Patents by Inventor Duncan W. Riley

Duncan W. Riley 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: 9354336
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of methods, devices and systems for performing a microseismic survey. According to some embodiments, microseismic signals are detected at seismic sensor stations deployed in two sets of seismic sensor lines, the seismic sensor lines within each set being substantially parallel to one another and the two sets of seismic sensor lines being mutually orthogonal. According to other embodiments, microseismic signals are detected at seismic sensor stations deployed in a hexagonal pattern. Such sensor geometries offer advantages over linear or radial arrays, including noise reduction, data acquisition flexibility as new wells are added to the survey area, and an improved distribution of data points above points in the subsurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Global Ambient Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan W. Riley, Thomas John Fleure, John F. Gillooly, Jr., Charles John Sicking
  • Patent number: 9045970
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of devices, methods and systems for securing or coupling a string of downhole geophysical sensors to the sidewall of a borehole, using an expandable member configured to be deployed into an expanded position when at least one geophysical sensor is located at a desired depth in a borehole, the expandable member being configured to engage at least portions of the sidewalls and prevent the passage of a securing or coupling material around or through the geophysical sensor when the securing or coupling material is poured around the geophysical sensor when the expandable member is in the open or expanded position. This allows the securing and acoustic coupling of downhole geophysical sensors to the sidewall of a borehole while avoiding problems caused by transmission of surface noise into the subsurface resulting from pouring securing or coupling material to fill the entire well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Global Microseismic Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan W. Riley, Jr., Russell Roundtree
  • Publication number: 20130100769
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of methods, devices and systems for performing a microseismic survey. According to some embodiments, microseismic signals are detected at seismic sensor stations deployed in two sets of seismic sensor lines, the seismic sensor lines within each set being substantially parallel to one another and the two sets of seismic sensor lines being mutually orthogonal. According to other embodiments, microseismic signals are detected at seismic sensor stations deployed in a hexagonal pattern. Such sensor geometries offer advantages over linear or radial arrays, including noise reduction, data acquisition flexibility as new wells are added to the survey area, and an improved distribution of data points above points in the subsurface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Global Microseismic Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan W. Riley, Thomas John Fleure, John F. Gillooly, JR., Charles John Sicking