Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to retrieve a parsing instructions file and a binary configuration file stored in a housing, parse the binary configuration file according to the parsing instructions file to determine configuration information, display at least some of the configuration information as part of a graphical user interface, receive a selection of some of the configuration information and corresponding changed parameter values of the configuration information, transform the binary configuration file into a transformed version of the binary configuration file, and transmit the transformed version of the binary configuration file to the housing as a replacement for the binary configuration file. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described.

Abstract: In one example of rotational ranging in a wellbore in which a wellbore component having an axis of rotation is disposed, a wellbore ranging sensor is disposed on a circumferential area surrounding the axis of rotation. The sensor is moved on the circumferential area to multiple distinct sensing positions. At each sensing position, a magnetic field from another wellbore that is apart from the wellbore is measured resulting in multiple magnetic field measurements at the multiple distinct sensing positions. The multiple magnetic field measurements are provided to determine a position of the wellbore relative to the other wellbore using at least a subset of the multiple magnetic field measurements.

Abstract: In one example of rotational ranging in a wellbore in which a wellbore component having an axis of rotation is disposed, a wellbore ranging sensor is disposed on a circumferential area surrounding the axis of rotation. The sensor is moved on the circumferential area to multiple distinct sensing positions. At each sensing position, a magnetic field from another wellbore that is apart from the wellbore is measured resulting in multiple magnetic field measurements at the multiple distinct sensing positions. The multiple magnetic field measurements are provided to determine a position of the wellbore relative to the other wellbore using at least a subset of the multiple magnetic field measurements.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to retrieve a parsing instructions file and a binary configuration file stored in a housing, parse the binary configuration file according to the parsing instructions file to determine configuration information, display at least some of the configuration information as part of a graphical user interface, receive a selection of some of the configuration information and corresponding changed parameter values of the configuration information, transform the binary configuration file into a transformed version of the binary configuration file, and transmit the transformed version of the binary configuration file to the housing as a replacement for the binary configuration file. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described.

Abstract: This application relates to various methods and apparatus for rapidly obtaining accurate formation property data from a drilled earthen borehole. Once obtained, the formation property data, including formation fluid pressure, may be corrected, calibrated and supplemented using various other data and techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the formation property data may be used for numerous other purposes. For example, the data may be used to correct or supplement other information gathered from the borehole; it may be used to supplement formation images or models; or, it may be used to adjust a drilling or producing parameter. Various other uses of accurately and quickly obtained formation property data are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of testing a downhole formation using a formation tester on a drill string. The formation tester is disposed downhole on a drill string and a formation test is performed by forming a seal between a formation probe assembly and the formation. A drawdown piston then creates a volume within a cylinder to draw formation fluid into the volume through the probe assembly. The pressure of the fluid within the cylinder is monitored. The formation test procedure may then be adjusted. The test procedure may be adjusted to account for the bubble point pressure of the fluid being monitored. The pressure may monitored to verify a proper seal is formed or is being maintained. The test procedure may also be performed by maintaining a substantially constant drawdown rate using a hydraulic threshold or a variable restrictor.

Abstract: A method of testing a downhole formation using a formation tester on a drill string. The formation tester is disposed downhole on a drill string and a formation test is performed by forming a seal between a formation probe assembly and the formation. A drawdown piston then creates a volume within a cylinder to draw formation fluid into the volume through the probe assembly. The pressure of the fluid within the cylinder is monitored. The formation test procedure may then be adjusted. The test procedure may be adjusted to account for the bubble point pressure of the fluid being monitored. The pressure may monitored to verify a proper seal is formed or is being maintained. The test procedure may also be performed by maintaining a substantially constant drawdown rate using a hydraulic threshold or a variable restrictor.

Abstract: This application relates to various methods and apparatus for rapidly obtaining accurate formation property data from a drilled earthen borehole. Once obtained, the formation property data, including formation fluid pressure, may be corrected, calibrated and supplemented using various other data and techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the formation property data may be used for numerous other purposes. For example, the data may be used to correct or supplement other information gathered from the borehole; it may be used to supplement formation images or models; or, it may be used to adjust a drilling or producing parameter. Various other uses of accurately and quickly obtained formation property data are also disclosed.