Patents by Inventor Charles M. Crawley

Charles M. Crawley 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).

  • Publication number: 20120165995
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprising receiving slug attribute information from a distributed or multi-point sensing system coupled to a fluid processing system, the slug attribute information associated with one or more slugs present in the fluid processing system; determining by a processor whether to activate one or more control devices of the fluid processing system to effect slug countermeasures based on the slug attribute information, the slug countermeasures comprising slug control; and activating the one or more control devices responsive to the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Charles M. Crawley, Lisa A. Brenskelle
  • Patent number: 6766703
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for sensing one or more physical parameters at a remote location while minimizing or eliminating contact between reservoir fluids and the like at the remote location and the sensor used to sense the physical parameters. In one example arrangement, the apparatus includes a tubing containing a communication cable and a sensor in communication with the cable, the sensor being located within the tubing proximate the remote location. The apparatus is configured to impose a barrier of a fluid between the sensor and the environment at the remote location. A fluid barrier reservoir containing the barrier fluid is also provided in some example arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignees: Sensor Dynamics Limited, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Erhard L. E. Kluth, Malcolm P. Varnham, John R. Clowes, Charles M. Crawley, Roy Kutlik
  • Patent number: 6442304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to protecting optical devices, such as an optical fibre sensor connected in series with a cable, from a hostile environment, such as encountered when making measurements in oil and gas wells. A liquid can protect the optical device. Packaging an optical fibre sensor inside a capillary containing the liquid can provide this protection. The liquid can be liquid metal, gel, inks, grease or oil. The liquid metal can be gallium or indium, or an alloy that includes indium and/or gallium. The grease can contain lithium, molybdenum, or synthetics, or be synthetic grease. The liquid can contain other components such as a scavenger or getter for molecules and/or ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Sensor Dynamics Limited, University of Southampton
    Inventors: Charles M. Crawley, Erhard Luther Edgar Kluth, Harvey N. Rutt, John Redvers Clowes, Malcom P. Varnham