`
`
`Ex. PGS 1069
`
`
`EX. PGS 1069
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`
`
`
`
`

`

`United States Patent [19]
`Chelminski
`[19]
`United States Patent
`Chelminski
`[54] MODULAR AIRGUN ARRAY METHOD,
`APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
`
`[75]
`
`[54] MODULAR AIRGUN ARRAY METHOD,
`Inventor: Stephen V. Chelminski, West
`APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
`Redding, Conn.
`[75]
`Inventor:
`Stephen V. Chelminski, West
`[73] Assignee: Bolt Technology Corporation,
`Redding, Conn.
`Norwalk, Conn.
`[73] Assignee: Bolt Technology Corporation,
`[21] Appl. No.: 475,542
`Norwalk, Conn.
`
`[22] Filed:
`Mar. 15, 1983
`[21] Appl. No.: 475,542
`
`[22] Filed:
`Mar. 15,1983
`Int. Cl.4
`[51]
`00000000000000000000000000 H04R 1/02; GOlV 1/06
`[52] u.s. Cl. 0 000 0000 000 0000 00 000 000 00 00 000 000 000 0 367/144; 181/118
`[51]
`Int. 01.4 .......................... H04R 1/02;c301v 1/06
`
`[58] Field of Search 0 00 00 0 00 0 00 00 00 181/107, 111, 115, 117,
`[52] US. Cl. ................. 367/144; 181/118
`
`181/118, 119, 120; 367/56, 143, 144, 153, 154,
`[53] Field of Search
`81/107, 111, 115, 117,
`177, 172
`181/118, 119, 120; 367/56, 143, 144, 153, 154,
`177, 172
`
`[56]
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,249,177 5/1966 Chelminski 000000000000000000000000• 181/118
`3,249,177 5/1966 Chelminski ......................... 181/118
`3,379,273 4/1968 Chelminski oooooooooooooooooooooooo. 181/118
`3,379,273 4/1968 Chelminsld
`181/118
`3,653,460 4/1972 Chelminski oooooooooooooooooooooooo. 181/120
`
`3,653,460 4/1972 Chelminski
`181/120
`4,034,827 7/1977 Leerskov eta!. 0000000000000000000 181/107
`4,034,827
`7/1977 Leerskov et a1.
`.
`181/107
`4,038,630 7/1977 Chelminski 0000000000000000000000000 181/110
`4,038,630 7/1977 Chelminski
`181/110
`4,047,591 9/1977 Ward eta!. 0000000000000000000000000 181/107
`
`4,047,591
`9/1977 Ward et al.
`181/107
`4,072,923 2/1978 Seims eta!. oooooooooooooooooooooooooOOOO 367/6
`4,072,923
`2/1978 Seims et al.
`367/6
`
`4,210,222 7/1980 Chelminski et al,
`181/107
`4,210,222 7/1980 Chelminski eta!. 0000000000000000 181/107
`
`4,234,052 11/1980 Chelminski
`181/111
`4,234,052 11/1980 Chelminski 0000000000000000000000000 181/ Ill
`4,240,518 12/1980 Chelminski
`181/107
`4,240,518 12/1980 Chelminski 0000000000000000000000000 181/107
`
`4,286,687
`9/1981 Fiske, Jr.
`.. 181/119
`4,286,687 9/1981 Fiske, Jr. OOooooOOoooooooooooooooooooo• 181/119
`4,301,887 “/1981 Fiske, Jr.
`181/107
`
`4,301,887 11/1981 Fiske, Jr. OOOOOOOOOOooOOooOOooooOOoooo• 181/107
`4,464,739
`8/1984 Moorcraft .............
`367/20 X
`4,464,739 8/1984 Moorcraft 0000000000000000000000000 367/20 X
`Primary Examiner—Charles T. Jordan
`Primary Examiner-Charles T. Jordan
`Assistant Examiner—Brian Scott Steinberger
`Assistant Examiner-Brian Scott Steinberger
`
`4,599,712
`[II] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jul. 8, 1986
`[11] Patent Number:
`4,599,712
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Parmelee, Bollinger &
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jul. 8, 1986
`Bramblett
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`Attorney. Agent, or Firm—Parmelee, Bollinger &
`Bramblett
`A plurality of control station, watertight, submerged
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`junction boxes are towed at spaced positions located
`along an airgun array, each junction box for including a
`A plurality of control station, watertight, submerged
`microprocessor and data storage transmission capabil(cid:173)
`junction boxes are towed at spaced positions located
`ity, and airgun firing circuits to control predetermined
`along an airgun array, each junction box for including a
`airguns. The electrical cable for the array and the air
`microprocessor and data storage transmission capabil-
`ity, and airgun firing circuits to control predetermined
`supply lines, as well as the airguns to be controlled, are
`airguns. The electrical cable for the array and the air
`detachably coupled to respective junction boxes. Thus,
`supply lines, as well as the airguns to be controlled, are
`the number of airguns in the towed array can be
`detachably coupled to respective junction boxes. Thus,
`changed quickly and conveniently by coupling or un(cid:173)
`the number of airguns in the towed array can be
`coupling junction boxes and the associated airguns. A
`changed quickly and conveniently by coupling or un-
`protective hose sheath extends between successive
`coupling junction boxes and the associated airguns. A
`junction boxes and this hose sheath contains power lines
`protective hose sheath extends between successive
`and a communication bus, detachably connected to
`junction boxes and this hose sheath contains power lines
`terminals in successive junction boxes. This hose sheath
`and a communication bus, detachably connected to
`terminals in successive junction boxes. This hose sheath
`and interiors of junction boxes are pressurized with low
`and interiors ofjunction boxes are pressurized with low
`pressure air during towing for excluding water in the
`pressure air during towing for excluding water in the
`event of a leak. When this array is on shipboard in sun(cid:173)
`event of a leak. When this array is on shipboard in sun-
`shine the junction boxes are cooled by increasing pres(cid:173)
`shine the junction boxes are cooled by increasing pres-
`sure oflow pressure air until a relief valve at the far end
`sure of low pressure air until a relief valve at the far end
`of the array opens establishing continuous flow of low
`of the array opens establishing continuous flow of low
`pressure air travelling in series through protective hose
`pressure air travelling in series through protective hose
`sheath sections and through the junction boxes. The
`sheath sections and through the junction boxes. The
`hose sheath and high pressure air supply line are each
`hose sheath and high pressure air supply line are each
`assembled in detachable sections extending between
`assembled in detachable sections extending between
`successive junction boxes. There is a short by-pass pipe
`successive junction boxes. There is a short by-pass pipe
`for high pressure air attached to each junction box, and
`for high pressure air attached to each junction box, and
`each airgun feed line is tapped into a respective one of
`each airgun feed line is tapped into a respective one of
`these by-pass pipes.
`these by-pass pipes.
`
`18 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures
`18 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures
`
`
`
`
`
`
`rahwy: Mr: ”M
`
`EX. PGS 1069
`
`

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`

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`U.S. Patent Jul. 8, 1986
`
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`. U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 8, 1986 .
`
`Sheet 3 of8
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`4,599,712
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`Jul. 8, 1986 .
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 8, 1986
`
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`4,599,712
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`EX. PGS 1069
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Jul. 8, 1986
`
`Sheet 5 of8
`
`4,599,712
`
`us. Patent
`
`Jul. 8, 1986
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 8, 1986
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`4,599,712
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 8, 1986
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`MODULAR AIRGUN ARRAY METHOD,
`1
`APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
`
`2
`more easily handled and controlled than in prior sys(cid:173)
`tems.
`4,599,712
`2
`A further object of this invention is to provide a new
`more easily handled and controlled than in prior sys-
`modular method, apparatus and system for simulta-
`tems.
`MODULAR AIRGUN ARRAY METHOD,
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`5 neously towing and handling multiple airguns for use in
`APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
`A further object of this invention is to provide a new
`marine seismic surveying which permits airguns to be
`This invention relates to the field of marine seismic
`modular method, apparatus and system for simulta-
`added or removed at will and facilitates the unreeling,
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`neously towing and handling multiple airguns for use in
`surveying utilizing an array of airguns and more partic(cid:173)
`towing and reeling of such airgun arrays.
`marine seismic surveying which permits airguns to be
`ularly, to methods and appratus for more effectively
`This invention relates to the field of marine seismic
`A further object of this invention is to provide a new
`added or removed at will and facilitates the unreeling,
`and conveniently employing a plurality of airguns and
`surveying utilizing an array of airguns and more partic-
`10 modular method, apparatus and system for simulta(cid:173)
`towing and reeling of such airgun arrays.
`towing them in a long array from a surveying vessel in
`ularly, to methods and appratus for more effectively
`neously towing and handling a plurality of marine seis(cid:173)
`A further object of this invention is to provide a new
`which the guns are controlled by and communications
`and conveniently employing a plurality of airguns and 10
`mic survey airguns which is more efficient by eliminat(cid:173)
`modular method, apparatus and system for simulta-
`towing them in a long array from a surveying vessel in
`to and from the guns are carried out via a plurality of
`neously towing and handling a plurality of marine seis-
`ing the large diameter umbilical cable and by reducing
`which the guns are controlled by and communications
`spaced, submerged,
`internally pressurized junction
`mic survey airguns which is more efficient by eliminat-
`the towing "drag" for a given number of airguns in a
`to and from the guns are carried out via a plurality of
`boxes each containing microprocessor means and asso(cid:173)
`15 towed array.
`ing the large diameter umbilical cable and by reducing
`spaced,
`submerged,
`internally pressurized junction
`ciated electronics, such junction boxes being stationed
`the towing “drag” for a given number of airguns in a
`Among the advantages provided by the present in(cid:173)
`boxes each containing microprocessor means and asso- 15
`towed array.
`at spaced locations along the array.
`ciated electronics, such junction boxes being stationed
`vention are those arising from the fact that in a modular
`Among the advantages provided by the present in-
`at spaced locations along the array.
`array embodying this invention it is easier to test, repair,
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`vention are those arising from the fact that in a modular
`and replace components than in prior airgun arrays.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`array embodying this invention it is easier to test, repair,
`Marine airguns and seismic surveying methods asso- 20
`An advantageous modular system is provided for
`and replace components than in prior airgun arrays.
`ciated with marine airguns are described in U.S. Pat.
`Marine airguns and seismic surveying methods asso- 20
`enabling as many airguns to be added as may be desired,
`An advantageous modular system is provided for
`Nos. 3,249, 177; 3,379,273; 3,653,460 and 4,038,630
`ciated with marine airguns are described in US. Pat.
`within reason, for example, up to one hundred, or even
`enabling as many airguns to be added as may be desired,
`Nos. 3,249,177; 3,379,273; 3,653,460 and 4,038,630
`which are assigned to the present assignee and to which
`within reason, for example, up to one hundred, or even
`more, airguns in a single towed array. By utilizing the
`which are assigned to the present assignee and to which
`the reader may refer for background information. With
`more, airguns in a single towed array. By utilizing the
`modular system with the airguns being connected to
`the reader may refer for background information. With
`continual and increased emphasis on off-shore explora- 25
`modular system with the airguns being connected to
`and controlled by the respective junction boxes, if any
`continual and increased emphasis on off-shore explora— 25
`tion, as well as the escalating costs of drilling in bodies
`and controlled by the respective junction boxes, if any
`malfunction occurs, detection, testing and correction
`tion, as well as the escalating costs of drilling in bodies
`malfunction occurs, detection, testing and correction
`of water, better yielding and more accurate seismic
`are facilitated, with the malfunctioning components
`of water, better yielding and more accurate seismic
`are facilitated, with the malfunctioning components
`information with respect to the formations below the
`being readily removable and replaceable.
`information with respect to the formations below the
`being readily removable and replaceable.
`body of water are required. An array of airguns towed
`It is among the advantages of the illustrative embodi-
`body of water are required. An array of airguns towed
`It is among the advantages of the illustrative embodi-
`behind a survey vessel acts as an antenna array to trans- 30
`behind a survey vessel acts as an antenna array to trans- 30
`ments of the invention described that the junction boxes
`ments of the invention described that the junction boxes
`mit seismic energy with desired characteristics in con(cid:173)
`mit seismic energy with desired characteristics in con—
`and the protective hose sheath containing the electrical
`and the protective hose sheath containing the electrical
`trolled directions relative to the array. However, there
`trolled directions relative to the array. However, there
`power supply lines and containing the communication
`power supply lines and containing the communication
`is a limit to the number of airguns which may be towed
`is a limit to the number of airguns which may be towed
`bus lines to the respective junction boxes are pressur-
`bus lines to the respective junction boxes are pressur-
`due to the unwieldy size and towing drag, stresses and
`due to the unwieldy size and towing drag, stresses and
`35
`ized with low pressure air for excluding water in the
`ized with low pressure air for excluding water in the
`reliability and maintenance problems caused by the 35
`reliability and maintenance problems caused by the
`event of a leak, for example, at a low pressure of ap-
`event of a leak, for example, at a low pressure of ap(cid:173)
`umbilical cable conventionally required. Each airgun
`umbilical cable conventionally required. Each airgun
`proximately 20 to 30 p.s.i. above atmospheric pressure.
`proximately 20 to 30 p.s.i. above atmospheric pressure.
`requires two electrical leads connected to its solenoid
`At the far end of the modular array is a pressure-relief
`requires two electrical leads connected to its solenoid
`At the far end of the modular array is a pressure-relief
`valve for firing the airgun as well as two leads to the
`valve set at a slightly higher pressure, for example, at a
`valve for firing the airgun as well as two leads to the
`valve set at a slightly higher pressure, for example, at a
`monitor sensor electrical transducer for detecting the
`pressure level of approximately 25 to 35 p.s.i. above
`monitor sensor electrical transducer for detecting the
`pressure level of approximately 25 to 35 p.s.i. above
`instant of firing of the associated airgun plus the high
`atmosphere. Thus, advantageously, while the modular
`instant of firing of the associated airgun plus the high
`atmosphere. Thus, advantageously, while the modular
`pressure air feed line.
`array is lying on shipboard in the sunshine, all of the
`pressure air feed line.
`array is lying on shipboard in the sunshine, all of the
`As more airguns are added, the umbilical cable ex‘
`electrical, microprocessor and electronic components
`As more airguns are added, the umbilical cable ex(cid:173)
`tending from the ship gets larger and larger until the
`electrical, microprocessor and electronic components
`therein can be automatically cooled by conveniently
`tending from the ship gets larger and larger until the
`therein can be automatically cooled by conveniently
`increasing the pressure of this low pressure air until this
`point where it becomes unmanageable. Also, the large 45
`diameter umbilical cable creates a great amount of fric-
`point where it becomes unmanageable. Also, the large 45
`relief valve opens. Thus, there is established a continu—
`increasing the pressure of this low pressure air until this
`tional, turbulent and vibrational “drag” from the water
`diameter umbilical cable creates a great amount of fric(cid:173)
`ous cooling flow of low pressure air travelling through
`relief valve opens. Thus, there is established a continu-
`as it is being towed behind a ship. Such large effect drag
`the protective hose sheath and through all of the junc-
`tional, turbulent and vibrational "drag" from the water
`ous cooling flow of low pressure air travelling through
`induces considerable stress on the umbilical cable and
`tion boxes. When this modular array is placed in the
`as it is being towed behind a ship. Such large effect drag
`the protective hose sheath and through all of the junc(cid:173)
`water it is no longer necessary to air-cool the electrical
`its components leading to premature failures. Such 50
`induces considerable stress on the umbilical cable and
`tion boxes. When this modular array is placed in the
`large drag effect.causes the ship itself to consume more
`and electronic components, and so the low pressure air
`its components leading to premature failures. Such 50
`water it is no longer necessary to air-cool the electrical
`fuel than would occur at a more moderate level.
`level is reduced to its normal operating value which
`large drag effect,causes the ship itself to consume more
`and electronic components, and so the low pressure air
`Furthermore, with such a large bundle of air lines and
`permits the relief valve to close.
`fuel than would occur at a more moderate level.
`level is reduced to its normal operating value which
`wires in one umbilical cable, it is difficult to locate
`Among the further advantages of this invention are
`Furthermore, with such a large bundle of air lines and
`permits the relief valve to close.
`electrical or pneumatic faults and difficult to test and 55
`those resulting from the fact that it enables a dramatic
`reduction to be achieved in the number of wires re-
`wires in one umbilical cable, it is difficult to locate
`Among the further advantages of this invention are
`repair, involving slicing into the cable, separating and
`electrical or pneumatic faults and difficult to test and 55
`repairing the faulty component, reassembling, and then
`those resulting from the fact that it enables a dramatic quired for individually controlling and monitoring the
`
`operation of each of the airguns. Electronic logic and
`repairing the incision with time-consuming surgical-like
`repair, involving slicing into the cable, separating and
`reduction to be achieved in the number of wires re(cid:173)
`control functions, for firing the individual airguns each
`complexities and procedures. Moreover, once a given
`repairing the faulty component, reassembling, and then
`quired for individually controlling and monitoring the
`umbilical cable has been assembled, it is difficult to add 50
`at the desired instant for optimizing characteristics and
`repairing the incision with time-consuming surgical-like
`operation of each of the airguns. Electronic logic and
`wavefront of the seismic energy impulses being trans-
`further airguns to that particular array. There is very
`complexities and procedures. Moreover, once a given
`control functions, for firing the individual airguns each
`mitted into the body of water from the array of towed
`little adaptability in an umbilical-type array.
`at the desired instant for optimizing characteristics and
`umbilical cable has been assembled, it is difficult to add 60
`airguns, are provided by microprocessor units and asso-
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`wavefront of the seismic energy impulses being trans-
`further airguns to that particular array. There is very
`ciated electronic circuits positioned in the respective
`little adaptability in an umbilical-type array.
`mitted into the body of water from the array of towed
`junction boxes for serving as local control stations.
`Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to pro- 65
`airguns, are provided by microprocessor units and asso(cid:173)
`These local control stations are connected by communi-
`vide a new modular method, apparatus and system for
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`ciated electronic circuits positioned in the respective
`cation bus lines with a master control station on ship—
`the use and control of airguns in a marine seismic sur-
`board. These communication bus lines extend through
`Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to pro(cid:173)
`65 junction boxes for serving as local control stations.
`veying array and for enabling multiple airguns to be
`These local control stations are connected by communi(cid:173)
`vide a new modular method, apparatus and system for
`cation bus lines with a master control station on ship(cid:173)
`the use and control of airguns in a marine seismic sur(cid:173)
`board. These communication bus lines extend through
`veying array and for enabling multiple airguns to be
`
`EX. PGS 1069
`
`

`

`4,599,712
`
`5
`
`45
`
`25
`25
`
`4
`3
`FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken
`the protective hose sheath which is pressurized and
`along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.
`4,599,712
`cooled with low pressure air as discussed above.
`4
`3
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the terminal block
`Additional advantages of this invention are those
`FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken
`included in the water-tight junction box of FIGS. 4
`the protective hose sheath which is pressurized and
`resulting from the fact that the respective junction
`along line 6—6 in FIG. 5.
`cooled with low pressure air as discussed above.
`through 6.
`boxes include electrical capacitors which are charged 5
`FIG. 7 is a perspective View of the terminal block
`Additional advantages of this invention are those
`FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of electrical, elec(cid:173)
`during the intervals between firings of the airguns and
`included in the water-tight junction box of FIGS. 4
`resulting from the fact
`that
`the respective junction
`tronic, and pneumatic circuits for the modular airgun
`are controllably discharged in response to command
`through 6.
`boxes include electrical capacitors which are charged
`array.
`signals sent from the master station over the communi(cid:173)
`FIG, 8 is a schematic diagram of electrical, elec-=
`during the intervals between firings of the airguns and
`FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an alternative submerg(cid:173)
`cation bus lines for actuating the solenoid valves for
`tronic, and pneumatic circuits for the modular airgun
`are controllably discharged in response to command
`arra .
`ible, water-tight control station junction box or cannis(cid:173)
`firing the respective airguns. The monitored data relat- 10
`signals sent from the master station over the communi-
`ter with internal low pressure air pressurization. This
`FIG. 9 is a top plan View of an alternative submerg-
`ing to the operation of the respective airguns is tempo(cid:173)
`cation bus lines for actuating the solenoid valves for
`10
`ible, water-tight control station junction box or cannis-
`station box is shown supported on the towing cable
`firing the respective airguns. The monitored data relat-
`rarily stored in the microprocessor units and is thereaf(cid:173)
`ter with internal low pressure air pressurization. This
`stress member.
`ing to the operation of the respective airguns is tempo-
`ter retrieved by the master station upon command over
`station box is shown supported on the towing cable
`FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the control sta(cid:173)
`rarily stored in the microprocessor units and is thereaf-
`the communication bus lines.
`stress member.
`tion junction box of FIG. 9 with a portion cut away to
`ter retrieved by the master station upon command over
`In carrying out this invention in one illustrative em- 15
`FIG. 10 is a side elevational View of the control sta-
`the communication bus lines.
`show the interior.
`15
`bodiment thereof a plurality of marine seismic survey
`tion junction box of FIG. 9 with a portion cut away to
`In carrying out this invention in one illustrative em*
`FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
`show the interior.
`airguns for generating seismic impulses in a body of
`bodiment thereof a plurality of marine seismic survey
`11-11 in FIG. 10.
`FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional View taken along the line
`water are suspended at spaced positions along a stress
`airguns for generating seismic impulses in a body of
`FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
`11—11 in FIG. 10.
`member which is adapted to be towed by a survey ves(cid:173)
`water are suspended at spaced positions along a stress
`sel. A high pressure air supply line for supplying all of 20
`12-12 in FIG. 10.
`FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
`member which is adapted to be towed by a survey ves-
`20
`12—12 in FIG. 10.
`FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of the "Master
`the airguns and a protective hose sheath enclosing elec(cid:173)
`sel. A high pressure air supply line for supplying all of
`Control Station" shown in FIG. 8.
`FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of the “Master
`trical wires are carried by this stress member forming a
`the airguns and a protective hose sheath enclosing elec-
`Control Station” shown in FIG. 8.
`FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of one of the
`trical wires are carried by this stress member forming a
`neat assembly of stress member, high pressure air line
`FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of one of the
`"Submerged Local Stations" shown in FIG. 8 for con(cid:173)
`neat assembly of stress member, high pressure air line
`and low pressure protective sheath air hose containing
`“Submerged Local Stations” shown in FIG. 8 for con~
`trolling an airgun.
`and low pressure protective sheath air hose containing
`wires which may be conveniently unreeled, towed and
`trolling an airgun.
`wires which may be conveniently unreeled, towed and
`reeled on the survey vessel. A plurality of junction
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`reeled on the survey vessel. A plurality of junction
`boxes are attached to spaced positions along the stress
`EMBODIMENTS
`EMBODIMENTS
`boxes are attached to spaced positions along the stress
`member for supplying and controlling predetermined
`Referring now to FIG. 1, a survey vessel 10 travel(cid:173)
`member for supplying and controlling predetermined
`Referring now to FIG. 1, a survey vessel 10 travel—
`airguns. The high pressure air line and the low pressure 30
`30
`ling on a body of water 11 is towing a multiple airgun
`airguns. The high pressure air line and the low pressure
`ling on a body of water 11 is towing a multiple airgun
`protective sheath air hose with its electrical wires are
`protective sheath air hose with its electrical wires are
`marine seismic array, referred to generally with the
`marine seismic array, referred to generally with the
`coupled to each of the junction boxes along the stress
`coupled to each of the junction boxes along the stress
`reference number 12. The airgun array 12 is suspended
`reference number 12. The airgun array 12 is suspended
`member. One or more predetermined airguns are cou(cid:173)
`member. One or more predetermined airguns are cou-
`from and is towed by a stranded steel wire towing cable
`from and is towed by a stranded steel wire towing cable
`pled to