Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, managing, distributing and updating geophysical data primarily for E&P companies include in one embodiment the sale of subscriptions entitling paid subscribers access to all subscribed data including both preview and full data. Initial and subsequent data providers are preferably compensated from subscriber fees and may be compensated based on relative subscriber use of data. Data subscriptions can include for subscribers the right to vote or otherwise provide input relating to desired data updates. Data updates are preferably purchased based on competitive bids.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, managing, distributing and updating geophysical data primarily for E&P companies include in one embodiment the sale of subscriptions entitling paid subscribers access to all subscribed data including both preview and full data. Initial and subsequent data providers are preferably compensated from subscriber fees and may be compensated based on relative subscriber use of data. Data subscriptions can include for subscribers the right to vote or otherwise provide input relating to desired data updates. Data updates are preferably purchased based on competitive bids.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, managing, distributing and updating geophysical data primarily for E&P companies include in one embodiment the sale of subscriptions entitling paid subscribers access to all subscribed data including both preview and full data. Initial and subsequent data providers are preferably compensated from subscriber fees and may be compensated based on relative subscriber use of data. Data subscriptions can include for subscribers the right to vote or otherwise provide input relating to desired data updates. Data updates are preferably purchased based on competitive bids.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates code to perform anticipatory prefetching for data references. During operation, the system receives code to be executed on a computer system. Next, the system analyzes the code to identify data references to be prefetched. This analysis can involve: using a two-phase marking process in which blocks that are certain to execute are considered before other blocks; and analyzing complex array subscripts. Next, the system inserts prefetch instructions into the code in advance of the identified data references. This insertion can involve: dealing with non-constant or unknown stride values; moving prefetch instructions into preceding basic blocks; and issuing multiple prefetches for the same data reference.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates code to perform anticipatory prefetching for data references. During operation, the system receives code to be executed on a computer system. Next, the system analyzes the code to identify data references to be prefetched. This analysis can involve: using a two-phase marking process in which blocks that are certain to execute are considered before other blocks; and analyzing complex array subscripts. Next, the system inserts prefetch instructions into the code in advance of the identified data references. This insertion can involve: dealing with non-constant or unknown stride values; moving prefetch instructions into preceding basic blocks; and issuing multiple prefetches for the same data reference.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly 10 for drilling a deviated borehole includes a positive displacement motor (PDM) 12 or a rotary steerable device (RSD) 110 having a substantially uniform diameter motor housing outer surface without stabilizers extending radially therefrom. In a PDM application, the motor housing 14 may have a fixed bend therein between an upper power section 16 and a lower bearing section 18. The long gauge bit 20 powered by the motor 10 may have a bit face 22 with cutters 28 thereon and a gauge section 24 having a uniform diameter cylindrical surface 26. The gauge section 24 preferably has an axial length at least 75% of the bit diameter. The axial spacing between the bit face and the bend of the motor housing preferably is less than twelve times the bit diameter. According to the method of the present invention, the bit may be rotated at a speed of less than 350 rpm by the PDM and/or rotation of the RSD from the surface.

Abstract: A method for improving ROP and reducing hazards in drilling subterranean wells by using an acoustical system 15 to look ahead of the drill bit 14, detects and analyzes geologic features ahead of the bit 14 which may be qualified as drilling hazards 17. Detection of such hazards 17 may facilitate use of more aggressively penetrating bits 14 such as PDC bits as opposed to roller cone bits. In addition, other drilling parameters may be adjusted to improve ROP due to the ability to timely respond to identified hazards 17 before they may be detrimentally encountered by the bit 14. The acoustic system 15 may look ahead of the bit 14 by at least 100 meters, using propagated acoustic waves 19 to locate changes in acoustic impedance which may represent drilling hazards 17. In addition, bulk resistivity ahead of the bit 14 may also be measured and used to locate drilling hazards 17.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to methods and reagents for identifying proteins or other cellular components (collectively “LBP” or “lipid binding partner”), which bind to lipids such as phospholipids, triacylglycerides, plasmalogens or sphingolipids. In preferred embodiments, the subject method is useful for identifying LBPs that bind to phospholipids such as phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylcholines (also called lecithins), phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidylinositols, or sphingomyelins. The LBPs can be naturally occurring, such as proteins or fragments of proteins cloned or otherwise derived from cells, or can be artificial, e.g., poypeptides which are selected from random or semi-random polypeptide libraries.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly 10 for drilling a deviated borehole includes a positive displacement motor 12 having a substantially uniform diameter motor housing outer surface without stabilizers extending radially therefrom. The motor housing 14 has a fixed bend therein between an upper power section 16 and a lower bearing section 18. The long gauge bit 20 powered by the motor 10 has a bit face 22 with cutters 28 thereon and a gauge section 24 having a uniform diameter cylindrical surface 26. The gauge section 24 has an axial length at least 75% of the bit diameter. The axial spacing between the bit face and the bend of the motor housing is less than ten times the bit diameter. According to the method of the present invention, fluid is pumped through the downhole motor to rotate the bit at a speed of less than 350 rpm. A substantial portion of the curved borehole section may be drilled while sliding rather than rotating the motor housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting the approach of a boundary stratum while drilling in a substantially horizontal subsurface zone using sensor tools having sensors with different depths of investigation. The two depths of investigation signals are used to reduce spurious signals. In some cases, dips or angles of the boundary strat with the borehole may be determined. In alternative embodiments, one or more electromagnetic energy transmitters are used with a single receiver pair to generate a characteristic signature of approaching boundary stratum.

Abstract: A drill string having a core sampling device at its lower end is suspended in an earth borehole by a rotary drilling rig at the earth's surface. Drilling fluid pulsations are monitored in the drilling fluid standpipe to generate characteristic signatures of normal coring operations and a precursor, abnormal, signature when the core sampling device first begins to jam, before catastrophic jamming has occurred. Responsive to the abnormal signature, remedial action is commenced, such as reducing WOB, RPM, or terminating the coring operation. The system is also used to determine that an activatable downhole tool has one or more of its parts moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining formation resistivity at a plurality of radial distances from an earth borehole uses a single receiver pair and a plurality of electromagnetic energy transmitters sequentially spaced along the apparatus from the receiver pair, such transmitters being sequentially pulsed at approximately 1-2 MHz each to provide time separation between the pulsing of the plurality of transmitters. The closest spaced transmitter is spaced a predetermined distance from the closer receiver to make the depth of investigation of the closest transmitter essentially independent of formation resistivity. Alternatively, a single transmitter is spaced a predetermined distance from the closer receiver to make the depth of investigation of such transmitter essentially independent of formation resistivity.

Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry system for imparting data pulses to drilling fluids circulating in a drill string including an improved valve arrangement for modulating the pressure of the circulating drilling fluid is disclosed. A shear-type valve is arranged in a through conduit configuration so that the seat face of the valve is covered when the valve is in an open position, thus preventing impingement of abrasive fluid particles on the valve seat face during the open flow position of the valve. The activation means is connected to the valve gate through a floating connection which prevents lateral stress forces operating on the valve from being imparted to the solenoid. The floating connection also permits convenient removal of the valve seat and gate from an access opening on the exterior of the drill string housing to facilitate the replacement of critical valve parts without removing the valve subassembly from the drill string.

Abstract: A nonconducting pipe thread lubricating composition for use in a drill string capable of transmitting electrical signals from a downhole location to the surface of the earth. The composition includes hard and soft moderately deforming materials such as polyphenylene sulfide and talc, and a lubricating solid such as polytetrafluoroethylene dispersed in a viscous lubricating base preferably a lithium based grease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for optimizing the tripping velocity of a drill string. The method of the present invention comprises determining the hydraulic fluid pressure in the borehole in a plurality of intervals as the drill string is pulled out of or run into the borehole. These actual pressures are compared against a predetermined acceptable pressure range for each interval. The limits for this acceptable pressure range are set by the maximum acceptable surge pressures and the minimum acceptable swab pressures established for the interval. The velocity of the drill string in each such interval is then adjusted in order to maximize the tripping velocity while maintaining the hydraulic fluid pressure within the acceptable range for each interval.

Abstract: Soda matte slags are rendered resistant to spontaneous combustion through the addition of silica-bearing fluxes which convert sulfides to silicates.

Abstract: The autoignition of slags produced by the soda smelting of metal containing substances such as lead and antimony bearing materials is prevented through the minimization of iron and entrained coke in the slag and through removal of entrained coke from the slag.

Abstract: An alkali metal containing low antimonial content lead alloy characterized by improved ductility for use as an electric storage battery grid or in acidic environments suitably contains from 0.5% to 3.0% Sb, 0.01% to 0.7% As, 0.001% to 0.7% Sn, 0.001% to 0.15% Cu, 0.001% to 0.015% S or 0.001% to 0.05% Se or admixtures thereof and 0.001% to 0.05% of an alkali metal. Battery grids made from the alloy are resistant to electrochemical corrosion, gassing, and grid growth as well as exhibiting improved bend ductility.

Abstract: An electric storage battery grid made from an improved low antimonial content lead alloy is disclosed. The battery grid can be used to manufacture maintenance free lead acid storage batteries. The alloy has an improved combination of low gassing rate and hardness, castability and pasteability and contains less than 2.0%, i.e. approximately 1.3 to 1.9 weight percent antimony, 0.05 to 0.45 percent arsenic and 0.02 to 0.5 weight percent tin as well as small amounts of copper and sulfur.

Abstract: A process for producing metallic lead from lead battery plates and other types of lead scrap in a secondary lead smelting operation has been developed which comprises adding from 1% to 8% moisture and 0.5% to 5% oxygen to the air which is used to react with carbonaceous material such as coke to maintain the temperature in the melting region from about 1100.degree. C. to about 1300.degree. C. The moisture is added to the air to react with the coke to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and the oxygen is added to maintain the temperature in the melting zone. Increased amounts of lead are produced using smaller quantities of coke and iron when the moisture and the oxygen are added to the air.