Abstract: A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.

Abstract: A downhole coring tool conveyable within a borehole extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole coring tool comprises a housing, a hollow coring bit extendable from the housing, a first motor operable to rotate the coring bit, and a second motor operable to extend the coring bit into the subterranean formation through a sidewall of the borehole in a direction not substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the borehole proximate the downhole coring tool. A static sleeve disposed in but rotationally independent of the coring bit receives a portion of a core sample of the formation resulting from extension of the coring bit into the formation. The static sleeve comprises a protrusion extending radially inward toward the core sample sufficiently to mark the core sample.

Abstract: A downhole coring tool conveyable within a borehole extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole coring tool comprises a housing, a hollow coring bit extendable from the housing, a first motor operable to rotate the coring bit, and a second motor operable to extend the coring bit into the subterranean formation through a sidewall of the borehole in a direction not substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the borehole proximate the downhole coring tool. A static sleeve disposed in but rotationally independent of the coring bit receives a portion of a core sample of the formation resulting from extension of the coring bit into the formation. The static sleeve comprises a protrusion extending radially inward toward the core sample sufficiently to mark the core sample.

Abstract: A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.

Abstract: A fluid flow metering device comprises a ball valve locatable in a fluid flow, having at least two transverse bores through the ball valve, a first transverse bore and a second transverse bore. The first transverse bore includes a fluid flow metering apparatus for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the first transverse bore. The ball valve is preferably rotatable between a first metering position where fluid is flowable through the first transverse bore and a second open position where fluid is flowable through the second transverse bore. In addition, the second transverse bore is dimensioned so that a tool is movable through the second transverse bore when the ball valve is in the second open position.

Abstract: An example of a cable positioning mechanism for directing a cable into a seismic sensor housing for connection with the seismic sensor includes a member sized to connect with a seismic sensor housing, the cable passing through the member at opposing anchor points for operational connection to the seismic sensor between the anchor points, wherein the cable is oriented through the member at an angle that is not perpendicular to a vertical axis of the sensor housing.

Abstract: A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.

Abstract: An example of a cable positioning mechanism for directing a cable into a seismic sensor housing for connection with the seismic sensor includes a member sized to connect with a seismic sensor housing, the cable passing through the member at opposing anchor points for operational connection to the seismic sensor between the anchor points, wherein the cable is oriented through the member at an angle that is not perpendicular to a vertical axis of the sensor housing.

Abstract: A fluid flow metering device comprises a ball valve locatable in a fluid flow, having at least two transverse bores through the ball valve, a first transverse bore and a second transverse bore. The first transverse bore includes a fluid flow metering apparatus for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the first transverse bore. The ball valve is preferably rotatable between a first metering position where fluid is flowable through the first transverse bore and a second open position where fluid is flowable through the second transverse bore. In addition, the second transverse bore is dimensioned so that a tool is movable through the second transverse bore when the ball valve is in the second open position.

Abstract: A downhole tool positionable in a wellbore for penetrating a subterranean formation includes a housing having at least one protuberance extending therefrom. The protuberance has at least one centralizing section and a protective section. A probe is positioned in the protective section such that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the housing along the protective section is less than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the housing along the at least one centralizing section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one downhole formation property is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pretest piston positionable in fluid communication with the formation, and a series of flowlines pressure gauges, and valves configured to selectively draw into the apparatus for measurement of one of formation fluid and mud. The method includes performing a first pretest to determine an estimated formation parameter; using the first pretest to design a second pretest and generate refined formation parameters whereby formation properties may be estimated.

Abstract: A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.

Abstract: A downhole tool positionable in a wellbore for penetrating a subterranean formation includes a housing having at least one protuberance extending therefrom. The protuberance has at least one centralizing section and a protective section. A probe is positioned in the protective section such that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the housing along the protective section is less than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the housing along the at least one centralizing section.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method generate electrical power in a tubular housing, such as a drill collar, disposed in a borehole when drilling fluid flows through the tubular housing. The apparatus includes a stator adapted for being secured within the tubular housing against rotation relative to the tubular housing, a tubular rotor rotatably carried about the stator, and an impeller peripherally affixed to the rotor. The stator has an array of conductive windings therein, and is preferably an alternator stator. The rotor has an array of magnets therein, and is preferably an alternator rotor. Accordingly, drilling fluid flowing through the tubular housing when the apparatus is disposed therein engages the impeller and induces rotation of the rotor about the stator to generate electrical power.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for acquiring information from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore contemplate the use of a tubular body adapted for connection within a drill string disposed in the wellbore. The tubular body is equipped with one or more protuberances (e.g., ribs) defining an expanded axial portion. A probe is carried by the tubular body at or near a first location within the expanded axial portion of the body where the cross-sectional area of the expanded axial portion is a minimum. The probe is movable between retracted and extended positions. In another aspect, the inventive apparatus may further include a cover releasably-secured about the probe for protecting the probe while drilling. In a further aspect, the inventive apparatus may include a shearable backup support carried by the tubular body azimuthally opposite the probe permitting release of the apparatus from the wellbore in the event of a failure.

Abstract: A cabled communication link for a drill string includes spaced apart adapter subs within the drill string and a cable connecting the adapter subs for communication of a signal therebetween. The cabled communication link may be drill pipe joints are interconnected within the drill string between adapter subs to form a piped communication link, whereby the cabled communication link establishes a pathway to the piped communication link for transmitting a signal through the drill string. The cabled communication link may also be in a non-wired section of the drill string is disposed between adapter subs, whereby the cabled communication link establishes a pathway for transmitting a signal through the non-wired section of the drill string. Inductive couplings are preferably used for communication across the adapter subs and wired drill pipe joints. Another aspect of the cabled communication employs wireless transceivers at or near the surface of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of forming a rotor for a positive displacement motor. The method includes forming a liner that includes at least two resilient layers and at least one fiber layer, and the at least two resilient layers are positioned so as to enclose the at least one fiber layer. The liner is positioned on a rotor tube, and the rotor tube includes a shaped outer surface including at least two radially outwardly projecting lobes extending helically along a selected length of the rotor tube. The liner is cured on the rotor tube so that the liner conforms to the radially outwardly projecting lobes formed on the outer surface and to the helical shape of the outer surface. The curing forms a bond between the liner and the outer surface and between the at least two resilient layers and the at least one fiber layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method generate electrical power in a tubular housing, such as a drill collar, disposed in a borehole when drilling fluid flows through the tubular housing. The apparatus includes a stator adapted for being secured within the tubular housing against rotation relative to the tubular housing, a tubular rotor rotatably carried about the stator, and an impeller peripherally affixed to the rotor. The stator has an array of conductive windings therein, and is preferably an alternator stator. The rotor has an array of magnets therein, and is preferably an alternator rotor. Accordingly, drilling fluid flowing through the tubular housing when the apparatus is disposed therein engages the impeller and induces rotation of the rotor about the stator to generate electrical power.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for acquiring information from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore contemplate the use of a tubular body adapted for connection within a drill string disposed in the wellbore. The tubular body is equipped with one or more protuberances (e.g., ribs) defining an expanded axial portion. A probe is carried by the tubular body at or near a first location within the expanded axial portion of the body where the cross-sectional area of the expanded axial portion is a minimum. The probe is movable between retracted and extended positions. In another aspect, the inventive apparatus may further include a cover releasably-secured about the probe for protecting the probe while drilling. In a further aspect, the inventive apparatus may include a shearable backup support carried by the tubular body azimuthally opposite the probe permitting release of the apparatus from the wellbore in the event of a failure.

Abstract: A cooling system for a downhole tool includes an insulating chamber disposed in the tool, wherein the chamber is adapted to house an object to be cooled; a Stirling cooler is disposed in the tool, the cooler has a cold end configured to remove heat from the chamber and a hot end configured to dissipate heat; and an energy source to power the Stirling cooler. A downhole tool includes: a tool body, and a cooling system with an insulating chamber; wherein the chamber is adapted to house an object to be cooled; a Stirling cooler is disposed in the tool, the cooler has a cold end configured to remove heat from the chamber and a hot end configured to dissipate heat; and an energy source to power the Stirling cooler.