Patents by Inventor David P. Smith

David P. Smith 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: 11242744
    Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure confirm a leak and determine a depth of the leak in a well of a drilling system. The drilling system include a circulating fluid and a fluid caliper having a density contrast relative to a density of the circulating fluid. Fluid mass flow and fluid density data are continually collected by an inlet and outlet side flow measurements. A measured surface pressure, a measured downhole pressure, a user-defined managed depth window, and a target equivalent circulating density at the user-defined managed depth window are inputted to a microprocessor. The microprocessor adjusts the fluid density data for temperature and pressure; calculates a mass flow balance and a wellbore pressure; compares the measured density and mass flow in with the measured density and mass flow out; and determines, based upon the comparing, the presence of the leak and the depth of the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: WellWorc, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Smith, David P. Smith, Michael B. Smith, Scott A. Grubb
  • Patent number: 10738551
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method of this disclosure continually determine a mass balance of a drilling or circulating system, using mass flow and density data adjusted for temperature and pressure. The system and method may be used to continually monitor and control wellbore pressures to achieve over-balanced managed pressure drilling (“MPD”). In some embodiments, the system and method may be used as a fluid tracking engine. In other embodiments, the system and method may be used to accurately track a fluid caliper intended to survey the well to determine string volumes or borehole volumes; an example is determining the volume of cement needed to circulate the cement or bring the cement up to desired height. The system and method may be used to track the effects of mixing. The system and method may also be used as a viscometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: WellWorc, Inc
    Inventors: Bruce E. Smith, David P. Smith, Michael B. Smith, Scott A. Grubb
  • Patent number: 10444188
    Abstract: A technique facilitates monitoring of pipe, such as coiled tubing. The monitoring may be used to detect conditions which occur within the pipe itself or in components employed along an interior of the pipe. A magnetic sensor system is positioned along an exterior of the pipe, e.g. coiled tubing. During relative movement between the pipe and the magnetic sensor system, the magnetic sensor system monitors for the condition, e.g. change/abnormality, of interest. In some applications, the magnetic sensor system is used to monitor changes in a physical property of the pipe, and/or a component within the pipe, during a succession of operations employing the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mirjam Zwanenburg, David P. Smith, Zhanke Liu, Michelle Torregrossa, Liam Zsolt
  • Patent number: 10416195
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved Rogowski-type current sensor. In order to allow the sensing coil and the compensation wire to overlap, the sensor is produced using two boards. The current sensing coil is provided on one board, and the compensation wire is provided on another board. The coil and the wire are arranged such that they at least partially overlap, and ideally the compensation wire is formed entirely within the area defined by the coil, albeit in a different plane. This arrangement makes the current sensor far better at rejecting interference than prior art PCB arrangements. In addition, the coil may be formed on a two-sided board. The board has upper radial elements formed on an upper surface, and lower radial elements formed on lower surface. The radial elements are connected using vias formed in the board. The upper radial elements are arranged in a first plane, and the lower radial elements are formed in a second parallel plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Analog Devices Global
    Inventors: Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz, David S. Yaney, Petre Minciunescu, David P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180091205
    Abstract: In examples, two arrays of Radio Frequency nodes achieve enhanced beamforming for communications between the arrays by successively sending sounding signals from one array to the other array. Each sounding signal sent by the first of the two arrays is beamformed through time reversal of an immediately preceding sounding signal received by the first array from the second array, and each sounding signal (except the initial sounding signal) sent by the second array is beamformed through time reversal of an immediately preceding sounding signal received by the second array from the first array. The initial sounding signal sent by the second array may be omnidirectional, beamformed through a guesstimate, random, predetermined, or determined through a search of the area where the arrays are located. With sufficient beamfocusing, the arrays may communicate by sending and receiving data from one array to the other array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: Ziva Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Jeremy Rode, Anis Husain, Maha Achour, Kris Gregorian, Jeremy M. Ward, Mark Hsu
  • Publication number: 20170356934
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved Rogowski-type current sensor. In order to allow the sensing coil and the compensation wire to overlap, the sensor is produced using two boards. The current sensing coil is provided on one board, and the compensation wire is provided on another board. The coil and the wire are arranged such that they at least partially overlap, and ideally the compensation wire is formed entirely within the area defined by the coil, albeit in a different plane. This arrangement makes the current sensor far better at rejecting interference than prior art PCB arrangements. In addition, the coil may be formed on a two-sided board. The board has upper radial elements formed on an upper surface, and lower radial elements formed on lower surface. The radial elements are connected using vias formed in the board. The upper radial elements are arranged in a first plane, and the lower radial elements are formed in a second parallel plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz, David S. Yaney, Petre Minciunescu, David P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160231280
    Abstract: A technique facilitates monitoring of pipe, such as coiled tubing. The monitoring may be used to detect conditions which occur within the pipe itself or in components employed along an interior of the pipe. A magnetic sensor system is positioned along an exterior of the pipe, e.g. coiled tubing. During relative movement between the pipe and the magnetic sensor system, the magnetic sensor system monitors for the condition, e.g. change/abnormality, of interest. In some applications, the magnetic sensor system is used to monitor changes in a physical property of the pipe, and/or a component within the pipe, during a succession of operations employing the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Schlumberger Canada Limited
    Inventors: Mirjam Zwanenburg, David P. Smith, Zhanke Liu, Michelle Torregrossa, Liam Zsolt
  • Publication number: 20140207390
    Abstract: A system and technique for dynamically and historically evaluating useful life of coiled tubing. Methods are detailed wherein a monitor and system are equipped for enhanced evaluating of coiled tubing fatigue life based in part on the orientation of the coiled tubing during use. This may be obtained through the tracking of a seamweld of the coiled tubing. Additionally, reliability of the coiled tubing over various uses may be determined on an ongoing basis as a result of acoustically acquired data during operations. In either case, the monitor may be of a magnetic flux data detection variety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shunfeng Zheng, David P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140200831
    Abstract: A technique facilitates evaluation of pipe. A sensor is positioned to examine a pipe and to obtain data on the pipe. The data obtained is analyzed on a processor-based system and compared to predetermined defect data. If the data obtained by the sensor sufficiently matches predetermined defect data, a defect is determined to enable performance of an appropriate action with respect to the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Bonnie Powell, Russell Powell
  • Publication number: 20130141100
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method for detecting an anomaly in at least a portion of a wireline cable, comprises providing at least one wireline cable, providing a wireline surface equipment system comprising an anomaly detection system and disposing the anomaly detection system adjacent the wireline cable, operating the surface equipment to enable the wireline cable to pass by the anomaly detection system, operating the anomaly detection system to detect the presence of an anomaly in at least a portion of the wireline cable, the anomaly detection system generating an output when an anomaly is detected, and sending the output of the anomaly detection system to a control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sherif Labib, Matthew R. Hackworth, Richard L. Christie, David P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110289994
    Abstract: A technique enables extending the useful life of tubing deployed in a wellbore. The technique involves routing a damaged or distorted tubing through a straightening device. The tubing straightening device bends and counter bends the tubing along predetermined axes as it passes through the tubing straightening device. The bending and counter bending are selected so the tubing exits the straightening device with a predetermined form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Doug Pipchuk
  • Patent number: 7757755
    Abstract: A technique provides an orientation system combined with downhole equipment used in a well. An orientation device is mounted in the downhole equipment, e.g. a bottom hole assembly, for actuation during angular displacement of the downhole equipment. A sensor is mounted to cooperate with the orientation device in detecting the angular displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Kenison, L. Michael McKee, Robert Bucher, David P. Smith, Sarmad Adnan
  • Patent number: 7658065
    Abstract: A hydraulic energy recovery device for a hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic energy recovery device has a first impeller configured to receive a flow of pressurized liquid, and a second impeller configured to pressurize a flow of liquid. The hydraulic energy recovery device also has a common shaft connecting the first and second impellers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Igor Strashny, Daniel T. Mather
  • Patent number: 7631738
    Abstract: A sprag is disclosed. The sprag is configured to operate in a first mode allowing substantially mutual rotation of inner and outer races about an axis and a second mode allowing relative rotation between the inner and outer races. The sprag includes at least one actuator configured to selectively extend and retract and an outer surface configured to selectively lock the inner and outer races together as a function of the at least one actuator selectively extending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Eric R. Lauterbach, Daniel T. Mather, Jonathan L. Buelow
  • Publication number: 20090084536
    Abstract: A technique provides an orientation system combined with downhole equipment used in a well. An orientation device is mounted in the downhole equipment, e.g. a bottom hole assembly, for actuation during angular displacement of the downhole equipment. A sensor is mounted to cooperate with the orientation device in detecting the angular displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Michael H. Kenison, L. Michael McKee, Robert Bucher, David P. Smith, Sarmad Adnan
  • Patent number: 7497156
    Abstract: A fluid motor including an inner race and an outer race is disclosed. The inner and outer races are configured to rotate about a substantially common axis. The motor also includes at least one fluid actuator configured to produce substantially linear motion as a function of selectively receiving pressurized fluid. The fluid motor also includes at least one sprag configured to rotate the inner and outer races about the axis as a function of the substantially linear motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Eric R. Lauterbach, Daniel T. Mather, Jonathan L. Buelow
  • Patent number: 7444809
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine is provided. The hydraulic regeneration system has a tank, a primary source, a first actuator, an accumulator, and a first valve mechanism. The tank is configured to hold a supply of fluid. The primary source is configured to pressurize the fluid and has a suction inlet and a discharge outlet. The first actuator is configured to receive pressurized fluid from the discharge outlet of the primary source. The accumulator is in fluid communication with the tank, the suction inlet of the primary source, and the first actuator. The first valve mechanism is disposed between the suction inlet of the primary source and the accumulator, and is movable between a first position at which fluid returning from the first actuator is directed to the suction inlet of the primary source, and a second position at which fluid returning from the first actuator is directed to only the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignees: Caterpillar Inc., Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Daniel T. Mather
  • Publication number: 20080238246
    Abstract: An actuator includes a frame and a shaft rotabably supported by the frame. The actuator also includes at least one wire made from a shape memory alloy having a first end thereof fixed with respect to the frame. A second end of the at least one wire is movable with respect to the frame and configured to rotate the shaft in a first direction with respect to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080156596
    Abstract: A sprag and bearing system including a sprag is disclosed. The sprag includes an integral body having an oblong cross sectional circumference at least one actuator configured to selectively rotate the body about an axis in a first direction. The sprag also includes at least one spring configured to bias the body to rotate about the axis in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Eric R. Lauterbach, Daniel T. Mather
  • Publication number: 20080155976
    Abstract: A hydraulic motor is disclosed. The hydraulic motor includes a first toothed wheel and at least one second toothed wheel configured to at least selectively engage the first toothed wheel. The hydraulic motor also includes at least one hydraulic actuator and at least one linkage operatively disposed between the at least one second toothed wheel. The at least one linkage configured to transfer a reciprocal motion of the at least one hydraulic actuator to a rotary motion of the first toothed wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Eric R. Lauterbach, Daniel T. Mather