Patents by Inventor John A. MacPherson
John A. MacPherson 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: 8788207Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating a geometry of a borehole penetrating the earth. The method includes: performing a plurality of borehole caliper measurements with N transducers at a plurality of times, wherein for each time a measurement set comprises measurements made by the N transducers at that time; dividing a cross-section of the borehole into S sectors; obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry by connecting representative radius points in adjacent sectors; displacing each measurement set according to a displacement vector related to an offset of each measurement set from the estimated geometry if the displacement vector exceeds a selection criterion; iterating the obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry and the displacing each measurement set based on a latest displacement vector; and providing a latest obtained estimate as the geometry of the borehole when all of the displacement vectors no longer exceed the selection criterion for the displacing.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jianyong Pei, Thomas Dahl, John Macpherson
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Publication number: 20130049981Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for displaying three-dimensional motion of a drill string in a borehole penetrating the earth to a user in real time. The apparatus includes: an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration in at least three directions; a strain sensor configured to measure strain or a bending moment at the drill string in two directions; a magnetometer and configured to measure an earth's magnetic field to determine rotational velocity of the drill string; a processor disposed at a surface of the earth and configured to receive the measurements from the accelerometer, the strain sensor, and the magnetometer and to process these measurements to estimate the three-dimensional motion of the drill string; a display configured to display the motion of the drill string to the user; and a high-speed telemetry system configured to transmit measurements from the accelerometer, the strain sensor, and the magnetometer to the processor in real time.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John MacPherson, Michael King, Darin J. Warling, Hanno Reckmann
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Publication number: 20130030705Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating a geometry of a borehole penetrating the earth. The method includes: performing a plurality of borehole caliper measurements with N transducers at a plurality of times, wherein for each time a measurement set comprises measurements made by the N transducers at that time; dividing a cross-section of the borehole into S sectors; obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry by connecting representative radius points in adjacent sectors; displacing each measurement set according to a displacement vector related to an offset of each measurement set from the estimated geometry if the displacement vector exceeds a selection criterion; iterating the obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry and the displacing each measurement set based on a latest displacement vector; and providing a latest obtained estimate as the geometry of the borehole when all of the displacement vectors no longer exceed the selection criterion for the displacing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Jianyong Pei, Thomas Dahl, John Macpherson
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Publication number: 20110017334Abstract: A method of manufacturing a downhole conduit segment is disclosed. The method includes: extruding a material as a tubular shape to form a body of the conduit segment having an interior bore extending through a length of the segment, the body including an exterior surface and an interior surface defined by the interior bore, the material being an extrudable material sufficient to withstand conditions in a downhole environment; and extruding at least one passageway extending along the length of the body and disposed at least partially between the exterior surface and the interior surface, the at least one passageway having a shape configured to restrict lateral movement of a conductor disposed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Andreas Peter, John Macpherson
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Publication number: 20100266222Abstract: A thermoplastic bag for storing food items may include a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall joined to the first sidewall to define an interior volume. The first and second sidewalls may be made from pliable, sheet-like thermoplastic web material. The sidewalls may be formed with a pattern of ribs. When a tensioning force is applied to the sidewall, the ribs may open so that the sidewall may become generally more planar. Opening the ribs may cause the sidewalls to stretch or expand thereby adding to the overall area of the bag. The thermoplastic material may have a shape memory characteristic that may cause the ribs to reform after the tensioning force is alleviated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: The Glad Products CompanyInventors: John E. Rusnak, Nancy M. Mack-Robles, Jeffrey S. Stiglic, Theodore J. Fish, John A. MacPherson
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Patent number: 7650241Abstract: A drilling system provides indications of the lithology of the formation being drilled by dynamically measuring at least one parameter of interest that is affected by the lithology of the formation being drilled. Suitably positioned sensors make dynamic measurements of parameters such as downhole weight on bit, bit torque, bit revolutions, rate of penetration and bit axial acceleration. One or more processors use the sensor measurements in conjunction with predetermined lithological models to determine whether the measurements indicate a change in formation lithology. Suitable models can be on derived expressions such as rock drillability, drilling response, dynamic drilling response, normalized or dimensionless torque; and formation shear strength. The lithological indications provided by the processor can be used to adjust drilling parameters, steer the BHA, monitor BHA health, and provide depth locations for bed boundaries and formation interfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Pushkar Jogi, Joachim Oppelt, Gerald Heisig, Volker Krueger, John Macpherson
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Patent number: 7647130Abstract: Predicting a completion time for the manufacturing of an ordered configuration of a product based on actual completion times and self adjusting prediction completion times. An order is received to manufacture a particular configuration of a product. Multiple activities are identified that need to be finished in order to complete the manufacturing of the configuration. A completion time that the configuration will be manufactured is predicted based on actual completion times and self-adjusting predicted completion times for the activities.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kari Arlene Fischer, Ivory Wellman Knipfer, Kurt David Knodel, Michael John MacPherson
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Publication number: 20080133442Abstract: A method, apparatus, and product are disclosed for predicting a completion time for completing the manufacturing of an ordered configuration of a product. An order is received to manufacture a particular configuration of a product. Multiple activities are identified that need to be finished in order to complete the manufacturing of the configuration. A completion time that the configuration will be manufactured is predicted based on actual completion times and self-adjusting predicted completion times for the activities.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Kari Arlene Fischer, Ivory Wellman Knipfer, Kurl David Knodel, Michael John MacPherson
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Patent number: 7175424Abstract: The present invention is an indoor/outdoor patio heater which includes a base portion housing a gas source, a gas burner, gas valve, a fan under the burner to create twisting flame patterns and a liquid pump, a pair of concentric see-through tubular portions disposed vertically above said base portion and a top heat deflector portion, with the burner flame enclosed by the inner tubular portion and liquid flowing through the channel formed between the inner and outer tubular portions to create the appearance of a twisting flame enclosed within a waterfall. The invention can be utilized with its aesthetic flame features and its aesthetic water features together, or one or the other.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventors: Toby Frink, John A. MacPherson
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Publication number: 20070007213Abstract: A water filtration process and apparatus which includes the steps of treating well water with a coagulating agent or flocculant such as aluminum sulfate and/or potassium permanganate and aluminum chlorohydrate and directing the treated effluent water stream containing positively charged coagulated contaminant particles into a series of filter chambers packed with finely crushed rocks, sand and/or negatively-charged glass filter medium of random particle size. The water is filtered through the glass filter medium from top to bottom and the filtered potable effluent removed from the bottom of the filter chambers and typically directed to a storage tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: John MacPherson, Marlon Curtis, Jeff Hairston
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Publication number: 20060290528Abstract: A system and method for communicating data between a downhole tool and a surface controller is provided that comprises a rotating drill string extending in a borehole and having a downhole telemetry module disposed proximate a bottom end thereof and transmitting a first signal across a telemetry channel. A surface telemetry module is disposed proximate a top end of the rotating drill string and is adapted to receive the first signal transmitted by the downhole telemetry module across the transmission channel. The surface telemetry module has a radio frequency transmitter disposed therein for transmitting a second signal related to the first signal. A stationary communication module has a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive the second signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2006Publication date: December 28, 2006Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John MacPherson, Frank Shepard, Ralf Zaeper, Volker Krueger
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Patent number: 7146975Abstract: A realistic gas fire log system providing log movement during use to enhance the realism of a fireplace system, comprising a ceramic fiber top, molded to look like charred embers or ash ported with one or more holes and recessed at the bottom to form a cavity, a steel pan sealed to the bottom of the ceramic fiber top, forming a chamber; a gas supply, gas control valve and a venturi fitted in an orifice through the pan, and including a log movement mechanism comprising an armature for pivotable attachment to one end of a fire log resting over a second fire log including two or more log sections connected by a spring and an activating mechanism, which armature causes the hinged log to collapse downwardly when activated and reposition into its original position when the fireplace is turned off. The log movement mechanism can be incorporated into existing gas fire log systems or made part of the original equipment of a gas fire log system.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Desa IP, LLCInventor: John A. MacPherson
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Publication number: 20060212224Abstract: A drilling system provides indications of the lithology of the formation being drilled by dynamically measuring at least one parameter of interest that is affected by the lithology of the formation being drilled. Suitably positioned sensors make dynamic measurements of parameters such as downhole weight on bit, bit torque, bit revolutions, rate of penetration and bit axial acceleration. One or more processors use the sensor measurements in conjunction with predetermined lithological models to determine whether the measurements indicate a change in formation lithology. Suitable models can be on derived expressions such as rock drillability, drilling response, dynamic drilling response, normalized or dimensionless torque; and formation shear strength. The lithological indications provided by the processor can be used to adjust drilling parameters, steer the BHA, monitor BHA health, and provide depth locations for bed boundaries and formation interfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2006Publication date: September 21, 2006Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Pushkar Jogi, Joachim Oppelt, Gerald Heisig, Volker Krueger, John Macpherson
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Publication number: 20050150689Abstract: A system for drilling a well comprises a tubular member having a bottomhole assembly at a bottom end thereof disposed in a wellbore. A first sensor is disposed in the bottomhole assembly at a predetermined axial location for detecting bending in a first axis and generating a first bending signal in response thereto, where the first axis is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the bottomhole assembly. A second sensor is disposed in the bottomhole assembly at the predetermined axial location for detecting bending in a second axis and generating a second bending signal in response thereto, where the second axis is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A processor receives the first bending signal and the second bending signal and relates the first bending signal and the second bending signal to a borehole curvature according to programmed instructions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2004Publication date: July 14, 2005Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Pushkar Jogi, Michael Neubert, John MacPherson, James Hood, Thomas Dahl, Volker Krueger, Andrew Brooks, Gerald Heisig
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Patent number: 6898967Abstract: A method of measuring resistivity values in relation to the azimuthal displacement of a measurement sensor displayed on a measurement-while-drilling device in a wellbore environment is disclosed. The present invention also provides an instantaneous reading of resistivity values. A resistivity sensor measures a volume having a circular cross-section, and whose center is the geometric center of the tool. Averaging removes measurement errors, such as those due to tool motion. Information on the formation resistivity is obtained as a function of the location of the center of the tool. A method of acoustic standoff determines offset of the drill tool and distances to walls. The operator gains knowledge of bedding layer formation and dip from azimuthal dependence of standoff and resistivity values.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: John Macpherson
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Publication number: 20040261780Abstract: The present invention is an indoor/outdoor patio heater which includes a base portion housing a gas source, a gas burner, gas valve, a fan under the burner to create twisting flame patterns and a liquid pump, a pair of concentric see-through tubular portions disposed vertically above said base portion and a top heat deflector portion, with the burner flame enclosed by the inner tubular portion and liquid flowing through the channel formed between the inner and outer tubular portions to create the appearance of a twisting flame enclosed within a waterfall. The invention can be utilized with its aesthetic flame features and its aesthetic water features together, or one or the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Toby Frink, John MacPherson
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Publication number: 20040123655Abstract: A method of measuring resistivity values in relation to the azimuthal displacement of a measurement sensor displayed on a measurement-while-drilling device in a wellbore environment is disclosed. The present invention also provides an instantaneous reading of resistivity values. A resistivity sensor measures a volume having a circular cross-section, and whose center is the geometric center of the tool. Averaging removes measurement errors, such as those due to tool motion. Information on the formation resistivity is obtained as a function of the location of the center of the tool. A method of acoustic standoff determines offset of the drill tool and distances to walls. The operator gains knowledge of bedding layer formation and dip from azimuthal dependence of standoff and resistivity values.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: John MacPherson
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Publication number: 20030200520Abstract: Methods of designing integrated circuit gate arrays include the step of generating a netlist for a gate array integrated circuit having at least first logic and signal resources therein, directly from bitstream data which characterizes a programmable logic device having a first operational functionality and the first logic and signal resources as well. The generating step is also followed by the step of using the netlist to configure the first logic and signal resources within the gate array integrated circuit to provide the first functionality. A preferred integrated circuit design system is also provided and includes a programmable logic device having pre-programmed logic and signal resources therein and a gate array device having base logic and signal resources therein which are equivalent to the unprogrammed logic and signal resources of the programmable logic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2001Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Alan H. Huggins, David E. Schmulian, John MacPherson, William L. Devanney
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Patent number: 6486527Abstract: According to the present invention, after manufacture of a disconnect fuse circuit, windows are opened in the insulating film overlying the second interconnect layer at all possible disconnection points, the disconnection points preferably being an exposure window that is aligned over a disconnect fuse circuit that includes a via that electrically connects electrical conductors disposed on different respective layers. This insulating film may consist of one or more layers of one or more materials, but preferentially consists of a single layer of silicon oxide. The wafer is then stored for later configuration. When the wafer is to be configured, a non-precision mask is manufactured. The wafer is coated with photoresist and patterned using the mask to produce disconnection holes in the photoresist at the desired disconnection points.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventors: John MacPherson, Jayaraman Iyer, Alan H. Huggins, John S. Starzynski, Keith R. Erb, Dennis L. Lantz, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020100958Abstract: A vertical fuse structure and methods for customization of integrated circuits include a substantially vertically-oriented interconnect structure or “fuse” which provides for a more densely packed and thus smaller programmable integrated circuit. In a preferred embodiment, a vertical interconnect structure is fabricated by forming a first interconnect layer, forming an insulating layer over the first interconnect layer in which substantially vertically-oriented vias are patterned in contact with the first interconnect layer, filling the vias with a conductive plug, and forming a second interconnect layer over the insulating layer in contact with the conductive plug. The vertical interconnect structure is preferably disconnected by forming a narrow, substantially vertical disconnect cavity through the second interconnect layer and a portion of the conductive plug, thereby removing the connection between the second interconnect layer and the plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2002Publication date: August 1, 2002Applicant: CLEAR LOGIC, INC.Inventors: John MacPherson, Alan H. Huggins, Richard J. Schmidley