Patents by Inventor Joseph A. Zierolf
Joseph A. Zierolf 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: 9140818Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20120298243Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANYInventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Patent number: 8091775Abstract: An assembly and process for identifying and tracking assets, such as tubulars, equipment, tools and/or devices. An antenna is electrically connected to a responding device, such as a radio frequency identification device, and this assembly is connected to an asset. The antenna may be positioned about the exterior and/or the interior of the asset and significantly increases the range of signals that may be received and/or broadcast by the responding device. A transceiver may accordingly be positioned a greater distance from the asset without regard to the orientation of the asset and still permit communication between the transceiver and the responding device. In this manner, information that specifically identifies the asset may be compiled in a data base so as to maintain an accurate history of the usage of such assets as tubulars, equipment, tool and/or devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20110272165Abstract: The locating sub system and method for orienting and/or positioning a tool within a well-bore allow for orientation and positioning of one or more tools within a well-bore to perform precise operations within a well-bore. The locating sub apparatus can include a latching member that engages and causes a tubular member to rotate to a desired orientation and/or position for down-hole operations. The locating sub apparatus can further include a sacrificial sub that houses a latching member and a tubular member to traverse the well-bore to the site for down-hole operations. Upon completion of down-hole operations as desired or in an emergency, an upward force can be exerted upon the tubular member thereby disengaging an frangible member causing the tubular member to disengage from the latching member allowing for retrieval of the tubular member through the well-bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Patent number: 8044820Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Philip M Snider, Joseph A Zierolf
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Publication number: 20110198099Abstract: Anchor apparatuses and methods for anchoring a tool within a wellbore are disclosed. An anchor apparatus can include an operator, such as an electrical motor, a hydraulic source, or other similar sources of motion, to cause movement of a rod between a first and second position. A plurality of arms pivotally secured to the apparatus are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Movement of the rod from the first position to the second causes the rod to pivot the arms toward the extended position. Computer instructions can be utilized to cause automatic retraction of the arms upon receipt of a command after a selected interval of time has lapsed to prevent attempted removal of the apparatus while the arms are extended. The anchor apparatus can also include a frangible member provided with a selected tolerance to enable removal of the apparatus without retraction of the arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20100219980Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANYInventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20100171593Abstract: An assembly and process for identifying and tracking assets, such as tubulars, equipment, tools and/or devices. An antenna is electrically connected to a responding device, such as a radio frequency identification device, and this assembly is connected to an asset. The antenna may be positioned about the exterior and/or the interior of the asset and significantly increases the range of signals that may be received and/or broadcast by the responding device. A transceiver may accordingly be positioned a greater distance from the asset without regard to the orientation of the asset and still permit communication between the transceiver and the responding device. In this manner, information that specifically identifies the asset may be compiled in a data base so as to maintain an accurate history of the usage of such assets as tubulars, equipment, tool and/or devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANYInventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Patent number: 7714741Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf
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Patent number: 7677439Abstract: An assembly and process for identifying and tracking assets, such as tubulars, equipment, tools and/or devices. An antenna is electrically connected to a responding device, such as a radio frequency identification device, and this assembly is connected to an asset. The antenna may be positioned about the exterior and/or the interior of the asset and significantly increases the range of signals that may be received and/or broadcast by the responding device. A transceiver may accordingly be positioned a greater distance from the asset without regard to the orientation of the asset and still permit communication between the transceiver and the responding device. In this manner, information that specifically identifies the asset may be compiled in a data base so as to maintain an accurate history of the usage of such assets as tubulars, equipment, tool and/or devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20100013664Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANYInventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20080271887Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf
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Patent number: 7400263Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf
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Patent number: 7283061Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20060175404Abstract: An assembly and process for identifying and tracking assets, such as tubulars, equipment, tools and/or devices. An antenna is electrically connected to a responding device, such as a radio frequency identification device, and this assembly is connected to an asset. The antenna may be positioned about the exterior and/or the interior of the asset and significantly increases the range of signals that may be received and/or broadcast by the responding device. A transceiver may accordingly be positioned a greater distance from the asset without regard to the orientation of the asset and still permit communication between the transceiver and the responding device. In this manner, information that specifically identifies the asset may be compiled in a data base so as to maintain an accurate history of the usage of such assets as tubulars, equipment, tool and/or devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2006Publication date: August 10, 2006Inventor: Joseph Zierolf
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Patent number: 7014100Abstract: An assembly and process for identifying and tracking assets, particularly tubulars, equipment, tools and/or devices. An antenna is electrically connected to a responding device, such as a radio frequency identification device, and this assembly is connected to an asset. The antenna may be positioned about the exterior and/or the interior of the asset and significantly increases the range of signals that may be received and/or broadcast by the responding device. A transceiver may accordingly be positioned a greater distance from the asset without regard to the orientation of the asset and still permit communication between the transceiver and the responding device. In this manner, information that specifically identifies the asset may be compiled in a data base so as to maintain an accurate history of the usage of such assets as tubulars, equipment, tool and/or devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20040239521Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Patent number: 6759968Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20030090390Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf
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Publication number: 20020158120Abstract: An assembly and process for identifying and tracking assets, such as tubulars, equipment, tools and/or devices. An antenna is electrically connected to a responding device, such as a radio frequency identification device, and this assembly is connected to an asset. The antenna may be positioned about the exterior and/or the interior of the asset and significantly increases the range of signals that may be received and/or broadcast by the responding device. A transceiver may accordingly be positioned a greater distance from the asset without regard to the orientation of the asset and still permit communication between the transceiver and the responding device. In this manner, information that specifically identifies the asset may be compiled in a data base so as to maintain an accurate history of the usage of such assets as tubulars, equipment, tool and/or devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventor: Joseph A. Zierolf