Patents by Inventor Andrew S. Kuczma
Andrew S. Kuczma 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).
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Patent number: 9841315Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Edward M. Dowd, David LaBella, Mark Baker, Andrew S. Kuczma, Francis X. Bostick, III
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Publication number: 20160116331Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Domino TAVERNER, John J. GRUNBECK, James R. DUNPHY, Edward M. DOWD, David ABELLA, Mark BAKER, Andrew S. KUCZMA, Francis X. BOSTICK, III
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Patent number: 9255836Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Edward M. Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Francis X. Bostick, III, David Labella, Mark Baker
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Patent number: 8769995Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a multicore large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, two or more inner cores, a cladding surrounding the two or more inner cores, and one or more side holes for reducing the bulk modulus of compressibility and maintaining the anti-buckling strength of the large diameter optical waveguide. The method features the steps of: assembling a preform for drawing a multicore large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, by providing an outer tube having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters and arranging two or more preform elements in relation to the outer tube; heating the preform; and drawing the large diameter optical waveguide from the heated preform. In one embodiment, the method also includes the step of arranging at least one inner tube inside the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Edward M. Dowd, Joseph J. Baraglia, Andrew S. Kuczma, Brian J. Pike, Thomas W. Engel, Martin A. Putnam
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Publication number: 20120111104Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Edward M. Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Francis X. Bostick, III, David Labella, Mark Baker
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Patent number: 7907807Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for birefringent waveguides suitable for optical systems exhibiting polarization dependence such as interferometer sensors including Sagnac interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOG). The waveguides, for some embodiments, may offer single polarization performance over lengths of about a kilometer or more due to polarization dependent attenuation. According to some embodiments, the waveguides incorporate a pure silica core for resistance to radiation-induced attenuation (RIA).Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Sanders, Edward M. Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Trevor W. MacDougall, Brian J. Pike
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Patent number: 7697144Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the thermal induced errors in an IFOG system. The apparatus including a highly thermally conductive material configured to encapsulate a waveguide of an interferometric fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG). The highly thermally conductive material more evenly distributes thermal changes encountered by a sensing coil of the IFOG thereby substantially reducing errors in the IFOG system.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Sanders, Andrew S. Kuczma
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Publication number: 20090310925Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for birefringent waveguides suitable for optical systems exhibiting polarization dependence such as interferometer sensors including Sagnac interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOG). The waveguides, for some embodiments, may offer single polarization performance over lengths of about a kilometer or more due to polarization dependent attenuation. According to some embodiments, the waveguides incorporate a pure silica core for resistance to radiation-induced attenuation (RIA).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventors: PAUL E. SANDERS, Edward M. Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Trevor W. MacDougall, Brian J. Pike
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Publication number: 20090079989Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the thermal induced errors in an IFOG system. The apparatus including a highly thermally conductive material configured to encapsulate a waveguide of an interferometric fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG). The highly thermally conductive material more evenly distributes thermal changes encountered by a sensing coil of the IFOG thereby substantially reducing errors in the IFOG system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: PAUL E. SANDERS, ANDREW S. KUCZMA
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Patent number: 7437044Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for birefringent waveguides suitable for optical systems exhibiting polarization dependence such as interferometer sensors including Sagnac interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOG). The waveguides, for some embodiments, may offer single polarization performance over lengths of about a kilometer or more due to polarization dependent attenuation. According to some embodiments, the waveguides incorporate a pure silica core for resistance to radiation-induced attenuation (RIA).Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Sanders, Edward M. Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Trevor W. MacDougall, Brian J. Pike
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Publication number: 20080151254Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for birefringent waveguides suitable for optical systems exhibiting polarization dependence such as interferometer sensors including Sagnac interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOG). The waveguides, for some embodiments, may offer single polarization performance over lengths of about a kilometer or more due to polarization dependent attenuation. According to some embodiments, the waveguides incorporate a pure silica core for resistance to radiation-induced attenuation (RIA).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Paul E. Sanders, Edward M. Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Trevor W. MacDougall, Brian J. Pike
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Patent number: 7080529Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a multicore large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, two or more inner cores, a cladding surrounding the two or more inner cores, and one or more side holes for reducing the bulk modulus of compressibility and maintaining the anti-buckling strength of the large diameter optical waveguide. The method features the steps of: assembling a preform for drawing a multicore large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, by providing an outer tube having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters and arranging two or more preform elements in relation to the outer tube; heating the preform; and drawing the large diameter optical waveguide from the heated preform. In one embodiment, the method also includes the step of arranging at least one inner tube inside the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Edward M. Dowd, Joseph J. Baraglia, Andrew S. Kuczma, Brian J. Pike, Thomas W. Engel, Martin A. Putnam
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Patent number: 7082239Abstract: The present invention generally provides a hydrogen gettering agent containing a fullerene compound, a protected optical fiber cable containing the hydrogen gettering agent and a method of making the same. According to some embodiments, the protected optical fiber cable is provided comprising a protective sheath, at least one optical fiber positioned within the protective sheath, and the hydrogen gettering agent surrounding the at least one optical fiber within the protective sheath.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Andrew S. Kuczma, Robert Buxbaum
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Publication number: 20040258371Abstract: The present invention generally provides a hydrogen gettering agent containing a fullerene compound, a protected optical fiber cable containing the hydrogen gettering agent and a method of making the same. According to some embodiments, the protected optical fiber cable is provided comprising a protective sheath, at least one optical fiber positioned within the protective sheath, and the hydrogen gettering agent surrounding the at least one optical fiber within the protective sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Andrew S. Kuczma, Robert Buxbaum
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Publication number: 20040163420Abstract: Methods for making a preform for a large diameter optical waveguide such as a cane waveguide are disclosed. The method includes inserting a preform into a glass tube to serve as cladding that provides a thickened preform, simultaneously fusing and stretching the thickened preform, sectioning the stretched and still thickened preform and repeating the procedure if necessary to provide an even further thickened preform. The drawing apparatus can be configured to work with the preform disposed either horizontally or vertically and usually includes a graphite resistance furnace. Typically, the drawing apparatus is an upper portion of a draw tower used for drawing an optical fiber from an optical fiber preform. The draw tower includes a tractor pulling mechanism that can adjust to grip a wide range of diameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Edward Michael Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Brian John Pike
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Publication number: 20040050111Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a multicore large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, two or more inner cores, a cladding surrounding the two or more inner cores, and one or more side holes for reducing the bulk modulus of compressibility and maintaining the anti-buckling strength of the large diameter optical waveguide. The method features the steps of: assembling a preform for drawing a multicore large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, by providing an outer tube having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters and arranging two or more preform elements in relation to the outer tube; heating the preform; and drawing the large diameter optical waveguide from the heated preform. In one embodiment, the method also includes the step of arranging at least one inner tube inside the outer tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Applicant: CiDRA CorporationInventors: Edward M. Dowd, Joseph J. Baraglia, Andrew S. Kuczma, Brian J. Pike, Thomas W. Engel, Martin A. Putnam
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Patent number: 5239026Abstract: The present invention provides a curable coating composition comprising at least one fluorinated monoacrylate monomer, at least one polyethylenically unsaturated fluorinated crosslinking monomer different from the acrylate monomer, and at least one adhesion promoting monomer different from any other monomer in the composition of matter, which preferably is a fluorinated acrylamide silane. Optionally, fluorinated acrylamide silane monomers, non-fluorinated mono- or polyethylenically unsaturated monomers, or non-fluorinated silane adhesion promoting monomers may be added.The free radical polymerization product of the aforementioned coating composition provides a novel cladding material for optical fibers. The optical fibers of the invention can be used as waveguides in communications and laser delivery systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1991Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Stefan A. Babirad, Andrew S. Kuczma, Patricia M. Savu
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Patent number: 4852969Abstract: The present invention provides novel silyl 2-amidoacetates and silyl 3-amidopropionates which are the reaction products of azlactone and silanol reactants. The novel products result from nucleophilic addition of a soluble or insoluble, low or high molecular weight reactant containing one or more silanol groups and a soluble or insoluble, low or high molecular weight reactant containing one or more azlactone groups. The reaction products provide for high adhesion between the siliceous and azlactone reactants, as would be useful as protective coatings particularly on silicon-containing materials. It has been recognized in the present invention that silyl 2-amidoacetates and silyl 3-amidopropionates are useful linkages between silanol and azlactone derived materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1988Date of Patent: August 1, 1989Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Stefan A. Babirad, Fredrick Bacon, Steven M. Heilmann, Larry R. Krepski, Andrew S. Kuczma, Jerald K. Rasmussen