Patents Examined by Ian J. Lobo
  • Molded snap-in plug and device and method for using same
    Patent number: 10557953
    Abstract: A harness plug and methods of use. Example devices include an arcuate portion and a lateral portion disposed at an outer periphery of the arcuate portion. The arcuate portion is configured to engage with arcuate portion of a hole within a spacer. A method of using the harness plug includes molding a harness plug about a portion of a cable bundle and inserting the cable bundle into an arcuate portion of a hole in the spacer through a lateral portion of the first hole. The harness plug is pressed into the arcuate portion of a hole in the spacer. A streamer spacer for use with the harness plug includes a hole having a portion having an arcuate shape and a second portion lateral to and abutting the arcuate portion and extending to a periphery of an elongate body of the streamer spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Geir Andre Motzfeldt Drange, Bengt Finnøen
  • Evaluation of physical properties of a material behind a casing utilizing guided acoustic waves
    Patent number: 10557959
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining physical properties of a material in contact with an external surface of a casing disposed in a borehole including inducing, with a transducer, a first shear horizontal (SH) wave in the casing at a first SH order, measuring, with a sensor disposed on the casing, an attenuation of the first SH wave to generate a first measurement, inducing a second SH wave in the casing at a second SH order that is different from the first SH order, measuring an attenuation of the second SH wave to generate a second measurement, and extracting a physical properties of the material in contact with the external surface of the casing from the first and second measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Paweł Jerzy Matuszyk, Douglas J. Patterson
  • Acoustic signal attenuator for LWD/MWD logging systems
    Patent number: 10545255
    Abstract: One example of an acoustic signal attenuator for LWD/MWD logging systems can be implemented as an acoustic well logging tool positionable in a wellbore. The tool includes a longitudinal tool body. An acoustic signal transmitter and an acoustic signal receiver are mounted in the tool body and spaced longitudinally apart from each other. An acoustic signal attenuator which includes multiple slots formed in an outer surface of a portion of the tool body is positioned between the transmitter and the receiver. Each slot includes multiple protrusions extending from an inner surface of the slot into the slot. In operation, the multiple protrusions in each slot operate to attenuate an acoustic signal propagating from the transmitter to the receiver through the tool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Minh Dang Nguyen
  • Determining a quantitative bond using signal attenuation
    Patent number: 10539698
    Abstract: A technique facilitates determination of a quantitative bond between a pipe and adjacent materials, e.g. between a wellbore casing and adjacent cement. The quantitative bond is established via acoustic measurements related to signal attenuation. Additionally, the acoustic measurements may be conducted with a sonic tool during a wellbore operation, e.g. during a drilling operation. The methodology enables use of signal attenuation in a manner which facilitates determination of bond index coverage up to a high percentage, e.g. 100 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vivian Pistre, Toshihiro Kinoshita
  • Fuel pump module for measuring height of fuel using ultrasonic wave
    Patent number: 10533888
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel pump module for measuring a height of fuel using an ultrasonic wave, and more particularly, a fuel pump module for measuring a height of fuel using an ultrasonic wave, where an ultrasonic wave sensor for measuring the height of the fuel contained in a fuel tank is integrally installed in the fuel pump module provided in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: COAVIS
    Inventors: Jong Hyuk Yoon, Se Jin Kim, In Gon Kim
  • Method and apparatus for determining rotor position in a fluid pressure pulse generator
    Patent number: 10533413
    Abstract: A method for determining a rotational position of a rotor in a fluid pressure pulse generator of a downhole telemetry tool comprises: for at least one rotational position of the rotor, determining an expected pressure of a drilling fluid at the fluid pressure pulse generator that corresponds to the at least one rotational position; forming a rotor position map of rotor rotational positions and corresponding expected drilling fluid pressures from the at least one rotational position of the rotor and the corresponding determined expected pressure; measuring a pressure of the drilling fluid at the fluid pressure pulse generator, and determining the rotational position of the rotor at the measured pressure by associating the measured pressure to an expected pressure and corresponding rotor rotational position in the rotor position map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Justin C. Logan, Aaron W. Logan
  • Method and system for adjusting seismic source pilot and drive signals using measured data
    Patent number: 10520640
    Abstract: Computing device, software and method for calibrating pilot and drive signals of a marine seismic source array using measured data. The method includes receiving a source array geometry and a model of the source array; estimating an initial overall response of the source array based on numerical simulations, the model of the source array, and the source array geometry; generating the pilot and drive signals for the source array based on the initial overall response; determining individual responses of the source elements, which form the source array, based on the source array geometry, the model of the source array, and first measured data; calculating an actual overall response of the source array based on the pilot and drive signals, the model of the source array and second measured data; and adjusting the pilot and drive signals based on the actual overall response of the source array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventors: Benoit Teyssandier, John James Sallas
  • Traveling ocean bottom seismic survey
    Patent number: 10502852
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system for acquiring a marine seismic survey are described. One method may include depositing on a seafloor a line of cable sections extending in a first direction. The line of cable sections may have a first end and a second end and may include a plurality of seismic wavefield receivers. The method may also include moving the line of cable sections by collecting cable sections from the second end of the line and depositing cable sections at the first end of the line so that the line of cable sections travels in the first direction. At least one source vessel may be used to provide acoustical waveforms while the line of cable sections is moving. The acoustical waveforms may be received by the plurality of seismic wavefield receivers in the line of cable sections so as to enable generation of a seismic survey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ION Geophysical Corporation
    Inventors: Giles Frances Tanfield Watts, Peter Graham Stewart
  • Individual actuation within a source subarray
    Patent number: 10495770
    Abstract: Source element of a source subarray can be individually actuated according to an actuation sequence. The actuation sequence can be at least partially based on a relative position of each of the source elements within a particular geometry of the source subarray with respect to a previously actuated source element and a towing velocity of the source subarray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Jostein Lima, Tilman Kluver, Stian Hegna
  • Multimode seismic survey system
    Patent number: 10495767
    Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
  • Multilayer backing absorber for ultrasonic transducer
    Patent number: 10486197
    Abstract: A multilayer backing absorber for use with an ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of absorber elements, each absorber element having at least one metal layer and at least one adhesive layer, wherein the backing absorber is adapted to be coupled to a vibrating layer of the ultrasonic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Measurement Specialites Inc.
    Inventors: Minoru Toda, Mitchell L. Thompson
  • Seismic surveys with optical communication links
    Patent number: 10488537
    Abstract: Systems and methods of performing a seismic survey are provided. The system includes a seismic data acquisition unit having a transmitter window disposed in a first aperture of a lid, and having a receiver window disposed in a second aperture of the lid. A first gasket is positioned between the transmitter window and the first aperture to provide a clearance greater than a threshold to allow the transmitter window to deform. A second gasket is positioned between the receiver window and the second aperture to provide a clearance greater than the threshold to allow the receiver window to deform. At least one of the transmitter window and the receiver window of the seismic data acquisition unit are configured to pass at least one of optical and electromagnetic communications to or from an extraction vehicle via at least one of a transmitter window and a receiver window of the extraction vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: MAGSEIS FF LLC
    Inventors: Michael Morris, William Guyton, Matthew Stubbe, Chris Nikirk
  • Signal processing method of raw data obtained by using chirp sub-bottom profiler and readable storage medium storing the method
    Patent number: 10488514
    Abstract: Provided is method of signal processing of raw data obtained using a chirp sub-bottom profiler. The method includes transmitting a chirplet (minimum frequency: initial first frequency, maximum frequency: initial second frequency, pulse length: initial pulse length) to survey target strata using a chirp sub-bottom profiler and acquiring raw data reflected and received from a target object, correcting the raw data, generating a comparison chirplet using a sub-bottom reflection signal of the raw data, cross-correlating the corrected raw data with the comparison chirplet to generate a first Klauder wavelet section, auto-correlating the comparison chirplet to generate a second Klauder wavelet, and deriving a physical property of the survey target strata by deconvoluting the first Klauder wavelet section and the second Klauder wavelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Chan Ho Park, Won Sik Kim
  • Ocean bottom system
    Patent number: 10473806
    Abstract: A seismic data collection system is disclosed. The system may include at least a first housing and a second housing. The first housing may be configured to detachably couple to the second housing. The system mays also include various components such as one or more seismic sensors, a clock, or memory. Each of the components may be arranged in one of the first housing or second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: ION Geophysical Corporation
    Inventors: Dale J. Lambert, André W. Olivier
  • Apparatus and method for calculating efficient 3D traveltime by using coarse-grid mesh for shallow depth source
    Patent number: 10451756
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for calculating efficient 3-dimensional (3D) traveltime by using coarse-grid mesh for a shallow depth source. More particularly, the present invention relates to an efficient 3D traveltime calculation method for a shallow depth source by combining a suppressed wave equation estimation of traveltime (SWEET) algorithm and an equivalent source distribution (ESD) algorithm, wherein the SWEET algorithm is a traveltime calculation algorithm using an damped wave equation and the ESD algorithm is for equivalently distributed sources; and to an apparatus and method for calculating efficient 3D traveltime by using coarse-grid mesh for a shallow depth source which may need less calculation time compared with that of a conventional SWEET algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Woohyun Son, Sukjoon Pyun, Ho-Young Lee, Nam-Hyung Koo, Changsoo Shin
  • Methods and systems for non-destructive estimation of a length of a member
    Patent number: 10451399
    Abstract: An example non-destructive method for estimating a length of a member, which may be embedded, is described herein. The method can include impacting the member, recording a respective signal at each of a plurality of sensors attached to the member, and transforming the respective signals into a frequency domain. The respective signals can include dispersive waves generated by the impact. The method can also include determining an effective wavenumber of dispersive wave propagation based on the respective frequency-domain signals, determining theoretical wavenumber of dispersive wave propagation using a dispersion relation for the member, and estimating the length of the member based on the relationship between the effective wavenumber of dispersive wave propagation and theoretical wavenumber of dispersive wave propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Murthy N. Guddati, Vivek Samu
  • Gauge length optimization in distributed vibration sensing
    Patent number: 10451475
    Abstract: A technique facilitates the use and application of a distributed vibration sensing system in, for example, a well application. The technique enables selection of a desired gauge length to achieve an optimum trade-off between the spatial resolution of a distributed vibration sensing/distributed acoustic sensing system and signal-to-noise ratio. The optimum gauge length can vary according to specific factors, e.g. depth within a well, and the present technique can be used to account for such factors in selecting an optimal gauge length which facilitates accurate collection of data on dynamic strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Dean, Theo Cuny, Arthur Hartog
  • Downhole fiber optic hydrophone
    Patent number: 10444063
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for acoustic detection in a borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Sebastian Jung, Gunnar Tackmann, Andreas Herbel, Thomas Kruspe
  • Method and apparatus for receiver-side deghosting of seismic data
    Patent number: 10436923
    Abstract: Apparatus, computer instructions and method for combining first and second records to form a substantially deghosted seismic record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventor: Bjorn Eino Rommel
  • Advanced noise reduction in acoustic well logging
    Patent number: 10429531
    Abstract: A method and product for reducing or eliminating noise in waveforms for the purpose of improving the subsequent acoustic log processing products. The present disclosure identifies the noise signature and removes the noise signature from the formation signal through a process of deconvolution. This product and method is particularly effective where the noise signal overlaps in the time domain and in the frequency domain with the formation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Shreya Biswas Ley