Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Robert A. Van Someren
  • Patent number: 7185709
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. McDonald Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 7182134
    Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Sudhir Pai, David R. Smith, Peter V. Howard, Craig D. Johnson, Jake A. Danos, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 7168485
    Abstract: An expandable device, such as a sand screen, is used in a wellbore. The expandable device comprises an expandable base pipe and a filter layer that facilitates expansion of the device while maintaining filtering capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Kian Rasa, Christopher S. Del Campo, Rod W. Shampine, Claude J. Vercaemer, Gerhard Schoonderbeek
  • Patent number: 7156180
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 7134501
    Abstract: A particulate screen suitable for use in a wellbore. The particulate screen is expandable and may be at least partially formed of a bistable tubular. Also, a filter media may be combined with the bistable tubular to limit influx of particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 7131494
    Abstract: The present invention provides a screen for a well that utilizes a partial screen wrapping used to advantage with side conduits (e.g., alternate flowpaths), control lines, intelligent completions devices, and the like. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Bixenman, Craig D. Johnson, Jake A. Danos, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Patent number: 7128160
    Abstract: A downhole tool has at least one diverter valve. The at least one diverter valve is used to reduce pressure in a wellbore caused by frictional resistance to fluid flow during a gravel pack operation. The increased pressure tends to be created as the beta wave of the gravel pack operation makes its way up the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Anyan, Stephane J. Virally, Olukemi Ibironke Aardalsbakke
  • Patent number: 7128152
    Abstract: A downhole tool has at least one diverter valve. The diverter valves are used to reduce pressure in a wellbore caused by frictional resistance to fluid flow during a gravel pack operation. The increased pressure tends to be created as the beta wave of a gravel pack operation makes its way up the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Anyan, Stephane J. Virally, Olukemi Ibironke Aardalsbakke, Vincent F. E. Rodet
  • Patent number: 7128155
    Abstract: A cutting device cuts one or more downhole control lines such that the cut ends of the one or more control lines will not interfere with subsequent fishing operations. The cutting device comprises a mandrel, a cutting sleeve and a housing supported on a tubing. Movement of the tubing induces relative motion of the cutting sleeve to cut the one or more control lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Brian W. Cho
  • Patent number: 7114557
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for optimizing production from a well. A plurality of sensors are positioned to sense a variety of production related parameters. The sensed parameters are applied to a wellbore model and validated. Discrepancies between calculated parameters in the wellbore model and results based on sensed parameters indicate potential problem areas detrimentally affecting production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julian R. Cudmore, Julian B. Haskell, Francis X. T. Miranda
  • Patent number: 7104324
    Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Sudhir Pai, David R. Smith, Peter V. Howard, Craig D. Johnson, Michael Langlais, Jake A. Danos, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 7086476
    Abstract: The present system and method comprises an expandable device for use in wellbores. In one embodiment, the present device comprises a plurality of slots disposed within the device. The slots define expansion compensation portions, wherein the compensation portions facilitate radial expansion of the device while concurrently maintaining essentially constant the axial length of the device. The present technique also comprises a method of forming the device in accordance therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Patent number: 7063164
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method used to seal between an open wellbore and a tubing by bringing the wellbore wall inwardly so as to enable sections of earth from the wellbore wall to create the required seal against the tubing. The earth sections that make up the seal can be created by collapsing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall inwardly or by causing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall to swell inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Youel G. Hilsman, Herve Ohmer, Dinesh R. Patel, Stephane Hiron
  • Patent number: 7055609
    Abstract: A handling and assembly system and method for use in deploying tubing in a subterranean environment. A framework is used to linearly engage sequential tubular members as a tubing string is formed and run into a subterranean environment. The system also facilitates the disassembly of the individual tubular components from the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hayes, Craig D. Johnson, Dennis L. Mills, Matthew R. Hackworth, Michael D. Langlais, Martin Prado
  • Patent number: 7021385
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing blowouts during the deployment of a casing string into a wellbore. The system includes securing a casing coupling to a casing string and securing a retrievable check valve within the casing coupling. The retrievable check valve allows fluid from the surface to be pumped through the retrievable check valve. However, the retrievable check valve prevents upward fluid flow from the wellbore through the retrievable check valve to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Herve Ohmer, Ricardo M. Carossino, Jean-Marc Follini, Mikhail V. Gotlib
  • Patent number: 7021388
    Abstract: In a hydrocarbon production well, a control processor 32 selectively sends light to each of one or more gas lift valves 28 to cause injection of an injection fluid (such as nitrogen gas) from a pressurised annulus 22 into a production fluid (hydrocarbon) in production 18 tubing, and/or to each of one or more inlet valves 60, to control the rate of flow of the hydrocarbon (oil). The control processor 32 receives feedback data from sensors 48 54 50 66 near to each gas lift 28 or inlet 60 valve and otherwise provided in the well bore which measure pressure, temperature or flow rate. The sensors communicate by sensor fibre optic lines 42 which run in the well bore 10. The control processor 32 sends control signals by operating a laser light source to selectively to send laser light to each valve 28 60 through valve operating light fibres 36 which also run through the well bore 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Glynn R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7004020
    Abstract: A system and method for profiling and modifying fluid flow through a wellbore. The system comprises a logging system, a downhole unit, and a deployment system. The logging system comprises a logging tool. The downhole unit is operable to house the logging tool. In addition, the downhole unit is operable to selectively secure a retrievable fluid barrier within a wellbore casing. The deployment system is operable to deploy the downhole unit in the wellbore casing. The method comprises deploying the downhole unit into the wellbore and securing the retrievable fluid barrier below a first group of perforations. The method also comprises operating the logging tool to detect a wellbore fluid parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Schrenkel, Terry E. Hix, Arthur M. Bedgood, Christopher Patrick Brown, Albert G. Ollre IV
  • Patent number: 6975256
    Abstract: A circuit is provided for rectifying and amplifying an AC input waveform to optimize the dynamic range of downstream circuitry, such as an analog-to-digital converter. The circuitry includes an inverting amplifier and a non-inverting amplifier. The inverting amplifier includes a selectable resistance network in a feedback loop that permits the gain to be adjusted by appropriate selection of conductive states of solid state switches. The non-inverting amplifier includes a selectable resistance network on an input line. A control circuit, such as a microprocessor, monitors the output of the A/D converter and controls the conductive state of switches in the feedback and input networks to maintain the digital output within a desired portion of the dynamic range of the A/D converter. Several discrete gains may be provided and programmed in accordance with a predetermined selection scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Bolda, Steven T. Haensgen
  • Patent number: 6964299
    Abstract: A submersible pumping system is provided for the movement of fluids. The system utilizes a first electric submersible pumping system that cooperates with a second electric submersible pumping system. The arrangement enables increased horsepower in a space efficient package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin T. Scarsdale
  • Patent number: 6892816
    Abstract: An in-line flow control device for a well chokes flow through a conduit while allowing access therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Arthur J. Morris