Patents by Inventor Kent David Harms

Kent David Harms 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: 11209568
    Abstract: A shield assembly for logging tool sensors includes a single piece cylindrical shield and first and second cylindrical end clamps deployed about opposing axial ends of the cylindrical shield. The cylindrical shield is deployed about a logging sensor disposed on a logging tool collar. At least one of the first and second end clamps includes one or more keys for engaging a corresponding slot in the shield and a corresponding pocket in an outer surface of the tool collar. Engagement of the key with the corresponding slot and the corresponding pocket is operative to prevent relative rotational and relative axial motion between the cylindrical shield, the first and second end clamps, and the tool collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Qingyan He, Kent David Harms, Luis Pamintuan
  • Publication number: 20200348437
    Abstract: A shield assembly for logging tool sensors includes a single piece cylindrical shield and first and second cylindrical end clamps deployed about opposing axial ends of the cylindrical shield. The cylindrical shield is deployed about a logging sensor disposed on a logging tool collar. At least one of the first and second end clamps includes one or more keys for engaging a corresponding slot in the shield and a corresponding pocket in an outer surface of the tool collar. Engagement of the key with the corresponding slot and the corresponding pocket is operative to prevent relative rotational and relative axial motion between the cylindrical shield, the first and second end clamps, and the tool collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Qingyan He, Kent David Harms, Luis Pamintuan
  • Patent number: 10458232
    Abstract: Formation fluid sample container apparatus are described. An example apparatus includes a downhole tool having a body including an opening and a cavity extending into the body from the opening. The sample container includes an elongated container for holding a formation fluid sample and a sheath coupled to an outer surface of the elongated container and at least partially surrounding the elongated container. The sample container is fixed in the cavity and the sheath is to increase the mechanical integrity of the elongated container in a downhole environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Kent David Harms, Jeremy Murphy, Julian Pop, Dale Meek
  • Patent number: 10184315
    Abstract: A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kent David Harms, Jeremy T. Murphy, Michael J. Stucker, William E. Brennan, III, Albert Hoefel, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop
  • Patent number: 10087741
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for predicting pump performance in a downhole tool are provided. A pump performance predictor may receive inputs and generate outputs that predict the performance of a pump of a pumpout module of a downhole tool. The pump performance predictor may calculate and output a set of first predictions that include, for example, the minimum alternator voltage of a power module used to power the electronics of the pumpout module, the maximum pump flowrate, the pumpout performance, and the achievable formation mobility. The pump performance predictor may also calculate and output a set of second predictions that may include, for example, a pump volume efficiency, a pressure profile in a flowline, the number of strokes to fill a sampling bottle, and the time to fill the sampling bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lei Chen, Kent David Harms, Kai Hsu
  • Patent number: 10007260
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for fault detection and tolerance in a downhole tool string are provided. If a fault is detected in an electrical path between tools of downhole tool string, one or more switches of a fault detection and tolerance circuit may be kept open to isolate the fault in an electrical path between tools of downhole tool string. If a fault is not detected, one or more switches of a fault detection and tolerance circuit may be closed to enable the transmission of signals on the electrical path. In some embodiments of fault detection and tolerance circuits, an additional one or more switches may be kept open to isolate the fault in electronics of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Albert Hoefel, Kent David Harms, Steven G. Villareal
  • Publication number: 20170002640
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for fault detection and tolerance in a downhole tool string are provided. If a fault is detected in an electrical path between tools of downhole tool string, one or more switches of a fault detection and tolerance circuit may be kept open to isolate the fault in an electrical path between tools of downhole tool string. If a fault is not detected, one or more switches of a fault detection and tolerance circuit may be closed to enable the transmission of signals on the electrical path. In some embodiments of fault detection and tolerance circuits, an additional one or more switches may be kept open to isolate the fault in electronics of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Albert Hoefel, Kent David Harms, Steven G. Villareal
  • Publication number: 20170002644
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for predicting pump performance in a downhole tool are provided. A pump performance predictor may receive inputs and generate outputs that predict the performance of a pump of a pumpout module of a downhole tool. The pump performance predictor may calculate and output a set of first predictions that include, for example, the minimum alternator voltage of a power module used to power the electronics of the pumpout module, the maximum pump flowrate, the pumpout performance, and the achievable formation mobility. The pump performance predictor may also calculate and output a set of second predictions that may include, for example, a pump volume efficiency, a pressure profile in a flowline, the number of strokes to fill a sampling bottle, and the time to fill the sampling bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Lei Chen, Kent David Harms, Kai Hsu
  • Publication number: 20160369628
    Abstract: Formation fluid sample container apparatus are described. An example apparatus includes a downhole tool having a body including an opening and a cavity extending into the body from the opening. The sample container includes an elongated container for holding a formation fluid sample and a sheath coupled to an outer surface of the elongated container and at least partially surrounding the elongated container. The sample container is fixed in the cavity and the sheath is to increase the mechanical integrity of the elongated container in a downhole environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Kent David Harms, Jeremy Murphy, Julian Pop, Dale Meek
  • Publication number: 20160348470
    Abstract: A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Kent David Harms, Jeremy T. Murphy, Michael J. Stucker, William E. Brennan, III, Albert Hoefel, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop
  • Patent number: 9441425
    Abstract: A drilling system includes a first section of a drilling tool having a collar configured to hold internal components of the first section. The drilling system also includes a second section of the drilling tool configured to be coupled with the first section in a specific orientation relative to the first section. The second section is interchangeable with at least one different section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Julian Pop, Kent David Harms, Jeremy Murphy, Albert Hoefel, Thomas W. Palmer, II
  • Patent number: 9429014
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a body including an opening and a cavity extending into the body from the opening. A sample container is fixed in the cavity and includes an elongated container for holding a formation fluid sample and a sheath coupled to an outer surface of the elongated container and at least partially surrounding the elongated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Villareal, Kent David Harms, Jeremy Murphy, Julian J. Pop, Dale Meek
  • Patent number: 9416606
    Abstract: A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kent David Harms, Jeremy T. Murphy, Michael J. Stucker, William E. Brennan, III, Albert Hoefel, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop
  • Publication number: 20160123318
    Abstract: Detecting a failure mode of a fluid flow controller configured to control fluid flow between first and second chambers of a downhole positive displacement pump and a flow line, wherein the positive displacement pump comprises a piston moving in an axial reciprocating motion, and subsequently adjusting operation of the downhole positive displacement pump based on the detected failure mode such that the downhole positive displacement pump piston operates differently in different axial directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Villareal, Julian J. Pop, Albert Hoefel, Kent David Harms
  • Patent number: 9243628
    Abstract: Detecting a failure mode of a fluid flow controller configured to control fluid flow between first and second chambers of a downhole positive displacement pump and a flow line, wherein the positive displacement pump comprises a piston moving in an axial reciprocating motion, and subsequently adjusting operation of the downhole positive displacement pump based on the detected failure mode such that the downhole positive displacement pump piston operates differently in different axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Villareal, Julian J. Pop, Albert Hoefel, Kent David Harms
  • Patent number: 9222352
    Abstract: An apparatus including a downhole tool for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and method of use thereof. The downhole tool may include a turbo-alternator disposed in a passageway for drilling mud, and a controller to: track operating points of the turbo-alternator, determine from the operating points a flow rate of the drilling mud, and control a component of the downhole tool based on the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Hoefel, Francois Bernard, Kent David Harms, Sylvain Ramshaw, Shayan Darayan, Taylor Johnson
  • Patent number: 9187964
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes first and second collars, each including a chassis portion. A first axial load device is disposed in the first collar to exert axial force on the respective chassis portion disposed in the first collar. A second axial load device is disposed in the second collar to exert axial force on the respective chassis portion disposed in the second collar. A collar connector is coupled to the first and second collars and compresses the first axial load device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kent David Harms
  • Patent number: 9115567
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a pump to facilitate a flow of sampling fluid through the downhole tool. The sampling fluid flows from an inlet of the downhole tool toward an outlet of the downhole tool or to a sampling chamber. The downhole tool also includes a sensor located in the pump. The sensor facilitates a calculation of a pumping efficiency of the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kent David Harms, Steven G. Villareal
  • Patent number: 9115544
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a downhole tool for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a modular cartridge assembly that includes a chassis assembly within a housing and that includes a flow line and an electrical pathway. The modular cartridge assembly includes a first connector at a first end and a second connector at a second end. The first connector and the second connector are in fluid communication with the flow line and are further in electrical communication with the electrical pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kent David Harms, Jeremy Murphy, Julian J. Pop, Steven Villareal, Albert Hoefel
  • Publication number: 20140244049
    Abstract: Detecting a failure mode of a fluid flow controller configured to control fluid flow between first and second chambers of a downhole positive displacement pump and a flow line, wherein the positive displacement pump comprises a piston moving in an axial reciprocating motion, and subsequently adjusting operation of the downhole positive displacement pump based on the detected failure mode such that the downhole positive displacement pump piston operates differently in different axial directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Villareal, Julian J. Pop, Albert Hoefel, Kent David Harms