Patents by Inventor Frank M. Bower

Frank M. Bower 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).

  • Directional acoustic logger apparatus and method
    Patent number: 4744416
    Abstract: An acoustic logging apparatus and method are disclosed for determining the direction of a subsurface noise source, such as a blowout well or fluid channeling behind well casing. The apparatus comprises cylindrical piezoelectric crystal transducers processed to buck each other. The method employs such an apparatus and includes generating and observing output from the crystals. The direction of the noise relative to the position of the apparatus is indicated by determining the position of the crystal transducers when their phase and amplitude differences are at a minimum. The transducer leading in phase at a point perpendicular to said position is the transducer closest to the noise source and is used to indicate the absolute direction of the noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventor: Frank M. Bower
  • Directional acoustic logger apparatus and method
    Patent number: 4703459
    Abstract: An acoustic logging apparatus and method are disclosed for determining the direction of a subsurface noise source, such as a blowout well or fluid channeling behind well casing. The apparatus comprises cylindrical piezoelectric crystal transducers processed to buck each other. The method employs such an apparatus and includes generating and observing output from the crystals. The direction of the noise relative to the position of the apparatus is indicated by determining the position of the crystal transducers when their phase and amplitude differences are at a minimum. The transducer leading in phase at a point perpendicular to said position is the transducer closest to the noise source and is used to indicate the absolute direction of the noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventor: Frank M. Bower