Patents by Inventor Robert Atkinson
Robert Atkinson 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).
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Publication number: 20170368341Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Applicant: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
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Patent number: 9790782Abstract: A downhole well fluid sensing device is disclosed for determining thermal conductivity of a formation fluid produced by a sampled subterranean well, the sensor package having an annulus shaped, elongate body defining a cylindrical fluid sampling space, the elongate body and the sampling space having a common longitudinal center axis. The elongate body has a fluid entrance port that provides well fluid ingress into the fluid sampling space and a fluid exit port that provides well fluid egress out of the fluid sampling space. A heat source is coupled to the elongate body and located along a portion of the fluid path, and the heat source inputs heat into sampled well fluid. Finally, temperature sensing devices located between the fluid entrance port and fluid exit port measure heat conducted to the sampled well fluid, wherein each of the temperature sensing devices is radially spaced from the heat source.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC.Inventors: Hua Xia, Li Gao, Robert Atkinson, Christopher Michael Jones
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Patent number: 9791595Abstract: Downhole fluid sensing device is disclosed for determining heat capacity of a formation fluid produced by a sampled subterranean well, the sensor package having an annulus shaped, elongate body defining a cylindrical fluid sampling space, the sensor package and the sampling space having a common longitudinal center axis. The elongate sensor package body has a fluid entrance port that provides well fluid ingress into the fluid sampling space and a fluid exit port that provides well fluid egress out of the fluid sampling space. A heat source is coupled to the elongate sensor package body and located along a portion of the fluid path, and the heat source inputs heat into sampled well fluid. Finally, temperature sensing devices (located between the fluid entrance port and fluid exit port measure heat conducted to the sampled well fluid, wherein each of the temperature sensing devices is radially spaced from the heat source.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC.Inventors: Hua Xia, Li Gao, Robert Atkinson, Mahaly Randrianavony, Christopher Michael Jones
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Patent number: 9757564Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: CYBERONICS, INC.Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
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Publication number: 20170241262Abstract: A downhole formation fluid viscometer sensor and method therefor include a viscometer sensing package, a flexible diaphragm, a magnet and electric coil, and a signal pickup assembly. The viscometer sensor may also include a first cavity and a second cavity for mechanical and electric energy transfer. The magnet and electric coil may be driven by external alternating current to generate an electromagnetic force. Silicon oil may be used to fill the first cavity and/or a pressure balance hole may connect the first cavity to an external area. The diaphragm may be a titanium alloy and a ferromagnetic magnet may be attached to the diaphragm. The diaphragm preferably has a thickness from about 0.030 to about 0.040 inches and the magnet and electric coil can propel the diaphragm to vibrate at a frequency from 0 to 100 kHz. Formation fluid viscosity is determined using resonant frequency linewidth, with contributions from the sensor package intrinsic properties removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2014Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: Hua XIA, Lizheng ZHANG, Robert ATKINSON, Nestor RODRIGUEZ, Christopher Michael JONES, Darren GASCOOKE
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Publication number: 20170211976Abstract: Various embodiments include systems and methods to provide selectable variable gain to signals in measurements using incident radiation. The selectable variable gain may be used to normalize signals modulated in measurements using incident radiation. The selectable variable gain may be attained using a number of different techniques or various combinations of these techniques. These techniques may include modulating a modulator having modulating elements in which at least one modulating element acts on incident radiation differently from another modulating element of the modulator, modulating the use of electronic components in electronic circuitry of a detector, modulating a source of radiation or combinations thereof. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2016Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: David L. Perkins, Christopher Michael Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Li Gao, Robert Atkinson, William Soltmann
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Patent number: 9710440Abstract: A reader application presents fixed format documents in reflowed format. A selection control is presented to display a reflow view after identifying text-based sections within a displayed content. The reflow view is generated using the sections upon an action on the selection control to display the reflow view. The reflow view is displayed in a location associated with the section within the displayed content or in place of the displayed content The reflow view is adjusted based on a screen size of the reader application.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Wei Zeng, Seth Robert Atkinson, Raman Narayanan, Ming Liu, Aleksandr Gil
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Patent number: 9644953Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning optical components within an optical sensor. A mask with an elongate slot formed therethrough is placed optically between an optical emitter and an optical detector of the sensor. The mask is rotated 180 degrees while the detector output is measured. As the mask is rotated, the output varies. The longitudinal position of the slot that corresponds with the maximum detector output is indicative of the transverse direction that the optical emitter must be moved relative to the optical detector for optimal alignment. A controller may operate a first actuator for translating the optical emitter with respect to the optical detector and a second actuator for rotating the mask, thereby automating the alignment process.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Perkins, William Soltmann, Jimmy Anders, Robert Atkinson, Wei Zhang
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Publication number: 20170082765Abstract: A downhole formation fluid identification sensing module for measuring averaged gas molecular weight of wellbore formation fluid acquires simultaneous temperature, pressure, and density measurements. The sensing module includes two venturi-type gas sensors that both contain vibrating tubes. During operation, formation fluid flows through the vibrating tubes whereby resonant frequency measurements are acquired simultaneously with temperature and pressure measurements. Each measurement is then utilized to determine the gas molecular weight of the dry, wet or saturated formation fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2014Publication date: March 23, 2017Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, IncInventors: Hua Xia, christopher Michael Jones, Robert Atkinson, Tian He, Bin Dai, Jing Shen
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Publication number: 20170059740Abstract: An optical analysis tool includes an integrated computational element (ICE). The ICE includes a first hollow-core fiber. The first hollow-core fiber has a structure configured such that a spectrum of light guided by the first hollow-core fiber is related, over a wavelength range, to a characteristic of the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: David L. Perkins, Robert Atkinson, Michael T. Pelletier
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Patent number: 9542511Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for determining a synthetic gas-oil-ratio for a gas dominant fluid. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes a system that includes at least one processor, and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor performs operations that include optimizing a gas-oil-ratio database using a genetic algorithm and a multivariate regression simulator and generating a synthetic gas-oil-ratio for a gas dominant fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Dingding Chen, David L. Perkins, Christopher Michael Jones, Jing Shen, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert Atkinson
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Patent number: 9519133Abstract: Various embodiments include systems and methods to provide selectable variable gain to signals in measurements using incident radiation. The selectable variable gain may be used to normalize signals modulated in measurements using incident radiation. The selectable variable gain may be attained using a number of different techniques or various combinations of these techniques. These techniques may include modulating a modulator having modulating elements in which at least one modulating element acts on incident radiation differently from another modulating element of the modulator, modulating the use of electronic components in electronic circuitry of a detector, modulating a source of radiation or combinations thereof. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Perkins, Christopher Michael Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Li Gao, Robert Atkinson, William Soltmann
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Publication number: 20160299084Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for reducing delamination or cracking in a multilayer film stack fabricated on a substrate. The multilayer film stack is designed to optically process a sample fluid interacted electromagnetic radiation to measure various chemical or physical characteristics of a production fluid from a wellbore. Systems and methods measure in situ a characteristic of the multilayer film stack during fabrication and compare the measured characteristic against a reference criterion. The reference criterion has been predetermined to represent an onset of delamination or cracking. If the reference criterion is met, fabrication of the multilayer film stack is modified to reduce the possibility of delamination or cracking. Other systems and methods are presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: October 13, 2016Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: James M. Price, David L. Perkins, Robert Atkinson
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Publication number: 20160290133Abstract: A downhole sensor package for detecting one or more thermophysical properties of a downhole fluid, comprising a sensor housing having a fluid input port and a fluid output port; an inner flow tube located within and axially defined with the sensor package housing; an outer flow annulus defined between the inner flow tube and the sensor housing, wherein the inner flow tube is in fluid communication with the outer flow annulus; and a vibration source and a vibration detector engaging the inner flow tube; and methods for using the same are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: HUA XIA, LIZHENG ZHANG, ROBERT ATKINSON, NESTOR RODRIGUEZ, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL JONES, DARREN GASCOOKE
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Publication number: 20160283615Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for determining a synthetic gas-oil-ratio for a gas dominant fluid. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes a system that includes at least one processor, and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor performs operations that include optimizing a gas-oil-ratio database using a genetic algorithm and a multivariate regression simulator and generating a synthetic gas-oil-ratio for a gas dominant fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Dingding Chen, David L. Perkins, Christopher Michael Jones, Jing Shen, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert Atkinson
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Publication number: 20160265910Abstract: Systems and methods of in-situ measuring the physical properties of an integrated computational element (ICE) device using surface acoustic wave (SAW) spectroscopy during fabrication are provided. The system includes a measurement device having a pump source providing an excitation pulse generating a SAW on the outer surface of the ICE. The system provides a probe radiation to be interacted with the outer surface of the ICE device and to form an interacted radiation, and an optical transducer configured to receive the interacted radiation and form a signal. An analyzer receives the signal from the optical transducer and determines a property of a material layer on the outer surface of the ICE device, and a second measurement device using at least one of optical monitoring, ellipsometry, and optical spectroscopy, is configured to measure a second property in the ICE device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: September 15, 2016Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: James M. Price, David L. Perkins, Robert Atkinson, Li Gao
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Publication number: 20160259084Abstract: Downhole fluid sensing device is disclosed for determining heat capacity of a formation fluid produced by a sampled subterranean well, the sensor package having an annulus shaped, elongate body defining a cylindrical fluid sampling space, the sensor package and the sampling space having a common longitudinal center axis. The elongate sensor package body has a fluid entrance port that provides well fluid ingress into the fluid sampling space and a fluid exit port that provides well fluid egress out of the fluid sampling space. A heat source is coupled to the elongate sensor package body and located along a portion of the fluid path, and the heat source inputs heat into sampled well fluid. Finally, temperature sensing devices (located between the fluid entrance port and fluid exit port measure heat conducted to the sampled well fluid, wherein each of the temperature sensing devices is radially spaced from the heat source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 8, 2016Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Hua XIA, Li GAO, Robert ATKINSON, Mahaly RANDRIANAVONY, Christopher Michael JONES
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Publication number: 20160258279Abstract: A downhole well fluid sensing device is disclosed for determining thermal conductivity of a formation fluid produced by a sampled subterranean well, the sensor package having an annulus shaped, elongate body defining a cylindrical fluid sampling space, the elongate body and the sampling space having a common longitudinal center axis. The elongate body has a fluid entrance port that provides well fluid ingress into the fluid sampling space and a fluid exit port that provides well fluid egress out of the fluid sampling space. A heat source is coupled to the elongate body and located along a portion of the fluid path, and the heat source inputs heat into sampled well fluid. Finally, temperature sensing devices located between the fluid entrance port and fluid exit port measure heat conducted to the sampled well fluid, wherein each of the temperature sensing devices is radially spaced from the heat source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 8, 2016Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Hua XIA, Li GAO, Robert ATKINSON, Christopher Michael JONES
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Patent number: 9354163Abstract: Downhole spectrometer tools are provided with two ways to increase the number of filters on an optical path. A first approach employs multiple filter wheels that rotate alternately in a common plane to intersect the optical path. Portions of the wheels are cut out to avoid mechanical interference between the wheels. A second approach drives the one or more filter wheels with a wobble that causes the filters to trace one or more hypocycloidal curves that each intersect the optical path.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Wei Zhang, Robert Atkinson, Michael T. Pelletier, Christopher M. Jones
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Publication number: 20160097273Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for analyzing multi-phase fluid flow profile and flow field distribution by utilizing heating wires and thermal sensing arrays to detect transient thermal response and generate a dynamic temperature profile. The thermal sensing arrays include a plurality of thermal sensors disposed linearly along the length of the array. The multi-point dynamic temperature profile is used to determine fluid rate, velocity, flow patterns, and flow field distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Hua XIA, Robert ATKINSON, Christopher Michael JONES