US3642089A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marine imploder-type acoustic impulse generator
Assignee: Western Atlas International Inc
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Filing: 1969-07-23
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Granted: 1972-02-15
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Expires: 1989-07-23
Abstract
Abstract An acoustic impulse generator for producing in a liquid body acoustic impulses useful, for example, in geophysical explorations. The generator includes a housing which defines an enclosed chamber having a movable slidably mounted piston. Fluidoperated driving means including fluid spring means in one operating condition cause the piston to execute a forward stroke in the liquid body thereby storing potential energy in the liquid body and in the fluid spring means. The driving means in another operating condition allow the piston to execute a return stroke in a relatively short time interval thereby generating an acoustic impulse.
Inventors
- 👤 Marion L Parker
- 👤 Hillman Southwick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:08
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/02; G01V1/133; G01V1/135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A generator for generating a high-power acoustic impulse when submerged in a liquid body, said generator being adapted to store potential energy, said generator comprising: housing means defining a first bore having therein a slidably mounted piston; in sliding contact with said housing fluid-driving means including fluid spring means adapted to move said piston, said driving means in one operating condition causing said slidably-mounted piston to execute a forward stroke in said liquid body thereby storing potential energy in said liquid body and in said fluid spring means, and said driving means in another operating condition allowing said piston to execute a return stroke in a relatively short time interval thereby generating said acoustic impulse.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A generator for generating a high-power acoustic impulse when submerged in a liquid body, said generator being adapted to store potential energy, said generator comprising: housing means defining a first bore having therein a slidably mounted piston; in sliding contact with said housing fluid-driving means including fluid spring means adapted to move said piston, said driving means in one operating condition causing said slidably-mounted piston to execute a forward stroke in said liquid body thereby storing potential energy in said liquid body and in said fluid spring means, and said driving means in another operating condition allowing said piston to execute a return stroke in a relatively short time interval thereby generating said acoustic impulse.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The generator of claim 1 wherein, said time interval is sufficiently short to allow for the formation of a cavity between said piston and said liquid body, and the filling of said cavity by the surrounding liquid body generates said acoustic impulse.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The generator of claim 1 wherein, said housing means include a first wall, and said first bore extending from said first wall to said liquid body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The generator as defined in claim 3 wherein, said driving means include a push rod, and said push rod having one end coupled to said piston and another end extending through said first wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The generator of claim 4 wherein, Said fluid spring means is between said first wall and said other end of said push rod.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The generator of claim 5 wherein, said housing includes a second wall, a second closed bore being defined between said first and second walls, and a second piston attached to said other end of said push rod and slidably mounted in said second bore.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The generator of claim 6 wherein, said fluid spring means is between said first wall and said second piston.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The generator claim 7 wherein, a chamber is defined between said second piston and said second wall, and said chamber is adapted for fluid communication with a controllable pressure source to periodically move said push rod.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
118 words
A relatively high-power generator for generating an acoustic seismic impulse when submerged in a liquid medium comprising: a housing having therein a first bore and a second bore, said first bore being open at one end to said liquid medium; a first piston slidably mounted in said first bore; a second piston slidably mounted in said second bore; a push rod attached between said pistons for causing said first piston to execute a forward stroke against the ambient liquid pressure; fluid spring means reciprocatingly cooperating with said second piston, said spring means storing energy during said forward stroke; and said spring means causing said first piston to execute a very rapid return stroke thereby generating said seismic impulse.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
118 words
A relatively high-power generator for generating an acoustic seismic impulse when submerged in a liquid medium comprising: a housing having therein a first bore and a second bore, said first bore being open at one end to said liquid medium; a first piston slidably mounted in said first bore; a second piston slidably mounted in said second bore; a push rod attached between said pistons for causing said first piston to execute a forward stroke against the ambient liquid pressure; fluid spring means reciprocatingly cooperating with said second piston, said spring means storing energy during said forward stroke; and said spring means causing said first piston to execute a very rapid return stroke thereby generating said seismic impulse.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The generator of claim 9 wherein, said second bore is in fluid communication with a fluid pressure source to move said push rod.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The generator of claim 10 and further including, a fluid receiver coupled to said second bore to receive fluid from said second bore during the return stroke of said first piston.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3369627A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-14 | 1975-08-16 | 1976-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-14 | 1979-08-16 | 1980-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-14 | 1983-08-16 | 1984-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |