Abstract: Several optical probes useful in downhole applications are provided. A first probe has a tip in the form of a cubical corner with the diagonal of the cubical corner aligned with the axis of the probe. A second probe has a tip formed in a 45° cone. In these designs, light will bounce respectively three times or twice, but still retain the same orientation. To facilitate drainage, the very tip of the probe may be rounded. Both designs also provide a probe with a large numerical aperture and both are useful for detecting reflectance and the holdup of a multiphase fluid. A third probe uses (hemi)spherical or paraboloid probe tip. The third probe tip has a small numerical aperture and is useful for detecting fluorescence and oil velocity. In all three embodiments, the base behind the probe tip may be tapered to facilitate fluid drainage.

Abstract: Logging-while-drilling apparatus and methodologies for measuring streaming potential in an earth formation are provided. The apparatus and methodologies can be utilized to find information relevant to the drilling operations. In particular, since the streaming potential measurement relates directly to fluid flow, the streaming potential measurements can be used to track flow of fluids in the formation. In turn, this information may be used to find information relevant to the drilling operations, such as under-balanced drilling conditions, abnormal formation pressures, open fractures, the permeability of the formation, and formation pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the content of a first element in a formation which cannot otherwise be determined via a capture spectrum measurement. The methods and apparatus utilize the inelastic spectrum measurement of the first element and the inelastic and capture spectrum measurements of at least a second element. The methods and apparatus have particular application to determining the carbon content of a formation although they are not limited thereto. The inelastic and capture spectrum measurements of silicon are useful in making such determinations, although other chemical elements may be used as the second element.

Abstract: Precision measuring instruments having highly parallel and wear-resistant contact members and a method for fabricating these contact areas are disclosed. The measuring instruments preferably include two contact members each having diamond coated ceramic substrates. The method for diamond coating the contact members of the measuring instruments includes, for each contact member, preparing a ceramic substrate to high tolerance so that it has two surfaces which are parallel within 0.25 microns, diamond coating one surface of the substrate by any one of several chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, and metalizing the other surface of the substrate for affixing it to the contact member of the measuring instrument. The metalized surface of the substrate is preferably affixed to the contact members of the measuring instrument by brazing, gluing or welding. Preferred embodiments of the measuring instruments with diamond coated contact areas include calipers and micrometers.

Abstract: Precision measuring instruments having highly parallel and wear-resistant contact members and a method for fabricating these contact areas are disclosed. The measuring instruments preferably include two contact members each having diamond coated ceramic substrates. The method for diamond coating the contact members of the measuring instruments includes, for each contact member, preparing a ceramic substrate to high tolerance so that it has two surfaces which are parallel within 0.25 microns, diamond coating one surface of the substrate by any one of several chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, and metalizing the other surface of the substrate for affixing it to the contact member of the measuring instrument. The metalized surface of the substrate is preferably affixed to the contact members of the measuring instrument by brazing, gluing or welding. Preferred embodiments of the measuring instruments with diamond coated contact areas include calipers and micrometers.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an improved medication and treatment to induce a "suntanned" appearance by tanning the skin of the user without the need for harmful exposure to the rays of the sun or to the rays of electrical lights that produce infrared and or ultra-violet light. This treatment may also serve to darken the color of some hair adjacent to the skin to which the materials of the treatment are applied. The treatment consists of application of topical tretinoin to the skin of a person combined with the application of a lotion containing ammonium lactate to the same skin area. When the treatment is continued on a basis of once or twice per day, the skin of the user assumes a uniform light brown color similar to the countenance of a suntanned appearance within a period of a few weeks.