Abstract: The power-conversing apparatus includes a plurality of independently energizable electrical circuits used in receiving electrical signals from a transducer which senses an environmental condition, in processing the electrical signals, and in storing information related to the detected environmental condition. The apparatus further includes a power control circuit for continuously providing electrical power to at least one of the electrical circuits and for independently switchably providing electrical power to selectable ones of at least two others of the separately energizable circuits.

Abstract: A rheology test system includes a self-propelled vehicle, a computer contained in the vehicle and a rheology flow loop skid mounted in an outboard storage compartment of the vehicle. The rheology flow loop skid includes an obliquely mounted helical conduit through which laminar flow is maintained. The helical loop is mounted on a base near an inboard side thereof, and instrumentation is mounted on an outboard side of the base so that the apparatus can be readily used while mounted on the vehicle. Improved connecting pipes provide a more compact construction and a more easily assemblable and disassemblable construction.

Abstract: A transportation assembly includes a single container having a primary confinement receptacle and a secondary confinement receptacle in which the primary confinement receptacle is retained. In the preferred embodiment the primary confinement receptacle has two reservoirs defined in it, one of which is for storing and transporting a radioactive substance and the other of which is for storing and transporting a diluting substance in which the radioactive substance is to be diluted at a location, such as a well site at which a radioactive tracer injection operation is to be performed. A system incorporating such a container and a method of using it are also disclosed.

Abstract: The gelation testing apparatus includes a closed fluid circuit in which a sample of the substance to be tested is contained. A pressurizing device, such as a pump, is connected into the closed fluid circuit so that the pressure within the closed circuit can be changed. A pressure detecting device, such as a differential pressure transducer, is connected into the closed fluid circuit for detecting a pressure differential across the sample in response to the operation of the pressurizing device. Through the pressurizing device, the system pressure can be subjected to oscillating pressure pulses. The apparatus also can have the ability to control the temperature of the sample. This apparatus is used by placing the sample in the closed fluid circuit, creating a pressure pulse within the closed fluid circuit on one side of the sample, and detecting whether the pressure pulse is transmitted across the sample. This can be performed under controlled pressure and temperature conditions.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a method for developing a single set of time intervals for controlling a memory device effectively utilizes a histograph having two parallel time lines with the same scale. One time line has a series of minimum time periods, each corresponding to when a respective event might occur. The other time line has a series of maximum time periods during which the respective events might occur. Time segments are defined between corresponding minimum and maximum time periods and sample rates and ratios are assigned to each time segment. At each start and end time of a period, the possible sample rates needed at that time are compared and the fastest sample rate is selected. The ratios are similarly analyzed, and the minimum ratio is selected. Consecutively occurring sample rates having the sample value are grouped into respective time intervals.

Abstract: An automatic material sampling apparatus includes a housing for receiving a positively or negatively pressurized flow of material to be sampled as the material flows through a conduit, wherein the housing is disposed in-line with the conduit. The apparatus also includes a sampler mechanism for collecting a full cross-sectional sample of the material as the material flows through the housing under positive or negative pressure. The sampler means includes a collection member for receiving the sample and a movement mechanism for moving the collection member to collect or sweep out the full cross-sectional sample of the material. Movement of the collection member can be linear, arcuate or rotational or a combination of directions in different described embodiments of the apparatus.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital conversion technique utilizes an oscillator which provides a primary oscillating signal that drives a counter and that generates a derived signal having a frequency less than the primary signal. The derived signal is integrated for use in comparing against the threshold voltage defining the analog signal to be converted. The comparison of the integrated and the threshold signals provides a pulse width modulated signal which is related to the primary signal. The pulse width modulated signal gates the counter for generating a count at the rate established by the primary signal. This output can be communicated to a microcomputer or other device.

Abstract: A lock, particularly suitable for locking a top packer against upward movement relative to a lower packer in a well bore, includes a radially movable latch member slidably mounted in a radial cavity defined in an inner mandrel which is movable relative to an outer member to which the top packer is connected in the exemplary use. Spring biasing elements are used to retain the latch member in a disengaged position until, from within the mandrel, an actuating pressure is exerted radially outwardly on the latch member with a force greater than the biasing force of the spring biasing elements and a radially inwardly acting force exerted by a hydrostatic pressure existing externally of the outer member but communicated internally thereof. When this occurs, gripping teeth on the latch member interlock with an engagement surface on the interior of the outer member.

Abstract: A method of testing a magnetic core memory includes writing a test bit to each storage location addressed by each X-drive/X-sink transistor pair and each Y-drive/Y-sink transistor pair to determine which transistor or transistors of each pair is or are inoperable. Once this determination is made, a memory status map is created designating the inoperable transistors. Thereafter, the map contents are converted into an address field for matching against a selected memory address. If the selected memory address calls for an inoperable transistor, as indicated by a comparison with the address field, this is detected and the address changed until only operable transistors are accessed.

Abstract: An angular displacement indicating apparatus includes internal and external magnets disposed so that the external magnet tracks the internal magnet when a shaft to which the internal magnet is connected rotates. The external magnet is connected to a rotary variable differential transformer, for example, so that the external magnet moves from a null position in response to rotation of the internal shaft thereby causing the transformer to generate an electrical signal proportional to the angle of rotation of the shaft. Embodiments of the invention include external connecting mechanisms which can be moved to physically indicate the actual angle of deflection of the internal shaft.

Abstract: A physical condition in a well bore is sampled and information taken from the sample is recorded by a method of conserving electrical energy in performing such sampling and recording. The method sequentially energizes and de-energizes a plurality of different electrical circuits within the downhole apparatus with which the physical condition is detected and in which the information is recorded. The method determines when the next sample is to be taken and, depending upon how much time remains until the next sample, de-energizes the apparatus to conserve energy.

Abstract: The method for controlling the rate at which a downhole logging tool samples and records a detected condition obtains three samples of the condition at three consecutive sample times and computes a prediction value for the n-th sample from the first three samples. The method compares the actual n-th sample with the predicted value and records the (n- 1)-th sample if the variance between the predicted and actual values is outside a predetermined threshold or difference. The sample rate is changed if the actual values of the samples remain within the predicted value's preselected range for more than a preselected number of samples. The sample rate interval is also increased if the battery life or memory capacity decrease below predetermined thresholds. The sample rate interval is decreased to its shortest interval if a pressure change above a predetermined threshold is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed wherein simultaneous electrical well logs can be made with a plurality of focused currents emitted from a plurality of electrodes located along a single equipotential surface of a housing. The focused currents are generated in response to a single voltage signal from a single power supply connected between the housing and a single current return electrode. A voltage reference is located on a cable which suspends the housing and the current return electrode in a well borehole, and a voltage detection circuit detects a voltage offset between the voltage reference and the housing.

Abstract: A positive stirring consistometer cup includes a pair of wall blade members having radially inwardly extending blades which cooperate with radially outwardly extending blades of a paddle to uniformly apply shear throughout a substance to be tested. A split sleeve assembly eliminates an outer dead space, and an enlarged spacer member mounted on the shaft of the paddle eliminates an inner dead space, thereby enhancing the uniformity of the shear throughout the substance. A centralizing assembly centers the stationary paddle while causing a minimum of friction and wear to occur on the shaft of the paddle. In a method of using the positive stirring consistometer cup, the blades of the wall blade members and of the paddle stop in substantially aligned, coplanar relationship to facilitate cleaning of the elements after a test is concluded.

Abstract: A compact, transportable apparatus includes test equipment for operating on a sample of slurry within a single container to determine the compressibility, thickening time, and static gel strength of the sample. The static gel strength test is particularly performed with a load cell vertically moved along a lead screw, which load cell is directly connected to a drive mechanism for driving a paddle at a very slow speed through the sample.

Abstract: A location detecting apparatus for use with a fluid conducting conduit in which a movable member moves includes an internally mounted magnet attached to the movable member and an external portion attached to the conduit for magnetically interacting with the internal magnet when the movable member is moved to a predetermined location. In the preferred embodiment there are two magnets, one extending from each end of the movable member. In this embodiment, the external portion includes two similar assemblies, each attached to a respective end of the conduit and each including suitable magnetically responsive switches, a reducing flange attached to the conduit, a manifold pipe extending through the reducing flange, and a clamping mechanism for releasably attaching the switches to the manifold pipe.

Abstract: A well tool having reciprocating portions can be locked in a predetermined position by a latching mechanism which is responsive to externally applied pressure, as opposed to mere movement of the reciprocating elements to the predetermined position. The actuating pressure can be applied through the annulus or through a pipe string in which the tool is located.

Abstract: An appartus and method for testing characteristics of a substance, such as a cement slurry to be used within an oil or gas well, are provided. The apparatus includes a single drive motor which can be actuated in either a dynamic mode or a static mode to measure, in the preferred embodiment, either consistency or static gel strength of the substance. A single display is switchably connectible to one of two scaling circuits which scale a single transducer output signal to provide the desired measurement.

Abstract: A fluid flow system comprises a plurality of operational elements which are interconnected by rigid conduits. The present invention provides a rigid interconnecting conduit which includes a statically adjustable assembly comprising two telescopically associated members having a combined length which is variable to accommodate objects spaced at different distances and orientations. The assembly also includes a member for clamping the relatively movable elements to provide a rigid linkage once the interconnection of the objects is made.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled apparatus monitors a plurality of flow meters for computing and displaying the flow rates detected by each flow meter, the total volumes accumulated through each flow meter, the sum of the current flow rates for the flow meters, and the sum of the total volumes for the flow meters. The information from which the computations are made and the system operating parameters are transferred to a non-volatile memory in response to electronic means for detecting when a power outage or interruption occurs.