3M employee and church chorister Art Fry needed something to temporarily mark pages in his hymnal. He was in luck because his colleague, Spencer Silver, accidentally developed a glue that was too weak for other purposes. After initially discouraging consumer response, Post-it Notes became a hit in 1979.
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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 8104568 | Seismic gun assembly for shooting into a bore hole A seismic gun assembly comprising a barrel and guide tube assembly for delivering a projectile to the bottom of a bore hole with a non-line-of-sight section. The guide tube being either a large diameter guide tube or a tight fitted guide tube. The large diameter gui... | 01/31/2012 |
| 7987943 | Apparatus and method for generating a seismic source signal A seismic source signal generator includes a mass, a primary accumulator and a secondary accumulator, the secondary accumulator having an internal volume smaller than an internal volume of the primary accumulator. A method for generating a signal using a seismic vib... | 08/02/2011 |
| 7823689 | Closed-loop downhole resonant source An apparatus for generating seismic body waves in a hydrocarbon reservoir includes a closed-loop borehole source having a resonant cavity for generating resonant energy, a drive source and a control unit. The drive source injects pressure pulses to the resonant cavi... | 11/02/2010 |
| 7628248 | Apparatus and method for generating a seismic source signal A seismic source signal generator includes a mass, a primary accumulator and a secondary accumulator, the secondary accumulator having an internal volume smaller than an internal volume of the primary accumulator. A method for generating a signal using a seismic vib... | 12/08/2009 |
| 7420879 | Device for seismic emission in an underground formation and method for implementing same A device for seismic emission in an underground formation comprising one or more vibrators of any type and method for implementing same. According to a preferred embodiment, each vibrator comprises at least one pillar (1) of sensitive elements (of piezoelectr... | 09/02/2008 |
| RE40475 | Source waveforms for electroseismic exploration A method for seismic exploration using conversions between electromagnetic and seismic energy, with particular attention to the electromagnetic source waveform used. According to the invention, source waveforms are correlated with reference waveforms selected to min... | 09/02/2008 |
| 7414918 | Method for normalizing signals in a cement bond logging tool A longitudinally segmented acoustic transducer for a cement bond logging (CBL) tool having a plurality of adjoining PZT ring-like segments driven synchronously in parallel by one or more pulses and caused to vibrate in an anti-resonant mode, substantially below the ... | 08/19/2008 |
| 7382684 | Method for selective bandlimited data acquisition in subsurface formations The method for exploring desired characteristics of a subsurface sector, having at least one resonant frequency, is based on selectively transmitting suitable narrowband energy waves into the subsurface sector, thereby producing narrowband signals reflected off the ... | 06/03/2008 |
| 7364008 | System for imparting mechanical impulse energy to the ground The invention relates to an apparatus and method for imparting a precise amount of impulse energy to be delivered to the ground. The apparatus includes an anvil for operative deployment against the earth a hammer operatively connected to the anvil for striking the a... | 04/29/2008 |
| 7364007 | Integrated acoustic transducer assembly Acoustic transducers configured with integrated electronics technology are adapted to digitize signal data close to the transducer. The transducers are packaged with a reduced number of elements and sealed for exposure to harsh environments, without oil compensation... | 04/29/2008 |
| 7336562 | Sonic logging tool including receiver and spacer structure A formation logging tool having a substantially continuous central mandrel with regularly spaced mass blocks disposed thereon, at least some of the mass blocks carrying sensors such as receivers. By adopting this structure, the tool can be made to behave as a mass-s... | 02/26/2008 |
| 7325647 | Mobile system for seismic emission with fixed coupling devices, and method therefor Seismic emission system for use in an underground formation, using at least one seismic source movable successively in a plurality of prepared activation locations and method for implementing same. The system comprises for example a plurality of coupling devi... | 02/05/2008 |
| 7318489 | Hydraulic motor arrangement and method of operating a hydraulic motor A hydraulic motor for use in subterranean drilling operations in which a drive fluid within a first reservoir is forced through the motor by a high pressure working fluid, such as drilling mud, the drive fluid entering a second reservoir upon exiting the motor. Upon... | 01/15/2008 |
| 7311143 | Method and apparatus for generation of acoustic shear waves through casing using physical coupling of vibrating magnets The method and apparatus of the present invention provides for inducing and measuring shear waves within a wellbore casing to facilitate analysis of wellbore casing, cement and formation bonding. An acoustic transducer is provided that is magnetically coupled to the... | 12/25/2007 |
| 7313481 | Methods and devices for analyzing and controlling the propagation of waves in a borehole generated by water hammer A method for simulating water-hammer waves in a borehole is used to estimate formation parameters such as porosity and permeability, and to design completion strings. The simulation method uses a model that has a plurality of layers, at least one of the layers inclu... | 12/25/2007 |
| 7310580 | Method for borehole measurement of formation properties The present invention is a method of estimating formation properties by analyzing acoustic waves that are emitted from and received by a bottom hole assembly. A bottom hole assembly may be deployed in a borehole to estimate formation properties. From the bottom hole... | 12/18/2007 |
| 7301852 | Methods of generating directional low frequency acoustic signals and reflected signal detection enhancements for seismic while drilling applications The present invention provides a method and apparatus for using an acoustic logging tool conveyed in a borehole in an earth formation for determining a characteristic of the formation. The method comprises using a first acoustic source for generating an acoustic sig... | 11/27/2007 |
| 7295491 | High impact communication and control system A system and method in accordance with the invention communicator remotely with remotely controllable down hole tools in a well bore at a drilling installation. At the surface, high energy pressure impulses directed into the tubing or the annulus, or both, being at ... | 11/13/2007 |
| 7284636 | Accelerated weight drop for use as a seismic energy source and a method of operation thereof The present invention provides an accelerated weight drop for use as a seismic energy source, a method for operating an accelerated weight drop for use as a seismic energy source, and a seismic survey system including the accelerated weight drop. The accelerated wei... | 10/23/2007 |
| 7277358 | Apparatus, method and system for digitally transmitting acoustic pulse gun signals The present invention is directed to overcoming analog transmission difficulties by digitizing transducer signals at or near the transducer of an acoustic pulse gun and then transmitting the transducer signals in a digital form so that the signals can be recovered w... | 10/02/2007 |
| 7274990 | Downhole library of master wavelets for VSP-while-drilling applications A controllable seismic source is used in a seismic-while-drilling system for obtaining VSP data. Coded information is sent downhole about the signal generated by said controllable source. The information about the seismic source is used for reconstructing the source... | 09/25/2007 |
| 7269099 | Air gun A seismic air gun includes an operating chamber, a firing chamber, a port, and a longitudinally disposed cavity sized and shaped to accept a plurality of wires. A moveable shuttle includes a shuttle flange within the operating chamber at one end and a firing shuttle... | 09/11/2007 |
| 7264048 | Slot cavity A method for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone and forming a slot cavity in the substantially vertical well bore proximate to the subterranean zone. The slot ... | 09/04/2007 |
| 7228934 | Acoustic generator for distance sounding with a firing mechanism independent of the pressure equilibration force In the oil industry, the acoustic sounding method is a well-known technique for taking the depth measurements of particular attributes of an oil well or borehole. The method involves sending a short, sharp, clear, loud bang sound down a borehole, normally between th... | 06/12/2007 |
| 7216737 | Acoustic isolator between downhole transmitters and receivers Apparatus and methods for acoustically isolating logging tool receiver and transmitter sections. One or more modular isolators is arranged between the receiver and transmitter sections. The modular isolators comprise a high tensile strength while also providing for ... | 05/15/2007 |
| 7216738 | Acoustic stimulation method with axial driver actuating moment arms on tines A method for generating acoustic waves, the method having the steps of: extending a tine from a support structure so that a proximal end of the tine is attached to the support structure and a distal end of the tine is uninhibited; positioning an oscillator so as to ... | 05/15/2007 |
| 7213644 | Cavity positioning tool and method In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method is provided for preventing formation of sludge in a subsurface cavity having particulate laden fluid disposed therein. The method includes positioning a downhole device having a fluid agitator into ... | 05/08/2007 |
| 7213681 | Acoustic stimulation tool with axial driver actuating moment arms on tines An apparatus for generating acoustic waves, the apparatus having: a support structure; two tines extending from the support structure so that proximal ends of the two tines are attached to the support structure so that distal ends of the two tines are positioned wit... | 05/08/2007 |
| 7182170 | Gerotor and bearing system for whirling mass orbital vibrator A gerotor and bearing apparatus for a whirling mass orbital vibrator which generates vibration in a borehole. The apparatus includes a gerotor with an inner gear rotated by a shaft having one less lobe than an outer gear. A whirling mass is attached to the shaft. At... | 02/27/2007 |
| 7178626 | Method of seismic evaluation of subterranean strata A method of conducting seismic evaluation of a subterranean formation wherein a rigid, elongate member having a first end and a second end is positioned such that the first end of the elongate member is at a point on the earth's surface, imparting an impulsive force... | 02/20/2007 |
| 7173542 | Data relay for casing mounted sensors, actuators and generators A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the ... | 02/06/2007 |
| 7171309 | Downhole tool controller using autocorrelation of command sequences The present invention provides for an apparatus and method of use to control a downhole tool remotely based on the autocorrelation of command sequences. Repeating signals of a priori unknown or undefined shape can be correlated to themselves to reliably distinguish ... | 01/30/2007 |
| 7139219 | Hydraulic impulse generator and frequency sweep mechanism for borehole applications This invention discloses a valve that generates a hydraulic negative pressure pulse and a frequency modulator for the creation of a powerful, broadband swept impulse seismic signal at the drill bit during drilling operations. The signal can be received at monitoring... | 11/21/2006 |
| 7128375 | Method and means for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sands by underground mining The present invention is directed generally to the combined use of slurry mining and hydrocyclones to recover hydrocarbons, such as bitumen, from hydrocarbon-containing materials, such as oil sands, and to selective mining of valuable materials, particularly hydroca... | 10/31/2006 |
| 7104357 | Device for generating focused elastic waves in a material medium such as underground, and method using same An electromechanical device for generating elastic waves in a material medium such as the subsoil in a frequency range where the wavelengths of the waves generated are great in view of the dimensions of the device, and method of implementation. The device comprises ... | 09/12/2006 |
| 7102961 | Installation of seismic survey devices in shallow, low-angle boreholes The specification discloses a system and related method for installing seismic sensors in shallow, low-angle boreholes for obtaining conventional three-dimensional and four-dimensional seismic surveys. Installing seismic sensors in shallow, low-angle boreholes remov... | 09/05/2006 |
| 7097255 | Method and means for processing oil sands while excavating The present invention is directed to the separation of bitumen, such as by the Clark process or by a countercurrent de-sander, in an underground excavation machine, such as a tunnel boring machine. ... | 08/29/2006 |
| 7066019 | Cavity stability prediction method for wellbores A method of predicting the failure of a rock formation surrounding a subterranean cavity, including a measuring set of parameters relating to pressure conditions and stresses in the rock formation surrounding the cavity; using the set of parameters to determine a ro... | 06/27/2006 |
| 7063156 | Tubing fill and testing valve The present invention provides for a valve in a tubing string that allows the tubing string to fill with well fluids as the string is assembled and lowered into a well bore, but can be used to check pressure integrity of the tubing string during various stages of th... | 06/20/2006 |
| 7063141 | Apparatus for agitated fluid discharge The pressure reading tool includes a housing with an interior chamber and an orifice extending from the chamber to the exterior of the housing. A pulse member with a magnetostrictive ring and an excitation source are disposed within the chamber to produce a highly a... | 06/20/2006 |