Patents by Inventor Michael Alff

Michael Alff 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: 8757276
    Abstract: A technique enables the efficient connection of communication lines in a well application by substantially reducing online rig assembly time. The technique reduces online time of the rig by sealably fastening a first connector of a downhole connection assembly to a segment of a communication line during offline assembly time to substantially reduce the online time requirements. The first connector is later connected to a corresponding second connector while the rig is online to complete the downhole connection assembly that joins communication line segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Alff, Robert Speers, Emmanuel Rioufol
  • Patent number: 8205679
    Abstract: A technique enables efficient deployment of instrumentation gauges in a wellbore. The technique comprises preparing offline a plurality of assemblies having a combined packer and gauge mandrel with an associated gauge. Each assembly is combined with a segment or length of instrumentation cable that is fully spliced with the gauge during offline assembly time. Various splice halves also can be assembled during offline assembly time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Alff, Angel Reyes, Emmanuel Rioufol
  • Patent number: 7903915
    Abstract: A cable is provided including an inner member, an outer member and an intermediate member. The intermediate member may be positioned between the inner member and the outer member and include a number of disconnection sections spaced apart from one another. In some cases, the cable may include two or more inner members. In addition, a method for preparing an end of a cable may be provided, including the steps of removing a portion of an outer member of the cable and applying a tensile force to an intermediate member of the cable comprising a plurality of disconnection sections. The intermediate member of the cable may be sheared at one of the plurality of disconnection sections, thereby exposing a portion of an inner member of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ramaswamy Meyyappan, Michael Alff, Arunkumar Arumugam
  • Publication number: 20100319931
    Abstract: A technique enables the efficient connection of communication lines in a well application by substantially reducing online rig assembly time. The technique reduces online time of the rig by sealably fastening a first connector of a downhole connection assembly to a segment of a communication line during offline assembly time to substantially reduce the online time requirements. The first connector is later connected to a corresponding second connector while the rig is online to complete the downhole connection assembly that joins communication line segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Alff, Robert Speers, Emmanuel Rioufol
  • Publication number: 20100319936
    Abstract: A technique enables efficient deployment of instrumentation gauges in a wellbore. The technique comprises preparing offline a plurality of assemblies having a combined packer and gauge mandrel with an associated gauge. Each assembly is combined with a segment or length of instrumentation cable that is fully spliced with the gauge during offline assembly time. Various splice halves also can be assembled during offline assembly time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Alff, Angel Reyes, Emmanuel Rioufol
  • Publication number: 20100296785
    Abstract: A cable is provided including an inner member, an outer member and an intermediate member. The intermediate member may be positioned between the inner member and the outer member and include a number of disconnection sections spaced apart from one another. In some cases, the cable may include two or more inner members. In addition, a method for preparing an end of a cable may be provided, including the steps of removing a portion of an outer member of the cable and applying a tensile force to an intermediate member of the cable comprising a plurality of disconnection sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ramaswamy Meyyappan, Michael Alff, Arunkumar Arumugam
  • Patent number: 7832471
    Abstract: A fitting arrangement and method of securing a fitting arrangement to a surface is provided. A plurality of adjacent fittings is coupled to and extends from a mounting surface of a structure in a well bore. Each fitting has an engagement surface that is configured to engage with an installation tool for coupling the fitting to the structure. The engagement surfaces of the adjacent fittings in the plurality are offset from each other to thereby define a clearance for the installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James Verzwyvelt, James Hendricksonj, Ian Raw, Michael Alff
  • Publication number: 20090243282
    Abstract: A fitting arrangement and method of securing a fitting arrangement to a surface is provided. A plurality of adjacent fittings is coupled to and extends from a mounting surface of a structure in a well bore. Each fitting has an engagement surface that is configured to engage with an installation tool for coupling the fitting to the structure. The engagement surfaces of the adjacent fittings in the plurality are offset from each other to thereby define a clearance for the installation tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Verzwyvelt, James Hendrickson, Ian Raw, Michael Alff