Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for monitoring in real time the propagation of a fracture through a rock formation traversed by a well borehole, during hydraulic fracturing processes. The inventive system permits continuous measurement of the movement of gamma-emitting tracers in the fracturing fluid, while the fluid is pumped into the formation. The tracer isotopes pass by a downhole neutron source, which activates the tracer isotope nuclei, causing them to emit characteristic gamma radiation after the fracturing fluid passes through perforated production casing into the induced formation fracture. Multiple sodium-iodide scintillometer detectors, arrayed on the logging tool above and below the neutron source, are calibrated to detect the characteristic energy spectra emitted from the activated radioactive tracer isotopes in the fractured formation through the formation rock and the steel production casing and tubing.

Abstract: An improved lifting system is disclosed for pumping liquid such as oil from a subterranean pump using a band-and-pulley assembly. The device uses a single-piece band shaped in the form of an elongated loop. Both intermediate lengths of the looped band are draped together over a rotating pulley assembly mounted near the top of a derrick. The loop formed by one end of the band supports a first end-roller assembly coupled to the polished rod assembly, which is in turn coupled to the subterranean pump. The loop formed by the other end of the band supports a second end-roller assembly coupled to the counterweight assembly The counterweight assembly is reciprocated vertically by a drive motor, thereby driving the intermediate lengths of the band over the top, supporting pulley. The end rollers have sufficient diameter and rotational freedom to permit movement of the band, and the bearing of great weights, without damaging the band.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively treating the surface of a substrate with a material. The method comprises supporting a workpiece at a work station and providing a source of fluent material for treating a preselected portion of a surface of the workpiece. A stream of the fluent material is directed toward the surface of the workpiece while effecting controllable relative movement between the stream of fluent material and the workpiece to impinge a select amount of the fluent material along a preselected path on the preselected portion of the surface of the workpiece. The fluent material is bonded with the preselected portion of the surface of the workpiece to produce a predetermined physical change on the preselected portion. The apparatus of the invention includes a mechanism to effect the specific steps of the novel method.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements relating to injection of water-absorbent polymers, including a blend containing fine granules, using one or more air-blown, plowblade applicators. The process creates a "blanket" of moisture-retaining particles for the plant roots. A further aspect of the invention includes drawing a plowblade through the soil at an appropriate shallow angle and speed to establish a wave in the soil, together with the use of a deflector and control over the air pressure, all of which maximizes diffusion and distribution of the injected particles.

Abstract: High density recording systems and methods are disclosed which employ a radiation beam to form spot-like recordings in record members such as discs, tapes and cards. The angle, offset or cross-sectional shape of the recording beam can be varied so as to vary the angle, offset or shape of the corresponding recordings in the record member. The recorded information can be electro-optically or magnetically detected and discriminated from each other to provide high density recordings of alphanumeric characters or digital data. Enhanced detection scanning is effected by ultrasonically vibrating the laser or an optical element, such as a prism or mirror receiving the reading light beam, in a manner to cause it to scan back and forth laterally to the record track as a longitudinal scanning movement is effected parallel to the longitudinal axis or centerline of the track. The reflected light is detected, computer processed and analyzed to effect proper detection of the recordings to generate correct data therefrom.

Abstract: Improvements in gears and gear teeth structures for use in driving assemblies, such as machines, vehicles and the like, wherein the teeth portions of the gears and, in certain instances, other portions thereof, are coated with a hard synthetic diamond material deposited thereagainst as carbon atoms derived from a fluid, such as methane gas, when high energy radiation, such as microwave radiation, is beamed through the gas against the surfaces of the gears and gear teeth thereof. In certain instances, the hard diamond material coating the gear teeth and the spaces therebetween, is overcoated with a thin layer of chromium which serves to protect the diamond surfaces of the teeth during use so as to prevent destruction of the diamond layer by physical attrition caused by stress and abrasive particles engaging the teeth during use of the gears.

Abstract: An automatic, moveable manipulator includes an arm supported on a carriage and holding at least one tool. Both the arm and the carriage can be moved under the control of signals transmitted from a remote location, such as a central controller, which signal is stored in a storage device. The manipulator further supports a reservoir for holding materials that can be used by the tool, for example to apply to the workpieces, such as fluids, fasteners, expendable materials, and the like. An automatic resupply system permits the manipulator to re-fill the reservoir, such as when it is emptied.

Abstract: A method for molding is disclosed in which a fluent molding material is flowed into a cavity of a mold, which is then shaped into a configuration defined by the mold. Control signals which are applied by operating a master controller to control the transfer of heat with respect to the molding material, in order to predeterminately control the temperature of the molding material as it flows into and is retained within the mold. The temperature of the molding material flowed into the cavity is sensed, and feedback signals are generated relating to the sensed temperature. The feedback signals are compared to reference signals indicative of a desired molding material temperature and a further control signal is generated which is applied to control the variables of the molding operation, including the temperature of the molding material.

Abstract: A portable camera and recording device capable of recording motion picture and still image signals on an erasable magnetic tape and, in an embodiment thereof, still images on hard copy as photographic images. A single assembly supports a television camera at one end, a videocassette recorder behind the television camera and an instant photographic camera below or to the side of the television camera. Still and motion picture images of image phenomena recorded as full-frame video picture signals on the magnetic tape and are displayable on a miniature electronic display screen within the housing. Controls on the housing permit select still images of frames of recorded picture information to be selectively displayed on the screen, viewed though an eyepiece and passed through an aperture of an instant photographic camera for photoghica reproduction. Methods for effectively operating the camera and producing magnetic recordings and hard copy recordings are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for controlling the dispensing of fluid, particularly hazardous or flammable fluids, such as automobile gasoline. A recurring problem is the dispensing, particularly by untrained members of the public, into unsuitable or unapproved containers or into no container at all, which can cause leakage, fire, damage to the container, or environmental or health hazards. The invention detects the presence of a container closely adjacent to the outlet of the pump or other dispenser and attempts to determine whether a detected container is of a suitable type by generating a field, such as an electromagnetic field, and measuring the reaction of the container to the field, thus identifying information about selected physical characteristics of the container, such as its metallic or non-metallic material composition. Unless a suitable container is detected in a predetermined position, the invention will block dispensing of the fluid.

Abstract: An automatic scanning apparatus and method for detecting the presence of one or more objects in an image field under investigation or inspection. Electro-optical scanning means, such as a television camera, is employed to scan an image field and generate output electrical signals which vary in accordancd with variations in the optical characteristics of the matter and objects in the image field scanned. Such signals are computer processed and analyzed to generate coded electrical signals which define optical characteristics of portion of the image field scanned, such as objects or the images of objects scanned, their shape, color of a combination of color and shape.

Abstract: A variable-speed drive controller and associated methods are disclosed for reciprocated lifting systems, particularly long-stroke, fluid-pumping systems such as certain oil-producing equipment. A variable-speed drive is controlled through an electronic feedback loop by a programmable controller, which varies the speed of the drive when sensors detect the passage of the reciprocating mechanism. The controller can be set to slow the drive when the reciprocating mechanism reaches the end of the stroke, to permit faster production of fluid without increased mechanical wear on the reciprocating mechanism or increased stress on the lifting string. The controller also can be set to slow the drive on the downstroke, such as to permit faster production of fluid when pumping viscous liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reacting on articles of manufacture with radiation such as generated by an electron gun, laser or other means directed against a substrate wherein controlled movement of the substrate and/or the radiation is effected under the control of a computer. Controlled operation of the radiation and its movement against the substrate or the movement of the substrate during processing is effected by operating an automatic computer or master controller. An automatic article manipulator is also controlled in its operation to move the substrate prior to and after operation thereon with such radiation. A single computer or master controller may be employed to control the operation of the manipulator for removing the substrate from the vicinity of the radiation and replacing it with a new article to be operated on during the next cycle of operation of the radiation generating means.

Abstract: A system and method are described for automatic analysis of image information, such as dimensional, surface, internal or other information. Analysis is controlled by the electronic analysis of speech signals generated by an operator or by a combination of speech generated signals and devices such as switches and variable potentiometers, capacitors or inductors. Electronic computers are employed to analyze the operator's speech signals and to generate control signals.

Abstract: New apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling the operation of a rod-pumped oil well. The load on and position of the rod string are measured, an integration calculation related to the work done during a portion of the downstroke is performed, and the result is compared to a reference value, to detect a pumped-off condition in the well.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling and recording operations relating to computers and computer peripheral equipment wherein sensitive or secret data is to be entered and stored or processed and data of a similar nature is accessible from memory or calculating circuits. In particular, the invention involves electronic means for sensing or scanning one or more physical characteristics of a person or persons to enter and/or receive data from a computer and generating signals indicative of such physical characteristic(s) which signals are automatically analyzed and compared with signals for enabling the operation of the computer. In addition, a code signal or signals are generated which is used to identify the person entering and receiving data from the computer, which code signal is recorded for record purposes along with information indicative of the information entered and/or received from the computer.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer and a method for sensing, indicating and recording temperatures of one or more living beings such as patients in a hospital. In a preferred form, the instrument is portable and contains on-board means for selectively reproducing signals defining past temperatures made of an individual and applying same to a visual display, a printer and/or an external memory such as associated with a master or storage computer for a medical facility or hospital. The playback control includes means such as a keyboard or series of switches, for reproducing just those temperature signals which were generated when a select person's temperature was taken over a select period of time to the exclusion of other signals recorded in the instrument's memory.

Abstract: Information signals including single frame video signals are recorded on selected areas of a recording medium, with accompany recorded code signals associated with each frame. Address codes are employed to locate and read the information signals stored on the recording medium. The information read from the recording medium is processed, stored in a display buffer, and displayed on a viewing screen.