Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for forming tab samples of material, such as ceramic, having a metal or ceramic base. A form body comprises a recess between two extending arms and a shelf positioned to face the recess between the arms. A base may be positioned on and anchored to the shelf facing into the recess. Ceramic material may be formed on the base within the lateral confines of the recess as defined by the arms. Opaque ceramic material may be formed on the base as an underlayer of the ceramic sample. The ceramic may be fired on the base, and the finished ceramic sample may serve as a shade sample. Plastic or wax material may be formed on the shelf in a replica of such a base to construct a mold for use in forming the base.

Abstract: On the fixed stand (1) of a piece of reclining furniture, a pendulum frame (2) is suspended in a freely oscillating manner via several tension members (52). Supporting elements (51) of the pendulum frame (2) project into the box-shaped bases (3) of the stand, which supporting elements (51) can be combined there with an amplitude limitation (54) on the one side and with a damping device (56, 57) on the other side.

Abstract: A single-shot or multi-shot measurement probe incorporates a magnetic field sensor for sensing the earth's magnetic field, a processing unit for determining from the output of the sensor that the probe has moved from within a section of a drill pipe made predominantly of magnetizable material to within a collar made of substantially non-magnetizable material, and a switching unit for initiating the taking of one or more survey measurements by the probe when an output is received from the processing unit indicating that the probe has entered the collar. The probe further incorporates a gravity sensor for sensing the earth's gravitational field and a further processing unit for determining from the output of the gravity sensor that movement of the probe has stopped and for controlling the switching unit such that the taking of one or more survey measurements by the probe is not initiated until after receipt of an output from the further processing unit indicating that movement of the probe has stopped.

Abstract: Two downhole measurement-while-drilling tools, at least one of which is borehole sensitive, are used to make standard measurements of borehole conditions while drilling. From these measurements, and with some prior knowledge of the lithology, the caliber of the borehole is determined by iteration. The preferred tools are a neutron porosity and a density tool with lithology having been determined by prior seismic survey techniques.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use in coring holes in subsurface formations comprises a bit body having a shank for connection to a core barrel, an outer peripheral gauge portion for engagement with the peripheral wall of the hole being drilled, an inner peripheral gauge portion defining at least a part of a central, generally circular aperture extending axially through the bit body, a plurality of cutting elements mounted at the surface of the bit body, and passages in the bit body for delivering drilling fluid to the surface of the bit body. Hydraulic sealing means are provided on the inner gauge portion of the bit and, in use, engage the outer surface of the core being cut by the bit. The hydraulic seal thus formed prevents or restricts flow of drilling fluid in an axial direction between the inner gauge portion and the core, and thus substantially reduces erosion of the core.

Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry system for imparting data pulses to drilling fluids circulating in a drill string including an improved valve arrangement for modulating the pressure of the circulating drilling fluid is disclosed. A shear-type valve is arranged in a through conduit configuration so that the seat face of the valve is covered when the valve is in an open position, thus preventing impingement of abrasive fluid particles on the valve seat face during the open flow position of the valve. The activation means is connected to the valve gate through a floating connection which prevents lateral stress forces operating on the valve from being imparted to the solenoid. The floating connection also permits convenient removal of the valve seat and gate from an access opening on the exterior of the drill string housing to facilitate the replacement of critical valve parts without removing the valve subassembly from the drill string.

Abstract: A source of DC electrical power (A) provides DC electrical power to a power transmission cable (B) which extends to a remote location, such as a subsea module (D). The power transmission cable is connected with a pair of rectifiers (20a, 20b), each allowing only power of a selected polarity to be passed thereby. A pair of DC to AC inverters (24a, 24b) convert the received electrical power to high frequency square waves which are applied across primary windings (32a, 32b) of inductive couplers (30a, 30b). Secondary windings (38a, 38b) of the inductive couplers convey the AC electrical power to remote module rectifiers (40a, 40a) for providing DC electrical power to the subsea module. In this manner, DC electrical power is transmitted along the power transmission cable to reduce interference and crosstalk, yet the electric power is transmitted across an inductive coupler to facilitate safe separation of the remote module from the power transmission cable.

Abstract: An improved pair of eyeglasses for use by a wearer including a frame member having lens rim portions and a nose bridge portion for connecting the lens rim portions together, with lens members adapted to be fitted within the lens rim portions and securing means with the frame membr for securing the frame member with the wearer when in use by the wearer. The improved pair of eyeglasses further includes a protector member mounted adjacent the nose bridge portion for protecting the nose of the wearer from harmful environmental effects, with the protector member being movable between a first position substantially covering the nose of the wearer and a second position wherein the protector member is substantially stowed adjacent the nose bridge portion, as is desired by the wearer.

Abstract: A fishing lure with an improved lure retaining device is provided for securely fastening a pliable-type lure body to a fishing hook after the lure body is pressed over the hook. A rigid pin member having a stop at one end is pushed through the lure body and through the eye of the hook. An attachable and detachable retainer is connected to the other end of the rigid pin member, thereby preventing the pin from falling out of the hook eye, and also preventing the lure body from moving along the shank of the hook. The retaining device may have a water-tight interior cavity to provide a desired bouyancy for the lure, and to accommodate a plurality of ball members sealed within the cavity which create noise and thereby attract fish as the lure is pulled through the water.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing bags includes a container having an interior cavity featuring at least one pair of mutually opposed longitudinal members disposed along the interior surfaces of elongate sides of the container. The members in part define opposed compartments whereby bags may be positioned within the cavity and retained by the members for storage and/or selective removal from the container.

Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus useful in analyzing complex chemical substances including a pyrolysis chamber formed in a tubular member of fused quartz, the apparatus having a mixing chamber formed from a fused quartz material wherein pyrolysis components from a sample to be analyzed are mixed with hydrogen prior to being subjected to detection in an analyzer such as a flame ionization detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring formation parameters by transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals by antennas disposed in recesses in a tubular housing member and including apparatus for reducing the coupling of electrical noise into the system resulting from conducting elements located adjacent the recesses and housing. More particularly, a method and apparatus employing electrostatic, but not magnetic, shielding of the low impedance antenna systems and inductive signal coupling to enhance the signal at the receiver is disclosed. This system is capable of measuring formation parameters in the presence of conducting bodies, e.g., the drill string, permitting incorporation of the apparatus in a measuring while drilling (MWD) logging system. In a particular embodiment, high frequency electromagnetic energy is used to measure formation resistivity.

Abstract: A method of forming a cutting structure for a rotary drill bit comprises brazing a thermally stable polycrystalline diamond cutting element to a carrier, the carrier being formed of a material such that, at the brazing temperature, the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between said material and the polycrystalline diamond material is less than the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between tungsten carbide and the polycrystalline diamond material. A suitable carrier material is silicon carbide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly for mounting on a marine vessel, movable between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the drive assembly, which may include a propeller, is at least partially withdrawn from the water. In the second configuration, the drive assembly is linked to a power source carried by the vessel whereby the drive assembly may be operated to drive the vessel relative to the water. A steering linkage to a steering mechanism may also be provided whereby, with the drive assembly in the second configuration, the drive assembly is linked to the steering mechanism so that the propeller is oriented by operation of the steering mechanism to at least assist in steering the vessel through the water.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing by a powder metallurgy process a rotary drill bit including a bit body having a plurality of cutting elements mounted on the outer surface thereof comprises the steps of forming a hollow mould for moulding at least a portion of the bit body, packing the mould with powdered matrix material, and infiltrating the material with a metal alloy in a furnace to form a matrix. Before packing the mould with powdered matrix material, there are postioned in spaced locations on the interior surface of the mould a plurality of cutting element, each of which is formed of a material, such as a polycrystalline diamond material, which is thermally stable at the temperature necessary to form the matrix. Also positioned in the mould, adjacent the rearward side of each cutting element, is a support material such that, at least after formation of the matrix, the support material has a higher modulus of elasticity than the matrix.

Abstract: A control for draining water accumulated in a fuel tank, without loss of fuel or ingestion of water into an associate fuel system, is responsive to a flotation device weighted to float at the water-fuel interface. The flotation device is connected by a lever to turn a rotor in a pressurized chamber thereby selectively connecting pressure or exhaust to respective actuation control ports for a drain valve and fuel valve.

Abstract: A process for preparing an alkoxylation catalyst in which the catalyst pre-mix is formed by admixing an alkoxylated alcohol with a calcium containing compound which is dispersible in the alkoxylated alcohol, an inorganic acid and an aluminum trialkoxide, the pre-mix being heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect at least partial exchange reaction between the alkoxide groups of the aluminum alkoxide and the hydroxyl groups of the alkoxylated alcohol. There is also disclosed and claimed an alkoxylation process utilizing the catalysts formed as described above.

Abstract: An overlay for a valve disk of a butterfly or similar valve is formed from a strip of corrosion-resistant material. The strip is preferably profiled to conform to the edge of the disk and has an overall length less than the circumference of the disk. Both ends of the overlay are welded to the disk in closely spaced relation with the gap therebetween being filled by the weld metal. The disk also has a flow passage between the strip and its peripheral edge with first and second inlet ports leading from one disk face to intersect the flow passage. The inlet ports are closely spaced and lie on opposite sides of the weld. Sealant material introduced into one of the two ports flows in around the disk to form a complete seal between the disk and the overlay.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a rock bit during a welding operation for assembly or replacement of components thereon includes a swivel supporting a receptacle for the bit. The receptacle and swivel include a closed fluid system which attaches to the bit thereby allowing coolant fluid to flow through the bit during a welding operation and without regard to the angular positioning of the bit relative to the welding apparatus.

Abstract: An improved blowout preventer of the ram type is provided with means allowing limited relative rotational movement of support elements in the seal along with radial inwardly directed movement of the ram assembly to conform to drill string size and accommodate for a tighter seal thereby enabling support of heavier drill string assemblies of smaller diameter pipe.