Abstract: The invention is a method of determining a free point in stuck drill pipes, comprising the steps of: a. measuring a first magnetic permeability (?1) based on a time-induced decay of the electromagnetic field generated by application of an electric current pulse to the unextended pipe (l0); b. applying a force to the pipe to extend the pipe (l1); c. measuring a second magnetic permeability (?2) of the extended pipe (l1); and d. comparing the first and second magnetic permeabilities (?1 and ?2) along the drill string to determine the free point based on the change of magnetic permeability.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a plurality of data streams between a client and a server when the number of said data streams exceeds a number of accessible physical connections between the client and the server. The method includes steps for associating each of the data streams with a corresponding transaction handler; creating transactions for each of the data streams in response to receiving a request from the corresponding transaction handler to transmit its corresponding data stream; and responsive to determining that one of the physical connections to the server is accessible, transmitting each transaction over the available connection so that transactions from each of the data streams are transmitted in a near real time manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for investigating underground formations surrounding a borehole, comprises a tool body; a common gamma ray source mounted in the tool body and which, when the apparatus is positioned in a borehole, provides axi-symmetric distribution of gamma rays so as to provide substantially complete circumferential irradiation of the formation surrounding the borehole; and a detector for detecting gamma rays returning from the formation, the detector being responsive to gamma rays from only part of the borehole circumference. A method for investigating underground formations surrounding a borehole with a tool comprising a tool body having a gamma ray source and a detector mounted thereon, comprises irradiating the complete circumference of the borehole wall using a common gamma ray source which provides axi-symmetric distribution of gamma rays; and detecting gamma rays returning from the formation from only part of the borehole circumference.

Abstract: The invention is a method of determining a free point in stuck drill pipes, comprising the steps of: a. measuring a first magnetic permeability (?1) based on a time-induced decay of the electromagnetic field generated by application of an electric current pulse to the unextended pipe (l0); b. applying a force to the pipe to extend the pipe (l1); c. measuring a second magnetic permeability (?2) of the extended pipe (l1) ; and d. comparing the first and second magnetic permeabilities (?1 and ?2) along the drill string to determine the free point based on the change of magnetic permeability.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a plurality of data streams between a client and a server when the number of said data streams exceeds a number of accessible physical connections between the client and the server. The method includes steps for associating each of the data streams with a corresponding transaction handler; creating transactions for each of the data streams in response to receiving a request from the corresponding transaction handler to transmit its corresponding data stream; and responsive to determining that one of the physical connections to the server is accessible, transmitting each transaction over the available connection so that transactions from each of the data streams are transmitted in a near real time manner.