Acoustics – Geophysical or subsurface exploration – Well logging
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-07
2001-01-16
Nappi, Robert E. (Department: 2837)
Acoustics
Geophysical or subsurface exploration
Well logging
C181S106000, C181S120000, C181S121000, C181S142000, C181S402000, C367S017000, C367S018000, C367S143000, C367S153000, C367S171000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173803
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of sound wave generation. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for generating a high amplitude sound wave.
Sound waves propagate through a medium, such as land, air, or water with an amplitude that is representative of the energy of the sound wave. Sound waves that have an extremely high amplitude are commonly referred to as shock waves and have a large amount of energy. The large amplitude of the shock wave corresponds to a large leading edge pressure differential. Shock waves can be formed by sharp and violent disturbances within a medium, such as a lightning strike, an explosion, or supersonic flow over a body. When a shock wave is traveling through a medium and strikes a body residing in that medium, the shock wave delivers an impulse to the body that is a function of the speed of the shockwave, the pressure differential of the shock wave, and the time span of the shockwave.
There are many circumstances in which it is desirable to produce a high amplitude sound wave or a shock wave. Seismic visualization of marine oil reservoirs is one example. Seismic visualization is a technique used to determine the size and shape of underground oil reservoirs. The technique involves radiating sound waves into the earth's surface above the reservoir and then capturing the reflected waves. The characteristics of the reflected waves can then be analyzed to visualize the size and shape of the underground reservoir as well as the geological formations in the area surrounding the reservoir. This technique is useful when exploring for new oil reservoirs and also for managing oil production from a known oil reservoir. A sound wave having a large amplitude will penetrate deeper into the ground and provide a greater representation of the underground reservoir.
It has also been found that high amplitude sound waves can be used to neutralize explosive mines in both land and water. A sharp impulse, such as that of a high amplitude sound wave, that is delivered to an explosive mine, can rupture the mine casing and render the mine ineffective. Thus, an area suspected of containing explosive mines may be cleared by radiating high amplitude sound waves into the area to neutralize the mines.
Currently, explosives are used to generate high amplitude sound waves for use in these types of applications. However, in underwater applications, the use of explosive devices is very unfriendly to the underwater environment. In addition, it is very difficult to precisely direct and focus a sound wave generated by an explosive device. Moreover, once the explosive charge in an explosive device is used, the explosive charge must be replaced prior to generating another sound wave.
In light of the foregoing there is a need for an environmentally friendly, re-useable and focusable high amplitude sound wave generating device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a device for generating a high amplitude sound wave. The advantages and purposes of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages and purposes of the invention will be realized and attained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention is directed to a device for generating a high amplitude sound wave. The device includes a housing having an open end and a piston. The piston is slidably disposed in the open end of the housing and forms a chamber within the housing for holding a pressurized liquid. The pressurized fluid creating a first force that acts on the piston to move the piston relative to the housing. A latch is provided to fix the position of the piston relative to the housing and to release the piston to allow the piston to move relative to the housing in response to the force of the pressurized liquid and generate the sound wave.
According to another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of generating a high amplitude sound wave. The method involves fixing a piston within a housing with a latch, the piston and housing defining a charging chamber. Fluid within the chamber is pressurized to exert a force on the piston. The latch is released to allow the force of the pressurized fluid to move the piston relative to the housing and generate the sound wave.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a device for generating a high amplitude sound wave that includes a charging chamber between the piston and the housing for holding fluid at a first pressure that exerts a first force on the piston. A disc is connected to the piston and forms a firing chamber for holding fluid at a second pressure that exerts a second force on the piston. The second force is greater than the first force and prevents the piston from moving relative to the housing. A valve is provided for releasing fluid from the firing chamber until the second force is less than the first force and the fluid in the charging chamber acts on the piston to move the piston and disc relative to the housing to generate the sound wave.
In still another aspect, the invention is directed to a device for generating a high amplitude sound wave that includes a latching means for selectively fixing the piston to the housing. The latching means is further operable to release the piston, thereby allowing the piston to move relative to the housing in response to the force of the pressurized liquid and generate the sound wave.
In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a system for generating a high amplitude sound wave. The system includes a frame and a plurality of housings mounted on the frame. Each of the plurality of housings has an open end and slidably mounts a piston to form a charging chamber. The charging chamber of each housing is configured to hold a pressurized liquid that acts on the corresponding piston to move the corresponding piston relative to the housing. There is also provided a plurality of latches. One of the plurality of latches is disposed on each of the plurality of housings. Each of the latches is operable to fix one of the pistons relative to one of the housings and to release the one piston, thereby allowing the one piston to move relative to the one housing in response to the force of the pressurized liquid and generate the sound wave.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4733382 (1988-03-01), Pascouet
patent: 4798261 (1989-01-01), Chelminski
patent: 4862990 (1989-09-01), Cole
patent: 4874060 (1989-10-01), Guerendel et al.
patent: 4875545 (1989-10-01), Pascouet
patent: 4928783 (1990-05-01), Crook
patent: 5018598 (1991-05-01), Sodich
patent: 5113966 (1992-05-01), Gregory et al.
GTE Service Corporation
Martin Edgardo San
Nappi Robert E.
Suchyta Leonard Charles
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