Patents by Inventor Richard A. Rosthal

Richard A. Rosthal 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: 7795872
    Abstract: To determine effect on a magnetic field caused by a lining structure in a wellbore, an array may be deployed into the wellbore lined with the lining structure. The array comprises a plurality of sensors including sensor A configured to operate as a transmitter, sensor B configured to operate as either a transmitter or a receiver, and sensor C configured to operate as a receiver. The array measures magnetic fields using sensor B as a receiver and sensor C in response to activation of sensor B as a transmitter and sensor A. A plurality of lining structure correction factors can be calculated based on the measured magnetic fields, based on the reciprocity of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Clark, Frank Morrison, Edward Nichols, Hong Zhang, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Publication number: 20100134112
    Abstract: A current sensor measures an electrical current flowing in well casing or other magnetic structure. The current sensor can be installed in a tool for performing electromagnetic (EM) induction surveying in a wellbore lined with an electrically conductive casing. The tool includes an EM element to transmit or receive a magnetic field through the casing. The measured current using the current sensor can be used to relate the change of casing effect on the EM element (e.g., an induction receiver) placed inside the well casing for performing the EM induction survey.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Publication number: 20090302852
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for making an electromagnetic induction survey of a formation surrounding a cased section of a borehole. An electromagnetic transmitter and/or receiver are deployed into the cased section of the borehole. One or more additional devices are used to measure the properties of a conductive casing relating to conductivity, thickness and magnetic permeability. A casing coefficient is then calculated that can then be used for the processing of the deep-sensing induction measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Cyrille Levesque, David Alumbaugh, Richard Rosthal, Hong Zhang
  • Patent number: 7619540
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at least three depths of investigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Bonner, Dean M. Horman, Gerald M. Minerbo, Richard A. Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20090281731
    Abstract: Impedances of an electromagnetic (EM) coil positioned in a well lined with an electrically conductive liner are determined. The impedances correspond to plural frequencies of operation of the EM coil. Based on the impedances of the EM coil corresponding to the plural frequencies, an attenuation factor associated with the electrically conductive liner is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Morrison, Edward Nichols, Richard A. Rosthal, Hong Zhang, Luis E. DePavia
  • Patent number: 7536261
    Abstract: A method to determine a parameter of a subsurface formation such as anisotropy and dip comprises making at least two cross dipole measurements and forming an anti-symmetrized combination from the at least two cross dipole measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dzevat Omeragic, Gerald N. Minerbo, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Publication number: 20090091328
    Abstract: To determine effect on a magnetic field caused by a lining structure in a wellbore, an array may be deployed into the wellbore lined with the lining structure. The array comprises a plurality of sensors including sensor A configured to operate as a transmitter, sensor B configured to operate as either a transmitter or a receiver, and sensor C configured to operate as a receiver. The array measures magnetic fields using sensor B as a receiver and sensor C in response to activation of sensor B as a transmitter and sensor A. A plurality of lining structure correction factors can be calculated based on the measured magnetic fields, based on the reciprocity of the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Clark, Frank Morrison, Edward Nichols, Hong Zhang, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Patent number: 7414391
    Abstract: Techniques for calibrating an electromagnetic logging tool equipped with a plurality of antennas, with at least one antenna having its axis at an angle with respect to a tool axis, include disposing a test loop about the tool such that an axis of the tool and a plane on which the test loop lies form a tilt angle that is between about 0 and 90 degrees. An induced signal is measured at one of the antennas by energizing another of the antennas. Embodiments analyze the induced signal corresponding to a max or min extrema associated with a coupling effect due to the test loop. In other embodiments a corrected signal is compared with a calculated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean M. Homan, Richard A. Rosthal, Gerald N. Minerbo, Thomas D. Barber
  • Patent number: 7212173
    Abstract: The invention refers to an axial antenna structure for use on a borehole wireline or while drilling logging tool. The antenna comprises an insulating medium and an electrical conductor disposed on the insulating medium. The electrical conductor is situated to have a magnetic dipole moment parallel to a longitudinal axis of the borehole logging apparatus. A tri-axial configuration combines the axial coil design and at least one transverse antenna structure substantially co-located with the axial antenna. The transverse antenna structure has a magnetic dipole moment orthogonal to the magnetic dipole moment of the axial antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Richard Rosthal
  • Publication number: 20060253255
    Abstract: A method to determine a parameter of a subsurface formation such as anisotropy and dip comprises making at least two cross dipole measurements and forming an anti-symmetrized combination from the at least two cross dipole measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dzevat Omeragic, GERALD MINERBO, RICHARD ROSTHAL
  • Publication number: 20060202806
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at least three depths of investigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Bonner, Dean Homan, Gerald Minerbo, Richard Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 7091877
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at at least three depths of investigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Barber, Stephen D. Bonner, Dean M. Homan, Gerald N. Minerbo, Richard A. Rosthal, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 6969994
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for directional propagation-type logging measurements not sensitive to dip and anisotropy over a wide frequency range. Estimates of the distance of the logging tool to a bed boundary are obtained using “up-down” measurements with antenna configurations having tilted magnetic dipoles. These estimates are insensitive to anistropy and dip, undesirable complications of directional measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald N. Minerbo, Dzevat Omeragic, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Patent number: 6937021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and methods for locating a fracture in an earth formation. A method for detecting a fracture in an earth formation using an induction tool includes inducing electromagnetic fields using a set of transmitters on the induction tool. A plurality of the transmitters being arranged such that their magnetic moments are transverse or tilted with respect to the tool axis. Voltages induced in a set of receivers on the induction tool are measured, the voltages being induced by eddy currents that result from the electromagnetic fields. A plurality of receivers being arranged such that their axes are transverse or tilted with respect to the tool axis. The transmitters and receivers are spaced apart along the tool axis. The presence of the fracture is determined based on the measured voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Rosthal
  • Patent number: 6933726
    Abstract: A well logging tool includes a conductive mandrel; an antenna array disposed around the conductive mandrel, wherein the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas disposed on insulating supports and at least one contact spacer, the at least one contact spacer having at least one conductor channel having a contact assembly disposed therein; and a sleeve disposed over the antenna array, wherein the sleeve includes at least one electrode, the at least one electrode and the contact assembly adapted to provide a radially conductive path from an exterior of the well logging tool to the conductive mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Robert C. Smith, Gary A. Hazen, Charles Kibbe, Richard A. Rosthal, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen D. Bonner, David T. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20050088181
    Abstract: A logging tool includes a tool body; a simple transmitter comprising a single antenna disposed on the tool body; four simple receivers, each comprising a single antenna, disposed on the tool body and spaced apart from the simple transmitter to form four arrays; and an electronic module for controlling operation of the four arrays, wherein the simple transmitter is configured to generate a magnetic field having a transverse component, wherein each of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and at least one of the four simple receivers is sensitive to the transverse component of the magnetic field generated by the simple transmitter, and wherein the four arrays are configured to provide measurements at at least three depths of investigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: THOMAS BARBER, STEPHEN BONNER, DEAN HOMAN, GERALD MINERBO, RICHARD ROSTHAL, KUO-CHIANG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20050030038
    Abstract: A well logging tool includes a conductive mandrel; an antenna array disposed around the conductive mandrel, wherein the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas disposed on insulating supports and at least one contact spacer, the at least one contact spacer having at least one conductor channel having a contact assembly disposed therein; and a sleeve disposed over the antenna array, wherein the sleeve includes at least one electrode, the at least one electrode and the contact assembly adapted to provide a radially conductive path from an exterior of the well logging tool to the conductive mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: KUO-CHIANG CHEN, ROBERT SMITH, GARY HAZEN, CHARLES KIBBE, RICHARD ROSTHAL, THOMAS BARBER, STEPHEN BONNER, DAVID OLIVER
  • Publication number: 20040263414
    Abstract: The invention refers to an axial antenna structure for use on a borehole wireline or while drilling logging tool. The antenna comprises an insulating medium and an electrical conductor disposed on the insulating medium. The electrical conductor is situated to have a magnetic dipole moment parallel to a longitudinal axis of the borehole logging apparatus. A tri-axial configuration combines the axial coil design and at least one transverse antenna structure substantially co-located with the axial antenna. The transverse antenna structure has a magnetic dipole moment orthogonal to the magnetic dipole moment of the axial antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Richard Rosthal
  • Publication number: 20040113609
    Abstract: Techniques for calibrating an electromagnetic logging tool equipped with a plurality of antennas, with at least one antenna having its axis at an angle with respect to a tool axis, include disposing a test loop about the tool such that an axis of the tool and a plane on which the test loop lies form a tilt angle that is between about 0 and 90 degrees. An induced signal is measured at one of the antennas by energizing another of the antennas. Embodiments analyze the induced signal corresponding to a max or min extrema associated with a coupling effect due to the test loop. In other embodiments a corrected signal is compared with a calculated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Dean M. Homan, Richard A. Rosthal, Gerald N. Minerbo, Thomas D. Barber
  • Publication number: 20040108853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and methods for locating a fracture in an earth formation. A method for detecting a fracture in an earth formation using an induction tool includes inducing electromagnetic fields using a set of transmitters on the induction tool. A plurality of the transmitters being arranged such that their magnetic moments are transverse or tilted with respect to the tool axis. Voltages induced in a set of receivers on the induction tool are measured, the voltages being induced by eddy currents that result from the electromagnetic fields. A plurality of receivers being arranged such that their axes are transverse or tilted with respect to the tool axis. The transmitters and receivers are spaced apart along the tool axis. The presence of the fracture is determined based on the measured voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Richard A. Rosthal