Patents by Inventor Kuo-Chiang Chen

Kuo-Chiang Chen 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: 20100108148
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for controlling inflow of fluid into a production string. In aspects, the invention provides an inflow control device with a shut-off feature that is operated automatically utilizing swellable materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Partha Ganguly, Dominique Guillot, Agathe Robisson, Huilin Tu
  • Patent number: 7619540
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at least three depths of investigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Bonner, Dean M. Horman, Gerald M. Minerbo, Richard A. Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20090229824
    Abstract: An actuator is disclosed which operates on the principle of the variable magnetic properties of materials with respect to temperature. As temperature is raised past Curie temperature, magnetic permeability of certain materials drops significantly to a value close to free space permeability. However, depending on the material selection, magnetic permeability may be significantly higher below Curie temperature. This principle is used to cause magnetic attractive force to move an actuator at one temperature, while permitting a return spring force to move the actuator at another temperature by changing the pathway traversed by most magnetic lines of flux from a magnetic source. The actuator may be employed to provide a temperature activated electrical switch or fluid valve. The temperature activated valves are suited to use in high temperature environments, such as SAGD wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Murat Ocalan, Kuo Chiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20090230335
    Abstract: An actuator is disclosed which operates on the principle of the variable magnetic properties of materials with respect to temperature. As temperature is raised past Curie temperature, magnetic permeability of certain materials drops significantly to a value close to free space permeability. However, depending on the material selection, magnetic permeability may be significantly higher below Curie temperature. This principle is used to cause magnetic attractive force to move an actuator at one temperature, while permitting a return spring force to move the actuator at another temperature by changing the pathway traversed by most magnetic lines of flux from a magnetic source. The actuator may be employed to provide a temperature activated electrical switch or fluid valve. The temperature activated valves are suited to use in high temperature environments, such as SAGD wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Ocalan, Kuo Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 7560856
    Abstract: Electrical energy is produced at a remote or close site by converting kinetic energy from fluid flow with membranes that generates electrical energy in response to deformation by the fluid flow passing though a piezo electric medium attached to the deforming membranes. Sets of membranes define variable fluid flow restrictors that oscillate due to interaction of the force of fluid flow and Bernoulli Effect. The device can be tuned to different flow regimes in order to enhance energy conversion efficiency. Each membrane may include one or more layers of piezoelectric material separated by insulating/stiffening layers. Further, the device may be mounted in a secondary flow path such as a side package or annular tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Jahir A. Pabon, Partha Ganguly, Murat Ocalan, Julio C. Guerrero, Kevin J. Forbes
  • Publication number: 20090140604
    Abstract: Electrical energy is produced at a remote or close site by converting kinetic energy from fluid flow with membranes that generates electrical energy in response to deformation by the fluid flow passing though a piezo electric medium attached to the deforming membranes. Sets of membranes define variable fluid flow restrictors that oscillate due to interaction of the force of fluid flow and Bernoulli Effect. The device can be tuned to different flow regimes in order to enhance energy conversion efficiency. Each membrane may include one or more layers of piezoelectric material separated by insulating/stiffening layers. Further, the device may be mounted in a secondary flow path such as a side package or annular tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Jahir A. Pabon, Partha Ganguly, Murat Ocalan, Julio C. Guerrero, Kevin J. Forbes
  • Publication number: 20090134631
    Abstract: Electrical energy is produced at a remote site by converting kinetic energy from the environment. The kinetic energy may include vibrations and flow of fluid. In some embodiments the kinetic energy causes magnets to move with respect to coils in order to produce electrical energy. An anchor holds the device in place, and permits the device to be retrieved or relocated. A flexure or compliant membrane that helps determine the position of the magnets with respect to coils is defined by mechanical properties that permit oscillatory movement in response to the inputted kinetic energy. The device can be tuned to different vibration and flow regimes in order to enhance energy conversion efficiency. Further, the device may be mounted in a secondary flow path such as a side package or annular tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Julio C. Guerrero, Jahir A. Pabon, Francois M. Auzerais, Kuo Chiang Chen, Kevin J. Forbes
  • Publication number: 20090107722
    Abstract: According to the invention, a bottom hole assembly for drilling a cavity is disclosed. The bottom hole assembly may include a chassis configured to rotate. The chassis may include a primary fluid conduit, a secondary fluid circuit, a pressure transfer device, a plurality of pistons, a plurality of valves, and a plurality of cutters. The primary fluid conduit may be accept a first fluid flow. The secondary fluid circuit may have a second fluid flow. The pressure transfer device may be configured to transfer pressure between the flows. The pistons may be operably coupled with the secondary fluid circuit, and each piston may be configured to move based at least in part on a pressure of the secondary fluid circuit at that piston, with the valves possibly configured to control a pressure of the secondary fluid circuit at each piston. Each cutter may be coupled with one of the pistons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Geoff Downton
  • Patent number: 7514930
    Abstract: A well logging tool apparatus is disclosed for conducting measurements in a borehole environment surrounding a borehole that traverses a subsurface formation. The apparatus includes an elongated conductive mandrel having a longitudinal axis, an antenna array positioned about the mandrel and including a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic energy into the formation, and a sleeve positioned about the antenna array. The apparatus further includes a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes. Each electrode has an outer end that is exposed on the outer surface of the sleeve for conductive contact with an adjacent conductive borehole environment. Further, the first and second sets of electrodes are spaced longitudinally apart such that the transmitter is positioned longitudinally therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Hanming Wang
  • Patent number: 7286091
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing antenna configurations with substantially co-located axes are disclosed. A method for constructing co-located antennas includes winding a first antenna on a support, the first antenna having a first magnetic dipole in a first orientation; and winding a second antenna on the support through a first set of openings in the support, the second antenna having a second magnetic dipole in a second orientation, wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation, and wherein a center of the first magnetic dipole substantially co-locates with a center of the second magnetic dipole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Thomas D. Barber
  • Patent number: 7212173
    Abstract: The invention refers to an axial antenna structure for use on a borehole wireline or while drilling logging tool. The antenna comprises an insulating medium and an electrical conductor disposed on the insulating medium. The electrical conductor is situated to have a magnetic dipole moment parallel to a longitudinal axis of the borehole logging apparatus. A tri-axial configuration combines the axial coil design and at least one transverse antenna structure substantially co-located with the axial antenna. The transverse antenna structure has a magnetic dipole moment orthogonal to the magnetic dipole moment of the axial antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Richard Rosthal
  • Patent number: 7193420
    Abstract: A well logging tool and method are disclosed comprising a conductive mandrel, an antenna array disposed around the conductive mandrel, wherein the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas disposed on insulating supports and at least one contact spacer, the at least one contact spacer having at least one conductor channel having a contact assembly disposed therein, a sleeve disposed over the antenna array, wherein the sleeve includes at least one electrode assembly, the at least one electrode and the contact assembly adapted to provide a radially conductive path from an exterior of the well logging tool to the conductive mandrel and wherein the electrode assembly comprises a first conductor exposed to the exterior of the well logging tool and at least one second conductor conductively connected to the first conductor and exposed to an inner surface of the sleeve, wherein at least one of the first conductor or the second conductor being in sealed contact with the sleeve to prevent the passage of fluid th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Robert C. Smith, David T. Oliver, Gary A. Hazen, Dean M. Homan, Jan W. Smits
  • Publication number: 20060202806
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at least three depths of investigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Bonner, Dean Homan, Gerald Minerbo, Richard Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 7091877
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at at least three depths of investigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Barber, Stephen D. Bonner, Dean M. Homan, Gerald N. Minerbo, Richard A. Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 7038457
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing antenna configurations with substantially co-located axes are disclosed. A method for constructing co-located antennas includes winding a first antenna on a support, the first antenna having a first magnetic dipole in a first orientation; and winding a second antenna on the support through a first set of openings in the support, the second antenna having a second magnetic dipole in a second orientation, wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation, and wherein a center of the first magnetic dipole substantially co-locates with a center of the second magnetic dipole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Thomas D. Barber
  • Patent number: 7023212
    Abstract: A well logging tool and method are disclosed comprising a conductive mandrel, an antenna array disposed around the conductive mandrel, wherein the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas disposed on insulating supports and at least one contact spacer, the at least one contact spacer having at least one conductor channel having a contact assembly disposed therein, a sleeve disposed over the antenna array, wherein the sleeve includes at least one electrode assembly, the at least one electrode and the contact assembly adapted to provide a radially conductive path from an exterior of the well logging tool to the conductive mandrel and wherein the electrode assembly comprises a first conductor exposed to the exterior of the well logging tool and at least one second conductor conductively connected to the first conductor and exposed to an inner surface of the sleeve, wherein at least one of the first conductor or the second conductor being in sealed contact with the sleeve to prevent the passage of fluid th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Robert C. Smith, David T. Oliver, Gary A. Hazen, Dean M. Homan, Jan W. Smits
  • Publication number: 20060043973
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing antenna configurations with substantially co-located axes are disclosed. A method for constructing co-located antennas includes winding a first antenna on a support, the first antenna having a first magnetic dipole in a first orientation; and winding a second antenna on the support through a first set of openings in the support, the second antenna having a second magnetic dipole in a second orientation, wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation, and wherein a center of the first magnetic dipole substantially co-locates with a center of the second magnetic dipole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Thomas Barber
  • Patent number: 6997258
    Abstract: A well logging tool includes a housing; at least one piston moveably disposed on the housing; at least one sensor disposed on the at least one piston; a pressure compensation system coupled to the at least one piston such that a pressure at a back side of the at least one piston is substantially identical to a pressure outside the well logging tool; and a piston deployment mechanism for deploying the at least one piston. A method for well logging using a logging tool having at least one piston and a pressure compensating system, wherein the at least one piston includes at least one sensor, the method includes disposing the well logging tool in a borehole; deploying the at least one piston to establish a contact between the at least one piston and a wall of the borehole; and measuring a formation property using the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean M. Homan, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 6933726
    Abstract: A well logging tool includes a conductive mandrel; an antenna array disposed around the conductive mandrel, wherein the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas disposed on insulating supports and at least one contact spacer, the at least one contact spacer having at least one conductor channel having a contact assembly disposed therein; and a sleeve disposed over the antenna array, wherein the sleeve includes at least one electrode, the at least one electrode and the contact assembly adapted to provide a radially conductive path from an exterior of the well logging tool to the conductive mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Robert C. Smith, Gary A. Hazen, Charles Kibbe, Richard A. Rosthal, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen D. Bonner, David T. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20050146334
    Abstract: A well logging tool and method are disclosed comprising a conductive mandrel, an antenna array disposed around the conductive mandrel, wherein the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas disposed on insulating supports and at least one contact spacer, the at least one contact spacer having at least one conductor channel having a contact assembly disposed therein, a sleeve disposed over the antenna array, wherein the sleeve includes at least one electrode assembly, the at least one electrode and the contact assembly adapted to provide a radially conductive path from an exterior of the well logging tool to the conductive mandrel and wherein the electrode assembly comprises a first conductor exposed to the exterior of the well logging tool and at least one second conductor conductively connected to the first conductor and exposed to an inner surface of the sleeve, wherein at least one of the first conductor or the second conductor being in sealed contact with the sleeve to prevent the passage of fluid th
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Robert Smith, David Oliver, Gary Hazen, Dean Homan, Jan Smits