Method and apparatus for deployment of ocean bottom seismometers

An apparatus for deployment of ocean bottom seismic data receivers, said apparatus comprising:

• a remotely operated vehicle;
• and
• a carrier attached to said remotely operated vehicle, wherein said carrier is disposed to carry at least two ocean bottom seismic data receivers removably secured therein,
• said carrier further comprising a frame and a movable conveyor housed within said frame, wherein said plurality of receivers can be disposed on said conveyor,
• wherein said conveyor comprises a belt, and
• wherein said conveyor is defined along a linear path and is disposed to move receivers along its linear path, wherein said path has a first end and a second ends and linearly extends between its first end and second end.

An apparatus for attachment to an ROV and disposed to carry a plurality of seismic data receivers, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame for attachment to said ROV;
• a first elongated conveyor disposed within said frame;
• a second elongated conveyor disposed within said frame,
• wherein each of said conveyors is defined along a linear path and is disposed to move receivers along its respective linear path, wherein each linear path has a first end and a second end and extends between its first end and second end;
• and
• a discharge port adjacent the second ends of said conveyor paths.

An apparatus for attachment to an ROV and disposed to carry a plurality of seismic data receivers, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame for attachment to said ROV;
• a first conveyor disposed within said frame;
• and
• a discharge port adjacent said conveyor,
• wherein said conveyor comprises a belt and rollers around which the linear belt is disposed, and
• wherein said conveyor is defined along a linear path and is disposed to move receivers along its linear path, wherein said path has a first end and a second ends and linearly extends between its first end and second end.

An apparatus for deployment of ocean bottom seismic data receivers, said apparatus comprising:

• a. a remotely operated vehicle;
• and
• b. a carrier attached to said remotely operated vehicle, wherein said carrier is disposed to carry at least two ocean bottom seismic data receivers removably secured therein,
• c. said carrier further comprising a frame and a movable conveyor housed within said frame, wherein said plurality of receivers can be disposed on said conveyor,
• d. said movable conveyor comprising a plurality of spaced apart rollers around which is disposed a closed loop, elongated conveyor belt having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface characterized by a width of sufficient breadth to support a plurality of receivers disposed along the length of said belt, said plurality of spaced apart rollers disposed to support the inner surface of said belt along its length.