Patents Examined by Franklin Balseca
  • Patent number: 9778389
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to transmit and receive data. Transmission may comprise transforming larger values of acquired data into smaller values of transformed data using a transform defined by a seed value selected to reduce digital pulse position modulation transmission time for the acquired data. Additional activities include digital pulse position modulating the transformed data and a checksum associated with the transformed data to provide a propagation signal, and transmitting the propagation signal into drilling fluid or a geological formation. Reception may comprise receiving the propagation signal, demodulating the propagation signal to extract the transformed data and the checksum, and transforming the transformed data into an estimate of the acquired data, using the transform defined by the seed value validated by the checksum. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Victor James Stolpman
  • Patent number: 9771793
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wellbore-lining tubing comprising at least one window pre-formed in the wall of the tubing and a device for selectively generating a fluid pressure pulse, and to a method of forming a lateral wellbore employing such a tubing. In an embodiment, a wellbore-lining tubing (130m) is disclosed which comprises: a tubing wall (32m), an internal fluid flow passage (30m), and at least one window (154m) pre-formed in the wall of the tubing; a device (34m) for selectively generating a fluid pressure pulse, the device located at least partly in a space (36m) provided in the wall of the tubing; and a coupling (190) for receiving a deflection tool (192) so that the deflection tool can be secured to the tubing and employed to divert a downhole component (202) through the window in the tubing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Manufacturing and Services Limited
    Inventors: Simon Benedict Fraser, William Brown-Kerr, Bruce Hermann Forsyth McGarian
  • Patent number: 9762673
    Abstract: A health-monitoring system and method are disclosed. The health-monitoring system and method comprise a sensory system and a sensory to front-end communication (SFCM) protocol coupled to the sensory system. The health-monitoring system and method include a front-end system coupled to the sensory system and a front-end to back-end communication (FBCM) protocol coupled to the front-end system. The health-monitoring system and method include a back-end system. The SFCM protocol communicates with the front-end system using a first state awareness link and the FBCM protocol communicates with the back-end system using a second state awareness link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Vital Connect, Inc.
    Inventor: Saeed Azimi
  • Patent number: 9740821
    Abstract: A method includes sending from a first medical device to a second medical device a request for data using a communication protocol that includes messages for conveying medical measurement results. In response to the request, at least one message is produced in the second medical device that includes the requested data and a dummy payload instead of the medical measurement results, and the at least one message is sent from the second medical device to the first medical device using the communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliahu Zino, Matityahu Amit, Gil Zigelman
  • Patent number: 9730620
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for remote monitoring. In some example implementations, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at a remote monitor, a notification message representative of an event detected, by a server, from analyte sensor data obtained from a receiver monitoring an analyte state of a host; presenting, at the remote monitor, the notification message to activate the remote monitor, wherein the remote monitor is configured by the server to receive the notification message to augment the receiver monitoring of the analyte state of the host; accessing, by the remote monitor, the server, in response to the presenting of the notification message; and receiving, in response to the accessing, information including at least the analyte sensor data. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Cohen, Brian Christopher Smith, Michael Robert Mensinger, Rian Draeger, Katherine Yerre Koehler, Leif N. Bowman, David Price, Shawn Larvenz, Eli Reihman
  • Patent number: 9730621
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for remote monitoring. In some example implementations, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at a remote monitor, a notification message representative of an event detected, by a server, from analyte sensor data obtained from a receiver monitoring an analyte state of a host; presenting, at the remote monitor, the notification message to activate the remote monitor, wherein the remote monitor is configured by the server to receive the notification message to augment the receiver monitoring of the analyte state of the host; accessing, by the remote monitor, the server, in response to the presenting of the notification message; and receiving, in response to the accessing, information including at least the analyte sensor data. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Cohen, Brian Christopher Smith, Michael Robert Mensinger, Rian Draeger, Katherine Yerre Koehler, Leif N. Bowman, David Price, Shawn Larvenz, Eli Reihman
  • Patent number: 9726008
    Abstract: The method of maintaining drill bit advancement in an underground formation that contains shale, including providing an electrical signal from an insulated gap location in a drill string substantially directly behind the bit in the formation, detecting substantial change in a signal as the bit advances, and changing the direction of drilling of the bit as a function of a signal change, to thereby maintain the direction of bit advancement in the formation. A method is disclosed for detecting the existence and direction of adjacent bed boundaries. A short hop transmitter assembly generates a signal that is detected by an associated receiver assembly. The received signal(s) are tied to the azimuthal orientation of the transmitter or receiver and processed to yield the direction and/or the distance of the bed boundary. This information is transmitted to the surface via surface telemetry for real-time control of the drilling assembly to stay within, or to enter, a pay zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Scientific Drilling International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. White, Asong E. Suh, Stephan Graf
  • Patent number: 9711038
    Abstract: A wireless sensor network including a number of wireless modules for monitoring sensors associated with stationary assets. A wireless module includes a wireless transceiver, a processor, a location acquisition unit, configured to acquire a location item identifying a location of the wireless module, and a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: E. Strode Pennebaker, III
  • Patent number: 9679470
    Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a new remote controlled device is disclosed. A digital image of the new device is generated and sent to a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) server, along with MCDN account information. The digital image may be used to identify the new device. Programming codes may be retrieved and sent to client premises equipment (CPE) at an MCDN client identified by the MCDN account information. The CPE may be instructed to reprogram the URC to control the new device using the programming codes. The digital image may be sent to the server using wireless telephony service provided by the MCDN service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Pratt, Marc Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9644992
    Abstract: A delivery server includes: a reception unit of receiving meter indication data of an existing gas meter and meter indication data of a new gas meter from a mobile terminal; a modification unit causing the new gas meter to be managed as a gas meter to be managed that is installed in a supply facility; and a meter reading processing unit performing a gas meter reading processing for the supply facility, when meter indication data of the new gas meter on a current meter indication date from the mobile terminal after gas meter replacement, on the basis of the received meter indication data, respective meter indication data of the new gas meter and the existing gas meter in the gas meter replacement, and meter indication data of the existing gas meter in the supply facility on a previous meter indication date of earlier than the gas meter replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Nippon Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Wada, Shingo Dekamo
  • Patent number: 9638030
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a method comprising receiving an acoustic signal that is propagated along a drill string. The method also includes correlating the acoustic signal to a first stored acoustic signal representing a first symbol, wherein the first stored acoustic signal is acquired from a propagation along the drill string in an approximately noise free environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, Wallace R. Gardner, Donald G. Kyle
  • Patent number: 9624724
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate control the operation of a fluid pulse source using drilling fluid to excite vibrations in a shock sub, increasing the axial vibration in a drill string to reduce static friction between the drill string and a formation surrounding the drill string. The vibrations are excited at a fundamental frequency that is outside of the operational communications frequency range of an associated acoustic telemetry communications system. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Rodney
  • Patent number: 9585563
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for remote monitoring. In some example implementations, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at a remote monitor, a notification message representative of an event detected, by a server, from analyte sensor data obtained from a receiver monitoring an analyte state of a host; presenting, at the remote monitor, the notification message to activate the remote monitor, wherein the remote monitor is configured by the server to receive the notification message to augment the receiver monitoring of the analyte state of the host; accessing, by the remote monitor, the server, in response to the presenting of the notification message; and receiving, in response to the accessing, information including at least the analyte sensor data. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Mensinger, Eric Cohen, Phil Mayou, Eli Reihman, Katherine Yerre Koehler, Rian Draeger, Angela Marie Traven
  • Patent number: 9510066
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and related methodologies for transmitting data related to utility conditions between monitoring locations and a central and/or data collection facility using a meter reading system. Collection of both corrected and uncorrected data from meters is achieved to thereby provide backup data in case of corrector failure. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides for the collection of telemetry data and alarms from correctors and recorders over a meter reading system. Two-way communications over a meter reading system is also provided to permit data transmission to selected endpoint devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ITRON, INC.
    Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, James P. Ogle
  • Patent number: 9458712
    Abstract: A stacked-ring, slow-wave acoustic telemetry isolation system and method for use with tubular assemblies such as drillpipe or production tubing comprising an acoustic wave transmitter, the acoustic isolator behaving such that a “down” wave propagated toward the isolator is reflected back substantially in phase with an “up” wave propagated from the acoustic wave source away from the isolator. The acoustic isolator is similarly effective in reflecting “up” propagating waves originating from below the isolator, hence further protecting the acoustic wave source from possible deleterious interference. It causes substantially all of the emitted wave energy to travel in a chosen direction along the drill pipe, thus aiding the efficiency of acoustic telemetry said pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: XACT Downhole Telemetry, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Camwell, David D. Whalen, Douglas S. Drumheller
  • Patent number: 9453409
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for communicating in a borehole. In one example, the method includes receiving a baseband signal transmitted through a drill string using a plurality of elastic waves, where a spectrum of the baseband signal is duplicated after transmission due to oversampling. At least one passband is selected in order to recover the baseband signal from the duplicated spectrum. The baseband signal is decoded to recover a bit stream contained within the baseband signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Liyu Xu
  • Patent number: 9445216
    Abstract: In a wireless sensor actuator network system, actuators to be actuated to correspond to a plurality of sensors are selected using an A-S matrix that represents relationship strength between a plurality of actuators and the plurality of sensors based on sensing data of the plurality of sensors, and only the selected actuators determine actuation values based on values of the A-S matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Hyunhak Kim, Jong-Arm Jun, Nae-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9416592
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a tool body, stator, and rotor. The tool body is aligned along a tool centerline and includes an aperture therethrough operable to pass a fluid to an exterior of the body. The stator is fixed relative to the tool body and includes a fluid flow restriction operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the stator to the exterior of the body at an adjustable flow rate. The rotor is disposed within the tool body and rotatable relative to the stator and includes an exhaust port selectively aligned with at least one aperture through the tool body by rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The exhaust port is operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the rotor to the exterior of the body when aligned with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Sitka
  • Patent number: 9358425
    Abstract: A motion detection system (100) comprises a sensor (106) arranged to detect a movement pattern of a movement occasioned by a user, and a control device (108) arranged to receive movement data representative of the detected movement pattern. The control device (108) is further arranged to compare the detected movement pattern data with movement pattern data representative of a predetermined movement pattern and to determine a coherence parameter representative of the coherence between the detected and the predetermined movement pattern. The control device (108) controls a feedback device (110) for providing feedback to the user on the basis of the determined coherence parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Lucas Jacobus Franciscus Geurts, Johan Partomo Djajadiningrat
  • Patent number: 9313560
    Abstract: A telemetry data acquisition management system includes a system processor and an interface engine, controlled by the system processor, for interfacing with sensor bearing systems, to receive telemetry data from the sensor bearing systems, and distribute the data to a plurality data processing systems or applications operational for processing telemetry data according to each sensor bearing systems' protocol. The system processor enables the plurality of multiple data processing systems or applications to specify telemetry requests including “fuzzy” timeliness protocol, generates a charging structure such that the sensor bearing systems are charge by usage commensurate with system load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ju Hee Bae, Young Ju Tak, Christopher Hugh Howson, Jonathan Munson, Won Il Lee