US3781783A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Borehole logging system with improved display and recording apparatus
Assignee: Seismograph Service Corp
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Filing: 1972-04-18
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Granted: 1973-12-25
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Expires: 1992-04-18
Abstract
Abstract Improved borehole logging apparatus for use with a borehole tool obtaining a transmitter for periodically generating an acoustic signal at varying depths within a borehole and a receiver spaced from said transmitter for receiving the acoustic energy resulting from the generator acoustic signal. Signals respectively representing the acoustic energy generated by the transmitter, the acoustic energy detected by the receiver and the depth of the downhole tool are transmitted to an improved indicating and recording device which includes a series of light sources closely spaced in a linear array and sequentially illuminated by the received signals during the interval between successive transmitted signals so as to impress a linear trace across a recording medium which provides first and second dimensions of information corresponding respectively to the magnitude of the received acoustic energy and the arrival time of the acoustic energy with respect to the time of transmission of the corresponding acoustic signal. A third dimension of information results from the provision of means for advancing the recording medium perpendicular to the linear light source array as the depth of the downhole tool changes. A digital logic circuit controls the sequencing of the light sources and provides for the impression of vertical timing lines and horizontal depth lines on the medium by selective control of the signals applied to the respective light sources during each illumination sequence.
Inventors
- 👤 R Tucker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 06:46
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/40; G01V1/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
446 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination of a downhole tool having transmitter means for periodically generating an acoustic signal at varying depths within a borehole; receiver means spaced from said transmitter means for receiving the acoustic energy resulting from said acoustic signal and for producing an output signal varying in magnitude as a function of the magnitude of said detected acoustic energy, signal indicating means including a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with said light sources for energizing said light sources in accordance with the magnitude of said output signal from one end of said linear array to another in linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of successively occurring portions of said receiver output signal, the intensity of illumination of said light sources providing a first dimension of information corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the detected acoustic-energy and the energization sequence of said light sources providing a secoond dimension of information corresponding to the time of arrival of said acoustic-energy with respect to the time of transmission of said acoustic signal; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources so as to record said first and second dimensions of information as a transverse linear trace of varying darkness; means for advancing said downhole tool through said borehole at a predetermined rate; means associated with said tool advancing means for advancing said recording medium in a direction perpendicular to said linear light source array at a speed corresponding to said predetermined rate of tool advance so that successive linear traces occur at varying levels on said medium corresponding to the varying depths of said downhole tool; depth recording means, including means for registering depth as a multi-digit decimal number, operatively associated with said tool advancing means and responsive to the achievement of predetermined equally-spaced tool depths for impressing a line of uniform darkness across the surface of said recording medium to indicate the achievement of said depths thereon; means associated with said registering means for monitoring the respective digits of said decimal number and providing a plurality of outputs for indicating changes in value of the successively higher order digits of said decimal number; a plurality of time delay means respectively connected to said outputs for providing depth lines across said recording medium whenever any one of said monitored digits changes; means for increasing the width of said depth lines in accordance with the order of the changing digit; and means associated with said transmitter means and operative on said gating means for initiating said sequence in response to the generation of said acoustic signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
446 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination of a downhole tool having transmitter means for periodically generating an acoustic signal at varying depths within a borehole; receiver means spaced from said transmitter means for receiving the acoustic energy resulting from said acoustic signal and for producing an output signal varying in magnitude as a function of the magnitude of said detected acoustic energy, signal indicating means including a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with said light sources for energizing said light sources in accordance with the magnitude of said output signal from one end of said linear array to another in linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of successively occurring portions of said receiver output signal, the intensity of illumination of said light sources providing a first dimension of information corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the detected acoustic-energy and the energization sequence of said light sources providing a secoond dimension of information corresponding to the time of arrival of said acoustic-energy with respect to the time of transmission of said acoustic signal; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources so as to record said first and second dimensions of information as a transverse linear trace of varying darkness; means for advancing said downhole tool through said borehole at a predetermined rate; means associated with said tool advancing means for advancing said recording medium in a direction perpendicular to said linear light source array at a speed corresponding to said predetermined rate of tool advance so that successive linear traces occur at varying levels on said medium corresponding to the varying depths of said downhole tool; depth recording means, including means for registering depth as a multi-digit decimal number, operatively associated with said tool advancing means and responsive to the achievement of predetermined equally-spaced tool depths for impressing a line of uniform darkness across the surface of said recording medium to indicate the achievement of said depths thereon; means associated with said registering means for monitoring the respective digits of said decimal number and providing a plurality of outputs for indicating changes in value of the successively higher order digits of said decimal number; a plurality of time delay means respectively connected to said outputs for providing depth lines across said recording medium whenever any one of said monitored digits changes; means for increasing the width of said depth lines in accordance with the order of the changing digit; and means associated with said transmitter means and operative on said gating means for initiating said sequence in response to the generation of said acoustic signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
99 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination according to claim 1 wherein said downhole tool achieves varying depths at a predetermined rate, and wherein said combination further includes means operatively associated with said downhole tool for advancing said recording medium perpendicularly past said light sources at a speed which is proportional to said predetermined rate of depth variation of said downhole tool so that the vertical position of the trace on said medium provides a third dimension of information corresponding to the depth of said downhole tool at the time when the acoustic signal resulting in said trace is generated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
91 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination according to claim 2 further including time marking means associated with said transmitter means and said recording medium for replacing said receiver output signal with constant magnitude time signal for energizing said light sources at selected interval in each sequence so that selected portions of each transverse linear trace on said recording medium are of a constant degree of darkness and so aligned in successive traces that vertical time lines result on said recording medium as it advances perpendicular to said array of light sources.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination according to claim 1 further including time marking means operatively associated with said transmitter means for providing a constant magnitude signal at predetErmined time intervals during each sequence and means for selectively energizing said light source with said constant magnitude signal so that a time reference with respect to the generation of said acoustic signal appears on said recording medium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination according to claim 1 wherein said sequence initiating means further includes a time delay device for delaying initiation of the sequence for a predetermined time interval after generation of said acoustic signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
305 words
In a borehole logging apparatus the combination of a downhole tool having transmitter means for periodically generating an acoustic signal at varying depths within a borehole; receiver means spaced from said transmitter means for receiving the acoustic energy resulting from said acoustic signal and for producing an output signal varying in magnitude as a function of the magnitude of said detected acoustic energy; signal indicating means including a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with said light sources for energizing said light sources in accordance with the magnitude of said output signal from one end of said linear array to another in linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of successively occurring portions of said receiver output signal; means for advancing said downhole tool through said borehole at a predetermined rate; depth indicating means, including means for registering depth as a multi-digit decimal number, operatively associated with said tool advancing means and responsive to the achievement of predetermined equally-spaced tool depth for simultaneously energizing the light sources in said linear array to uniform intensity to indicate the achievement of said depths; means associated with said registering means for monitoring the respective digits of said decimal number and providing a plurality of outputs for indicating changes in value of the successively higher order digits of said decimal number; a plurality of time delay means respectively connected to said outputs for simultaneously energizing said plurality of light sources whenever any one of said monitored digits changes; means for increasing the illumination period of said light sources in accordance with the order of the changing digit; and means associated with said transmitter means and operative on said gating means for initiating said sequence in response to the generation of said acoustic signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
305 words
In a borehole logging apparatus the combination of a downhole tool having transmitter means for periodically generating an acoustic signal at varying depths within a borehole; receiver means spaced from said transmitter means for receiving the acoustic energy resulting from said acoustic signal and for producing an output signal varying in magnitude as a function of the magnitude of said detected acoustic energy; signal indicating means including a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with said light sources for energizing said light sources in accordance with the magnitude of said output signal from one end of said linear array to another in linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of successively occurring portions of said receiver output signal; means for advancing said downhole tool through said borehole at a predetermined rate; depth indicating means, including means for registering depth as a multi-digit decimal number, operatively associated with said tool advancing means and responsive to the achievement of predetermined equally-spaced tool depth for simultaneously energizing the light sources in said linear array to uniform intensity to indicate the achievement of said depths; means associated with said registering means for monitoring the respective digits of said decimal number and providing a plurality of outputs for indicating changes in value of the successively higher order digits of said decimal number; a plurality of time delay means respectively connected to said outputs for simultaneously energizing said plurality of light sources whenever any one of said monitored digits changes; means for increasing the illumination period of said light sources in accordance with the order of the changing digit; and means associated with said transmitter means and operative on said gating means for initiating said sequence in response to the generation of said acoustic signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
427 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination of a downhole tool capable of achieving varying depths at a predetermined rate and having transmitter means for periodically generating an acoustic signal at varying depths within a borehole; receiver means spaced from said transmitter means for receiving the acoustic energy resulting from said acoustic signal and for producing an output signal varying in magnitude as a function of the magnitude of said detected acoustic energy; signal indicating means including a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with said light sources for energizing said light sources in accordance with the magnitude of said output signal from one end of said linear array to another in linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of successively occurring portions of said receiver output signal; the intensity of illumination of said light sources providing a first dimension of information corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the detected acoustic-energy and the energization sequence of said light sources providing a second dimension of information corresponding to the time of arrival of said acoustic energy with respect to the time of transmission of said acoustic signal; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources so as to record said first and second dimensions of information as a tranSverse linear trace of varying darkness; means operatively associated with said downhole tool for advancing said recording medium perpendicularly past said light sources at a speed which is proportional to said predetermined rate of depth variation of said downhole tool so that the vertical position of the trace on said medium provides a third dimension of information corresponding to the depth of said downhole tool at the time when the acoustic signal resulting in said trace is generated; means associated with said transmitter means and operative on said gating means for initiating said sequence in response to the generation of said acoustic signal; time marking means associated with said transmitter means and said recording medium for replacing said receiver output signal with a constant magnitude time signal for energizing said light sources at selected intervals in each sequence so that selected portions of each transverse linear trace on said recording medium are of a constant degree of darkness and so aligned in successive traces that vertical time lines result on said recording medium as it advances perpendicular to said array of light sources; and means associated with said time marking means for adjusting the interval between successive timing lines across said medium.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
427 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination of a downhole tool capable of achieving varying depths at a predetermined rate and having transmitter means for periodically generating an acoustic signal at varying depths within a borehole; receiver means spaced from said transmitter means for receiving the acoustic energy resulting from said acoustic signal and for producing an output signal varying in magnitude as a function of the magnitude of said detected acoustic energy; signal indicating means including a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with said light sources for energizing said light sources in accordance with the magnitude of said output signal from one end of said linear array to another in linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of successively occurring portions of said receiver output signal; the intensity of illumination of said light sources providing a first dimension of information corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the detected acoustic-energy and the energization sequence of said light sources providing a second dimension of information corresponding to the time of arrival of said acoustic energy with respect to the time of transmission of said acoustic signal; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources so as to record said first and second dimensions of information as a tranSverse linear trace of varying darkness; means operatively associated with said downhole tool for advancing said recording medium perpendicularly past said light sources at a speed which is proportional to said predetermined rate of depth variation of said downhole tool so that the vertical position of the trace on said medium provides a third dimension of information corresponding to the depth of said downhole tool at the time when the acoustic signal resulting in said trace is generated; means associated with said transmitter means and operative on said gating means for initiating said sequence in response to the generation of said acoustic signal; time marking means associated with said transmitter means and said recording medium for replacing said receiver output signal with a constant magnitude time signal for energizing said light sources at selected intervals in each sequence so that selected portions of each transverse linear trace on said recording medium are of a constant degree of darkness and so aligned in successive traces that vertical time lines result on said recording medium as it advances perpendicular to said array of light sources; and means associated with said time marking means for adjusting the interval between successive timing lines across said medium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
355 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination of a downhole tool capable of achieving varying depths at a predetermined rate and having transmitter means for periodically generating an acoustic signal at varying depths within a borehole; receiver means spaced from said transmitter means for receiving the acoustic energy resulting from said acoustic signal and for producing an output signal varying in magnitude as a function of the magnitude of said detected acoustic energy; signal indicating means including a plurality of said sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with said light sources for energizing said light sources in accordance with the magnitude of said output signal from one end of said linear array to another in linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of successively occurring portions of said receiver output signal; the intensity of illumination of said light sources providing a first dimension of information corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the detected acoustic-energy and the energization sequence of said light sources providing a second dimension of information corresponding to the time of arrival of said acoustic energy with respect to the time of transmission of said acoustic signal; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources so as to record said first and second dimensions of information as a transverse linear trace of varying darkness; means associated with said transmitter means and operative on said gating means for initiating said sequence in response to the generation of said acoustic signal; time marking means associated with said transmitter means and said recording medium for replacing said receiver output signal with a constant magnitude time signal for energizing said light sources at selected intervals in each sequence so that selected portions of each transverse linear trace on said recording medium are of a constant degree of darkness and so aligned in successive traces that vertical time lines result on said recording medium as it advances perpendicular to said array of light sources; and means associated with said time marking means for adjusting the interval between successive timing lines across said medium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
355 words
In borehole logging apparatus the combination of a downhole tool capable of achieving varying depths at a predetermined rate and having transmitter means for periodically generating an acoustic signal at varying depths within a borehole; receiver means spaced from said transmitter means for receiving the acoustic energy resulting from said acoustic signal and for producing an output signal varying in magnitude as a function of the magnitude of said detected acoustic energy; signal indicating means including a plurality of said sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with said light sources for energizing said light sources in accordance with the magnitude of said output signal from one end of said linear array to another in linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of successively occurring portions of said receiver output signal; the intensity of illumination of said light sources providing a first dimension of information corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the detected acoustic-energy and the energization sequence of said light sources providing a second dimension of information corresponding to the time of arrival of said acoustic energy with respect to the time of transmission of said acoustic signal; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources so as to record said first and second dimensions of information as a transverse linear trace of varying darkness; means associated with said transmitter means and operative on said gating means for initiating said sequence in response to the generation of said acoustic signal; time marking means associated with said transmitter means and said recording medium for replacing said receiver output signal with a constant magnitude time signal for energizing said light sources at selected intervals in each sequence so that selected portions of each transverse linear trace on said recording medium are of a constant degree of darkness and so aligned in successive traces that vertical time lines result on said recording medium as it advances perpendicular to said array of light sources; and means associated with said time marking means for adjusting the interval between successive timing lines across said medium.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
416 words
In apparatus for producing borehole logs from signals respectively representing the depth of the downhole tool, the acoustic energy generated by the tool transmitter, and the acoustic energy output of the tool receiver, improved recording means comprising, in combination, a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; a plurality of signal gates, one for each light source, each having a data input, An output for driving its associated light source and a control input for selectively coupling said data input to said output; means for coupling said receiver output signal to the data inputs of all of said signal gates simultaneously; an electronic commutating device comprising a digital ring counter having multiple stages respectively connected to the corresponding control inputs of said signal gates for sequentially enabling said signal gates so that said light sources are successively energized one at a time in accordance with the magnitude of said receiver output signal from one end of said linear array to the other in a linear sequence; commutator control means for repetitively initiating the operation of said commutating device by selectively providing clock pulses for sequentially advancing the ON condition from one of said counter stages to the next in synchronism with the occurrence of said acoustic energy signals from the tool transmitter, said commutator control means being responsive to the completion of said commutation sequence for resetting said ring counter to a predetermined starting condition in readiness for initiation of the next commutating sequence, and said commutating device operating at a rate which is substantially greater than the repetition rate of said acoustic signals so that said linear energization sequence is completed between the transmission of successive acoustic energy signals; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources and so positioned with respect to said sources that each sequence of energization of said light sources produces across said medium a transverse linear trace having a degree of darkness which varies according to the instantaneous magnitude of said receiver output signal; and a master timing reference providing a timing signal at a fixed high frequency; said commutator control means further including a digital counter for dividing down said high frequency timing signal by a first division factor for providing said clock pulses and for dividing down said high frequency timing signal by a second division factor to effect resetting of said ring counter after a number of said clock pulses have been produced equal to the number of said light sources.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
416 words
In apparatus for producing borehole logs from signals respectively representing the depth of the downhole tool, the acoustic energy generated by the tool transmitter, and the acoustic energy output of the tool receiver, improved recording means comprising, in combination, a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; a plurality of signal gates, one for each light source, each having a data input, An output for driving its associated light source and a control input for selectively coupling said data input to said output; means for coupling said receiver output signal to the data inputs of all of said signal gates simultaneously; an electronic commutating device comprising a digital ring counter having multiple stages respectively connected to the corresponding control inputs of said signal gates for sequentially enabling said signal gates so that said light sources are successively energized one at a time in accordance with the magnitude of said receiver output signal from one end of said linear array to the other in a linear sequence; commutator control means for repetitively initiating the operation of said commutating device by selectively providing clock pulses for sequentially advancing the ON condition from one of said counter stages to the next in synchronism with the occurrence of said acoustic energy signals from the tool transmitter, said commutator control means being responsive to the completion of said commutation sequence for resetting said ring counter to a predetermined starting condition in readiness for initiation of the next commutating sequence, and said commutating device operating at a rate which is substantially greater than the repetition rate of said acoustic signals so that said linear energization sequence is completed between the transmission of successive acoustic energy signals; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources and so positioned with respect to said sources that each sequence of energization of said light sources produces across said medium a transverse linear trace having a degree of darkness which varies according to the instantaneous magnitude of said receiver output signal; and a master timing reference providing a timing signal at a fixed high frequency; said commutator control means further including a digital counter for dividing down said high frequency timing signal by a first division factor for providing said clock pulses and for dividing down said high frequency timing signal by a second division factor to effect resetting of said ring counter after a number of said clock pulses have been produced equal to the number of said light sources.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
58 words
In apparatus for producing borehole logs the combination according to claim 9 further including divider control means for rendering said frequency division means operative in response to the generation of said acoustic signal and for rendering said frequency division means inoperative upon resetting of said ring counter so that only one commutation sequence occurs between successive acoustic signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
45 words
In apparatus for producing borehole logs the combination according to claim 9 further including a time delay device operatively associated with said divider control means for delaying the activation of said frequency division means for a predetermined interval after the generation of said acoustic signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
393 words
In apparatus for producing borehole logs from signals respectively representing the depth of the downhole tool, the acoustic energy generated by the tool transmitter, and the acoustic energy output of the tool receiver, improved recording means comprising, in combination, a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with each of said light sources for receiving a plurality of input signals and for selectively coupling said input signals to energize the respective light sources for predetermined intervals and at predetermined repetition rates; gate control means for successively enabling the gating means associated with each of said light sources in a linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of the then operative input signal to said gating means; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources and so positioned with respect to said sources that each sequence of energization of sAid light sources produces across said medium a transverse linear trace having a degree of darkness which varies according to the instantaneous magnitude of the input to said gating means; means responsive to said depth indicating signal for advancing said recording medium in a direction perpendicular to said linear array in accordance with changes in the depth of said downhole tool so that the vertical position of any linear trace on said recording medium corresponds to the depth of said tool at the time said trace is produced; means for simultaneously coupling said receiver output signal as an input to the gating means for each of said light sources; time marking means providing a constant magnitude signal for replacing said receiver output signal as an input to said gating means at equal intervals during each sequence so that equally spaced vertical timing lines are recorded on said medium; depth marking means rendered operative at equal intervals of depth of said downhole tool for providing a constant magnitude signal as an input to the gating means for each of said light sources simultaneously during selected commutating sequences so that equally spaced depth lines of a uniform darkness are produced laterally across said recording medium, said depth marking means including a time persistence control for determining the number of commutating sequences during which said depth marking means is effective and thereby determining the width of said depth marking lines.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
393 words
In apparatus for producing borehole logs from signals respectively representing the depth of the downhole tool, the acoustic energy generated by the tool transmitter, and the acoustic energy output of the tool receiver, improved recording means comprising, in combination, a plurality of light sources closely spaced in a linear array; gating means associated with each of said light sources for receiving a plurality of input signals and for selectively coupling said input signals to energize the respective light sources for predetermined intervals and at predetermined repetition rates; gate control means for successively enabling the gating means associated with each of said light sources in a linear sequence so that successive light sources are illuminated to an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of the then operative input signal to said gating means; a light responsive recording medium selectively illuminated by said light sources and so positioned with respect to said sources that each sequence of energization of sAid light sources produces across said medium a transverse linear trace having a degree of darkness which varies according to the instantaneous magnitude of the input to said gating means; means responsive to said depth indicating signal for advancing said recording medium in a direction perpendicular to said linear array in accordance with changes in the depth of said downhole tool so that the vertical position of any linear trace on said recording medium corresponds to the depth of said tool at the time said trace is produced; means for simultaneously coupling said receiver output signal as an input to the gating means for each of said light sources; time marking means providing a constant magnitude signal for replacing said receiver output signal as an input to said gating means at equal intervals during each sequence so that equally spaced vertical timing lines are recorded on said medium; depth marking means rendered operative at equal intervals of depth of said downhole tool for providing a constant magnitude signal as an input to the gating means for each of said light sources simultaneously during selected commutating sequences so that equally spaced depth lines of a uniform darkness are produced laterally across said recording medium, said depth marking means including a time persistence control for determining the number of commutating sequences during which said depth marking means is effective and thereby determining the width of said depth marking lines.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-24 | 1977-06-25 | 1977-12-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-24 | 1981-06-25 | 1981-12-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-24 | 1985-06-25 | 1985-12-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |