Patents by Inventor Mark C. Grubelich

Mark C. Grubelich 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).

  • Publication number: 20240068363
    Abstract: A drilling assembly for downhole to surface communications is provided. The drilling assembly includes a series of pipe segments coupled in fluid communication between a slip ring assembly and an end pipe portion. The slip ring assembly is coupled in data and fluid communication with the pipe segments. A surface communications link is in data communication with the drilling assembly via the slip ring assembly. An end pipe portion is coupled with the drilling assembly that includes an electronics assembly with electronic components for transferring data to the slip ring assembly via the drilling assembly. A drill bit is operably coupled with the end pipe portion for drilling a borehole. Each pipe segment includes an outer conductor portion, a hollow inner conductor portion, and a dielectric portion for electrical isolation between the outer conductor portion and the inner conductor portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Jiann-Cherng Su, Jason P. Krein, John Joseph Borchardt, Richard Ellis Robey, Andrew Alexander Wright, Joseph Samuel Pope, Taylor Anthony Myers, Mark C. Grubelich, Douglas A. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 11808144
    Abstract: A drilling assembly for downhole to surface communications is provided. The drilling assembly includes a series of pipe segments coupled in fluid communication between a slip ring assembly and an end pipe portion. The slip ring assembly is coupled in data and fluid communication with the pipe segments. A surface communications link is in data communication with the drilling assembly via the slip ring assembly. An end pipe portion is coupled with the drilling assembly that includes an electronics assembly with electronic components for transferring data to the slip ring assembly via the drilling assembly. A drill bit is operably coupled with the end pipe portion for drilling a borehole. Each pipe segment includes an outer conductor portion, a hollow inner conductor portion, and a dielectric portion for electrical isolation between the outer conductor portion and the inner conductor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Jiann-Cherng Su, Jason P. Krein, John Joseph Borchardt, Richard Ellis Robey, Andrew Alexander Wright, Joseph Samuel Pope, Taylor Anthony Myers, Mark C. Grubelich, Douglas A. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 11584841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid-infused elastomers that outperform their non-infused base elastomer in harsh environmental conditions. These fluid-infused polymers may be used in applications including geothermal technologies where the oil-infused elastomers may be subject to harsh conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Mark C. Grubelich, Erica Marie Redline
  • Patent number: 10344542
    Abstract: A centralizer assembly is disclosed that allows for the assembly to be deployed in-situ. The centralizer assembly includes flexible members that can be extended into the well bore in situ by the initiation of a gas generating device. The centralizer assembly can support a large load carrying capability compared to a traditional bow spring with little or no installation drag. Additionally, larger displacements can be produced to centralize an extremely deviated casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Mark C. Grubelich, Jiann-Cherng Su, Steven D. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9656926
    Abstract: A self-consuming structure is disclosed that is formed from a self-consuming composition based on an epoxy or polyurethane having fuel and/or oxidizer molecularly dispersed and/or as particulates in the epoxy or polyurethane. The composition may be used to form self-consuming structural components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Thoma, Mark C Grubelich, Mathias C. Celina, Mark R. Vaughn, Steven D. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9580976
    Abstract: A centralizer assembly is disclosed that allows for the assembly to be deployed in-situ. The centralizer assembly includes flexible members that can be extended into the well bore in situ by the initiation of a gas generating device. The centralizer assembly can support a large load carrying capability compared to a traditional bow spring with little or no installation drag. Additionally, larger displacements can be produced to centralize an extremely deviated casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Grubelich, Jiann-Cherng Su, Steven D. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9534879
    Abstract: A gas powered fluid gun for propelling a stream or slug of a fluid at high velocity toward a target. Recoil mitigation is provided by a cavitating venturi that reduces or eliminates the associated recoil forces, with minimal or no backwash. By launching a quantity of water in the opposite direction, net momentum forces are reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Grubelich, Gerold Yonas
  • Patent number: 9272296
    Abstract: A gas powered fluid gun for propelling a stream or slug of a fluid at high velocity toward a target. Recoil mitigation is provided that reduces or eliminates the associated recoil forces, with minimal or no backwash. By launching a quantity of water in the opposite direction, net momentum forces are reduced or eliminated. Examples of recoil mitigation devices include a cone for making a conical fluid sheet, a device forming multiple impinging streams of fluid, a cavitating venturi, one or more spinning vanes, or an annular tangential entry/exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Grubelich, Gerold Yonas
  • Patent number: 8579209
    Abstract: A gas powered fluid gun for propelling a stream or slug of a fluid at high velocity toward a target. Recoil mitigation is provided that reduces or eliminates the associated recoil forces, with minimal or no backwash. By launching a quantity of water in the opposite direction, net momentum forces are reduced or eliminated. Examples of recoil mitigation devices include a cone for making a conical fluid sheet, a device forming multiple impinging streams of fluid, a cavitating venturi, one or more spinning vanes, or an annular tangential entry/exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Grubelich, Gerold Yonas
  • Patent number: 8176995
    Abstract: A method and means of minimizing the effect of elastic valve recoil in impact applications, such as percussive drilling, where sliding spool valves used inside the percussive device are subject to poor positioning control due to elastic recoil effects experienced when the valve impacts a stroke limiting surface. The improved valve design reduces the reflected velocity of the valve by using either an energy damping material, or a valve assembly with internal damping built-in, to dissipate the compression stress wave produced during impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Yarom Polsky, Mark C. Grubelich, Mark R. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 6253680
    Abstract: A diversionary device has a housing having at least one opening and containing a non-explosive propellant and a quantity of fine powder packed within the housing, with the powder being located between the propellant and the opening. When the propellant is activated, it has sufficient energy to propel the powder through the opening to produce a cloud of powder outside the housing. An igniter is also provided for igniting the cloud of powder to create a diversionary flash and bang, but at a low enough pressure to avoid injuring nearby people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Grubelich
  • Patent number: 5861570
    Abstract: The present invention is a low-energy detonator for high-density secondary-explosive materials initiated by a semiconductor bridge igniter that comprises a pair of electrically conductive lands connected by a semiconductor bridge. The semiconductor bridge is in operational or direct contact with the explosive material, whereby current flowing through the semiconductor bridge causes initiation of the explosive material. Header wires connected to the electrically-conductive lands and electrical feed-throughs of the header posts of explosive devices, are substantially coaxial to the direction of current flow through the SCB, i.e., substantially coaxial to the SCB length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Bickes, Jr., Mark C. Grubelich