Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for processing battery wastes, battery casing debris and other lead contaminated materials. The improved processes of the present invention provide less environmentally stressful methods for recovering lead from such materials while at the same time producing scrap or recyclable ebonite and plastics having reduced and environmentally acceptable lead and leachable lead levels. Most of the lead is first removed by trammel scrubbing. In another aspect of the present invention ebonite and other hard surface materials to which are adhered lead contaminants are mixed with water and abraded in a high energy scrubber to remove the adhered contaminants prior to separation of the cleaned ebonite from solution. This simple and environmentally preferred hydromechanical process provides clean scrap or recyclable ebonite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for processing battery wastes, batter casing debris and other lead contaminated materials. The improved processes of the present invention provide less environmentally stressful methods for recovering lead from such materials while at the same time producing scrap or recyclable ebonite and plastics having reduced and environmentally acceptable lead and leachable lead levels. Most of the lead is first removed by trommel scrubbing. In another aspect of the present invention ebonite and other hard surface materials to which are adhered lead contaminants are mixed with water and abraded in a high energy scrubber to remove the adhered contaminants prior to separation of the cleaned ebonite from solution. This simple and environmentally preferred hydromechanical process provides clean scrap or recyclable ebonite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for processing battery wastes, batter casing debris and other lead contaminated materials. The improved processes of the present invention provide less environmentally stressful methods for recovering lead from such materials while at the same time producing scrap or recyclable ebonite and plastics having reduced and environmentally acceptable lead and leachable lead levels. Most of the lead is first removed by trommel scrubbing. In another aspect of the present invention ebonite and other hard surface materials to which are adhered lead contaminants are mixed with water and abraded in a high energy scrubber to remove the adhered contaminants prior to separation of the cleaned ebonite from solution. This simple and environmentally preferred hydromechanical process provides clean scrap or recyclable ebonite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly for supporting an electrical circuit board within a tube. The assembly comprises a circuit board, an elongated support spine extending longitudinally along the tube and supporting the circuit board and a shock absorbing device for holding the assembly within the tube. The circuit board is disposed parallel to a support surface of the spine with a gap therebetween and a layer of a vibration absorbing material is disposed in the gap between the circuit board and the spine. The vibration absorbing material preferably is an elastomer. Most preferably, the vibration absorbing material comprises a layer of a thixotropic elastomer together with a layer of a silicon elastomer.

Abstract: A gamma radiation logging system utilizes a single fixed gamma ray source spaced from a plurality of detector means arranged in banks so that the readings of the detectors can be utilized individually and in combination to derive the formation density, mud density and borehole diameter. The subject invention is capable of making the above determinations in a while-drilling condition without requiring physical contact with the formation nor making assumptions regarding composition of the formation or requiring further information from secondary sources. Each detector generates an output signal proportional to the photons reaching the detector with the signals being used to determine formation density, mud density and borehole diameter individually and collectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining true formation porosity utilize downhole measurement-while-drilling neutron porosity measurement devices. A initial measurement is taken shortly after the formation is bored and before any substantial invasion by the drilling fluid occurs. Subsequent measurements are made until a steady, no longer increasing, measurement is reached indicating saturation of the formation by the drilling fluid to the depth of the measurements. The steady measurement is indicative of the true porosity of a gas containing formation while the difference between the initial and steady measurements is indicative of the gas saturation of a gas containing formation.

Abstract: The methods disclosed herein incorporate the basic concepts and methodologies of a new general rock-bit interaction model useful in predicting and controlling drilling trajectories in directional (and deep vertical) wells. It accounts for the anisotropic drilling characteristics of both the formation and the bit. The model is developed in a 3-D geometry. Therefore, it is capable of predicting the walk tendency and the build-drop tendency of a given BHA (bottomhole assembly) under any drilling condition. The model can be used in the forward mode to predict the drilling direction; in the inverse mode to generate the rock and bit anisotrophy indices; and in the log-generation mode to generate drilling logs, such as a drilling dip log.

Abstract: Two downhole measurement-while-drilling tools, at least one of which is borehole sensitive, are used to make standard measurements of borehole conditions while drilling. From these measurements, and with some prior knowledge of the lithology, the caliber of the borehole is determined by iteration. The preferred tools are a neutron porosity and a density tool with lithology having been determined by prior seismic survey techniques.

Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry system for imparting data pulses to drilling fluids circulating in a drill string including an improved valve arrangement for modulating the pressure of the circulating drilling fluid is disclosed. A shear-type valve is arranged in a through conduit configuration so that the seat face of the valve is covered when the valve is in an open position, thus preventing impingement of abrasive fluid particles on the valve seat face during the open flow position of the valve. The activation means is connected to the valve gate through a floating connection which prevents lateral stress forces operating on the valve from being imparted to the solenoid. The floating connection also permits convenient removal of the valve seat and gate from an access opening on the exterior of the drill string housing to facilitate the replacement of critical valve parts without removing the valve subassembly from the drill string.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring formation parameters by transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals by antennas disposed in recesses in a tubular housing member and including apparatus for reducing the coupling of electrical noise into the system resulting from conducting elements located adjacent the recesses and housing. More particularly, a method and apparatus employing electrostatic, but not magnetic, shielding of the low impedance antenna systems and inductive signal coupling to enhance the signal at the receiver is disclosed. This system is capable of measuring formation parameters in the presence of conducting bodies, e.g., the drill string, permitting incorporation of the apparatus in a measuring while drilling (MWD) logging system. In a particular embodiment, high frequency electromagnetic energy is used to measure formation resistivity.

Abstract: An improved blowout preventer of the ram type is provided with means allowing limited relative rotational movement of support elements in the seal along with radial inwardly directed movement of the ram assembly to conform to drill string size and accommodate for a tighter seal thereby enabling support of heavier drill string assemblies of smaller diameter pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling fluid communication with a fluid pressure system includes parallel flow paths connected to the system. A first flow path includes first valve apparatus for selectively closing the flow path. The second flow path includes relief valve apparatus responsive to fluid pressure in the second flow path to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration. Switching apparatus, including sensors for detecting the condition of the system, operate to close the first valve apparatus in response to pre-determined threshold values of such condition. Fluid communication from the system may thereafter occur along the second flow path at the relief valve apparatus opens in response to pressure buildup in the flow path. A third flow path, parallel to the first two flow paths, may be provided with throttling apparatus for controlled communication of fluid along such third flow path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus useful in downhole logging tools used in the oil and gas industry. The present invention is particularly directed to an acoustic logging tool including improved, articulated transducer pad assemblies for providing improved transducer contact with the wall of a borehole or the inside wall of casing cemented in the borehole. The apparatus of the present invention provides a plurality of articulated transducer pad assemblies disposed about the circumference of an acoustic logging tool in a plurality of separately movable and adjustable groups. These assemblies each include a plurality of articulated joints permitting limited independent movement of each assembly. The assemblies are spring biased at each end into a deployed configuration to maintain good contact with the wall of the borehole or casing. A drive motor overcomes the biasing springs to retract the assemblies to provide a compact tool for tripping to the location of interest within the borehole.

Abstract: A thickening composition for use in viscosifying aqueous mediums, particularly heavy brines, comprising hydroxyethyl cellulose, 2-pyrrolidone and a mono alkyl ether of ethylene glycol which is water soluble and exerts no appreciable swelling effect on the hydroxyethyl cellulose, the weight ratio of hydroxyethyl cellulose to 2-pyrrolidone being less than about 2.6:1.

Abstract: A composition and process for the removal of mercaptans from gaseous mixtures, particularly gaseous mixtures containing hydrocarbons, wherein the gaseous mixture is treated with an aqueous solution of a water soluble nitrite, such as sodium nitrite, and a water soluble polysulfide, such as sodium tetrasulfide, the pH of the aqueous solution preferably being about 10 or greater initially.

Abstract: An instrument for monitoring the direction of a borehole comprises an elongate casing having its longitudinal axis coincident, in use, with the axis of the borehole, an outer gimbal pivotally mounted within the casing with its pivot axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the casing, a gyroscope unit mounted in the outer gimbal, a torque motor and a gravity sensor unit. At the beginning of a run the instrument is positioned at the mouth of the borehole. The rate of rotation about an axis transverse to the outer gimbal axis is then sensed by the gyroscope unit, and the outer gimbal is slewed by the torque motor in dependence on the sensed rate so as to align the transverse axis along an East/West direction. The instrument is then moved along the borehole and the rate of rotation about the outer gimbal axis is continually sensed by the gyroscope unit, the outer gimbal being torqued by the motor in dependence on the sensed rate to stabilize the outer gimbal about its axis.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for releasing a perforation gun from a tubing string in a well casing is disclosed. The explosion of a detonator that fires the perforation gun opens a previously sealed passageway through a wall of the apparatus of the invention. The passageway transmits bottom hole well pressure to a piston that actuates means for releasing the perforation gun. A secondary release sleeve is also provided to mechanically release the perforation gun when the piston fails to function properly. In an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the perforation gun is released when the explosion of the detonator breaks a frangible rod that previously held one or more retaining balls within a recess in a wall of the perforation gun assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing fluid loss characteristics of a test fluid such as drilling mud under static or dynamic conditions, the apparatus having a filter medium cell which has a generally vertically disposed cylindrical wall, the apparatus further including a first chamber which is in open communication with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall and a second chamber which is in communication with the outer surface of the cylindrical wall, there being a generally vertically disposed rotatable shaft which is received internally of the cylindrical wall, the shaft being driven by a motor or the like, the apparatus being capable of providing a differential pressure across the cylindrical wall such that fluid will flow from the first chamber to the second chamber in response to the differential pressure and the liquid passing into the second chamber can be suitably measured and used to calculate fluid loss rate of the test fluid.

Abstract: The inclination and slope of a bedding plane are determined from oriented measurements of the bending moment generated as a bit encounters and passes completely through the interface between two dissimilar formations. These moments are distinguishable from moments generated by gravity, interaction of the bit and the formation, and interaction of the drill string with the borehole. Preferably, determination of the bedding slope and direction is accomplished by downhole data processing.

Abstract: Communication with a measuring-while-drilling equipment sub, when the sub is at the surface, is established by placing a transmitter-receiver within transmitting range of the electrode/antenna array of the sub. The transmitter-receiver must be compatible with the sub equipment and be capable of transmitting to the sub instructions to dump the sub memory and/or add data to the sub memory.