Abstract: Method and apparatus to allow continuous recovery and broadcast of data and commands to and from a tubular string (32) through all phases of drilling and completion running in a wellbore. A RF transceiver (76/74) is located on the tubular string, the transceiver being adapted to receive signals and broadcast the signals, and a RF transceiver (88/90) is located remote from the tubular string and adapted to receive the broadcasted signal by virtue of an antenna (92) arranged within a fluid filled annulus (60) around the tubular string. RF transmission through the wellbore using distributed RF transceivers providing data and command transmission up and down the tubing string.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to allow continuous recovery and broadcast of data and commands to and from a tubular string (32) through all phases of drilling and completion running in a wellbore. A RF transceiver (76/74) is located on the tubular string, the transceiver being adapted to receive signals and broadcast the signals, and a RF transceiver (88/90) is located remote from the tubular string and adapted to receive the broadcasted signal by virtue of an antenna (92) arranged within a fluid filled annulus (60) around the tubular string. RF transmission through the wellbore using distributed RF transceivers providing data and command transmission up and down the tubing string.

Abstract: Apparatus for the wireless transmission of data, and preferably also of power, across a space between a length of production tubing and a surrounding casing in a petrochemical well, includes a pair of inductively-coupled coils, a first of which is located on the exterior of the production tubing generally coaxially therewith, and the second of which is located on the interior of the casing generally coaxially therewith. This may be used in particular as part of a system for transmitting power and data to/from a sensor monitoring the pressure and/or other environmental conditions within the “B” annulus B of a sub-sea well.

Abstract: A high pressure pump for use in the injection of liquid chemicals into subsea oil or gas wells, and intended to be positioned in the subsea environment adjacent to the wellhead, comprises a piezoelectric actuator (19) for reciprocating a plunger (22) which acts to compress and expand the effective volume of a pumping chamber (29) having a valved inlet (15) connected to a source of the liquid and a valved outlet (16) to lead the liquid to the well. The device has a minimum of moving parts and in particular avoids the need for any rotating parts and attendant high performance bearings and seals.

Abstract: Apparatus for the wireless transmission of data, and preferably also of power, across a space between a length of production tubing and a surrounding casing in a petrochemical well, includes a pair of inductively-coupled coils, a first of which is located on the exterior of the production tubing generally coaxially therewith, and the second of which is located on the interior of the casing generally coaxially therewith. This may be used in particular as part of a system for transmitting power and data to/from a sensor monitoring the pressure and/or other environmental conditions within the “B” annulus B of a sub-sea well.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting failure of a protective barrier between a first object and a second object is provided. The apparatus includes a transmitter assembly for transmitting an alternating electrical signal through the first object and a receiver assembly, wherein the receiver assembly is configured to receive the alternating electrical signal through the second object upon breach of the protective barrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first object is a patient undergoing surgery and/or medical treatment, the second object is a healthcare worker such as a surgeon and the protective barrier is a glove such as a surgical glove. The transmitter and/or receiver assemblies typically include transmitter or receiver electronics and signal connections, and optionally, the electronics and connections can together form integral transmitter and/or receiver assemblies. A return path can be provided for the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A high pressure pump for use in the injection of liquid chemicals into subsea oil or gas wells, and intended to be positioned in the subsea environment adjacent to the wellhead, comprises a piezoelectric actuator (19) for reciprocating a plunger (22) which acts to compress and expand the effective volume of a pumping chamber (29) having a valved inlet (15) connected to a source of the liquid and a valved outlet (16) to lead the liquid to the well. The device has a minimum of moving parts and in particular avoids the need for any rotating parts and attendant high performance bearings and seals.

Abstract: Reader apparatus for receiving data from a transponder in the body of a patient, for example a femoral nail. The apparatus includes an antenna which can be varied in size and shape to fit patients, the size and shape of whose bodies vary significantly. A variable impedance unit is included to maximise power matching between the antenna and a reader unit for a given antenna configuration.

Abstract: A device for the generation of electrical power from a fluid flow, and more particularly for harvesting power from flows downhole in oil or gas wells, comprises a cylinder or other blunt body (1) arranged crosswise to the flow and supported on the end of a sprung cantilever arm (3) held in a fixed mount, with freedom to oscillate in response to the shedding of a Karman vortex trail v from the? body. The resultant motion of the body (1) and arm (3) is converted into electrical energy by piezoelectric material (5) which is attached to, and stressed by, flexure of the arm. Other arrangements of piezoelectric and inductive power generation from the oscillation of the device are described.