Patents by Inventor Don M. Coates

Don M. Coates 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: 10488286
    Abstract: A system, method and device for interrogating a downhole environment in a borehole beneath a surface includes a source of electromagnetic energy, operable to transmit an electromagnetic signal in the borehole, a sensor module, including a passive resonating circuit including a crystal oscillator having a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the condition in the downhole environment to reflect the electromagnetic signal and to modulate the electromagnetic signal in response to a condition in the downhole environment in the borehole and a detector positionable to receive the reflected modulated electromagnetic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignees: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC., LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY LLC
    Inventors: M. Clark Thompson, Dipen N. Sinha, Don M. Coates, Jacobo R. Archuletta, Manuel E. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9547104
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for oil field downhole sensing and communication during drilling and/or production, wherein such methods and systems utilize coaxial cable to transmit electromagnetic (EM) energy, continuously or as a pulse, to passive downhole sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Don M. Coates, M. Clark Thompson, David W. Beck, Manuel E. Gonzalez, Michael A. Kendrick, Daniel L. Neagley
  • Patent number: 8390471
    Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor conditions in a borehole. Energy is transmitted to a pulse generator located proximate a position to be interrogated with a sensor. The pulse generator stores the energy, then releases it in a pulse of electromagnetic energy, providing the energy to resonant circuits that incorporate the sensors. The resonant circuits modulate the electromagnetic energy and transmit the modulated energy so that it may be received and processed in order to obtain the desired measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Don M Coates, M. Clark Thompson, David W. Beck
  • Patent number: 8261607
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and method are directed to a sensing device, and to a pressure sensing system and method. An exemplary method includes supplying electromagnetic energy to a transducer which is configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy at a ring frequency determined by an inductance of the transducer, wherein the inductance changes in response to compression of the inductive element. The ring frequency of electromagnetic energy reflected by the transducer is correlated to a pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Coates, David W. Beck, M. Clark Thompson
  • Patent number: 8143906
    Abstract: Methods for making and systems employing pressure and temperature sensors are described. Embodiments include a capacitive element including a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate. Each plate includes a conductor layer formed on a substrate. In a pressure sensor embodiment, seal is positioned at or near the edges of the conductor plates, and a gas retained in a gap defined between the plates. In a temperature sensor embodiment, the gap defined between the plates is in fluid communication with the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Don M. Coates
  • Patent number: 8106791
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are directed to transmission of electromagnetic (EM) pulses in a downhole environment, which is located below a surface of a landform. A sequence of EM energy pulses is generated from a signal generator located at the surface of the landform. The energy pulses are reflected at a ring frequency by one or more downhole transducers. The reflected energy pulse is received at a receiver, which is located at the surface, during a predetermined time interval. The receiver detects the received energy pulses through a time domain or frequency domain technique. The detected ring frequency is correlated to a parameter or condition of the downhole environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: M. Clark Thompson, Don M. Coates, David W. Beck
  • Patent number: 8083405
    Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention are directed to a pressure sensor that includes a substrate, a first conductive plate, and a second conductive plate. The substrate is formed of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The first conductive plate is formed of a material having a CTE that is higher than the CTE of the substrate, and is attached to a first surface of the substrate. The second conductive plate is rotatably connected to the substrate through a hinge, and includes a portion that is adjacent to the first conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Don M. Coates
  • Patent number: 8077053
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for sensing a characteristic of a borehole. An exemplary apparatus includes a conductive pipe; an inlet, connected to the conductive pipe, for applying pulse to the conductive pipe; a resonant network device connected with the conductive pipe; and a transducer which is in operative communication with the resonant network device to measure a borehole characteristic, the transducer being configured to sense a modulated vibration frequency induced in the resonant network device when a pulse is applied to the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: M. Clark Thompson, Koby Carlson, Don M. Coates, Manuel E. Gonzalez, Brian C. Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 7963333
    Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Los Alamos National Security LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Hermes, Manuel E. Gonzalez, Brian C. Llewellyn, James B. Bloys, Don M. Coates
  • Publication number: 20110128003
    Abstract: A system, method and device for interrogating a downhole environment in a borehole beneath a surface includes a source of electromagnetic energy, operable to transmit an electromagnetic signal in the borehole, a sensor module, including a passive resonating circuit including a crystal oscillator having a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the condition in the downhole environment to reflect the electromagnetic signal and to modulate the electromagnetic signal in response to a condition in the downhole environment in the borehole and a detector positionable to receive the reflected modulated electromagnetic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicants: Chevron U.S.A, Inc., Los Alamos National Security
    Inventors: M. Clark THOMPSON, Dipen N. Sinha, Don M. Coates, Jacobo R. Archuletta, Manuel E. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7950460
    Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Hermes, Manuel E. Gonzalez, Brian C. Llewellyn, James B. Bloys, Don M. Coates
  • Publication number: 20110068794
    Abstract: Methods for making and systems employing pressure and temperature sensors are described. Embodiments include a capacitive element including a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate. Each plate includes a conductor layer formed on a substrate. In a pressure sensor embodiment, seal is positioned at or near the edges of the conductor plates, and a gas retained in a gap defined between the plates. In a temperature sensor embodiment, the gap defined between the plates is in fluid communication with the external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Don M. COATES
  • Publication number: 20110026563
    Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention are directed to a pressure sensor that includes a substrate, a first conductive plate, and a second conductive plate. The substrate is formed of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The first conductive plate is formed of a material having a CTE that is higher than the CTE of the substrate, and is attached to a first surface of the substrate. The second conductive plate is rotatably connected to the substrate through a hinge, and includes a portion that is adjacent to the first conductive plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Don M. COATES
  • Publication number: 20110022336
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and method are directed to a sensing device, and to a pressure sensing system and method. An exemplary method includes supplying electromagnetic energy to a transducer which is configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy at a ring frequency determined by an inductance of the transducer, wherein the inductance changes in response to compression of the inductive element. The ring frequency of electromagnetic energy reflected by the transducer is correlated to a pressure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Don M. Coates, David W. Beck, M. Clark Thompson
  • Patent number: 7863907
    Abstract: Methods for making and systems employing pressure and temperature sensors are described. Embodiments include a capacitive element including a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate. Each plate includes a conductor layer formed on a substrate. In a pressure sensor embodiment, seal is positioned at or near the edges of the conductor plates, and a gas retained in a gap defined between the plates. In a temperature sensor embodiment, the gap defined between the plates is in fluid communication with the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Don M Coates
  • Patent number: 7841234
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and method are directed to a sensing device, and to a pressure sensing system and method. An exemplary method includes supplying electromagnetic energy to a transducer which is configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy at a ring frequency determined by an inductance of the transducer, wherein the inductance changes in response to compression of the inductive element. The ring frequency of electromagnetic energy reflected by the transducer is correlated to a pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Coates, David W. Beck, M. Clark Thompson
  • Patent number: 7810993
    Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention are directed to a temperature sensor that includes a substrate, a first conductive plate, and a second conductive plate. The substrate is formed of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The first conductive plate is formed of a material having a CTE that is higher than the CTE of the substrate, and is attached to a first surface of the substrate. The second conductive plate is rotatably connected to the substrate through a hinge, and includes a portion that is adjacent to the first conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Don M Coates
  • Publication number: 20100236780
    Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Robert E. Hermes, Manuel E. Gonzalez, Brian C. Llewellyn, James B. Bloys, Don M. Coates
  • Publication number: 20100163236
    Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Robert E. Hermes, Manuel E. Gonzalez, Brian C. Llewellyn, James B. Bloys, Don M. Coates
  • Publication number: 20100096138
    Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Robert E. Hermes, Manuel E. Gonzalez, Brian C. Llewellyn, James B. Bloys, Don M. Coates