Automated geophysical sensor deployment apparatus and method
AssigneeGeophysical Technology, Inc.
InventorsRichard A. Degner, Gary L. Scott
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for deployment of a geophysical sensor includes moving a ram having a ground penetrating bit at a movable end thereof to a selected geodetic position. The ram and the ground penetrating bit are extended to create a hole in a ground surface while measuring extension of the ram. The ram is retracted, and if the measured extension of the ram indicates successful creation of the hole, then the geophysical sensor is moved to a position beneath the ram and the ram is extended to urge the geophysical sensor into the hole.
Claims20
A method for deployment of a geophysical sensor, comprising:
- moving a ram having a ground penetrating bit at a movable end thereof to a selected geodetic position;
- extending the ram and the ground penetrating bit to create a hole in a ground surface while measuring extension of the ram, the extending performed at a first force applied to the ram;
- retracting the ram, and if the measured extension of the ram indicates successful creation of the hole, then;
- moving the geophysical sensor to a position beneath the ram;
- and
- extending the ram to urge the geophysical sensor into the hole at a second force applied to the ram greater than the first force.
A method for deployment of a geophysical sensor, comprising:
- moving a ram having a ground penetrating bit at a movable end thereof to a selected geodetic position, wherein the ground penetrating bit comprises a substantially smooth, round exterior surface, the ground penetrating bit comprises a tip having a first taper angle and a hole creating profile section adjacent to the tip, the profile section has a same, non-zero exterior taper angle as an exterior taper angle of a ground contact portion of the geophysical sensor, the ground penetrating bit has dimensions smaller than the ground contact portion of the geophysical sensor at corresponding longitudinal positions along each of the ground contact portion of the geophysical sensor and the ground penetrating bit;
- extending the ram and the ground penetrating bit to create a hole in a ground surface;
- while extending the ram, measuring an extension of the ram;
- retracting the ram when the measured extension of the ram indicates successful creation of the hole;
- moving the geophysical sensor to a position beneath the ram;
- and
- extending the ram to urge the geophysical sensor into the hole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.