Seismic Source/Receiver Probe for Shallow Seismic Surveying

• US 20110103186A1
• Filed: 07/16/2010
• Published: 05/05/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Whittemore, Peter Krumhansl
• Original Assignee: David Whittemore, Peter Krumhansl
• Inventors: Krumhansl, Peter, Whittemore, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,804,463 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 367/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/047 Arrangements for coupling the generator to the ground
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/09 Transporting arrangements, e.g. on vehicles G01V1/38 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/147 using impact of dropping masses
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/16 Receiving elements for seismic signals; Arrangements or adaptations of receiving elements
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/166 Arrangements for coupling receivers to the ground

Abstract

Systems and methods are implemented for evaluating underground structures and objects, particularly relatively shallow underground structures and objects, using a seismic or acoustic source signal and a resulting seismic or acoustic wave. A discrete or unitary apparatus incorporates both a seismic source transducer and a receiver transducer within a common housing or frame. A unitary seismic probe includes a ground engaging member and a seismic source mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member. The probe further includes a sensor assembly mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member and configured to sense ground vibrations resulting from an impact to the ground engaging member by the seismic source.

Claims

1. A unitary seismic probe, comprising;

a housing having a generally elongated configuration;

a ground engagement member supported by the housing and comprising an earth contacting member;

a seismic source supported by the housing and mechanically coupled to the ground engagement member; and

a sensor assembly supported by the housing and mechanically coupled to the ground engagement member and configured to sense ground vibrations resulting from an impact to the ground engaging member by the seismic source;

the ground engagement member, the seismic source, and the sensor assembly each having a longitudinal axis and arranged in the housing such that the respective longitudinal axes are aligned in a substantially parallel relationship.

2. A seismic sensor array, comprising;

a frame comprising ground supports configured to support the sensor array;

a plurality of discrete probes, each comprising;

a ground engagement member;

a seismic source mechanically coupled to the ground engagement member; and

a sensor assembly mechanically coupled to the ground engagement member and configured to sense ground vibrations resulting from an impact to the ground engagement member by the seismic source; and

a cross member configured to support mount arms for each probe so that the discrete probes are maintained in substantially fixed relative locations while allowing the probes to individually contact and engage the ground.

3. The array of claim 2, wherein the ground engagement member, the seismic source, and the sensor assembly of each of the discrete probes has a longitudinal axis and arranged in a housing such that the respective longitudinal axes are aligned in a substantially parallel relationship.