US 4,301,888 A · Bi-directional impulse shear wave generator and method of use

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, an impulse generator of high portability is provided using a pair of guillotinized, separately activated hammer/anvil sub-assemblies. Since each sub-assembly is horizontal positioned, say in contact with the earth from a position below the wheel of an exploration truck, the equivalent of the "flying blade" of a guillotine, i.e., a weighted hammer element, must be provided with horizontal movement. This is done by tensioning a plurality of springs attached between the hammer element and a rectangular main frame. During cocking and release of the hammer, the explorationist is provided with a series of visual signals in the form of deactivated and activated panel lights. These signals are automatically provided by controller means of the present invention. Release of the cocked hammer, however, is operator controlled for safety reasons say by activation of a latching means attached to the main frame of the assembly.

Claims11

Dependent claims

Method of positioning and generating shear wave energy for use in connection with a seismic exploration system, comprising:

(a) positioning wheels of a vehicle atop first and second guillotinized sub-assemblies of a shear wave generator, to couple the generator to the earth's surface;
(b) hydraulically causing travel of spring-biasable hammer elements of said sub-assemblies in first and second monitorable directions, said directions being opposite to each other;
(c) after monitoring the releasably securing of said spring-biased hammer elements relative to said frame by common controller means, sequentially releasing said hammer elements relative to said frame so that said hammer elements are sequentially carried in directions opposite to said spring-biasing directions and to each other, until impinging contact with anvil elements carried on said main frame occurs, whereby bi-directional shear wave energy is sequentially caused to propagate into said earth.

An impulse generator positioned at the earth's surface for generating bi-directional shear wave energy for use in association with a seismic exploration system, comprising:

(a) first and second guillotinized sub-assemblies each including a horizontally disposed main frame means in coupling contact with the earth, and carrying thereon a two-directionally traveling, spring biased hammer element and a fixed position anvil element;
(b) controller means including separate hydraulic and electrical signal circuit means, operationally connected in common to said hammer element of each sub-assembly in discrete, signal monitorable sequences, in at least one substantially horizontal direction, full two-way travel of said hammer element of each sub-assembly being in complementary directions as to that of said hammer element of the other sub-assembly during subsequent operation thereof, so that bi-directional shear wave energy can be controllably generated, at the earth's surface for propagation substantially parallel thereto but in opposite directions, said electrical signal circuit means including first and second series of visual indicators activated by relative movement of said hammer elements of said sub-assemblies whereby both status of energy generation and improved safety of operations can be provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Bi-directional impulse shear wave generator and method of use

Life of this patent

Bi-directional impulse shear wave generator and method of use

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11