Patents by Inventor Dean Homan

Dean Homan 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).

  • Publication number: 20060202806
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at least three depths of investigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Bonner, Dean Homan, Gerald Minerbo, Richard Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20060119364
    Abstract: A well logging tool and method are disclosed comprising a conductive mandrel, an antenna array disposed around the conductive mandrel, wherein the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas disposed on insulating supports and at least one contact spacer, the at least one contact spacer having at least one conductor channel having a contact assembly disposed therein, a sleeve disposed over the antenna array, wherein the sleeve includes at least one electrode assembly, the at least one electrode and the contact assembly adapted to provide a radially conductive path from an exterior of the well logging tool to the conductive mandrel and wherein the electrode assembly comprises a first conductor exposed to the exterior of the well logging tool and at least one second conductor conductively connected to the first conductor and exposed to an inner surface of the sleeve, wherein at least one of the first conductor or the second conductor being in sealed contact with the sleeve to prevent the passage of fluid th
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Kuo Chen, Robert Smith, David Oliver, Gary Hazen, Dean Homan, Jan Smits
  • Publication number: 20060066313
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring mud resistivity in a borehole includes a transmitter having a magnetic moment in a first direction; and a receiver having a magnetic moment in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially different, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are disposed in an insulating collar of a downhole tool, and wherein the transmitter is disposed at a selected distance no more than 10 inches from the receiver along a longitudinal axis of the downhole tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: DEAN HOMAN, DZEVAT OMERAGIC, NICOLAS SEBLINE, HANMING WANG
  • Publication number: 20050212520
    Abstract: Sensor assemblies including transmitter and receiver antennas to respectively transmit or receive electromagnetic energy. The sensor assemblies are disposed in downhole tools adapted for subsurface disposal. The receiver is disposed at a distance less than six inches (15 cm) from the transmitter on the sensor body. The sensor transmitter or receiver includes an antenna with its axis tilted with respect to the axis of the downhole tool. A sensor includes a tri-axial system of antennas. Another sensor includes a cross-dipole antenna system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Inventors: Dean Homan, Dzevat Omeragic, Tianhua Zhang, Nicolas Sebline
  • Publication number: 20050146334
    Abstract: A well logging tool and method are disclosed comprising a conductive mandrel, an antenna array disposed around the conductive mandrel, wherein the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas disposed on insulating supports and at least one contact spacer, the at least one contact spacer having at least one conductor channel having a contact assembly disposed therein, a sleeve disposed over the antenna array, wherein the sleeve includes at least one electrode assembly, the at least one electrode and the contact assembly adapted to provide a radially conductive path from an exterior of the well logging tool to the conductive mandrel and wherein the electrode assembly comprises a first conductor exposed to the exterior of the well logging tool and at least one second conductor conductively connected to the first conductor and exposed to an inner surface of the sleeve, wherein at least one of the first conductor or the second conductor being in sealed contact with the sleeve to prevent the passage of fluid th
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Kuo Chiang Chen, Robert Smith, David Oliver, Gary Hazen, Dean Homan, Jan Smits
  • Publication number: 20050088181
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at at least three depths of investigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: THOMAS BARBER, STEPHEN BONNER, DEAN HOMAN, GERALD MINERBO, RICHARD ROSTHAL, KUO-CHIANG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20050083064
    Abstract: A composite shell adapted to cover a source or sensor, particularly for subsurface applications. The shell provides transparency to the passage of signals to or from the source or sensor. The shell is adapted with a uniform semi-conductive surface providing a path for electric currents flowing within a subsurface borehole to short near the source or sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dean Homan, Gerald Minerbo, Sofia Davydycheva
  • Publication number: 20050083161
    Abstract: An induction tool includes a conductive mandrel; at least one array including a transmitter, a bucking coil, and a receiver disposed in an insulating tool body surrounding the conductive mandrel; and an electrode disposed on the insulating tool body at a selected location between the bucking coil and the receiver, wherein the selected location is spaced from the transmitter at a distance corresponding approximately to the harmonic mean of the distance between the transmitter and the bucking coil and the distance between the transmitter and the receiver, and wherein the electrode includes a contact forming a conductive path to the conductive mandrel. Additional electrodes may be disposed above and below each transmitter and receiver coil to reduce sensitivity to eccentricity of the tool in the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerald Minerbo, Sofia Davydycheva, Hanming Wang, Dean Homan
  • Publication number: 20050056421
    Abstract: A well logging tool includes a housing; at least one piston moveably disposed on the housing; at least one sensor disposed on the at least one piston; a pressure compensation system coupled to the at least one piston such that a pressure at a back side of the at least one piston is substantially identical to a pressure outside the well logging tool; and a piston deployment mechanism for deploying the at least one piston. A method for well logging using a logging tool having at least one piston and a pressure compensating system, wherein the at least one piston includes at least one sensor, the method includes disposing the well logging tool in a borehole; deploying the at least one piston to establish a contact between the at least one piston and a wall of the borehole; and measuring a formation property using the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dean Homan, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 6788065
    Abstract: Tubulars for monitoring subsurface reservoir characteristics in directed orientations. Elongated tubulars for permanent subsurface disposal are equipped with antennas adapted to transmit or receive electromagnetic energy. A tilted antenna is disposed within a groove on the tubular exterior. The groove includes a sealed opening to allow for passage of electromagnetic energy therethrough and the antenna is disposed within the groove in alignment with the opening such that the antenna is substantially perpendicular to the opening at the intersection. Methods for subsurface reservoir monitoring using the tubulars are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Homan, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6710601
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6680613
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6624634
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Publication number: 20030155924
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Publication number: 20030146751
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Publication number: 20030146753
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6573722
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Publication number: 20020105332
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic