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US4853906A
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Apparatus for generating elliptically polarized shear waves
Assignee: ConocoPhillips Co
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Filing: 1988-06-13
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Granted: 1989-08-01
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Expires: 2008-06-13
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for generating a controlled parameter elliptically polarized shear wave into an earth medium. The apparatus consists of a baseplate for engagement with the earth medium in omni-directionally resistant manner and a reaction mass and actuator assembly affixed thereto and energizable to impart reciprocal lateral forces to the base-plate that exert a predetermined resultant force at a controlled rate of rotation.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack H. Cole
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 04:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/02; G01V1/143; G01V1/155; G01V1/04; G01V1/047; G01V1/053
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
Apparatus for generation of elliptically polarized shear waves in an earth medium, comprising: baseplate means including an earth engaging surface which is generally equally omni-directionally resistant to movement relative to said earth medium; at least one pair of counter-rotating shafts affixed generally centrally to said baseplate means in spaced, parallel alignment for journaled rotation in said baseplate means; at least one pair of eccentric masses with each mass secured on a respective one of a said shafts in mirror-image alignment; drive means for counter-rotating the at least one pair of said shafts at controlled rotational speed to generate a force directed radially outward against the omni-directional resistance of said baseplate means and generally parallel to the earth engaging surface, which radially directed force is instantaneously linear but rotating at a predetermined angular velocity relative to a point within said earth engaging surface of said baseplate means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
Apparatus for generation of elliptically polarized shear waves in an earth medium, comprising: baseplate means including an earth engaging surface which is generally equally omni-directionally resistant to movement relative to said earth medium; at least one pair of counter-rotating shafts affixed generally centrally to said baseplate means in spaced, parallel alignment for journaled rotation in said baseplate means; at least one pair of eccentric masses with each mass secured on a respective one of a said shafts in mirror-image alignment; drive means for counter-rotating the at least one pair of said shafts at controlled rotational speed to generate a force directed radially outward against the omni-directional resistance of said baseplate means and generally parallel to the earth engaging surface, which radially directed force is instantaneously linear but rotating at a predetermined angular velocity relative to a point within said earth engaging surface of said baseplate means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
98 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said force generating means comprising: four pairs of counter-rotating shafts, each pair being disposed in spaced alignment for journaled rotation in said baseplate means, and the pairs being positioned equi-radially from the center of the baseplate means in quadrature array; four pairs of eccentric masses secured on said respective shafts with each pair of masses affixed in mirror-image to the respective pair of shafts and each pair of eccentric masses being differently oriented rotationally; and drive means for counter-rotating said four pairs of shafts at a controlled rate of rotation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said drive means comprises: gear means interconnecting between each pair of shafts; and motor means connected to apply rotational drive to a respective shaft of each pair.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 which further includes: means constructing a control reference signal of preselected frequency and duration; phase switch means providing plural phase outputs; and plural control circuit means each receiving said control reference signal and one of said plural phase outputs to control the drive of a respective motor means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein: said means constructing and said phase switch means are a digital computer means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein siad drive means comprises: gear means interconnecting between each pair of shafts; and four motor means connected to apply rotational drive to a respective shaft of each pair.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said drive means comprises: eight motor means connected to apply rotational drive to respective shafts of each pair in synchronous relationship.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 which is further characterized to include: vehicle means with frame having a vertical jack assembly secured to the frame; and isolating air mounts securing said baseplate means to said jack assembly beneath the frame of said vehicle means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein: the phase differential of said four pairs of counter-rotating eccentric masses imparts an orbital motion to said baseplate means.
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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) | 1992-07-31 | 1993-01-30 | 1993-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-31 | 1997-01-30 | 1997-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-01-30 | 2001-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |