Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms are provided that allow participants in an electronic messaging conversation (e.g. email or instant message) to retrieve information related to words and phrases in the electronic messaging conversation without leaving the electronic messaging environment. An electronic messaging environment is provided that includes user interface tools that allow a user to (1) select text within the EM conversation, (2) submit the text to an information retrieval service, such as a search engine, and (3) display the results generated by the information retrieval service. To facilitate the selection of relevant text, certain “suggested words” within the conversation may automatically be highlighted by the instant messaging client. Various techniques are provided for customizing which words are suggested, which sources are searched, and which search terms are used.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms are provided that allow participants in an electronic messaging conversation (e.g. email or instant message) to retrieve information related to words and phrases in the electronic messaging conversation without leaving the electronic messaging environment. An electronic messaging environment is provided that includes user interface tools that allow a user to (1) select text within the EM conversation, (2) submit the text to an information retrieval service, such as a search engine, and (3) display the results generated by the information retrieval service. To facilitate the selection of relevant text, certain “suggested words” within the conversation may automatically be highlighted by the instant messaging client. Various techniques are provided for customizing which words are suggested, which sources are searched, and which search terms are used.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing an instant messaging user to exchange messages with an e-mail user. To the instant messaging user, the experience is a seamless exchange of instant messages; to the e-mail user, the experience is a seamless exchange of e-mail messages. Conversion of an instant message to an e-mail message includes insertion of a token into the e-mail message, and conversion of an e-mail message to an instant message includes validating a token extracted from the e-mail message.

Abstract: An automated gas permeameter measures permeabilities of porous samples, such as rocks, ranging from 0.1 milliDarcys to 10 Darcys within 0.5% under dry and humid conditions. The automated gas permeameter includes a program for estimating a coarse permeablity value. The program uses the coarse value to determine settling time for pressure to reach steady state within 0.1% and optimal operating conditions, such as the setting of mass flow rates imposed on the sample. Operating conditions of the permeameter are set by the program according to the resolution and range of flow controllers, accuracy of a pressure transducer, and the limit of applicability of Darcy's law for a sample.

Abstract: A logging tool provides a log of fractional flow characteristics of formations surrounding an earth borehole. The logging tool is suspended in the borehole and resistivity measurements are made at different radial depths of investigation while the logging tool is moved through the borehole to obtain several resistivity logs. Model fractional flow parameters are selected, and a formation conductivity model as a function of the model fractional flow parameters is determined. Several simulated resistivity log values are generated at respective radial depths of investigation from the formation conductivity model. The simulated resistivity log values are compared with values from the resistivity logs of the resistivity measurements to obtain an error indication. The model fractional flow parameters is modified accordingly. Steps are repeated until a predetermined criterion is met, then an output of formation fractional flow characteristics is produced.

Abstract: A borehole tool having adjacently located fluid injection/withdrawal apparatus and an electromagnetic measurement apparatus is provided. The electromagnetic measurement apparatus can be an imaging apparatus for helping set the tool in desired locations for permeability testing via fluid injection or withdrawal. In a second mode, during fluid injection or withdrawal, and if desired, before and/or after injection or withdrawal, a plurality of electromagnetic measurements (images) are made. Based on the electromagnetic and hydraulic measurements, and a model which interrelates the measurements, determinations are made as to various characteristics of the formation, including effective permeabilities. Related methods for utilizing the tool and for treating the data in an integrated fashion are also set forth.

Abstract: A borehole tool has a source probe in fluid contact with the borehole wall, a fluid flow line for bringing fluids to and from the source probe, two injection fluid chambers containing clean oil and clean water and in fluid contact with the fluid flow line, at least one sample chamber for receiving fluid from the formation, valves for selectively routing the formation fluids and the clean oil and water through the fluid flow line, at least one pressure controller for controlling whether fluid is to be injected or withdrawn from the formation via the source probe, and a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure seen at the source probe. Permeability measurements are made by sequentially injecting one clean fluid into the formation, followed by a cleaning of the line with the other fluid which was not injected, followed by the injection of the other fluid into the formation. The order in which the oil and water are injected is based on the type of mud used for drilling.