Patents by Inventor Robert F. DeLaCroix

Robert F. DeLaCroix 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: 8113278
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for enhanced oil recovery using at least one in-situ seismic energy generator for generating seismic acoustic waves. More particularly the system and method employ a downhole electro-hydraulic seismic pressure wave source to enhance the recovery of oil from reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hydroacoustics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. DeLaCroix, Dennis R Courtright
  • Publication number: 20110176391
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide an acoustic deterrent system and a method for repelling sea mammals from a region of water. The system consists of one or more acoustic impulse sources spatially distributed underwater around the perimeter of the fish farm or other region to be protected. Each source is capable of generating an acoustic signal and a controller determines the firing time for each source to produce signals, which may include precisely timed wave trains of superimposed tones on a broadband low frequency signal, which are believed most effective in deterring seals, sea lions and other carnivorous mammals. The system may further include a sensing device to determine the presence of marine mammals so that the acoustic deterrent can be initiated on demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Hydroacoustics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. DeLaCroix, Joel Wojciechowski
  • Publication number: 20090200019
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for generating seismic acoustic waves, and more particularly a downhole electro-hydraulic seismic pressure wave source to enhance oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Hydroacoustics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. DeLaCroix, Dennis R. Courtright
  • Patent number: 4166507
    Abstract: A hydraulic rotary percussive drill which is adapted to operate as a drill for installing rock bolts in mines is described. The drill is configured so that the shank (which holds the drill steel and bit) forms a right angle with the impact mechanism, thereby reducing the height of the drill and providing longer lengths of drill steel feed in a confined environment. A hydraulic spring force coupler transfers the impact energy from the impact mechanism to the shank, steel and bit and shapes the energy so as to provide force pulses of such length as to couple efficiently the percussive energy to the rock being drilled while reducing the strain in the steel and bit. A rotation mechanism may be mounted in the same leg of the right angle as the shank, steel and bit to rotate the steel and bit independently from the percussive action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1979
    Assignee: Hydroacoustics, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Bouyoucos, Robert F. DeLaCroix