Electromagnetic seismology vibrator systems and methods

US8699302B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Ray Zowarka · Austin, US
• John Uglum · Austin, US
• Jim L. Upshaw · Austin, US
• Charles Penney · Round Rock, US
• Hsing-Pang Liu · Austin, US
• Stephen Manifold · Austin, US
• Kent Davey · Edgewater Junction, US
• Bryan Bunkowski · Austin, US
• David N. Prater · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2010
• Grant date: Apr 15, 2014
• Expiry date: May 31, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01V1/155
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An electromagnetic system having a reaction mass with a field winding embedded therein, a base plate having an inner annular surface and an outer annular surface, and an armature winding coupled to at least a portion of the inner annular surface and at least a portion of the outer annular surface of an upper end portion of the base plate. In operation, directing an electric current in at least one of the field winding and the armature winding causes at least one of the base plate and the reaction mass to move relative to each other. The electromagnetic system can be used for seismic exploration and vibroseis applications, among other uses.