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996results about "Towing/pushing equipment" patented technology
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Seismic streamer position control module
InactiveUS6011752AAvoid tanglesPrevent and minimize damageDefensive equipmentTowing/pushing equipmentEngineeringPosition control
A seismic streamer position control module has been invented having a body with a first end and a second end and a bore therethrough from the first end to the second end for receiving a seismic streamer therethrough, at least one control surface, and at least one recess in which is initially disposed the at least one control surface, the at least one control surface movably connected to the body for movement from and into the at least one recess and for movement, when extended from the body, for attitude adjustment. In one aspect the seismic streamer position control module body has tapered ends.
Owner:WESTERNGECO LLC
Method and apparatus for controlling and optimizing seismic data acquisition
InactiveUS6590831B1Towing/pushing equipmentSeismic signal processingMarine engineeringData acquisition
A system and method for coordinating the operation of multiple manned, remotely operated or autonomous marine vessels engaged in marine seismic data acquisition to direct cooperating vessels from one point to the next while minimizing deviations in the desired spatial configuration of assets, risk to vessels and seismic assets, and personnel and to obtain optimal midpoint coverage by evaluating inputs from subsystems providing positioning information for cooperating vessels, prospect coverage, vessel capabilities, environmental information, and navigation hazards.
Owner:WESTERNGECO LLC +1
Control system for positioning of marine seismic streamers
InactiveUS6932017B1Reduce needEasy to controlDefensive equipmentTowing/pushing equipmentSeismic surveyControl system
A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.
Owner:SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP
Underwater investigation system using multiple unmanned vehicles
InactiveUS6854410B1Eliminate riskPromote recoveryTowing/pushing equipmentOffensive equipmentSonarMarine engineering
An unmanned system for investigating underwater regions utilizes an unmanned mothership and a plurality of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The mothership transports the UUVs to and from the vicinity of an underwater region, releases the UUVs into the water, and facilitates recovery of the UUVs from the water. Each UUV can traverse an underwater region, generate sonar and image data associated with the underwater region, and transmit the sonar and image data through the water for receipt and re-transmission by the mothership. A docking system mounted partially onboard the mothership and partially onboard each UUV couples each UUV to the mothership and selectively releases each UUV into the underwater region. A guidance system mounted partially onboard the mothership and partially onboard each UUV guides each UUV back to the docking system from positions in the water. The mothership and UUVs can also be equipped with a non-contact electrical energy transfer system so that each UUV can return to the mothership and re-charge onboard batteries while underwater.
Owner:THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Apparatus and methods for seismic streamer positioning
InactiveUS20060227657A1Reduce signalingTowing/pushing equipmentSeismology for water-covered areasSubject matterEngineering
Systems and methods for positioning seismic streamers are disclosed that enable two or more streamers to be positioned in over/under configuration. One system comprises first and second pluralities of remotely controllable birds mounted on or inline in first and second streamers, the birds functioning to control position of the streamers relative to each other, to another pair of streamers, or to some reference. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
Owner:WESTERNGECO LLC
Device for laterally steering streamer cables
A device and a method for laterally steering a streamer cable towed underwater behind a seismic survey vessel. The device includes a cable-steering assembly rotatably attached to a streamer cable. The assembly includes a body to which one or more wings are mounted. The wings are arranged to pivot about pivot axes. The assembly is ballasted so that the pivot axes of the wings are largely in a vertical plane. A conventional cable-leveling bird is converted to one version of a cable-steering device by ballasting to maintain the pivot axes of the bird's wings largely vertical. With an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the wings, the cable-steering device adjusts the angle of the wings to provide a sideward component of force to steer the streamer.
Owner:INPUT OUTPUT INC
Depth control device for an underwater cable
InactiveUS6016286AImprove impact resistanceEasy to assembleTowing/pushing equipmentLiquid surface applicatorsDrive shaftControl theory
A depth control device for an underwater cable includes a rotary actuator having a rotating output shaft connected to a swash plate. Rotation of the swash plate by the actuator causes a rocker arm to pivot about an axis transverse to the axis of the output shaft. The rocker arm is drivingly connected to a drive shaft for rotating wings about their pitch axes. The pitch axes of the wings can be perpendicular to and intersecting the axis of the actuator output shaft, enabling the depth control device to be extremely compact.
Owner:DIGICOURSE
Marine payload handling craft and system
InactiveUS20060191457A1Easy to carryMinimizing motionsTowing/pushing equipmentCargo handling apparatusMarine engineeringOrbit
A marine handling craft and system is intended for use in deploying, inspecting and receiving vessels and payloads to and from locations on, under, over or near water and wet soils in potentially turbulent aquatic or atmospheric conditions. The marine handling craft may operate as a robot, or deployed from a crane or boom on a mother ship or other platform or helicopter so that it can transport and mate and dock at various locations, such as supply ships or autonomous marine vessels, at a stand off distance to limit potential harm to valuable assets. A sliding fastener and track are included on the marine handling craft so that it can be tethered and lifted by a single line or cable, and so can be manipulated by a single crane or helicopter. The utility of the handling craft is not limited to the transport of payloads and it may function as a stand-alone vessel for various remote sensing purposes. Smart communication between the marine handling craft and other vessels or other nodes in a distributed computer network facilitates simultaneous, hierarchical and multi-tasking control of the craft and permits verification and inspection of payloads, which might otherwise cause damage when proximate to more valuable assets.
Owner:ADVANCED MARITIME SUPPORT TECH
Coil shooting mode
The technique disclosed herein includes a method and apparatus for controlling streamer steering devices to maintain a coil streamer shape that gives coverage for a coil shooting plan. The technique uses solved positions and a target coil streamer shape identified in the shooting plan to determine steering instructions to the streamer steering devices along the streamer.
Owner:REFLECTION MARINE NORGE AS
Launch and recovery system
The launch and recovery system provides a dive wing and drogue assembly that is towed behind a ship by cables. The dive wing imparts a downward thrust to the drogue, so that the drogue is towed underwater, placing tension on the cables. The cables become stiff due to the speed of the ship and the weight and depth of the dive wing and drogue assembly, so that the cables take on the character of rails. The boat or watercraft to be launched is placed on a sling carriage that is slidably mounted on the cables, so that the sling slides down the cables, launching the watercraft in the stable wake of the ship. The watercraft is recovered by tying a winch cable or line to the watercraft, winching the watercraft back onto the sling, and winching the sling back onto the fantail of the ship.
Owner:SEIPLE RONALD L
Active steering systems and methods for marine seismic sources
ActiveUS20070223307A1Removal costEliminate needTowing/pushing equipmentSeismology for water-covered areasAutomatic steeringSubject matter
Systems and methods for automatic steering of marine seismic sources are described. One system comprises a marine seismic spread comprising a towing vessel and a seismic source, the seismic source comprising one or more source arrays each having a center of source array, each source array having one or more source strings; a seismic source deployment sub-system on the towing vessel, the sub-system controlled by a controller including a software module, the software module and the deployment sub-system adapted to control an inline distance between one of the centers of source array and a target coordinate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
Owner:REFLECTION MARINE NORGE AS
Apparatus for steering a marine seismic streamer via controlled bending
A marine seismic streamer steering device comprises at least two hinged sections pivotally coupled to each other and connected between two adjacent sections of the seismic streamer, and a bend control unit that controls bending of the hinged sections relative to the longitudinal axis of the seismic streamer. The steering device further comprises a roll sensor which determines rotational orientation of the body and transmits the orientation to the bend control unit, a lateral position sensor which determines lateral position of the body and transmits the lateral position to the bend control unit, and a depth sensor which determines depth of the body and transmits the depth to the bend control unit. The bend control unit then controls the bending of the hinged sections based on the transmitted rotational orientation, lateral position, and depth of the body.
Owner:PGS AMERICA INC
Turbine-integrated hydrofoil
InactiveUS7298056B2Good energyFacilitates maintaining overall stability and guidanceElectrolysis componentsAuxillariesPower overEngineering
A turbine integrated within a hydrofoil extracts energy from a free-flowing motive fluid. In the preferred embodiment, the turbine is of the crossflow variety with runner blades coaxial to the width of the hydrofoil. The foremost edge of the hydrofoil comprises a slot covered by a continuously adjustable gate for controlling the overall drag imposed by the turbine. The hydrofoil mounts to a sailing vessel by means of a gimbal on a structure affixed to the hull, enabling the turbine to optimally respond to changes in direction of the free-flowing motive fluid and facilitating guidance and stability of the vessel. Both axes of the gimbal have a combination of auxiliary generator and motor with a locking mechanism. Engaging the motor and locking mechanism controls the guidance and stability of the overall vessel, and the pitch of the hydrofoil. Disengaging the locking mechanism and motor permits any change in direction of the motive fluid to affect the gimbal thereby extracting energy via the auxiliary generators. To further control drag and output power over a range of flow velocities, the preferred turbine comprises a DC generator with voltage feedback controlling field excitation, coupled to a voltage and current regulating circuit that performs electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen fuel. The hydrogen fuel tank also functions as the vessel's ballast having adjustable draft depending upon its fullness. Integrated remote control simultaneously optimizes vessel guidance, velocity, drag, stability, ballast depth, and electrolysis processes.
Owner:INTEGRATED POWER TECH CORP
Node storage, deployment and retrieval system
A method and apparatus for storing, deploying and retrieving a plurality of seismic devices is described. The apparatus includes a ramp device coupled to a portion of a trailing end of a vessel, a cable handling device positioned between the ramp device and a leading end of the vessel to define a cable path across the ramp device, and at least one conveyor system having a first end located adjacent the ramp device and a second end extending toward the leading end of the vessel. A deployment method includes providing nodes from a storage area to a workstation where the nodes may be attached to a cable. A retrieval method includes routing a cable through a workstation to detach nodes from the cable section and transfer the detached nodes to the storage area.
Owner:MAGSEIS FF LLC
Lateral force and depth control device for marine seismic sensor array
A lateral force and depth control device for a seismic streamer includes an inner housing including a coupling at each longitudinal end thereof. The couplings are configured to mate with a corresponding coupling at a longitudinal end of a streamer segment. The device includes an outer housing rotatably supported on the inner housing. A signal communication device is configured to transfer at least one of electrical power and signals between the inner housing and the outer housing while enabling relative rotation therebetween. A plurality of control surfaces are rotatably coupled to the outer housing and arranged about the circumference of the outer housing. The control surfaces are coupled to the outer housing by releasable couplings. A first controllable actuator and a second controllable actuator are disposed in the outer housing and functionally coupled to at least a first and a second one of the control surfaces, respectively.
Owner:PGS GEOPHYSICAL AS
Active steering for marine seismic sources
ActiveUS7957220B2Avoid obstructionTowing/pushing equipmentSound producing devicesSeismic surveyEngineering
A seismic survey system having a source array (11) coupled to a deflector device (15) that controls the position of the source array. A positioning system unit (16) is mounted on the source array to provide a signal to a controller, informing the controller of the current position of the source array so that the controller can control the position of the deflector device (15) and the coupled source array. A seismic source (14) on the source array may be triggered when the source array is at a desired location as measured by the positioning system unit. The deflector device (15) comprises one or more wings (18) in a generally vertical or, alternatively, in a generally horizontal arrangement disposed adjacent to a central body (19). The streamlined central body has connection points that allow the deflector device (15) to be connected to a tow cable (13) from the tow vessel (12) and to the source array (11).
Owner:REFLECTION MARINE NORGE AS
Steerable diverter for towed seismic streamer arrays
A paravane for a marine seismic survey system includes a float and at least one diverter operatively coupled to the float. The diverter is configured to redirect flow of water past the paravane with respect to a direction of motion of the paravane through water. The paravane also includes a steering device. The steering device is configured to controllably redirect the flow of water so as to control an amount of lateral force generated by the paravane.
Owner:PGS GEOPHYSICAL AS
Wind-powered linear motion hydrogen production systems
InactiveUS20050252764A1Efficient use ofProduce hydrogenFinal product manufactureFuel cell auxillariesElectricityLinear motion
A system for generating hydrogen is provided which includes at least one vessel which floats in water. At least one sail for capturing wind to move the vessel reciprocally along a substantially linear path is mounted on the vessel. A power generation system is provided for converting movement of the vessel relative to the water into electricity. And an onboard hydrogen production system produces hydrogen by electrolysis using the electricity generated by the power generation system.
Owner:MELLER MOSHE
Active steering for marine seismic sources
ActiveUS20070019504A1Avoid obstructionTowing/pushing equipmentSound producing devicesSeismic surveyPositioning system
A seismic survey system having a source array (11) coupled to a deflector device (15) that controls the position of the source array. A positioning system unit (16) is mounted on the source array to provide a signal to a controller, informing the controller of the current position of the source array so that the controller can control the position of the deflector device (15) and the coupled source array. A seismic source (14) on the source array may be triggered when the source array is at a desired location as measured by the positioning system unit. The deflector device (15) comprises one or more wings (18) in a generally vertical or, alternatively, in a generally horizontal arrangement disposed adjacent to a central body (19). The streamlined central body has connection points that allow the deflector device (15) to be connected to a tow cable (13) from the tow vessel (12) and to the source array (11).
Owner:REFLECTION MARINE NORGE AS
Launch and recovery system for unmanned undersea vehicles
InactiveUS7712429B1Reduce in quantityHarm reductionTowing/pushing equipmentCargo handling apparatusOcean bottomMotor drive
A system operable by a single workman safely launches and recovers an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) using a motor-driven carriage to transport the UUV to the water. The UUV is fitted to a reconfigurable sabot. An elevating ramp on the carriage supports the sabot and UUV on an elongate conveyer assembly having inclined rollers aligned with motor-driven belts to selectively outwardly and inwardly displace the UUV between the carriage and the water. Hinge members are used to rotatably connect the elevating ramp to the carriage, and a lifting mechanism connected to the carriage and ramp rotatably displaces the ramp about the hinge members. The rollers and belts displace the UUV on the conveyer assembly. A winch on the elevating ramp has a line connected to the UUV to lower and raise the UUV during launch and recovery operations.
Owner:USA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE NAVY THE
Sea vessel retrieval of unmanned underwater vehicles
One or more docking cages releasably attached to a tow line extending from the stern of a retrieval ship, emit tracking beacon beams picked up by sensors in unmanned underwater sea craft vehicles being approached, for steered propulsion thereof into rammed hook attachment to the cages. A sea craft vehicle thereby releasably attached to a cage, is towed onboard the retrieval ship by storage reel-in of the tow line, which is then disconnected from the cage and the retrieved vehicle for subsequent use in retrieval of other unmanned sea craft vehicles.
Owner:CHIEF OF NAVAL RES
Active steering for marine sources
A seismic survey system includes a winch having a winch cable coupleable to a source array towable between two deflected lead-ins, a positioning system for determining a current position of the source array and a controller for adjusting the winch to modify the current position of the source array to a desired crossline position. The winches may be attached to the deflected lead-ins or mounted on a tow vessel. The winches exert lateral forces on the source array, derived from the deflected lead-ins, to control the inline position of the source array. A method includes positioning a seismic source array in tow behind a vessel comprises determining a current position of the source array and adjusting a lateral force applied to the source array to move the source array to a desired crossline position. Optionally, by adjusting the gun cable winch, the inline position may be controlled.
Owner:REFLECTION MARINE NORGE AS
Instride inflatable autonomous fuel depot
InactiveUS6945187B1Prevent leakageLow costDefensive equipmentTowing/pushing equipmentAmbient waterTransceiver
A fuel depot and method autonomously and clandestinely provide fuel for transiting ships. An elongate streamlined flexible bladder member has flexible hull walls and divider walls separated by uniform spaces to form fuel compartments having a fuel valve and fuel pump. The bladder member can transit submerged to a remote destination. A fuel and water tight composition in and along the spaces prevent fuel and water leaks to ambient water and between the compartments. A submersible propulsion system has propulsive machinery and steering gear for towing the bladder member. A command/control system on the submersible propulsion system generated and couples driving signals to the propulsion system to tow and steer the bladder member to the remote destination using the preprogrammed computer, inertial navigation system (INS), global positioning system (GPS), and RF transceiver of the command/control system.
Owner:SEC OF THE NAVY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE
Connector for seismic cable
ActiveUS7933165B2Towing/pushing equipmentRotary current collectorCouplingElectrical and Electronics engineering
A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of cable segments comprising at least a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled by a connector. The connector comprises a cylindrical body having a first diameter, a portion of the body having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter and centrally positioned between opposing ends of the body, a first coupling section having a terminating end of the first cable segment anchored therein, and a second coupling section having a terminating end of the second cable segment anchored therein, at least a portion of the first and second coupling sections being rotatably coupled to respective ends of the body, wherein the connector isolates the first cable segment from the second cable segment. A method of deployment and retrieval of the seismic cable is also described.
Owner:APPLIED FIBER MFG +1
Systems and methods for steering seismic arrays
InactiveUS7577060B2Small size and weightTowing/pushing equipmentSeismology for water-covered areasSeismic surveyEngineering
Marine seismic survey systems and methods are presented. One system comprises a source array, a tow vessel, one or more source tow members, one or more deflecting members operatively connected to the source array; one or more streamers connected to the tow vessel by a corresponding number of streamer tow members, one or more of the streamers positioned by corresponding one or more active or passive streamer deflectors, one or more source separation members connecting one or more source tow members to one or more streamer tow members, and optionally one or more streamer separation members connecting one or more streamer tow members. The one or more source separation members help position the source array in conjunction with the one or more. deflecting members. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
Owner:WESTERNGECO LLC
Wake tower and method of making same
An attractive wake tower assembly that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. In one form of wake tower assembly, the windshield component and the wake tower component are of a novel unitary construction.
Owner:METCALF ROBERT
Method and apparatus for dynamically controlled buoyancy of towed arrays
InactiveUS6533627B1Good flexibilityIncreases size and costTowing/pushing equipmentSeismic signal receiversElectricityMarine engineering
The present invention relates generally a method and apparatus for adjusting the buoyancy of towed seismic arrays comprising a plurality of streamers and specifically to the dynamic buoyancy control of the buoyancy of a towed array of streamers by means of applying current to electroactive polymers (EAP) incorporated within the towed array of seismic streamers. The bulk density of the streamer array is electrically altered to accomplish neutral buoyancy for a towed array of streamers within the full range of water-densities from fresh to extremely dense seawater.
Owner:REFLECTION MARINE NORGE AS
Water sport towing apparatus and method
InactiveUSRE37823E1Improve featuresMaintain stabilityTowing/pushing equipmentVessel superstructuresShip stabilityWater Sport
The aerial performance characteristics of a performer using a water sport implement such as a wakeboard, and being towed by a vessel while maintaining stability of the vessel includes a first relatively rigid vertical support fitted to one side of the, a second relatively rigid vertical support fitted structure to an opposing side, and a horizontal bridging portion extending between upper extremities of the first and second vertically extending supports, at a height substantially above a level of the operator station for the vessel. A tow rope is attached to the horizontally extending bridging portion for towing the performer from the horizontally extending bridging portion while operating the vessel in a body of water. By pivotally attaching the first and second supports to the respective sides of the vessel, they can be rotated downwardly so that the vessel may pass underneath a bridge or into a boat house.
Owner:CORRECT CRAFT IP HLDG
Containerized geophysical equipment handling and storage systems, and methods of use
InactiveUS8021080B2Easy to handleEasy to shipDefensive equipmentTowing/pushing equipmentSubject matterWinch
Systems and methods for marine seismic cable deployment and retrieval are described. One system comprises a plurality of portable containers, each container temporarily storing a marine seismic component, at least some of the containers able to be removably fastened to a deck of a vessel of opportunity, and at least one of the portable containers storing a main cable winch on which is wound a marine seismic cable. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
Owner:WESTERNGECO LLC
Wake tower and method of making same
An attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-Shaped configuration that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. Each of the side members of the assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section. The lower portion of each of the side members have a first width and the upper portion of each of the side members have a first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.
Owner:TIGE BOATS
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