Patents by Inventor James R. Dunphy
James R. Dunphy 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: 11577337Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the acoustic properties of optical cables used as in-well oil and gas probes for acoustic monitoring, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). One example aspect provides a solid path for the acoustic wave to propagate from an outside armor layer of the cable to the sensing optical waveguide embedded therein. Another example aspect offers ways to spatially dispose the optical sensing elements to create response delays indicative of the propagation speed and/or direction of an acoustic wave. Yet another example aspect provides ways to utilize additional spectral interrogation to increase ultimate spatial resolution. Yet another example aspect provides ways to locally vary the acoustic properties along the length of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre, Hongbo Li, Domino Taverner, James R. Dunphy
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Publication number: 20210008657Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the acoustic properties of optical cables used as in-well oil and gas probes for acoustic monitoring, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). One example aspect provides a solid path for the acoustic wave to propagate from an outside armor layer of the cable to the sensing optical waveguide embedded therein. Another example aspect offers ways to spatially dispose the optical sensing elements to create response delays indicative of the propagation speed and/or direction of an acoustic wave. Yet another example aspect provides ways to utilize additional spectral interrogation to increase ultimate spatial resolution. Yet another example aspect provides ways to locally vary the acoustic properties along the length of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Andre R. VINCELETTE, Christopher S. BALDWIN, Paul LEFEBVRE, Hongbo LI, Domino TAVERNER, James R. DUNPHY
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Patent number: 10843290Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the acoustic properties of optical cables used as in-well oil and gas probes for acoustic monitoring, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). One example aspect provides a solid path for the acoustic wave to propagate from an outside armor layer of the cable to the sensing optical waveguide embedded therein. Another example aspect offers ways to spatially dispose the optical sensing elements to create response delays indicative of the propagation speed and/or direction of an acoustic wave. Yet another example aspect provides ways to utilize additional spectral interrogation to increase ultimate spatial resolution. Yet another example aspect provides ways to locally vary the acoustic properties along the length of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre, Hongbo Li, Domino Taverner, James R. Dunphy
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Patent number: 10606000Abstract: An optical waveguide feedthrough assembly passes at least one optical waveguide through a bulk head, a sensor wall, or other feedthrough member. The optical waveguide feedthrough assembly comprises a cane-based optical waveguide that forms a glass plug sealingly disposed in a feedthrough housing. For some embodiments, the optical waveguide includes a tapered surface biased against a seal seat formed in the housing. The feedthrough assembly can include an annular gold gasket member disposed between the tapered surface and the seal seat. The feedthrough assembly can further include a backup seal. The backup seal comprises an elastomeric annular member disposed between the glass plug and the housing. The backup seal may be energized by a fluid pressure in the housing. The feedthrough assembly is operable in high temperature and high pressure environments.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Sgambelluri, John J. Grunbeck, George J. Talmadge, Robert F. Robinson, James M. Sullivan, Joseph F. Robbins
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Patent number: 10175131Abstract: Small profile apparatus for pressure and/or temperature sensing within a wellbore are provided. The apparatus may include optical sensing assemblies designed for inclusion in traditional or coiled production tubing deployments and suitable for use in high pressure, high temperature environments. One example assembly generally includes an outer housing, an inner housing at least partially disposed in the outer housing, a port for fluid communication between an internal volume of the inner housing and a volume external to the outer housing, and a large diameter optical waveguide disposed in the internal volume of the inner housing. The waveguide includes a first portion with a first grating and a second portion with a second grating, wherein the outer diameter of the large diameter optical waveguide is at least 300 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy
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Patent number: 9841315Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Edward M. Dowd, David LaBella, Mark Baker, Andrew S. Kuczma, Francis X. Bostick, III
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Publication number: 20170205302Abstract: Small profile apparatus for pressure and/or temperature sensing within a wellbore are provided. The apparatus may include optical sensing assemblies designed for inclusion in traditional or coiled production tubing deployments and suitable for use in high pressure, high temperature environments. One example assembly generally includes an outer housing, an inner housing at least partially disposed in the outer housing, a port for fluid communication between an internal volume of the inner housing and a volume external to the outer housing, and a large diameter optical waveguide disposed in the internal volume of the inner housing. The waveguide includes a first portion with a first grating and a second portion with a second grating, wherein the outer diameter of the large diameter optical waveguide is at least 300 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Domino TAVERNER, John J. GRUNBECK, James R. DUNPHY
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Patent number: 9588314Abstract: An optical transducer is provided. A “measuring” portion of the transducer may be exposed to a high pressure and fluids when the optical transducer is deployed (e.g., in a wellbore or other industrial setting). The transducer may include an optical waveguide with a first portion that forms a first seal that isolates an “instrumentation” portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed. The transducer may also include a second seal with a “stack” of material elements that contact a second portion of the optical waveguide to also isolate the instrumentation portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Bryan Boemmels, Guy A. Daigle
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Publication number: 20160334593Abstract: An optical waveguide feedthrough assembly passes at least one optical waveguide through a bulk head, a sensor wall, or other feedthrough member. The optical waveguide feedthrough assembly comprises a cane-based optical waveguide that forms a glass plug sealingly disposed in a feedthrough housing. For some embodiments, the optical waveguide includes a tapered surface biased against a seal seat formed in the housing. The feedthrough assembly can include an annular gold gasket member disposed between the tapered surface and the seal seat. The feedthrough assembly can further include a backup seal. The backup seal comprises an elastomeric annular member disposed between the glass plug and the housing. The backup seal may be energized by a fluid pressure in the housing. The feedthrough assembly is operable in high temperature and high pressure environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: James R. DUNPHY, John J. SGAMBELLURI, John J. GRUNBECK, George J. TALMADGE, Robert F. ROBINSON, James M. SULLIVAN, Joseph F. ROBBINS
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Patent number: 9423564Abstract: An optical waveguide feedthrough assembly passes at least one optical waveguide through a bulk head, a sensor wall, or other feedthrough member. The optical waveguide feedthrough assembly comprises a cane-based optical waveguide that forms a glass plug sealingly disposed in a feedthrough housing. For some embodiments, the optical waveguide includes a tapered surface biased against a seal seat formed in the housing. The feedthrough assembly can include an annular gold gasket member disposed between the tapered surface and the seal seat. The feedthrough assembly can further include a backup seal. The backup seal comprises an elastomeric annular member disposed between the glass plug and the housing. The backup seal may be energized by a fluid pressure in the housing. The feedthrough assembly is operable in high temperature and high pressure environments.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Sgambelluri, John Grunbeck, George Talmadge, Robert F. Robinson, James M. Sullivan, Joseph F. Robbins
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Publication number: 20160209584Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the acoustic properties of optical cables used as in-well oil and gas probes for acoustic monitoring, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). One example aspect provides a solid path for the acoustic wave to propagate from an outside armor layer of the cable to the sensing optical waveguide embedded therein. Another example aspect offers ways to spatially dispose the optical sensing elements to create response delays indicative of the propagation speed and/or direction of an acoustic wave. Yet another example aspect provides ways to utilize additional spectral interrogation to increase ultimate spatial resolution. Yet another example aspect provides ways to locally vary the acoustic properties along the length of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Andre R. VINCELETTE, Christopher S. BALDWIN, Paul LEFEBVRE, Hongbo LI, Domino TAVERNER, James R. DUNPHY
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Publication number: 20160116331Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Domino TAVERNER, John J. GRUNBECK, James R. DUNPHY, Edward M. DOWD, David ABELLA, Mark BAKER, Andrew S. KUCZMA, Francis X. BOSTICK, III
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Publication number: 20160077295Abstract: An optical transducer is provided. A “measuring” portion of the transducer may be exposed to a high pressure and fluids when the optical transducer is deployed (e.g., in a wellbore or other industrial setting). The transducer may include an optical waveguide with a first portion that forms a first seal that isolates an “instrumentation” portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed. The transducer may also include a second seal with a “stack” of material elements that contact a second portion of the optical waveguide to also isolate the instrumentation portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: James R. DUNPHY, John J. GRUNBECK, Bryan BOEMMELS, Guy A. DAIGLE
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Patent number: 9255836Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Edward M. Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Francis X. Bostick, III, David Labella, Mark Baker
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Patent number: 9223101Abstract: An optical transducer is provided. A “measuring” portion of the transducer may be exposed to a high pressure and fluids when the optical transducer is deployed (e.g., in a wellbore or other industrial setting). The transducer may include an optical waveguide with a first portion that forms a first seal that isolates an “instrumentation” portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed. The transducer may also include a second seal with a “stack” of material elements that contact a second portion of the optical waveguide to also isolate the instrumentation portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Bryan Boemmels, Guy Daigle
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Patent number: 9052244Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring conditions in a well-bore using multiple cane-based sensors. The apparatus includes an array of cane-based Bragg grating sensors located in a single conduit for use in the well-bore. For some embodiments, each sensor is located at a different linear location along the conduit allowing for increased monitoring locations along the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Trevor MacDougall, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Domino Taverner, Guy A. Daigle, Richard T. Jones, Milton E. Ives, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140245588Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring conditions in a well-bore using multiple cane-based sensors. The apparatus includes an array of cane-based Bragg grating sensors located in a single conduit for use in the well-bore. For some embodiments, each sensor is located at a different linear location along the conduit allowing for increased monitoring locations along the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Trevor MACDOUGALL, John J. GRUNBECK, James R. DUNPHY, Domino TAVERNER, Guy A. DAIGLE, Richard T. JONES, Milton E. IVES, JR.
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Patent number: 8768111Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring conditions in a well-bore using multiple cane-based sensors. The apparatus includes an array of cane-based Bragg grating sensors located in a single conduit for use in the well-bore. For some embodiments, each sensor is located at a different linear location along the conduit allowing for increased monitoring locations along the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Trevor MacDougall, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Domino Taverner, Guy A. Daigle, Richard T. Jones, Milton E. Ives, Jr.
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Patent number: 8737774Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring conditions in a well-bore using multiple cane-based sensors. The apparatus includes an array of cane-based Bragg grating sensors located in a single conduit for use in the well-bore. For some embodiments, each sensor is located at a different linear location along the conduit allowing for increased monitoring locations along the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Trevor MacDougall, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Domino Taverner, Guy A. Daigle, Richard T. Jones
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Publication number: 20130236152Abstract: An optical transducer is provided. A “measuring” portion of the transducer may be exposed to a high pressure and fluids when the optical transducer is deployed (e.g., in a wellbore or other industrial setting). The transducer may include an optical waveguide with a first portion that forms a first seal that isolates an “instrumentation” portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed. The transducer may also include a second seal with a “stack” of material elements that contact a second portion of the optical waveguide to also isolate the instrumentation portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Bryan Boemmels, Guy Daigle