Abstract: A nuclear detector and a circuit connect in a feed back loop to stabilize gain. The circuit defines two intervals about the capture reaction peak of a pulse height spectrum of neutron counts made by the detector and determines the number of counts occurring within the two intervals. The circuit connects to a high voltage source that powers the detector and adjusts the voltage to compensate for any shift of the pulse height spectrum due to electronic drift, for example. The circuit comprises discriminator circuits, a microprocessor, or a digital processor, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for investigating nuclear magnetic resonance properties of earth formations traversed by a borehole, including a logging device adapted for longitudinal movement in the borehole. The device includes a first subsystem for producing a static magnetic field in the formations and a second subsystem for transmitting electromagnetic energy into the formations and for detecting electromagnetic energy from the formations. The second subsystem comprises an antenna assembly which includes an open-ended shell formed of a magnetically permeable material. An open-ended electrically conductive body is disposed within the shell and is spaced therefrom. A medium whose acoustic impedance is substantially different than the acoustic impedance of the shell and the body is disposed between the shell and the body. An electrically conductive probe is disposed in the body, and an electrically insulating magnetically permeable loading material disposed in the body.

Abstract: A compact circular magnetic induction accelerator (betatron) for use as a borehole gamma ray source includes a field magnet and generally circular pole pieces composed of a class of ferrite having the general formula M.sup.2+ Fe.sub.2.sup.3+ O.sub.4, where M represents two or more divalent metal ions from the group consisting of Mn, Zn and Ni. The core magnet is in the form of two symmetrical closed loops, with one leg of each loop passing axially through the circular pole pieces. The field coil and the core coil may be arranged in series or in parallel, and switching circuits are provided for effecting electron beam capture and ejection. In an illustrative borehole application, the betatron is used as a gamma ray source in a bulk density logging tool.

Abstract: Logging method and tool string for identifying and determining the concentrations of subsurface formation elements next to a borehole, by (i) using a broad energy spectra neutron source (such as a chemical source, like AmBe), and (ii) detecting and counting the delayed gamma rays resulting from the activation by the neutrons of atoms of least one element of interest (e.g. aluminum). Two gamma ray detectors may also be disposed on either side of the broad energy spectra neutron source, for detecting and counting the prompt gamma rays resulting from the capture of neutrons by atoms of elements, such as Si, Ca, Fe, S, H, or Cl, Gd, Ti, or K.The broad energy spectra neutron source is used for both the "activation" and the "capture" measurements. The tool string may also include a natural gamma ray tool for the determination of uranium, thorium and potassium, and for measuring the background to be subtracted from the gross Al activation measurement.

Abstract: A dielectric material of a capacitive affinity sensor has a three-dimensional molecular binding site array. A glass base is layered with a binding agent like silane from which a polymeric backbone like polylysine extends. The polymeric backbone is prepared to accept receptor molecules like cortisol hemisuccinate to bind a specific antibody. Such an array changes dielectric properties between the two electrodes of the capacitive affinity sensor to greatly enhance sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: A modulator circuit for a betatron includes an independent low voltage D.C. powder supply, an intermediate low voltage capacitor connected to one side of the betatron winding, and a high voltage capacitor connected to the other side of the betatron winding. Unidirectional current devices normally permit current flow from the voltage capacitor, through the betatron winding to the high voltage capacitor. Energy is thereby transferred from the power supply and low voltage capacitor through the betatron winding to the high voltage capacitor. Switches are provided selectively to reverse the direction of current flow and thereby discharge the energy stored in both capacitors into the betatron winding to excit the betatron magentic circuit. Upon discharge of the high voltage capacitor, the unidirectional current devices once again restore normal current flow, so that the energy stored in the betatron electromagnet is returned to the high voltage capacitor.

Abstract: A method of visually presenting information representative of the dip characteristics of earth formations by means of a polychromatic chart. The preferred method comprises representing the dip information by means of an arrow plot comprising oriented symbols such as a nail so that the location of each nail head and the orientation of its tips are respectively representative of the amplitude of the dip and the azimuth direction of the dip. Each nail head is colored as a function of the direction of the dip with the color selected from a palette comprising a plurality of colors corresponding to dip azimuth directions.

Abstract: Borehole NMR logging apparatus and methods, and methods for the interpretation thereof. A logging tool is provided which produces a strong, static and homogeneous magnetic field B.sub.0 in a Volume of an adjacent formation on one side of the tool to measure nuclear magnetic resonance characteristics thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the tool has an RF antenna mounted on the outside of the metal body of the tool, directing focussed oscillating magnetic fields B.sub.1 at said Volume to polarize or tip the Magnetic moments of hydrogen nuclei of fluids within rock pores. The same antenna can be used to receive signals of proton precession in the Volume of interest immediately after transmission of the RF polarizing field B.sub.1. Extremely rapid damping of the antenna between the transmitting and receiving modes of operation is accomplished by a Q-switch disclosed herein. The invention provides for the direct measurement of NMR decay having transverse relaxation time T.sub.

Abstract: Borehole NMR logging apparatus and methods, and methods for the interpretation thereof. A logging tool is provided which produces a strong, static and homogeneous magnetic field B.sub.0 in a Volume of an adjacent formation on one side of the tool to measure nuclear magnetic resonance characteristics thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the tool has an RF antenna mounted on the outside of the metal body of the tool, directing focussed oscillating magnetic fields B.sub.1 at said Volume to polarize or tip the magnetic moments of hydrogen nuclei of fluids within rock pores. The same antenna can be used to receive signals of proton precession in the Volume of interest immediately after transmission of the RF polarizing field B.sub.1. Extremely rapid damping of the antenna between the transmitting and receiving modes of operation is accomplished by a Q-switch disclosed herein. The invention provides for the direct measurement of NMR decay having transverse relaxation time T.sub.

Abstract: The porosities of subsurface earth formations surrounding a borehole are investigated using a logging tool run in the wellbore by repeatedly irradiating the formations with discrete bursts of high energy neutrons, measuring the populations of epithermal neutrons at near and far locations from the neutron source, and also measuring the rate of decay of the epithermal neutron population at a third location following each neutron burst and deriving therefrom a measurement of the epithermal neutron slowing down time. Formation porosity values derived from the near-and-far location population measurements are corrected for detector standoff effects by use, in accordance with a predetermined empirical relationship, of the epithermal slow down time measurement.

Abstract: A method of identifying lithology of a formation traversed by a borehole from which sonic data is acquired is disclosed. The sonic data acquired comprises a data set of m waveforms, each of the waveforms including a formation wave component digitized into n samples. The formation wave component comprises direct wave components and typically reflected wave components, converted wave components, and noise. A preferred lithology identification method comprising the steps of characterizing the n samples of each formation wave component as a vector, obtaining a first eigenvector based on the formation wave component vectors, selecting a formation wave component vector, calculating a projection of the selected wave component vector on the first eigenvector, and identifying the lithology of the formation through which the selected wave component passed based on the projection of the selected wave component vector on the first eigenvector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for removing noise by smoothing fine resistivity measurements made with a tool from inside a borehole penetrating an earth formation. Pixel values representative of the resistivity measurements are examined to determine the directions of features in the measurements and a smoothing of the pixel values is then made along the measured directions. The orientations of the features are obtained with a similarlity investigation of pixels in sub-array windows along parallel lines whose slope is varied. Optimal slope lines along which the pixel values in a window best resemble each other are determined as the direction of the features. Smoothing is done along the optimal slope lines. Substantially noise free pixel measurements are obtained to enable subsequent automatic signal processing such as the detection of edges between layers of different resistivity. The edges are recorded with an emphasis on a visual display for enhanced visual analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a logging method and apparatus for determining the electrical resistivity of an earth formation traversed by a borehole. The resistivity is determined using a measuring pad which has a central electrode operable to deliver a measuring current. The measuring current is focused radially by means of two focusing systems: an active focusing system which focuses the measuring current in a first direction; and a passive focusing system which focuses the measuring current in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction.

Abstract: Methods of compressing sonic data acquired as the result of well logging procedures are disclosed. Samples of each digitized formation wave component are characterized as a vector. Eigenvectors based on the formation wave component vectors are obtained, and selected wave components are correlated to the eigenvectors to obtain scaler correlation factors. The eigenvectors and correlation factors together provide a compressed representation of the selected formation wave component, particularly since only a few eigenvectors and correlation factors are required to provide an excellent reconstruction of the formation wave component.

Abstract: A pressure sensor of the present invention can perform pressure measurements under very severe mechanical and thermal conditions. It comprises a cell carrying a strain-measuring circuit. The cell is placed inside a body and is put into contact with the pressure to be measured. The cell has a hermetically sealed internal chamber inside which pressure is set to a predetermined reference value. The outside surface of the cell is subjected to the pressure to be measured. The cell is constituted by two half-shells joined together according to a join plane. The cell is preferably made of sapphire, with the crystal axis of the sapphire being perpendicular to the join plane so as to obtain isotropic stresses. A strain-gauge circuit is deposited on a plane surface of one of the half-shells, parallel to the join plane. The sensor is particularly suitable for testing oil deposits.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying the measuring pads of a logging sonde against the walls of a borehole. Dip measurements and geological investigation of earth formations traversed by a deviated borehole require that the measuring pads be pressed against the borehole walls by means of articulated arms which maintain the pads symmetrical and parallel with respect to the sonde. In the preferred embodiment, two independent resilient forces are applied to the pads. The first resilient force is substantially constant at all extensions of the arms in the borehole, while the second resilient force is adjustable to suit local parameters. The second resilient force is preferably adjustable from surface instrumentation while the sonde is making measurements in the borehole. The first resilient force is provided by independent leaf springs acting on each of the pads, while the second resilient force is preferably provided by a coil spring acting on each of the pairs of opposing arms.

Abstract: The invention concerns a releasing means for a prosthetic elbow locking mechanism. When an elbow unlocking cable is tensed by the amputee, a switch is closed, triggering a one-shot circuit. The one-shot circuit emits a single pulse which drives the motor of the prosthetic elbow, turning the motor a few degrees and lifting the arm such that any frictional engagement between an elbow locking pawl and an elbow gear is relaxed. The locking pawl is readily withdrawn from engagement with the gear, once the motor is pulsed, upon continued application of further tension to the elbow unlocking cable.

Abstract: In a target detection communication system, apparatus and method for determining the presence of probable targets based on contacts (which can indicate the presence of a target, noise, chatter, or objects not of interest) detected within a predefined position sector or sectors over a specified number of scans. The position of each detected contact, as a contact of interest, is compared with the positions of contacts detected at previous times or scans. Velocity profiles indicate which previous contacts support the likelihood that the contact of interest represents a target having a velocity within a defined band. The likelihood, which can be represented by a quality value, may be a function of number of contacts, timing of contacts, or both the number and timing of contacts in a given velocity profile. A preselected threshold value, which is related to false alarm rate, is compared to the most likely, or highest quality, velocity profile associated with a contact of interest.

Abstract: A generated signal is passed through an elongated signal conveying element positioned preferably perpendicular to the surface of a fluid the level of which is to be measured. The signal is directed from the signal conveying element to a detector element which senses the signal output from the signal conveying element. The signal output detected in an optical embodiment varies logarithmically with the depth of immersion of the signal conveying element into the fluid. A preferred embodiment employs an electromagnetic wave, e.g., light, signal which passes through a light pipe signal conveying element. By nearly matching the light pipe index of refraction with that of the fluid, a predetermined percentage of the wave is lost into the fluid each time the light is reflected further along the pipe.

Abstract: A single-stage cryogenic tank support system is disclosed having a large-radius support tube surrounding an internal storage tank, both of which are enclosed by an external shell. The attachment tube is secured to the internal storage tank and external shell by cold and hot support rings, respectively, in a manner that inhibits thermal conductivity, provides low bending stress to the system, and avoids resonant vibrations of the system at low frequencies.