Patents by Inventor Ben K. Sternberg

Ben K. Sternberg 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).

  • Patent number: 10670765
    Abstract: The present invention features a unique system of interdependent methods to greatly improve data acquired via the Differential Target Antenna Coupling (“DTAC”) method, which transmits electromagnetic (“EM”) fields and measures the primary EM field and the secondary EM fields generated in subsurface targets. These new data correction techniques provide improvements, in orders of magnitude, to the measured DTAC response accuracy. This improvement allows for greater depth of investigation, improved target location, and enhanced target characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
    Inventor: Ben K. Sternberg
  • Publication number: 20200110190
    Abstract: The present invention features a unique system of interdependent methods to greatly improve data acquired via the Differential Target Antenna Coupling (“DTAC”) method, which transmits electromagnetic (“EM”) fields and measures the primary EM field and the secondary EM fields generated in subsurface targets. These new data correction techniques provide improvements, in orders of magnitude, to the measured DTAC response accuracy. This improvement allows for greater depth of investigation, improved target location, and enhanced target characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventor: Ben K. Sternberg
  • Patent number: 10520630
    Abstract: The present invention features a unique system of interdependent methods to greatly improve data acquired via the Differential Target Antenna Coupling (“DTAC”) method, which transmits electromagnetic (“EM”) fields and measures the primary EM field and the secondary EM fields generated in subsurface targets. These new data correction techniques provide improvements, in orders of magnitude, to the measured DTAC response accuracy. This improvement allows for greater depth of investigation, improved target location, and enhanced target characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
    Inventor: Ben K. Sternberg
  • Publication number: 20190331823
    Abstract: The present invention features a unique system of interdependent methods to greatly improve data acquired via the Differential Target Antenna Coupling (“DTAC”) method, which transmits electromagnetic (“EM”) fields and measures the primary EM field and the secondary EM fields generated in subsurface targets. These new data correction techniques provide improvements, in orders of magnitude, to the measured DTAC response accuracy. This improvement allows for greater depth of investigation, improved target location, and enhanced target characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventor: Ben K. Sternberg
  • Patent number: 10393909
    Abstract: The present invention features a unique system of interdependent methods to greatly improve data acquired via the Differential Target Antenna Coupling (“DTAC”) method, which transmits electromagnetic (“EM”) fields and measures the primary EM field and the secondary EM fields generated in subsurface targets. These new data correction techniques provide improvements, in orders of magnitude, to the measured DTAC response accuracy. This improvement allows for greater depth of investigation, improved target location, and enhanced target characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventor: Ben K. Sternberg
  • Publication number: 20180100943
    Abstract: The present invention features a unique system of interdependent methods to greatly improve data acquired via the Differential Target Antenna Coupling (“DTAC”) method, which transmits electromagnetic (“EM”) fields and measures the primary EM field and the secondary EM fields generated in subsurface targets. These new data correction techniques provide improvements, in orders of magnitude, to the measured DTAC response accuracy. This improvement allows for greater depth of investigation, improved target location, and enhanced target characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventor: Ben K. Sternberg
  • Patent number: 8878519
    Abstract: Sub-surface detection systems include a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna that is coupled to a receiver circuit. The receiver antenna is rotated to three different orientations, and a reference null field direction is determined. Based on variations in the null field direction at other frequencies or variations in a magnitude of a field component in the reference null field direction, the presence, location, depth, size, and electrical properties of a target can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventors: Steven L. Dvorak, Ben K. Sternberg
  • Patent number: 8296086
    Abstract: A new measurement system, with two receiver channels per measurement port, has been developed that provides absolute magnitude and absolute phase relationship measurements over wide bandwidths. Gain ranging is used at RF to provide optimum noise performance and a swept YIG preselector filter is used to avoid spurious signals. A new absolute vector error correction method is used to calibrate the measurement system in order to allow for absolute vector measurements, and it also removes the time-varying responses caused by the swept YIG preselector filters. A quasi-reciprocal mixer with a characterized non-reciprocal ratio is used to provide the absolute calibration standard. The two receiver channels can be adapted to a wide variety of applications, including wide bandwidth vector signal analyzer measurements, mixer measurements, and harmonic measurements. The two-channels can also be used as an absolute calibrated transmitter/reflectometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Ben K. Sternberg, Steven L. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20120161749
    Abstract: A new measurement system, with two receiver channels per measurement port, has been developed that provides absolute magnitude and absolute phase relationship measurements over wide bandwidths. Gain ranging is used at RF to provide optimum noise performance and a swept YIG preselector filter is used to avoid spurious signals. A new absolute vector error correction method is used to calibrate the measurement system in order to allow for absolute vector measurements, and it also removes the time-varying responses caused by the swept YIG preselector filters. A quasi-reciprocal mixer with a characterized non-reciprocal ratio is used to provide the absolute calibration standard. The two receiver channels can be adapted to a wide variety of applications, including wide bandwidth vector signal analyzer measurements, mixer measurements, and harmonic measurements. The two-channels can also be used as an absolute calibrated transmitter/reflectometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Ben K. Sternberg, Steven L. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 8155904
    Abstract: A new measurement system, with two receiver channels per measurement port, has been developed that provides absolute magnitude and absolute phase relationship measurements over wide bandwidths. Gain ranging is used at RF to provide optimum noise performance and a swept YIG preselector filter is used to avoid spurious signals. A new absolute vector error correction method is used to calibrate the measurement system in order to allow for absolute vector measurements, and it also removes the time-varying responses caused by the swept YIG preselector filters. A quasi-reciprocal mixer with a characterized non-reciprocal ratio is used to provide the absolute calibration standard. The two receiver channels can be adapted to a wide variety of applications, including wide bandwidth vector signal analyzer measurements, mixer measurements, and harmonic measurements. The two-channels can also be used as an absolute calibrated transmitter/reflectometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Steven L. Dvorak, Ben K. Sternberg
  • Publication number: 20110095748
    Abstract: Sub-surface detection systems include a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna that is coupled to a receiver circuit. The receiver antenna is rotated to three different orientations, and a reference null field direction is determined. Based on variations in the null field direction at other frequencies or variations in a magnitude of a field component in the reference null field direction, the presence, location, depth, size, and electrical properties of a target can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Steven L. Dvorak, Ben K. Sternberg
  • Publication number: 20090092177
    Abstract: A new measurement system, with two receiver channels per measurement port, has been developed that provides absolute magnitude and absolute phase relationship measurements over wide bandwidths. Gain ranging is used at RF to provide optimum noise performance and a swept YIG preselector filter is used to avoid spurious signals. A new absolute vector error correction method is used to calibrate the measurement system in order to allow for absolute vector measurements, and it also removes the time-varying responses caused by the swept YIG preselector filters. A quasi-reciprocal mixer with a characterized non-reciprocal ratio is used to provide the absolute calibration standard. The two receiver channels can be adapted to a wide variety of applications, including wide bandwidth vector signal analyzer measurements, mixer measurements, and harmonic measurements. The two-channels can also be used as an absolute calibrated transmitter/reflectometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Steven L. Dvorak, Ben K. Sternberg
  • Patent number: 7089158
    Abstract: A thorough error suppression signal measurement system (20) having a transmitter (300) for propagating a transmission signal to a first probe 100, through a device under test (26), and into a second probe (200), and for propagating reference signals to the probes (100,200). The probes (100,200) extract normalization signals from the reference signals, exchange specific ones of the normalization signals, and combine the normalization signals with data signals derived from the transmission signal to form receiver signals. The probes (100,200) propagate the receiver signals to a receiver (400), where the signals are gain-ranged, digitized, normalized, and compensated for phase-noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Ben K. Sternberg, Steven L. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 6636816
    Abstract: An error-suppression signal measurement system and method therefor is provided. The system transmits a test signal from a first probe, through a device under test, and into a second probe. The probes extract normalization signals from reference signals therein, exchange specific ones of the normalization signals, and combine the normalization signals with data signals derived from the test signal to form receiver signals. The probes propagate the receiver signals to a receiver, where the signals are gain-ranged, digitized, normalized, and compensated for phase-noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Steven L. Dvorak, Ben K. Sternberg
  • Patent number: 6606583
    Abstract: A thorough error suppression signal measurement system (20) having a transmitter (300) for propagating a transmission signal to a first probe 100, through a device under test (26), and into a second probe (200), and for propagating reference signals to the probes (100,200). The probes (100,200) extract normalization signals from the reference signals, exchange specific ones of the normalization signals, and combine the normalization signals with data signals derived from the transmission signal to form receiver signals. The probes (100,200) propagate the receiver signals to a receiver (400), where the signals are gain-ranged, digitized, normalized, and compensated for phase-noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventors: Ben K. Sternberg, Steven L. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 4642570
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a logging tool having electrodes for introducing a current into a downhole formation and for detecting a voltage produced in the formation by the current. The current is provided by a transmitter circuit, and the voltage is received and processed by a receiver circuit including a computer programmed to provide induced polarization and resistivity measurements based on the detected voltage. The electrodes are equidistantly spaced but are adjustable (either on a single logging tool or as between different logging tools) so that various logging runs can be made to obtain different measurements whereby the intrinsic complex resistivity (induced polarization) of formation layers can be suitably resolved. The apparatus also includes a contact resistance measurement circuit for making measurements used by another computer means to determine the contact resistance of each of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Ben K. Sternberg, Donald E. Dunster, Kenneth D. Honeycutt
  • Patent number: 4613821
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for high accuracy simultaneous calibration of electrical measuring systems wherein a calibration signal which has frequency spectra which interleave but do not interfere with the data spectra is injected into the electrical system during data acquisition to simultaneously correct for the response of the particular detection system. In a particular geophysical application, a calibration signal at a source system or receiver system, or both, is injected into each individual system as the data and calibration signals are measured so that an overall system response can be applied to the data signals in order to remove system response effects therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Ben K. Sternberg, Richard W. Nopper, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4446434
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electromagnetic hydrocarbon exploration which is accomplished by implanting at least two pairs of electrodes into the ground. One pair transmits a signal into the earth, and the other pair receives the signal. With proper processing the polarization and resistivity of the ground can be calculated. The components are arranged in a manner to insure that the electromagnetic coupling can be determined and can be removed from the measurements. Electrode spacing can be varied to focus on the anomalous stratum. If an anomalous stratum is discovered, it is cored to determine the nature of the material creating the anomaly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Ben K. Sternberg, Dale E. Miller, Dhari S. Bahjat
  • Patent number: 4295096
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electromagnetic hydrocarbon exploration which is accomplished by implanting at least two pairs of electrodes into the ground. One pair transmits a signal into the earth, and the other pair receives the signal. With proper processing the polarization and resistivity of the ground can be calculated. The components are arranged in a manner to insure that the electromagnetic coupling can be determined and can be removed from the measurements. Electrode spacing can be varied to focus on the anomalous stratum. If an anomalous stratum is discovered, it is cored to determine the nature of the material creating the anomaly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Assignee: Conoco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben K. Sternberg, Dale E. Miller, Dhari S. Bahjat
  • Patent number: RE47622
    Abstract: A target is sensed by an antenna array having a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna, both of which are caused to be electromagnetically coupled to the target. The antenna array is rotated, and as the array rotates, a change in at least one of the coupling between the transmitter antenna and the target and the coupling between the receiver antenna and the target is detected at multiple rotational orientations of the antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventors: Ben K. Sternberg, Steven L. Dvorak, Oleg Krichenko