Abstract: An event logging interface on a computer system is used to record an event when an application hosted by the computer system encounters the event. The event logging interface receives data pertaining to an event from the application. Using the event logging interface, the computer system determines a logical target of the event, and determines one or more physical destinations referenced by the logical target. The data is then dispatched to one of the physical destinations.

Abstract: An event logging interface on a computer system is used to record an event when an application hosted by the computer system encounters the event. The event logging interface receives data pertaining to an event from the application. Using the event logging interface, the computer system determines a logical target of the event, and determines one or more physical destinations referenced by the logical target. The data is then dispatched to one of the physical destinations.

Abstract: A fiber optic differential pressure sensor. In a described embodiment, a differential pressure sensor system for use in a subterranean well includes a fluid property sensing housing having a flow passage formed therethrough. A differential pressure sensor has an optical fiber extending in a wall having a first side and a second side, each of the first and second sides being exposed to pressure in the flow passage.

Abstract: A fiber optic differential pressure sensor. In a described embodiment, a differential pressure sensor system for use in a subterranean well includes a fluid property sensing housing having a flow passage formed therethrough. A differential pressure sensor has an optical fiber extending in a wall having a first side and a second side, each of the first and second sides being exposed to pressure in the flow passage.

Abstract: A well pressure and temperature measurement system and method are provided. In a described embodiment, a sensor system includes multiple strain sensors attached to a structure which changes dimensionally in response to well pressure and temperature changes. The strain sensors may be fiber optic sensors. The structure may be tubular and the strain sensors may detect axial and hoop strains in the structure.

Abstract: A method of optimizing performance of a well system utilizes a neural network. In a described embodiment, the method includes the step of accumulating data indicative of the performance of the well system in response to variable influencing parameters. The data is used to train a neural network to model an output of the well system in response to the influencing parameters. An output of the neural network may then be input to a valuing model, e.g., to permit optimization of a value of the well system. The optimization process yields a set of prospective influencing parameters which may be incorporated into the well system to maximize its value.

Abstract: Methods are provided for downhole sensing and flow control utilizing neural networks. In a described embodiment, a temporary sensor is positioned downhole with a permanent sensor. Outputs of the temporary and permanent sensors are recorded as training data sets. A neural network is trained using the training data sets. When the temporary sensor is no longer present or no longer operational in the well, the neural network is capable of determining the temporary sensor's output in response to the input to the neural network of the permanent sensor's output.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor system permits multiple parameters to be sensed using a single sensor. In a described embodiment, a method of sensing multiple parameters is provided in which an interferometric fiber optic sensor is connected to a variable wavelength light source. Light is transmitted from the light source through the sensor, with the light being swept over a range of wavelengths to measure relatively low frequency signals, and the light being maintained at a constant wavelength to measure relatively high frequency signals.

Abstract: A well pressure and temperature measurement system and method are provided. In a described embodiment, a sensor system includes multiple strain sensors attached to a structure which changes dimensionally in response to well pressure and temperature changes. The strain sensors may be fiber optic sensors. The structure may be tubular and the strain sensors may detect axial and hoop strains in the structure.

Abstract: Methods are provided for downhole sensing and flow control utilizing neural networks. In a described embodiment, a temporary sensor is positioned downhole with a permanent sensor. Outputs of the temporary and permanent sensors are recorded as training data sets. A neural network is trained using the training data sets. When the temporary sensor is no longer present or no longer operational in the well, the neural network is capable of determining the temporary sensor's output in response to the input to the neural network of the permanent sensor's output.

Abstract: A method of optimizing performance of a well system utilizes a neural network. In a described embodiment, the method includes the step of accumulating data indicative of the performance of the well system in response to variable influencing parameters. The data is used to train a neural network to model an output of the well system in response to the influencing parameters. An output of the neural network may then be input to a valuing model, e.g., to permit optimization of a value of the well system. The optimization process yields a set of prospective influencing parameters which may be incorporated into the well system to maximize its value.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor system permits multiple parameters to be sensed using a single sensor. In a described embodiment, a method of sensing multiple parameters is provided in which an interferometric fiber optic sensor is connected to a variable wavelength light source. Light is transmitted from the light source through the sensor, with the light being swept over a range of wavelengths to measure relatively low frequency signals, and the light being maintained at a constant wavelength to measure relatively high frequency signals.

Abstract: The invention is an acoustic transmitter that imparts vibratory stresses onto a signal propagation medium such as oil well tubing when actuated by an electric driver. In one embodiment, the acoustic transmitter utilizes a mechanical driver that includes piezoelectric elements to generate the vibratory stresses. The acoustic transmitter is mechanically attached at only one point to the signal propagation medium. This single point attachment eliminates loading on the acoustic transmitter from compressive and tensile forces carried by the signal propagation medium. A mass backing the mechanical driver may be used to extend the frequency range over which the acoustic transmitter is operable. In addition, the resonance response of the acoustic transmitter may be minimized by the use of a viscous dampener. The viscous dampener is configured to "couple" with the mechanical driver when the acoustic transmitter is operating and to "uncouple" with the mechanical driver at other times.

Abstract: A capacitive differential pressure sensor comprises two end pieces and a central diaphragm all of the same type of electrically non-conductive material, such as quartz. As the central diaphragm moves relative to the end pieces in response to pressures applied through the end pieces, capacitance changes are sensed through one pair of facing electrodes on one end piece and the diaphragm and another pair of facing electrodes on the other end piece and the diaphragm. A method of measuring differential pressures at an oil or gas well with such a sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing temperature in an oil or gas well use an AC-cut temperature crystal connected to a Z-cut crystalline member contained in a crystalline housing that can be subjected to high pressures and temperatures.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprises a quartz crystal having an orientation within a range of angles between about -25.degree. and about -45.degree. relative to the Z axis of X, Y and Z crystallographic axes. Such a pressure transducer provides a useful pressure response at pressures and temperatures above those of the operating ranges of pressure transducers using AT-cut or BT-cut quartz crystals.

Abstract: A housing which is connectible to a pressure sensitive tool has a filter cartridge mounted within it to communicate a pressure from an external fluid to a clean fluid contained within the filter cartridge and the tool. The filter cartridge includes one or more filters having a plurality of passageways small enough to hold the clean fluid under pressure equilibrium conditions, but large enough to communicate pressure from the external fluid to the clean fluid. There are enough of such passageways so that it is unlikely that all will become clogged by any contaminants within the external fluid should a portion of the external fluid be sucked in through the filter in response to expansion and contraction phenomena of the clean fluid.

Abstract: A housing which is connectible to a pressure sensitive tool has a filter cartridge mounted within it to communicate a pressure from an external fluid to a clean fluid contained within the filter cartridge and the tool. The filter cartridge includes one or more filters having a plurality of passageways small enough to hold the clean fluid under pressure equilibrium conditions, but large enough to communicate pressure from the external fluid to the clean fluid. There are enough of such passageways so that it is unlikely that all will become clogged by an contaminants within the external fluid should a portion of the external fluid be sucked in through the filter in response to expansion and contraction phenomena of the clean fluid.

Abstract: A flash exposure optical imaging system is provided which includes a light housing having a movable top and bottom surface. The top surface contains a document platen, the bottom surface a fixed, wide-angle projection lens. These surfaces are vertically translated past a fixed, central housing wall to vary the system conjugate in response to changes in magnification. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of football shaped cams are rotated in response to position signals from a controller initiated by a magnification change. A pair of T-bars and linkage mechanisms are associated with these cams and their motion provides simultaneous vertical motions to the top and bottom housing surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: A system for ascertaining with certainty that detected return acoustic cycles are shear wave cycles for the calculation of shear wave travel times using the known travel time relationship that shear wave travel times are equal to 1.55 to 1.9 times the compressional wave travel time for the same acoustic wave through most geological formations. The system determines the compressional wave travel time and determines after what point following the compression wave return that shear wave cycles are occurring. The validity of the shear wave travel time determinations using shear wave cycles after such time and that no cycles used for such measurement are skipped is assured by determining that the shear wave travel time is within the acceptable limits of 1.55 to 1.9 times the compressional wave travel time.