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US4868793A
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Shared sub-array marine seismic source system
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
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Filing: 1984-05-04
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Granted: 1989-09-19
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Expires: 2004-05-04
Abstract
Abstract Some of the laterally spaced air gun sub-arrays which are combined to form the sequentially fired source arrays of a marine prospecting system are shared between neighboring arrays. This double usage of said sub-arrays allows a larger number of full size arrays to be fired sequentially without requiring the deployment of additional sub-arrays which may exceed the capabilities of the towing vessel. In this way multiple profiles can be collected more efficiently in performing three-dimensional seismic surveys.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Dunbar
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 01:08
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/003; G01V1/006; G01V1/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
In the practice of marine seismic prospecting the method of collecting multiple profiles along a single seismic track comprising the steps of: (a) deploying a first plurality of seismic signal sub-arrays adapted to be carried along said track, said sub-arrays being laterally spaced apart with respect to the direction of said track; (b) combining said sub-arrays operatively so as to form a second plurality of source arrays wherein at least one of said sub-arrays is included in more than one of said source arrays; (c) activating said source arrays sequentially so as to generate said multiple profiles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
In the practice of marine seismic prospecting the method of collecting multiple profiles along a single seismic track comprising the steps of: (a) deploying a first plurality of seismic signal sub-arrays adapted to be carried along said track, said sub-arrays being laterally spaced apart with respect to the direction of said track; (b) combining said sub-arrays operatively so as to form a second plurality of source arrays wherein at least one of said sub-arrays is included in more than one of said source arrays; (c) activating said source arrays sequentially so as to generate said multiple profiles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said sub-arrays are identical is seismic signal generation characteristics.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said sub-arrays are in evenly spaced coextensive parallel alignment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein each of said sub-arrays consist of a plurality of air guns.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 4 wherein adjacent sub-arrays of said air guns have different pulse signatures.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein each of said sub-arrays consists of a plurality of marine vibrating elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
88 words
A marine seismic source system adapted to be carried along a seismic ship track comprising: (a) a plurality of separate marine source sub-arrays adapted to be deployed in laterally spaced alignment; (b) means for selectively activating said sub-arrays wherein at least two sets of said sub-arrays each consisting of concurrent active sub-arrays form source arrays which share at least one of said sub-arrays in their respective operations; and (c) means for sequentially activating said source arrays so as to produce multiple laterally spaced profiles parallel to said track.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
88 words
A marine seismic source system adapted to be carried along a seismic ship track comprising: (a) a plurality of separate marine source sub-arrays adapted to be deployed in laterally spaced alignment; (b) means for selectively activating said sub-arrays wherein at least two sets of said sub-arrays each consisting of concurrent active sub-arrays form source arrays which share at least one of said sub-arrays in their respective operations; and (c) means for sequentially activating said source arrays so as to produce multiple laterally spaced profiles parallel to said track.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
101 words
A marine seismic source system comprising: (a) a seismic vessel adapted to folow a prescribed seismic track; (b) a plurality of separate identical marine air gun sub-arrays adapted to be deployed from said vessel in laterally spaced parallel alignment; (c) means for selectively activating said sub-arrays wherein at least two sets of said sub-arrays each consisting of concurrently active sub-arrays form source arrays which share at least one of said sub-arrays in their respective operations; and (d) means controllable form said seismic vessel for activating said source arrays sequentially so as to produce multiple laterally spaced profiles parallel to said track.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
101 words
A marine seismic source system comprising: (a) a seismic vessel adapted to folow a prescribed seismic track; (b) a plurality of separate identical marine air gun sub-arrays adapted to be deployed from said vessel in laterally spaced parallel alignment; (c) means for selectively activating said sub-arrays wherein at least two sets of said sub-arrays each consisting of concurrently active sub-arrays form source arrays which share at least one of said sub-arrays in their respective operations; and (d) means controllable form said seismic vessel for activating said source arrays sequentially so as to produce multiple laterally spaced profiles parallel to said track.
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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) | 1992-09-18 | 1993-03-20 | 1993-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-18 | 1997-03-20 | 1997-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-18 | 2001-03-20 | 2001-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |