Patents by Inventor F. Dale Pratt

F. Dale Pratt 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: 8203908
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Newsco Directional Support Services Inc.
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Axel M. Schmidt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Patent number: 7719439
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent rotary pulser for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the rotary pulser, a control circuit activates a brushless motor that rotates a windowed restrictor relative to a fixed housing to act as a shutter and window respectively. Opening of the windowed restrictor allows generally unrestricted mud flow. Closing of the windowed restrictor generally restricts mud flow. The windowed restrictor is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Newsco Directional and Horizontal Drilling Services Inc.
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Publication number: 20090267791
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Axel M. Schmidt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Patent number: 7564741
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Newsco Directional and Horizontal Drilling Services Inc.
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Axel M. Schmidt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Publication number: 20080267011
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Newsco Directional & Horizontal Drilling Services Inc.
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Axel M. Schmidt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Publication number: 20080002525
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent rotary pulser for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the rotary pulser, a control circuit activates a brushless motor that rotates a windowed restrictor relative to a fixed housing to act as a shutter and window respectively. Opening of the windowed restrictor allows generally unrestricted mud flow. Closing of the windowed restrictor generally restricts mud flow. The windowed restrictor is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Kenneth A. Lambe