US3909776A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluidic oscillator seismic source
Assignee: BP America Production Co
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Filing: 1973-10-01
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Granted: 1975-09-30
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Expires: 1993-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A fluidic oscillator suitable for use as a seismic source in a well is disclosed. The frequency of this source is variable over a predetermined range. The frequency can be changed stepwise, or in a smooth continuous fashion, and the whole change can be repeated in any desired pattern. Methods of use of such a source in seismic prospecting are also described, particularly in the investigation of subsurface structural variations over a vertical rather than a horizontal zone.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert A Broding
- 👤 Jr Ralph A Landrum
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 13:59
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/02; G01V1/133; G01V1/40; G01V1/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
A seismic source suitable for subsurface use consisting of a fluid-actuated oscillator including a frequency determining fluid circuit comprising an acoustic reactance, means for supplying said oscillator with a liquid under pressure, and means within the body of said oscillator for changing said acoustic resistance while said oscillator is oscillating, whereby liquid discharged from said oscillator pulsates in pressure at predetermined changing time intervals from peak to peak.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
A seismic source suitable for subsurface use consisting of a fluid-actuated oscillator including a frequency determining fluid circuit comprising an acoustic reactance, means for supplying said oscillator with a liquid under pressure, and means within the body of said oscillator for changing said acoustic resistance while said oscillator is oscillating, whereby liquid discharged from said oscillator pulsates in pressure at predetermined changing time intervals from peak to peak.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
91 words
A seismic source as specified in claim 1 in which said fluidic oscillator is of the bistable or two-channel type, each channel contains within the body of said oscillator a takeoff conduit and a jet conduit with the latter being closer to the oscillator throat than the former, each takeoff conduit is connected to a jet conduit by at least one acoustical inertance, an acoustical compliance is connected to said at least one acoustical inertance, and said changing means operates directly on at least one of said inertance and said compliance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A seismic source as specified in claim 2 in which said changing means changes the volume of a compliance while liquid under pressure is flowing through said oscillator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A seismic source as specified in claim 2 in which each takeoff conduit is connected to the jet conduit of the same channel by said inertance, said oscillator also includes two acoustical compliances, each separately connected to one only of said inertances, and said changing means changes at the same time the volume of each of said compliances.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
A seismic source as specified in claim 4 in which said changing means is remotely actuated and operates to change the volume of each of said compliances by changing the liquid level between said liquid under pressure and a second liquid of much greater density.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
A seismic source as specified in claim 4 in which said changing means is remotely actuated and operates to change the volume of each of said compliances by changing the position of two pistons each forming one boundary of one of said compliances.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A seismic source as specified in claim 2 in which said changing means is remotely actuated and operates to change the length of each of said inertances.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A seismic source as specified in claim 2 in which said changing means is remotely actuated and operates to change the acoustical reactance between said takeoff and said jet conduits discontinuously in a predetermined pattern among a plurality of predetermined values.
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) | 1978-09-29 | 1979-03-31 | 1979-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-29 | 1983-03-31 | 1983-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-29 | 1987-03-31 | 1987-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |