Patents by Inventor Thomas H. Zimmerman
Thomas H. Zimmerman 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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Patent number: 8469084Abstract: A technique enables wireless communication of signals in a well. The technique is employed for communication of power signals and/or data signals between a mother wellbore and at least one lateral wellbore. A first wireless device is positioned in a mother wellbore proximate a lateral wellbore, and a second wireless device is positioned in the lateral wellbore. The power and/or data signal is transferred wirelessly between the first and second wireless devices via magnetic fields. A plurality of the first and second wireless devices may be employed in cooperating pairs to enable communication between the mother wellbore and a plurality of lateral wellbores.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Brian Clark, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Kuo-Chiang Chen, Emmanuel Rioufol, John Algeroy, Patrick McKinley
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Patent number: 8237585Abstract: A wireless communication system for use in well, subsea, and oilfield-related environments employs one or more wireless network devices that offer short-range wireless communication between devices without the need for a central network which may have a device using a BLUETOOTH protocol. The system may be used for telemetry, depth correlation, guidance systems, actuating tools, among other uses.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Thomas H. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20110011580Abstract: A technique enables wireless communication of signals in a well. The technique is employed for communication of power signals and/or data signals between a mother wellbore and at least one lateral wellbore. A first wireless device is positioned in a mother wellbore proximate a lateral wellbore, and a second wireless device is positioned in the lateral wellbore. The power and/or data signal is transferred wirelessly between the first and second wireless devices via magnetic fields. A plurality of the first and second wireless devices may be employed in cooperating pairs to enable communication between the mother wellbore and a plurality of lateral wellbores.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Clark, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Kuo-Chiang Chen, Emmanuel Rioufol, John Algeroy, Patrick McKinley
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Patent number: 7841406Abstract: A fluid sampling system retrieves a formation fluid sample from a formation surrounding a wellbore extending along a wellbore axis, wherein the formation has a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. The system includes a sample inlet, a first guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a first direction along the wellbore axis, and a second guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a second, opposite direction along the wellbore axis. At least one cleanup flowline is fluidly connected to the first and second guard inlets for passing contaminated fluid, and an evaluation flowline is fluidly connected to the sample inlet for collecting virgin fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Colin Longfield, Julian J. Pop, Thomas H. Zimmerman, John D. Sherwood, Keith A. Burgess
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Patent number: 7654321Abstract: A fluid sampling system retrieves a formation fluid sample from a formation surrounding a wellbore extending along a wellbore axis, wherein the formation has a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. The system includes a sample inlet, a first guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a first direction along the wellbore axis, and a second guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a second, opposite direction along the wellbore axis. At least one cleanup flowline is fluidly connected to the first and second guard inlets for passing contaminated fluid, and an evaluation flowline is fluidly connected to the sample inlet for collecting virgin fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Colin Longfield, Julian J. Pop, Thomas H. Zimmerman, John D. Sherwood, Keith A. Burgess
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Publication number: 20100018704Abstract: A fluid sampling system retrieves a formation fluid sample from a formation surrounding a wellbore extending along a wellbore axis, wherein the formation has a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. The system includes a sample inlet, a first guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a first direction along the wellbore axis, and a second guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a second, opposite direction along the wellbore axis. At least one cleanup flowline is fluidly connected to the first and second guard inlets for passing contaminated fluid, and an evaluation flowline is fluidly connected to the sample inlet for collecting virgin fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: ALEXANDER F. ZAZOVSKY, Colin Longfield, Julian J. Pop, Thomas H. Zimmerman, John D. Sherwood, Keith A. Burgess
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Publication number: 20080156487Abstract: A fluid sampling system retrieves a formation fluid sample from a formation surrounding a wellbore extending along a wellbore axis, wherein the formation has a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. The system includes a sample inlet, a first guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a first direction along the wellbore axis, and a second guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a second, opposite direction along the wellbore axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Colin Longfield, Julian J. Pop, Thomas H. Zimmerman, John D. Sherwood, Keith A. Burgess
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Patent number: 7301474Abstract: A wireless communication system for use in well, subsea, and oilfield-related environments employs one or more wireless network devices that offer short-range wireless communication between devices without the need for a central network which may have a device using a BLUETOOTH protocol. The system may be used for telemetry, depth correlation, guidance systems, actuating tools, among other uses. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Thomas H. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 7264057Abstract: A method and system of subsea intervention comprises lowering one or more assemblies of intervention equipment into the sea. Underwater marine units (such as remote operated vehicles or small submarines) may be employed to connect the assemblies to each other and to the subsea wellhead equipment. The subsea wellhead equipment includes a carrier line spool (e.g., coiled tubing spool, wireline spool, slickline spool) and equipment to inject a carrier line from the carrier line spool into the subsea well. The carrier line spool can be located underwater, such as on the sea floor or positioned above the subsea wellhead equipment.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Peter A. Goode, Ashley C. Kishino, John A. Kerr, Alan Christie
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Patent number: 7013723Abstract: The effects of storage on the interpretation of data obtained at observation probes of a borehole tool are eliminated by controlling the storage volumes relative to the observation probes. For a homogeneous medium, the effect of storage on the interpretation of data is eliminated by causing the flow line volumes connected to each observation probe to be equal to each other. For a heterogeneous medium, the effect of storage on the interpretation of data is eliminated by causing the flow line volumes to vary in proportion to the relative permeabilities of the strata of the heterogeneous medium adjacent the probes. The borehole tool is provided with mechanisms for conducting flow line volume adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Syed Tariq, Thomas H. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20040251021Abstract: The effects of storage on the interpretation of data obtained at observation probes of a borehole tool are eliminated by controlling the storage volumes relative to the observation probes. For a homogeneous medium, the effect of storage on the interpretation of data is eliminated by causing the flow line volumes connected to each observation probe to be equal to each other. For a heterogeneous medium, the effect of storage on the interpretation of data is eliminated by causing the flow line volumes to vary in proportion to the relative permeabilities of the strata of the heterogeneous medium adjacent the probes. The borehole tool is provided with mechanisms for conducting flow line volume adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, Incorporated in the State of TexasInventors: Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Syed Tariq, Thomas H. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 6811382Abstract: An integrated pumping system for use in environments, such as subterranean environments, to move a desired fluid from one location to another. The integrated pumping system comprises one or more stages that each have an integrated pump and motor. A controller may be utilized to individually control the one or more integrated pumps and motors.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Steven E. Buchanan, Grigory L. Arauz, Kenneth L. Havlinek, Ashley Kishino, Lawrence C. Lee, W. Keith Russell, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Anthony F. Veneruso
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Patent number: 6808021Abstract: A system that is usable with subsea wells that extend beneath a sea floor includes a station that is located on the sea floor and an underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle is housed in the station and is adapted to service at least one of the subsea wells.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Thomas H. Zimmerman, John A. Kerr, Alan R. Christie
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Patent number: 6763889Abstract: A method and system of subsea intervention comprises lowering one or more assemblies of intervention equipment into the sea. Underwater marine units (such as remote operated vehicles or small submarines) may be employed to connect the assemblies to each other and to the subsea wellhead equipment. The subsea wellhead equipment includes a carrier line spool (e.g., coiled tubing spool, wireline spool, slickline spool) and equipment to inject a carrier line from the carrier line spool into the subsea well. The carrier line spool can be located underwater, such as on the sea floor or positioned above the subsea wellhead equipment. The carrier line spool can also be located on a sea vessel. Also, to switch tools, a carousel system having multiple chambers containing different types of tools can be used.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Peter A. Goode, Ashley C. Kishino, John A. Kerr, Alan R. Christie
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Patent number: 6679334Abstract: A system that is useable in a subterranean well includes conveying an elongated strip from a surface of the well downhole into the well; and spirally wrapping the strip to form a tubular structure in the well.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman, Thomas H. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 6675901Abstract: A system that is useable in a subterranean well includes a tubular structure that is formed from a spirally wound strip, and the tubular structure is provided downhole in the subterranean well.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman, Thomas H. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20030098799Abstract: A wireless communication system for use in well, subsea, and oilfield-related environments employs one or more wireless network devices that offer short-range wireless communication between devices without the need for a central network which may have a device using a BLUETOOTH protocol. The system may be used for telemetry, depth correlation, guidance systems, actuating tools, among other uses. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventor: Thomas H. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20020066568Abstract: An integrated pumping system for use in environments, such as subterranean environments, to move a desired fluid from one location to another. The integrated pumping system comprises one or more stages that each have an integrated pump and motor. A controller may be utilized to individually control the one or more integrated pumps and motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Steven E. Buchanan, Grigory L. Arauz, Kenneth L. Havlinek, Ashley Kishino, Lawrence C. Lee, W. Keith Russell, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Anthony F. Veneruso
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Patent number: 6386109Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce interference resulting from activation of explosive devices. One type of interference is charge-to-charge interference, and another type of interference is pre-shock interference between a detonating cord and an explosive, such as a shaped charge. To reduce interference, one or more shock impeding elements are placed proximal one or more explosives to impede propagation of shock caused by detonation of the explosives. The shock impeding elements include a porous material, such as a porous liquid or solid. In another arrangement, a shock barrier may be positioned between a detonating cord and an explosive to reduce pre-shock interference. In yet another feature, an encapsulant may be provided around one or more shaped charges to enhance structural support for the shaped charges.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Brooks, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Daniel C. Markel, Wenbo Yang, James F. Shelton, Wallace E. Voreck
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Publication number: 20020040783Abstract: A system that is usable with subsea wells that extend beneath a sea floor includes a station that is located on the sea floor and an underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle is housed in the station and is adapted to service at least one of the subsea wells.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventors: Thomas H. Zimmerman, John A. Kerr, Alan R. Christie