Patents by Inventor Eric Atherton
Eric Atherton 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: 11885927Abstract: A test article containing test objects for assessing and evaluating an image producing x-ray computed tomography system, includes: an exterior shell assembly surrounding an inner volume; a base assembly comprising a flat base portion; a support structure comprising one or more partitions configured to support the test objects, a pair of component supports configured to support an angled bar test object, and one or more brackets configured to attach to at least one of: a partition and the flat base portion; an object length test object connected to the one or more partitions; an angled bar test object connected to the pair of component supports; an NEQ test object comprising a support extension with a threaded attachment configured to connect to a threaded attachment on another test object; and an acetal cylinder test object comprising two threaded mounting extensions and configured to support at least one metal annular device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2020Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
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Patent number: 11614559Abstract: A dosimeter assembly being placed within an inner volume of a test article for evaluating an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system. The dosimeter assembly includes: a dosimeter having a display, a dosimeter shelf that supports the dosimeter; and an alignment bracket that positions the dosimeter on the dosimeter shelf. The dosimeter shelf is operable to be mounted within the x-ray computed tomography system test article, and the display of the dosimeter is viewable through a dosimeter window which is disposed at a front end of the x-ray computed tomography system test article, wherein the dosimeter assembly is accessible through an access panel directly beneath the dosimeter assembly, the access panel being an opening which is disposed on a base of the x-ray computer tomography system test article. The dosimeter is operably connected to a connection interface which is configured to exchange communication with an external device.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
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Publication number: 20210055450Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
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Patent number: 10927662Abstract: A wellbore communication system (1) comprises a downhole tool (2) having a downhole transmitter (40), a sensing element (22, 122, 222, . . . , 1022) located at surface and coupled to a surface receiver (44), and an insulated slickline (6, 106, 206, . . . , 1006) having an electrically conductive core surrounded by an insulating coating. The slickline is attached to the downhole tool and coupled to the downhole transmitter. The sensing element is capacitively coupled to the slickline so as to permit movement of the slickline relative thereto and so as to an electric field to extend from the core of the slickline through the insulating coating to the sensing element for transmission of information from the downhole transmitter to the surface receiver via the slickline and the sensing element.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: PARADIGM TECHNOLOGY SERVICES B.V.Inventors: Andre Martin van der Ende, Eric Atherton
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Patent number: 10871591Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system. The system includes at least one test article configured to support one or more test objects within an inner volume. The test article includes an exterior shell assembly, a base assembly, a support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
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Publication number: 20200326446Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
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Patent number: 10739492Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensbuger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
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Publication number: 20170276824Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: September 28, 2017Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
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Publication number: 20170269256Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: September 21, 2017Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
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Publication number: 20170175501Abstract: A system for performing an operation comprises a key (70) defining a key code in hardware, a key reader (78) for reading the key code from the key, a tool 70 (4a, 4b, 4c) having an operative arrangement (4d, not shown) for performing an operation and a code-activated switch arrangement (50) which defines an activation code in hardware and a power source (32). The key reader and the code-activated switch arrangement are configured for communication. The code-activated switch arrangement is configured so as to selectively define at least part of an electrically conductive path from the power source to the operative arrangement according to whether a key code received from the key reader matches the activation code. Such a system may reduce the risk of unintentional connection of the power source to the operative arrangement thereby reducing the risk of unintentional activation of the operative arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Andre Martin van der Ende, Eric Atherton
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Patent number: 9671793Abstract: A multi-phase flow meter includes a flow conduit leading from an inlet to an outlet and including a variable inlet restriction, a variable outlet restriction, a pressure sensor and a volumetric flow meter, located between the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction. The flow meter further includes a controller adapted to receive data from the pressure sensor and the volumetric flow meter, and to adjust the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction in accordance with at least one program. The program causes the controller to adjust one of the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Senico LimitedInventor: Eric Atherton
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Patent number: 9650869Abstract: An arrangement for extraction of hydrocarbons includes a flow conduit that leads from a subsurface region to an above-surface region. A normally-closed shut-in valve is located in the subsurface region of the flow conduit. A hydraulic system is arranged to cause the shut-in valve to open when the hydraulic system is pressurized. A release valve releases pressure in the hydraulic system. A wireless interface having a unique identifier is adapted to open the release valve on receipt of a wireless communication from a remote device. A plurality of remote devices each include a wireless transmitter that is compatible with the wireless interface and able to transmit control instructions to the wireless interface. At least one control instruction in any sequence of control instructions is issued by the remote device including the unique identifier. The wireless interface is adapted to ignore control instructions containing an identifier differing from the unique identifier.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Wireless Measurement LimitedInventors: James Wilson, Eric Atherton
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Patent number: 9476425Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) are provided, and example of an apparatus includes a rotation rate or other sensor located in, for example, an ESP gauge. When the ESP is started the rotating elements rotate in a first direction while the static elements will experience an opposing torque in a second opposite direction. The small rotational movement of the ESP gauge housing, for example, is sensed by the sensor and is used to determine the direction of rotation of the motor and pump to ensure proper ESP motor and/or ESP assembly configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Eric Atherton
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Publication number: 20150009041Abstract: A wellbore communication system (1) comprises a downhole tool (2) having a downhole transmitter (40), a sensing element (22, 122, 222, . . . , 1022) located at surface and coupled to a surface receiver (44), and an insulated slickline (6, 106, 206, . . . , 1006) having an electrically conductive core surrounded by an insulating coating. The slickline is attached to the downhole tool and coupled to the downhole transmitter. The sensing element is capacitively coupled to the slickline so as to permit movement of the slickline relative thereto and so as to an electric field to extend from the core of the slickline through the insulating coating to the sensing element for transmission of information from the downhole transmitter to the surface receiver via the slickline and the sensing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2012Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Andre Martin van der Ende, Eric Atherton
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Publication number: 20140299210Abstract: A multi-phase flow meter includes a flow conduit leading from an inlet to an outlet and including a variable inlet restriction, a variable outlet restriction, a pressure sensor and a volumetric flow meter, located between the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction. The flow meter further includes a controller adapted to receive data from the pressure sensor and the volumetric flow meter, and to adjust the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction in accordance with at least one program. The program causes the controller to adjust one of the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventor: Eric Atherton
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Publication number: 20140238658Abstract: An arrangement for extraction of hydrocarbons includes a flow conduit that leads from a subsurface region to an above-surface region. A normally-closed shut-in valve is located in the subsurface region of the flow conduit. A hydraulic system is arranged to cause the shut-in valve to open when the hydraulic system is pressurised. A release valve releases pressure in the hydraulic system. A wireless interface having a unique identifier is adapted to open the release valve on receipt of a wireless communication from a remote device. A plurality of remote devices each include a wireless transmitter that is compatible with the wireless interface and able to transmit control instructions to the wireless interface. At least one control instruction in any sequence of control instructions is issued by the remote device including the unique identifier. The wireless interface is adapted to ignore control instructions containing an identifier differing from the unique identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Wireless Measurement LimitedInventors: James Wilson, Eric Atherton
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Patent number: 8752622Abstract: To investigate the quality and nature of perforations in a downhole environment, a ‘pecking’ finger and depth measuring probe that can be axially and radially displaced enables the perforation to be located and its depth determined, through sequentially pecking around the wall lining. By swinging a pecking finger supporting a depth measuring probe tip and measuring the displacement of the finger, the edge and center of the hole can be determined with the largest displacement being when the tip is fully in the hole. The depth measuring probe is then deployed and the depth of the perforation established by an increase in the force required to push the probe and by the displacement of the pecking finger as it is pushed back by the reaction forces. Radially extendable clamps at the ends of the tool fix the tool with a surrounding bore.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Advanced Perforating Technologies LimitedInventors: Eric Atherton, Tim Jones
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Publication number: 20140086765Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) are provided, and example of an apparatus includes a rotation rate or other sensor located in, for example, an ESP gauge. When the ESP is started the rotating elements rotate in a first direction whilst the static elements will experience an opposing torque in a second opposite direction. The small rotational movement of the ESP gauge housing, for example, is sensed by the sensor and is used to determine the direction of rotation of the motor and pump to ensure proper ESP motor and/or ESP assembly configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Eric Atherton
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Patent number: 8602754Abstract: A system for monitoring an Electrical Submersible Pump is disclosed comprising a rotation rate sensor located in an ESP gauge (6). When the Electrical Submersible Pump is started the rotating elements rotate in a first direction while the static elements will experience an opposing torque in a second opposite direction. The small rotational movement of the ESP gauge housing is sensed by the sensor and is used to determine the initial direction of rotation of the motor (5) and pump (6).Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Eric Atherton
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Patent number: 8571798Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition of a downhole electrical submersible pump (ESP) assembly is disclosed. The system includes: a downhole assembly configured to be disposed in a wellbore in an earth formation; the ESP assembly connected to the downhole assembly and including a motor and a pump, the ESP assembly in electrical communication with a surface electrical source via a conductor; a power gauge unit configured to measure the electrical power supplied to the ESP assembly; and a processor configured to receive data from the power gauge unit and calculate a flowrate of the ESP assembly based on at least the electrical power supplied to the ESP assembly. Also disclosed is a method of monitoring a condition of a downhole ESP assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Eric Atherton