Abstract: A swimmer's flexible hand paddle is disclosed which includes a raised portion centered under a swimmer's hand extending from near a first finger joint to a palm position of the paddle and a flat portion extending from the raised portion out past a outline of a swimmer's hand having thumb, little finger and finger tip off-set. The raised portion is substantially straight across a finger edge and tapers of a V-shaped palm edge. The raised portions has shoulders that slope down to the flat portion with the thumb side shoulder forming a thumb rest. A palm piece is also disclosed which is attachable to prior art paddles and provides the raised portion to prior art paddles.

Abstract: A transducer and a receiver for use in logging-while-drilling operations, having internal pressure adjustment mechanisms to equalize the pressure between the interior of the transducer or receiver, and the well fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sonic well tool for performing acoustic investigations of subsurface geological formations penetrated by a borehole, and a method of logging formation data. The well tool generally includes a longitudinally extending body for positioning in said borehole. The tool also includes a transmitter supported by the body for transmitting acoustic energy, and at least two receivers. One of the receivers is positioned on the interior of the sonic tool to receive the acoustic signals that traverse the sonic well tool. The second receiver is positioned on the exterior of the sonic tool and receive sonic signals that traverse the sonic tool and those that traverse the formation. The apparatus further includes a processor for subtracting the well tool signal of the first receiver from the combined well tool and formation signal of the second receiver.

Abstract: Isospecific and/or syndiospecific catalysts and processes for the propagation of an isotactic and/or syndiotactic polymer chain derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer which contains 3 or more carbon atoms or is a substituted vinyl compound. The catalysts comprise a stereorigid, stereodirected and stereolocked metallocene and/or metallocene cation catalysts, characterized by having .beta. stereodirecting substituents and .alpha. stereolocking substituents such that the catalysts have overall either C.sub.s or C.sub.2 (or pseudo-C.sub.s or C.sub.2) symmetry and such that the substituents define the orientation of the growing polymer chain end and resulting in tactioselectivity of successive monomer additions. Methods are also described for the preparation and use of these unique catalysts.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for unseating a seated traveling valve ball, and pumps utilizing such an assembly. The assembly generally includes a tubular member having therein a piston with an actuator for engaging the ball. Mechanical advantage is provided either by providing a sealing area of the piston that is greater than the sealing area of the seat valve and/or by providing a engaging member suitable to strike to seated ball asymmetrically with respect to the vertical axis through the center line of the ball.

Abstract: A logging-while-drilling tool for use in a wellbore in which a well fluid is circulated into the wellbore through the hollow drill string. In addition to measurement electronics, the tool includes an alternator for providing power to the electronics, and a turbine for driving the alternator. The turbine blades are driven by the well fluid introduced into the hollow drill string. The tool also includes a deflector to deflect a portion of the well fluid away from the turbine blades.

Abstract: An additive to reduce fluid loss from drilling fluids is comprised of comminuted products from the rice plant or blends of other comminuted plant materials with the rice products. Polymers to reduce fluid loss even lower and friction-reducing materials may be added to the plant materials.