Patents by Inventor Michael A. Briscoe

Michael A. Briscoe 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: 20050095827
    Abstract: A coaxial cable electrical connector more specifically an internal coaxial cable connector placed within a coaxial cable and its constituent components. A coaxial cable connector is in electrical communication with an inductive transformer and a coaxial cable. The connector is in electrical communication with the outer housing of the inductive transformer. A generally coaxial center conductor, a portion of which could be the coil in the inductive transformer, passes through the connector, is electrically insulated from the connector, and is in electrical communication with the conductive core of the coaxial cable. A plurality of bulbous pliant tabs on the coaxial cable connector mechanically engage the inside diameter of the coaxial cable thus grounding the transformer to the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable and inductive transformer are disposed within downhole tools to transmit electrical signals between downhole tools within a drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: David Hall, H. Hall, David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe
  • Publication number: 20050070144
    Abstract: The invention is a seal system for a coaxial cable and is placed within the coaxial cable and its constituent components. A series of seal stacks including load ring components and elastomeric rings are placed on load bearing members within the coaxial cable sealing the annular space between the coaxial cable and an electrical contact passing there through. The coaxial cable is disposed within drilling components to transmit electrical signals between drilling components within a drill string. The seal system can be used in a variety of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string, drill collars, heavy weight drill pipe, and jars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: David Hall, Cameron Sneddon, Scott Dahlgren, Michael Briscoe
  • Publication number: 20050046586
    Abstract: A swivel assembly for a downhole tool string comprises a first and second coaxial housing cooperatively arranged. The first housing comprises a first transmission element in communication with surface equipment. The second housing comprises a second transmission element in communication with the first transmission element. The second housing further comprises a third transmission element adapted for communication with a network integrated into the downhole tool string. The second housing may be rotational and adapted to transmit a signal between the downhole network and the first housing. Electronic circuitry is in communication with at least one of the transmission elements. The electronic circuitry may be externally mounted to the first or second housing. Further, the electronic circuitry may be internally mounted in the second housing. The electronic circuitry may be disposed in a recess in either first or second housing of the swivel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: David Hall, David Pixton, Michael Briscoe, Kline Bradford, Michael Rawle, David Bartholomew, James McPherson
  • Patent number: 6844498
    Abstract: The invention is a system for transmitting data through a string of downhole components. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string. Each component has a first and second end, with a first communication element located at the first end and a second communication element located at the second end. Each communication element includes a first contact and a second contact. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second communication elements, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The system also includes a first and second connector for connecting the first and second communication elements respectively to the coaxial cable. Each connector includes a conductive sleeve, lying concentrically within the conductive tube, which fits around and makes electrical contact with the conductive core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Novatek Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Joe Fox, Michael Briscoe
  • Publication number: 20050001736
    Abstract: The invention is a clamp for retaining an electrical transmission line within a passageway. The clamp is comprised of multiple elements including a loading body and an elongated looking body which together retain the electrical transmission line in box end and pin end tool joint. In one embodiment of the invention it is a system for retaining an electrical transmission line within downhole components. The invention allows a transmission line to be attached to the internal diameter of drilling components. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string, drill collars, heavy weight drill pipe, and jars. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second end of a drill pipe, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The invention allows the electrical transmission line to withstand the tension and compression of drill pipe during routine drilling cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: David Hall, H. Hall, David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 6830467
    Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for retaining an electrical transmission line. In one embodiment of the invention it is a system for retaining an electrical transmission line within down hole components. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second end of a drill pipe, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The invention allows the electrical transmission line to with stand the tension and compression of drill pipe during routine drilling cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
  • Publication number: 20040244964
    Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for retaining an electrical transmission line. In one embodiment of the invention it is a system for retaining an electrical transmission line within downhole components. The invention allows a transmission line to be attached to the internal diameter of drilling components that have a substantially uniform drilling diameter. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string, drill collars, heavy weight drill pipe, and jars. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second end of a drill pipe, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The invention allows the electrical transmission line to withstand the tension and compression of drill pipe during routine drilling cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 6821147
    Abstract: The invention is a seal system for a coaxial cable more specifically an internal seal system placed within the coaxial cable and its constituent components. A series of seal stacks including flexible rigid rings and elastomeric rings are placed on load bearing members within the coaxial cable. The current invention is adapted to seal the annular space between the coaxial cable and an electrical contact passing there through. The coaxial cable is disposed within drilling components to transmit electrical signals between drilling components within a drill string. During oil and gas exploration, a drill string can see a range of pressures and temperatures thus resulting in multiple combinations of temperature and pressure and increasing the difficulty of creating a robust seal for all combinations. The seal system can be used in a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string, drill collars, heavy weight drill pipe, and jars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Intelliserv, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
  • Publication number: 20040221995
    Abstract: A robust transmission element for transmitting information between downhole tools, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The transmission element maintains reliable connectivity between transmission elements, thereby providing an uninterrupted flow of information between drill string components. A transmission element is mounted within a recess proximate a mating surface of a downhole drilling component, such as a section of drill pipe. To close gaps present between transmission elements, transmission elements may be biased with a “spring force,” urging them closer together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
  • Publication number: 20040219831
    Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for retaining an electrical transmission line. In one embodiment of the invention it is a system for retaining an electrical transmission line within down hole components. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second end of a drill pipe, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The invention allows the electrical transmission line to with stand the tension and compression of drill pipe during routine drilling cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, David Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe, Joe Fox
  • Publication number: 20040164833
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of making an inductive coupler for downhole components. The method includes providing an annular housing, preferably made of steel, the housing having a recess. A conductor, preferably an insulated wire, is also provided along with a plurality of generally U-shaped magnetically conducting, electrically insulating (MCEI) segments. Preferably, the MCEI segments comprise ferrite. An assembly is formed by placing the plurality of MCEI segments within the recess in the annular housing. The segments are aligned to form a generally circular trough. A first portion of the conductor is placed within the circular trough. This assembly is consolidated with a meltable polymer which fills spaces between the segments, annular housing and the first portion of the conductor. The invention also includes an inductive coupler including an annular housing having a recess defined by a bottom portion and two opposing side wall portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Michael A. Briscoe, Cameron Sneddon, Joe Fox
  • Publication number: 20040145492
    Abstract: A robust data transmission element for transmitting information between downhole components, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The data transmission element components include a generally U-shaped annular housing, a generally U-shaped magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element such as ferrite, and an insulated conductor. Features on the magnetically conducting, electrically insulating element and the annular housing create a pocket when assembled. The data transmission element is filled with a polymer to retain the components within the annular housing by filling the pocket with the polymer. The polymer can bond with the annular housing and the insulated conductor but preferably not the magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe
  • Patent number: D321237
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Michael A. Briscoe