US3874232A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Geothermal exploration
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
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Filing: 1972-06-15
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Granted: 1975-04-01
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Expires: 1992-06-15
Abstract
Abstract A uranium prospecting system based on the determination of temperature anomalies in the earth''s crust. The earth heat flux is measured at preselected points in shallow boreholes in order to detect heat given off as a result of radioactive decay. Localized anomalies are indicative of concentrations of radioactive materials.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack E Hardison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 03:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V9/00; G01V9/005; E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/06; E21B47/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
Temperature measuring apparatus for insertion into a borehole comprising: a. a tubular probe; b. a plurality of temperature sensors mounted in spaced relation along said probe; c. a plurality of arms pivotally attached along one side of said probe for movement in a vertical plane; d. means for holding said arms against said probe during insertion thereof into the borehole; e. means actuable from the surface for simultaneously releasing said arms after said probe is inserted; and f. spring means for urging said arms outward from said probe into contact with the wall of said borehole adjacent said one side of said probe, thereby decentralizing said probe and forcing said sensors laterally into contact with the wall of the borehole adjacent the opposite side of the probe.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
Temperature measuring apparatus for insertion into a borehole comprising: a. a tubular probe; b. a plurality of temperature sensors mounted in spaced relation along said probe; c. a plurality of arms pivotally attached along one side of said probe for movement in a vertical plane; d. means for holding said arms against said probe during insertion thereof into the borehole; e. means actuable from the surface for simultaneously releasing said arms after said probe is inserted; and f. spring means for urging said arms outward from said probe into contact with the wall of said borehole adjacent said one side of said probe, thereby decentralizing said probe and forcing said sensors laterally into contact with the wall of the borehole adjacent the opposite side of the probe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
Temperature measuring apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each of said sensors comprises a disc surrounding said probe tapering radially outward to a circumferential edge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
Temperature measuring apparatus as in claim 1 wherEin said temperature sensors are thermally insulated from each other and from the bottom of the borehole.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
Temperature measuring apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said temperature sensors are thermistors contained in discs extending laterally about the probe.
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) | 1978-03-31 | 1978-09-30 | 1979-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-31 | 1982-09-30 | 1983-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-31 | 1986-09-30 | 1987-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |