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.

Abstract: A system for controlling the direction of a drill bit in a borehole utilizes both a drill string model and a bit-rock directional interaction model to compare ideal predicted or expected moments with real time measured moments to arrive at correction data necessary to return the bit to its desired path. The magnitude and direction of moments generated near the bit are measured in a downhole equipment sub, containing a microprocessor and memory, so that the real time data can be collected and acted upon without undue delay thereby minimizing drilling time lost due to deviations from the desired path.

Abstract: A bucket brigade filter is disclosed having a feedback loop resulting in a tight comb structure filter response whereby a periodic noise and all its harmonics may be removed from a signal. Scalers featuring selectively variable scaler parameters permit prompt adaptation to changes in the noise period, rapid initialization of the filter to an operating condition and adjustable stopband widths of the filter frequency response. Sampling of the input data signal may be synchronized to the periodic variations of the noise to be eliminated from the signal.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit, for drilling wells in subsurface earth formations, and designed for rotation in a given direction, comprises a bit body having an internal passageway for drilling fluid. The bit body has an operating end face and at least one opening through that face communicating with the passageway. Cutters on the bit body form at least one elongate cutting region extending generally radially along a substantial portion of the operating end face. The cutters have cutting surfaces facing in the forward direction and generally continuous cutting edges at the outer extremity of the cutting surfaces. An elongate fence is carried on the bit body, extending generally parallel to the cutting region and spaced from the cutting region in a leading direction.

Abstract: A speed control valve is formed with a pair of cooperating inversely operating dashpots to control movement of a valve element in either direction so as to prevent sudden actuation upon change in fluid velocity or oscillation due to fluid flow changes. Bleeding of fluid into and out of the dashpots controls the speed of movement of the valve element.

Abstract: A down-hole signal transmitter includes an annular impeller mounted on a cylindrical casing and arranged to be driven by the mud flow passing along a drill string. Each of the impeller and the casing incorporates two sets of magnets with their poles arranged axially relative to one another such that axial movement of the impeller in one direction will tend to be resisted by a force of magnetic repulsion acting between the first set of casing magnets and the second set of impeller magnets and axial movement of the impeller in the opposite direction will tend to be resisted by a force of magnetic repulsion acting between the second set of casing magnets and the first set of impeller magnets. In this way the axial thrust due to the fluid flow is largely taken up. Furthermore the magnetic coupling between the magnet sets in such as to enable driving torque to be transmitted by the impeller to a rotary drive member on which the casing magnets are mounted.

Abstract: A transloader provides means and method for adjusting multiple chains in an array for uniform tensioning. The transloader is mounted adjacent a reference member with chain adjustment rods passing through respective spring assemblies in a spring block. The central adjustment rod is adjusted to position the spring block with respect to the reference member and the remaining adjustment rods adjusted to position respective spring followers relative to the spring block thereby providing uniform tension on all chains.

Abstract: A down-hole signal transmitter includes an annular impeller mounted on a cylindrical casing and arranged to be driven by the mud flow passing along a drill string, and an annular stator fixed to the casing upstream of the impeller. The stator has blades canted in one sense relative to the mud flow direction, whereas the impeller has blades parallel to the mud flow direction. The stator blades thereby cause the mud flow to impact on the impeller blades at such an angle that a small or negligible thrust results at the impeller bearings. It is therefore possible to insure a long service life for the bearings.

Abstract: In a method of assembling a roller cone type rock bit, on a body having a tool joint adjacent one end and at least one leg portion adjacent the other end, the leg portion is provided with a longitudinally outer surface which is inclined longitudinally inwardly from its radially outer extremity to its radially inner extremity; on a base for a cone assembly, an end surface is provided configured to mate with the outer surface of the leg portion of the body; a roller cone is rotatably mounted on the base distal the end surface to form a cone assembly, and the end surface of the base is mated with the outer surface of the leg portion; the base is then welded to the leg portion along the juncture of the mating surfaces to mount the cone assembly on the leg portion.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of mounting a cutter, having a stud portion defining one end thereof and a cutting formation generally adjacent the other end, in a pocket in a drill bit body member. The method includes the steps of forming a channel extending into the pocket, inserting brazing material into the channel, inserting the stud portion of the cutter assembly into the pocket, then heating the bit body member to cause the brazing material to flow through the channel into the pocket, and finally re-cooling the bit body member. During the assembly of the various pieces required in the steps mentioned immediately above, a spring is used, cooperative between the cutter and the bit body member, to retain the stud portion in the pocket and also to displace the stud portion toward the trailing side of the pocket.

Abstract: The potential for failure of a formation is predicated by using standard logging apparatus and techniques to monitor the change in a formation characteristic over an extended time period. Changes in this characteristic are attributed to absorption of fluid by the formation which could lead to a possible breakdown of the structural integrity of the formation.

Abstract: A system for determining the stuck point of pipe in a borehole including a wireline tool having an exciter coil and a receiver coil axially spaced from one another. The exciter coil is driven at a preselected low frequency and the voltage induced into the receiver coil is related to the magnetic permeability of a pipe through which the tool is run. A receiver coil voltage log is run of the section of pipe in the region of the stuck point first while that region is substantially free of mechanical stress. A second log of the same region is run with the pipe under mechanical stress. Comparison of the two logs determines the stuck point from the difference in magnetic permeability of the stressed pipe above the stuck point and the unstressed pipe below the stuck point.

Abstract: A gamma ray density sub and method useful for measurement-while-drilling applications utilizing a gamma ray source and detector located on the rotating sub and computation of the product of the counting rates obtained from at least three locations in the formation sample, the locations being located in a azimuthally symmetric pattern about the sub therefore indicating the average density location in the formation sample surrounding a borehole traversing an earth formation. The sub is able to measure the density of the sample, independent of the location of the sub within the borehole and the chemical composition of the interfering materials lying between the formation sample and the detectors.

Abstract: A system for logging subterranean formations for the determination of formation density by using gamma radiation. Gamma ray source and detection means are disposed within a housing adapted for positioning within a borehole for the emission and detection of gamma rays propagating through earth formations and borehole drilling fluid. The gamma ray detection means comprises first and second gamma radiation sensors geometrically disposed within the housing the same longitudinal distance from the gamma ray source and diametrically opposed in a common plane. A formation matrix density output signal is produced in proportion to the output signal from each of the gamma ray sensors and in conjunction with certain constants established by the geometrical configuration of the sensors relative to the gamma ray source and the borehole diameter. Formation density is determined without regard to the radial position of the logging probe within the borehole in a measuring while drilling mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for estimating the value of a parameter of the formation face being penetrated by the drill bit in a drilling operation. The present invention is particularly useful for providing real-time, contemporaneous data concerning the formation face being penetrated for use by the drilling operator or geologist in modifying the drilling operation. The present invention provides a system for estimating the value of one or more parameters of the formation face being penetrated by measuring-while-penetrating one or more measurable parameters of the formation face being penetrated and comparing these values to a data base comprising sets of correlated values for formation parameters of other borehole locations, each set comprising at least a value of the measured parameter and of the parameter of interest.

Abstract: An electrical circuit board is supported within a tube by means of an aluminum support spine of semicircular section. The circuit board is mounted on the flat surface of the spine with a continuous layer of vibration-absorbing material between the circuit board and the spine. On the opposite side of the circuit board are a number of regularly spaced aluminum posts capped with rubber bumpers for engaging the inside surface of the tube. In order to hold the assembly within the tube and to absorb shocks, two rubber tubular members are disposed in grooves in the spine parallel to the longitudinal axis. The assembly may be introduced into the tube with the tubular members in a relatively contracted state and may subsequently be held firmly in position within the tube with the tubular members in a relatively expanded state.

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: Disclosed is a compensator applicable for use with a traveling block supported from a mast, derrick or the like by means of a crown block wherein the traveling block may be utilized for supporting objects. Two fluid pressure piston-and-cylinder assemblies are arrayed on opposite sides of a line of travel of the traveling block relative to the crown block so that a flexible line positioned about the sheaves of both blocks passes over a pulley supported by one fluid pressure assembly to one side of the line of travel and, on the other side, the flexible line passes over a pulley supported by the other fluid pressure assembly. One end of the flexible line may be anchored relative to the mast as a deadline while the line at its other end may be selectively retracted or payed out by a drawworks or the like fixed relative to the mast. In one embodiment, the pulleys are carried by a carriage which is carried by the fluid pressure assemblies.

Abstract: A method of producing a well servicing fluid containing zinc bromide in which an activated hydroxyethyl cellulose is either admixed with a zinc bromide solution containing above about 30% by weight zinc bromide, or, in the alternative, is admixed with a non-zinc bromide containing solution to produce a viscosified solution which is then admixed with a zinc bromide containing solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for actuating a valve. The present invention is particularly useful with a valve for imparting pressure pulses in a pressure pulse telemetry system. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for actuating a valve from a first to a second position wherein the actuating force is adjusted in response to a measured value characteristic of the minimum force necessary to actuate the valve. The apparatus and method of the present invention advantageously and beneficially reduces the power requirement for actuating the valve, prolonging battery life, and minimizes the deleterious affects of excess mechanical and electrical energy on the valve and circuit components, prolonging valve and circuit life.