Patents by Inventor Alvin B. Miller

Alvin B. Miller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Hydrophone for use in a downhole tool
    Patent number: 6594199
    Abstract: A pressure pulse sensor and associated methods provide enhanced functionality and convenience in detecting pressure pulses. In a described embodiment, a hydrophone includes a stack of disc-shaped lead titanate piezoelectric crystals enclosed within an epoxy membrane and a mounting portion which is aligned with a center of mass of the crystal stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Birchak, Alvin B. Miller, John W. Harrell
  • Hydrophone for use in a downhole tool
    Publication number: 20020136090
    Abstract: A pressure pulse sensor and associated methods provide enhanced functionality and convenience in detecting pressure pulses. In a described embodiment, a hydrophone includes a stack of disc-shaped lead titanate piezoelectric crystals enclosed within an epoxy membrane and a mounting portion which is aligned with a center of mass of the crystal stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Birchak, Alvin B. Miller, John W. Harrell
  • Hydrophone for use in a downhole tool
    Patent number: 6438070
    Abstract: A pressure pulse sensor and associated methods provide enhanced functionality and convenience in detecting pressure pulses. In a described embodiment, a hydrophone includes a stack of disc-shaped lead titanate piezoelectric crystals enclosed within an epoxy membrane and a mounting portion which is aligned with a center of mass of the crystal stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Birchak, Alvin B. Miller, John W. Harrell
  • High resolution focused ultrasonic transducer, for LWD method of making and using same
    Patent number: 6310426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to transducer packages which utilize lenses made of unpoled piezoelectric material or machined metal coupled to an impedance matched backing. The new transducer packages have minimal reverberation which allow for nearer standoff measurements, improved bond measurements, the ability to detect of thinner cement layers behind casing, and provide for better estimations of formation surface texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Birchak, Alvin B. Miller, James W. Stroud
  • Method and apparatus for measuring tilt and relative bearing
    Patent number: 4385449
    Abstract: An improved inclinometer and method for simultaneously measuring tilt and relative bearing in remote hostile environments such as oil and gas wells involving a pair of pendulum masses attached to perpendicularly intersecting shafts and individually capable of creating rotational motion through angles characteristic of tilt and relative bearing wherein, by use of a differential gearing system, the rotational motion induced by tilt and rotational motion induced by relative bearing are summed as a single rotational motion parallel to the axis of rotation of the relative bearing induced rotation and collinear to the well bore such that potentiometers responsive to relative bearing and the sum of tilt and relative bearing generate electrical signals that can both be transmitted to the surface without the use of troublesome slipring electrical contacts or the like. In this manner the reliability and durability of instrument is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Assignee: Gearhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alvin B. Miller