Abstract: A method and system for improving the pulse-echo type of testing to determine wall thicknesses. It is particularly applicable to pipes. There is a pulse directed transversely to the wall so that reflections from the inner and outer surfaces will indicate the thickness, and another pulse is directed at an angle to the wall with time spacing. The angled pulse path permits penetration so that the presence of an undesirable type of discontinuity will cause an additional reflection which distinguishes this type of discontinuity.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine. The system is a type that employs a continuous-wave oscillator which includes a transformer with a high voltage output winding to supply the sparking circuit via a distributor. And, the transformer has an oscillator control winding for starting and stopping oscillation. There is an electronic switch to control application of a DC bias current to the control winding when the oscillator is not oscillating. And, the improvement concerns using plural crank angle controlled sensors with electronic circuit means to select a desired one of the sensors to provide the crank angle degree ignition timing desired.

Abstract: A pivoted pointer or stylus is mounted for actuation by reciprocatory plunger action. It has a stop associated with the plunger to hold the stylus locked in a neutral position until the plunger is actuated. The stylus has a cam action surface for cooperating with another part of the stop after the stop has moved to release the stylus. The cam action causes pivotal movement of the stylus to indicate an event.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer that employs a piezoelectric crystal which is made of lead metaniobate so that it has good sensitivity while also having a low Q. The transducer includes a backing support for one face of the crystal which provides damping of the acoustic energy being generated in the reverse direction. The backing support includes an epoxy resin with heavy metal objects moulded therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the injection profile of a borehole. It employs a perforated tube which may be attached to a tubing string for introducing an injection fluid opposite a formation to receive the injection. And, there is a perforated sleeve that is rotatable relative to the tube so that the injection fluid will be dynamically distributed over the extent of the perforated tube.

Abstract: A gas-filled thermometer which employs hydrogen and an adsorbent compound in a temperature sensitive bulb, with a pressure transducer connected to the bulb to indicate the temperature. The adsorbent compound has a composition conforming to the formula LT.sub.5 where L is a lanthanide rare earth element and T is a 3d-transition element.

Abstract: An oil well type of tool for testing a plurality of formations in a single trip into the hole. It has a full bore test tool which has a retrievable packer for making conventional tests. In addition there are a plurality of bridge plugs releasably connected in series below the test tool for plugging the hole above each formation after it is tested, without any additional trips into the hole.

Abstract: A locator for buried metallic pipes which carry AC signals impressed as a result of various industrial activities. It employs a pick-up coil with a ferromagnetic core. The coil is connected to a tuned bandpass amplifier that has its output connected to a head set and a meter for detecting the amplitude of the signals developed.

Abstract: A method of dewaxing oil which employs the application of reversing electromotive force to the oil while it is being chilled, in order to prevent adherence of the wax crystals.An apparatus combination for dewaxing oil. It includes an elongated container for chilling a body of waxy oil as it flows through. The container acts as one of a pair of electrodes for applying a reversable electromotive force to the oil in order to prevent any adherence. The wax may be recovered by separation following the application of the electrical force.

Abstract: Seismic exploration method applicable to marine surveys. It involves making a dual spread of detectors which are spaced apart vertically. The signals received at one of the spreads are subtracted from corresponding signals received at the other spread. This eliminates horizontally travelling energy signals by cancellation.

Abstract: An electrical system for selecting one of two modes, or signal pulse rates. It employs electronic elements to divide a source of clock pulses into two different pulse rates. The system also employs integrated circuits for counting the clock pulses, and a plurality of NAND gates connected so as to pass the selected one of the counting rates, or modes. The NAND gates are controlled by an on-off signal input.

Abstract: Alkylation-acid end point detector for measuring the titratable acidity of the acid. It employs an electrical titration cell to generate a potential that is related to the acidity pH of the acid. It amplifies and differentiates the potential followed by amplifying the first derivative signal to produce a sharp acid end point signal without using a second derivative.

Abstract: A single-transformer high-frequency continuous-wave ignition system for an internal combustion engine. It employs a solid-state oscillator with a control winding for starting and stopping the oscillator, as timed by the engine. There is a D.C. bias current applied to the control winding. Cutting off the D.C. current ensures instantaneous starting of the oscillator, and an A.C. short circuit ensures stopping thereof.

Abstract: A liquid seal for use with low pressure gas lines. It has a U-shaped conduit and an associated reservoir with the sealing liquid therein connected to the bottom of the U. The reservoir has an overflow to maintain a desired level in the U-conduit under static conditions. The top of the reservoir is closed and is connected by a pneumatic line to a valve so that it may be connected alternatively to the down stream side of the gas seal or to the suction side of the pump which circulates the gas in the line.

Abstract: Seismic exploration method applicable to marine surveys. It involves making a dual spread of detectors which are spaced apart vertically. The signals received at the uppermost spread are delayed sufficiently to make downgoing energy signals in time coincidence with downgoing energy signals from the lower spread. Then the signals from both spreads are algebraically combined so as to cancel downgoing energy signals only.

Abstract: A well-logging sonde employes a neutron generator. It has a high-voltage supply for the target of the neutron generator tube. The sonde includes an insulated high-voltage conductor for connecting the supply to target, and there is a metallic ring supported on the insulation surrounding the conductor. The ring and conductor form a capacitor that is connected to a circuit for controlling the deenergization of the high-voltage supply if an arc occurs.

Abstract: An odometer that employs a pulse generator, the pulses of which correspond to a given increment of linear distance. It has a correction circuit which may be set to either add or subtract a pulse after a predetermined number of pulses have been counted. This corrects the linear distance measured for any cumulated total. Consequently, inaccuracies in the dimension represented by each pulse will be periodically compensated for by the added or deleted pulse.

Abstract: An improvement of a ball type valve which includes structure for conventional closing by quarter turn rotation of the ball, plus pressure sealing of the valve when closed by rocking about a tangential axis. It provides structure to permit both the closing and the pressure sealing, with less than a half turn of a control handle for each.

Abstract: A hook load measuring system for improving the sensitivity of such measurements in deep-well-drilling operations. It employs a transducer actuated by the hook load and an output signal from the transducer that covers the full range of hook-load variation. There is an arrangement for nulling the signal at any given setting, and then for measuring change in a predetermined direction with greatly increased sensitivity.

Abstract: A conduit vent-and-valve combination especially adapted for tank ships employing gas-inerting of cargo tanks. It includes location of the vent and valve adjacent to one another in the conduit, and employs mechanical interlock between the valve hatch cover and an extension of the valve stem in order to prevent closing the hatch unless the valve is fully open.