Abstract: A flexible downhole component includes an upper connection for connecting the flexible downhole component to a first downhole tool and a lower connection for connecting the flexible downhole component to a second downhole tool. The flexible downhole component includes a flexible body disposed between the upper connection and the lower connection. The flexible downhole component includes an upper damping component and a lower damping component each configured to damp torsional oscillations.

Abstract: A flexible downhole component includes an upper connection for connecting the flexible downhole component to a first downhole tool and a lower connection for connecting the flexible downhole component to a second downhole tool. The flexible downhole component includes a flexible body disposed between the upper connection and the lower connection. The flexible downhole component includes an upper damping component and a lower damping component each configured to damp torsional oscillations.

Abstract: There is described a system for producing electrical energy and utilizing associated heat. The system includes a source of fuel, a source of oxygen and a solid oxide fuel cell configured to oxidize the fuel to create electrical energy and heat. The system also includes at least one unit configured to utilize heat generated by the solid oxide fuel cell. This at least one unit is selected from the group consisting of: a solid waste pyrolysis unit; a hydrothermal carbonization unit; a water distillation unit; a water pasteurization unit; a water heating unit; a room heating and cooling unit; and a biomass drying unit. In a second aspect, the invention is a system for providing utilities used in a multi-residence complex.

Abstract: A drill bit forming a borehole in the earth may be urged sideways, creating a curve in the borehole, by a cross-sectional shape of the borehole. For example, a borehole with a cross-sectional shape comprising two circular arcs of distinct radii, one larger and one smaller than a gauge of the drill bit, may push the drill bit away from the smaller circular arc and into the larger circular arc. Forming a borehole with such circular arcs may be accomplished by extending a cutting element from a side of the drill bit for only a portion of a full rotation of the drill bit. The relative radii and angular ranges occupied by the circular arcs may affect a radius of curvature formed in the borehole. The radii and angular ranges occupied by these circular arcs may be adjusted by altering the timing of extension and retraction of the extendable cutting element.

Abstract: A drill bit forming a borehole in the earth may be urged sideways, creating a curve in the borehole, by a cross-sectional shape of the borehole. For example, a borehole with a cross-sectional shape comprising two circular arcs of distinct radii, one larger and one smaller than a gauge of the drill bit, may push the drill bit away from the smaller circular arc and into the larger circular arc. Forming a borehole with such circular arcs may be accomplished by extending a cutting element from a side of the drill bit for only a portion of a full rotation of the drill bit. The relative radii and angular ranges occupied by the circular arcs may affect a radius of curvature formed in the borehole. The radii and angular ranges occupied by these circular arcs may be adjusted by altering the timing of extension and retraction of the extendable cutting element.

Abstract: A magnetometer includes a sensor housing having an internal bore formed therethrough and a magnetic field sensor disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing. The magnetic field sensor is fixedly mounted within the internal bore of the sensor housing. A magnetic flux concentrating block is disposed proximate to an end of the at least one magnetic field sensor. An electronics unit is disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing and is operatively and communicatively connected to the magnetic field sensor. The electronics unit is configured to receive a signal from the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: Downhole drilling often requires passing drilling fluid containing water mixed with mud through a downhole drill pipe. Such drill pipe may comprise cavities therein for working units such as motors, generators, solenoids and the like. It may be desirable to lubricate and cool such working units with water from the drilling fluid, however, mud particulate may damage such devices. The present invention comprises various embodiments of a dynamic seal assembly designed to allow fluid communication between a cavity and a fluid flow while blocking certain particulate matter within the fluid flow from entering the cavity. The fluid communication may occur through and the particulate matter may be blocked by a defined clearance between two complementary surfaces that are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element.

Abstract: A magnetometer includes a sensor housing having an internal bore formed therethrough and a magnetic field sensor disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing. The magnetic field sensor is fixedly mounted within the internal bore of the sensor housing. A magnetic flux concentrating block is disposed proximate to an end of the at least one magnetic field sensor. An electronics unit is disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing and is operatively and communicatively connected to the magnetic field sensor. The electronics unit is configured to receive a signal from the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A drilling assembly comprises a drill bit that includes a bit body intermediate a working face and a shank. An indenting member adapted to guide the drill bit protrudes from the working face. A flexible portion is disposed above the bit body.

Abstract: A drilling assembly comprises a drill bit that includes a bit body intermediate a working face and a shank. An indenting member adapted to guide the drill bit protrudes from the working face. A flexible portion is disposed above the bit body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole tool string component has a first and second threaded end on a mandrel, the first threaded end attached to a first sleeve and the second threaded end attached to a second sleeve. An intermediate sleeve assembly is disposed circumferentially around the mandrel and intermediate the first and second threaded ends, and the intermediate sleeve assembly is primarily isolated from stress of the first or second sleeve.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with a first and a second tool joint adapted to connect to adjacent tool string components, and a central bore adapted to pass drilling mud between the joints. A sleeve circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the tubular body. The sleeve is rigidly attached to the outer surface at first and second sleeve ends and forming at least three stabilizer blades. A nuclear source and at least one nuclear detector are disposed within a gap formed between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the tubular body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with a first and a second tool joint adapted to connect to adjacent tool string components, and a central bore adapted to pass drilling mud between the joints. A sleeve circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the tubular body. The sleeve is rigidly attached to the outer surface at first and second sleeve ends and forming at least three stabilizer blades. A nuclear source and at least one nuclear detector are disposed within a gap formed between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the tubular body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with a first and a second tool joint adapted to connect to adjacent tool string components, and a central bore adapted to pass drilling mud between the joints. A sleeve circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the tubular body. The sleeve is rigidly attached to the outer surface at first and second sleeve ends and forming at least three stabilizer blades. A nuclear source and at least one nuclear detector are disposed within a gap formed between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the tubular body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with a first and a second tool joint adapted to connect to adjacent tool string components, and a central bore adapted to pass drilling mud between the joints. A sleeve circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the tubular body. The sleeve is rigidly attached to the outer surface at first and second sleeve ends and forming at least three stabilizer blades. A nuclear source and at least one nuclear detector are disposed within a gap formed between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the tubular body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with a first and a second tool joint adapted to connect to adjacent tool string components, and a central bore adapted to pass drilling mud between the joints. A sleeve circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the tubular body. The sleeve is rigidly attached to the outer surface at first and second sleeve ends and forming at least three stabilizer blades. A nuclear source and at least one nuclear detector are disposed within a gap formed between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the tubular body.