Patent US4219098A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4219098A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Internal passive air release control apparatus in seismic air gun
Assignee: Ion Geophysical Corp
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Filing: 1979-04-05
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Granted: 1980-08-26
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Expires: 1999-04-05
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a seismic source device, known in the industry as an air gun, having shuttle control for allowing a predetermined discharge of compressed air into water for purposes of seismic exploration. The shuttle is indirectly controlled by a moveable plate for closing the exhaust ports before all of the compressed air in the firing chamber of the air gun is exhausted. In one embodiment, the plate is freely moveable; in a second embodiment, the plate is attached to the shuttle. By preventing further discharge of air, with little or no loss in acoustic output, secondary pulses are greatly reduced, thereby enhancing the operation of the entire system. Further by preventing all the air in the firing chamber from being discharged, the system becomes more efficient and more cost effective.
Inventors
- 👤 John T Thomson
- 👤 Roy C. Johnston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:02
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/02; G01V1/133; G01V1/137
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A seismic energy source apparatus having a housing defining at least one exhaust port and an inner chamber for storing compressed air and containing a shuttle having first and second pistons disposed generally parallel to each other at opposite ends of a shaft with an orifice therethrough, having a first air supply means for providing compressed air to the chamber and having a second air supply means controlled by actuating means for supplying air pressure under the first piston to cause the shuttle to move upwardly, comprising: (a) first seating means disposed within the chamber against which the first piston seats; (b) resilient seating means disposed within the chamber against which the second seats at one end; (c) a plate positioned within the chamber; (d) second seating means disposed within the chamber against which the resilient seating member bears from above and against which the plate seats from below when actuated by the shuttle moving upwardly; and (e) third seating means disposed within the chamber, below the second seating means against which the plate seats before the shuttle moves upwardly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
A seismic energy source apparatus having a housing defining at least one exhaust port and an inner chamber for storing compressed air and containing a shuttle having first and second pistons disposed generally parallel to each other at opposite ends of a shaft with an orifice therethrough, having a first air supply means for providing compressed air to the chamber and having a second air supply means controlled by actuating means for supplying air pressure under the first piston to cause the shuttle to move upwardly, comprising: (a) first seating means disposed within the chamber against which the first piston seats; (b) resilient seating means disposed within the chamber against which the second seats at one end; (c) a plate positioned within the chamber; (d) second seating means disposed within the chamber against which the resilient seating member bears from above and against which the plate seats from below when actuated by the shuttle moving upwardly; and (e) third seating means disposed within the chamber, below the second seating means against which the plate seats before the shuttle moves upwardly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the resilient seating means comprises a compressible spring having a support member bearing against its top surface to form a seat for the second piston.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the edge of the plate and the wall of the chamber form a dynamic seal, permitting equalization of air pressure during static conditions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the edge of the plate and the wall of the chamber form a dynamic seal, permitting equalization of air pressure during static conditions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the plate has an orifice formed therethrough to permit equalization of pressure during static conditions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
155 words
A seismic energy source apparatus having a housing defining at least one exhaust port and an inner chamber for storing compressed air and containing a shuttle having first and second pistons disposed generally parallel to each other at opposite ends of a shaft with an orifice therethrough, having a first air supply means for providing compressed air to the chamber and having second air supply means controlled by actuating means for supplying air pressure under the first piston to cause the shuttle to move upwardly, comprising: (a) first seating means disposed within the chamber against which the first piston seats; (b) resilient seating means disposed within the chamber against which the second piston seats at one end; (c) second seating means positioned below the resilient seating means; and (d) a plate positioned in the inner chamber, connected to the second piston of the shuttle, seating on the second seating means after the shuttle moves upwardly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
155 words
A seismic energy source apparatus having a housing defining at least one exhaust port and an inner chamber for storing compressed air and containing a shuttle having first and second pistons disposed generally parallel to each other at opposite ends of a shaft with an orifice therethrough, having a first air supply means for providing compressed air to the chamber and having second air supply means controlled by actuating means for supplying air pressure under the first piston to cause the shuttle to move upwardly, comprising: (a) first seating means disposed within the chamber against which the first piston seats; (b) resilient seating means disposed within the chamber against which the second piston seats at one end; (c) second seating means positioned below the resilient seating means; and (d) a plate positioned in the inner chamber, connected to the second piston of the shuttle, seating on the second seating means after the shuttle moves upwardly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first seating means comprises a member attached to the walls of the inner chamber having an inlet for receiving the second air supply means and an outlet therethrough for exhausting air from the second air supply means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the resilient seating means comprises a compressible spring having a support member bearing against its top surface to provide a seat for the second piston.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second seating means comprises a member connected to the walls of the inner chamber having a top surface against which the bottom surface of the spring bears, and a bottom surface against which the plate seats when the valve moves upwardly.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first seating means comprises a member attached to the walls of the inner chamber having an inlet for receiving the second air supply means and an outlet therethrough for exhausting air from the second air supply means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first seating means comprises a member attached to the walls of the inner chamber having an inlet for receiving the second air supply means and an outlet therethrough for exhausting air from the second air supply means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the edge of the plate and the wall of the chamber form a dynamic seal, permitting equilization of air pressure during static conditions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the edge of the plate and the wall of the chamber form a dynamic seal, permitting equalization of air pressure during static conditions.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the edge of the plate and the wall of the chamber form a dynamic seal, permitting equalization of air pressure during static conditions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the plate has an orifice formed therethrough to permit equalization of pressure during static conditions.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-08-26 | 1984-02-25 | 1984-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-26 | 1988-02-25 | 1988-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-26 | 1992-02-25 | 1992-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |