Patents Assigned to INTELLISERV
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Patent number: 7040003Abstract: The present invention includes a method of making an inductive coupler for downhole components. The method includes providing an annular housing, preferably made of steel, the housing having a recess. A conductor, preferably an insulated wire, is also provided along with a plurality of generally U-shaped magnetically conducting, electrically insulating (MCEI) segments. Preferably, the MCEI segments comprise ferrite. An assembly is formed by placing the plurality of MCEI segments within the recess in the annular housing. The segments are aligned to form a generally circular trough. A first portion of the conductor is placed within the circular trough. This assembly is consolidated with a meltable polymer which fills spaces between the segments, annular housing and the first portion of the conductor. The invention also includes an inductive coupler including an annular housing having a recess defined by a bottom portion and two opposing side wall portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Michael A. Briscoe, Cameron Sneddon, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 7017667Abstract: A transmission line assembly for transmitting information along a downhole tool comprising a pin end, a box end, and a central bore traveling between the pin end and the box end, is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a protective conduit. A transmission line is routed through the protective conduit. The protective conduit is routed through the central bore and the ends of the protective conduit are routed through channels formed in the pin end and box end of the downhole tool. The protective conduit is elastically forced into a spiral or other non-linear path along the interior surface of the central bore by compressing the protective conduit to a length within the downhole tool shorter than the protective conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Kline Bradford, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 7019665Abstract: Apparatus and methods to improve signal coupling in downhole inductive transmission elements to reduce the dispersion of magnetic energy at the tool joints and to provide consistent impedance and contact between transmission elements located along the drill string. A transmission element for transmitting information between downhole tools is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an annular core constructed of a magnetically conductive material. The annular core forms an open channel around its circumference and is configured to form a closed channel by mating with a corresponding annular core along an annular mating surface. The mating surface is polished to provide improved magnetic coupling with the corresponding annular core. An annular conductor is disposed within the open channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 7002445Abstract: A robust transmission element for transmitting information between downhole tools, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The transmission element maintains reliable connectivity between transmission elements, thereby providing an uninterrupted flow of information between drill string components. A transmission element is mounted within a recess proximate a mating surface of a downhole drilling component, such as a section of drill pipe. To close gaps present between transmission elements, transmission elements may be biased with a “spring force,” urging them closer together.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Michael A. Briscoe, Scott Steven Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon
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Publication number: 20060033637Abstract: A system for loading a hardware configuration into downhole configurable hardware includes a surface control unit in communication with a downhole tool string component over a downhole network. The surface control unit initially has the hardware configuration and transmits it through the downhole network to the configurable hardware. The hardware configuration is implemented in the configurable hardware. The configurable hardware is preferably an FPGA.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2005Publication date: February 16, 2006Applicant: INTELLISERV, INC.Inventors: David Hall, Monte Johnson
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Patent number: 6992554Abstract: A robust data transmission element for transmitting information between downhole components, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The data transmission element components include a generally U-shaped annular housing, a generally U-shaped magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element such as ferrite, and an insulated conductor. Features on the magnetically conducting, electrically insulating element and the annular housing create a pocket when assembled. The data transmission element is filled with a polymer to retain the components within the annular housing by filling the pocket with the polymer. The polymer can bond with the annular housing and the insulated conductor but preferably not the magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe
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Patent number: 6991035Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrating transmission cable into the body of selected downhole tools, such as drilling jars, having variable or changing lengths. A wired downhole-drilling tool is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a housing and a mandrel insertable into the housing. A coiled cable is enclosed within the housing and has a first end connected to the housing and a second end connected to the mandrel. The coiled cable is configured to stretch and shorten in accordance with axial movement between the housing and the mandrel. A clamp is used to fix the coiled cable with respect to the housing, the mandrel, or both, to accommodate a change of tension in the coiled cable.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox, James McPherson, David S. Pixton, Michael Briscoe
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Patent number: 6981546Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for retaining an electrical transmission line. In one embodiment of the invention it is a system for retaining an electrical transmission line within downhole components. The invention allows a transmission line to be attached to the internal diameter of drilling components that have a substantially uniform drilling diameter. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string, drill collars, heavy weight drill pipe, and jars. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second end of a drill pipe, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The invention allows the electrical transmission line to withstand the tension and compression of drill pipe during routine drilling cycles.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 6982384Abstract: A transmission line for downhole tools that make up all or part of a tool string for drilling and production of oil, gas, and geothermal wells that can withstand the dynamic gravitational forces and other accelerations associated with downhole excavations. The transmission line has a metal tube, or outer conductor, that houses a coaxial wire inner conductor. A non-metallic dielectric material is interposed between the inner and outer conductors. The outer and inner conductors and the dielectric are sufficiently compressed together so that independent motion between them is abated. Compression of the components of the transmission line may be achieved by drawing the transmission through one or more dies in order to draw down the outer conductor onto the dielectric, or by expanding the inner conductor against the dielectric using a mandrel or hydraulic pressure. Non-metallic bead segments may be used in aid of the compression necessary to resist the dynamic forces and accelerations of drilling.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 6968611Abstract: A coaxial cable electrical connector more specifically an internal coaxial cable connector placed within a coaxial cable and its constituent components. A coaxial cable connector is in electrical communcation with an inductive transformer and a coaxial cable. The connector is in electrical communication with the outer housing of the inductive transfonner. A generally coaxial center conductor, a portion of which could be the coil in the inductive transformer, passes through the connector, is electrically insulated from the connector, and is in electrical communication with the conductive care of the coaxial cable. A plurality of bulbous pliant tabs on the coaxial cable connector mechanically engage the inside diameter of the coaxial cable thus grounding the transformer to the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable and inductive transformer are disposed within downhole tools to transmit electrical signals between downhole tools within a drill string.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe
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Patent number: 6945802Abstract: A seal for a coaxial cable electrical connector more specifically an internal seal for a coaxial cable connector placed within a coaxial cable and its constituent components. A coaxial cable connector is in electrical communcation with an inductive transformer and a coaxial cable. The connector is in electrical communication with the outer housing of the inductive transformer. A generally coaxial center conductor, a portion of which could be the coil in the inductive transformer, passes through the connector, is electrically insulated from the connector, and is in electrical communication with the conductive core of the coaxial cable. The electrically insulating material also doubles as a seal to safegaurd against penetration of fluid, thus protecting against shorting out of the electrical connection. The seal is a multi-component seal, which is pre-compressed to a desired pressure rating.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe
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Patent number: 6929493Abstract: An electrical contact system for transmitting information across tool joints while minimizing signal reflections that occur at the tool joints includes a first electrical contact comprising an annular resilient material. An annular conductor is embedded within the annular resilient material and has a surface exposed from the annular resilient material. A second electrical contact is provided that is substantially equal to the first electrical contact. Likewise, the second electrical contact has an annular resilient material and an annular conductor. The two electrical contacts configured to contact one another such that the annular conductors of each come into physical contact. The annular resilient materials of each electrical contact each have dielectric characteristics and dimensions that are adjusted to provide desired impedance to the electrical contacts.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon
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Patent number: 6913093Abstract: A robust transmission element for transmitting information between downhole tools, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The transmission element maintains reliable connectivity between transmission elements, thereby providing an uninterrupted flow of information between drill string components. A transmission element is mounted within a recess proximate a mating surface of a downhole drilling component, such as a section of drill pipe. To close gaps present between transmission elements, transmission elements may be biased with a “spring force,” urging them closer together.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 6888473Abstract: A drill pipe having a box end having a tapered thread, and an internal shoulder and an external face for engagement with a drill pipe pin end having a tapered mating thread, and an external shoulder and an external face adapted for data acquisition or transmission. The relative dimensions of the box and pin ends are precisely controlled so that when the tool joint is made up, a repeatable reference plane is established for transmitting power and tuning downhole sensors, transducers, and means for sending and receiving data along the drill string. When the power or data acquisition and transmission means are located in the tool joint, the dimensions of the tool joint are further proportioned to compensate for the loss of cross-sectional area in order maintain the joints ability to sustain nominal makeup torque.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox, David S. Pixton, H. Tracy Hall, Jr.
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Patent number: 6830467Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for retaining an electrical transmission line. In one embodiment of the invention it is a system for retaining an electrical transmission line within down hole components. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second end of a drill pipe, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The invention allows the electrical transmission line to with stand the tension and compression of drill pipe during routine drilling cycles.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 6821147Abstract: The invention is a seal system for a coaxial cable more specifically an internal seal system placed within the coaxial cable and its constituent components. A series of seal stacks including flexible rigid rings and elastomeric rings are placed on load bearing members within the coaxial cable. The current invention is adapted to seal the annular space between the coaxial cable and an electrical contact passing there through. The coaxial cable is disposed within drilling components to transmit electrical signals between drilling components within a drill string. During oil and gas exploration, a drill string can see a range of pressures and temperatures thus resulting in multiple combinations of temperature and pressure and increasing the difficulty of creating a robust seal for all combinations. The seal system can be used in a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string, drill collars, heavy weight drill pipe, and jars.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Intelliserv, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 6799632Abstract: A liner for an annular downhole component is comprised of an expandable metal tube having indentations along its surface. The indentations are formed in the wall of the tube either by drawing the tube through a die, by hydroforming, by stamping, or roll forming and may extend axially, radially, or spirally along its wall. The indentations accommodate radial and axial expansion of the tube within the downhole component. The tube is inserted into the annular component and deformed to match an inside surface of the component. The tube may be expanded using a hydroforming process or by drawing a mandrel through the tube. The tube may be expanded in such a manner so as to place it in compression against the inside wall of the component. The tube is useful for improving component hydraulics, shielding components from contamination, inhibiting corrosion, and preventing wear to the downhole component during use. It may also be useful for positioning conduit and insulated conductors within the component.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Intelliserv, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe R. Fox