Patents by Inventor Phillip E. Pruett

Phillip E. Pruett 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: 6807324
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) system. One or more discrete temperature sensors are positioned adjacent to a DTS fiber to calibrate data generated from DTS fiber. The discrete temperature sensors preferably comprise FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip E. Pruett
  • Publication number: 20030219190
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) system. One or more discrete temperature sensors are positioned adjacent to a DTS fiber to calibrate data generated from DTS fiber. The discrete temperature sensors preferably comprise FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip E. Pruett
  • Patent number: 6496625
    Abstract: A fiber optic transmission cable fiber protector includes a splice tube positioned over the ends of a pair of fiber optic cables having an outer capillary tube containing at least one optical fiber within an inner capillary tube. The optical fiber protector includes a pair of optical fiber strain relief mechanism positioned near the ends of the optical fibers; the strain relief mechanisms are captured within a heat sink tube that is inserted into each end of the outer capillary tubes. The splice tube is welded to the outer capillary tubes. Heat generated by the welding process dissipated by the heat sink and gases generated during the welding process are vented through a hole in the outer capillary tube into the optical fiber splice area. In an alternate embodiment a weld coupling is welded to each end of the splice tube and is further welded to the outer capillary tubes. A sealing mechanism is positioned on the inner capillary tubes within the outer capillary tubes forming a seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Falkowich, Christopher Chestnut, Christopher Chipman, Thomas Engel, Robert Markoja, Phillip E. Pruett, Robert A. Rubino, Jeffrey Bonja, Edward Laffitte
  • Patent number: 6305227
    Abstract: A quartz sensing system includes a quartz sensor, an electromechanical converter, an optical source, an optical fiber and a signal processor. The quartz sensor responds to a pressure, and further responds to an electrical power signal, for providing a quartz sensor electrical signal containing information about the pressure. The electromechanical converter responds to the quartz sensor signal, for providing an electromechanical converter force containing information about the sensed voltage or current signal. The optical source for provides an optical source signal. The optical fiber responds to the electromechanical converter force, for changing an optical parameter or characteristic of the optical source signal depending on the change in length of the optical fiber and providing an electromechanical converter optical signal containing information about the electromechanical converter force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporation
    Inventors: Jian-Qun Wu, Kevin F. Didden, Alan D. Kersey, Phillip E. Pruett, Arthur D. Hay
  • Patent number: 6206301
    Abstract: A reversible spray nozzle for use in a fluid dispersing system which consists of a nozzle portion defining a cylindrical channel therewithin, the nozzle portion having opposing ends, the opposing ends threaded for communicating with the fluid dispersing system, the cylindrical channel extending the length of the nozzle portion, the cylindrical channel for receiving a cylindrical flow tube; and the flow tube defining a delivery channel, the delivery channel extending the length of the flow tube, the delivery channel for providing a flow path for a fluid. The spray nozzle can be configured such that the flow tube is slideably disposed within the nozzle portion, and where the length of the flow tube is less than half of the length of the cylindrical channel of the nozzle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Phillip E. Pruett
  • Patent number: 6116578
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for inserting a cable, in a duct, tube, or other hollow, elongated structure which can be sealed at the point of insertion of the cable to create a pressure housing. The invention comprises positioning a tube in the well, positioning a source of cable adjacent the well, and inserting the cable through a pressure housing into the tubing by means of polymer foam mixture under pressure. A mechanical force may be employed on the fiber optic to overcome any resistance created by the lubrication fitting at the pressure housing. The foam is in the form of a concentrate, which, when mixed with a liquid source and air, expands significantly when injected into the capillary. Due to such expansion, the foam adheres to the surface of the cable, creating a viscous drag against the cable in the direction of pressure flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Phillip E. Pruett
  • Patent number: 5892176
    Abstract: A cable for recording conditions in a well bore, the cable including a tube having a generally smooth outer surface and an inner surface defining an elongated, uninterrupted opening extending throughout the length of the tube, at least one fiber optic, disposed within the opening of the tube, the fiber optic extending the length of the tube, an electrical conductor disposed within the opening of the tube, the electrical conductor extending the length of the tube, and insulating material disposed within the tube, the insulating material encapsulating the fiber optic and electrical conductor so as to form a core, wherein the core is of substantially smaller diameter than the opening to permit thermal expansion of the fiber optic, the conductor and the insulating material. The size of the tube and the core may be selected such that there is an annulus between the inside surface of the tube and the outside surface of the core, the annulus providing a flowpath extending the length of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Phillip E. Pruett
    Inventors: Mitchell Findlay, Phillip E. Pruett
  • Patent number: 5723781
    Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to apparatus and a method for continuously injecting a tracer in a borehole to thereby enable continuously measuring the flow of effluents in the borehole, i.e. either in an injection well or production well, of an oil, gas or geothermal field. The apparatus and method comprises positioning capillary tubing within the borehole, the tubing having a flowpath extending continuously from the surface to a desired depth, the capillary tubing having at least one sensor suspended in the borehole at the desired depth, injecting a tracer element into the tube from a pressurized source at the surface, releasing the tracer element at the desired depth and detecting the presence of the tracer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventors: Phillip E. Pruett, Mitchell Findlay
  • Patent number: D336284
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Pruett Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip E. Pruett, Douglas W. Pruett