Abstract: Method and apparatus for concurrently and interactively displaying a selected plurality of measurable properties of geophysical data to empirically derive the best combined presentation of the selected attribute properties for interpretation. The technique of the present invention allows the interpreter to more easily comprehend simultaneous variation of several geophysical data attributes and to relate the effects to a specific end result for the geophysical indicators of interest. In accordance with the method, the one or more geophysical attribute variables are quantified and then rasterized so that the data is represented as a gridded variable area display wherein color intensity of the grid units is some function of the instantaneous variable. The resulting data is then loaded into digital refresh memory of an image processing computer whereupon it us interactively mixed for analysis in accordance with operator selected colors and color intensity weighting.

Abstract: A method of increasing the efficiency of a cyclone-fired boiler which uses high sodium lignite as fuel. The fuel produces ash deposits on heat transfer surfaces within the boilers, and in accordance with the method, powdered limestone is periodically injected into the firebox of the boiler in a quantity and for a time period such that the limestone is heated to a temperature in the range of from about 2200.degree. F. to about 2700.degree. F. and reacts with ash deposits in the boiler to form layers thereon. The layers so formed have a higher ash fusion temperature than the unreacted deposits and cause the resulting composite deposit to be more friable whereby the deposit can be removed using conventional soot blower apparatus.

Abstract: A current controller interface accepts a variable voltage at its input and develops a current at its output which corresponds directly with the input variable voltage. Its apparatus is usually associated with a program controller as an input and a microscope which has a heated element as the output. The apparatus uses a control circuit which is coupled to a controllable resistance semiconductor device, which device has an output which varies in resistance in accordance with variation in input current. The output of the variable resistance device is coupled in series with the heating coil of the microscope, the power supply and current sensing resistor. The resistor develops a feedback voltage which is applied to the control circuit so that when a change in voltage is applied to the input the output from the current sensing element will change until it balances the current being applied at the input. When the balance occurs, no further change in output current will occur.

Abstract: Apparatus for detection and analysis of secondary uranium ores to provide signature indication of type by ultraviolet induced fluorescence and detection of fluorescence excitation time, peak value and decay time. The apparatus employs laser irradiation of selected terrain and telescopic detection at specific light wavelengths, viz. the yellow to green band; and thereafter detected signals are processed with specific circuitry to obtain and provide readout of the signature parameters.

Abstract: Rotary process and apparatus for drilling a borehole through a subterranean formation in which the path of a rotary drill bit is varied by deflecting the drill string in response to the pulsating flow of drilling fluid through the drill string. The pulsating drilling-fluid flow is synchronized with the rotation of the drill string by generating a function representative of the rotational position of the drill string and, in response to this function, diverting a portion of the drilling fluid through a secondary line. Flow through the secondary line is controlled by a valve which is opened and closed in synchronization with the rotational position of the drill string. The diverted fluid is supplied to the drilling fluid source for recirculation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixed bed catalyst for the oxychlorination of ethene, alpha olefins and aromatics. More specifically, this invention relates to a catalyst having an impeded center which excludes reactants, or prevents products from forming in the interior of the catalyst. The impeded center may be made inaccessible or it may be inert to reaction. Thin layers of high specific surface area carrier material cover the outer surface of the impeded center. An agent capable of catalyzing oxychlorination reactions is added to the layered catalytic carrier material.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting light and detecting resultant scattering in order to derive information relating to a light-scattering object. A fiberoptic cable has one end adjacent a light generator and the other end aimed at a light-scattering object. A receiver gathers light scattered by the object at which the light output of the cable is aimed. An information processor is connected to the receiver and is operative to generate values relating to properties of the light-scattering object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for connecting a buoyant off-bottom flowline to a subsea structure.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of geothermal energy from subterranean formations comprising injecting a thermally stable, non-corrosive, non-aqueous fluid into said formation to absorb heat; recovering the heated fluid from the formation; and, recovering heat energy from the heated fluid.

Abstract: Catalysts comprising mixtures of HF and metal alkoxides and mixed metal alkoxides produce a sharply peaked alkoxylation distribution during the alkoxylation of organic materials.

Abstract: The coke yield from a delayed coker is minimized by substituting a lower boiling range material for a part of the conventional recycle.

Abstract: A combined process for preparing alumina and alpha-olefins (.alpha.-olefins) is disclosed. The process comprises:(a) reacting tri-(C.sub.2 to C.sub.24) alkylaluminum with ethylene in the presence of nickel catalyst to form triethylaluminum and C.sub.2 to C.sub.24 .alpha.-olefins,(b) adding aluminum tri-(C.sub.4 to C.sub.8) alcoholate to the reaction product of step (a),(c) equilibrating the admixture of step (b) so that substantially all of the triethylaluminum is converted into aluminum ethyl alcoholates, compounds with at least one C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 alcoholate group per molecule,(d) subjecting the equilibrated mixture of step (c) to a fractionation to recover, (1) a C.sub.2 to C.sub.24 .alpha.-olefin fraction, and (2) an aluminum ethyl alcoholate fraction (a mixture of compounds with the general formula Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.6).sub.X (OC.sub.6 H.sub.13).sub.Y (where X is 0 to 2 and Y is 3 to 1) and X+Y=3).(e) adding C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 alcohol to the aluminum ethyl alcoholate fraction to form aluminum tri-(C.

Abstract: An apparatus for multiple injection of slurry from a plurality of mine faces into a slurry line comprises a unique method and apparatus for connecting each slurry injection point to the main slurry line by using a vortex junction apparatus. The vortex junction apparatus provides a means for passing the slurry from one junction point to the next junction point and at the same time provides a means for merging slurry from each injection point into the main slurry line. The junction apparatus also provides a source of water for each injection point, thus eliminating the need for a separate source of water. One embodiment provides for a junction where the main and branch slurry lines are at nearly the same pressure while a second embodiment provides for a junction where the branch slurry line is at a substantially lower pressure than the main slurry line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a program controlled apparatus for providing rapid calibration and update of sensor parameters in a push drill guidance apparatus which is remotely controllable from microprocessor circuitry. A special calibration program is set into non-volatile memory for coaction with the control processor to compute sensor parameters for storage and recall during normal programmed guidance operation.

Abstract: A cutting tool comprises a compact bundle of elongated, substantially cylindrical fibers or rods formed from a cemented metal carbide material. The bundle of fibers is shrink-fitted within a metal collar to form a long-wearing cutting tool.

Abstract: A guideline system for positioning subsea equipment utilizes splayed guidelines for exerting lateral forces on the subsea equipment as it is lowered into place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting a low pressure slurry into a high pressure stream to form a high pressure slurry by injecting a high pressure fluid into a chamber. A portion of the high pressure fluid is removed at a certain location in the chamber, to form a fluid low pressure vortex. The low pressure slurry is injected into the low pressure vortex where it mixes with the high pressure fluids. The slurry, at a high pressure, is removed from a high pressure outlet.

Abstract: Acoustic emissions are detected so that the amount of wear on the interior of a conduit can be directly determined. The acoustic emissions arise from plastic deformations and fractures caused by the fluid and particulate substances therein flowing through the conduit and impinging upon the interior surface of the conduit or by cavitation. The apparatus as disclosed has the capability to detect and also locate the surface area where wear is occurring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electromagnetic hydrocarbon exploration which is accomplished by implanting at least two pairs of electrodes into the ground. One pair transmits a signal into the earth, and the other pair receives the signal. With proper processing the polarization and resistivity of the ground can be calculated. The components are arranged in a manner to insure that the electromagnetic coupling can be determined and can be removed from the measurements. Electrode spacing can be varied to focus on the anomalous stratum. If an anomalous stratum is discovered, it is cored to determine the nature of the material creating the anomaly.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting oil in water. A plurality of oil sensors are maintained at selected positions in a body of water. Each sensor includes a limited wavelength light source for inducing fluorescence in oil which may be present and a light detector for detecting such induced fluorescence. Each sensor is connected to a computer which receives and stores information generated by each light detector.