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: 6710601
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6693430
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making subsurface measurements with reduced or eliminated borehole effects. Antenna and electrode configurations address the undesired axial electric currents that are induced along the borehole when antennas with tilted or transverse axes are used to make electromagnetic measurements. Current and measure electrodes are used in combination with antennas to limit the flow of undesired axial borehole currents. Embodiments use passive, active, or semi-active electrodes to limit the undesired current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Jan Wouter Smits
  • Patent number: 6690170
    Abstract: The invention refers to antenna configurations for electromagnetic logging tools. The antennas have one or more electrical conductors disposed on a dielectric substrate wrapped around a core or disposed directly on the core. The conductor or conductors are arranged such that the antenna has a first magnetic dipole moment substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the core. The invention also refers to antennas adapted for mutual balancing using interleaved conductive paths or disks to alter the magnetic dipole moments to mutually balance the antenna system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean M. Homan, Gary A. Hazen, Richard A. Rosthal, David L. Smith, Thomas D. Barber, Paul Michael Ray, Jacques R. Tabanou
  • Patent number: 6680613
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6630830
    Abstract: A shielding method and apparatus for an antenna disposed on an elongated support adapted for disposal within a borehole. The shield providing predetermined attenuation of one or more electromagnetic energy field components as the field components interact with the shield. The shield composed of a flexible strip or cylindrical body and respectively comprising a transverse conductive element or a transverse slot therein. The shields being adapted to cover an antenna mounted on the support. The shields being compatible for use in conjunction with saddle, tilted coils or multi-layered tri-axial coils to produce a pure transverse magnetic dipole electromagnetic field. The shields are also used in methods for shielding an antenna disposed on a support to provide predetermined attenuation of an electromagnetic field component as the field components interact with the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dzevat Omeragic, Jean Seydoux, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Publication number: 20030184304
    Abstract: The invention refers to antenna configurations for electromagnetic logging tools. The antennas have one or more electrical conductors disposed on a dielectric substrate wrapped around a core or disposed directly on the core. The conductor or conductors are arranged such that the antenna has a first magnetic dipole moment substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the core. The invention also refers to antennas adapted for mutual balancing using interleaved conductive paths or disks to alter the magnetic dipole moments to mutually balance the antenna system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Dean M. Homan, Gary A. Hazen, Richard A. Rosthal, David L. Smith, Thomas D. Barber, Paul Michael Ray, Jacques R. Tabanou
  • Patent number: 6624634
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Publication number: 20030155924
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Publication number: 20030155923
    Abstract: A shielding method and apparatus for an antenna disposed on an elongated support adapted for disposal within a borehole. The shield providing predetermined attenuation of one or more electromagnetic energy field components as the field components interact with the shield. The shield composed of a flexible strip or cylindrical body and respectively comprising a transverse conductive element or a transverse slot therein. The shields being adapted to cover an antenna mounted on the support. The shields being compatible for use in conjunction with saddle, tilted coils or multi-layered tri-axial coils to produce a pure transverse magnetic dipole electromagnetic field. The shields are also used in methods for shielding an antenna disposed on a support to provide predetermined attenuation of an electromagnetic field component as the field components interact with the shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dzevat Omeragic, Jean Seydoux, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Publication number: 20030146753
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Publication number: 20030146751
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6573722
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6566881
    Abstract: A shielding method and apparatus for an antenna disposed on an elongated support adapted for disposal within a borehole. The shield providing predetermined attenuation of one or more electromagnetic energy field components as the field components interact with the shield. The shield composed of a flexible strip or cylindrical body and respectively comprising a transverse conductive element or a transverse slot therein. The shields being adapted to cover an antenna mounted on the support. The shields being compatible for use in conjunction with saddle, tilted coils or multi-layered tri-axial coils to produce a pure transverse magnetic dipole electromagnetic field. The shields are also used in methods for shielding an antenna disposed on a support to provide predetermined attenuation of an electromagnetic field component as the field components interact with the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dzevat Omeragic, Jean Seydoux, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Publication number: 20030085707
    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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald N. Minerbo, Dzevat Omeragic, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Patent number: 6557794
    Abstract: A shield apparatus for use in conjunction with a well tool to selectively attenuate one or more electromagnetic energy field components as the components interact with the shield. The shield composed of a flexible strip or conductive body and comprising at least one sloped slot or sloped conductive element therein. The shield being adapted to surround an antenna mounted on a well tool. A method for rotating the axis of the magnetic dipole of a transmitter or receiver coil. A method for winding and shielding an electric coil such that the resultant coil emits or receives selected electromagnetic energy field components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean M. Homan, Dzevat Omeragic, Stephen D. Bonner, Brian Clark, Scott S. Chesser, Thomas D. Barber
  • Publication number: 20030011371
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making subsurface measurements with reduced or eliminated borehole effects. Antenna and electrode configurations address the undesired axial electric currents that are induced along the borehole when antennas with tilted or transverse axes are used to make electromagnetic measurements. Current and measure electrodes are used in combination with antennas to limit the flow of undesired axial borehole currents. Embodiments use passive, active, or semi-active electrodes to limit the undesired current flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Jan Wouter Smits
  • Publication number: 20020105332
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing or eliminating an undesired axial electric current induced along a subsurface borehole in the process of subsurface measurements with transmitter and/or receiver antennas which are substantially time varying magnetic dipoles with their dipole moments aligned at an angle to the axis of the borehole. Some antennas are disposed within the borehole on instruments having a non-conductive support member. One instrument includes a conductive all-metal body with an antenna adapted for induction frequencies. Antenna shields adapted for controlled current flow are also provided with an all-metal instrument. Methods include providing an alternate path for the current along the instrument body. Another method includes emitting a controlled current to counter the undesired current. Another method corrects for the effect of the current using a superposition technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean Homan, Thomas D. Barber, Stephen Bonner, Brian Clark, Dzevat Omeragic
  • Patent number: 6380744
    Abstract: A shield apparatus for use in conjunction with a well tool to selectively attenuate one or more electromagnetic energy field components as the components interact with the shield. The shield composed of a flexible strip or conductive body and comprising at least one sloped slot or sloped conductive element therein. The shield being adapted to surround an antenna mounted on a well tool. A method for rotating the axis of the magnetic dipole of a transmitter or receiver coil. A method for winding and shielding an electric coil such that the resultant coil emits or receives selected electromagnetic energy field components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Clark, Richard A. Rosthal, Dean M. Homan, Dzevat Omeragic, Stephen D. Bonner, Scott S. Chesser, Thomas D. Barber
  • Patent number: 6373254
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus to control the effect of contact impedance on a formation resistivity measurement during a logging-while-drilling operation. The control of contact impedance is accomplished by maintaining a substantially zero difference in potential between two monitor electrodes positioned on the resistivity logging tool near a current electrode. The tool can employ a ring electrode configuration and/or a button electrode, configuration. The ring electrode configuration incorporates two pairs of ring monitor electrodes on each side of a ring current electrode. The button electrode configuration incorporates. a monitor electrode, surrounded by a current electrode, surrounded by a second monitor electrode. Insulation gaps are positioned between each electrode to separate the electrodes. A variable current is supplied to the current electrode in each configuration to maintain the same potential at each monitor electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Mark T. Frey, James Stephen Hall, Qiming Li, Richard A. Rosthal, Mark A. Fredette
  • Patent number: 6351127
    Abstract: A shield apparatus for use in conjunction with a well tool to selectively attenuate one or more electromagnetic energy field components as the components interact with the shield. The shield composed of a flexible strip or conductive body and comprising at least one sloped slot or sloped conductive element therein. The shield being adapted to surround an antenna mounted on a well tool. A method for rotating the axis of the magnetic dipole of a transmitter or receiver coil. A method for winding and shielding an electric coil such that the resultant coil emits or receives selected electromagnetic energy field components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Rosthal, Dean M. Homan, Dzevat Omeragic, Stephen D. Bonner, Brian Clark, Scott S. Chesser, Thomas D. Barber