Patents Examined by Donald McElheny
  • Patent number: 7031840
    Abstract: A method to create a drilling performance assessment ratio. The ratio includes the steps of establishing a technical minimum time limit standard for each of multiple sequential steps required for a drilling operation. Actual time performance for each of the multiple steps is measured for an actual drilling operation. The actual performances are compared to the technical time limit standards in order to produce a drilling performance ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Oil & Gas Consultants International, In.
    Inventors: James Ford Brett, Edward John Behm, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7031838
    Abstract: A system and method for environmental data management. The system includes an application including a mapping module that a generates an interactive graphical mapping interface of the site, the interactive mapping interface including links to environmental data from a site and related documents, an analysis module that analyzes the environmental data, the environmental data including contaminants of potential concern (COPC) data, a risk assessment module that assesses the human health risks caused by COPCs at the site, and a remediation module that screens remedial technology for cleaning up COPCs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Integrated Environmental Services. Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Y. Young, Yeong-Hwa Shih, Sheng Quan Tan
  • Patent number: 7031842
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented seismic viewing/editing collaboration method includes performing real-time collaborative cursor tracking, copaging, picking, and image manipulation in a distributed-display-processing, peer-to-peer architecture. A parameterized, minimal set of information required to update a display is transferred directly between different clients. A group state containing events generated by different clients is enforced to be synchronized on the different clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: 3DGeo Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Iulian Musat, Ovidiu Feodorov, Dimitri Bevc, Alexander M. Popovici
  • Patent number: 7027923
    Abstract: A method for determining a sonde error in a logging tool comprising a transverse array includes obtaining a first measurement using the transverse array while the logging tool is at a first height from ground in a selected orientation; obtaining a second measurement using the transverse array while the logging tool is at a second height from the ground in the selected orientation; deriving a difference measurement from the first measurement and the second measurement; determining a background signal using the difference measurement and a predetermined function, wherein the predetermined function relates earth signals in a plurality of signals obtained at the second height to a plurality of difference signals between signals obtained at the first height and the second height at a plurality of formation conductivities; and determining the sonde error by subtracting the background signal from the second measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Barber, Hanming Wang
  • Patent number: 7027927
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining formation slowness around a borehole are provided. The Fresnel volume concept is applied for traveltime tomography. The Fresnel volume represents a sonic wave propagation path about the borehole. The application of Fresnel volume to sonic data provides for a stable inversion and makes practical 3-D tomography. Inversion is accomplished by an iterative back-projection method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Matsuoka, Takeshi Endo, Di Cao, Nicholas Banchet, Jongha Lee
  • Patent number: 7027928
    Abstract: A method for determining a parameter of interest of a formation fluid, comprises moving a tool attached to a tubular member along a borehole in a subterranean formation. The tool is used to determine a formation fluid pressure and a formation fluid temperature at predetermined locations along the borehole and calculating a formation fluid density along the borehole therefrom. A density of a reference fluid is determined along the borehole and is related to the formation fluid pressure and the formation fluid temperature. The parameter of interest of the formation fluid is determined at a predetermined location from a comparison of the corresponding formation fluid density and the reference fluid density at the predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 7027926
    Abstract: A method for estimating an azimuthal dependence of a parameter of a borehole using logging sensor measurements acquired as a function of azimuth of the logging sensors is provided. The method includes acquiring at least one logging sensor measurement and a corresponding azimuth from a downhole tool. The method further includes processing a convolution of the logging sensor measurement and corresponding azimuth with a predetermined window function to determine convolved logging sensor data for at least one azimuthal position. Certain embodiments of this invention may be advantageously utilized in LWD imaging applications to provide for superior image resolution and noise rejection as compared to prior art imaging techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Mark Haugland
  • Patent number: 7027929
    Abstract: Seismic traces of 3D surveys are interpolated using polynomials in 4D space from a less densely sampled real data set of source points S(x,y) and receiver points R(x,y). Input seismic traces should be pre-processed by normal move out (NMO) and static corrections. Input traces contributing to each single interpolated trace are chosen from a selected number of traces closest to each interpolated trace in 4D space. The methodology in accordance with the invention is designed to minimize computational load. The amplitude of an interpolated trace is modeled with a two-term Amplitude vs. Offset (AVO) formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Geo-X Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Xishuo Wang
  • Patent number: 7027925
    Abstract: A method for displaying a bottom-hole assembly together with a borehole trajectory includes displaying the borehole trajectory in a display window; and displaying the bottom-hole assembly in the display window such that the borehole trajectory and the bottom-hole assembly are in parallel and a measurement depth of the bottom-hole assembly corresponds to a measurement depth of the borehole trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Terentyev, Mathieu Will, Denis J. Heliot
  • Patent number: 7024310
    Abstract: A broadcast network for selectively transmitting individualized weather forecast signals to remote communicator devices. The broadcast network comprising a user input database, a communicator location database, a weather information database, a weather analysis unit and a communication network. The user input database contains user-defined parameters, each of the user-defined parameters includes a user profile. The user profile in each of the user-defined parameters utilizes a user identifier code and identifies a communicator device associated with a particular user. The communicator location database contains real-time data indicative of the spatial locations of the communicator devices. The weather information database contains real-time weather forecast data or weather data for the spatial locations contained in the communicator location database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: WeatherBank, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Root, Michael R. Root
  • Patent number: 7020557
    Abstract: A wireline well-logging data acquisition system and method for establishing corrected depth based on pressure readings from two pressure sensors separated by a known distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kim Reniska
  • Patent number: 7020558
    Abstract: A Method of measuring local similarities between seismic trace cubes (3D survey) obtained from a volume of an underground zone, corresponding to prestack data or to repeated seismic surveys (4D survey). For each point of the volume considered, the method comprises a) extracting, from each seismic trace cube, a volume neighborhood centered on a point, referred to as current point, and consisting of a set of seismic traces in limited number; b) applying an analysis technique referred to as (GPCA) allowing defining synthetic variables; and c) determining a coherence value from the synthetic extracted variables measuring the local similarity between the seismic trace cubes extracted from the volume neighborhood of the current point. The coherence value thus calculated is assigned to the current point. The coherence values of all of the current points form a coherence cube. An application is finer monitoring of the evolution with time of a reservoir under development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Olivier Voutay, Frédérique Fournier, Jean-Jacques Royer
  • Patent number: 7016784
    Abstract: A method of generating short-, medium-range and seasonal-timescale weather or climate forecasts by running an ensemble of computer models on a distributed computing system or network. Individual model integrations are interrogated to select those that most closely ressemble observed conditions in the present and recent past and the forecast based on a weighted average of future predictions based on this subset of the ensemble. The selection criteria determining which models are deemed to fit the observations most closely may be adjusted to optimize the use of observations in forecasting specific climate variables or geographic regions in order to develop forcasts tailored to particular applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Isis Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Myles Robert Allen, Matthew Collins, David Alan Stainforth
  • Patent number: 7016785
    Abstract: A mobile radio-frequency enabled device that provides a reliable and inexpensive lightning alerting of a user. The device comprises an electromagnetic interferences detection component detecting electromagnetic interferences in radio-frequency signals received by the mobile radio-frequency enabled device for a communication link. The device further comprises a processing component to determine whether a lightning stroke can be assumed to have occurred in the vicinity of the device due to an electromagnetic interference detected by the electromagnetic interferences detection component, and to cause a notification of a user about an assumed lightning stroke via a user interface. The invention relates equally to a system which comprises such a device and a network element of a communication network, to a corresponding method and to a corresponding software program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jakke Mäkelä, Terho Kaikuranta, Pekka Naula
  • Patent number: 7013218
    Abstract: A method of managing a repeated surface comprising seismic data as one surface is disclosed where a plurality of horizons is analyzed and a determination made as to which of the plurality of horizons comprise a repeated surface. Those horizons which comprise the repeated surface may then be logically connected into a logically connected horizons data set which may then be assigned a common identifier and which may further respond similarly to a single event, e.g. a user action. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siesmic Micro-Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allison Baker, III, Clifford Kelley, Rocky Roden, William Vance
  • Patent number: 7010429
    Abstract: A system and method of correcting skin effect of conductivity measurements made by electromagnetic induction well logging instruments. A limited number of measurements using different frequencies may be used. The skin effect correction system and method is capable of processing a complex signal waveform but only requires the in-phase signal measurements which are then corrected for the skin effect value and the geometric factors of the apparent conductivity measurements, thus making the corrected measurements suitable for advanced processing with modern array-type induction logging tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jiaqi Xiao
  • Patent number: 7006919
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous real-time measurement of bulk material using gamma irradiation and neutron irradiation. A DGA device monitors bulk material flow and produces a spectrum that is compared to a baseline spectrum to produce a relative weight/impurity ratio. A PGNAA device monitors the same bulk material flow and produces a spectrum that is compared to a library of spectrums to produce a relative component ratio. The relative component ratio is processed with the relative weight/impurity ratio to produce an absolute weight and impurity value, which is then processed with the relative component ratio to produce absolute component, or analyte, values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Osucha, David K. Swindell
  • Patent number: 7006920
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to incrementing a well service rig in such a manner that activity-based and/or time-based data for the well site is recorded. The acquired data can be transmitted via wired, wireless, satellite or physical to a data center preferably controlled by the work-over rig owner, but alternately controlled by the well owner or another. The data can thereafter be used to provide the customer a detailed invoice or a searchable, secure web-based database. With such information, the customer can schedule other services at the well site. Further, the customer will have access to detailed data on the actual service performed. The present invention fosters a synergistic relationship among the customer and the service companies that promotes a safe environment by monitoring crew work activities and equipment speeds; improving productivity; reducing operation expenses through improved job processes; and better data management and reduced operational failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic M. Newman, Paul Herring
  • Patent number: 7006923
    Abstract: A distributed biohazard surveillance system including a plurality of robust miniaturized remote monitoring stations for the detection, localized analysis and reporting of a broad range of biohazards. The remote monitoring station may be adapted to identify many different biological particles and is not limited to particular predetermined biohazard profiles. It is centrally and dynamically reconfigurable and can be adapted to operate unattended in a remote location. The distributed system may be used to locate and report unsuspected sources of biohazards and to monitor the localized effects in real-time cooperation with a centralized data processing facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Stuart H. Rubin
  • Patent number: 7003400
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of combining various types of data and software in order to arrive at a composite graphical representation of a construction site, including surface and subsurface features. A 2-D or 3-D graph of subsurface contoured surfaces is created. A 3-D wire-frame model of surface and subsurface features is created. Aerial photographs of the site can be incorporated and the aerial photographs contoured surfaces and wire-frame model are to produce a complete Visual Reduction Modeling Language (VRML) model of both surface and subsurface features. The VRML model allows the user to identify and visualize a relationship between sub-surface features and above ground features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bryant Consultants, Inc.
    Inventor: John Bryant