Abstract: A downhole tool for conveyance within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool comprises a moveable member comprising a first surface defining a moveable boundary of a first chamber, and a second surface defining a moveable boundary of a second chamber. The downhole tool further comprises hydraulic circuitry selectively operable to establish reciprocating motion of the moveable member by exposing the first chamber to an alternating one of a first pressure and a second pressure that is substantially less than the first pressure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for borehole seismic investigation. The devices can include a first sensor for acquiring data relating to a microseismic event, a second sensor for detecting the start of a microseismic event and a command module for activating the first sensor to transmit data when the second sensor detects the start of the microseismic event. The methods can include activating a first sensor to transmit data relating to a microseismic event when a second sensor detects the start of the microseismic event. The method can also include deactivating the first sensor, or stopping data transmission substantially when the microseismic event ends.

Abstract: A downhole tool for conveyance within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool comprises a moveable member comprising a first surface defining a moveable boundary of a first chamber, and a second surface defining a moveable boundary of a second chamber. The downhole tool further comprises hydraulic circuitry selectively operable to establish reciprocating motion of the moveable member by exposing the first chamber to an alternating one of a first pressure and a second pressure that is substantially less than the first pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for monitoring microseismic activity in a formation. The method and apparatus include placing a tool string having a shuttle including a sensor thereon in a stimulation well, and activating the shuttle to acoustically couple the sensor to an inner surface of a casing. The sensor is acoustically decoupled from the tool string. Fluid is then injected into the formation via the tool string. The sensor is reengaged with the tool string. The tool string may then be removed from the stimulation well or moved to another position along the wellbore.

Abstract: Devices and methods for borehole seismic investigation. The devices can include a first sensor for acquiring data relating to a microseismic event, a second sensor for detecting the start of a microseismic event and a command module for activating the first sensor to transmit data when the second sensor detects the start of the microseismic event. The methods can include activating a first sensor to transmit data relating to a microseismic event when a second sensor detects the start of the microseismic event. The method can also include deactivating the first sensor, or stopping data transmission substantially when the microseismic event ends.

Abstract: Devices and methods for borehole seismic investigation are provided. The devices are a downhole tool having gripping devices which may improve contact between the downhole tool and the borehole wall (or casing of the borehole wall) and reduce slippage as compared to downhole tools without the gripping devices. The methods involve lowering a downhole tool having the gripping devices into a borehole and applying force to cause the gripping devices to penetrate or create an indentation in the borehole wall (or casing of the borehole wall). The methods and devices may improve the coupling between the downhole tool and surface to be monitored and/or may enhance the frequency range due to higher coupling frequency as compared to downhole tools without the gripping devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for monitoring microseismic activity in a formation. The method and apparatus include placing a tool string having a shuttle including a sensor thereon in a stimulation well, and activating the shuttle to acoustically couple the sensor to an inner surface of a casing. The sensor is acoustically decoupled from the tool string. Fluid is then injected into the formation via the tool string. The sensor is reengaged with the tool string. The tool string may then be removed from the stimulation well or moved to another position along the wellbore.

Abstract: A handling tool (100) for securely handling a radioactive source (204) comprises a first securing device and a second securing device. The first securing device comprises a chamber (103), and an opening mechanism (105, 106) for opening the chamber (103). The opening mechanism opens the chamber when the chamber is brought in proximity with a source pocket that may contain a radioactive source (204), and the opening mechanism closes the chamber when the chamber is withdrawn from the source pocket (200). The second securing device comprises a gripping device (111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117) to grip and release a radioactive source (204), and a positioning mechanism (109, 110, 116) for positioning the gripping device in the source pocket (200) or inside the chamber (103) of the first securing device.

Abstract: Handling tool for radioactive sources of logging while drilling devices A handling tool (100) for securely handling a radioactive source (204) comprises a first securing device and a second securing device. The first securing device comprises a chamber (103), and an opening mechanism (105, 106) for opening the chamber (103). The opening mechanism opens the chamber when the chamber is brought in proximity with a source pocket that may contain a radioactive source 204, and the opening mechanism closes the chamber when the chamber is withdrawn from the source pocket 200. The second securing device comprises a gripping device (111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117) to grip and release a radioactive source (204), and a positioning mechanism (109, 110, 116) for positioning the gripping device in the source pocket 200 or inside the chamber 103 of the first securing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool having a valve (3c, 4c) for closing the tubing (100) of a well into which the tool has been placed. The valve member (4c) is controlled by means of a traction cable (17) via a hydraulic mechanism having two piston-and-cylinder assemblies (4b, 5e, 45; 1g, 4a, 41) which reduce the force applied on the valve member (4c) by the pressure of the fluid in the well and which amplify the force (f) applied thereto by the cable (17) in order to open said valve member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool having a valve (3c, 4c) for closing the tubing (100) of a well into which the tool has been placed. The valve member (4c) is controlled by means of a traction cable (17) via a hydraulic mechanism having two piston-and-cylinder assemblies (4b, 5e, 45; 1g, 4a, 41) which reduce the force applied on the valve member (4c) by the pressure of the fluid in the well and which amplify the force (f) applied thereto by the cable (17) in order to open said valve member.