Abstract: The invention is a modular building component with rod-based dimensions. The modular building component comprises a prismatic box structure. A number of the prismatic box structures are placed side by side horizontally to create a ceiling and a floor with rod-based dimensions. The ceiling and the floor function as components of a building with rod-based dimensions. The building may also have walls that are also prismatic box structures with rod-based dimensions. Two or more of the buildings can be placed side by side to fill equal portions of an entire width of a perfect-acre lot. The buildings that fill an entire perfect-acre lot lead to a sustainable community design, given that no space is wasted. The rod-based building components are properly dimensioned for quickly assembling these optimally sustainable buildings.

Abstract: The invention is a modular building component with rod-based dimensions. The modular building component comprises a prismatic box structure. A number of the prismatic box structures are placed side by side horizontally to create a ceiling and a floor with rod-based dimensions. The ceiling and the floor function as components of a building with rod-based dimensions. The building may also have walls that are also prismatic box structures with rod-based dimensions. Two or more of the buildings can be placed side by side to fill equal portions of an entire width of a perfect-acre lot. The buildings that fill an entire perfect-acre lot lead to a sustainable community design, given that no space is wasted. The rod-based building components are properly dimensioned for quickly assembling these optimally sustainable buildings.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a multi-layer building panel structure is described, comprising an interior and exterior panel layer, waterproof channel layers comprising adjacent parallel channels running from input and output manifolds fed by a remote fluid source. Each set of input and output manifolds may be configured to serve a zone of channels within the waterproof channel layers. Hot or cold fluid is pumped through the channel layers in order to heat or cool a space within a room of a building. The multi-layer building panel structure further provides structural support for a building and may be a wall, ceiling, or floor.

Abstract: A drilling assembly comprises a drill bit that includes a bit body intermediate a working face and a shank. An indenting member adapted to guide the drill bit protrudes from the working face. A flexible portion is disposed above the bit body.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus which includes a drill bit attachable to the drilling end of a drill string, the drill bit including a bit body being attached to a shank and having a working face with at least one cutting element. The drilling apparatus also includes a jack element positioned within a bore of the bit body having a working tip substantially protruding from the working face, and which jack element is also adapted to move with respect to the bit body. One or more position feedback sensors are positioned proximate the jack element and are adapted to detect the axial and/or angular position of the jack element with respect to the bit body.

Abstract: A drilling assembly comprises a drill bit that includes a bit body intermediate a working face and a shank. An indenting member adapted to guide the drill bit protrudes from the working face. A flexible portion is disposed above the bit body.

Abstract: A downhole tool string, comprising a tool string bore and a drill bit located at the bottom of the tool string. The drill bit comprises a body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface may comprise a substantially coaxial rotationally isolated jack element with a portion of the jack element extending out of an opening formed in the working surface to engage a subterranean formation. The tool string may comprise a driving mechanism adapted to rotate the jack. The clutch assembly disposed within the tool string bore may comprise a first end in communication with the jack element and second end in communication with the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A location device has a gravity measurement instrument in communication with a database which has the locations relative to time of an astronomical object. The location device also has a timepiece indicating the time which may be used to determine the location of the astronomical object.

Abstract: A downhole tool string, comprising a tool string bore and a drill bit located at the bottom of the tool string. The drill bit comprises a body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface may comprise a substantially coaxial rotationally isolated jack element with a portion of the jack element extending out of an opening formed in the working surface to engage a subterranean formation. The tool string may comprise a driving mechanism adapted to rotate the jack. The clutch assembly disposed within the tool string bore may comprise a first end in communication with the jack element and second end in communication with the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A filter for a drill string comprises a perforated receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the filter comprises a drilling mud intake, and the lower end of the filter comprises an opening. A displaceable plug is seated on the opening at the lower end.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator has a bore within a tubular body comprising a central axis. The bore is formed to receive drilling fluid comprising particulate matter. At least one fin rigidly fixed within the bore and at least one port formed in a wall of the tubular body. As the drilling fluid flows through the tubular body the at least one fin creates a rotary motion within the drilling fluid forcing a portion of the particulate matter away from the central axis and through the at least one port in the tubular body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator has a bore within a tubular body comprising a central axis. The bore is formed to receive drilling fluid comprising particulate matter. At least one fin rigidly fixed within the bore and at least one port formed in a wall of the tubular body. As the drilling fluid flows through the tubular body the at least one fin creates a rotary motion within the drilling fluid forcing a portion of the particulate matter away from the central axis and through the at least one port in the tubular body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator has a bore within a tubular body comprising a central axis. The bore is formed to receive drilling fluid comprising particulate matter. At least one fin rigidly fixed within the bore and at least one port formed in a wall of the tubular body. As the drilling fluid flows through the tubular body the at least one fin creates a rotary motion within the drilling fluid forcing a portion of the particulate matter away from the central axis and through the at least one port in the tubular body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a section of a drill string has a drill bit with a body intermediate a shank and a working face, the working face having at least one cutting element. A jack element is disposed within the drill bit body and has a distal end substantially protruding from the working face. A drive shaft is in communication with the jack element and a rotary source. The drive shaft has a first portion secured within a bore of a tool string component in the tool string and a second portion secured within a bore of the drill bit. The first and second portions of the drive shaft are connected at a pin and box connection wherein the first and second portions are automatically connected as the tool string component is mechanically coupled to the drill bit.

Abstract: A downhole tool string, comprising a tool string bore and a drill bit located at the bottom of the tool string. The drill bit comprises a body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface may comprise a substantially coaxial rotationally isolated jack element with a portion of the jack element extending out of an opening formed in the working surface to engage a subterranean formation. The tool string may comprise a driving mechanism adapted to rotate the jack. The clutch assembly disposed within the tool string bore may comprise a first end in communication with the jack element and second end in communication with the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A location device has a gravity measurement instrument in communication with a database which has the locations relative to time of an astronomical object. The location device also has a timepiece indicating the time which may be used to determine the location of the astronomical object.

Abstract: A filter for a drill string comprises a perforated receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the filter comprises a drilling mud intake, and the lower end of the filter comprises an opening. A displaceable plug is seated on the opening at the lower end.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a drill string comprises a drill bit with a body intermediate a shank and a working face, and the working face comprises at least one cutting element. A jack assembly is disposed within the drill bit body and comprises a jack element disposed on a distal end of the assembly. The jack element substantially protrudes from the working face and is adapted to move with respect to the bit body. At least one position feedback sensor is disposed proximate the jack assembly and is adapted to detect a position and/or orientation of the jack element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a drill string comprises a drill bit with a body intermediate a shank and a working face, and the working face comprises at least one cutting element. A jack assembly is disposed within the drill bit body and comprises a jack element disposed on a distal end of the assembly. The jack element substantially protrudes from the working face and is adapted to move with respect to the bit body. At least one position feedback sensor is disposed proximate the jack assembly and is adapted to detect a position and/or orientation of the jack element.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprising a through bore running there through formed to accept drilling fluid. At least one mechanical actuation device is also disposed within the through bore. A guide channel is disposed within the through bore and comprises a geometry shaped to conduct the at least one mechanical actuation device. A switch is disposed within the guide channel in an original position and actuatable by the at least one mechanical actuation device to a subsequent position. A resettable mechanism is in contact with the switch wherein the resettable mechanism returns the switch to its original position. A receptacle may also be disposed within the through bore comprising a geometry shaped to accept the at least one mechanical actuation device.