Patents by Inventor Phillip B. West
Phillip B. West 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: 9398352Abstract: A sensing platform for monitoring a transmission system, and method therefor, may include a sensor that senses one or more conditions relating to a condition of the transmission system and/or the condition of an environment around the transmission system. A control system operatively associated with the sensor produces output data based on an output signal produced by the sensor. A transmitter operatively associated with the control system transmits the output data from the control system.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Robert E. Polk, John M. Svoboda, Phillip B. West, Gail L. Heath, Clark L. Scott
-
Publication number: 20150215685Abstract: A sensing platform for monitoring a transmission system, and method therefor, may include a sensor that senses one or more conditions relating to a condition of the transmission system and/or the condition of an environment around the transmission system. A control system operatively associated with the sensor produces output data based on an output signal produced by the sensor. A transmitter operatively associated with the control system transmits the output data from the control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Robert E. Polk, John M. Svoboda, Phillip B. West, Gail L. Heath, Clark L. Scott
-
Patent number: 8941491Abstract: A sensing platform for monitoring a transmission system, and method therefor, may include a sensor that senses one or more conditions relating to a condition of the transmission system and/or the condition of an environment around the transmission system. A control system operatively associated with the sensor produces output data based on an output signal produced by the sensor. A transmitter operatively associated with the control system transmits the output data from the control system.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Robert E. Polk, John M. Svoboda, Phillip B. West, Gail L. Heath, Clark L. Scott
-
Patent number: 8189426Abstract: Earth analysis methods, subsurface feature detection methods, earth analysis devices, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one embodiment, an earth analysis method includes engaging a device with the earth, analyzing the earth in a single substantially lineal direction using the device during the engaging, and providing information regarding a subsurface feature of the earth using the analysis.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, Stephen R. Novascone, Jerry P. Wright
-
Publication number: 20110305111Abstract: Earth analysis methods, subsurface feature detection methods, earth analysis devices, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one embodiment, an earth analysis method includes engaging a device with the earth, analyzing the earth in a single substantially lineal direction using the device during the engaging, and providing information regarding a subsurface feature of the earth using the analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, Stephen R. Novascone, Jerry P. Wright
-
Patent number: 8027223Abstract: Earth analysis methods, subsurface feature detection methods, earth analysis devices, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one embodiment, an earth analysis method includes engaging a device with the earth, analyzing the earth in a single substantially lineal direction using the device during the engaging, and providing information regarding a subsurface feature of the earth using the analysis.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, Stephen R. Novascone, Jerry P. Wright
-
Patent number: 7786894Abstract: A sensing platform for monitoring a transmission system, and method therefor, may include a sensor that senses one or more conditions relating to a condition of the transmission system and/or the condition of an environment around the transmission system. A control system operatively associated with the sensor produces output data based on an output signal produced by the sensor. A transmitter operatively associated with the control system transmits the output data from the control system.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Robert E. Polk, John M. Svoboda, Phillip B. West, Gail L. Heath, Clark L. Scott
-
Patent number: 7705513Abstract: A system for the generation of Electricity from Thermal Energy using the thermal magnetic properties of a Ferromagnetic, Electrically Conductive Material (FECM) in one or more Magnetic Fields. A FECM is exposed to one or more Magnetic Fields. Thermal Energy is applied to a portion of the FECM heating the FECM above its Curie Point. The FECM, now partially paramagnetic, moves under the force of the one or more Magnetic Fields. The movement of the FECM induces an electrical current through the FECM, generating Electricity.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Phillip B. West, John Svoboda
-
Publication number: 20100033345Abstract: A sensing platform for monitoring a transmission system, and method therefor, may include a sensor that senses one or more conditions relating to a condition of the transmission system and/or the condition of an environment around the transmission system. A control system operatively associated with the sensor produces output data based on an output signal produced by the sensor. A transmitter operatively associated with the control system transmits the output data from the control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Robert E. Polk, John M. Svoboda, Phillip B. West, Gail L. Heath, Clark L. Scott
-
Patent number: 7600524Abstract: A mono-crutch for assisting the ambulation of individuals having injured or otherwise debilitated lower extremities. The mono-crutch having upper leg support with inner and outer support pads, a lower leg support for cradling a wearer's lower leg, and a ground contact member. The inner and outer support pads are configured so as to be able to be swapped or raised/lowered relative to one another, thereby allowing both right legged and left legged configurations to be created using the same mono-crutch.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignees: West Effective Solutions and Technology, LLC, Idaho Foot Center, P.C.Inventor: Phillip B. West
-
Publication number: 20090165834Abstract: A mono-crutch for assisting the ambulation of individuals having injured or otherwise debilitated lower extremities. The mono-crutch having upper leg support with inner and outer support pads, a lower leg support for cradling a wearer's lower leg, and a ground contact member. The inner and outer support pads are configured so as to be able to be swapped or raised/lowered relative to one another, thereby allowing both right legged and left legged configurations to be created using the same mono-crutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventor: PHILLIP B. WEST
-
Publication number: 20090022010Abstract: Earth analysis methods, subsurface feature detection methods, earth analysis devices, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one embodiment, an earth analysis method includes engaging a device with the earth, analyzing the earth in a single substantially lineal direction using the device during the engaging, and providing information regarding a subsurface feature of the earth using the analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventors: Phillip B. West, Stephen R. Novascone, Jerry P. Wright
-
Patent number: 7357030Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of an environment are disclosed. A vibrational energy may be imparted into an environment and a magnitude of damping of the vibrational energy may be measured and at least one characteristic of the environment may be determined. Particularly, a vibratory source may be operated and coupled to an environment. At least one characteristic of the environment may be determined based on a shift in at least one steady-state frequency of oscillation of the vibratory source. An apparatus may include at least one vibratory source and a structure for positioning the at least one vibratory source proximate to an environment. Further, the apparatus may include an analysis device for determining at least one characteristic of the environment based at least partially upon shift in a steady-state oscillation frequency of the vibratory source for the given impetus.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Stephen R. Novascone, Phillip B. West, Michael J. Anderson
-
Publication number: 20080024321Abstract: A sensing platform for monitoring a transmission system may include a sensor that senses one or more conditions relating to a condition of the transmission system or and/or the condition of an environment around the transmission system. A control system operatively associated with the sensor produces output data based on an output signal produced by the sensor. A transmitter operatively associated with the control system transmits the output data from the control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: Robert E. Polk, John M. Svoboda, Phillip B. West, Gail L. Heath, Clark L. Scott
-
Patent number: 7178627Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting seismic waves propagating through a subterranean formation surrounding a borehole. In a first embodiment, a sensor module uses the rotation of bogey wheels to extend and retract a sensor package for selective contact and magnetic coupling to casing lining the borehole. In a second embodiment, a sensor module is magnetically coupled to the casing wall during its travel and dragged therealong while maintaining contact therewith. In a third embodiment, a sensor module is interfaced with the borehole environment to detect seismic waves using coupling through liquid in the borehole. Two or more of the above embodiments may be combined within a single sensor array to provide a resulting seismic survey combining the optimum of the outputs of each embodiment into a single data set.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, James R. Fincke, Teddy R. Reed
-
Patent number: 7048089Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting seismic waves propagating through a subterranean formation surrounding a borehole. In a first embodiment, a sensor module uses the rotation of bogey wheels to extend and retract a sensor package for selective contact and magnetic coupling to casing lining the borehole. In a second embodiment, a sensor module is magnetically coupled to the casing wall during its travel and dragged therealong while maintaining contact therewith. In a third embodiment, a sensor module is interfaced with the borehole environment to detect seismic waves using coupling through liquid in the borehole. Two or more of the above embodiments may be combined within a single sensor array to provide a resulting seismic survey combining the optimum of the outputs of each embodiment into a single data set.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, James R. Fincke, Teddy R. Reed
-
Patent number: 7012852Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for detecting seismic waves. A sensing apparatus is deployed within a bore hole and may include a source magnet for inducing a magnetic field within a casing of the borehole. An electrical coil is disposed within the magnetic field to sense a change in the magnetic field due to a displacement of the casing. The electrical coil is configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the well bore and its casing along a specified axis such that displacement of the casing induces a change within the magnetic field which may then be sensed by the electrical coil. Additional electrical coils may be similarly utilized to detect changes in the same or other associated magnetic fields along other specified axes. The additional sensor coils may be oriented substantially orthogonally relative to one another so as to detect seismic waves along multiple orthogonal axes in three dimensional space.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, Roger L. Sumstine
-
Patent number: 6986650Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for coupling seismic or other downhole sensors to a borehole wall in high temperature and pressure environments. In one embodiment, one or more metal bellows mounted to a sensor module are inflated to clamp the sensor module within the borehole and couple an associated seismic sensor to a borehole wall. Once the sensing operation is complete, the bellows are deflated and the sensor module is unclamped by deflation of the metal bellows. In a further embodiment, a magnetic drive pump in a pump module is used to supply fluid pressure for inflating the metal bellows using borehole fluid or fluid from a reservoir. The pump includes a magnetic drive motor configured with a rotor assembly to be exposed to borehole fluid pressure including a rotatable armature for driving an impeller and an associated coil under control of electronics isolated from borehole pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventor: Phillip B. West
-
Patent number: 6973993Abstract: Methods and apparatus for attenuating waves in a bore hole, and seismic surveying systems incorporating the same. In one embodiment, an attenuating device includes a soft compliant bladder coupled to a pressurized gas source. A pressure regulating system reduces the pressure of the gas from the gas source prior to entering the bladder and operates in conjunction with the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in a bore hole to maintain the pressure of the bladder at a specified pressure relative to the surrounding bore hole pressure. Once the hydrostatic pressure of the bore hole fluid exceeds that of the gas source, bore hole fluid may be admitted into a vessel of the gas source to further compress and displace the gas contained therein. In another embodiment, a water-reactive material may be used to provide gas to the bladder wherein the amount of gas generated by the water-reactive material may depend on the hydrostatic pressure of the bore hole fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, Daryl Haefner
-
Patent number: 6951262Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suppression of wave energy within a fluid-filled borehole using a low pressure acoustic barrier. In one embodiment, a flexible diaphragm type device is configured as an open bottomed tubular structure for disposition in a borehole to be filled with a gas to create a barrier to wave energy, including tube waves. In another embodiment, an expandable umbrella type device is used to define a chamber in which a gas is disposed. In yet another embodiment, a reverse acting bladder type device is suspended in the borehole. Due to its reverse acting properties, the bladder expands when internal pressure is reduced, and the reverse acting bladder device extends across the borehole to provide a low pressure wave energy barrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventor: Phillip B. West