Patents by Inventor Margaret C. Waid

Margaret C. Waid 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: 8735803
    Abstract: A multi-channel detector assembly for downhole spectroscopy has a reference detector unit optically coupled to a reference channel of a source and has a measurement detector unit optically coupled to a measurement channel of the source. The reference and measurement detectors detect spectral signals across a spectral range of wavelengths from the reference and measurement channels. Conversion circuitry converts the detected spectral signals into reference signals and measurement signals, and control circuitry processes the reference and measurements signals based on a form of encoding used by the source. Then, the control circuitry can control the output of spectral signals from the source based on the processed signals or scale the measurement signal to correct for source fluctuations or changes in environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Thomas Blankinship, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid, Sean M. Christian
  • Patent number: 8542353
    Abstract: A refractive index sensor having one or more sources, an adaptive optical element or scanner, imaging optics, a sensing optic, and one or more detectors. The scanner impinges a signal from the source into the sensing optic and onto a sensor-sample interface at sequential angles of incidence. The detector response increases dramatically to signals reflected from the interface at corresponding sequential angles of reflection equal to or greater than a critical angle. The refractive index sensor also uses an input lens between the scanner and the sensing optic and uses an output lens between the sensing optic and the detector. A processor controls the sensor and can determine index of refraction of the fluid sample based on the detector response and scan rate. The sensor can be used in several operational environments from a laboratory to a downhole tool, such as a formation tester to determine properties in a borehole environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Bryan Statt, Thomas Blankinship, Dennis Roessler, Christopher Cotton, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid
  • Patent number: 8536516
    Abstract: A multi-channel source assembly for downhole spectroscopy has individual sources that generate optical signals across a spectral range of wavelengths. A combining assembly optically combines the generated signals into a combined signal and a routing assembly that splits the combined signal into a reference channel and a measurement channel. Control circuitry electrically coupled to the sources modulates each of the sources at unique or independent frequencies during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Thomas Blankinship, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid, Sean M. Christian
  • Patent number: 8436296
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool has a tool housing and a fluid analysis device. The tool housing is deployable downhole and has at least one flow passage for a fluid sample. The fluid analysis device is disposed in the tool housing relative to the flow passage. Inside the device, one or more sources generate a combined input electromagnetic signal across a spectrum of wavelengths, and a routing assembly routes generated signals into the reference and measurement signals. At least one wheel having a plurality of filters is rotated to selectively interpose one or more of the filters in the paths of the reference and measurement signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Sean M. Christian, Dennis Roessler, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid
  • Patent number: 8411262
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool has a housing and a flow passage for downhole fluid. A device disposed in the tool housing relative to the flow passage has a one or more sources, one or more sensing optics, one or more detectors, and control circuitry. The source generates an input signal. The sensing optic has a refractive index (RI) higher than crude oil and other expected constituents. A sensing surface of the optic optically coupled to the source interfaces with a downhole fluid. When the variable RI of the downhole fluid reaches a defined relationship to the optic's RI, the input signal interacting with the sensing surface experiences total internal reflection, and the reflected signal from the sensing surface remains in the sensing optic and reflects to a detector. The control circuitry monitors the detector's response and indicates gas break out if the response is above a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Sean M. Christian, Bryan W. Kasperski, Tom Haslett, Dave Demmer, Margaret C. Waid, Mike Yuratich
  • Publication number: 20130020480
    Abstract: A multi-channel source assembly for downhole spectroscopy has individual sources that generate optical signals across a spectral range of wavelengths. A combining assembly optically combines the generated signals into a combined signal and a routing assembly that splits the combined signal into a reference channel and a measurement channel. Control circuitry electrically coupled to the sources modulates each of the sources at unique or independent frequencies during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Thomas Blankinship, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid, Sean M. Christian
  • Publication number: 20120303326
    Abstract: A reservoir evaluation system enables end users to plan jobs for performing formation tests at remote wellsites. In the planning, the end user defines the toolstring to be constructed at the remote wellsite by service personnel and defines the details for the formation tests to performed with the toolstring. While the tests are performed, the system obtains data via a satellite or other communication link with the remote wellsite and stores the data for retrieval and processing. The data measured from the formation tests conducted with the toolstring can be obtained in real time from the wellsite. The system processes the obtained data to produce analysis for the end user, who can then remotely access the data and analysis with a secure network connection via the Internet or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Margaret C. Waid, Bryan W. Kasperski
  • Patent number: 8164050
    Abstract: A multi-channel source assembly for downhole spectroscopy has individual sources that generate optical signals across a spectral range of wavelengths. A combining assembly optically combines the generated signals into a combined signal and a routing assembly that splits the combined signal into a reference channel and a measurement channel. Control circuitry electrically coupled to the sources modulates each of the sources at unique or independent frequencies during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Thomas Blankinship, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid, Sean M. Christian
  • Publication number: 20120081698
    Abstract: A refractive index sensor having one or more sources, an adaptive optical element or scanner, imaging optics, a sensing optic, and one or more detectors. The scanner impinges a signal from the source into the sensing optic and onto a sensor-sample interface at sequential angles of incidence. The detector response increases dramatically to signals reflected from the interface at corresponding sequential angles of reflection equal to or greater than a critical angle. The refractive index sensor also uses an input lens between the scanner and the sensing optic and uses an output lens between the sensing optic and the detector. A processor controls the sensor and can determine index of refraction of the fluid sample based on the detector response and scan rate. The sensor can be used in several operational environments from a laboratory to a downhole tool, such as a formation tester to determine properties in a borehole environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Bryan Statt, Thomas Blankinship, Dennis Roessler, Christopher Cotton, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid
  • Publication number: 20120081699
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool has a housing and a flow passage for downhole fluid. A device disposed in the tool housing relative to the flow passage has a one or more sources, one or more sensing optics, one or more detectors, and control circuitry. The source generates an input signal. The sensing optic has a refractive index (RI) higher than crude oil and other expected constituents. A sensing surface of the optic optically coupled to the source interfaces with a downhole fluid. When the variable RI of the downhole fluid reaches a defined relationship to the optic's RI, the input signal interacting with the sensing surface experiences total internal reflection, and the reflected signal from the sensing surface remains in the sensing optic and reflects to a detector. The control circuitry monitors the detector's response and indicates gas break out if the response is above a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Sean M. Christian, Bryan W. Kasperski, Tom Haslett, Dave Demmer, Margaret C. Waid, Mike Yuratich
  • Publication number: 20110251796
    Abstract: Using multi-well testing, operators can characterize a reservoir and its in-situ behavior using direct measurements of reservoir pressures. One or more impulses are generated in an impulse well or location using production, injections, or the like. Downhole pressure tools directly measure pressure responses at various observations wells in the reservoir. Based on the magnitudes of the responses, the distances between the wells, the time lag between responses, and other variables, operators can characterize the pressure distribution of the reservoir and various features, such as the connectivity and extent of the reservoir, barriers, faults, obstructions, pools, communication paths, layer contacts, and well spacing efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Margaret C. Waid, Charles Fensky
  • Patent number: 7948620
    Abstract: An analysis system, tool, and method for performing downhole fluid analysis, such as within a wellbore. The analysis system, tool, and method provide for a tool including a spectroscope for use in downhole fluid analysis which utilizes an adaptive optical element such as a Micro Mirror Array (MMA) and two distinct light channels and detectors to provide real-time scaling or normalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Mike Ponstingl, Anthony Johnson, Sven Krugor, Margaret C. Waid, Bryan Kasperski, Enrique Prati
  • Publication number: 20110108721
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool has a tool housing and a fluid analysis device. The tool housing is deployable downhole and has at least one flow passage for a fluid sample. The fluid analysis device is disposed in the tool housing relative to the flow passage. Inside the device, one or more sources generate a combined input electromagnetic signal across a spectrum of wavelengths, and a routing assembly routes generated signals into the reference and measurement signals. At least one wheel having a plurality of filters is rotated to selectively interpose one or more of the filters in the paths of the reference and measurement signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Sean M. Christian, Dennis Roessler, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid
  • Publication number: 20110108719
    Abstract: A multi-channel source assembly for downhole spectroscopy has individual sources that generate optical signals across a spectral range of wavelengths. A combining assembly optically combines the generated signals into a combined signal and a routing assembly that splits the combined signal into a reference channel and a measurement channel. Control circuitry electrically coupled to the sources modulates each of the sources at unique or independent frequencies during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Thomas Blankinship, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid, Sean M. Christian
  • Publication number: 20110108720
    Abstract: A multi-channel detector assembly for downhole spectroscopy has a reference detector unit optically coupled to a reference channel of a source and has a measurement detector unit optically coupled to a measurement channel of the source. The reference and measurement detectors detect spectral signals across a spectral range of wavelengths from the reference and measurement channels. Conversion circuitry converts the detected spectral signals into reference signals and measurement signals, and control circuitry processes the reference and measurements signals based on a form of encoding used by the source. Then, the control circuitry can control the output of spectral signals from the source based on the processed signals or scale the measurement signal to correct for source fluctuations or changes in environmental conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jess V. Ford, Thomas Blankinship, Bryan W. Kasperski, Margaret C. Waid, Sean M. Christian
  • Publication number: 20100231905
    Abstract: An analysis system, tool, and method for performing downhole fluid analysis, such as within a wellbore. The analysis system, tool, and method provide for a tool including a spectroscope for use in downhole fluid analysis which utilizes an adaptive optical element such as a Micro Mirror Array (MMA) and two distinct light channels and detectors to provide real-time scaling or normalization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Mike Ponstingl, Anthony Johnson, Sven Krugor, Margaret C. Waid, Bryan Kasperski, Enrique Prati
  • Patent number: 7728971
    Abstract: An analysis system, tool, and method for performing downhole fluid analysis, such as within a wellbore. The analysis system, tool, and method provide for a tool including a spectroscope for use in downhole fluid analysis which utilizes an adaptive optical element such as a Micro Mirror Array (MMA) and two distinct light channels and detectors to provide real-time scaling or normalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Mike Ponstingl, Anthony Johnson, Sven Kruger, Margaret C. Waid, Bryan Kasperski, Enrique Prati
  • Patent number: 7719680
    Abstract: A spectroscope designed to utilize an adaptive optical element such as a micro mirror array (MMA) and two distinct light channels and detectors. The devices can provide for real-time and near real-time scaling and normalization of signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Custom Sensors and Technology
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Mike Ponstingl, Sven Kruger, Margaret C. Waid, Bryan W. Kasperski, Entique Prati
  • Publication number: 20090103087
    Abstract: An analysis system, tool, and method for performing downhole fluid analysis, such as within a wellbore. The analysis system, tool, and method provide for a tool including a spectroscope for use in downhole fluid analysis which utilizes an adaptive optical element such as a Micro Mirror Array (MMA) and two distinct light channels and detectors to provide real-time scaling or normalization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Mike Ponstingl, Anthony Johnson, Sven Kruger, Margaret C. Waid, Bryan Kasperski, Enrique Prati
  • Patent number: 7508506
    Abstract: An analysis system, tool, and method for performing downhole fluid analysis, such as within a wellbore. The analysis system, tool, and method provide for a tool including a spectroscope for use in downhole fluid analysis which utilizes an adaptive optical element such as a Micro Mirror Array (MMA) and two distinct light channels and detectors to provide real-time scaling or normalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Custom Sensors and Technology
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Mike Ponstingl, Anthony Johnson, Sven Kruger, Margaret C. Waid, Bryan Kasperski, Enrique Prati