Patents by Inventor Robert L. Williams

Robert L. Williams 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: 20170352168
    Abstract: A method for graphically representing a subterranean space from the perspective of a point within the subterranean space, in some embodiments, comprises: obtaining data associated with the subterranean space, said data corresponding to a plurality of coordinates in a first coordinate system; associating the data for each of said plurality of coordinates with one or more corresponding coordinates in a second coordinate system; generating a different model of the subterranean space based on the data and said associations; and displaying the different model on a display, wherein the different model represents the subterranean space from the perspective of a point within the subterranean space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Dale E. JAMISON, Robert L. WILLIAMS, Amir BAR, Jeffrey Marc YARUS
  • Publication number: 20170351918
    Abstract: A role-based information distribution system, in some embodiments, comprises a display to provide an image containing multiple dynamic icons. It further comprises a wearable device camera to capture the image, and processing logic, coupled to the camera, to interpret the multiple dynamic icons and to provide information pertaining to a selected one or more of the multiple dynamic icons to a user via the wearable device. The processing logic selects the selected one or more of the multiple dynamic icons based on a role associated with the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Dale E. JAMISON, Robert L. WILLIAMS, Amir BAR
  • Patent number: 9567836
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing drilling results may be based on, inter alia, (1) real-time data collected during drilling, (2) a transiently modeled cuttings distribution along the wellbore, and optionally (3) a theoretical change to one or more operational parameters. In some instances, methods may include drilling a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation while circulating a drilling fluid; gathering real-time data about the drilling; calculating a cuttings distribution along the wellbore based on the real-time data using a transient model; calculating an equivalent circulating density profile along the wellbore based on (1) real-time data collected during drilling, (2) a transiently modeled cuttings distribution along the wellbore, and optionally (3) a theoretical change; and changing at least one operational parameter based on a comparison of the equivalent circulating density profile to a fracture gradient of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Robert L. Williams
  • Publication number: 20160245048
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing drilling results may be based on, inter alia, (1) real-time data collected during drilling, (2) a transiently modeled cuttings distribution along the wellbore, and optionally (3) a theoretical change to one or more operational parameters. In some instances, methods may include drilling a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation while circulating a drilling fluid; gathering real-time data about the drilling; calculating a cuttings distribution along the wellbore based on the real-time data using a transient model; calculating an equivalent circulating density profile along the wellbore based on (1) real-time data collected during drilling, (2) a transiently modeled cuttings distribution along the wellbore, and optionally (3) a theoretical change; and changing at least one operational parameter based on a comparison of the equivalent circulating density profile to a fracture gradient of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Robert L. Williams
  • Patent number: 8755981
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes estimating an expected coefficient of friction of the clutch, estimating a value of an expected torque required to maintain a constant slip of the clutch for a current input torque applied to the transmission, and determining a value of an actual torque applied to the clutch to maintain the constant slip of the clutch at the current input torque. An actual coefficient of friction of the clutch is calculated by dividing the actual torque applied to the clutch by the expected torque applied to the clutch, and multiplying that quotient by the expected coefficient of friction of the clutch. A feed forward torque command is then adjusted based upon the actual coefficient of friction of the clutch to define a revised value of the feed forward torque command, which may then be used to control the clutch for various control operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Williams, Steven P. Moorman, Matthew D. Whitton
  • Patent number: 8721498
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A Schang, Robert L. Williams, David Szpara
  • Publication number: 20130332038
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes estimating an expected coefficient of friction of the clutch, estimating a value of an expected torque required to maintain a constant slip of the clutch for a current input torque applied to the transmission, and determining a value of an actual torque applied to the clutch to maintain the constant slip of the clutch at the current input torque. An actual coefficient of friction of the clutch is calculated by dividing the actual torque applied to the clutch by the expected torque applied to the clutch, and multiplying that quotient by the expected coefficient of friction of the clutch. A feed forward torque command is then adjusted based upon the actual coefficient of friction of the clutch to define a revised value of the feed forward torque command, which may then be used to control the clutch for various control operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Williams, Steven P. Moorman, Matthew D. Whitton
  • Patent number: 8606476
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, and controller. The transmission includes a clutch pack, a clutch piston, and a position sensor. The sensor measures a changing magnetic field with respect to the piston, and encodes the measured magnetic field as a raw position signal. The controller receives the raw position signal and processes the raw position signal through a signal processing module to generate a filtered signal attenuating signal noise in the position signal. The controller determines a commanded position of the piston, and calculates separate proportional (P), derivative (D), and integral (I) control terms using the commanded position and filtered position signal. The controller also calculates a feed-forward control term using the commanded position, and a required flow rate for actuating the clutch pack as a function of the PID terms and the feed-forward commanded position term. The controller actuates the clutch pack using the commanded flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Steven P. Moorman, Cheol W. Kim
  • Publication number: 20130314241
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various systems and methods for creating and presenting optimization visualizations that use normalized achievement variables. At least one illustrative method includes defining achievement functions that each operates on at least one of several achievement variables (each of the achievement variables representing a characteristic of a physical object or process), and transforming value ranges for at least two achievement variables into corresponding achievement level ranges by applying at least one of the achievement functions to the value ranges of the achievement variables (the achievement variables being a function of at least one common control variable). The method further includes combining the corresponding achievement level ranges to produce a combined achievement level range, and presenting a visual representation of the combined achievement level range to a user, enabling the user to select value ranges for the common control variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. JAMISON, Robert L. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 8589042
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes a memory module, a position module, an error module, an integral module, and an adjustment module. The memory stores a control value as a function of clutch torque. The position module controls a position of a clutch based on the control value. The error module periodically determines a slip speed error based on a difference between a target slip speed and an estimated slip speed of the clutch. The integral module periodically determines an integral of the slip speed error. The adjustment module adjusts the control value based on the integral. A method for controlling a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Robert L. Williams, Matthew D. Whitton, Kurt Mitts, Daniel Deras
  • Patent number: 8579762
    Abstract: A clutch control system for a vehicle includes a shift command module and an offgoing clutch control module. The shift command module commands an upshift of a clutch-to-clutch transmission when an engine torque is less than a predetermined negative torque. The offgoing clutch control module increases an offgoing clutch pressure above a predetermined apply pressure in response to the command. An offgoing clutch is fully engaged when the offgoing clutch pressure is greater than the predetermined apply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Mark A Yacoub, Matthew D. Whitton, Craig J. Hawkins, Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, Christopher Jay Weingartz
  • Patent number: 8527249
    Abstract: This invention presents various embodiments, including a system and a method, in which pressure-while-drilling data is gathered at a drilling rig and compared to modeled ECD pressure data related to the bore hole. The actual and modeled data are statistically analyzed to generate standard deviation data, which is used to infer information about how rapid a rate of penetration may safely be employed to optimize drilling results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Kevin P. Paylow, Robert L. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130184951
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, and controller. The transmission includes a clutch pack, a clutch piston, and a position sensor. The sensor measures a changing magnetic field with respect to the piston, and encodes the measured magnetic field as a raw position signal. The controller receives the raw position signal and processes the raw position signal through a signal processing module to generate a filtered signal attenuating signal noise in the position signal. The controller determines a commanded position of the piston, and calculates separate proportional (P), derivative (D), and integral (I) control terms using the commanded position and filtered position signal. The controller also calculates a feed-forward control term using the commanded position, and a required flow rate for actuating the clutch pack as a function of the PID terms and the feed-forward commanded position term. The controller actuates the clutch pack using the commanded flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Steven P. Moorman, Cheol W. Kim
  • Publication number: 20130045835
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, David Szpara
  • Publication number: 20130018556
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes a memory module, a position module, an error module, an integral module, and an adjustment module. The memory stores a control value as a function of clutch torque. The position module controls a position of a clutch based on the control value. The error module periodically determines a slip speed error based on a difference between a target slip speed and an estimated slip speed of the clutch. The integral module periodically determines an integral of the slip speed error. The adjustment module adjusts the control value based on the integral. A method for controlling a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Williams, Matthew D. Whitton, Kurt Mitts, Daniel Deras
  • Patent number: 8323150
    Abstract: A control system includes a shift stage determination module and a clutch control module. The shift stage determination module determines a duration of a first power-on downshift when a second power-on downshift is requested, where a power-on downshift is a downshift of a transmission that occurs when an accelerator pedal is depressed. The clutch control module completes the first power-on downshift and selectively starts controlling the second power-on downshift before the first power-on downshift ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Mark A. Schang
  • Patent number: 8308611
    Abstract: A transmission shift control system includes a transmission shift control module that executes an upshift or a closed-throttle downshift, a shift stage determination module, and a clutch control module. The stage determination module determines a stage of the upshift or the closed throttle downshift when a downshift is requested. The clutch control module determines a downshift type based on the stage of the upshift or the closed throttle downshift and selectively executes a downshift before the upshift or the closed throttle downshift is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Shashikanth Rangaraju, Robert L. Williams, Matthew D. Whitton
  • Publication number: 20120010046
    Abstract: A clutch control system for a vehicle includes a shift command module and an offgoing clutch control module. The shift command module commands an upshift of a clutch-to-clutch transmission when an engine torque is less than a predetermined negative torque. The offgoing clutch control module increases an offgoing clutch pressure above a predetermined apply pressure in response to the command. An offgoing clutch is fully engaged when the offgoing clutch pressure is greater than the predetermined apply pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Yacoub, Matthew D. Whitton, Craig J. Hawkins, Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, Christopher Jay Weingartz
  • Publication number: 20110275479
    Abstract: A control system includes a shift stage determination module and a clutch control module. The shift stage determination module determines a duration of a first power-on downshift when a second power-on downshift is requested, where a power-on downshift is a downshift of a transmission that occurs when an accelerator pedal is depressed. The clutch control module completes the first power-on downshift and selectively starts controlling the second power-on downshift before the first power-on downshift ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Mark A. Schang
  • Publication number: 20110203845
    Abstract: This invention presents various embodiments, including a system and a method, in which pressure-while-drilling data is gathered at a drilling rig and compared to modeled ECD pressure data related to the bore hole. The actual and modeled data are statistically analyzed to generate standard deviation data, which is used to infer information about how rapid a rate of penetration may safely be employed to optimize drilling results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Dale E. JAMISON, Kevin P. PAYLOW, Robert L. WILLIAMS