Patents by Inventor Laurent Villegas

Laurent Villegas 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: 9714562
    Abstract: A downhole communications module for connecting with a string of downhole logging tools includes an optical annunciator and a communications port deployed in corresponding apertures in a tool body. The aperture housing the annunciator is sealed by a port plug having an optically transparent window. The aperture housing the communications port is sealed by a removable plug. A controller is deployed in the tool body and includes a memory module in electronic communication with the communications port. The controller is further configured to control operation of the annunciator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Yeboah, Sebastine Ujereh, Emil Steve Macha, Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo
  • Publication number: 20170114629
    Abstract: A downhole communications module for connecting with a string of downhole logging tools includes an optical annunciator and a communications port deployed in corresponding apertures in a tool body. The aperture housing the annunciator is sealed by a port plug having an optically transparent window. The aperture housing the communications port is sealed by a removable plug. A controller is deployed in the tool body and includes a memory module in electronic communication with the communications port. The controller is further configured to control operation of the annunciator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Yeboah, Sebastine Ujereh, Emil Steve Macha, Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo
  • Patent number: 9347277
    Abstract: A wireline configurable well logging instrument is connected to a drill pipe carrier and movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The drill pipe carrier is positioned on a pipe string that may comprise a portion of wired pipes communicatively coupled at each joint. Communication between the drill pipe carrier and the well logging instrument includes the use of inductive couplers, wires and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Reza Taherian, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Chris Del Campo, Laurent Villegas, Shardul Sarhad
  • Patent number: 9217325
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a tool has been deployed below a drill pipe are provided. A downhole tool can measure various characteristics, which then can be analyzed to determine the likelihood of a tool having been deployed below the drill pipe. For example, density and porosity measurements can be affected by the presence of casing or drill pipe, and thus such measurements can provide an indication of whether the tool has been deployed below the drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo, Christian Stoller
  • Patent number: 8708041
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface into a wellbore. At least a portion of the pipe string includes a signal communication channel having a cable, such as an electrical conductor or an optical fiber. At least one wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the pipe string and has at least one sensor therein for measuring a physical parameter. The at least one instrument is in signal communication with the signal communication channel in the pipe string. The system includes a controller functionally associated with the at least one instrument and configured to initiate operation of the at least one sensor upon detection of a command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo, Shyam B. Mehta, Reza Taherian, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Publication number: 20140090890
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a tool has been deployed below a drill pipe are provided. A downhole tool can measure various characteristics, which then can be analyzed to determine the likelihood of a tool having been deployed below the drill pipe. For example, density and porosity measurements can be affected by the presence of casing or drill pipe, and thus such measurements can provide an indication of whether the tool has been deployed below the drill pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo, Christian Stoller
  • Patent number: 8513947
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a tool has been deployed below a drill pipe are provided. A downhole tool can measure various characteristics, which then can be analyzed to determine the likelihood of a tool having been deployed below the drill pipe. For example, density and porosity measurements can be affected by the presence of casing or drill pipe, and thus such measurements can provide an indication of whether the tool has been deployed below the drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo, Christian Stoller
  • Publication number: 20130124093
    Abstract: A wellbore measurement instrument includes a housing configured to move along an interior of a wellbore. At least one sensor is configured to measure a wellbore parameter. A controller is disposed in the housing. The controller includes at least one of a data storage device and a device to control operation of the at least one sensor. A communications port is disposed in an aperture in the housing. The port includes an industry standard connector matable with an industry standard terminated cable for connection to a surface device when the instrument is at the Earth's surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Yeboah, Sebastine Ujereh, JR., Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. (Chris) Del Campo
  • Publication number: 20130099935
    Abstract: A wellbore measurement instrument includes a housing configured to move along an interior of a wellbore. At least one sensor configured to measure a wellbore parameter is disposed in the housing. A controller disposed in the housing. The controller including at least one of a data storage device and a device to control operation of the at least one sensor. A first optical communications port is disposed in a first aperture in the housing. The first optical communications port includes an electrically operated light source. The first aperture in the housing is sealingly closed by a port plug having an optically transparent window therein. The port plug is configured to resist entry of wellbore fluid into an interior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Sebastine Ujereh, Jonathan Yeboah, Emil Steve Macha, Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo
  • Publication number: 20110285398
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a tool has been deployed below a drill pipe are provided. A downhole tool can measure various characteristics, which then can be analyzed to determine the likelihood of a tool having been deployed below the drill pipe. For example, density and porosity measurements can be affected by the presence of casing or drill pipe, and thus such measurements can provide an indication of whether the tool has been deployed below the drill pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo, Christian Stoller
  • Publication number: 20110073303
    Abstract: A wireline configurable well logging instrument is connected to a drill pipe carrier and movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The drill pipe carrier is positioned on a pipe string that may comprise a portion of wired pipes communicatively coupled at each joint. Various embodiments for communication between the drill pipe carrier and the well logging instrument are disclosed, such as use of inductive couplers, wires and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Reza Taherian, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Chris Del Campo, Laurent Villegas, Shardul Sarhad
  • Publication number: 20110042072
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface into a wellbore. At least a portion of the pipe string includes a signal communication channel having a cable, such as an electrical conductor or an optical fiber. At least one wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the pipe string and has at least one sensor therein for measuring a physical parameter. The at least one instrument is in signal communication with the signal communication channel in the pipe string. The system includes a controller functionally associated with the at least one instrument and configured to initiate operation of the at least one sensor upon detection of a command signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo, Shyam B. Mehta, Reza Taherian, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Patent number: 7812609
    Abstract: Improved receiver antennas are disclosed for long offset tensor induction army logging tools. The disclosed antennas include a bobbin which accommodates a ferromagnetic core. The outer surface of the bobbin is wrapped around a binding so that winding is thicker or includes more turns towards a center of the bobbin and is thinner or includes less turns towards the outer ends of the bobbin. The result is that the primary winding with a curved or parabolic profile that enhances the effective magnetic permeability and magnetic moment of the antenna. A secondary winding may also be utilized for flux feedback compensation. The elimination of winding turns towards the ends of the magnetic coil result in reduced DC resistance and the reduction in parasitic capacitance of the antennas. The disclosed antennas may be used in x-y-z receiver arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ismael Martinez, Dean M. Homan, Laurent Villegas, Gary A. Hazen
  • Publication number: 20090160449
    Abstract: Improved receiver antennas are disclosed for long offset tensor induction army logging tools. The disclosed antennas include a bobbin which accommodates a ferromagnetic core. The outer surface of the bobbin is wrapped around a binding so that winding is thicker or includes more turns towards a center of the bobbin and is thinner or includes less turns towards the outer ends of the bobbin. The result is that the primary winding with a curved or parabolic profile that enhances the effective magnetic permeability and magnetic moment of the antenna. A secondary winding may also be utilized for flux feedback compensation. The elimination of winding turns towards the ends of the magnetic coil result in reduced DC resistance and the reduction in parasitic capacitance of the antennas. The disclosed antennas may be used in x-y-z receiver arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ismael Martinez, Dean M. Homan, Laurent Villegas, Gary A. Hazen