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).

  • Patent number: 8469084
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Clark, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Kuo-Chiang Chen, Emmanuel Rioufol, John Algeroy, Patrick McKinley
  • Patent number: 8237585
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas H. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20110011580
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Clark, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Kuo-Chiang Chen, Emmanuel Rioufol, John Algeroy, Patrick McKinley
  • Patent number: 7841406
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Colin Longfield, Julian J. Pop, Thomas H. Zimmerman, John D. Sherwood, Keith A. Burgess
  • Patent number: 7654321
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Colin Longfield, Julian J. Pop, Thomas H. Zimmerman, John D. Sherwood, Keith A. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20100018704
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: ALEXANDER F. ZAZOVSKY, Colin Longfield, Julian J. Pop, Thomas H. Zimmerman, John D. Sherwood, Keith A. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20080156487
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Colin Longfield, Julian J. Pop, Thomas H. Zimmerman, John D. Sherwood, Keith A. Burgess
  • Patent number: 7301474
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas H. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7264057
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Peter A. Goode, Ashley C. Kishino, John A. Kerr, Alan Christie
  • Patent number: 7013723
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Syed Tariq, Thomas H. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20040251021
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, Incorporated in the State of Texas
    Inventors: Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Syed Tariq, Thomas H. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6811382
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Buchanan, Grigory L. Arauz, Kenneth L. Havlinek, Ashley Kishino, Lawrence C. Lee, W. Keith Russell, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Anthony F. Veneruso
  • Patent number: 6808021
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Zimmerman, John A. Kerr, Alan R. Christie
  • Patent number: 6763889
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Peter A. Goode, Ashley C. Kishino, John A. Kerr, Alan R. Christie
  • Patent number: 6679334
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman, Thomas H. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6675901
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman, Thomas H. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20030098799
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas H. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20020066568
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Steven E. Buchanan, Grigory L. Arauz, Kenneth L. Havlinek, Ashley Kishino, Lawrence C. Lee, W. Keith Russell, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Anthony F. Veneruso
  • Patent number: 6386109
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Brooks, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Daniel C. Markel, Wenbo Yang, James F. Shelton, Wallace E. Voreck
  • Publication number: 20020040783
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas H. Zimmerman, John A. Kerr, Alan R. Christie