Patents by Inventor Christopher Stephenson
Christopher Stephenson 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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Publication number: 20200148944Abstract: A proppant may include a sintered ceramic, wherein the sintered ceramic has a composition including an alumina (Al2O3) content ranging from about 60% to about 78% by weight, an iron oxide (Fe2O3) content ranging from about 5% to about 20% by weight, a silica (SiO2) content ranging from about 1% to about 10% by weight, a titania (TiO2) content ranging from about 2% to about 8% by weight, and a combined iron oxide and titania content of at least about 11% by weight. A proppant may include a sintered ceramic. The sintered ceramic may have a composition including a calcium oxide (CaO) content ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight. A rod-shaped proppant may include a sintered ceramic having an aspect ratio ranging from about 1.5 to about 3, an apparent specific gravity ranging from about 2.0 to about 4.0, and a pack porosity of greater than 49%.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2019Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Johan LORICOURT, Jean-André Alary, David Guetta, Christopher Stephenson
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Publication number: 20170198209Abstract: A proppant composition may include at least about 50 wt % total silica and up to about 50 wt % total alumina and a connected porosity greater than or equal to about 5%. A proppant precursor composition may include an alumina- or aluminosilicate-containing material and diatomaceous earth, wherein the diatomaceous earth may be greater than or equal to about 25 wt %. A method of making a proppant may include mixing an alumina- or aluminosilicate-containing material and diatomaceous earth to form a precursor composition, pelletizing the precursor composition, and sintering the pelletized precursor composition to form a sintered proppant having a connected porosity greater than or equal to about 5%. A method of treating a fracture site may include delivering a sintered proppant including an active agent to a well site, and dispersing the active agent from the sintered proppant within the well site.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventors: Christopher STEPHENSON, Gregory BOISSON, Roberto Boehringer MARTINEZ, Eric SCHILL, Darrel BRIDGEMOHAN
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Publication number: 20160115375Abstract: A proppant may include a sintered ceramic, wherein the sintered ceramic has a composition including an alumina (Al2O3) content ranging from about 60% to about 78% by weight, an iron oxide (Fe2O3) content ranging from about 5% to about 20% by weight, a silica (SiO2) content ranging from about 1% to about 10% by weight, a titania (TiO2) content ranging from about 2% to about 8% by weight, and a combined iron oxide and titania content of at least about 11% by weight. A proppant may include a sintered ceramic. The sintered ceramic may have a composition including a calcium oxide (CaO) content ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight. A rod-shaped proppant may include a sintered ceramic having an aspect ratio ranging from about 1.5 to about 3, an apparent specific gravity ranging from about 2.0 to about 4.0, and a pack porosity of greater than 49%.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: JOHAN LORICOURT, JEAN-ANDRE ALARY, DAVID GUETTA, CHRISTOPHER STEPHENSON
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Publication number: 20130254643Abstract: A computer-based system provides a user interface for displaying hyperlinked content (such as web content) and for enabling users to navigate the hyperlinks contained within such content. One benefit of various embodiments of the present invention is that they enable primary hyperlinked content to be rendered, and for associated content (i.e., content located at the destinations of hyperlinks within the primary content) to be rendered without replacing, overwriting, or otherwise obscuring the rendering of the primary content. As a result, the rendering of the primary content remains fully visible after the associated content is rendered and while the rendering of the associated content is visible. For example, the associated content may be rendered in an existing display area that does not overlap with the display area containing the rendering of the primary content.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: SpanLocal News, Inc.Inventors: Richard Goldman, Christopher Stephenson, Robert Bailie
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Patent number: 8443277Abstract: A computer-based system provides a user interface for displaying hyperlinked content (such as web content) and for enabling users to navigate the hyperlinks contained within such content. One benefit of various embodiments of the present invention is that they enable primary hyperlinked content to be rendered, and for associated content (i.e., content located at the destinations of hyperlinks within the primary content) to be rendered without replacing, overwriting, or otherwise obscuring the rendering of the primary content. As a result, the rendering of the primary content remains fully visible after the associated content is rendered and while the rendering of the associated content is visible. For example, the associated content may be rendered in an existing display area that does not overlap with the display area containing the rendering of the primary content.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: SpanLocal News, Inc.Inventors: Richard Goldman, Christopher Stephenson, Robert A. Bailie
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Publication number: 20120317476Abstract: A computer-based system provides a user interface for displaying hyperlinked content (such as web content) and for enabling users to navigate the hyperlinks contained within such content. One benefit of various embodiments of the present invention is that they enable primary hyperlinked content to be rendered, and for associated content (i.e., content located at the destinations of hyperlinks within the primary content) to be rendered without replacing, overwriting, or otherwise obscuring the rendering of the primary content. As a result, the rendering of the primary content remains fully visible after the associated content is rendered and while the rendering of the associated content is visible. For example, the associated content may be rendered in an existing display area that does not overlap with the display area containing the rendering of the primary content.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Richard Goldman, Christopher Stephenson, Robert Bailie
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Patent number: 7382264Abstract: A system federates heterogeneous monitoring systems to provide end-to-end monitoring information for conveyances with item-layer visibility. A first node of the federated system comprises a first monitoring system and a first port and a second node comprises a second monitoring system and a second port. In parallel with a conveyance being transported between the first node and the second node, the first monitoring system sends an agent to the second monitoring system. The agent comprises logic and/or data necessary to implement processes on the second monitoring agent while the conveyance is at the second port. When the conveyance arrives at the second port, the second monitoring system executes the agent to determine conditions of the conveyance and/or its contents.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Savi Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ravindra U. Rajapakse, David L. Shannon, Leo S. Chang, Stephen J. Lambright, Christopher A. Stephenson, Andrew E. S. Alcock, Jeyappragash Jeyakeerthi, Gregory Y. H. Lee
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Publication number: 20080110623Abstract: A method of fracturing using deformable proppants minimizes proppant pack damage, without compromising the fracturing fluid's proppant transport properties during pumping, by use of deformable proppants. Selection of proppant is dependent upon the mechanical properties of the formation rock. The strength of the deformable proppant is dependent upon the modulus of the formation rock being treated such that the proppant is capable of providing, at the very least, a minimum level of conductivity in in-situ stress environments. The maximum elastic modulus of the deformable proppant is less than the minimum modulus of the formation rock which is being treated. The method is particularly applicable in fracturing operations of subterranean reservoirs such as those comprised primarily of coal, chalk, limestone, dolomite, shale, siltstone, diatomite, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2008Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Harold Brannon, Allan Rickards, Christopher Stephenson, Russell Maharidge
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Publication number: 20080087429Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that utilize relatively lightweight and/or substantially neutrally buoyant particulates. Particles that may be employed include particulates of naturally occurring materials that may be optionally strengthened or hardened by exposure to a modifying agent; porous materials including selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials; and well treating aggregates composed of an organic lightweight material and a weight modifying agent. The relatively lightweight particulate may be suspended as a substantially neutral buoyant particulate and stored with a carrier fluid as a pumpable slurry.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: Harold Brannon, William Wood, Allan Rickards, Christopher Stephenson
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Publication number: 20080032898Abstract: An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails: (i.) the density differential between the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage is greater than or equal to 0.2 g/cc; (ii.) both the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage contain a ULW proppant; (iii.) the rate of injection of the second proppant stage into the fracture is different from the rate of injection of the first proppant stage; or (iv.) the particle size of the second proppant stage is different from the particle size of the first proppant stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventors: Harold Brannon, William Wood, Randall Edgeman, Allan Rickards, Christopher Stephenson, Doug Walser, Mark Malone
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Patent number: 7307526Abstract: A system federates heterogeneous monitoring systems to provide end-to-end monitoring information for conveyances with item-layer visibility. A first node of the federated system comprises a first monitoring system and a first port and a second node comprises a second monitoring system and a second port. In parallel with a conveyance being transported between the first node and the second node, the first monitoring system sends an agent to the second monitoring system. The agent comprises logic and/or data necessary to implement processes on the second monitoring agent while the conveyance is at the second port. When the conveyance arrives at the second port, the second monitoring system executes the agent to determine conditions of the conveyance and/or its contents.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Savi Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ravindra U. Rajapakse, David L. Shannon, Leo S. Chang, Stephen J. Lambright, Christopher A. Stephenson, Andrew E. S. Alcock, Jeyappragash Jeyakeerthi, Gregory Y. H. Lee
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Publication number: 20070193746Abstract: A method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation ensures that the conductivity of water inflow below the productive zone of the subterranean formation is reduced. The method consists of two principal steps. In the first step, a fracture in and below the productive zone of the formation is initiated by introducing into the subterranean formation a fluid, free of a proppant, such as salt water, fresh water, brine, liquid hydrocarbon, and/or nitrogen or other gases. The proppant-free fluid may further be weighted. In the second step, a proppant laden slurry is introduced into the subterranean formation which contains a relatively lightweight density proppant. Either the fluid density of the proppant-free fluid is greater than the fluid density of the proppant laden slurry or the viscosity of the proppant-free fluid is greater than the viscosity of the proppant laden slurry.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Inventors: Harold Brannon, William Wood, Donald Purvis, Allan Rickards, Christopher Stephenson
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Publication number: 20070120673Abstract: A system federates heterogeneous monitoring systems to provide end-to-end monitoring information for conveyances with item-layer visibility. A first node of the federated system comprises a first monitoring system and a first port and a second node comprises a second monitoring system and a second port. In parallel with a conveyance being transported between the first node and the second node, the first monitoring system sends an agent to the second monitoring system. The agent comprises logic and/or data necessary to implement processes on the second monitoring agent while the conveyance is at the second port. When the conveyance arrives at the second port, the second monitoring system executes the agent to determine conditions of the conveyance and/or its contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2007Publication date: May 31, 2007Applicant: SAVI TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Ravindra Rajapakse, David Shannon, Leo Chang, Stephen Lambright, Christopher Stephenson, Andrew Alcock, Jeyappragash Jeyakeerthi, Gregory Lee
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Patent number: 7129837Abstract: A control center continuously monitors a security state of a container through an extended network spanning from a shipper to a consignee. The control center changes the security state responsive to explicit information received from a trusted agent, or implicit information deducted from business logic. A trusted shipper agent sends manifest information from a shipper checkpoint to the data center that includes, for example, container information, shipping route information, and other security information. Trusted monitor agents continuously track the security state from the shipper checkpoint to the origin checkpoint, from the origin checkpoint to a destination checkpoint, and from the destination checkpoint to a consignee checkpoint. A trusted consignee agent sends termination information from the consignee checkpoint to the data center.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Savi Technology, Inc.Inventors: David L. Shannon, Gregory Y. H. Lee, Christopher A. Stephenson
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Publication number: 20060151170Abstract: A method of fracturing using deformable proppants minimizes proppant pack damage, without compromising the fracturing fluid's proppant transport properties during pumping, by use of deformable proppants. Selection of proppant is dependent upon the mechanical properties of the formation rock. The strength of the deformable proppant is dependent upon the modulus of the formation rock being treated such that the proppant is capable of providing, at the very least, a minimum level of conductivity in in-situ stress environments. The maximum elastic modulus of the deformable proppant is less than the minimum modulus of the formation rock which is being treated. The method is particularly applicable in fracturing operations of subterranean reservoirs such as those comprised primarily of coal, chalk, limestone, dolomite, shale, siltstone, diatomite, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2005Publication date: July 13, 2006Applicant: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Harold Brannon, Allan Rickards, Christopher Stephenson, Russell Maharidge
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Publication number: 20060065398Abstract: A subterranean formation having natural fractures, which is to be subjected to hydraulic fracturing, is first pre-treated with an ultra lightweight (ULW) proppant having an average particle size between from about 12/20 to about 40/70. The small ULW proppant flows into the natural fractures and packs the fractures. The formation is then subjected to hydraulic fracturing. The pre-treatment serves to enhance the effective propped fracture length of the formation during the hydraulic fracturing by reducing the loss of fluid from the subsequently pumped fracturing fluid. The method is applicable to hydrocarbon bearing formations as well as non-hydrocarbon bearing formations and has particular applicability to coal beds.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2004Publication date: March 30, 2006Applicant: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Harold Brannon, William Wood, Allan Rickards, Christopher Stephenson
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Publication number: 20050274523Abstract: Methods for the treatment of subterranean wells involving injecting a first fracturing fluid into a formation, and then injecting at least a second fracturing fluid into the formation in order to create extended conductive channels through a formation are described. The fracturing fluids can be similar in density, viscosity, pH and the other related characteristics. Alternatively, the fracturing fluids can differ in their densities, viscosities, and pH, allowing for variations in the conductive channels formed. Propping agents can also be included in one or both of the injected fluids, further enhancing the conductive channels formed. The described methods aid in minimizing proppant flowback problems typically associated with hydraulic fracturing techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2004Publication date: December 15, 2005Inventors: Harold Brannon, William Wood, Christopher Stephenson
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Publication number: 20050156736Abstract: A system federates heterogeneous monitoring systems to provide end-to-end monitoring information for conveyances with item-layer visibility. A first node of the federated system comprises a first monitoring system and a first port and a second node comprises a second monitoring system and a second port. In parallel with a conveyance being transported between the first node and the second node, the first monitoring system sends an agent to the second monitoring system. The agent comprises logic and/or data necessary to implement processes on the second monitoring agent while the conveyance is at the second port. When the conveyance arrives at the second port, the second monitoring system executes the agent to determine conditions of the conveyance and/or its contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2004Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: Ravindra Rajapakse, David Shannon, Leo Chang, Stephen Lambright, Christopher Stephenson, Andrew Alcock, Jeyappragash Jeyakeerthi, Gregory Lee
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Publication number: 20050028979Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that utilize relatively lightweight and/or substantially neutrally buoyant particulates. Particles that may be employed include particulates of naturally occurring materials that may be optionally strengthened or hardened by exposure to a modifying agent; porous materials including selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials; and well treating aggregates composed of an organic lightweight material and a weight modifying agent. The relatively lightweight particulate may be suspended as a substantially neutral buoyant particulate and stored with a carrier fluid as a pumpable slurry.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Inventors: Harold Brannon, William Wood, Allan Rickards, Christopher Stephenson
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Publication number: 20050016732Abstract: A method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation ensures that the conductivity of water inflow below the productive zone of the subterranean formation is reduced. The method consists of two principal steps. In the first step, a fracture in and below the productive zone of the formation is initiated by introducing into the subterranean formation a fluid, free of a proppant, such as salt water, fresh water, brine, liquid hydrocarbon, and/or nitrogen or other gases. The proppant-free fluid may further be weighted. In the second step, a proppant laden slurry is introduced into the subterranean formation which contains a relatively lightweight density proppant. Either the fluid density of the proppant-free fluid is greater than the fluid density of the proppant laden slurry or the viscosity of the proppant-free fluid is greater than the viscosity of the proppant laden slurry.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2004Publication date: January 27, 2005Inventors: Harold Brannon, William Wood, Donald Purvis, Allan Rickards, Christopher Stephenson