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).

  • Patent number: 11577337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre, Hongbo Li, Domino Taverner, James R. Dunphy
  • Patent number: 10843290
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre, Hongbo Li, Domino Taverner, James R. Dunphy
  • Patent number: 10606000
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Sgambelluri, John J. Grunbeck, George J. Talmadge, Robert F. Robinson, James M. Sullivan, Joseph F. Robbins
  • Patent number: 10175131
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy
  • Patent number: 9841315
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Edward M. Dowd, David LaBella, Mark Baker, Andrew S. Kuczma, Francis X. Bostick, III
  • Patent number: 9588314
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Bryan Boemmels, Guy A. Daigle
  • Patent number: 9423564
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Sgambelluri, John Grunbeck, George Talmadge, Robert F. Robinson, James M. Sullivan, Joseph F. Robbins
  • Patent number: 9255836
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Edward M. Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Francis X. Bostick, III, David Labella, Mark Baker
  • Patent number: 9223101
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Bryan Boemmels, Guy Daigle
  • Patent number: 9052244
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Trevor MacDougall, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Domino Taverner, Guy A. Daigle, Richard T. Jones, Milton E. Ives, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8768111
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor MacDougall, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Domino Taverner, Guy A. Daigle, Richard T. Jones, Milton E. Ives, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8737774
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor MacDougall, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Domino Taverner, Guy A. Daigle, Richard T. Jones
  • Publication number: 20130236152
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Bryan Boemmels, Guy Daigle
  • Patent number: 8422835
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Sgambelluri, John Grunbeck, George Talmadge, Robert F. Robinson, James M. Sullivan, Joseph F. Robbins
  • Patent number: 8351755
    Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough assembly includes a glass plug disposed in a recess of a feedthrough housing. The glass plug may define a large-diameter, cane-based, waveguide sealed within the recess in the housing and providing optical communication through the housing. Sealing occurs with respect to the housing at or around the glass plug of an optical waveguide element passing through the housing by braze sealing to the glass plug and/or embedding the glass plug in a polymer bonded with the plug to form a molded body that is sealed in the housing by, for example, compression mounting of the molded body or providing a sealing element around the molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Trevor MacDougall, Matthew J. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20120111104
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck, James R. Dunphy, Edward M. Dowd, Andrew S. Kuczma, Francis X. Bostick, III, David Labella, Mark Baker
  • Publication number: 20120087629
    Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough assembly includes a glass plug disposed in a recess of a feedthrough housing. The glass plug may define a large-diameter, cane-based, waveguide sealed within the recess in the housing and providing optical communication through the housing. Sealing occurs with respect to the housing at or around the glass plug of an optical waveguide element passing through the housing by braze sealing to the glass plug and/or embedding the glass plug in a polymer bonded with the plug to form a molded body that is sealed in the housing by, for example, compression mounting of the molded body or providing a sealing element around the molded body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Trevor MacDougall, Matthew J. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8068714
    Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough assembly includes a glass plug disposed in a recess of a feedthrough housing. The glass plug may define a large-diameter, cane-based, waveguide sealed within the recess in the housing and providing optical communication through the housing. Sealing occurs with respect to the housing at or around the glass plug of an optical waveguide element passing through the housing by braze sealing to the glass plug and/or embedding the glass plug in a polymer bonded with the plug to form a molded body that is sealed in the housing by, for example, compression mounting of the molded body or providing a sealing element around the molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Trevor MacDougall, Matthew J. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20100266243
    Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough assembly includes a glass plug disposed in a recess of a feedthrough housing. The glass plug may define a large-diameter, cane-based, waveguide sealed within the recess in the housing and providing optical communication through the housing. Sealing occurs with respect to the housing at or around the glass plug of an optical waveguide element passing through the housing by braze sealing to the glass plug and/or embedding the glass plug in a polymer bonded with the plug to form a molded body that is sealed in the housing by, for example, compression mounting of the molded body or providing a sealing element around the molded body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Trevor MacDougall, Matthew J. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7751677
    Abstract: 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. A seal fills an annular space between the glass plug and the housing. The seal may be energized by a fluid pressure in the housing to establish sealing engagement. Further, the seal may provide bidirectional sealing. The feedthrough assembly is operable in high temperature and high pressure environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, George J. Talmadge, John J. Grunbeck, Khai Tran, Roddie R. Smith