output electric signal having a polarity corresponding to the direction of the earth's motion. In another embodiment of the method of this invention, the geophones are positioned on the earth's surface in a predetermined pattern; their output signals are transmitted to a utilization device; then the geophones are moved to another location, and the detection process is repeated.In a simplified embodiment, the geophone comprises a hollow cylindrical casing defining a chamber therein. A high-density liquid substantially fills the chamber. The chamber has a flexible bottom wall which constitutes a force or pressure transducer.