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).
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Publication number: 20100108148Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Partha Ganguly, Dominique Guillot, Agathe Robisson, Huilin Tu
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Patent number: 7619540Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen D. Bonner, Dean M. Horman, Gerald M. Minerbo, Richard A. Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
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Publication number: 20090229824Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Murat Ocalan, Kuo Chiang Chen
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Publication number: 20090230335Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Murat Ocalan, Kuo Chiang Chen
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Patent number: 7560856Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Jahir A. Pabon, Partha Ganguly, Murat Ocalan, Julio C. Guerrero, Kevin J. Forbes
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Publication number: 20090140604Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Jahir A. Pabon, Partha Ganguly, Murat Ocalan, Julio C. Guerrero, Kevin J. Forbes
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Publication number: 20090134631Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Julio C. Guerrero, Jahir A. Pabon, Francois M. Auzerais, Kuo Chiang Chen, Kevin J. Forbes
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Publication number: 20090107722Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Geoff Downton
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Patent number: 7514930Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Hanming Wang
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Patent number: 7286091Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Thomas D. Barber
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Patent number: 7212173Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Richard Rosthal
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Patent number: 7193420Abstract: 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 thType: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Robert C. Smith, David T. Oliver, Gary A. Hazen, Dean M. Homan, Jan W. Smits
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Publication number: 20060202806Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventors: Stephen Bonner, Dean Homan, Gerald Minerbo, Richard Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
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Patent number: 7091877Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Thomas D. Barber, Stephen D. Bonner, Dean M. Homan, Gerald N. Minerbo, Richard A. Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
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Patent number: 7038457Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Thomas D. Barber
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Patent number: 7023212Abstract: 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 thType: GrantFiled: December 31, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Robert C. Smith, David T. Oliver, Gary A. Hazen, Dean M. Homan, Jan W. Smits
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Publication number: 20060043973Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2005Publication date: March 2, 2006Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Thomas Barber
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Patent number: 6997258Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dean M. Homan, Kuo-Chiang Chen
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Patent number: 6933726Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Robert C. Smith, Gary A. Hazen, Charles Kibbe, Richard A. Rosthal, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen D. Bonner, David T. Oliver
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Publication number: 20050146334Abstract: 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 thType: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2004Publication date: July 7, 2005Inventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Robert Smith, David Oliver, Gary Hazen, Dean Homan, Jan Smits