Abstract: Data is communicated from sensors at a downhole location near a drill bit to surface equipment. Communication to the surface equipment may be direct or may pass through a series of nodes. The nodes in some cases are intelligently reconfigured to achieve desired data rates, achieve power management goals, and/or compensate for failed nodes.

Abstract: A downhole system comprises a main sensor, such as a gamma sensor, and a backup sensor. The backup sensor may be of a different type from the main sensor. In some embodiments the backup sensor is a high reliability sensor that may have a different sensitivity from the main sensor. The system operates both the main and backup sensors and generates calibration data for the backup sensor. If the main sensor fails the calibration data may be applied to process data from the backup sensor to yield an estimate of the data that the main sensor would have yielded if it had remained operational. The calibration data may compensate for temperature variations and/or temporal drift, for example.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling system is integrated into a mud motor. The measurement-while-drilling system includes sensors which may include inclination and tool face sensors, for example, located near to the drill bit. Data from the near bit sensors is transmitted by way of telemetry, for example, EM telemetry. The mud motor may include a rotating electrical coupling which provides good electrical productivity between an uphole coupling of the mud motor and the rotating mandrel. The EM telemetry transmitter may include an electrically-insulating gap integrated with the mandrel of the mud motor.

Abstract: A data logger comprising a first data store, a second data store and a controller connected to receive output from a temperature sensor indicating a temperature of the first data store. The controller may be configured to write data to the first data store and to switch to writing the data on the second data store if the indicated temperature of the first data store exceeds a first threshold temperature. The first and second data stores may be of different types. Upon the temperature of the first data store transitioning from above the first threshold to below the first threshold, the controller may be configured to copy any data recorded in the second data store to the first data store.

Abstract: A method for sealing a gap sub wherein injected material is used to secure a seal member in a gap. The seal member is positioned in the gap, and the material is then injected into the gap and against the seal member, seating the seal member and securing it in place once the material solidifies. The injected material is preferably electrically non-conductive.

Abstract: A sealing member or gasket for sealing a space between two adjacent surfaces, the sealing member having at least one non-helical circumferential extension or ridge configured for size-on-size or press fit engagement with a corresponding recess in at least one of the surfaces being sealed. The sealing member can be formed by molding followed by insertion between the two adjacent surfaces, or by positioning the surfaces adjacent one another and then injecting or pouring the sealing member material into the space and allowing it to solidify in place.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling (MWD) telemetry system comprises a downhole MWD telemetry tool comprising a mud pulse (MP) telemetry unit and an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry unit. The MWD telemetry tool can be configured to transmit data in an EM-only telemetry mode using only the EM telemetry unit, in an MP-only mode using only the MP telemetry unit, or in a concurrent telemetry mode using both the EM and MP telemetry units concurrently. When transmitting data in the concurrent telemetry mode, the telemetry tool can be configured to transmit in a concurrent confirmation mode wherein the same telemetry data is transmitted by each of the EM and MP telemetry units, or in a concurrent shared mode wherein some of the telemetry data is transmitted by the EM telemetry unit, and the rest of the telemetry data is transmitted by the MP telemetry unit. The telemetry tool can be programmed to change its operating telemetry mode in response to a downlink command sent by an operator at surface.

Abstract: A tourniquet (10; 40) comprising a resiliently deformable strap, towards an end (11) of which is located a fastener (13) arranged for releasable engagement with a portion of the strap spaced from said end (11) so as to form a loop in the strap in use, wherein the strap is elongate in form and is arcuate in cross section.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling (MWD) telemetry system comprises a downhole MWD telemetry tool comprising a mud pulse (MP) telemetry unit and an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry unit. The MWD telemetry tool can be configured to transmit data in an EM-only telemetry mode using only the EM telemetry unit, in an MP-only mode using only the MP telemetry unit, or in a concurrent telemetry mode using both the EM and MP telemetry units concurrently. When transmitting data in the concurrent telemetry mode, the telemetry tool can be configured to transmit in a concurrent confirmation mode wherein the same telemetry data is transmitted by each of the EM and MP telemetry units, or in a concurrent shared mode wherein some of the telemetry data is transmitted by the EM telemetry unit, and the rest of the telemetry data is transmitted by the MP telemetry unit. The telemetry tool can be programmed to change its operating telemetry mode in response to a downlink command sent by an operator at surface.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling (MWD) telemetry system comprises a downhole MWD telemetry tool comprising a mud pulse (MP) telemetry unit and an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry unit. The MWD telemetry tool can be configured to transmit data in an EM-only telemetry mode using only the EM telemetry unit, in an MP-only mode using only the MP telemetry unit, or in a concurrent telemetry mode using both the EM and MP telemetry units concurrently. When transmitting data in the concurrent telemetry mode, the telemetry tool can be configured to transmit in a concurrent confirmation mode wherein the same telemetry data is transmitted by each of the EM and MP telemetry units, or in a concurrent shared mode wherein some of the telemetry data is transmitted by the EM telemetry unit, and the rest of the telemetry data is transmitted by the MP telemetry unit. The telemetry tool can be programmed to change its operating telemetry mode in response to a downlink command sent by an operator at surface.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling (MWD) telemetry system comprises a downhole MWD telemetry tool comprising a mud pulse (MP) telemetry unit and an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry unit. The MWD telemetry tool can be configured to transmit data in an EM-only telemetry mode using only the EM telemetry unit, in an MP-only mode using only the MP telemetry unit, or in a concurrent telemetry mode using both the EM and MP telemetry units concurrently. When transmitting data in the concurrent telemetry mode, the telemetry tool can be configured to transmit in a concurrent confirmation mode wherein the same telemetry data is transmitted by each of the EM and MP telemetry units, or in a concurrent shared mode wherein some of the telemetry data is transmitted by the EM telemetry unit, and the rest of the telemetry data is transmitted by the MP telemetry unit. The telemetry tool can be programmed to change its operating telemetry mode in response to a downlink command sent by an operator at surface.

Abstract: Infrared detection is used to monitor the temperature within a vapor transport deposition processing chamber. Changes in temperature that occur when a substrate passes an infrared detector are detected and used to precisely locate a position of the substrate within the chamber. Position correction of the substrate can also be implemented.

Abstract: Apparatus to visually indicate a leak from a relief valve are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a pipe plug having a head and a shaft. The pipe plug is to attach to a relief valve. An opening is to extend through the head and shaft. The apparatus also includes a first flexible membrane to cover an end of the opening. In some examples, the first flexible membrane is to expand when fluid is released via the relief valve into the opening of the pipe plug.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a sales and use tax analysis and reconciling system that includes an item and ontology restriction interface, an item and ontology restriction engine, a sales and use tax application program interface, a sales and use tax engine, a sales and use tax accounting engine, and an item and ontology restriction engine. The item and ontology restriction interface can receive point of sale transaction data and process a transaction message, and the item and ontology restriction engine can transmit the transaction message to an item and ontology restriction analysis engine for analysis. The sales and use tax application program can transmit totaled transaction data. From this data, a sales and use tax engine can create fund split and electronic fund transfer instructions for an acquirer gateway, and the sales and use tax can be reconciled and sent to a funding source.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling (MWD) telemetry system comprises a downhole MWD telemetry tool comprising a mud pulse (MP) telemetry unit and an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry unit. The MWD telemetry tool can be configured to transmit data in an EM-only telemetry mode using only the EM telemetry unit, in an MP-only mode using only the MP telemetry unit, or in a concurrent telemetry mode using both the EM and MP telemetry units concurrently. When transmitting data in the concurrent telemetry mode, the telemetry tool can be configured to transmit in a concurrent confirmation mode wherein the same telemetry data is transmitted by each of the EM and MP telemetry units, or in a concurrent shared mode wherein some of the telemetry data is transmitted by the EM telemetry unit, and the rest of the telemetry data is transmitted by the MP telemetry unit. The telemetry tool can be programmed to change its operating telemetry mode in response to a downlink command sent by an operator at surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling evacuation pressure of a load lock connected to a processing chamber uses prior pressure changes detected in the processing chamber when the load lock communicates with the processing chamber.

Abstract: Interchangeable valve apparatus for use with fluid regulators are described herein. An example valve apparatus described herein includes a first retainer is removably coupled to a fluid flow passageway of a fluid regulator between an inlet and an outlet. The first retainer comprises a first housing having a first bore to receive a flow control assembly and the first retainer has a first opening coaxially aligned with the first bore to define a first orifice of the fluid flow passageway when the retainer is coupled to the fluid regulator. The fluids regulator also includes a second retainer different than and interchangeable with the first retainer, where the second retainer comprises a second housing having a second bore to receive the flow control assembly. The second retainer has a second opening coaxially aligned with the second bore to define a second orifice of the fluid flow passageway when the second retainer is coupled to the fluid regulator.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus for the production of methane gas from poultry litter are provided. Particular features are selection of methanogens, well stirring of the digester, and control of critical parameters of digester temperature, pH, and solids content resulting in enhanced methane production and reduced nitrogen compositions. A benefit of the invention is the capability to maintain a closed system without waste by-products.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus for the production of methane gas from poultry litter are provided. Particular features are selection of methanogens, well stirring of the digester, and control of critical parameters of digester temperature, pH, and solids content resulting in enhanced methane production and reduced nitrogen compositions. A benefit of the invention is the capability to maintain a closed system without waste by-products.

Abstract: A compact, robust, wear resistant, and high performance electrically insulating gap sub for use with borehole EM Telemetry is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gap sub may include an externally threaded mandrel separated from an internally threaded housing by a dielectric material. Additionally, some embodiments may include an external gap ring for separating the upper and lower electrical halves of the sub which offers structural support, acts as the primary external seal, and provides an abrasion resistant non-conductive length on the exterior. Some embodiments may include torsion pins to prevent the possible unscrewing of the dielectric filled threaded sections should the dielectric material become damaged or weakened.