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US3906352A
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Method of making a three-dimensional seismic profile of ocean floor
Assignee: Del Norte Technology Inc
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Filing: 1973-03-16
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Granted: 1975-09-16
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Expires: 1993-03-16
Abstract
Abstract Two survey vessels sail on side-by-side parallel courses. Each vessel tows a streamer-like seismic sound detector array having an attached floating tail buoy, equipped with a microwave transponder. The two vessels are in intimate radio contact with each other, to assist in and coordinate the seismic mapping operations. Alternately, each vessel ''''shoots'''' to transmit seismic energy toward the ocean floor. Both vessels record all seismic ''''shots''''. Important timing of the reflected sound waves are recorded. Telemetered information is exchanged between the two vessels via VHF in order to tie the two records together. A computer extrapolates and interprets the recorded sound waves to provide three or more profiles of the sub-bottom strata below the ocean floor. The spirit of this invention is to provide at least one beam-stearing array suitable for mapping geologic horizons well below the sea floor. The frequencies 10-40 Hz are desirable to penetrate any substantial distance into the earth''s crust.
Inventors
- 👤 William H Parker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/24; G01V1/38; G01V1/3808
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of making a three-dimensional profile of the bottom of a body of water, said method comprising the steps of: a. simultaneously moving two vessels in precisely controlled relationship along two parallel lines of traverse, each vessel towing an individually associated streamer in the form of a line hydrophone, b. repeatedly generating cyclically recurring pulses of seismic sound waves on each of said vessels, c. picking up the reflections of said sound pulses at each of said streamers, d. interpreting the seismic caused variations in the picked up reflections according to which of said vessels is providing the source of pulses causing said reflections, e. towing a buoy at the free end of each of said streamers, and f. interchanging navigational signal measurements via radio channels extending between transponders on said vessels and said buoys in order to maintain said precisely controlled relationship between said two vessels.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of making a three-dimensional profile of the bottom of a body of water, said method comprising the steps of: a. simultaneously moving two vessels in precisely controlled relationship along two parallel lines of traverse, each vessel towing an individually associated streamer in the form of a line hydrophone, b. repeatedly generating cyclically recurring pulses of seismic sound waves on each of said vessels, c. picking up the reflections of said sound pulses at each of said streamers, d. interpreting the seismic caused variations in the picked up reflections according to which of said vessels is providing the source of pulses causing said reflections, e. towing a buoy at the free end of each of said streamers, and f. interchanging navigational signal measurements via radio channels extending between transponders on said vessels and said buoys in order to maintain said precisely controlled relationship between said two vessels.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 and the added step of: sequentially transmitting navigational and seismic information over said radio channels on a time shared basis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 1 and the added step of: computing a profile of the structure on or under the ocean floor along a midcourse between said parallel lines of traverse responsive to echoes picked up at each of said streamers when the vessel towing the other of said streamers generates one of said pulses.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 and the added step of: extrapolating by computation the bottom structure along supplemental courses parallel to said lines of traverse responsive to data derived from echoes picked up by said streamers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 and the added step of: carrying a transponder means on each of said towed buoys whereby each vessel may know the position of said buoy despite drift of the tow line or when the tow line breaks.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 and the added step of: recording the data transmitted over said radio channels.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 4 wheRein each of said radio channels lies in the VHF range.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 and the added step of: locally generating clock signals for short-term timing of seismic events at said vessel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
140 words
A two-vessel method of acquisition of three-dimensional seismic data comprising the steps of sailing said two vessels while each is towing line hydrophone streamers over parallel paths, said line hydrophone comprising an interconnected series of individual hydrophones thereby forming a single cable, means whereby each of said hydrophones may individually report each seismic experience which it encounters, sequentially transmitting navigational and seismic data over common radio channels extending between transponders at opposite ends of each of said line hydrophone streamers, sounding recurring seismic shots from each of said vessels in timed sequence, picking up at each of said streamers reflected energy caused by said timed shots, and computing a structure of seismic horizons in at least the two vertical parallel planes traversed by said streamers and a third vertical plane midway between and parallel to said two vertical parallel planes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
140 words
A two-vessel method of acquisition of three-dimensional seismic data comprising the steps of sailing said two vessels while each is towing line hydrophone streamers over parallel paths, said line hydrophone comprising an interconnected series of individual hydrophones thereby forming a single cable, means whereby each of said hydrophones may individually report each seismic experience which it encounters, sequentially transmitting navigational and seismic data over common radio channels extending between transponders at opposite ends of each of said line hydrophone streamers, sounding recurring seismic shots from each of said vessels in timed sequence, picking up at each of said streamers reflected energy caused by said timed shots, and computing a structure of seismic horizons in at least the two vertical parallel planes traversed by said streamers and a third vertical plane midway between and parallel to said two vertical parallel planes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 9 and the added steps wherein one of said two vessels acts as a master for selecting and controlling the path of traverse and the other of said two vessels acts as a slave by always remaining in a position which is precisely and constantly related to the position of said master vessel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 10 and the added step of temporarily recording all data as it is received.
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) | 1978-09-15 | 1979-03-17 | 1979-09-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-15 | 1983-03-17 | 1983-09-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-15 | 1987-03-17 | 1987-09-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |