Patents by Inventor Michael J. Stucker

Michael J. Stucker 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: 10711603
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a sampling while drilling tool includes a drill collar having a first end, a second end, an outer wall extending between the first and second ends, and at least one opening extending through the outer wall to a cavity within the drill collar. The sampling while drilling tool also includes a sample chamber positionable in the cavity through the opening in the outer wall and a passage for conducting a drilling fluid through the drill collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20180355716
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a sampling while drilling tool includes a drill collar having a first end, a second end, an outer wall extending between the first and second ends, and at least one opening extending through the outer wall to a cavity within the drill collar. The sampling while drilling tool also includes a sample chamber positionable in the cavity through the opening in the outer wall and a passage for conducting a drilling fluid through the drill collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 9121262
    Abstract: A while-drilling tool comprising a motor, a transmission coupled to the motor, and a pump comprising a first piston disposed in a first chamber and a second piston disposed in a second chamber and coupled to the first piston. A planetary roller-screw is coupled between the pump and the transmission. A valve block is configured to fluidly communicate with the first and second pump chambers, a borehole in which the while-drilling tool is configured to be positioned, and a formation penetrated by the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhart Ciglenec, Steven G. Villareal, Albert Hoefel, Peter Swinburne, Michael J. Stucker, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Patent number: 8967253
    Abstract: A downhole formation fluid pumping and a sampling apparatus are disclosed that may form part of a formation evaluation while drilling tool or part of a tool pipe string. The operation of the pump is optimized based upon parameters generated from formation pressure test data as well as tool system data thereby ensuring optimum performance of the pump at higher speeds and with greater dependability. New pump designs for fluid sampling apparatuses for use in MWD systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhart Ciglenec, Steven G. Villareal, Albert Hoefel, Peter Swinburner, Michael J. Stucker, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Publication number: 20140131029
    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: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: 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: 20140116783
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a sampling while drilling tool includes a drill collar having a first end, a second end, an outer wall extending between the first and second ends, and at least one opening extending through the outer wall to a cavity within the drill collar. The sampling while drilling tool also includes a sample chamber positionable in the cavity through the opening in the outer wall and a passage for conducting a drilling fluid through the drill collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Patent number: 8636064
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a sampling while drilling tool includes a drill collar having a first end, a second end, an outer wall extending between the first and second ends, and at least one opening extending through the outer wall to a cavity within the drill collar. The sampling while drilling tool also includes a sample chamber positionable in the cavity through the opening in the outer wall and a passage for conducting a drilling fluid through the drill collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Patent number: 8474485
    Abstract: Three-position fluid valves for use in downhole environments are disclosed. An example valve includes first, second and third ports, a chamber coupled to the second port, a first sleeve to selectively couple the first port to the chamber and the second port, a second sleeve to selectively couple the third port to the chamber and the second port, and a piston that forms at least part of the chamber and is coupled to the sleeves. The piston moves between a first position in which the piston displaces the first sleeve to couple the first port to the chamber and the second port, a second position in which neither of the first or third ports is coupled to the second port, and a third position in which the piston displaces the second sleeve to couple the third port to the chamber and the second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kent David Harms, Michael J. Stucker
  • Patent number: 8464796
    Abstract: A downhole tool configured for conveyance within a borehole extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a sensor assembly comprising a housing, a cap coupled to an end of the housing, a flow-line tube disposed within the housing and configured to receive fluid from the formation, a first winding disposed within the housing and configured to induce an electrical current in the fluid, and a second winding disposed within the housing and configured to detect the electrical current induced in the fluid by the first winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Hoefel, Kent D. Harms, Michael J. Stucker
  • Patent number: 8336622
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Patent number: 8118097
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. A retainer is configured to absorb axial loading of the sample chamber within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Publication number: 20120031610
    Abstract: A downhole tool configured for conveyance within a borehole extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a sensor assembly comprising a housing, a cap coupled to an end of the housing, a flow-line tube disposed within the housing and configured to receive fluid from the formation, a first winding disposed within the housing and configured to induce an electrical current in the fluid, and a second winding disposed within the housing and configured to detect the electrical current induced in the fluid by the first winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Albert Hoefel, Kent D. Harms, Michael J. Stucker
  • Patent number: 8056625
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Publication number: 20110276187
    Abstract: A downhole formation fluid pumping and a sampling apparatus are disclosed that may form part of a formation evaluation while drilling tool or part of a tool pipe string. The operation of the pump is optimized based upon parameters generated from formation pressure test data as well as tool system data thereby ensuring optimum performance of the pump at higher speeds and with greater dependability. New pump designs for fluid sampling apparatuses for use in MWD systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhart Ciglenec, Steven G. Villareal, Albert Hoefel, Peter Swinburner, Michael J. Stucker, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Publication number: 20110220412
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Publication number: 20100326727
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. A retainer is configured to absorb lateral loading of the sample chamber within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Publication number: 20100319779
    Abstract: Three-position fluid valves for use in downhole environments are disclosed. An example valve includes first, second and third ports, a chamber coupled to the second port, a first sleeve to selectively couple the first port to the chamber and the second port, a second sleeve to selectively couple the third port to the chamber and the second port, and a piston that forms at least part of the chamber and is coupled to the sleeves. The piston moves between a first position in which the piston displaces the first sleeve to couple the first port to the chamber and the second port, a second position in which neither of the first or third ports is coupled to the second port, and a third position in which the piston displaces the second sleeve to couple the third port to the chamber and the second port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Kent David Harms, Michael J. Stucker