Patents by Inventor Howard Schmidt
Howard Schmidt 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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Publication number: 20250043671Abstract: A method for generating self-propped hydraulic fractures. In one embodiment, the method comprises injecting three fluid stages sequentially, each with successively higher viscosity, comprising a pad, a sealing slurry, and a displacement fluid which may be referred to as a sweep. Compositions of each of the three fluid stages are provided, each of which may be selected based upon characteristics of the formation being treated or upon one or more characteristics of the desired fracture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2024Publication date: February 6, 2025Applicant: Quidnet Energy Inc.Inventors: Howard Schmidt, Scott Wright, Bunker Hill, Henry Lau
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Patent number: 12123293Abstract: A method for generating self-propped hydraulic fractures. In one embodiment, the method comprises injecting three fluid stages sequentially, each with successively higher viscosity, comprising a pad, a sealing slurry, and a displacement fluid which may be referred to as a sweep. Compositions of each of the three fluid stages are provided, each of which may be selected based upon characteristics of the formation being treated or upon one or more characteristics of the desired fracture.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2023Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Quidnet Energy, Inc.Inventors: Howard Schmidt, Scott Wright, Bunker Hill, Henry Lau
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Publication number: 20230313657Abstract: A method for generating self-propped hydraulic fractures. In one embodiment, the method comprises injecting three fluid stages sequentially, each with successively higher viscosity, comprising a pad, a sealing slurry, and a displacement fluid which may be referred to as a sweep. Compositions of each of the three fluid stages are provided, each of which may be selected based upon characteristics of the formation being treated or upon one or more characteristics of the desired fracture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicant: Quidnet Energy Inc.Inventors: Howard Schmidt, Scott Wright, Bunker Hill, Henry Lau
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Patent number: 11060014Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Fawaz Al-Otaibi, Sunil Kokal, Howard Schmidt, Yun Chang
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Publication number: 20190345374Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Fawaz AL-OTAIBI, Sunil KOKAL, Howard SCHMIDT, Yun CHANG
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Patent number: 10400158Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Fawaz Al-Otaibi, Sunil Kokal, Howard Schmidt, Yun Chang
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Patent number: 10287877Abstract: A fracture interrogation system includes an antenna adapted for placement in a subterranean wellbore and a plurality of pseudoparticles adapted for distribution with a proppant material into hydraulic fractures along the wellbore. The presence of the pseudoparticles in the hydraulic fractures is detectable by the antenna. The pseudoparticles can include a magnetoelastic resonator having a resonant frequency. An interrogation field excites the resonators at the resonant frequency for detection by the antenna. The same or a different antenna can act as the interrogation field source, and the system can be configured to operate in a talk-and-listen mode to better separate the response signal from the interrogation signal. Electromagnetic, mechanical, or acoustic impulses can be used to excite resonators of the pseudoparticles.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Yogesh Gianchandani, Scott Green, Kamal Sarabandi, Mazen Kanj, Howard Schmidt, Jun Tang, Jiangfeng Wu
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Publication number: 20180258341Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Fawaz AL-OTAIBI, Sunil KOKAL, Howard SCHMIDT, Yun CHANG
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Patent number: 10047276Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Fawaz Al-Otaibi, Yun Chang, Sunil Kokal, Howard Schmidt
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Publication number: 20170088768Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Fawaz Al-Otaibi, Yun Chang, Sunil Kokal, Howard Schmidt
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Publication number: 20170030189Abstract: A fracture interrogation system includes an antenna adapted for placement in a subterranean wellbore and a plurality of pseudoparticles adapted for distribution with a proppant material into hydraulic fractures along the wellbore. The presence of the pseudoparticles in the hydraulic fractures is detectable by the antenna. The pseudoparticles can include a magnetoelastic resonator having a resonant frequency. An interrogation field excites the resonators at the resonant frequency for detection by the antenna. The same or a different antenna can act as the interrogation field source, and the system can be configured to operate in a talk-and-listen mode to better separate the response signal from the interrogation signal. Electromagnetic, mechanical, or acoustic impulses can be used to excite resonators of the pseudoparticles.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Yogesh GIANCHANDANI, Scott GREEN, Kamal SARABANDI, Mazen KANJ, Howard SCHMIDT, Jun TANG, Jiangfeng WU
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Patent number: 9546316Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Fawaz Al-Otaibi, Yun Chang, Sunil Kokal, Howard Schmidt
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Patent number: 8948576Abstract: An air handler system comprising a cabinet housing a blower unit and a heat exchange unit. The blower unit and the heat exchange unit are located in a substantially same lateral dimension in the cabinet. The blower unit and the heat exchange unit are separated by a distance that provides for a substantially uniform flow of air through a vertically-orientated plane of the heat exchange unit when the blower unit is in operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Advanced Distributor Products LLCInventors: Colby Logan, Howard Schmidt
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Publication number: 20140131046Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Fawaz Al-Otaibi, YUN CHANG, SUNIL KOKAL, HOWARD SCHMIDT
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Publication number: 20130058984Abstract: The present invention includes single-walled carbon nanotube compositions for the delivery of siRNA and methods of making such single-walled carbon nanotube compositions. A single-walled carbon nanotube composition for delivery of siRNA includes a nonfunctionalized single-walled carbon nanotube; and siRNA noncovalently complexed with the nonfunctionalized single-walled carbon nanotube, wherein the siRNA solubilizes such nonfunctionalized single-walled carbon nanotube.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITYInventors: Garth Powis, Jeffrey Bartholomeusz, James Tour, Howard Schmidt, Paul Cherukuri, R. Bruce Weisman
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Publication number: 20120168133Abstract: An air handler system comprising a cabinet housing a blower unit and a heat exchange unit. The blower unit and the heat exchange unit are located in a substantially same lateral dimension in the cabinet. The blower unit and the heat exchange unit are separated by a distance that provides for a substantially uniform flow of air through a vertically-orientated plane of the heat exchange unit when the blower unit is in operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Colby Logan, Howard Schmidt
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Publication number: 20110045080Abstract: The present invention includes single-walled carbon nanotube compositions for the delivery of siRNA and methods of making such single-walled carbon nanotube compositions. A single-walled carbon nanotube composition for delivery of siRNA includes a nonfunctionalized single-walled carbon nanotube; and siRNA noncovalently complexed with the nonfunctionalized single-walled carbon nanotube, wherein the siRNA solubilizes such nonfunctionalized single-walled carbon nanotube.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITYInventors: Garth Powis, Jeffrey Bartholomeusz, James Tour, Howard Schmidt, Paul Cherukuri, R. Bruce Weisman
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Patent number: 6584673Abstract: A planar carbon segment commutator assembly made by forming an annular conductor substrate with an annular front projection extending integrally and axially from a front surface of the substrate. An annular carbon disk is formed on the conductor substrate by overmolding a carbon compound onto the front surface of the conductor substrate and around the annular front projection. The conductor substrate is mounted on an insulating hub. Electrically isolated, circumferentially-spaced commutator segments and corresponding mechanically interlocked conductor sections are formed by making radial cuts through the annular carbon disk and the metal substrate, respectively. According to one embodiment, each of the front projections has a greater cross-sectional area at a distal end than at a base end to mechanically lock the commutator segments onto the conductor sections.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: McCord Winn Textron Inc.Inventor: Howard Schmidt
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Publication number: 20020067098Abstract: A planar carbon segment commutator assembly made by forming an annular conductor substrate with an annular front projection extending integrally and axially from a front surface of the substrate. An annular carbon disk is formed on the conductor substrate by overmolding a carbon compound onto the front surface of the conductor substrate and around the annular front projection. The conductor substrate is mounted on an insulating hub. Electrically isolated, circumferentially-spaced commutator segments and corresponding mechanically interlocked conductor sections are formed by making radial cuts through the annular carbon disk and the metal substrate, respectively. According to one embodiment, each of the front projections has a greater cross-sectional area at a distal end than at a base end to mechanically lock the commutator segments onto the conductor sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: Howard Schmidt
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Patent number: 6359362Abstract: A planar carbon segment commutator assembly made by forming an annular conductor substrate with an annular front projection extending integrally and axially from a front surface of the substrate. An annular carbon disk is formed on the conductor substrate by overmolding a carbon compound onto the front surface of the conductor substrate and around the annular front projection. The conductor substrate is mounted on an insulating hub. Electrically isolated, circumferentially-spaced commutator segments and corresponding mechanically interlocked conductor sections are formed by making radial cuts through the annular carbon disk and the metal substrate, respectively. According to one embodiment, each of the front projections has a greater cross-sectional area at a distal end than at a base end to mechanically lock the commutator segments onto the conductor sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: McCord Winn Textron Inc.Inventor: Howard Schmidt