Patents by Inventor Charles R. Goodwin

Charles R. Goodwin 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).

  • Patent number: 8857506
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing power to one or more subsurface heaters is described herein. The method may include monitoring one or more operating parameters of the heaters, the intermittent power source, and a transformer coupled to the intermittent power source that transforms power from the intermittent power source to power with appropriate operating parameters for the heaters; and controlling the power output of the transformer so that a constant voltage is provided to the heaters regardless of the load of the heaters and the power output provided by the intermittent power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Francis Marion Stone, Jr., Charles R. Goodwin, James E. Richard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8791396
    Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation includes a conduit located in a first opening in the subsurface formation. Three electrical conductors are located in the conduit. A return conductor is located inside the conduit. The return conductor is electrically coupled to the ends of the electrical conductors distal from the surface of the formation. Insulation is located inside the conduit. The insulation electrically insulates the three electrical conductors, the return conductor, and the conduit from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Burns, Charles R. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20130333878
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing power to one or more subsurface heaters is described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Francis Marion Stone, JR., Charles R. Goodwin, James Richard, JR.
  • Patent number: 7912358
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one system for providing power to one or more subsurface heaters is described herein. The system may include an intermittent power source; a transformer coupled to the intermittent power source, and a tap controller coupled to the transformer. The transformer may be configured to transform power from the intermittent power source to power with appropriate operating parameters for the heaters. The tap controller may be configured to monitor and control the transformer so that a constant voltage is provided to the heaters from the transformer regardless of the load of the heaters and the power output provided by the intermittent power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Francis Marion Stone, Jr., Charles R. Goodwin, James Richard, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090321417
    Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation includes a conduit located in a first opening in the subsurface formation. Three electrical conductors are located in the conduit. A return conductor is located inside the conduit. The return conductor is electrically coupled to the ends of the electrical conductors distal from the surface of the formation. Insulation is located inside the conduit. The insulation electrically insulates the three electrical conductors, the return conductor, and the conduit from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: David Burns, Charles R. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20080173444
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one system for providing power to one or more subsurface heaters is described herein. The system may include an intermittent power source; a transformer coupled to the intermittent power source, and a tap controller coupled to the transformer. The transformer may be configured to transform power from the intermittent power source to power with appropriate operating parameters for the heaters. The tap controller may be configured to monitor and control the transformer so that a constant voltage is provided to the heaters from the transformer regardless of the load of the heaters and the power output provided by the intermittent power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Francis Marion Stone, Charles R. Goodwin, James Richard