Abstract: A method for measuring the thickness of casing in a wellbore and/or analyzing the inner surface of the cased or non-cased wellbore. The method includes an positioning an untethered logging tool in a drill string, receiving the logging tool in a catcher positioned within the drill string, positioning a plurality ultrasonic transducers with the average distance between the outer surface of the plurality of transducers and an interior surface of the catcher sub being less than 0.8 mm, and moving the drill string and the logging tool toward a mouth of the borehole while transmitting acoustic waves through the catcher sub toward the wellbore casing and receiving acoustic waves back to the logging tool after the acoustic waves interact with the wellbore casing and reflect through the catcher.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems and methods for measuring in situ saturations of non-aqueous phase liquids and/or petroleum in media such as soil. A clear or otherwise UV-transparent well for detecting fluorescence in a soil column having a transparent casing and an oil sensing device positioned in the well configured to monitor the soil column. A method for real-time estimation of LNAPL saturations in media, including emplacing a UV-transparent well in the media and recording fluorescence in the media via an oil sensing device.

Abstract: Imaging devices including spacing members and imaging devices including tactile feedback devices are disclosed. An imaging device includes a body portion, a spacing member, and a camera. The body portion extends in a lengthwise direction from a distal end of the body portion to an imaging end of the body portion. The spacing member extends from the imaging end of the body portion in the lengthwise direction. The camera is coupled to the imaging end of the body portion. When the spacing member of the imaging device is positioned in contact with a surface to be imaged by the camera and the imaging device is moved across the surface, the spacing member maintains a fixed distance between the camera and the surface as the imaging device moves across the surface to be imaged. Imaging devices including tactile feedback devices that are activated when text is recognized are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a fluid property downhole includes an electromagnetic energy emitter, a window having an input interface that receives electromagnetic energy emitted from the electromagnetic energy emitter and converges the electromagnetic energy entering the window, a fluid interface and an output interface. A detector detects electromagnetic energy exiting the window from the output interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling a filter layer and a method using the same are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a cylindrical tube made of a transparent material; a screw installed at a central portion in the cylindrical tube, to be rotated for shifting a sample from the lower part to the upper part of the cylindrical tube, and a rotary operating unit fixed to the upper end of the screw for rotating the screw, wherein the cylindrical tube is provided with a scale formed on its outer circumference and a protective cap combined with the lower end for smoothly excavating the filter layer and preventing the damage of the cylindrical tube. The apparatus further lower case a fixed supporter on the upper end of the screw and a supporting hand lever protruding from one side of the fixed supporter to be pressed by a worker with force required for excavation.

Abstract: A system for driving a large diameter caisson into the ground, comprising a crane assembly, a plurality of vibratory devices, a clamp assembly, a suspension assembly, and a timing system. Each vibratory device generates a vibratory force. The clamp assembly rigidly secures each of the vibratory devices to one of a plurality of predetermined angularly spaced locations about the caisson. The suspension assembly connects the vibratory devices to the crane assembly such that transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory devices to the crane assembly is inhibited. The timing system operatively connects the plurality of vibratory devices to synchronize the vibratory forces generated thereby.

Abstract: Visual probes and methods for placing visual probes into subsurface areas in either contaminated or non-contaminated sites are described. In one implementation, the method includes driving at least a portion of a visual probe into the ground using direct push, sonic drilling, or a combination of direct push and sonic drilling. Such is accomplished without providing an open pathway for contaminants or fugitive gases to reach the surface. According to one implementation, the invention includes an entry segment configured for insertion into the ground or through difficult materials (e.g., concrete, steel, asphalt, metals, or items associated with waste), at least one extension segment configured to selectively couple with the entry segment, at least one push rod, and a pressure cap. Additional implementations are contemplated.

Abstract: A microscope imaging system comprises a tube including a bore and a sidewall having an aperture; an optically transparent window positioned in the aperture; a light source for generating first light signals which are directed at diffuse angles through the window; an imaging system mounted in the bore for detecting second light signals which enter the bore through the window; and a first lens system for focusing the second light signals onto the imaging system. The system may also include a focusing system for changing the distance between the imaging system and the first lens system, and a fluid delivery system for ejecting a chemical indicator reagent from the probe as it is being deployed through the ground. The reagent is dispersed from the tube in the vicinity of the optical window so that it comes into direct contact with the soil outside the tube near the window.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting prefabricated drain members downwardly into underlying earth which includes a vertically extending mast that supports an elongated earth penetrating mandrel. The mandrel is adapted to receive a prefabricated drain member for movement with the mandrel down into the earth to insert drain members. A drive is mounted on the mast for driving the mandrel into and out of the underlying earth and the drive includes a rotary drive gear that engages the mandrel and a motor for driving the gear. A vibrator is mounted on the upper end of the mandrel for imparting vibrations to assist in its penetration into the earth. A flexible torsion drive coupler couples the motor to the drive gear for driving the drive gear and for also isolating the motor and the mast from vibrations imparted to the mandrel by the vibrator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining measurements from a wellbore during tripping operations. A drilling sub is attached to the drillstring adjacent to or as near as possible to the drillbit before commencing normal drilling operations. Prior to commencing tripping operations, a logging tool is engaged within the drilling sub. The engagement of the logging tool within the drilling sub opens a window mechanism that enables the sensors of the logging tool to obtain data from the wellbore. As tripping operations are conducted, the logging tool obtains data along the length of the wellbore.

Abstract: A compound type cone mirror installed inside a sonde moving up and down in a borehole for observing the whole circumference of the hole wall at an arbitrary depth at a time, a combined mirror for locally observing the hole wall in detail, and an elevating sonde equipped with these mirrors are provided for observing the wall surface of a borehole In the ground. In the compound type cone mirror, a transparent truncated cone block the surface of which is finished by polishing is inserted into a concave portion or pierced hole having the same shape as said truncated cone block and formed coaxially in the axial direction in a transparent column block the surface of which is finished by polishing, and said inserting face is a mirror finished face. Moreover, in the combined mirror, a plane mirror slanted upward at 45.degree. to the axial direction is mounted onto the top face of the truncated cone block or column block of the compound type cone mirror.

Abstract: Methods for visual inspection of subsurface environments by emplacing a substantially visually clear pipe or casing into the subsurface environment and thereafter introducing visual inspection, means, such as a video camera, into the pipe, whereby inspection of the subsurface environments may be accomplished directly through the wall of the pipe. The inspection may also be accomplished by emplacing an opaque pipe provided with spaced part visually clear windows into the subsurface, and thereafter introducing visual inspection means into the pipe to inspect subsurface environments through the windows of the pipe. The invention additionally includes improved piping or casing which is constructed of typical opaque materials such as steel, but which is provided with visually clear windows appropriately spaced throughout the casing.

Abstract: An under frame tool bar attachment, for a light truck with a frame having a pair of generally parallel spaced apart frame side bars, includes an elongated tool bar, a pair of mounting assemblies, each adapted for securing the tool bar to a respective one of the frame side bars in transversely extended relation across the underside of the light truck frame and fasteners for securing the mounting assemblies to the truck frame and the tool bar to the mounting assemblies. The under frame mounted soil sampler includes an upright outer mast supported on the tool bar, a stabilizer for transversely stabilizing the upper end of the outer mast relative to the light truck box, a drill head vertically moveable on the outer mast, a power source for raising and lowering the drill head and a soil sampler tool removably carried on the drill head.

Abstract: A device and method for continuously adding chemicals to a producing oil well to prevent the formation of paraffins, emulsions, scale and to prevent corrosion is described. The device includes an above ground mixing chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A portion of the flow of production oil is diverted from the production tubing to the inlet. Chemical are added in the mixing chamber, and the mixture is then flushed down through the well casing to the bottom of the well to be pumped up the production tubing. The device includes a sight glass on the mixing chamber to visually observe the mixture, a bleed valve on the mixing chamber to remove samples and the like, and a pressure gauge for registering the internal pressure within the chamber. A line check valve is provided at the inlet to close the inlet in the case of excessive back pressure to prevent a flow of chemicals back through the inlet, and a choke with a predetermined orifice is provided at the outlet to regulate the flow rate therethrough.

Abstract: A device for continuously adding chemicals to a producing oil well to prevent the formation of paraffins, emulsions, scale and to prevent corrosion is described. The device includes an above ground mixing chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A portion of the flow of production oil is diverted from the production tubing to the inlet. Chemicals are added in the mixing chamber, and the mixture is then flushed down through the well casing to the bottom of the well to be pumped up the production tubing. The device includes a sight glass on the mixing chamber to visually observe the mixture, a bleed valve on the mixing chamber to remove samples and the like, and a pressure gauge for registering the internal pressure within the chamber. A line check valve is provided at the inlet to close the inlet in the case of excessive back pressure to prevent a flow of chemicals back through the inlet, and a choke with a predetermined orifice is provided at the outlet to regulate the flow rate therethrough.