Abstract: A measurement while drilling (MWD) tool includes a sensor, an encoder operably connected to the sensor and a modulator operably connected to the encoder. The modulator includes a first stator, a rotor and a second stator. The rotor is optimally positioned between the first and second stator. The use of a second stator amplifies the pressure pulse signal produced by the modulator.

Abstract: A measurement while drilling (MWD) tool includes a sensor, an encoder operably connected to the sensor and a modulator operably connected to the encoder. The modulator includes a first stator, a rotor and a second stator. The rotor is optimally positioned between the first and second stator. The use of a second stator amplifies the pressure pulse signal produced by the modulator.

Abstract: A measurement while drilling (MWD) tool includes a sensor, an encoder operably connected to the sensor and a modulator operably connected to the encoder. The modulator includes a first stator, a rotor and a second stator. The rotor is optimally positioned between the first and second stator. The use of a second stator amplifies the pressure pulse signal produced by the modulator.

Abstract: A SRAM memory with a read assist circuit is presented. The read assist circuit uses bitline voltage level switches, which are connected to a low power supply and a high power supply. The bitline voltage level switches have a write operation state, a read operation state, and a standby operation state. The write operation state selectively provides the high power supply to bitlines in columns selected for a write operation, and provides the low power supply to bitlines in the remaining columns. The read operation state selectively provides the low power supply to bitlines in columns selected for the read operation, and provides the low power supply to bitlines in the other columns. The standby operation state selectively provides the low power supply to bitlines in all columns when not in the read operation state or the write operation state.

Abstract: A SRAM memory with a read assist circuit is presented. The read assist circuit uses bitline voltage level switches, which are connected to a low power supply and a high power supply. The bitline voltage level switches have a write operation state, a read operation state, and a standby operation state. The write operation state selectively provides the high power supply to bitlines in columns selected for a write operation, and provides the low power supply to bitlines in the remaining columns. The read operation state selectively provides the low power supply to bitlines in columns selected for the read operation, and provides the low power supply to bitlines in the other columns. The standby operation state selectively provides the low power supply to bitlines in all columns when not in the read operation state or the write operation state.

Abstract: System and methods for estimating properties of a geologic formation are disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a method for estimating properties of a geologic formation, comprising the steps of: measuring a property of the formation in two or more directions along a path in the formation; obtaining directional property values for at least one spatial unit along the path in the formation based on the property measurements; and providing an anisotropy estimate of the formation from the obtained directional property values.

Abstract: A mud pulser controlled by a field applied to an electroactive fluid. The electroactive fluid is employed to act as a rapid-response brake to slow or interrupt the rotation of a mud motor or mud siren, thus creating pressure pulses in a circulating fluid. In certain embodiments, the electroactive fluid is used as a direct brake acting on a shaft rotating in a volume of electroactive fluid where the shaft is coupled to the mud motor or siren. The application of a field to the electroactive fluid impedes the rotation of the shaft, thus slowing the mud motor and creating a pressure pulse in the circulating fluid. In another embodiment, a Moineau pump circulating an electroactive fluid is coupled to the mud motor. The application of a field to the electroactive fluid slows the rotation of the pump, thus slowing the mud motor and creating a pressure pulse in the circulating fluid.