Abstract: Methods and devices are described for shaping ingots of ice. Devices may include a support structure, a mold for shaping ice ingots, the mold being mounted to the support structure. The devices may also include a first upper platen assembly disposed above a first lower platen assembly, a first positioning means, and at least one liquid inlet valve for each of the first upper platen assembly and the first lower platen assembly.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for shaping ingots of ice. Devices may include a support structure, a mold for shaping ice ingots, the mold being mounted to the support structure. The devices may also include a first upper platen assembly disposed above a first lower platen assembly, a first positioning means, and at least one liquid inlet valve for each of the first upper platen assembly and the first lower platen assembly.

Abstract: A method for optimizing borehole drilling by a drill string having a drill bit at a rotated and axially urged to drill formations includes measuring a parameter related to at least axial and torsional motion of a drill string propagating as elastic waves at a selected position along the drill string. An axial force exerted by the drill bit and torque applied to the drill bit are determined from the measurements related to at least axial and torsional motion. A confined compressive strength of the formations is determined from the measurements related to at least axial and torsional motion. At least one of the determined axial force and the determined torque is adjusted such that a mechanical specific energy applied to the formation is closest in value to the confined compressive strength.

Abstract: A method for optimizing borehole drilling by a drill string having a drill bit at a rotated and axially urged to drill formations includes measuring a parameter related to at least axial and torsional motion of a drill string propagating as elastic waves at a selected position along the drill string. An axial force exerted by the drill bit and torque applied to the drill bit are determined from the measurements related to at least axial and torsional motion. A confined compressive strength of the formations is determined from the measurements related to at least axial and torsional motion. At least one of the determined axial force and the determined torque is adjusted such that a mechanical specific energy applied to the formation is closest in value to the confined compressive strength.

Abstract: In addition to drilling operations a hard rock drill rig is used to induce seismic energy into subsurface rock formations. In quartz rich rock the seismic energy will partially convert to electrical energy thereby allowing for the prospecting of ore-bearing quartz veins. Seismic energy and electric energy are detected by a sensor array. The electric energy is used to infer the presence of piezoelectric materials in the rock formations, and such materials are mapped using the detected seismic energy and electric energy.

Abstract: A vibration while drilling acquisition and signal processing system include a sensor assembly affixable to a drill string in a drilling unit and a sensor for detecting vibrations in the drill string. A first processor is in signal communication with the sensor and is programmed to digitally sample signals from the sensor. A transmitter in signal communication with the first processor communicates the digitized signals to a device disposed apart from the drill string. The first processor is programmed to operate the signal. An electric power source provides power to the sensor, the first processor and transmitter. Either or both the first processor and a second processor associated with the device is programmed to calculate properties of rock formations using only detected vibration signals from the drill string.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of rock formations using drill string vibration measurements includes entering into a processor signals corresponding to vibrations detected along a rotating part of a drill string while drilling a borehole. The vibration signals are transformed into transformed signals representing elastic response of the drill string, the rock formations and borehole fluid to a filtered impulse originating at a known location along the drill string. Properties of the rock formations are calculated using the transformed signals.

Abstract: A vibration while drilling acquisition and signal processing system include a sensor assembly affixable to a drill string in a drilling unit and a sensor for detecting vibrations in the drill string. A first processor is in signal communication with the sensor and is programmed to digitally sample signals from the sensor. A transmitter in signal communication with the first processor communicates the digitized signals to a device disposed apart from the drill string. The first processor is programmed to operate the signal. An electric power source provides power to the sensor, the first processor and transmitter. Either or both the first processor and a second processor associated with the device is programmed to calculate properties of rock formations using only detected vibration signals from the drill string.

Abstract: A vibration while drilling acquisition and signal processing system include a sensor assembly affixable to a drill string in a drilling unit and a sensor for detecting vibrations in the drill string. A first processor is in signal communication with the sensor and is programmed to digitally sample signals from the sensor. A transmitter in signal communication with the first processor communicates the digitized signals to a device disposed apart from the drill string. The first processor is programmed to operate the signal. An electric power source to provides power to the sensor, the first processor and transmitter. Either or both the first processor and a second processor associated with the device is programmed to calculate properties of rock formations using only detected vibration signals from the drill string.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of rock formations using drill string vibration measurements includes entering into a processor signals corresponding to vibrations detected along a rotating part of a drill string while drilling a borehole. The vibration signals are transformed into transformed signals representing elastic response of the drill string, the rock formations and borehole fluid to a filtered impulse originating at a known location along the drill string. Properties of the rock formations are calculated using the transformed signals.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of rock formations using drill string vibration measurements includes entering into a processor signals corresponding to vibrations detected along a rotating part of a drill string while drilling a borehole. The vibration signals are transformed into transformed signals representing elastic response of the drill string, the rock formations and borehole fluid to a filtered impulse originating at a known location along the drill string. Properties of the rock formations are calculated using the transformed signals.

Abstract: A device for providing light along a runway or taxiway at an airport. A base receptacle is adapted to be positioned along the runway and has an open end. A sleeve member is movably received within the base receptacle and has a sleeve member passageway. Replaceable light fixture connecting apparatus is used to connect a light fixture to the sleeve member. Sleeve member connecting apparatus selectively connects the sleeve member to the base receptacle at varying positions.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing while drilling information on a subterranean geologic formation (28) includes a drilling rig (12) and a rotary drill bit (18) attached to the drilling rig (12) for providing seismic waves as it drills in the earth (16). Geophones (20) are spaced from the rotary drill bit (18) in the earth (16) and receive in direct seismic wave paths (26) and seismic wave paths (30) reflected from the subterranean geologic formation (28) the seismic waves provided by the drill bit (18). A reference sensor (24) is located on the drilling rig (12). The seismic signals sensed by the reference sensor (24) and by the geophones (20) are cross-correlated to separate the drill bit generated signals from interference signals by combining the reference signals and the signals received by the geophones (20).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing while drilling information on a subterranean geologic formation (28) includes a drilling rig (12) and a rotary drill bit (18) attached to the drilling rig (12) for providing seismic waves as it drills in the earth (16). Geophones (20) are spaced from the rotary drill bit (18) in the earth (16) and receive indirect seismic wave paths (26) and seismic wave paths (30) reflected from the subterranean geologic formation (28) the seismic waves provided by the drill bit (18). A reference sensor (24) is located on the drilling rig (12). The seismic signals sensed by the reference sensor (24) and by the geophones (20) are cross-correlated to separate the drill bit generated signals from interference signals by combining the reference signals and the signals received by the geophones (20).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing while drilling information on a subterranean geologic formation (28) includes a drilling rig (12) and a rotary drill bit (18) attached to the drilling rig (12) for providing seismic waves as it drills in the earth (16). Geophones (20) are spaced from the rotary drill bit (18) in the earth (16) and receive in direct seismic wave paths (26) and seismic wave paths (30) reflected from the subterranean geologic formation (28) the seismic waves provided by the drill bit (18). A reference sensor (24) is located on the drilling rig (12). The seismic signals sensed by the reference sensor (24) and by the geophones (20) are cross-correlated to separate the drill bit generated signals from interference signals by combining the reference signals and the signals received by the geophones (20).