US3885646A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dry land airgun implementation system
Assignee: BP America Production Co
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Filing: 1971-07-12
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Granted: 1975-05-27
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Expires: 1991-07-12
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a system for generating seismic waves. It includes a vehicle for carrying an extensible mast. One end of each of two long stems is pivotally connected to opposite sides of the mast. When the mast is contracted, the stems are in a horizontal travelling position. After the mast is extended, the stems are rotated to a vertical operating position. While the stems are in the vertical position, the mast is retracted which forces the stem several feet into the earth. An air gun, attached to the outer end of the stem, is then actuated to generate a seismic signal. Then the mast is raised, raising the stems and air guns so that it can be readily moved to another location.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph W Knight
- 👤 Kennis W Gilbert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 21:55
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/02; G01V1/04; G01V1/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
An apparatus for initiating a seismic signal in the earth which comprises: a vehicle; an extensible mast having a first portion extendible and retractable in the vertical direction, said mast having a nonextendible portion which is supported by said vehicle in a fixed position; a stem means; pivotal means connecting said stem means to said first portion of said extensible mast; means to rotate said stem means about said pivotal means in a vertical plane; said stem means including a seismic source connected to said stem means and impactor means connected into said stem means for driving said stem means downward.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
101 words
An apparatus for initiating a seismic signal in the earth which comprises: a vehicle; an extensible mast having a first portion extendible and retractable in the vertical direction, said mast having a nonextendible portion which is supported by said vehicle in a fixed position; a stem means; pivotal means connecting said stem means to said first portion of said extensible mast; means to rotate said stem means about said pivotal means in a vertical plane; said stem means including a seismic source connected to said stem means and impactor means connected into said stem means for driving said stem means downward.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said impactor means is a mechanical vibrator phased for vertical addition and horizontal cancellation of forces.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
277 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said extensible mast includes a hydraulic cylinder and a piston rod and including a first stage, a second stage and a third stage in which: said first stage includes a first tube open at the top and surrounding said cylinder, the lower end of said first tube fixed to the lower end of said cylinder; said second stage including a second tube interior of and spaced from said first tube, the top of said second tube fixed to said piston rod, a third tube surrounding said second tube and spaced therefrom, said third tube slideably fitted within said first tube, the lower ends of said second tube and said third tube secured in a fixed position with respect to each other; said third stage including a fourth tube insertable between said second tube and said third tube, the outer wall of said fourth tube slideably fitting against the inner wall of said third tube; a shroud fixed at its upper end to the upper end of said fourth tube and slideably surrounding said first tube; a lower pulley carried by the lower end of said second tube; an upper pulley carried by the upper end of said second tube; a first chain having one end fixed to the upper end of said cylinder and extending around said lower pulley and having its other end fixed to the lower end of said fourth tube; a second chain having one end fixed to the lower end of said cylinder and extending up over said upper pulley and having the other end fixed to the lower end of said fourth tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 including stem means on opposite sides of said extensible mast.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
95 words
An apparatus for initiating a seismic signal in the earth which comprises: a vehicle; an extensible mast having a first portion extendable and retractable in the vertical direction and a non-extendable portion which is supported by said vehicle in a fixed position relative to said vehicle; a stem means; pivot means connecting said stem means to said first portion of said extensible mast, said stem means not otherwise connected to said vehicle; means to rotate said stem means about said pivot means in a vertical plane; and a seismic source connected to said stem means.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
95 words
An apparatus for initiating a seismic signal in the earth which comprises: a vehicle; an extensible mast having a first portion extendable and retractable in the vertical direction and a non-extendable portion which is supported by said vehicle in a fixed position relative to said vehicle; a stem means; pivot means connecting said stem means to said first portion of said extensible mast, said stem means not otherwise connected to said vehicle; means to rotate said stem means about said pivot means in a vertical plane; and a seismic source connected to said stem means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 5 including an impactor means connected to said stem means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3393763A
Cited
US3363720A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-26 | 1978-11-25 | 1979-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-26 | 1982-11-25 | 1983-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-26 | 1986-11-25 | 1987-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |