Abstract: An improved total field calibration system and method is disclosed for reducing the rotational misalignment between magnetic and gravity sensors in a directional sensing system. A method of calibrating a tri-axial directional sensor that includes orthonormal accelerometers and orthonormal magnetometers is disclosed. The method includes measuring Earth's magnetic and gravity fields with said directional sensor in at least 4 sensor orientations; obtaining at least one reference field value of dip drift of Earth's magnetic field from at least one source independent of said directional sensor corresponding to said orientations; and, determining and applying rotational misalignments between said magnetometers and said accelerometers so that measured magnetic dip drifts are substantially equal to said reference values. The calibration process can be performed without monitoring the declination change during the calibration process.

Abstract: A downhole valve is described. The downhole valve has a pilot valve section and a tool section. The pilot valve section has a first tube. The tool section has a second tube slidably coupled to the first tube of the pilot valve section so as to provide fluid communication between the pilot valve section and the tool section. The tool section can be in the form of a signal valve section of a mud pulse telemetry valve, a reamer, a vertical steerable tool, a rotary steerable tool, a by-pass valve, a packer, a whipstock, or stabilizer.

Abstract: A downhole tool measurement device mounting system and method are provided. The mounting system may include a chassis and a first sensor area and a second sensor area in the chassis capable of housing a first sensor and a second sensor that measure a characteristic along a first axis and a second axis, respectively. The system may also have a sensor assembly mounted in a cavity of the chassis in a third sensor area wherein a sensing axis of the sensor assembly is orthogonal to the first and second axes, the sensor assembly having a block and an orthogonal sensor mounted in the block to form a monolithic assembly that is secured into the cavity.

Abstract: An improved total field calibration system and method is disclosed for reducing the rotational misalignment between magnetic and gravity sensors in a directional sensing system. The effect of variation of surface components of the Earth's magnetic field during the calibration process on magnetometer misalignment may be completely eliminated by requiring the magnetic dip derived from the sensing system to match that of the Earth's field obtained from a reference source. The calibration process can be performed without monitoring the declination change during the calibration process. Directional sensing systems can be calibrated accurately during a period when the Earth's magnetic field changes rapidly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.

Abstract: A set of instructions is stored on at least one computer readable medium running on a downhole computer system of a measurement while drilling (MWD) system. The set of instructions is used in extracting outputs from sensors and providing data streams having one or more data series (e.g., survey data, drilling data). The set of instructions further provide for transmitting the data series to a surface computer system and interrupting the data series based on one or more trigger events.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.

Abstract: A downhole tool measurement device mounting system and method and provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.