US3752256A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for generating seismic impulses below the earth{40 s surface
Assignee: Western Atlas International Inc
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Filing: 1970-12-14
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Granted: 1973-08-14
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Expires: 1990-12-14
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a method and means for generating undersurface seismic impulses by positioning a combustion chamber at a desired point below the earth''s surface, exploding in the chamber a first charge of an explosive gas, using the energy of the explosion to create a cavity in the soil around the combustion chamber, filling the combustion chamber and the cavity with at least a second charge of the explosive gas, and exploding the second charge both in the combustion chamber and in the cavity to produce a seismic impulse below the earth''s surface.
Inventors
- 👤 J Mollere
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:51
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/02; G01V1/104
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of generating a seismic impulse below the earth''s surface comprising the steps of: mechanically inserting a hollow member below the earth''s surface, said member defining a combustion chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, a plug in said outlet, introducing an initial charge of explosive gas through said inlet into said combustion chamber with said outlet closed by said plug, detonating said initial charge in said combustion chamber to move said plug outwardly of said outlet thereby forming a cavity in the portion of the earth surrounding said outlet, introducing a subsequent charge of explosive gas through said inlet into said combustion chamber and through said outlet into said cavity, and detonating said subsequent charge in Said cavity to thereby generate a seismic impulse in the earth.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of generating a seismic impulse below the earth''s surface comprising the steps of: mechanically inserting a hollow member below the earth''s surface, said member defining a combustion chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, a plug in said outlet, introducing an initial charge of explosive gas through said inlet into said combustion chamber with said outlet closed by said plug, detonating said initial charge in said combustion chamber to move said plug outwardly of said outlet thereby forming a cavity in the portion of the earth surrounding said outlet, introducing a subsequent charge of explosive gas through said inlet into said combustion chamber and through said outlet into said cavity, and detonating said subsequent charge in Said cavity to thereby generate a seismic impulse in the earth.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said cavity is created by venting through said outlet the high-pressure gaseous products of combustion resulting from the explosion of said initial charge in the combustion chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of mechanically inserting said hollow member comprises, screwing in said member to a desired depth below the earth''s surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said cavity is created by the outward mechanical movement of said plug.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-08-13 | 1977-02-12 | 1977-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-13 | 1981-02-12 | 1981-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-13 | 1985-02-12 | 1985-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |