Abstract: A drill string comprises a first drill string member having a male end; and a second drill string member having a female end configured to be joined to the male end of the first drill string member, the male end having a threaded portion including generally square threads, the male end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the threaded portion, and the male end further having a bearing surface, the female end having a female threaded portion having corresponding female threads, the female end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the female threaded portion, and the female end having a bearing surface. Installation methods, including methods of installing instrumented probes are also provided.

Abstract: A drill string comprises a first drill string member having a male end; and a second drill string member having a female end configured to be joined to the male end of the first drill string member, the male end having a threaded portion including generally square threads, the male end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the threaded portion, and the male end further having a bearing surface, the female end having a female threaded portion having corresponding female threads, the female end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the female threaded portion, and the female end having a bearing surface. Installation methods, including methods of installing instrumented probes are also provided.

Abstract: A pigmented solventborne paint pack which can be made into a waterborne coating composition is provided, which comprises: i) a solution in an organic solvent of polymer having functional groups and hydrophilic groups; and ii) a waterborne pigment dispersion comprising pigment dispersed in water in the presence of a pigment dispersant, the aqueous pigment dispersion itself being in dispersion in the solution of i). Also provided is a solventborne activated paint pack comprising the paint pack described above and further comprising a crosslinker which is dissolved in the organic solvent. Further provided is a waterborne coating composition which comprises a dispersion in an aqueous medium of the solventborne activated paint pack.

Abstract: A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.

Abstract: An apparatus which facilitates placing an instrumented probe into a media, including a plurality of probe casings having first and second ends, the first end of one probe casing being configured to selectively couple with the second end of another probe casing at a casing joint to form an insertion tube, the insertion tube having an instrument receiving end, a surface end, and an insertion tube wall which together define a central cavity, and wherein the casing joint includes a seal which functions as a substantial barrier to contaminants.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition comprising a dispersion in an aqueous medium of an acrylic addition polymer having carboxyl groups in which a proportion of the carboxyl groups are derived from a carboxyl functional chain transfer agent, the composition also comprising a base in an amount sufficient to at least partially neutralise the carboxyl groups on the polymer.

Abstract: A sprayable aqueous coating composition for motor vehicles comprising an aqueous dispersion of addition polymer microparticles having a crosslinked core and a non-crosslinked stabilising mantle containing acid groups, characterised in that the crosslinked core comprises: i) a crosslinked inner core of an addition polymer and ii) a crosslinked outer core of addition polymer which is made from at least 10% by weight of monomers having a solubility in water of less than 0.1% by weight ratio of the inner core to the outer core being in the range 10:90 to 90:10.

Abstract: A turbo drill which is connected to a string of drill pipe as a rotating shaft for driving a drill bit which may be a rotary bit or a high speed solid head diamond bit. The turbine section has rotor and stator blades which are cresent shaped in cross section with each blade having an exit angle of 14.degree. - 23.degree. for maximum turbine efficiency. The bearing shaft is provided with chevron rotary seals positioned below the rotary bearings carrying both radial and vertical thrust. Fluid lubricant fills the space from the rotary seals to a predetermined level above the bearings. A piston seals the lubricant chamber and is pressurized by drilling fluid (i.e. mud) flowing through the tool. A layer of lubricant fluid overlies the first piston and has a second piston covering said fluid and transmitting pressure from the drilling fluid to the lubricant fluid surrounding the bearings.