Scientific Drilling International, Inc.

Applied Technologies Associates, Inc.

Harold T Buscher

Donald H Van Steenwyk

Timothy M Price

The present invention concerns application of a unique conductive electrode geometry used to form an efficient wideband, one- or two-way wireless data link between autonomous systems separated by some distance along a bore hole drill string. One objective is the establishment of an efficient, high bandwidth communication link between such separated systems, using a unique electrode configuration that also aids in maintaining a physically robust drill string. Insulated or floating electrodes of various selected geometries provide a means for sustaining or maintaining a modulated electric potential adapted for injecting modulated electrical current into the surrounding sub-surface medium. Such modulated current conveys information to the systems located along the drill string by establishing a potential across a receiving insulated or floating electrode.

Electric field communication for short range data transmission in a borehole

A feedback-controlled force measuring apparatus with a force input element, a piezoelectric force generating element and a precision motion detection element in a feedback-controlled loop. Two embodiments are described. In one the force-generating element is a supported proof mass to sense linear acceleration, and in the other the force-generating element is a diaphragm supported to sense external pressure. The precision motion detection element employs resistance and inductance of a case-fixed coil of wire modulated by the distance from the coil to an electrically-conductive member connected to a force-generating element. The piezoelectric force generating element may be either a bimorph, or a piezoelectric stack.

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Los Osos, CA, United States of America

Harold T Buscher