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).

  • Patent number: 11885927
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
  • Patent number: 11614559
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
  • Publication number: 20210055450
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
  • Patent number: 10927662
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: PARADIGM TECHNOLOGY SERVICES B.V.
    Inventors: Andre Martin van der Ende, Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 10871591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
  • Publication number: 20200326446
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
  • Patent number: 10739492
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensbuger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
  • Publication number: 20170276824
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
  • Publication number: 20170269256
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensburger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
  • Publication number: 20170175501
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Andre Martin van der Ende, Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 9671793
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Senico Limited
    Inventor: Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 9650869
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Wireless Measurement Limited
    Inventors: James Wilson, Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 9476425
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Eric Atherton
  • Publication number: 20150009041
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Andre Martin van der Ende, Eric Atherton
  • Publication number: 20140299210
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Atherton
  • Publication number: 20140238658
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Wireless Measurement Limited
    Inventors: James Wilson, Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 8752622
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Perforating Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Tim Jones
  • Publication number: 20140086765
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 8602754
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 8571798
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Eric Atherton