With Radiant Energy Or Nonconductive-type Transmitter Patents (Class 324/332)
  • Patent number: 11262421
    Abstract: A magnetic detection element includes an element part and a metal film. The element part is arranged on a surface of a substrate, and has linear portions arranged in parallel with each other and connecting portions connecting the linear portions in a meandering shape. The metal film has a first layered portion stacked on a turn portion of the element part defined by the connecting portion and a connection between the connecting portion and the linear portion, and a second layered portion formed integrally with the first layered portion to entirely cover a region of the surface surrounded by an internal end of the turn portion. The first layered portion has a peripheral side disposed between the internal end and an external end of the turn portion so as to expose an outer periphery of the turn portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Okuda, Atsushi Kobayashi, Hiroki Kajio, Michihiro Makita
  • Patent number: 10615741
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting, regenerating and/or preventing defects in solar panels of a solar panel installation. In this method, a regeneration voltage is applied between the supporting structure in which the solar panels are mounted, and the negative pole of the solar panels, the positive pole of the solar panels, or both poles of the solar panels, being short-circuited. Additionally, the invention also provides an apparatus for performing said method, and a solar panel installation comprising said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: FUTECH
    Inventors: Ismael Ben-Al-Lal, Pieter Vangeel
  • Patent number: 10145720
    Abstract: A radar level gauge system controllable between a measurement state and a signal processing state. In the measurement state a first timing signal circuit is enabled, a microwave signal source generates a transmit signal with a time-varying frequency being related to first timing signals from the first timing signal generating circuitry, and a sampler samples a mixer signal at sampling times related to the first timing signals. in the signal processing state, the first timing signal circuit is disabled, and a signal processor determines the filling level based on the sampled values of the mixer signal using second timing signals from a second timing signal generating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT TANK RADAR AB
    Inventor: Mikael Kleman
  • Patent number: 10139516
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods related to finding a position in an underground formation. Apparatus and methods can include receiving signals from a receiver in an underground formation in response to signals generated from transmitting sources, each of the transmitting sources located at a known position; and processing the received signals, based on the signals generated from the transmitting sources, to determine the position of the receiver. A number of techniques can be applied to processing the received signal. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Emilio San Martin, Baris Guner, Burkay Donderici
  • Patent number: 9970806
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar level gauge system for a tank having a tubular mounting structure. The radar level gauge system comprises a transceiver; a single conductor probe extending through the tubular mounting structure; an electrically conductive shielding structure radially spaced apart from the single conductor probe and extending along the single conductor probe inside the mounting structure; a connecting member extending radially from the shielding structure to electrically couple the shielding structure to the tank; and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver for determining the filling level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventor: Mikael Eriksson
  • Patent number: 9825585
    Abstract: Discussed is a solar cell measuring apparatus to measure a current of a solar cell having a photoelectric converter and first and second electrodes electrically insulated from each other, both the first and second electrodes being located at one surface of the photoelectric converter. The solar cell measuring apparatus includes a measuring unit which includes a first measuring member corresponding to the first electrode and a second measuring member corresponding to the second electrode, wherein the first and second measuring members comes into close contact with the solar cell at the surface of the photoelectric converter to measure the current of the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Heejin Nam, Jaewon Chang, Hyunjung Park
  • Patent number: 9589415
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to gaming machines and methods to be performed in relation to gaming machines. An example gaming machine comprises: a display screen; an input mechanism operable to receive an input from a user; a gaming controller configured to: (i) control a game play sequence comprising a presentation of one or more games of chance on the gaming machine; and (ii) in response to the received input from the user, generate and encrypt visual code from a set of data and display the encrypted visual code on the display screen, wherein the encrypted visual code includes a timestamp; wherein the displayed encrypted code is able to be captured by an external handheld device, and the visual code is dynamically re-generated upon each successive input from a user made through the input mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Atlas Gaming Technologies Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Julio Montenegro, Zenja Solaja, Robert Sloot, Alessandro Ciampoli, Boris Mitelman, Wade Clark
  • Patent number: 9366613
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a rock matrix dielectric permittivity. The method and system use a matching liquid with a temperature dependant permittivity. The matching liquid may be used in an automated and/or downhole system for measuring matrix dielectric permittivity of rock formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Valerie Anderson, Gerald Meeten, Andrew Clarke, Tianhua Zhang, Patrice Ligneul
  • Patent number: 8917094
    Abstract: Downhole tools and techniques acquire information regarding nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, and conductive formations. At least some method embodiments provide a current flow along a drill string in a borehole. The current flow disperses into the surrounding formation and causes a secondary current flow in the nearby conductor. The magnetic field from the secondary current flow can be detected using one or more azimuthally-sensitive antennas. Direction and distance estimates may be obtainable from the azimuthally-sensitive measurements, and can be used as the basis for steering the drillstring relative to the distant conductor. Possible techniques for providing current flow in the drillstring include imposing a voltage across an insulated gap or using a toroid around the drillstring to induce the current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Jing Li
  • Patent number: 8914195
    Abstract: A system for powering a steering angle sensor coupled to a steering wheel and a controller comprising a switch, coupled to the sensor and the controller. The switch is activated upon motion of the steering wheel or steering shaft. The switch, when activated, connects a power supply, such as a vehicle battery, to the sensor and the controller so that a new steering angle may be sensed and stored. After a predetermined period of time, the controller sends a signal to deactivate the switch and disconnect the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Bradley G. Hochrein
  • Patent number: 8901931
    Abstract: A method for water monitoring about a deviated well is disclosed. The method includes positioning a series of electromagnetic (EM) receivers in a completed deviated wellbore, said receivers being spaced along substantially the length of the well located in a region of a reservoir to be monitored. The method also includes positioning an electromagnetic (EM) source at a first Earth surface location. Then the EM source is activated for a first survey measurement of the reservoir, and an EM field detected at each EM receiver is recorded. The EM source is moved to a second Earth surface location, and activated for a second survey measurement of the reservoir, and an EM field detected at each EM receiver is recorded. From the first and second survey measurements at each of the receivers, an inversion is performed to determine position of water about (and specifically below) the horizontal well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Cengiz Esmersoy
  • Patent number: 8884623
    Abstract: A method for determining the frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity spectrum of a rock sample, comprising:—defining a series of electromagnetic measurement data comprising at least a first measurement at a frequency from which a substantially frequency-independent value of dielectric permittivity ??, can be obtained; and at least second and third measurements at different frequencies from which values for frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity ?rock (f) can be obtained; and—using the first, second and third measurements to determine the frequency-dependent spectrum of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Barbara Anderson, Thomas D. Barber, Emmanuel Legendre, Martin G. Luling, Pabitra N. Sen, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 8854247
    Abstract: A hybrid ground penetrating radar (GPR)/metal detector (MD) head includes a V-dipole GPR antenna and transmit and receive MD coils. One of the MD coils is arranged in a quadrupole configuration with a crossbar, and the V-dipole antenna is perpendicular to the crossbar. The legs of the V-dipole antenna may straddle the crossbar or may be on one side of the crossbar. The MD coils may be fabricated on a printed circuit board, which may be at a non-normal angle with respect to a central axis of the V-dipole antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: NIITEK, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Etebari, Jason Wolfson, Brian A. Whaley, Mark Hibbard
  • Publication number: 20140253129
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an electromagnetic (EM) field from a sub-sea source is disclosed. In one embodiment, a sub-sea source includes a step-down transformer coupled to receive a sinusoidal source wave via a tow cable, and is further coupled to output a sinusoidal wave to a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) circuit. A control circuit coupled to the SCR circuit is configured to selectively activate various ones of the SCRs therein in order to control a portion of the sinusoidal wave that is rectified. The output current provided by the SCR is determined by the portion of the sinusoidal wave that is rectified thereby. The output current is provided to electrodes coupled to the sub-sea source, and the output current is passed therebetween. The strength of the EM field is based on the output current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: PGS GEOPHYSICAL AS
    Inventors: Philip Heelan, Oliver Peppe, Mattias Sudow
  • Patent number: 8829899
    Abstract: A pneumatic vibration isolating suspension is disclosed for supporting a payload on a moving carrier while suppressing the transmission of vibrations in the 1 to 50 Hz band between the carrier and the payload. The disclosed invention can be deployed in the air in a towed carrier or sonde, and operated from aircraft power, making it a suitable platform for airborne geophysical instrumentation. It also has particular application to airborne electromagnetic surveying operating in the same frequency band because the sensor vibrations that result in noise created by the modulation of the sensor coupling with the earth's magnetic field are suppressed. Furthermore, the invention can be constructed from resistive composite materials and non-magnetic metals, so it can be operated without producing significant modification to the ambient electromagnetic field being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Vale S.A.
    Inventors: Benjamin David Polzer, Gordon Fox West, Peter White Walker
  • Publication number: 20140239955
    Abstract: A system for detecting a location of a subsurface channel may include a portable frame and a plurality of magnetic coils supported by the frame. The magnetic coils may be spaced apart from one another and ends of each of the magnetic coil are unobstructed by other of the magnetic coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Willowstick Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Willowstick Technologies, LLC
  • Patent number: 8816689
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for collecting reservoir data. The method includes providing one or more electromagnetic sources for generating an electromagnetic field in a reservoir and providing one or more electromagnetic sensors equipped with capacitive electrodes. The electromagnetic source is located separately from the electromagnetic sensor. The electromagnetic sensor may either be located within a well or at the surface, is capable of measuring the electromagnetic field in three dimensions, and may be isolated from the well fluids. The data collected by the electromagnetic sensors can be used to create a model of the oil reservoir, including the water saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Daniele Colombo, Timothy H. Keho, Michael Anthony Jervis, Brett W. Bouldin
  • Publication number: 20140152312
    Abstract: A system emplaced in a subsurface formation configured to produce radio frequency (RF) fields for recovery of thermally responsive constituents includes coaxially disposed inner and outer conductors connected at an earth surface to an RF power source. The inner and outer conductors form a coaxial transmission line proximate said earth surface and a dipole antenna proximate said formation. The inner conductor protrudes from the outer conductor from a junction exposing a gap between the conductors to a deeper position within the formation. The RF power source is configured to deliver, via the conductors, RF fields to the formation. The system also includes at least one choke structure attached to said outer conductor at a distance at least ¼ wavelength above said junction. The choke structure is configured to confine a majority of said RF fields in a volume of said formation situated adjacent to said antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Pyrophase, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Snow, Armin Hassanzadeh, Jack E. Bridges
  • Publication number: 20140111209
    Abstract: A method of analyzing a subterranean formation is disclosed. A first signal is transmitted from a transmitter to the formation and a second signal which is a reflection of the first signal is received. A third signal, which is the second signal reversed in time, is then transmitted to the formation. A fourth signal which is a reflection of the third signal from the formation is then received and monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Li Gao, Michael Bittar
  • Patent number: 8614577
    Abstract: A method of determining anisotropy in a borehole is disclosed. An array of measurements along the borehole is obtained and a first depth in the borehole is selected. An arbitrary plane oriented with respect to the borehole at the first depth is designated and an anisotropy for the first depth with respect to the arbitrary plane is determined. The arbitrary plane is repositioned at the first depth and an anisotropy for different positions of the arbitrary plane at the first depth is determined. A minimum anisotropy coefficient with respect to the arbitrary plane at the first depth is identified based on anisotropy for different positions of the arbitrary plane. An anisotropy tensor for the first depth is then identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Proett, Tegwyn J. Perkins, Ronald Stamm
  • Patent number: 8614578
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining the attenuation of an electromagnetic signal passing through a conductive material. An antenna is provided and placed in relatively close proximity to the conductive material. An alternating current is passed through the antenna and the impedance of the antenna is measured. The attenuation is determined using the measured impedance. A single frequency measurement may be made, or multiple measurements using different frequencies may be made. Grouped parameters based on properties of the material and the frequency of the current are used to relate the coil impedance to the attenuation. A current frequency for which the ratio of the antenna's resistive part of the impedance to the angular frequency of the current is substantially insensitive to at least one of the parameters is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Guozhong Gao, H. Frank Morrison, Hong Zhang, Richard A. Rosthal, David Alumbaugh, Cyrille Levesque
  • Publication number: 20130335089
    Abstract: A new three dimensional dipole based antenna system is described used to measure oscillatory electric field strengths. The antenna system is connected to an object (a survey platform) that is stationary or moving in an area of interest in air, over land, on water or under water. This invention aims to reduce the influence of noise sources on electric field strength measurements. Such measurements are generally collected as part of prospecting surveys for minerals or hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Marius J. Mes
  • Publication number: 20130335090
    Abstract: A one dimensional dipole based antenna system is described used to measure oscillatory electric and magnetic field strengths and the rate of change of the magnetic field strength. The system relies on paramagnetic mild steel for selected dipole system components to decrease the sensitivity to high frequency oscillatory magnetic signals progressively above a certain frequency in the range of 300 to 10,000 Hz. The physical properties of the mild steel type used determine the actual frequency response characteristics. The antenna system, which can easily be expanded to a three dimensional system, is connected to an object (a survey platform) that is stationary or moving in an area of interest in air, over land, on water or under water. Such antenna system is generally used as part of a prospecting survey system for minerals or hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Marius J. Mes
  • Publication number: 20130229184
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for using electromagnetic sources that are substantially stationary in a body of water while electromagnetic field signals are detected with electromagnetic sensors towed through the body of water. An embodiment discloses an apparatus comprising: a vessel; a first electromagnetic source coupled to the vessel and configured to have a dipole moment oriented in a first direction; and a second electromagnetic source coupled to the vessel and configured to have a dipole moment oriented in a second direction, wherein the second direction is generally orthogonal to the first direction. Another embodiment discloses a system comprising: a sensor streamer configured for towing in a body of water, wherein the sensor streamer comprises a plurality of electromagnetic sensors disposed at spaced apart positions; and an electromagnetic source assembly configured for deployment at a substantially stationary position in the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Carl Joel Gustav Skogman, Johnathan P. Linfoot
  • Patent number: 8482287
    Abstract: Method of determining electrical anisotropy in a subsurface formation, wherein electromagnetic field data from a multi-offset electromagnetic survey obtained by using an electromagnetic source and a plurality of electromagnetic receivers at varying offset distances from the source is provided. The electromagnetic field data comprises a first set of multi-offset response signals received at each receiver with the electromagnetic source emitting at a first frequency, and at least one additional set of multi-offset response signals received at each receiver with the electromagnetic source emitting at a different frequency. The presence of electrical anisotropy in the subsurface formation is determined using the first and at least one additional sets of multi-offset response signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Michael John Tompkins
  • Publication number: 20130162255
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various geophysical survey systems and methods for mapping an electric potential field. At least one illustrative embodiment includes an electromagnetic (EM) source and geophysical survey cables that each includes multiple electrodes spaced apart along each geophysical survey cable's length, and multiple data acquisition units that each obtains measurements indicative of an electric potential between two the electrodes. A calculation module is included and configured to combine signals representative of the measurements to produce signals indicative of the electric potential of each electrode relative to a reference potential assumed to be present at a selected electrode for each of the plurality of geophysical survey cables. Each reference potential is assumed to be of a magnitude that is within a tolerance range of a common reference potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: MATTIAS Südow, Frederick James Barr, JR., Peter Lindqvist, Robert Juhasz
  • Patent number: 8456159
    Abstract: A stabilized field sensor apparatus collects field data, in particular magnetic field data, with reduced motion noise. The apparatus includes a tear drop shaped housing, a tow frame in the housing, a plurality of vibration isolating dampers spaced around the frame, a base assembly mounted to the dampers, a support pedestal having a bottom end fixed to the base assembly and an upper free end, a single spherical air bearing connected to the upper free end of the pedestal, an instrument platform with a lower hollow funnel having an upper inside apex supported on the air bearing for a one point support, principal and secondary gyro stabilizers for maintaining pivotal and rotational stability, and at least one field sensor mounted to the instrument platform for collecting the field data while being stabilized against motion noise including vibration, pivoting and rotation from the base assembly, from the tow frame and from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Vale S.A.
    Inventors: Benjamin David Polzer, Gordon Fox West, Peter Whyte Walker, Peter Anthony Hurley, Robert Leslie Scott Hogg
  • Publication number: 20130134971
    Abstract: A media displacement device has a body configured to be positioned radially outwards of a tool having an antenna for transmitting electromagnetic energy to or receiving electromagnetic energy from an earth formation. The body is made of materials causing less power loss to electromagnetic energy transmitted or received by the tool than the media the body is configured to displace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Martin Blanz, Christoph Meyer, Thomas Kruspe, Holger Tietjen
  • Patent number: 8421464
    Abstract: An underground tunnel detection system does not employ radar. Instead, an automatic frequency control is used to keep a continuous wave (CW) transmission tuned to the resonant frequency of a resonant microwave patch antenna (RMPA). Changes in loading and the bulk dielectric constant of the mixed media in front of the RMPA will affect its resonant frequency and input impedance. A significant shift in the measured input impedance is interpreted as a possible tunnel, and the phase angle of the measured input impedance tends to indicate a slightly forward or aft position relative to the detection system rolling over it on the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Stolar, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Bausov, Gerald Stolarczyk, Larry G. Stolarczyk
  • Patent number: 8396628
    Abstract: A power on-demand steering angle sensor coupled to a steering wheel and a controller comprising a switch, coupled to the sensor and the controller. The switch is activated upon motion of the steering wheel or steering shaft. The switch, when closed, connects a power supply, such as a vehicle battery, to the sensor and the controller so that a new steering angle may be sensed and stored. After a predetermined period of time, the controller sends a signal to open the switch and disconnect the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Erick Lavoie, Brad Hochrein
  • Patent number: 8390234
    Abstract: A method for automated startup and/or for automated operation of controllers of an electrical drive system with vibrational mechanics with the following steps: (a) determining a preliminary value of at least one parameter; (b) determining a model of the electrical drive system by determination of initially a non-parameterized model through the recording of frequency data during operation of the drive system subject to the utilization of the preliminary value of at least one parameter and the subsequent determination of parameters of the electrical drive system based on the frequency data and subject to optimization of at least one preliminary value of at least one parameter by a numerical optimization method on the basis of the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm and (c) parameterizing at least one controller of the electrical drive system by at least one of the determined parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Baumuller Nurnberg GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Villwock
  • Patent number: 8384389
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a behavior of carbon dioxide in a stratum by using a marine Controlled-Sources Electromagnetic survey, includes: (S10) collecting a sample of sandstone at a stratum for charging carbon dioxide; (S20) calculating an effective porosity of the collected sample; (S30) measuring an electrical resistivity by saturating the collected rock sample with a pore fluid having a different concentration; (S40) forecasting a change of an electrical resistivity of stratum by charging carbon dioxide; (S50) carrying out a Marine CSEM exploration before and after charging the carbon dioxide separately in each step; and (S60) monitoring a charging behavior of carbon dioxide in stratum by a Marine CSEM exploration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Sam Gyu Park, Yutaka Sasaki, Sung Joon Cho
  • Patent number: 8358809
    Abstract: A pattern recognizer includes a sequential data extractor, a data pairer, and a recognition engine. The sequential data extractor extracts a region of measured data obtained from a measuring device. The measuring device is preferably capable of detecting changes in impedance. The measured data should contain position information of the changes in impedance. The data pairer associates the region of measured data with a priori pattern data that contains expected positions of the changes in impedance. The recognition engine decides whether the associated region of measured data and the a priori pattern data differ within predetermined criteria, the predetermined criteria including: non-expected impedance changes; excessive dither; and missing impedance changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Hintz, James Corey Wright
  • Patent number: 8358134
    Abstract: Defects in a pipeline may be detected by an in-line inspection tool passing therethrough. However, as the tool travels through the pipeline, errors associated with certain onboard components may accumulate. These errors may reduce the accuracy with which the locations of detected defects can be determined. Accordingly, markers may be positioned at various locations along the pipeline. Each marker may include a radio receiver to receive signal transmitted by an in-line tool passing thereby and one or more magnetic flux detection systems that may detect a magnetic field emanating from the in-line tool. The radio receiver may include an antenna comprising two or more coils connected in series and positioned side-by-side. The flux detection system may include one or more flux concentrators to amplify the strength of the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Pure Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip M. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 8326540
    Abstract: The method for obtaining a fluid migration profile for a wellbore, including the steps of obtaining a static profile for a logged region of the wellbore, obtaining a dynamic profile for the logged region of the wellbore, digitally filtering the dynamic profile to remove frequency elements represented in the static profile, to provide a fluid migration profile, and storing the fluid migration profile on a computer-readable memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: HiFi Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hull, Hermann Kramer
  • Patent number: 8299794
    Abstract: A method for electromagnetic geophysical surveying of rock formations (1) under a sea-floor (3) comprising the following steps: *—towing first and second alternating field (E1, E2) emitting sources (s1, S2) in first and second depths below the sea surface, said first field (E1) having a first phase (?1);—said second alternating field (E2) given a second phase (?2) different from said first phase (?1), said sources (S1, S2) constituting a phased array emitter antenna with directivity for transmitting a major proportion of the combined electromagnetic energy downwards;—said first and second fields (E1, E2) for propagating partly down through the sea-floor (3) and being reflected and/or refracted through said rock formations (1) and partly propagating back through the seafloor (3);—said first and said second fields (E1, E2) for merging to a total field and being measured by electromagnetic receivers (r1, r2, . . . , rn) recording corresponding field registrations (Er1(t), Er2(t), Er3(t), . . . , Ern(t)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Brian Anthony Farrelly, Svein Erling Johnstad
  • Patent number: 8278928
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a transmitter configured to emit a first magnetic field into the earth formation and induce an electric current in the component, the transmitter having a first magnetic dipole extending in a first direction; and a receiver for detecting a second magnetic field generated by the component in response to the first magnetic field, the receiver having a second magnetic dipole extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A method and computer program product for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Alexandre N. Bespalov
  • Publication number: 20120232800
    Abstract: A method for determining the location of an underground sonde transmitter is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes measuring a set of complex electromagnetic field magnitude and phase strengths at one or more of positions while traversing a target sonde path at any angle using one or more electromagnetic coil sensors, modeling a set of expected complex electromagnetic strengths of a hypothetical sonde at the one or more of positions for one or more of the electromagnetic coil sensors, the set of expected electromagnetic field values corresponding to a model for the target sonde, and estimating parameters related to the target sonde based on the residual error between the measured set of complex electromagnetic field values and the modeled set of expected complex electromagnetic field strengths, wherein a final estimated parameter set is determined after the residual error has converged to a minimum tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Metrotech Corporation Inc.
    Inventors: JOHAN OVERBY, James W. Waite, Dimitar Gargov, Kun Li
  • Patent number: 8253619
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an imager, preferably portable, that includes a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of generating radiation with one or more frequencies in a range of about 1 GHz to about 2000 GHz. An optical system that is optically coupled to the source focuses radiation received therefrom onto an object plane, and directs at least a portion of the focused radiation propagating back from the object plane onto an image plane. The imager further includes a scan mechanism coupled to the optical system for controlling thereof so as to move the focused radiation over the object plane. A detector optically coupled to the lens at the image plane detects at least a portion of the radiation propagating back from a plurality of scanned locations in the object plane, thereby generating a detection signal. A processor that is in communication with the detector generates an image of at least a portion of the object plane based on the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited
    Inventors: David S. Holbrook, Christopher P. Adams, Brent Gregorich, Umesh Rajani, Jason Porter Whitmire, Scott D. Bublitz, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, John S. Scott, Mark Huggins, Matthew J. Mergener
  • Patent number: 8212567
    Abstract: An instrument disposed into a drill string for imaging an earth formation includes: at least one band antenna disposed over an intermediate layer disposed into a groove in an outer surface of the drill string. A method of fabrication is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John A. Signorelli, Tsili Wang
  • Publication number: 20120161774
    Abstract: A method for determining a component of electric field response to a time varying electromagnetic field induced in the Earth's subsurface involves measuring magnetic field gradient in at least two orthogonal directions in response to the induced electromagnetic field and determining an electric field response in a direction normal to the magnetic field gradient measurements. A method for determining a component of electric field response of the Earth's subsurface to a time varying electromagnetic field induced in the Earth's subsurface involves measuring electric field response along a substantially closed pattern on at least one of the Earth's surface and the bottom of a body of water and determining an electric field response in a direction normal to the measured electric field response using electric field response measurements made at opposed positions along the closed pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: KJT ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt M. Strack, Stefan L. Helwig
  • Publication number: 20120158305
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to launch a set of currents into a corresponding set of existing well casings; monitor, in a well under construction, changes in at least one of a magnetic field or an electric field perturbed by the set of currents after each one of the set is launched; and determine a location of the well under construction in relation to the set of existing well casings. In some embodiments, the activities include inducing current into a drillstring located in a well under construction; monitoring, at a set of existing well casings, changes in at least one of a magnetic field or an electric field perturbed by the current after the current is induced; and determining a location of the well under construction in relation to the set of existing well casings. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, David Lyle, Mac Upshall, Richard Thomas Hay
  • Publication number: 20120153958
    Abstract: A method for determining the frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity spectrum of a rock sample, comprising:—defining a series of electromagnetic measurement data comprising at least a first measurement at a frequency from which a substantially frequency-independent value of dielectric permittivity ??, can be obtained; and at least second and third measurements at different frequencies from which values for frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity ?rock (f) can be obtained; and—using the first, second and third measurements to determine the frequency-dependent spectrum of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Barbara Anderson, Thomas D. Barber, Emmanuel Legendre, Martin G. Luling, Pabitra N. Sen, Reza Taherian
  • Publication number: 20120112752
    Abstract: First electromagnetic data is acquired for a subterranean structure using a first survey technique, and second electromagnetic data is acquired for the subterranean structure using a second, different survey technique in which static positioning of at least one electromagnetic source is employed. The first and second electromagnetic data are combined to characterize the subterranean structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: WesternGeco L. L. C.
    Inventors: Tracy Campbell, Jostein Kjerstad, Graham Paterson Birkett
  • Publication number: 20120056623
    Abstract: A method for water monitoring about a deviated well is disclosed. The method includes positioning a series of electromagnetic (EM) receivers in a completed deviated wellbore, said receivers being spaced along substantially the length of the well located in a region of a reservoir to be monitored. The method also includes positioning an electromagnetic (EM) source at a first Earth surface location. Then the EM source is activated for a first survey measurement of the reservoir, and an EM field detected at each EM receiver is recorded. The EM source is moved to a second Earth surface location, and activated for a second survey measurement of the reservoir, and an EM field detected at each EM receiver is recorded. From the first and second survey measurements at each of the receivers, an inversion is performed to determine position of water about (and specifically below) the horizontal well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Cengiz Esmersoy
  • Patent number: 8085050
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the horizontal resistivity, vertical resistivity, and relative dip angle of anisotropic earth formations. Some of the disclosed methods and systems measure sinusoidal variation of azimuthally sensitive resistivity logging tool measurements, determine parameters representative of the sinusoidal variation, and perform inversion based on the sinusoidal parameters. When cast in this manner, the inversion process may yield more accurate and consistent resistivity and dip angle estimates. The sinusoidal parameters preferably take the form of average and peak-to-peak measurements, but may also take other forms. Moreover, use of such sinusoidal parameters enables a condensed representation of the resistivity logging tool measurements, enabling significantly more efficient communication and storage of these measurements. The condensed representations continue to enable directional boundary detection and geosteering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Guoyu Hu
  • Patent number: 8035392
    Abstract: Structure for deep MWD resistivity measurements suitable for both geo-steering and measurements ahead of the drill bit is disclosed. The structure is capable of extracting information about resistivity of formation in the presence of conductive drill. In one embodiment, ahead-of-bit sensing is achieved via transient electromagnetic measurements when current is switched off in the transmitter loop and the transient signal is measured in the receiver loops placed at some distances from the receiver. To reduce a parasitic effect of the currents in the drill three-coil bucking system with magnetic nonconductive shield in combination with a highly conductive copper shield are applied. Specifically, a short (less than 1 m) copper cover and short (less than 0.2 m) ferrite cover are placed in the vicinity of transmitting and receiving coils. A bucking operation followed by an inversion is performed on received signals to obtain data reflecting parameters of the surrounding subsurface formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory B. Itskovich, Arcady Reiderman
  • Publication number: 20110227576
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a behavior of carbon dioxide in a stratum by using a marine Controlled-Sources Electromagnetic survey, includes: (S10) collecting a sample of sandstone at a stratum for charging carbon dioxide; (S20) calculating an effective porosity of the collected sample; (S30) measuring an electrical resistivity by saturating the collected rock sample with a pore fluid having a different concentration; (S40) forecasting a change of an electrical resistivity of stratum by charging carbon dioxide; (S50) carrying out a Marine CSEM exploration before and after charging the carbon dioxide separately in each step; and (S60) monitoring a charging behavior of carbon dioxide in stratum by a Marine CSEM exploration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCE (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Sam Gyu PARK, Yutaka SASAKI, Sung Joon CHO
  • Publication number: 20110210741
    Abstract: A marine electromagnetic sensor cable includes a first jacket covering an exterior of the cable. At least one wire loop is disposed on the exterior of the first jacket. The wire loop is shaped to have a magnetic dipole moment along a selected direction. A contact ring is disposed inside the first jacket to make electrical connection between the at least one wire loop and an associated signal processing circuit disposed inside the first jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist, Andras Robert Juhasz
  • Publication number: 20110213555
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating at least one parameter of interest of an earth formation including an estimation of the parameter of interest using a time-dependent ratio of information obtained from at least one neutron detector through the exposure of the earth formation to a radiation source, particularly a pulsed nuclear source. The apparatus includes a processor and storage subsystem with a program that, when executed, implements the method. Also, an apparatus and method for estimating at least one parameter of interest of an earth formation including an estimation of the parameter of interest using a first component and a second component of an information set obtained using a single radiation detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Margarete M. Kopal, Feyzi Inanc, Loren P. Roberts