Patents by Inventor Gregory N. Gilbert
Gregory N. Gilbert 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: 7395879Abstract: An apparatus including a drill collar having an outer surface, an assembly for interaction with an earth formation coupled to the drill collar, the assembly including a first member to extend beyond the drill collar outer surface and a second member to extend beyond the first member and toward the earth formation to receive formation fluids. An apparatus including an MWD tool having an outer surface, a formation testing assembly coupled to the MWD tool, the formation testing assembly recessed beneath the outer surface in a first position and including a piston to extend beyond the outer surface to a second position and an inner sampling member to extend beyond the piston to a third position.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Pedro Segura, Mark A. Sitka, Gregory N. Gilbert, Preston N. Weintraub, Tony T. Vu, John R. Hardin, Jr., Kristopher V. Sherrill, David M. Welshans, James E. Stone
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Patent number: 7260985Abstract: A downhole, extendable testing apparatus and methods of use are described and claimed herein. In one embodiment, an extendable sample device is connected to a draw down piston assembly. A position indicator may be used to show the position of the draw down piston during movement, and the draw down piston may be stopped and re-started, and moved at different rates. A filter may be used to clean fluids drawn into the extendable sample device. In another embodiment, the extendable sample device may connected to a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit may include accumulators for accumulating fluid pressures and operating the apparatus. Further apparatus and methods are disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, IncInventors: Gregory N. Gilbert, James E. Stone, Malcolm Douglas McGregor, Christopher Anthony Maranuk, Kristopher V. Sherrill
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Patent number: 7261168Abstract: This application relates to various methods and apparatus for rapidly obtaining accurate formation property data from a drilled earthen borehole. Once obtained, the formation property data, including formation fluid pressure, may be corrected, calibrated and supplemented using various other data and techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the formation property data may be used for numerous other purposes. For example, the data may be used to correct or supplement other information gathered from the borehole; it may be used to supplement formation images or models; or, it may be used to adjust a drilling or producing parameter. Various other uses of accurately and quickly obtained formation property data are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Malcolm Douglas McGregor, Glenn C. Gray, James E. Stone, Svetozar Simeonov, Gregory N. Gilbert, Mark A. Proett, James M. Fogal, William Edward Hendricks, Christopher Anthony Maranuk, Jean Michel Beique
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Patent number: 7216533Abstract: A method of testing a downhole formation using a formation tester on a drill string. The formation tester is disposed downhole on a drill string and a formation test is performed by forming a seal between a formation probe assembly and the formation. A drawdown piston then creates a volume within a cylinder to draw formation fluid into the volume through the probe assembly. The pressure of the fluid within the cylinder is monitored. The formation test procedure may then be adjusted. The test procedure may be adjusted to account for the bubble point pressure of the fluid being monitored. The pressure may monitored to verify a proper seal is formed or is being maintained. The test procedure may also be performed by maintaining a substantially constant drawdown rate using a hydraulic threshold or a variable restrictor.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Malcolm D. McGregor, Gregory N. Gilbert, Mark A. Proett, James M. Fogal, David Welshans, Glenn C. Gray, Svetozar Simeonov, Laban M. Marsh, Jean Michel Beique, James E. Stone
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Patent number: 7204309Abstract: A formation testing tool is described herein, including a formation probe assembly having an extendable sampling probe surrounded by a cylindrical sleeve. The sleeve is configured to engage a metal skirt having an elastomeric seal pad coupled thereto. The skirt and seal are configured to be field replaceable. The elastomeric pad has a non-planar outer surface which engages a borehole wall in preparation for formation testing. The seal pad may be donut-shaped, having an aperture through the middle of the seal pad. The seal pad and its surface may include numerous different embodiments, including having a curved profile. The seal pad may also include numerous different embodiments of means for coupling the seal pad to the metal skirt. The formation testing tool also includes formation probe assembly anti-rotation means, a deviated non-circular flowbore, and at least one closed hydraulic fluid chamber for balancing fluid pressures.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Pedro R. Segura, Mark A. Sitka, Gregory N. Gilbert, Preston N. Weintraub, Tony T. Vu, John R. Hardin, Jr., Kristopher V. Sherrill, David M. Welshans, James E. Stone
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Patent number: 7191672Abstract: A single phase sampling apparatus and method for retrieving a formation fluid sample at or above the bubble point of the sample. The apparatus utilizes a gas charge contained between a sample piston and a charging piston to maintain a formation sample at the desired pressure. The charging piston utilizes the hydrostatic pressure present at the depth of the desired formation sample to compress and therefore increase the gas charge to the appropriate pressure necessary to maintain the formation sample at the desired pressure. The utilization of hydrostatic pressure to increase the pressure of the gas charge allows the use of a low pressure gas charging system to prepare the apparatus prior to sampling, thereby increasing the safety and ease of use of the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Gregory N. Gilbert
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Patent number: 7155990Abstract: A formation test tool 10 for obtaining a downhole fluid sample from a formation of interest 30 and returning the sample to the surface of a well includes a cylinder 12 forming a fluid sample chamber therein, and a piston 20 sealingly movable within the cylinder and separating the fluid sample from a cushioning fluid. A fluid line 24 connects the formation of interest to the fluid sample chamber, and a valve 26 controls fluid flow along the fluid line. In one embodiment, a magnet 76 supported on the piston outputs signals indicative of the position of the piston and thus the volume of the fluid sample within the cylinder. A meter 74 is movable along the exterior of the cylinder 12 for determining the position of the magnet within the cylinder, such that the volume of sampled fluid in the cylinder can be determined at the surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Gregory N. Gilbert
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Patent number: 7086463Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Mark Anton Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold Wayne Nivens, Mehdi Azari
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Patent number: 7073579Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Mark Anton Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold Wayne Nivens, Mehdi Azari
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Patent number: 7021405Abstract: Methods for operating multi-probed formation testers to determine a fluid density gradient in the formation. The probes of the multi-probed formation tester are connected to a pressure gauge through a flowline that establishes a differential height between the probes. In some embodiments, a gradient of the fluid density in the flowline is determined as a function of the gradient of fluid density in the wellbore. The flowline fluid density gradient is then used to determine a formation fluid density gradient as a function of the flowline fluid density gradient.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Proett, Gregory N. Gilbert, David E. Ball
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Patent number: 7021375Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Mark Anton Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold Wayne Nivens, Mehdi Azari
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Patent number: 6964206Abstract: A single phase sampling apparatus and method for retrieving a formation fluid sample at or above the bubble point of the sample. The apparatus utilizes a gas charge contained between a sample piston and a charging piston to maintain a formation sample at the desired pressure. The charging piston utilizes the hydrostatic pressure present at the depth of the desired formation sample to compress and therefore increase the gas charge to the appropriate pressure necessary to maintain the formation sample at the desired pressure. The utilization of hydrostatic pressure to increase the pressure of the gas charge allows the use of a low pressure gas charging system to prepare the apparatus prior to sampling, thereby increasing the safety and ease of use of the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Gregory N. Gilbert
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Publication number: 20040230378Abstract: Methods for operating multi-probed formation testers to determine a fluid density gradient in the formation. The probes of the multi-probed formation tester are connected to a pressure gauge through a flowline that establishes a differential height between the probes. In some embodiments, a gradient of the fluid density in the flowline is determined as a function of the gradient of fluid density in the wellbore. The flowline fluid density gradient is then used to determine a formation fluid density gradient as a function of the flowline fluid density gradient.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Proett, Gregory N. Gilbert, David E. Ball
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Publication number: 20040173351Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole formation testing. The invention is based on the use of one or more elongated sealing pads capable of sealing off and collecting or injecting fluids from elongated portions along the surface of a borehole. The, modified probe pads of a device-made in accordance with the invention increase the flow area by collecting fluids from an extended portion along the surface of a borehole, which is likely to straddle one or more layers in laminated or fractured formations. A tester device using the elongated sealing pads is capable of fast deployment and withdrawal to speed up the measurement cycles. Various designs and arrangements for use with a fluid tester, which may be part of a modular fluid tool, are disclosed in accordance with different embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventors: Philip Edmund Fox, Michael E. Shade, Gregory N. Gilbert, Mark A. Proett
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Publication number: 20040163808Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Mark Anton Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold Wayne Nivens, Mehdi Azari
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Publication number: 20040163803Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Mark Anton Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold Wayne Nivens, Mehdi Azari
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Publication number: 20040149437Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Mark Anton Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold Wayne Nivens, Mehdi Azari
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Patent number: 6729398Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Mark A. Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold W. Nivens, Mehdi Azari
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Publication number: 20040055400Abstract: A single phase sampling apparatus and method for retrieving a formation fluid sample at or above the bubble point of the sample. The apparatus utilizes a gas charge contained between a sample piston and a charging piston to maintain a formation sample at the desired pressure. The charging piston utilizes the hydrostatic pressure present at the depth of the desired formation sample to compress and therefore increase the gas charge to the appropriate pressure necessary to maintain the formation sample at the desired pressure. The utilization of hydrostatic pressure to increase the pressure of the gas charge allows the use of a low pressure gas charging system to prepare the apparatus prior to sampling, thereby increasing the safety and ease of use of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Gregory N. Gilbert
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Publication number: 20030066643Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Mark Anton Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold Wayne Nivens, Mehdi Azari