Patents by Inventor Franz D. Bunnell

Franz D. Bunnell 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: 7845407
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for use in the production of hydrocarbons are described. The systems include a first tubular member and a second tubular member at least partially enclosing the first tubular member. Each of the first and second tubular members have a non-permeable longitudinal section and a permeable longitudinal section. The non-permeable longitudinal section of the second tubular member is disposed adjacent to the permeable longitudinal section of the first tubular member. Similarly, the permeable longitudinal section of the second tubular member is disposed adjacent to the non-permeable longitudinal section of the first tubular member. The permeable longitudinal section of the second tubular member is separated from the permeable longitudinal section of the first tubular member by a specific longitudinal distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.
    Inventors: Franz D. Bunnell, Manh V. Phi
  • Patent number: 7743831
    Abstract: A method and apparatus associated with producing hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one heating element that is disposed in a chamber with actuator material. A member is also partially coupled to the chamber. The member is configured to extend to a first configuration when the at least one heating element converts at least a portion of the actuator material from a first phase to a second phase and contract to a second configuration when the actuator material converts from the second phase to the first phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobile Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Franz D. Bunnell, Jeff H. Moss, Jon Blacklock
  • Publication number: 20100038086
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and production well system that utilize stimulus-responsive materials for “conformance control” and profile control along the fluid flow path in a well as part of a gravel pack or a coating on a well tool. The stimulus-responsive materials are also known as intelligent or smart polymers and are typically polymeric materials that reversibly or irreversibly swell or collapse in the presence of stimulus such as changes in concentration of a fluid media in contact with the stimulus-responsive material, pH or polarity of the media the stimulus-responsive material is in contact with, salinity, current; or temperature. The stimulus-responsive materials may swell upon contact with a rust stimulus and shrink or collapse upon contact with a second stimulus or vice-versa The changes between production and injection profiles may be automatic with the application of the stimulus-responsive materials and may occur without user intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY
    Inventors: Franz D. Bunnell, Scott R. Clingman, Pin Y. Huang, Donald L. Yeager, David H. Coe
  • Publication number: 20090205833
    Abstract: A method and apparatus associated with producing hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one heating element that is disposed in a chamber with actuator material. A member is also partially coupled to the chamber. The member is configured to extend to a first configuration when the at least one heating element converts at least a portion of the actuator material from a first phase to a second phase and contract to a second configuration when the actuator material converts from the second phase to the first phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Franz D. Bunnell, Jeff H. Moss, Jon Blacklock
  • Publication number: 20090183873
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for use in the production of hydrocarbons are described. The systems include a first tubular member and a second tubular member at least partially enclosing the first tubular member. Each of the first and second tubular members have a non-permeable longitudinal section and a permeable longitudinal section. The non-permeable longitudinal section of the second tubular member is disposed adjacent to the permeable longitudinal section of the first tubular member. Similarly, the permeable longitudinal section of the second tubular member is disposed adjacent to the non-permeable longitudinal section of the first tubular member. The permeable longitudinal section of the second tubular member is separated from the permeable longitudinal section of the first tubular member by a specific longitudinal distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Franz D. Bunnell, Manh V. Phi