Patents by Inventor David Close

David Close 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: 11952881
    Abstract: The method for drilling includes extending a borehole from a surface location to a borehole end with a drill string having a bottom hole assembly with a drill bit. A surface sensor and a downhole sensor take measurements used to project borehole features, like the borehole end. The measurements are used to project the borehole end so that the drill bit can be steered through the rock formation. The downhole sensor is separated from the bit location by a plurality of segments. The method includes corrections when the measurements at the downhole location are not the measurements at the bit location. As the drill bit travels, the types of corrections change, including applying an initial Kalman filter, a first adjusted Kalman filter, a second adjusted Kalman filter, and a third adjusted Kalman filter, according to the plurality of segments between the downhole sensor and the bit location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Noralis Limited
    Inventors: David Close, George W. Troy
  • Publication number: 20230184078
    Abstract: The method for drilling includes extending a borehole from a surface location to a borehole end with a drill string having a bottom hole assembly with a drill bit. A surface sensor and a downhole sensor take measurements used to project borehole features, like the borehole end. The measurements are used to project the borehole end so that the drill bit can be steered through the rock formation. The downhole sensor is separated from the bit location by a plurality of segments. The method includes corrections when the measurements at the downhole location are not the measurements at the bit location. As the drill bit travels, the types of corrections change, including applying an initial Kalman filter, a first adjusted Kalman filter, a second adjusted Kalman filter, and a third adjusted Kalman filter, according to the plurality of segments between the downhole sensor and the bit location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: David CLOSE, George W. TROY
  • Patent number: 11066928
    Abstract: A telemetry method transmits data from a downhole location to a surface location. During transmission an event is detected that makes it desirable to change a transmitted data stream. A downhole processor processes the detected event in combination with a predefined event database and downhole measurement data using a frame building algorithm to compute a digital data stream. Synchronization markers are added to the data stream to obtain a synchronized data stream in which the synchronization markers identify the detected event. The synchronized data stream is transmitted to the surface location using a downhole telemetry tool and received at the surface location to obtain a decoded data stream. A surface processor processes the synchronization markers to identify the detected event and further processes the detected event in combination with a predefined event database and the decoded data stream using the frame building algorithm to obtain the downhole measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nirina David Raveloson, Alex David Close, Nikhil Kotian, William James Robert Thomson, Prince Mathew Samuel
  • Publication number: 20200049001
    Abstract: A telemetry method transmits data from a downhole location to a surface location. During transmission an event is detected that makes it desirable to change a transmitted data stream. A downhole processor processes the detected event in combination with a predefined event database and downhole measurement data using a frame building algorithm to compute a digital data stream. Synchronization markers are added to the data stream to obtain a synchronized data stream in which the synchronization markers identify the detected event. The synchronized data stream is transmitted to the surface location using a downhole telemetry tool and received at the surface location to obtain a decoded data stream. A surface processor processes the synchronization markers to identify the detected event and further processes the detected event in combination with a predefined event database and the decoded data stream using the frame building algorithm to obtain the downhole measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Nirina David Raveloson, Alex David Close, Nikhil Kotian, William James Robert Thomson, Prince Mathew Samuel
  • Patent number: 9885232
    Abstract: The method and system for determining position with improved calibration allows a device to initiate activity at the proper location, such as navigating a drill bit through a rock formation. A pair of position sensors in opposite orientations generates position data signals. A temperature sensor detects temperature and duration of the temperature. An adjusted plastic bias value is determined by a processor module based on the temperature data signal, the duration of the temperature, and the position data signals so as to account for bias and hysteresis errors and error correction based on the opposing orientations of the pair of position sensors. A position value is set according to the adjusted plastic bias value so that the position value is more accurate. The activity of the terminal device is initiated or maintained according to the position value calibrated by the adjusted plastic bias value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: NORALIS LIMITED
    Inventors: David Close, George W. Troy
  • Publication number: 20170356282
    Abstract: The method and system for determining position with improved calibration allows a device to initiate activity at the proper location, such as navigating a drill bit through a rock formation. A pair of position sensors in opposite orientations generates position data signals. A temperature sensor detects temperature and duration of the temperature. An adjusted plastic bias value is determined by a processor module based on the temperature data signal, the duration of the temperature, and the position data signals so as to account for bias and hysteresis errors and error correction based on the opposing orientations of the pair of position sensors. A position value is set according to the adjusted plastic bias value so that the position value is more accurate. The activity of the terminal device is initiated or maintained according to the position value calibrated by the adjusted plastic bias value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: David CLOSE, George W. TROY
  • Publication number: 20170260276
    Abstract: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to provide clinical benefit in patients, including decrease in DAS28-CRP by more than 1.2 and/or improvement determined by ACR20, ACR50 or ACR70, comprising administering therapeutic antibody mavrilimumab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: DAVID CLOSE, ALEX GODWOOD, MARK HOPTON
  • Patent number: 9745843
    Abstract: The method and system for determining position with improved calibration allows a device to initiate activity at the proper location, such as navigating a drill bit through a rock formation. A position sensor having an oscillation element with a range of displacement in a set direction according to gravity generates a position data signal based on an amount of displacement in the set direction. A temperature sensor detects temperature and duration of the temperature. A plastic bias value is determined by a processor module based on the temperature data signal, the duration of the temperature, and the position data signal so as to account for bias and hysteresis errors. A position value is set according to the plastic bias value so that the position value is more accurate. The activity of the terminal device is initiated or maintained according to the position value calibrated by the plastic bias value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: NORALIS LIMITED
    Inventors: David Close, George W. Troy
  • Patent number: 8824241
    Abstract: A method for a pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location includes positioning a valve and a brake in a drilling mud circulation system, initiating flow of drilling mud through the system, sensing flow through the valve and setting the brake at predefined pressure levels, sensing downhole conditions and releasing corresponding percentages of pressure across the valve at time intervals, and determining the downhole conditions at the surface by analyzing those associated time intervals. The method includes activation of the encoding system using drilling mud flow and setting predefined pressure levels, so that the pressure drops in the encoding process are from predefined levels at equilibrium and independent of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: David Close, Paul Deere
  • Patent number: 8467268
    Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location include a downhole tool with a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, a brake cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The system associates position of the valve with pressure transduction. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Welltronics Applications, LLC
    Inventor: David Close
  • Publication number: 20110169655
    Abstract: A method for a pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location includes positioning a valve and a brake in a drilling mud circulation system, initiating flow of drilling mud through the system, sensing flow through the valve and setting the brake at predefined pressure levels, sensing downhole conditions and releasing corresponding percentages of pressure across the valve at time intervals, and determining the downhole conditions at the surface by analyzing those associated time intervals. The method includes activation of the encoding system using drilling mud flow and setting predefined pressure levels, so that the pressure drops in the encoding process are from predefined levels at equilibrium and independent of fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: WELLTRONICS APPLICATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: David CLOSE, Paul DEERE
  • Publication number: 20110094799
    Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location include a downhole tool with a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, a brake cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The system associates position of the valve with pressure transduction. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: WELLTRONICS APPLICATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: David Close
  • Patent number: 7881155
    Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location include a downhole tool with a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, a brake cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The system associates position of the valve with pressure transduction. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Welltronics Applications LLC
    Inventor: David Close
  • Publication number: 20100110833
    Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location include a downhole tool with a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, a brake cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The system associates position of the valve with pressure transduction. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: David CLOSE
  • Patent number: 7646310
    Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location has a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, an actuator cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of a drill bit in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: David Close
  • Publication number: 20080024319
    Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location has a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, an actuator cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of a drill bit in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: WELLTRONICS
    Inventor: David CLOSE
  • Patent number: 6944545
    Abstract: A well survey system comprising and electronic survey tool for determining the inclination of a wellbore is disclosed herein with methods of use. In some embodiments, the electronic survey tool includes an electrolytic tilt sensor adapted to measure a first tilt angle within a first plane and a second tilt angle within a second plane of the electrolytic tilt sensor. The electronic survey tool also includes a system processor for determining the inclination of the wellbore based on the first and second tilt angles. As such, a drop-in replacement and improvement on a mechanical critical vertical drift (CVD) tool is provided herein. The electronic survey tool of the present invention also improves upon and overcomes the disadvantages of prior art electronic survey tools. Due to the stability of the improved survey tool over time and with changes in ambient temperature, for example, the improved survey tool does not require periodic recalibration or correction of measurements for errors and biases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: David A. Close, Steve C. Owens
  • Publication number: 20050154532
    Abstract: A well survey system comprising an electronic survey tool for determining the inclination of a wellbore is disclosed herein with methods of use. In some embodiments, the electronic survey tool includes an electrolytic tilt sensor adapted to measure a first tilt angle within a first plane and a second tilt angle within a second plane of the electrolytic tilt sensor. The electronic survey tool also includes a system processor for determining the inclination of the wellbore based on the first and second tilt angles. As such, a drop-in replacement and improvement on a mechanical critical vertical drift (CVD) tool is provided herein. The electronic survey tool of the present invention also improves upon and overcomes the disadvantages of prior art electronic survey tools. Due to the stability of the improved survey tool over time and with changes in ambient temperature, for example, the improved survey tool does not require periodic recalibration or correction of measurements for errors and biases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: David Close, Steve Owens
  • Patent number: 4903245
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring vibration of a bottom hole assembly used to drill a well includes at least one accelerometer mounted in the bottom hole assembly to generate data in the form of electrical signals corresponding to the acceleration experienced by the assembly. The computer in the assembly is programmed to collect data from the accelerometer and compute magnitude of the assembly acceleration. Means are provided for selecting from the collected data a value which exceeds a preset level. In one form, when the collected data has a value above a preset level, an alarm signal is sent to the surface so corrective measures can be taken to prevent damage to downhole equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Exploration Logging, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Close, Steven C. Owens, Trevor K. C. Pugh