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US 4,483,411 AGranted
Tunable marine seismic source
AssigneeExxon Production Research Company
InventorJoseph F. Mifsud
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The disclosed device is a marine seismic source which produces a varying FM signal in the low end of the acoustic spectrum. The seismic source uses stiff oscillating radiators to create a signal in the water. These radiators are attached to devices acting as springs with a variable spring rate. Variation of the spring rate as a function of the frequency permits the device to be tuned for maximum power output.
Claims14
A marine seismic source comprising:
- dual opposed acoustic radiators,
- an actuator for oscillating each of said dual radiators adapted to produce a repeating acoustic signal in water having a frequency which rises with time, said actuators being mechanically connected to each said dual radiators,
- a spring system attached to each of said dual radiators having a spring rate that varies as a function of said frequency and comprising at least one piston and cylinder assembly, said assembly comprising two pistons and two cylinders, each of said pistons being attached to one of said dual radiators and said cylinders being liquid filled and being in hydraulic communication with means adapted for varying the effective spring rate of said spring system,
- whereby the output impedance of said acoustic radiator is varied with said frequency so as to substantially maximize the effective output power of said source at said frequency.
1 more element
A marine seismic source comprising:
- dual opposed acoustic radiating plates,
- an actuator for oscillating each of said dual radiating plates adapted to produce a repeating acoustic signal in water, which frequency varies with time about linearly from about 1O Hz to about 20 Hz, said actuators being mechanically connected to each said plate,
- a spring system attached to each of said radiating plates and having a spring rate that varies as a function of said frequency and comprising at least one piston and cylinder assembly, said assembly comprising two pistons and two cylinders, each of said pistons being attached to one of said dual radiating plates and said cylinders being liquid filled and being in hydraulic communication with means adapted for varying the effective spring rate of said spring system,
- a frame for supporting said radiating plates, actuator, and spring system,
- whereby the output impedance of said acoustic radiators is varied with said frequency so as to substantially maximize the effective output power of said source at said frequency.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.