Patents by Inventor Gary L. Rytlewski

Gary L. Rytlewski 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: 8853879
    Abstract: A technique facilitates generation of electric power in well environments. The technique involves combining a cooperating stator and rotor assembly to create an electromagnetic generator. The cooperating stator and rotor assembly utilize an electromagnet which works with a generator coil to create electrical power. Use of the electromagnet enables the electromagnetic field created during generation of electrical power to be selectively eliminated. Elimination of the electromagnetic field allows magnetic particles to be freely flushed from the electromagnetic generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Ozgur Pulat
  • Patent number: 8752635
    Abstract: A technique is provided that utilizes one or both of a control line actuation mechanism and a connector protection mechanism for use in a wellbore environment. Upon landing a lower well assembly and an upper well assembly at a desired wellbore location, control line connectors are engaged. The control line actuation mechanism and/or connector protection mechanism facilitate the formation of a desirable control line connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David Wei Wang, Michael Hui Du, Gary L. Rytlewski, David Verzwyvelt
  • Publication number: 20140158356
    Abstract: An apparatus usable with a well includes an explosive pellet that is adapted to be communicated into the well via a fluid and includes an explosive material that is adapted to be detonated downhole in the well. The apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the explosive pellet to inhibit unintended detonation of the explosive material. The encapsulant is adapted to be at least partially removed from the explosive pellet in response to the explosive pellet being communicated into the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Al Andrzejak, Jorge E. Lopez De Cardenas, Gary L. Rytlewski, Carlos Abad, Javier Sanchez Reyes
  • Publication number: 20140116717
    Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates utilization of a valve of a type which may be used as a subsea test tree. The valve comprises a valve element pivotably mounted in a housing having a passageway therethrough. The valve element may be actuated between an open position and a closed position blocking the passageway. A cutter is disposed along a first surface of the valve element and a seal system is positioned for engagement with a second surface of the valve element to provide separate cutting and sealing surfaces. Actuating the valve element from the open position to the closed position enables cutting of a conveyance, that may be positioned through the passageway, while simultaneously forming a seal along a separate surface to sealingly block the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Oguzhan Guven, Gary L. Rytlewski
  • Publication number: 20140076542
    Abstract: A technique includes deploying an untethered object though a passageway of a string in a well; and sensing a property of an environment of the string, an electromagnetic coupling or a pressure as the object is being communicated through the passageway. The technique includes selectively autonomously operating the untethered object in response to the sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: John R. Whitsitt, John A. Booker, Thomas Daniel MacDougall, Gary L. Rytlewski
  • Patent number: 8663401
    Abstract: Compositions, apparatus incorporating a composition, and methods of use are described, one composition embodiment consisting essentially of one or more reactive metals in major proportion, and one or more alloying elements in minor proportion, with the provisos that the composition is high-strength, controllably reactive, and degradable under defined conditions. Compositions of the invention may exist in a variety of morphologies, including a reactive metal or degradable alloy processed into an alloy of crystalline, amorphous or mixed structure that may constitute the matrix of other composition, for instance a composite. Methods of using apparatus comprising a composition, particularly in oilfield operations are also described (e.g. flow and displacement control, sensors, actuators). This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Manuel P. Marya, Rashmi B. Bhavsar, Gary L. Rytlewski
  • Publication number: 20140000908
    Abstract: An actuating method includes applying an input pressure to a first side of a tool operator and to a second side of the tool operator and moving the tool operator from a first position to a second position in response to depleting the input pressure applied to the second side. A state of a tool element can be changed in response to moving the tool operator from the first position to the second position. The input pressure may be depleted from the second side of the tool operator by transferring hydraulic fluid to a confined diameter container disposed in an annular region of the actuating device or to the first side of the tool operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fahd F. Abdelall, Gary L. Rytlewski, Jason A. McCann, Steven L. Anyan
  • Patent number: 8567494
    Abstract: Well operating elements are described, one embodiment comprising a first component that is substantially non-dissolvable when exposed to a selected wellbore environment and a second component that is soluble in the selected wellbore environment and whose rate and/or location of dissolution is at least partially controlled by structure of the first component. A second embodiment includes the component that is soluble in the selected wellbore environment, and one or more exposure holes or passages in the soluble component to control its solubility. The second embodiment may or may not include a substantially non-dissolvable component. Methods of using the well operating elements in oilfield operations are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Ashish Sharma
  • Publication number: 20130255963
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a plurality of location markers in a passageway of the well and deploying an untethered object in the passageway such that the object travels downhole via the passageway. The technique includes using the untethered object to sense proximity of at least some of the location markers as the object travels downhole, and based on the sensing, selectively expand its size to cause the object to become lodged in the passageway near a predetermined location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Julio C. Guerrero, Gary L. Rytlewski, Bruno Lecerf, Michael J. Bertoja, Christian Ibeagha, Alex Moody-Stuart, Adam Mooney, Jay Russell, Christopher Hopkins, Adam Paxson, Billy Anthony, Dinesh Patel
  • Publication number: 20130220609
    Abstract: Methods include introducing a casing into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the casing forming an annulus with the wellbore surface, where the casing is subject to a first pressure value at a distal end and a second pressure value at a proximal region within the casing, and where a shoe is positioned at the distal end of the casing. Then, placing a sealable valve within the proximal region of the casing, injecting a first cement composition into the casing, through the sealable valve and shoe, and into the annulus, and the placing a second cement composition in a medial region of the tubular formed between the distal end and the proximal region. Afterward, the sealable valve is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gary L. Rytlewski
  • Patent number: 8505632
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a plurality of location markers in a passageway of the well and deploying an untethered object in the passageway such that the object travels downhole via the passageway. The technique includes using the untethered object to sense proximity of at least some of the location markers as the object travels downhole, and based on the sensing, selectively expand its size to cause the object to become lodged in the passageway near a predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julio Guerrero, Gary L. Rytlewski, Bruno Lecerf, Michael J. Bertoja, Christian Ibeagha, Alex Moody-Stuart, Adam Mooney, Jay Russell, Christopher Hopkins, Adam Paxson, Billy Anthony, Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 8496064
    Abstract: A technique is provided for engaging and disengaging an upper completion with a lower completion positioned in a wellbore. The upper completion comprises an upper communication line, and the lower completion comprises a lower communication line. The upper completion is mechanically latched with the lower completion and the communication lines are coupled in a manner that enables selective engagement and disengagement. A communication line union is used to connect the upper communication line and the lower communication line in a plurality of rotational orientations of the upper completion relative to the lower completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Gary L. Rytlewski, William D. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8469109
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for plugging a wellbore completion. The apparatus includes a body and a variable diameter ring. The body includes a first portion having a first diameter, and a second portion having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The variable diameter ring is disposed around the body and slidable on the first and second portions. The ring is configured to engage a flow path reduction device when located on the first portion, and to move past the flow path reduction device when located on the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David Wei Wang, Gary L. Rytlewski
  • Patent number: 8464581
    Abstract: A passive liquid flow monitoring system includes a monitoring device made of a liquid-soluble material in which coded transponders are releasably retained. The monitoring device may be deployed proximate a region of interest in a hydrocarbon-producing well. Characteristics of a liquid flow in the region of interest may be determined based upon detection of transponders that are released from the monitoring device when the monitoring device is exposed to the liquid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Nitin Y. Vaidya
  • Publication number: 20130112435
    Abstract: A technique provides for stimulating or otherwise treating multiple intervals/zones of a well by controlling flow of treatment fluid via a plurality of flow control devices. The flow control devices are provided with internal profiles and flow through passages. Mechanical darts are designed for engagement with the internal profiles of specific flow control devices, and each mechanical dart may be moved downhole for engagement with and activation of the specific flow control device associated with that mechanical dart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: John Fleming, Gary L. Rytlewski, Larry W. Phillips, Jason Swaren, Aude Faugere, Rod Shampine, Zhanke Liu, Pete Bazan, JR., Jabus Talton Davis
  • Publication number: 20130112436
    Abstract: A technique provides for stimulating or otherwise treating multiple intervals/zones of a well by controlling flow of treatment fluid via a plurality of flow control devices. The flow control devices are provided with internal profiles and flow through passages. Hydraulic darts are designed for selective engagement with the internal profiles of specific flow control devices, and each hydraulic dart may be moved downhole for engagement with and activation of a specific flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: John Fleming, Gary L. Rytlewski, Larry W. Phillips, Jason Swaren, Aude Faugere, Rod Shampine, Zhanke Liu, Pete Bazan, JR., Jabus Talton Davis
  • Publication number: 20130062071
    Abstract: A technique facilitates controlling flow in a wellbore with a simplified valve. The design of the valve also enables reduction in the overall length of the valve to improve spatial considerations. The valve comprises a valve component, e.g. a flapper, movable between a closed position and an open position. A flow tube is designed to selectively open the valve component with reduced travel, thus enabling a shortened flow tube. The short flow tube enables use of valve housings, springs, and other valve components having a reduced length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Stephen Dennis Parks, Russell Alan Johnston, David James Biddick
  • Publication number: 20130032337
    Abstract: An explosive pellet for characterizing a fracture in a subterranean formation is provided. The pellet can include a casing having a detonation material and an explosive material disposed within the casing. The pellet can also include a nonexplosive material moveably disposed within the casing. Movement of the nonexplosive material can generate a predetermined amount of energy in the form of friction-generated heat sufficient to detonate the explosive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Jorge Lopez De Cardenas, Raymond Dickes, Philip Kneisl, Timothy A. Andrzejak
  • Patent number: 8322447
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes an operator and a generator. The operator is disposed in the well and configured to respond to a differential pressure between hydraulically isolated zones of the well to produce mechanical motion. The generator is disposed in the well to convert the mechanical motion into electricity. A method that is usable with a well is provided including maintaining hydraulic isolation between a first and second zone of a well. While maintaining the hydraulic isolation, the method further includes producing a mechanical motion in response to a differential pressure between the first and second zones and generating electricity in response to the mechanical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ives D. Loretz, Gary L. Rytlewski
  • Publication number: 20120285702
    Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a downhole tool in a well string. The downhole tool may be actuated hydraulically via the controlled flow of a hydraulic fluid under pressure to the downhole tool through a port. Flow of the pressurized fluid through the port is controlled by a barrier member which may be opened by a plunger working in cooperation with the barrier member. Movement of the plunger is controlled by selectively increasing the pressure acting on the plunger through, for example, actuation of an expansion device or other suitable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gary L. Rytlewski