Abstract: A sensor (S) for marine measurements of an electric field, the sensor (S) including at least two electrodes (3, 4); signal transmission means (5) for transmitting measured signals from the sensor (S) to a signal processing (6); at least two closed containers (1, 2) which are formed of a non-conductive material and are filled with an electrolyte (E); at least two flexible hoses (7, 8) formed of an electrically non-conductive material; there being attached in a fluid-communicating manner to each of the containers at least one first hose end (7a, 8a), and a second hose end (7b, 8b) being open and attached to means (9a, 9b) for exact positioning of the second hose end (7b, 8b); the hoses (7, 8) being arranged to be filled with a medium (W) of the same type as that, in which the sensor (S) is arranged to be immersed in an operative condition; and two containers (1, 2) forming a pair of containers, the two containers (1, 2), relatively, being placed close to each other under approximately identical thermal, pressur

Abstract: Multimodal geosteering systems and methods are disclosed. Some disclosed tool embodiments include first and second transmitter-receiver arrangements that make geosteering measurements using different forms of energy (such as acoustic and electromagnetic energy) to provide geosteering measurements that at least indicate a boundary direction but may also indicate a boundary distance. Some disclosed method embodiments include: determining a direction to a bed boundary using measurements with different energy types; and adjusting a drilling direction based at least in part on said determination. Combinations of (or selections between) the different measurements may be made based on, inter alia, measurement range, resolution, and contrast. Some disclosed system embodiments include a memory and a processor. The memory stores geosteering display software that configures the processor to generate an image with different regions based on the different types of geosteering measurements.

Abstract: A multi-component field source for surveying subsea formations includes at least two electrodes having a direction of motion, wherein the at least two electrodes are configured to produce an electric dipole in an orientation that is not parallel to both the direction of motion of the electrodes and the seafloor. A method for logging subsea formations includes transmitting electromagnetic energy into the subsea formations with at least two electrodes having a direction of motion and configured to produce an electric dipole in an orientation that is not parallel to both the direction of motion of the electrodes and the seafloor; and receiving signals that comprise electromagnetic energy that has traversed the subsea formations.

Abstract: A hybrid-technology metal detector, using pulse-induction and sine-wave excitation of the transmitter coil alternately, in rapid succession. The energy stored in the transmitter coil, in the pulsed mode, is used to shock-excite a high-Q circuit formed by the coil and a parallel capacitor into oscillations in the sine-wave mode. The multiplicative action of the circuit Q causes high currents to flow in the transmitter coil, causing high fluxes to be impressed on the searched area, with increased sensitivity as a result. Using a linear coil-current ramp to assess and minimize the coupling between the transmitter and receiver coils permits effective separation of the reactive and resistive components of the target signals, making accurate identification of targets possible.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining location of an object hidden from view. The apparatus includes an imaging tool for detecting hidden objects. The imaging tool includes a housing including a first end and a second end, a display supported by the first end of the housing, and a tracking device supported by the second end of the housing. The imaging tool also includes a transmitter supported by the housing and operable to transmit electromagnetic radiation toward a hidden target, an analysis module supported by the housing and operable to analyze feedback data related to the interaction between the target and the electromagnetic radiation, and an image module operable to receive data from the analysis module to generate an image on the display.

Abstract: A system for detecting precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms.

Abstract: A method for designing a controlled-source electromagnetic survey that will discriminate between a defined deep marginal-interest reservoir (2) and specified false positive resistivity structures of concern (3, 4, 5). A reservoir model and a false positive model are constructed for each false positive scenario. The resistivity of the false positive model may be tuned to give electromagnetic data similar enough to the reservoir model when forward modeled that any differences fall in the model null space. A null-space discriminating ratio (“NSDR”) is defined, for example as the peak normalized difference of the two related modeled electromagnetic field data sets. An area coverage display of NSDR values (6) allows determination of such additional data as may be needed to distinguish the false positive body, and a survey design is developed accordingly (7). Reduction of the number of variables affecting the area coverage displays is a key feature of the method.

Abstract: A sensor cable for surveying. The sensor cable has a housing, which includes one of more electrodes and a conductive gel surrounding the one or more electrodes. The conductive gel is configured to conduct electrical current to the one or more electrodes and keep the one or more electrodes moist. The housing may also have a membrane surrounding the conductive gel, wherein the membrane is configured to hold the conductive gel in contact with the one or more electrodes and permit electric current to flow between a surrounding medium and the conductive gel.

Abstract: A method of determining the nature of a submarine or subterranean reservoir having an electromagnetic characteristic is described. The method comprises analyzing data associated with the application of a time varying electromagnetic field from above the reservoir using a data analysis methodology that does not utilize an estimate of the reservoir's geometry in determining one or more characteristics of the reservoir.

Abstract: There is provided a silicon wafer surface defect evaluation method capable of readily detecting a region where small crystal defects exist, the evaluation method comprising: a rapid heat treatment step of a silicon wafer from a silicon single-crystal ingot in an atmosphere which can nitride silicon at a temperature elevating speed of 10 to 150° C./second from a room temperature to temperatures between not lower than 1170° C. and less than a silicon melting point, holding the silicon wafer at the processing temperature for 1 to 120 seconds and then cooling the silicon wafer to the room temperature at a temperature lowering speed of 10 to 100° C./second; and a step of using a surface photo voltage method to calculate a minority carrier diffusion length on the wafer surface, thereby detecting a region on the wafer surface in which small COP's which cannot be detected at least by a particle counter exist.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-axial antenna system and system for measuring subsurface formations are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, the multi-axial antenna system comprising at least two co-located coils wound around a torroidal-shaped bobbin. Each coil generates a magnetic field in a mutually orthogonal direction. Signals provided to the coils may be adjusted to simulate a tilted-coil antenna system.

Abstract: Multifrequency electromagnetic signals which may be used in the field of sea bed logging, the signal being optimised for use at a particular site, in order to greatly improve data inversion, and a method for producing the optimum multifrequency signal.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides several electromagnetic radiation reflectors within a volume that contains solid portions subject to movement relative to one another. At least a portion of the reflectors are positioned beneath one or more of the solid portions and move in response to movement of at least some of the solid portions. The volume is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having one or more frequencies in a range from one kHz through one THz, and a reflection is detected of at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from each of the reflectors in response to this irradiation. Movement among the solid objects is evaluated from the reflection of each of the reflectors, which includes determining a spatial orientation of each one of the reflectors as a function of at least one of polarization selectivity and frequency selectivity.

Abstract: A logging radar system and method for measuring propped fractures and down-hole formation conditions in a subterranean formation including: a radar source; an optical source; an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal from the optical source according to a signal from the radar source; a photodiode for converting the modulated optical signal output from the optical modulator to the source radar signal; a transmitter and receiver unit; and a mixer. The transmitter and receiver unit receives the source radar signal from the photodiode, transmits the source radar signal into the formation and receives a reflected radar signal. The mixer mixes the reflected radar signal with the source radar signal to provide an output. This technology can be used to describe all fractures connected to the wellbore and differentiate between the dimensions of the two vertical wings of a propped fracture.

Abstract: An underwater EM measurement system, which is substantially smaller, much simpler to use, and more robust than prior systems, is formed as a sensor package integrated into a single pressure vessel includes two magnetic sensors including induction coils disposed substantially horizontally so as to measure fields in orthogonal directions. The package also includes two electric field sensors including electric potential antennas adapted to couple to a water potential via a capacitive electrode having a conducting material and an electrically insulative layer formed of an insulating material. The capacitive electrode has a capacitance to the medium of greater than 1 mF. Preferably, the insulating material is a metal oxide.

Abstract: A tool for electromagnetic logging of a formation includes a tool body configured to move in a borehole penetrating the formation; an antenna array disposed on the tool body; and an electronic unit configured to control operation of the antenna array, wherein the antenna array comprises at least one transmitter and at least one receiver, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of the at least one transmitter and the at least one receiver comprises a printed circuit antenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game information device or a system which allows even users having mobile phones of different types from each other to receive a uniform service respectively. A game information device which is configured to include a plurality of communication devices which respectively correspond to various types of mobile communication terminals, a memory which stores information on a game and an information providing modes for respective communication devices, and a controller which executes a control to transmit the same game information to respective mobile communication terminals via the communication devices with an information providing mode corresponding to types of the mobile communication terminals and a game information system which includes the game information device.

Abstract: An expendable metal detector system for facilitating the detection of improved explosive devices (IED) where the metal detector is launched toward the suspected IED and using either magnetic field sensors in a passive mode to detect magnetic anomalies or current pulses through a loop antenna in an active mode to detect eddy currents, or using both modes sequentially, detects the ferrous material in the IED. In the active mode, the loop antenna is deployed automatically after launch and impact. The signals are transmitted from the metal detector to the operator who can then take appropriate steps to neutralize the IED.

Abstract: An induction logging tool is used on a MWD bottom hole assembly. Due to the finite, nonzero, conductivity of the mandrel, conventional multi frequency focusing (MFF) does not work. A correction is made to the induction logging data to give measurements simulating a perfectly conducting mandrel. MFF can then be applied to the corrected data to give formation resistivities.

Abstract: A detecting device for detecting electromagnetic waves generated by electric facilities includes a support having a peripheral surface for attaching a number of wave detectors which detect the electromagnetic waves generated by the electric facilities. The support may include a housing having a chamber for receiving the electric facilities, or having a curved outer peripheral surface for supporting the wave detectors. The wave detectors each has a number of light devices for indicating the strength of the received electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A method for determining virgin formation temperature of earth formations surrounding a borehole is provided. The time duration of drilling fluid circulation and the time after cessation of drilling fluid circulation at the borehole depth regions of interest are tracked. At a particular borehole depth region of interest, fluid flows from the formations into a device in the borehole, and the temperature of the fluid as a function of time with respect to initiation of fluid flow is measured. The thermal history of formations surrounding the particular borehole depth region is modeled for a cooling phase during drilling fluid circulation, a temperature build-up phase after cessation of drilling fluid circulation, and a formation fluid flow phase after initiation of fluid flow. The model and temperature measurements are used to determine a trend of temperature evolution and the virgin formation temperature by extrapolation from the trend.

Abstract: An electromagnetic induction logging method is disclosed. The method includes measuring electromagnetic induction response in earth formations surrounding a wellbore. The measuring is performed on an electrically conductive sonde support. The measured response is deconvolved with respect to a response of an instrument not having an electrically conductive sonde support.

Abstract: A method is provided in which a correlation is made between a parameter indicating modification of a sampled malt in a germination process in which barley is germinated, and an ESR signal intensity of the sampled malt. The parameter is determined, in advance, by general analytical methods including chemical analytical methods. The ESR signal intensity is determined by measuring a peak height of spectrum of the sampled malt at a g value at which an unpaired electron derived from a carbon radical is resonant. The ESR signal intensity is a ratio of the measured peak height of spectrum to a peak height of spectrum of a reference, per a unit weight of the sampled malt. The modification state of the sampled malt can be evaluated based on the ESR signal intensity determined by electron spin resonance spectrometry. Kohlbach index, Hartong index at 45° C., diastatic power, &bgr;-glucan content, viscosity, and friability may be used as the parameter.

Abstract: A new method for determining an actual steering wheel angle is provided that does not require re-calculation of a steering center upon each ignition of the vehicle. Accordingly, the vehicle dynamic controller may be activated very quickly after ignition, while a less costly relative steering wheel angle sensor may be employed.

Abstract: Embodiments of high-resolution optical encoders having phased-array photodetectors and integrated on semiconductor chips. Emitters, detectors, and encoders disks are described which can be easily produced with semiconductor processes, such as a detector array provided with lens to collimate light and enhance detection. Integrated sensor chips include an array of photodetectors that receive energy from a beam emitted from an emitter and modulated by an encoder disk, analog-to-digital converters, state machines, counters, a communication module, a sensor processing unit, and a force computation unit. One embodiment includes low resolution and high resolution modes and an emitter controlled by sensor circuitry. A detector for an optical encoder can be provided on a single chip that includes a first array of photodetectors used for absolute sensing of a moving object, and a second array of photodetectors used for incremental sensing of the moving object.

Abstract: A detecting device for detecting electromagnetic waves generated by electric facilities includes a support having a peripheral surface for attaching a number of wave detectors which detect the electromagnetic waves generated by the electric facilities. The support may include a housing having a chamber for receiving the electric facilities, or having a curved outer peripheral surface for supporting the wave detectors. The wave detectors each has a number of light devices for indicating the strength of the received electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: The invention is a well radar for detecting, by electromagnetic wave reflection, resistivity horizons in production zones in oil wells. Transmitter and receiver antennas are combined in a tubing string antenna module. Two dipole transmitter antenna are positioned in a first position on either side of the tubing string antenna module. A first directionally sensitive group of four dipole receiver antennas is positioned in a second positioned so that the receiver antennas have even angular separation. Likewise, a second directionally sensitive group of four dipole receiver antennas is positioned in a third position opposite the first directionally sensitive group.

Abstract: A first condenser (2a) is connected between output terminals of a rectifier circuit (2) which receives an AC power (1) as an input, and a three phase inverter (3) is connected in parallel with respect to the first condenser (2a), and output of the three phase inverter (3) is supplied to a motor (4), and a second condenser (3a) is connected in parallel to the input side of the three phase inverter (3), and a current detector (5) is connected between the first condenser (2a) and the second condenser (3a), and a third condenser is connected in parallel to the first condenser (2a) at a position slightly power side with respect to the current detector (5), and the capacitance of the second condenser (3a) is determined as small as possible within the range in which power devices are not destroyed by surge voltage due to switching, therefore, ringing is suppressed, and taking of current is performed rapidly and with high accuracy.

Abstract: Data on a period longer than the test cycle period concerned in a high-speed pattern test is preset in a period data storage 41, then a flag 1 is set in a cycle stretch setting part 16E of a pattern-generation memory 16 at an address position where to execute cycle stretch, then a high-speed pattern test signal is applied, and when the flag 1 is read out by an address from an address counter 14, a switching part 42 is controlled to switch data read out of a test cycle memory 34 to data set in a setting register 44 for application to a test cycle generator 36, thereby lengthening the test cycle period.

Abstract: A time domain reflectometry measuring instrument uses a microprocessor that provides added functionality and capabilities. The circuit electronics and probe are tested and calibrated at the factory. Installation and commissioning by the user is simple. The user installs the probe. The transmitter is attached to the probe. The user connects a standard shielded twisted pair to the electronics. Power is applied and the device immediately displays levels. A few simple parameters may need to be entered such as output characteristics and the process material dielectric constant.

Abstract: A plant for generation of information indicative of the depth and the orientation of an object positioned below the surface of the ground is adapted to use electromagnetic radiation emitted from and received by an antenna system associated with the plant. The plant has a transmitter and a receiver for generation of the electromagnetic radiation in cooperation with the antenna system mentioned and for reception of the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the object in cooperation with the antenna system, respectively. The antenna system includes a plurality of individual antenna elements such as dipole antennas, having substantially linear polarization. The antenna elements are positioned in relation to the geometric center of the antenna system, with the various centers of the antenna element displaced in relation to the geometric center of the antenna system.

Abstract: A device and method for detection of buried objects (40) utilizing a down looking infrared (140) array having infrared detectors (170) positioned in a sensor array (30). This sensor array (30) may also contain ground penetrating radar (70) and EMI coils (80). All signals from the ground penetrating radar (70), EMI coils (80) and down looking infrared (140) may be combined to generate alarms (1100). However, the infrared (140) array may be utilized as a sole means of detecting buried objects (40). This device and method for detecting buried objects (40) utilizing down looking infrared (140) reduces the cost of construction and maintenance of such a device.

Abstract: A radar-plow drillstring steering system comprises a steering plow and a measurements-while-drilling instrument for mounting just behind the drill bit and downhole motor of a drill rod. The instrument includes a radar system connected to upward-looking and downward-looking horn antennas and a dielectric-constant sensor. The steering plow includes four pressure pads radially distributed around the outside surface and their associated servo motors. A coordinated control of the pressure pads allows the steering plow to push the drillstring and drill bit up-down-left-right. The antennas and sensor are embedded in respective ones of the pressure pads and are used to electronically and non-invasively probe a coal seam to locate its upper and lower boundary layers. The dielectric-constant sensor provides corrective data for the up and down distance measurements. Such measurements and data are radio communicated to the surface for tomographic processing and user display.

Abstract: A spoken word-producing detector identifies objects by comparing signatures of detected objects with stored signatures of known objects. When the signatures compare, the detector produces stored word sounds associated with the detected object identifications. An annunciator produces the words from pre-digitized human voice sounds. A screen displays the words.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for manufacturing a solar panel including a solar cell and an outer housing and an inspection method for inspecting a solar panel generating system, include a step of performing one of a withstand voltage test and an insulation resistance test between a live electrical section electrically connected to the solar cell and a conductor section of the outer housing, and thereafter a step of applying a voltage between the live electrical section and the conductor section. In this way, a residual charge left subsequent to the withstand voltage test or the insulation resistance test is reliably removed within a short period of time.

Abstract: Magnetoresistive sensors for angle measurements such as, for example, the sensors of the type KMZ 41, manufactured and marketed by Philips Semiconductors, utilize the effect that a sufficiently strong, external magnetic field H rotates the internal magnetization M in a parallel direction. In the case of said sensor KMZ 41, the magnetic field strength required for full alignment of the internal magnetization is 70 to 100 kA/m.

Abstract: Magnetoresistive sensors for angle measurements such as, for example, the sensors of the type KMZ 41, manufactured and marketed by Philips Semiconductors, utilize the effect that a sufficiently strong, external magnetic field H rotates the internal magnetization M in a parallel direction. In the case of said sensor KMZ 41, the magnetic field strength required for full alignment of the internal magnetization is 70 to 100 kA/m.

Abstract: An induction type transducer is formed at a substrate 162 of a grid assembly 120 which is disposed so as to be opposed to a scale. The surface of the substrate 162 opposed to the scale is made flat, and even if a liquid enters from a gap between the grid and the scale, permeation of the liquid into the substrate 162 is prevented.

Abstract: A liquid level meter is provided for measuring a level of a liquid (1) in a container (3), which meter measures acceptably in the case of liquids with low dielectric constants, and the installation and maintenance of which are simple and cost effective. This meter comprises an electronic circuit (13), which generates electromagnetic signals in operation, a conductor (7), which projects into the container (3), along which a float (11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) moves along with the level, which has at least one segment reflecting electromagnetic signals, an injector (9), which transmits the signals from the circuit (13) to the conductor (7), which conductor (7) leads the signals into the container (3) and leads out a signal reflected at the float (11) and a receiving and evaluating circuit (15), which receives the reflected signals, which determines a travel time of the signals and which ascertains the level from the travel time.

Abstract: The location of underground objects such as pipes and conduits are located by detecting electrical signals emitted by the underground objects where the radiated signals include spread spectrum modulated RF signals. The system can operate in a passive or active mode, and in the active mode pseudo-noise (PN) generators can be employed or frequency-hopping can be employed. The use of spread spectrum minimizes or eliminates conflicting signals radiated from a plurality of underground objects and can improve signal to noise ratio of the detected signals.

Abstract: A control system is provided for use in conjunction with a lighting fixture which will provide additional safety by avoiding the risk of fire. The safety system provides a number of sensors which are capable of detecting the presence of objects in close proximity to the lighting element and appropriately switching power off when such objects are detected. The actual detection is accomplished by use of a plurality of infrared sensors which create an infrared shield around the bulb of the lighting fixture and insure no objects intrude upon the shielded space while the lighting system is in operation. A second safety benefit is provided by the use of a tilt switch. The tilt switch cuts off power to the lamp if the lamp is tipped or knocked over.

Abstract: For use in explosive atmospheres during mining, an flame proof or explosion proof internal AC alternator is provided to source electrical power from the rotations of a cutting head. A synthetic-pulse stepped-frequency ground-penetrating radar is used with oppositely circularly polarized transmitting and receiving antennas in a phase coherent microwave transceiver to measure the thickness of a coal deposit and to control the cut of a continuous mining machine operating in an underground mine. For example, a stepped-frequency radar and resonant microstrip patch antennas mounted near the outside surface of the cutting head to obtain measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method to determine corrected characteristics of materials using the measured quantities obtained by a measurement and an extensive set of database points representing laboratory and modeled results in well defined environments. In particular the invention relates to the measurement of the characteristics of the formation around a wellbore as well as of the borehole with a well logging tool. Using a dynamic parametrization technique, the environmental corrections and the transformations from the measured to the physical characteristics can be achieved in a more accurate, robust and flexible way. The dynamic local parametrization is based on a weighted multiple linear regression over the entire database to obtain the local coefficients for the transformation which can be expressed as a simple equation.

Abstract: aN emitter for a system of electromagnetic tomographic measurement, as well as a process and a generator (5) adapted to produce a variable frequency current supplying a solenoid (1), constituted of turns wound about a magnetic core (3). The solenoid (1) is constituted by several windings (4a, 4b, 4c) disposed side by side with each other on the core (3), and the emitter comprises switching means (6) adapted to connect in series or in parallel and/or to disconnect the different windings (4a, 4b, 4c) with and from each other, constituting the solenoid (1), so as to control the number of active turns of the solenoid (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the water content and its conductivity in porous media such as soils. The apparatus uses radio frequency electromagnetic fields to sample the environment of a sensor probe. One configuration uses an active oscillator including a sensor probe whose frequency of oscillation reflects the composite dielectric properties of the porous material in the vicinity of the sensor probe. A method which uses two sensor probes operating at different frequencies allows a quantitative determination of the water content and its conductivity. The apparatus has various configurations which allow it to evaluate fluid content in either unconsolidated or consolidated porous materials.

Abstract: A slot antenna has a square aperture and two current probes at angles to each other in the aperture. The two current probes are excited simultaneously or separately with different signals. By adjusting the amplitude or phase of the signals in the current probes, the angle of the magnetic moment of the antenna can be adjusted. An array of such antennas in an electromagnetic propagation tool for a well-logging device simultaneously provides better standoff performance by adjusting the magnetic moment to be parallel to a borehole axis, and better image response by adjusting the magnetic moment to be perpendicular to the formation bed. The array can be excited to function as an endfire and broadside array of an electromagnetic propagation tool.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a layer of material, such as soil, wood, ice or coal, that utilizes a microstrip antenna as a thickness measuring sensor. The sensor is positioned over the layer and a value for a parameter of the antenna such as conductance or resonant frequency is measured. The value is compared to a calibration table of values and the thickness of the layer is determined by interpolation. Alternatively, the value is compared to a control value to initiate a decision process. The decision could be that a layer of ice is building up on a wing of an aircraft or that an explosive device is buried under a layer of soil.

Abstract: A method of determining the thickness of a layer of material, such as soil, wood, ice or coal, that utilizes a microstrip antenna as a thickness measuring sensor. The sensor is positioned over the layer and a value for a parameter of the antenna such as conductance or resonant frequency is measured. The value is compared to a calibration table of values and the thickness of the layer is determined by interpolation. Alternatively, the value is compared to a control value to initiate a decision process. The decision could be that a layer of ice is building up on a wing of an aircraft or that an explosive device is buried under a layer of soil.

Abstract: A method of seismic prospecting using electromagnetic grounded antennas to detect electromagnetic waves that are produced from acoustic waves in the earth's formation. Seismic waves reflected by a formation in the earth are converted into electromagnetic waves in the vicinity of the antenna according to the streaming potential theory. The antenna has two electrodes which detect the horizontal component of the electromagnetic waves, thus providing additional seismic information that is not readily available using standard geophones. Antennas are also not subject to coupling problems and thus provide more accurate information than traditional geophones. For example, using multicomponent detection, all three components of the seismic pressure gradient can be detected.