Coupling means for horizontal vibrator with tooth-like projections

• Main Author: PRITCHETT; WILLIAM C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 18.08.1981
• Subjects: DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; MEASURING; PHYSICS; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ARTCOLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS; TESTING

The present invention relates to means for coupling the horizontally directed force of a seismic transducer into the earth with a downward-going shear wave. The coupling means consists of a plurality of downwardly-convergent, wedge-shaped, earth-engaging cleats dependently attached to the transducer support means, at least some of the cleats being provided with a plurality of downwardly projecting teeth, which may be mounted on or form a part of field replaceable cleat inserts. Extremely high unit pressures are developed on these teeth due to the hold down weight of the transducer. As a result, good earth penetration is achieved immediately on even very hard rock surfaces. The alignment of the teeth is such as to encourage the development of rock flaws or cracks oriented to accommodate the entry of the supporting cleats.