Patents by Inventor Andre R. Vincelette
Andre R. Vincelette has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11577337Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the acoustic properties of optical cables used as in-well oil and gas probes for acoustic monitoring, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). One example aspect provides a solid path for the acoustic wave to propagate from an outside armor layer of the cable to the sensing optical waveguide embedded therein. Another example aspect offers ways to spatially dispose the optical sensing elements to create response delays indicative of the propagation speed and/or direction of an acoustic wave. Yet another example aspect provides ways to utilize additional spectral interrogation to increase ultimate spatial resolution. Yet another example aspect provides ways to locally vary the acoustic properties along the length of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre, Hongbo Li, Domino Taverner, James R. Dunphy
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Publication number: 20210008657Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the acoustic properties of optical cables used as in-well oil and gas probes for acoustic monitoring, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). One example aspect provides a solid path for the acoustic wave to propagate from an outside armor layer of the cable to the sensing optical waveguide embedded therein. Another example aspect offers ways to spatially dispose the optical sensing elements to create response delays indicative of the propagation speed and/or direction of an acoustic wave. Yet another example aspect provides ways to utilize additional spectral interrogation to increase ultimate spatial resolution. Yet another example aspect provides ways to locally vary the acoustic properties along the length of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Andre R. VINCELETTE, Christopher S. BALDWIN, Paul LEFEBVRE, Hongbo LI, Domino TAVERNER, James R. DUNPHY
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Patent number: 10843290Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the acoustic properties of optical cables used as in-well oil and gas probes for acoustic monitoring, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). One example aspect provides a solid path for the acoustic wave to propagate from an outside armor layer of the cable to the sensing optical waveguide embedded therein. Another example aspect offers ways to spatially dispose the optical sensing elements to create response delays indicative of the propagation speed and/or direction of an acoustic wave. Yet another example aspect provides ways to utilize additional spectral interrogation to increase ultimate spatial resolution. Yet another example aspect provides ways to locally vary the acoustic properties along the length of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre, Hongbo Li, Domino Taverner, James R. Dunphy
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Patent number: 10837274Abstract: A sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation, such as a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon based fluid. The sensor arrangement may be used to measure one or more physical parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, at a multiplicity of locations in the subterranean reservoir. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor array comprising an elongated outer casing for insertion in the subterranean formation and into a fluid in the subterranean formation. The sensor array may comprise an optical fiber defining an optical path that links one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressure sensors and transports measurement data generated by the temperature and pressure sensors. A data processing system may be connected to the sensor array to receive measurements from the sensor array and to compute one or more values of a property of an extraction installation operating on the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD CANADA LTD.Inventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Jason Scott Kiddy, John Niemczuk, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre
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Patent number: 10612368Abstract: Mechanical acoustic actuators and methods for using these actuators to generate controlled acoustic signals to measure silent or quiet parameters are provided. One example method includes using fluid flows (whistle) and/or mechanical shocks between solids (bells) to stimulate the actuators, either proportionally from the parameter targeted for measurement or artificially modulated to create emitters. Some aspects provide for usage of the actuators within an oil and gas well or a fluid conduit, including in combination with arrays of acoustic sensors, to perform sonar array processing monitoring of acoustic wave propagation to derive properties of the media traversed.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Domino Taverner
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Patent number: 10573091Abstract: A system for generating virtual objects, including personalized avatars. The system comprises modules for acquiring a plurality of series of bi-dimensional images, deriving point clouds and point cloud three-dimensional models therefrom and generating a global point cloud three-dimensional model by computing a weighted average.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventor: Andre R. Vincelette
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Publication number: 20190226321Abstract: A sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation, such as a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon based fluid. The sensor arrangement may be used to measure one or more physical parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, at a multiplicity of locations in the subterranean reservoir. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor array comprising an elongated outer casing for insertion in the subterranean formation and into a fluid in the subterranean formation. The sensor array may comprise an optical fiber defining an optical path that links one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressure sensors and transports measurement data generated by the temperature and pressure sensors. A data processing system may be connected to the sensor array to receive measurements from the sensor array and to compute one or more values of a property of an extraction installation operating on the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Andre R. VINCELETTE, Jason Scott KIDDY, John NIEMCZUK, Christopher S. BALDWIN, Paul LEFEBVRE
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Patent number: 10246989Abstract: A sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation, such as a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon based fluid. The sensor arrangement may be used to measure one or more physical parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, at a multiplicity of locations in the subterranean reservoir. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor array comprising an elongated outer casing for insertion in the subterranean formation and into a fluid in the subterranean formation. The sensor array may comprise an optical fiber defining an optical path that links one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressure sensors and transports measurement data generated by the temperature and pressure sensors. A data processing system may be connected to the sensor array to receive measurements from the sensor array and to compute one or more values of a property of an extraction installation operating on the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Jason S. Kiddy, John B. Niemczuk, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre
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Publication number: 20180320505Abstract: Mechanical acoustic actuators and methods for using these actuators to generate controlled acoustic signals to measure silent or quiet parameters are provided. One example method includes using fluid flows (whistle) and/or mechanical shocks between solids (bells) to stimulate the actuators, either proportionally from the parameter targeted for measurement or artificially modulated to create emitters. Some aspects provide for usage of the actuators within an oil and gas well or a fluid conduit, including in combination with arrays of acoustic sensors, to perform sonar array processing monitoring of acoustic wave propagation to derive properties of the media traversed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2016Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Andre R. VINCELETTE, Domino TAVERNER
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Publication number: 20180240281Abstract: A system for generating virtual objects, including personalized avatars. The system comprises modules for acquiring a plurality of series of bi-dimensional images, deriving point clouds and point cloud three-dimensional models therefrom and generating a global point cloud three-dimensional model by computing a weighted average.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventor: ANDRE R. VINCELETTE
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Publication number: 20180087371Abstract: A sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation, such as a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon based fluid. The sensor arrangement may be used to measure one or more physical parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, at a multiplicity of locations in the subterranean reservoir. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor array comprising an elongated outer casing for insertion in the subterranean formation and into a fluid in the subterranean formation. The sensor array may comprise an optical fiber defining an optical path that links one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressure sensors and transports measurement data generated by the temperature and pressure sensors. A data processing system may be connected to the sensor array to receive measurements from the sensor array and to compute one or more values of a property of an extraction installation operating on the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Andre R. VINCELETTE, Jason S. KIDDY, John B. NIEMCZUK, Christopher S. BALDWIN, Paul LEFEBVRE
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Publication number: 20160245071Abstract: A sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation, such as a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon based fluid. The sensor arrangement may be used to measure one or more physical parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, at a multiplicity of locations in the subterranean reservoir. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor array comprising an elongated outer casing for insertion in the subterranean formation and into a fluid in the subterranean formation. The sensor array may comprise an optical fiber defining an optical path that links one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressure sensors and transports measurement data generated by the temperature and pressure sensors. A data processing system may be connected to the sensor array to receive measurements from the sensor array and to compute one or more values of a property of an extraction installation operating on the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Andre R. VINCELETTE, Jason S. KIDDY, John B. NIEMCZUK, Christopher S. BALDWIN, Paul LEFEBVRE
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Publication number: 20160209584Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the acoustic properties of optical cables used as in-well oil and gas probes for acoustic monitoring, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). One example aspect provides a solid path for the acoustic wave to propagate from an outside armor layer of the cable to the sensing optical waveguide embedded therein. Another example aspect offers ways to spatially dispose the optical sensing elements to create response delays indicative of the propagation speed and/or direction of an acoustic wave. Yet another example aspect provides ways to utilize additional spectral interrogation to increase ultimate spatial resolution. Yet another example aspect provides ways to locally vary the acoustic properties along the length of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Andre R. VINCELETTE, Christopher S. BALDWIN, Paul LEFEBVRE, Hongbo LI, Domino TAVERNER, James R. DUNPHY
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Publication number: 20160168980Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for distributed temperature sensing along an optical waveguide disposed axially with respect to a conduit using a distributed temperature sensor and an array of temperature sensors. An exemplary method includes performing distributed temperature sensing (DTS) using two ends of a first optical fiber disposed within the conduit and having a return path coupling the two ends, performing discrete temperature sensing based on measured reflections of light from reflective elements having characteristic wavelengths disposed at discrete locations, and determining temperatures at a plurality of locations based on the DTS and the discrete temperature sensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Mark BEDRY, Ronald JOHNSON, Andre R. Vincelette
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Patent number: 9347312Abstract: A sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation, such as a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon based fluid. The sensor arrangement may be used to measure one or more physical parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, at a multiplicity of locations in the subterranean reservoir. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor array comprising an elongated outer casing for insertion in the subterranean formation and into a fluid in the subterranean formation. The sensor array may comprise an optical fiber defining an optical path that links one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressure sensors and transports measurement data generated by the temperature and pressure sensors. A data processing system may be connected to the sensor array to receive measurements from the sensor array and to compute one or more values of a property of an extraction installation operating on the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: WEATHERFORD CANADA PARTNERSHIPInventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Jason S. Kiddy, John B. Niemczuk, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre
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Patent number: 8811776Abstract: A method for measuring a physical parameter at a plurality of spaced locations in a subterranean formation using a temperature sensor that has an elongated sensing element having a length of at least 10 m, measured at a temperature of 20° C. The elongated sensing element includes an elongated jacket and an optical fiber mounted in the jacket and having an EFL of at least 0.35%, wherein the elongated sensing element has an average temperature error of less than 2° C.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Weatherford Canada PartnershipInventors: Bai Zhou, Sebastien Miville, Andre R Vincelette
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Patent number: 8611703Abstract: A temperature sensor that has an elongated sensing element having a length of at least 10 m, measured at a temperature of 20° C. The elongated sensing element includes an elongated jacket and an optical fiber mounted in the jacket and having an EFL of at least 0.35%, wherein the elongated sensing element has an average temperature error of less than 2° C.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Lxdata Inc.Inventors: Bai Zhou, Sébastien Miville, André R Vincelette
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Publication number: 20130308680Abstract: A method for measuring a physical parameter at a plurality of spaced locations in a subterranean formation using a temperature sensor that has an elongated sensing element having a length of at least 10 m, measured at a temperature of 20° C. The elongated sensing element includes an elongated jacket and an optical fiber mounted in the jacket and having an EFL of at least 0.35%, wherein the elongated sensing element has an average temperature error of less than 2° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: LxData Inc.Inventors: Bai Zhou, Sebastien Miville, Andre R. Vincelette
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Patent number: 8335406Abstract: A temperature sensor that has an elongated sensing element having a length of at least 10 m, measured at a temperature of 20° C. The elongated sensing element includes an elongated jacket and an optical fiber mounted in the jacket and having an EFL of at least 0.35%, wherein the elongated sensing element has an average temperature error of less than 2° C.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Lxdata Inc.Inventors: Bai Zhou, Sébastien Miville, André R. Vincelette
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Publication number: 20120170615Abstract: A temperature sensor that has an elongated sensing element having a length of at least 10 m, measured at a temperature of 20° C. The elongated sensing element includes an elongated jacket and an optical fiber mounted in the jacket and having an EFL of at least 0.35%, wherein the elongated sensing element has an average temperature error of less than 2° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: LXDATA INCInventors: Bai ZHOU, Sébastien MIVILLE, André R. VINCELETTE