Bottom Sediment Or Soil Patents (Class 73/170.32)
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Patent number: 11566960Abstract: Disclosed are a simulation platform and a simulation method for leakage detection and treatment. The simulation platform includes a water tank open at the top, which is a holding device; simulation sand, which is laid at the bottom of the water tank, and the upper area of the simulation sand is the experimental water filling area for filling simulation water; a leakage simulation device, which is buried in the simulation sand; a plurality of electrodes, which are distributed on the simulation sand for collecting and sending potential and current signals to a data processing terminal; a hydraulic brake, which is arranged in the experimental water filling area and used for stirring the simulation water; the hydraulic brake is not turned on in the static water environment simulation, and is turned on in the dynamic water environment simulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2022Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Chengdu University of TechnologyInventors: Xiangpeng Wang, Kunpeng Wang, Xuben Wang, Jin Hu, Qiangqiang Tang, Ning Chen, Lingze Li
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Patent number: 11048005Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method of transferring seismic equipment to and from a marine vessel and subsurface location. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel includes a deck having a plurality of seismic sensor devices stored thereon, two remotely operated vehicles, each comprising a seismic sensor storage compartment, and a seismic sensor transfer device comprising a container for transfer of one or more of the seismic sensor devices from the vessel to the sensor storage compartment of at least one of the two remotely operated vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Magseis FF LLCInventors: Reagan Neil Woodward, James N. Thompson
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Patent number: 10000259Abstract: A suction anchor for a remotely operated vehicle comprising a frame attachable to a remotely operated vehicle, anchor cans beneath the frame beneath and connectable to a pump. In particular the anchor can be deployed as part of a method for sampling or measuring the seabed comprising the steps of attaching a frame to the remotely operated vehicle, the frame having one or more downwardly mounted anchor cans and a mast to which sampling and/or measuring equipment is attached, placing the anchor cans on an underwater floor, and, at least in partially, evacuating the cans of water embedding them in part into the underwater floor, sampling and/or measuring the underwater floor using the sampling and/or measuring equipment. It can be used to mount other sensor equipment requiring a stable platform.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: UTEC Geomarine LimitedInventors: James Edmunds, Jonathan Bruce Machin, Peter Gerard Allan
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Patent number: 9769429Abstract: System for controlling the loading or unloading a cable [2] or the like onto a drum [3], wherein the drum [3] has a known first rotation axis loading or unloading the cable, the system also comprises an imaging means [1] aimed at the cable [2] from a position at a distance from the drum rotation axis, the imaging means [1] being adapted to measure the direction of the cable [2] relative to the rotational axis of the drum. The imaging means can be constituted by a video camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE MARINE ASInventor: Sverre Rye Torben
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Patent number: 9511829Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for tracking a toolstring at subsea depths. One system includes a remote operated vehicle (ROV), a wireless transmitter arranged on the toolstring and configured to transmit one or more wireless signals, a wireless receiver configured to perceive the one or more wireless signals, whereby the ROV is able to locate a position of the toolstring in the oceanic environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Gordon, David Russ Larimore
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Patent number: 8833156Abstract: Method for determining the thickness of an upper layer of a fluid mass comprising at least this upper layer and a lower layer lying thereunder, such as a waterway with a navigable upper layer and a viscous mud layer located thereunder, wherein the viscosity of the fluid of the lower layer is greater than the viscosity of the fluid of the upper layer, wherein a body freely movable in the fluid mass is moved through the fluid mass at a velocity such that the body enters a state of equilibrium substantially at the interface between the lower and upper layer; the depth position of the body is determined at successive points in order to know the thickness of the upper layer at these points; and the resistivity of the fluid in the vicinity of the body is measured at successive points.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignees: M.D.C.E. BVBA, Demco NVInventors: Marcus Philippus Maria Druyts, Peteralv Martien Brabers
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Patent number: 8776592Abstract: An automatic hydrologic parameter measuring system for a river flow comprises a supporting installed below a bridge surface; a waterproof box connected to a steel rope for suspending a weight; another end of the rope extending downwards out of the waterproof box for retaining the weight; a waterproof electric wire winding around the steel rope for transferring signals to the signal processor; a water pressure meter installed in a hollow space of the weight; when the weight being in water, the water pressure meter starts the measuring process; after the weight reaches to the riverbed, the water pressure is unchangeable; and a water pressure meter installed in a hollow space of the weight; when the weight being in water, the water pressure meter starts the measuring process; after the weight reaches to the riverbed, the water pressure is unchangeable.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventor: Yi-Jiun Liao
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Patent number: 8621922Abstract: A system for monitoring subsidence and/or rising of a waterbottom has string of pressure sensors along the interior of a sealed -protective tube(q?) that rests on the waterbottom and is filled with a low pressure liquid, so that any subsidence and/or rising of the can be deduced from subsidence and/or rising of a section of the tube and associated pressure variations measured by the sensors due to variation of the hydrostatic fluid pressure of the liquid in the of the tube. The tube interior is divided into segments by valves during descent to protect the sensors against hydrostatic pressure of the liquid within the tube during installation. The use of a low pressure liquid in the tube allows the use of sensitive pressure sensors which are able to monitor pressure variations of ?0.001 Bar associated with a waterbottom subsidence of ?1 cm, at a water depth of >km where the ambient water pressure may be >100 Bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Johannis Josephus Den Boer, Andre Franzen, Daniel Joinson, Kari-Mikko Jääskeläinen
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Patent number: 8573050Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for controlling depth profiles of marine geophysical sensor streamers as they are towed in a body of water. An embodiment discloses a method for marine geophysical surveying, the method comprising: towing a geophysical sensor streamer in a body of water having a surface and a floor, the geophysical sensor streamer being coupled to a survey vessel by a lead-in cable, the lead-in cable having a length that extends from the survey vessel; adjusting the length of the lead-in cable to cause a forward end of the geophysical sensor streamer to follow a depth profile; and deflecting the geophysical sensor streamer in the vertical plane at one or more spaced apart locations.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: PGS Geophysical ASInventors: Mattias Südow, Einar Nielsen
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Patent number: 8146418Abstract: An apparatus for soil testing for a jack-up rig, the apparatus comprising a soil testing device integrated with a leg of the jack-up rig, the leg of the jack-up rig having a footing, an opening in the footing for allowing passage of an active portion of the soil testing device therethrough to obtain soil data from a seabed beneath the footing, and a retrieval assembly for retrieving the soil testing device.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignees: Keppel Offshore & Marie Technology Centre Pte Ltd, A.P. van den Berg Holding bvInventors: Kok Seng Foo, Chin Kau Quah, Okky Ahmad Purwana, Lodewijk Keizer, Mark Felton Randolph, Mark Jason Cassidy
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Patent number: 8011239Abstract: A system includes a plurality of chamber holders having openings therein, and an exposure chamber positioned in each chamber holder. Each exposure chamber includes a mesh portion and a top end cap. One exposure chamber contains a mesh bottom and one contains a closed bottom. Each chamber holder is positioned within an opening contained within a base portion. One exposure chamber may extend beyond the lower boundary of the base portion. A top portion may be secured to the base portion to contain the chamber holders. A pump, with connected supply hose, may be coupled to the top portion. The supply hose is routed through the chamber holders such that a supply hose opening is adjacent to each chamber holder. The system may include a water quality sensor and a passive sampling device coupled to the base portion. A deployment system may be connected to the top portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: David B. Chadwick, Gunther H. Rosen, G. Allen Burton
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Publication number: 20100050764Abstract: An apparatus for soil testing for a jack-up rig, the apparatus comprising a soil testing device integrated with a leg of the jack-up rig, the leg of the jack-up rig having a footing, an opening in the footing for allowing passage of an active portion of the soil testing device therethrough to obtain soil data from a seabed beneath the footing, and a retrieval assembly for retrieving the soil testing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicants: KEPPEL OFFSHORE & MARINE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE PTE LTD, A.P. VAN DEN BERG HOLDING BVInventors: Kok Seng FOO, Chin Kau QUAH, Okky Ahmad PURWANA, Lodewijk KEIZER, Mark Felton RANDOLPH, Mark Jason CASSIDY
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Publication number: 20090304447Abstract: Sub-aquatic sediment is covered with capping material by a capping system comprising a template barge and a spreader barge. While the spreader barge is distributing capping material, the template barge guides the spreader barge as it systematically moves over a pre-defined sediment capping region. The spreader barge comprises a spreader pool in which a broadcast spreader accurately and evenly distributes capping material within the pool, which then sinks to the sediment. The capping material is distributed with minimal disturbance to the sediment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: J. F. Brennan Co., Inc.Inventors: Victor Joseph Buhr, Greg Smith, Dennis Rosendale, Tyler Lee, Kevin Zenke
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Patent number: 7308821Abstract: With an arrangement for determining the penetration depth (10) when putting in place supporting elements (2) into a water bed (5), according to the invention, there is provided a pressure sensor (7) for measuring the water pressure which is fastenable to the supporting element (2) or to a device (1) connected to the supporting element (2). The readings (11) supplied by the pressure sensor (7) are transmitted via a signal lead (15) to an evaluation unit (16) which determines the penetration depth (10) of the supporting element (2) from the reading differences which occur during the sinking of the pressure sensor (7) on penetration of the supporting element (2) into the water bed (5).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1997Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Menck GmbHInventor: Reink Pohlmann
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Patent number: 7141815Abstract: Arrays of optical fibers connected to specially configured electronics, e.g., a phototransistor, an LED, an amplifier, a detector, and display, software and PCMCIA A/D board available on a personal computer, are used to obtain continuous real-time acquisition, processing, and visualization of change in a media occurring in natural environments. Alternatively, many of the individual circuit elements above may be replaced with a power meter. In a specific application, data are collected on the depth of sediment below a body of water. As the sediment depth is changed by an event, the ends of the optical fibers in the array display a different reflection or transmission coefficient indicating that water has replaced sediment or vice versa. By knowing which of the optical fiber ends in the array is indicating the changed reflection or transmission coefficient, scour depth or silt accretion may be estimated. A method of employment of the system is also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Norbert E. Yankielun
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Patent number: 7069771Abstract: A partitioning sediment trap adapted to be positioned in a body of water comprising an elongate, vertically alignable transparent collecting tube having an open upper end and a closed lower end for collecting, over a longer period of time, natural materials, contaminants, and polluting substances that accumulate in the body of water. A generally funnel-shaped cone is positioned with the small diameter end thereof extending into the open end of the collecting tube to magnify the amount of material collected. Means are also provided for automatically and efficiently partitioning and isolating undisturbed material accumulated in the collecting tube at regular time intervals.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventor: Roger Yates Anderson
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Patent number: 6986281Abstract: Exfiltrometer apparatus includes a container for holding soil. A sample container for holding sample soil is positionable with respect to the container so that the sample soil contained in the sample container is in communication with soil contained in the container. A first tensiometer operatively associated with the sample container senses a surface water potential at about a surface of the sample soil contained in the sample container. A second tensiometer operatively associated with the sample container senses a first subsurface water potential below the surface of the sample soil. A water content sensor operatively associated with the sample container senses a water content in the sample soil. A water supply supplies water to the sample soil. A data logger operatively connected to the first and second tensiometers, and to the water content sensor receives and processes data provided by the first and second tensiometers and by the water content sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson, Annette L. Schafer
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Patent number: 6680795Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for capturing and analyzing video images of sediment from the bottom of a body of water such as a river or sea. The apparatus includes a video imager with a close-up focus of lens adapted to collect images of sediment at the bottom of the body of water. A waterproof housing surrounds the video imager. The video images are analyzed using any appropriate algorithm to determine grain size.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the InteriorInventors: Henry Chezar, David Rubin
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Patent number: 6463801Abstract: A system is presented with a seabed unit, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a cone rod measuring device, and a support ship. The seabed unit is lowered from the support ship by a winch line to the seafloor itself. A caisson on the seabed unit is used to secure the seabed unit to the seafloor. The ROV then inserts the cone rod measurement device into the upper thruster unit of the seabed unit. The thruster unit has a jacking mechanism for inserting the cone rod into the soil of the seafloor. The ROV has a hydraulic power source and hydraulic controls to manipulate the hydraulic actuators of the thruster unit to control the manner and timing of the jacking process that inserts and extracts the cone rod measuring unit into the seafloor. The ROV contains underwater cameras and control units that observe measurement gauges on the thruster unit and allow appropriate manipulation of the hydraulic controls on the ROV and the thruster unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Marsco, Inc.Inventors: Alan G. Young, Lowell Vaughan Babb