Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090310441 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING A BEAM OF ACOUSTIC ENERGY FROM A BOREHOLE, AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - A compact array of transducers is employed as a downhole instrument for acoustic investigation of the surrounding rock formation. The array is operable to generate simultaneously a first acoustic beam signal at a first frequency and a second acoustic beam signal at a second frequency different than the first frequency. These two signals can be oriented through an azimuthal rotation of the array and an inclination rotation using control of the relative phases of the signals from the transmitter elements or electromechanical linkage. Due to the non-linearity of the formation, the first and the second acoustic beam signal mix into the rock formation where they combine into a collimated third signal that propagates in the formation along the same direction than the first and second signals and has a frequency equal to the difference of the first and the second acoustic signals. The third signal is received either within the same borehole, after reflection, or another borehole, after transmission, and analyzed to determine information about rock formation. Recording of the third signal generated along several azimuthal and inclination directions also provides 3D images of the formation, information about 3D distribution of rock formation and fluid properties and an indication of the dynamic acoustic non-linearity of the formation. | 12-17-2009 |
20100265794 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ESTIMATE COMPRESSIONAL TO SHEAR VELOCITY (VP/VS) RATIO IN A REGION REMOTE FROM A BOREHOLE - In some aspects of the disclosure, a method for creating three-dimensional images of non-linear properties and the compressional to shear velocity ratio in a region remote from a borehole using a conveyed logging tool is disclosed. In some aspects, the method includes arranging a first source in the borehole and generating a steered beam of elastic energy at a first frequency; arranging a second source in the borehole and generating a steerable beam of elastic energy at a second frequency, such that the steerable beam at the first frequency and the steerable beam at the second frequency intercept at a location away from the borehole; receiving at the borehole by a sensor a third elastic wave, created by a three wave mixing process, with a frequency equal to a difference between the first and second frequencies and a direction of propagation towards the borehole; determining a location of a three wave mixing region based on the arrangement of the first and second sources and on properties of the third wave signal; and creating three-dimensional images of the non-linear properties using data recorded by repeating the generating, receiving and determining at a plurality of azimuths, inclinations and longitudinal locations within the borehole. The method is additionally used to generate three dimensional images of the ratio of compressional to shear acoustic velocity of the same volume surrounding the borehole. | 10-21-2010 |
20100265795 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CREATE THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES OF NON-LINEAR ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES IN A REGION REMOTE FROM A BOREHOLE - In some aspects of the disclosure, a method for creating three-dimensional images of non-linear properties and the compressional to shear velocity ratio in a region remote from a borehole using a conveyed logging tool is disclosed. In some aspects, the method includes arranging a first source in the borehole and generating a steered beam of elastic energy at a first frequency; arranging a second source in the borehole and generating a steerable beam of elastic energy at a second frequency, such that the steerable beam at the first frequency and the steerable beam at the second frequency intercept at a location away from the borehole; receiving at the borehole by a sensor a third elastic wave, created by a three wave mixing process, with a frequency equal to a difference between the first and second frequencies and a direction of propagation towards the borehole; determining a location of a three wave mixing region based on the arrangement of the first and second sources and on properties of the third wave signal; and creating three-dimensional images of the non-linear properties using data recorded by repeating the generating, receiving and determining at a plurality of azimuths, inclinations and longitudinal locations within the borehole. The method is additionally used to generate three dimensional images of the ratio of compressional to shear acoustic velocity of the same volume surrounding the borehole. | 10-21-2010 |
20120120761 | INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION - A system for investigating non-linear properties of a rock formation around a borehole is provided. The system includes a first sub-system configured to perform data acquisition, control and recording of data; a second subsystem in communication with the first sub-system and configured to perform non-linearity and velocity preliminary imaging; a third subsystem in communication with the first subsystem and configured to emit controlled acoustic broadcasts and receive acoustic energy; a fourth subsystem in communication with the first subsystem and the third subsystem and configured to generate a source signal directed towards the rock formation; and a fifth subsystem in communication with the third subsystem and the fourth subsystem and configured to perform detection of signals representative of the non-linear properties of the rock formation. | 05-17-2012 |
20120120763 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION WITH ACOUSTIC SOURCES GENERATING CODED SIGNALS - A system and a method for investigating rock formations includes generating, by a first acoustic source, a first acoustic signal comprising a first plurality of pulses, each pulse including a first modulated signal at a central frequency; and generating, by a second acoustic source, a second acoustic signal comprising a second plurality of pulses. A receiver arranged within the borehole receives a detected signal including a signal being generated by a non-linear mixing process from the first-and-second acoustic signal in a non-linear mixing zone within the intersection volume. The method also includes-processing the received signal to extract the signal generated by the non-linear mixing process over noise or over signals generated by a linear interaction process, or both. | 05-17-2012 |
20120120764 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES AND 3D IMAGING OF NON-LINEAR PROPERTY, COMPRESSIONAL VELOCITY VP, SHEAR VELOCITY VS AND VELOCITY RATIO VP/VS OF A ROCK FORMATION - A system and a method for generating a three-dimensional image of a rock formation, compressional velocity VP, shear velocity VS and velocity ratio VP/VS of a rock formation are provided. A first acoustic signal includes a first plurality of pulses. A second acoustic signal from a second source includes a second plurality of pulses. A detected signal returning to the borehole includes a signal generated by a non-linear mixing process from the first and second acoustic signals in a non-linear mixing zone within an intersection volume. The received signal is processed to extract the signal over noise and/or signals resulting from linear interaction and the three dimensional image of is generated. | 05-17-2012 |
20120120765 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION WITH ACOUSTIC SOURCES GENERATING CONICAL BROADCAST SIGNALS - A method of interrogating a formation includes generating a conical acoustic signal, at a first frequency—a second conical acoustic signal at a second frequency each in the between approximately 500 Hz and 500 kHz such that the signals intersect in a desired intersection volume outside the borehole. The method further includes receiving, a difference signal returning to the borehole resulting from a non-linear mixing of the signals in a mixing zone within the intersection volume. | 05-17-2012 |
20120120766 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION USING COMPRESSIONAL ACOUSTIC SOURCES - A system and method for investigating rock formations outside a borehole are provided. The method includes generating a first compressional acoustic wave at a first frequency by a first acoustic source; and generating a second compressional acoustic wave at a second frequency by a second acoustic source. The first and the second acoustic sources are arranged within a localized area of the borehole. The first and the second acoustic waves intersect in an intersection volume outside the borehole. The method further includes receiving a third shear acoustic wave at a third frequency, the third shear acoustic wave returning to the borehole due to a non-linear mixing process in a non-linear mixing zone within the intersection volume at a receiver arranged in the borehole. The third frequency is equal to a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. | 05-17-2012 |
20120120767 | DATA ACQUISITION AND PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION - A system and a method includes generating a first signal at a first frequency; and a second signal at a second frequency. Respective sources are positioned within the borehole and controllable such that the signals intersect in an intersection volume outside the borehole. A receiver detects a difference signal returning to the borehole generated by a non-linear mixing process within the intersection volume, and records the detected signal and stores the detected signal in a storage device and records measurement parameters including a position of the first acoustic source, a position of the second acoustic source, a position of the receiver, elevation angle and azimuth angle of the first acoustic signal and elevation angle and azimuth angle of the second acoustic signal. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123684 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING MICRO-SEISMIC EVENTS AND CHARACTERIZING PROPERTIES OF A MEDIUM WITH NON-LINEAR ACOUSTIC INTERACTIONS - A method and system includes generating a first coded acoustic signal including pulses each having a modulated signal at a central frequency; and a second coded acoustic signal each pulse of which includes a modulated signal a central frequency of which is a fraction d of the central frequency of the modulated signal for the corresponding pulse in the first plurality of pulses. A receiver detects a third signal generated by a non-linear mixing process in the mixing zone and the signal is processed to extract the third signal to obtain an emulated micro-seismic event signal occurring at the mixing zone; and to characterize properties of the medium or creating a 3D image of the properties of the medium, or both, based on the emulated micro-seismic event signal. | 05-17-2012 |
20140160882 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING 3D IMAGES OF NON-LINEAR PROPERTIES OF ROCK FORMATION USING SURFACE SEISMIC OR SURFACE TO BOREHOLE SEISMIC OR BOTH - A system and method of characterizing properties of a medium from a non-linear interaction are include generating, by first and second acoustic sources disposed on a surface of the medium on a first line, first and second acoustic waves. The first and second acoustic sources are controllable such that trajectories of the first and second acoustic waves intersect in a mixing zone within the medium. The method further includes receiving, by a receiver positioned in a plane containing the first and second acoustic sources, a third acoustic wave generated by a non-linear mixing process from the first and second acoustic waves in the mixing zone; and creating a first two-dimensional image of non-linear properties or a first ratio of compressional velocity and shear velocity, or both, of the medium in a first plane generally perpendicular to the surface and containing the first line, based on the received third acoustic wave. | 06-12-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080300122 | Method And Apparatus For Making Bags - A method and apparatus for making bags is disclosed. It includes receiving a film and imparting a plurality of successive seals to the film to form bags. The location of the imparted seals is determined by monitoring at least two sensors. A plurality of perforations are imparted to the film at locations relative to a corresponding seal in response to the determination. The position of a perforator such as rotary position, of a knife may be controlled in response to determining the location. The seals may be formed by a rotary drum, and the perforation by a rotary knife. The sensors may be at the same or different cross machine direction and/or machine direction locations. Startup may include adjusting and recording the position of a prior perforation relative to a prior corresponding seal, and using that recording as a base relative location in another embodiment. | 12-04-2008 |
20080312056 | Method and Apparatus for Making Bags - A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web , traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone, and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, includes a heating wire, or be disposed to create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire can have, connected thereto, a source of power that is at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or a feedback loop. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire and make intermittent contact with the web and be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone, or includes a heat film, a toothed blade, a row of pins, a source of air, or a source of vacuum. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy. | 12-18-2008 |
20090305859 | Method and Apparatus For Making Bags - A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone, and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, includes a heating wire, or be disposed to create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire can have, connected thereto, a source of power that is at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or a feedback loop. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire and make intermittent contact with the web and be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone, or includes a heat film, a toothed blade, a row of pins, a source of air, or a source of vacuum. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy. | 12-10-2009 |
20100087305 | Method and Apparatus For Making A Wave Top Bag - A method and apparatus for making rolls of wave cut bags, and a roll of bags is disclosed. A film is weakened along a generally straight line in a generally cross machine direction. The film is also weakened a wave shape, and the wave shape weakenings are alternated with the straight line weakenings. The film is folded in a cross machine direction, and the straight line weakenings are separated to form bottoms of adjacent bags. The bottoms of adjacent bags are preferably overlapped, although they need not be. The wave shaped weakenings are preferably separated (although they need not be) to form wave shaped tops of a adjacent bags. If separated, the wave shaped tops have a longer portion and a shorter portion, and the longer portion is between, in the machine direction, the longer and shorter portion of the adjacent wave shaped top. | 04-08-2010 |
20110312480 | Method and Apparatus For Making Bags - A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone, and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, includes a heating wire, or be disposed to create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire can have, connected thereto, a source of power that is at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or a feedback loop. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire and make intermittent contact with the web and be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone, or includes a heat film, a toothed blade, a row of pins, a source of air, or a source of vacuum. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy. | 12-22-2011 |
20130190155 | Method and Apparatus For Making Bags - A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, heating wire, and/or may create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire is powered by a source of power at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or with a feedback loop. The heating wire may make intermittent contact with the web and/or be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy. | 07-25-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090289833 | Sparse array millimeter wave imaging system - An active millimeter-wave imaging system that can provide a means of surmounting the deficiencies of earlier millimeter-wave systems, as well as lowering the system cost substantially. Earlier systems have employed large numbers of individual millimeter-wave receivers in either focal plane arrays or frequency scanned antenna arrays, and these systems have suffered from low frame rate, poor contrast, and relatively low resolution. By employing a sparse array of millimeter-wave transmitters and receivers, covering a relatively large, flat, physical aperture, a low cost and high resolution system can be achieved. By employing active millimeter-wave illumination, contrast and frame rate issues can be mitigated, at long ranges (10's of meters). A new approach, termed Fourier Telescopy, allows the illuminating signals to interrogate the various spatial frequencies of the target, and the image to be reconstructed from these various spatial frequency components. | 11-26-2009 |
20120044320 | High resolution 3-D holographic camera - A high resolution 3-D holographic camera. A reference spot on a target is illuminated by three spatially separated beamlets (simultaneously produced from a single laser beam), producing a lateral shear of a wavefront on the target. The camera measures the resulting reflected speckle intensity pattern which are related the gradient of the interfered complex fields. At the same time a flood beam illuminates the entire target and reflected speckle is also recorded by the same camera to provide the necessary object spatial frequencies. The illumination patterns are sequenced in time, stepping through offset phase shifts to provide data necessary to reconstruct an image of the target from the recorded reflected light. The reference spot phase and amplitude are then reconstructed, and the reference spot's complex field is then digitally interfered with the flood illuminated speckle field by use of a special algorithm. In order to obtain a high resolution 3D image of the target, a second measurement is acquired with the laser beam slightly shifted in frequency to second color. | 02-23-2012 |