Patents by Inventor H. Tracy Hall, Jr.
H. Tracy Hall, Jr. 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: 9068410Abstract: A method of making a dense diamond body comprises the steps of: forming a sintered polycrystalline diamond body with the use of a catalyst; forming voids in the body by removing at least some of the catalyst; and reducing the overall volume of voids by applying pressure and temperature to the body in a vessel substantially free of additional catalysts.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr.
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Patent number: 7948395Abstract: A transmission system in a downhole component comprises a plurality of data transmission elements. A coaxial cable having an inner conductor and an outer conductor is disposed within a passage in the downhole component such that at least one capacitor is disposed in the passage and having a first terminal coupled to the inner conductor and a second terminal coupled to the outer conductor. Preferably the transmission element comprises an electrically conducting coil. Preferably, within the passage a connector is adapted to electrically connect the inner conductor of the coaxial cable and the lead wire. The coaxial capacitor may be disposed between and in electrically communication with the connector and the passage. In another embodiment a connector is adapted to electrical connect a first and a second portion of the inner conductor of the coaxial cable and a coaxial capacitor is in electrical communication with the connector and the passage.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: IntelliServ, LLCInventors: David R. Hall, David S. Pixton, Monte L. Johnson, David B. Bartholomew, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., Michael Rawle
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Publication number: 20100326740Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a bonded assembly comprises providing a first and second portion of the assembly; preparing a mating surface on each portion that conforms substantially to the mating surface of the other portion; rapidly heating a bonding material while substantially heating no more than a thin surface zone adjacent each mating surface, and rapidly assembling the two portions in such a manner as to confine a fraction of the bonding material between the mating surfaces. The first portion may comprise polycrystalline diamond or thermally stable polycrystalline diamond; the second portion may comprise cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide. The assembly may comprise a tool for high-impact applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, JR.
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Publication number: 20090263308Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method of making a dense diamond body comprises the steps of: forming a sintered polycrystalline diamond body with the use of a catalyst; forming voids in the body by removing at least some of the catalyst; and reducing the overall volume of voids by applying pressure and temperature to the body in a vessel substantially free of additional catalysts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: David R. Hall, H Tracy Hall, JR.
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Patent number: 7424928Abstract: A downhole receiver for gathering seismic and sonic data from inside a borehole includes a substantially tubular housing adapted for axial connection to a tool string, and one or more sensors. A damping element is provided to flexibly couple each sensor to the tubular housing. An actuator extends the one or more sensors substantially radially with respect to the tubular housing to clamp the sensors against the wall of the borehole. In selected embodiments, the sensors may be one or multiple component geophones, accelerometers, hydrophones, vibrometers, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Inventors: Dale Cox, David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., Scott Dahlgren, David S. Pixton
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Patent number: 7268697Abstract: A data transmission apparatus having first and second electrical conductors is disclosed. The first and second electrical conductors are disposed within recesses of a first and second complementary surfaces that are magnetically conducting and electrically insulating. The first and second surfaces are in close proximity to each other. The first surface is translatable along the length of the second surface. The first and second electrical conductors are in electromagnetic communication and provide for the transmission of data or power from the first electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor as the first surface overlaps the second surface. The data transmission apparatus may be located in one or more downhole tools.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., Tyson J. Wilde, Paul M. Schramm
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Patent number: 7261154Abstract: An apparatus in a drill string comprises an internally upset drill pipe. The drill pipe comprises a first end, a second end, and an elongate tube intermediate the first and second ends. The elongate tube and the ends comprising a continuous an inside surface with a plurality of diameters. A conformable metal tube is disposed within the drill pipe intermediate the ends thereof and terminating adjacent to the ends of the drill pipe. The conformable metal tube substantially conforms to the continuous inside surface of the metal tube. The metal tube may comprise a non-uniform section which is expanded to conform to the inside surface of the drill pipe. The non-uniform section may comprise protrusions selected from the group consisting of convolutions, corrugations, flutes, and dimples. The non-uniform section extends generally longitudinally along the length of the tube. The metal tube may be adapted to stretch as the drill pipes stretch.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 7253671Abstract: A precise downhole clock that compensates for drift includes a prescaler configured to receive electrical pulses from an oscillator. The prescaler is configured to output a series of clock pulses. The prescaler outputs each clock pulse after counting a preloaded number of electrical pulses from the oscillator. The prescaler is operably connected to a compensator module for adjusting the number loaded into the prescaler. By adjusting the number that is loaded into the prescaler, the timing may be advanced or retarded to more accurately synchronize the clock pulses with a reference time source. The compensator module is controlled by a counter-based trigger module configured to trigger the compensator module to load a value into the prescaler. Finally, a time-base logic module is configured to calculate the drift of the downhole clock by comparing the time of the downhole clock with a reference time source.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, David S. Pixton, Monte L. Johnson, David B. Bartholomew, H. Tracy Hall, Jr.
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Patent number: 7252174Abstract: A downhole tool for gathering formation data from inside a borehole includes a substantially tubular housing adapted for axial connection to a drill string and multiple sensors coupled to the tubular housing. The sensors include a first pair of sensors aligned along a first axis and adapted to measure a spatial derivative along the first axis, a second pair of sensors aligned along a second axis and adapted to measure a spatial derivative along the second axis, and a third pair of sensors aligned along a third axis and adapted to measure a spatial derivative along the third axis. In selected embodiments, the spatial derivatives are used to differentiate seismic or sonic compression and shear waves measured in a downhole environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventors: Dale Cox, David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., Scott Dahlgren
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Patent number: 7248177Abstract: A transmission system in a downhole component comprises a data transmission element in both ends of the downhole component. Each data transmission element houses an electrically conducting coil in a MCEI circular trough. The electrically conducting coil comprises at least two generally fractional loops. In the preferred embodiment, the transmission elements are connected by an electrical conductor. Preferably, the electrical conductor is a coaxial cable. Preferably, the MCEI trough comprises ferrite. In the preferred embodiment, the fractional loops are connected by a connecting cable. In one aspect of the present invention, the connecting cable is a pair of twisted wires. In one embodiment the connecting cable is a shielded pair of twisted wires. In another aspect of the present invention, the connecting cable is a coaxial cable. The connecting cable may be disposed outside of the MCEI circular trough.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr.
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Patent number: 7198118Abstract: A communication adapter is disclosed that provides for removable attachment to a drilling component when the drilling component is not actively drilling and for communication with an integrated transmission system in the drilling component. The communication adapter comprises a data transmission coupler that facilitates communication between the drilling component and the adapter, a mechanical coupler that facilitates removable attachment of the adapter to the drilling component, and a data interface.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, David S. Pixton, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., Kline Bradford, Michael Rawle
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Patent number: 7139218Abstract: A high-speed downhole network providing real-time data from downhole components of a drilling strings includes a bottom-hole node interfacing to a bottom-hole assembly located proximate the bottom end of a drill string. A top-hole node is connected proximate the top end of the drill string. One or several intermediate nodes are located along the drill string between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node. The intermediate nodes are configured to receive and transmit data packets transmitted between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node. A communications link, integrated into the drill string, is used to operably connect the bottom-hole node, the intermediate nodes, and the top-hole node. In selected embodiments, a personal or other computer may be connected to the top-hole node, to analyze data received from the intermediate and bottom-hole nodes.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., Joe Fox, David S. Pixton
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Patent number: 7116199Abstract: An inductive coupler for downhole components. The inductive coupler includes an annular housing having a recess defined by a bottom portion and two opposing side wall portions. At least one side wall portion includes a lip extending toward but not reaching the other side wall portion. A plurality of generally U-shaped MCEI segments, preferably comprised of ferrite, are disposed in the recess and aligned so as to form a circular trough. The coupler further includes a conductor disposed within the circular trough and a polymer filling spaces between the segments, the annular housing and the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Joe Fox, Michael A. Briscoe
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Patent number: 7098802Abstract: A signal transmission connection for a tool string used in exploration and production of natural resources, namely: oil, gas, and geothermal energy resources. The connection comprises first and second annular elements deployed in cooperative association with each other. The respective elements comprise inductive transducers that are capable of two-way signal transmission between each other, with downhole components of the tool string, and with ground-level equipment. The respective inductive transducers comprise one or more conductive loops housed within ferrite troughs, or within ferrite trough segments. When energized, the conductive loops produce a magnetic field suitable for transmitting the signal. The second element may be rotational in drilling applications. The respective elements may be fitted with electronic equipment to aid and manipulate the transmission of the signal. The first element may also be in communication with the World Wide Web.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Kline Bradford, Joe Fox, Michael Briscoe
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Patent number: 7098767Abstract: The present invention includes an element for use in an inductive coupler in a downhole component. The element includes a plurality of ductile, generally U-shaped leaves that are electrically conductive. The leaves are less than about 0.0625? thick and are separated by an electrically insulating material. These leaves are aligned so as to form a generally circular trough. The invention also includes an inductive coupler for use in downhole components, the inductive coupler including an annular housing having a recess with a magnetically conductive, electrically insulating (MCEI) element disposed in the recess. The MCEI element includes a plurality of segments where each segment further includes a plurality of ductile, generally U-shaped electrically conductive leaves. Each leaf is less than about 0.0625? thick and separated from the otherwise adjacent leaves by electrically insulating material. The segments and leaves are aligned so as to form a generally circular trough.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon
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Patent number: 7069999Abstract: A method for routing a transmission line through a tool joint having a primary and secondary shoulder, a central bore, and a longitudinal axis, includes drilling a straight channel, at a positive, nominal angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, through the tool joint from the secondary shoulder to a point proximate the inside wall of the centtral bore. The method further includes milling back, from within the central bore, a second channel to merge with the straight channel, thereby forming a continuous channel from the secondary shoulder to the central bore. In selected embodiments, drilling is accomplished by gun-drilling the straight channel. In other embodiments, the method includes tilting the tool joint before drilling to produce the positive, nominal angle. In selected embodiments, the positive, nominal angle is less than or equal to 15 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Michael Briscoe, Jay Reynolds
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Patent number: 7064676Abstract: A system for transmitting data through a string of downhole components. In one aspect, the system includes first and second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating elements at both ends of the component. Each element includes a first U-shaped trough with a bottom, first and second sides and an opening between the two sides. Electrically conducting coils are located in each trough. An electrical conductor connects the coils in each component. In operation, a varying current applied to a first coil in one component generates a varying magnetic field in the first magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element, which varying magnetic field is conducted to and thereby produces a varying magnetic field in the second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element of a connected component, which magnetic field thereby generates a varying electrical current in the second coil in the connected component.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 7040003Abstract: The present invention includes a method of making an inductive coupler for downhole components. The method includes providing an annular housing, preferably made of steel, the housing having a recess. A conductor, preferably an insulated wire, is also provided along with a plurality of generally U-shaped magnetically conducting, electrically insulating (MCEI) segments. Preferably, the MCEI segments comprise ferrite. An assembly is formed by placing the plurality of MCEI segments within the recess in the annular housing. The segments are aligned to form a generally circular trough. A first portion of the conductor is placed within the circular trough. This assembly is consolidated with a meltable polymer which fills spaces between the segments, annular housing and the first portion of the conductor. The invention also includes an inductive coupler including an annular housing having a recess defined by a bottom portion and two opposing side wall portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Michael A. Briscoe, Cameron Sneddon, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 7017667Abstract: A transmission line assembly for transmitting information along a downhole tool comprising a pin end, a box end, and a central bore traveling between the pin end and the box end, is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a protective conduit. A transmission line is routed through the protective conduit. The protective conduit is routed through the central bore and the ends of the protective conduit are routed through channels formed in the pin end and box end of the downhole tool. The protective conduit is elastically forced into a spiral or other non-linear path along the interior surface of the central bore by compressing the protective conduit to a length within the downhole tool shorter than the protective conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Kline Bradford, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 7002445Abstract: A robust transmission element for transmitting information between downhole tools, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The transmission element maintains reliable connectivity between transmission elements, thereby providing an uninterrupted flow of information between drill string components. A transmission element is mounted within a recess proximate a mating surface of a downhole drilling component, such as a section of drill pipe. To close gaps present between transmission elements, transmission elements may be biased with a “spring force,” urging them closer together.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Michael A. Briscoe, Scott Steven Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon