Abstract: To complete a groundwater monitoring site including several monitoring points disposed at different depths, the piping includes a single multi-conduit pipe (1) having a smooth, tightly packable outer wall and being composed of individual pipe lengths (4) which are coupled to each other in a sealed relationship. The pipe lengths (4) are subdivided in the longitudinal direction into several conduits (6a-6d) by partition walls (5) and are coupled to each other in such a fashion that their conduits (6a-6d) are in relative alignment at the junctures and not reduced in area. For the purpose of providing filter sections for the admission of water, individual pipe lengths are provided in their outer wall with filter slots (9) in the area of one or several conduits.

Abstract: A method for taking samples from a groundwater monitoring site realized by measuring an electric conductivity of contaminated groundwater during operating a pump at high r.p.m. and by controlling a predetermined minimum variation of the electric conductivity over a predetermined period of time with subsequent operating of the pump at low r.p.m.

Abstract: A hydromechanical signal transmitter for generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid to transmit telemetry information of a well-logging operation includes a stator fixed in a cylindrical housing having at least a pair of axially aligned fluid passages, and a disc shaped rotor disposed between the passages, rotatable between a first limit position wherein an opening in the rotor passes drilling fluid flowing through the pair of passages and a second limit position wherein a disc portion of the rotor throttles the flow of the fluid. A revisable d.c. motor drives the rotor from one limit position to the other in response to information signals provided to the motor. Means is provided to stop the rotor at each limit position, including radial stop faces on a drive shaft connecting the motor to the rotor and a stop pin in the housing. A plurality of circumferentially spaced passages and rotor openings may be provided.

Abstract: An assembly for removing a liquid phase floating on a surface of groundwater includes a lifting device changing a position of a bucket-shape vessel receiving the liquid phase through an inlet aperture in response to a signal generated by a measuring device monitoring a level of the liquid phase.

Abstract: An outer tube (26) provided with rolling bearings (28) is rotatably mounted on an inner tube (10) which can be connected to a drilling tool or a pipe string. Radially mobile guiding rails are arranged in longitudinal channel-like recesses on the outer surface of the outer tube (26). Belleville springs lodged in spring housings (36) arranged in recesses in the guide rails (35) press against the outer tube (26) and force the guide rails (35) radially outward. The guide rails (35) help prevent rotation of the outer tube, enable it to slide longitudinally in the bore, and guide the inner tube (10) mounted in the outer tube (26) and the drilling tool or pipe string attached to the inner tube (10).

Abstract: A coupling for hoses, pipe and tubing which allows the simultaneous and independent flow of two or more materials through the coupling having of a male coupling portion with two or more circumferential channels terminating in a coupling and having circumferential steps between each channel, a female portion having a like number of circumferential channels terminating in a stepped coupling portion and a by-pass ring having one fewer channels than the male and female portions and insertable between the male and female portions to separate the flow of material.

Abstract: A device for collecting manganese nodules or the like from the ocean floor having a frame that is drawn across the ocean floor, a cylinder rotating around a horizontal axis which has on its circumference brushes for picking up manganese nodules in the circumferential direction. A screen surrounds the rear half of the cylinder. Hook-like rods mounted on the screen terminate in prongs pointing in the traction direction for digging out manganese nodules. The bristles can be made of bronze and are in the form of ribs running in the axial direction of the cylinder. Because of the brushes, the jamming of the nodules is prevented and at the same time a cleaning action is performed on the nodules.

Abstract: A cylindrical probe for insertion into a drill hole for detecting the presence of mineral deposits. A source of radioactive irradiation and a detector are mounted concentrically within the housing of the probe, the detector being shielded from direct radiation by a wall having an upper conical surface which directs fluorescent radiation reflected from the wall of the drill hole to the detector. A disc-shaped slot concentrates the rays from the radioactive source on an area of the drill hole wall which is in the shape of a ring surrounding the probe. The concentration and close proximity of the radiation source and the detector permit precise scanning and analyzing, simply, cheaply and quickly.

Abstract: A drilling tool for deep wells having a motor-driven drill bit which can be turned at an angle to the axis of the primary well hole to produce lateral holes branching from the primary hole. The bit is rotatably-mounted in the last in a series of pivotally articulated links at the downhole end of the drill pipe string. The deviation of the drill bit from the well axis is controlled by pivoting the last link with respect to the penultimate link. The last link includes a sliding surface which bears against the wall of the well hole to effect the pivoting. In another form of the invention a spring effects the pivoting. Preferably stops are provided between the last and penultimate link to limit the angle of pivoting.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the recovery of sediments from the sea bottom, a suction head is lowered into the sediment and continuously moved in the sediment. The suction head includes loosening means in the form of a pivot plate with blades which pivot relative to the suction head in response to continuous movement of the suction head to scrape the sediment to loosen it.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the recovery of sediments from the sea bottom, a suction head having a mouth is lowered into the sediment, raised from the sediment to form a depression, laterally moved to a new location adjacent the first depression, and the cycle is repeated to form a new depression. The suction head includes loosening means in the form of a worm or flukes which exert a low frictional resistance with respect to the sediment during lowering of the suction head and high frictional resistance when the head is being raised from the sediment.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure measuring means for a well, which is adapted to be coupled into adjacent sections of a delivery or riser pipe in the area of the environment in which pressure is to be measured, having two concentric pipes, the inner one being in communication with the environment through a conduit extending through the annular space between the pipes, a valve within the inner pipe to close the conduit, and a pressure sensing device that can be lowered into the inner pipe to open the valve and close off a chamber within the inner pipe to sense the environmental pressure then prevailing in the chamber. The valve is spring biased to closed position and opens under the force of the weight of the pressure sensing device.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus mounted on the deck of a ship for picking floating objects from the sea having an articulated lifting arm which extends over the side of the ship and gripping device suspended from the end of the arm for grasping objects in the water. The arm is actuated by an hydraulic cylinder connected to a source of high pressure liquid which may be dumped into the cylinder instantaneously in response to the closing of the gripping device around the object. The liquid is pressurized by a compressed gas. The apparatus produces a high hoisting speed and lifts the object very quickly from the water.

Abstract: A deep well pump includes a cylinder having a foot valve and a valved piston which is movable over a given range in the cylinder. The cylinder is preferably formed of plastic, extends above ground and below the range of movement of the piston, and is of constant diameter over its length. The piston rod also extends above ground and is of variable length to vary the range of movement of the piston. The foot valve structure and piston structure are interchangeable and connected together during operation by a slackened cable.

Abstract: The size and location of rock formation cavities are determined by placing small bodies within the cavity, altering the physical or chemical state of the bodies within the cavity and measuring the change of state of the bodies thereby providing a measurement of the location or size of the cavity. Preferably, the small bodies are detonatable bodies which upon detonation provide an acoustic indication of the size and location of the cavity.

Abstract: An underwater camera in a pressure tight housing and a release mechanism for releasing the shutter at a predetermined distance from the sea bed. The release mechanism includes a transducer on the housing exterior for transmitting ultrasonic signals and receiving echo signals and an electronic circuit on the interior of the housing for opening the shutter in response to the echo signals when the camera has reached the predetermined distance from the sea bed.

Abstract: An improved housing assembly for an underwater camera with a flash device is disclosed and includes a hollow cylindrical pressure housing. The hollow cylindrical pressure housing has a shell or wall including a window for the objective of the camera and has a pressure tight head, made of transparent material, in which the flash device is disposed.

Abstract: A scissors-type, free-fall grab is disclosed for picking up ground samples from a sea bed. The grab includes two grab halves which may pivot relative to one another. A transverse bar engages the upper ends of the grab halves to hold the grab in its opened position. This transverse bar is attached by a cable arrangement to a buoyancy member. Upward movement of the buoyancy member causes the transverse bar to become disengaged from the upper ends of the grab halves and forces the grab halves to move to their closed position. The grab carried weights which fall off of the grab as the grab moves from its opened to its closed position.

Abstract: In a zone melting process, current is passed transversely through the process charge by electrodes arranged laterally of the charge consisting of the charge material and having a height corresponding substantially to the height of the melting zone in the direction of pulling.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging an electrical energy source secured within a water-tight or hermetically sealed housing. The apparatus includes a transformer having a primary and secondary coil. The secondary coil is secured within the housing, whereby the housing need not be opened to effect charging of the electrical energy source.