Patents by Inventor Robert M. Harman
Robert M. Harman 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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Patent number: 9546915Abstract: A method for estimating a parameter includes: generating an optical signal, the optical signal modulated via a modulation signal; transmitting the modulated optical signal from a light source into an optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of sensing locations disposed along the optical fiber and configured to reflect light; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from the plurality of sensing locations; and combining, in parallel, each of a plurality of reference signals with the reflected signal to estimate a value of the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Roger Glen Duncan, Alexander M. Barry, Brooks A. Childers, Robert M. Harman, Philip Robin Couch
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Patent number: 9476294Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter includes: a deformable member configured to deform in response to the at least one parameter; a housing surrounding at least a portion of an external surface of the deformable member to define an isolated region around the portion and an isolated surface of the deformable member; and at least one optical fiber sensor disposed on the isolated surface and held in an operable relationship with the isolated surface, the at least one optical fiber sensor configured to generate a signal in response to a deformation of the deformable member.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Robert M. Harman, Philippe Legrand, Brooks Childers, Roger Duncan, Alan Reynolds, Sam Dippold
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Publication number: 20160209587Abstract: An optical fiber seal includes: an annular layer bonded to and in contact with an outer glass layer of a length of an optical fiber; and a glass sealing layer bonded to an outer surface of the annular layer and configured to withstand conditions in a downhole environment, the glass sealing layer configured to hermetically seal the length of the optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Malcolm S. Laing, Daniel S. Homa, Robert M. Harman
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Patent number: 9341054Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods for monitoring linearity of a down-hole pumping system assembly during deployment within a bore of a casing of a well positioned to extract hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir and selecting an optimal operational position for the down-hole pumping system assembly within the bore of the casing, are provided. Various embodiments of the systems allow an operator to ensure that a motor and pump of a down-hole pumping system assembly are installed in an optimal position in a well by ensuring alignment across the pump stages casing and motor casing. The system includes a groove extending along an outer surface of a housing of the pumping system assembly, and an optical sensing fiber mounted in the groove.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Robert M Harman, Brooks A. Childers, Philippe J. Legrand, Malcolm S. Laing, Roger G. Duncan, Suresha R. O'Bryan, Ketankumar K. Sheth, Earl B. Brookbank
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Patent number: 9267821Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a parameter, the apparatus includes: an optical fiber; a component in communication with the optical fiber and configured to interact with light at a wavelength related to the parameter; and an optical interrogator in communication with the optical fiber and configured to: illuminate the optical fiber with a series of light inputs, each light input in the series having a substantially constant unique optical wavelength and swept-frequency amplitude modulation; and receive a resulting light signal associated with each light input in the series; wherein the resulting light signals associated with the series of light inputs are used to estimate the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Brooks A. Childers, Robert M. Harman, Roger G. Duncan
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Patent number: 9200508Abstract: A apparatus for monitoring a downhole component is disclosed. The apparatus includes: an optical fiber sensor including a plurality of sensing locations distributed along a length of the optical fiber sensor; an interrogation assembly configured to transmit an electromagnetic interrogation signal into the optical fiber sensor and receive reflected signals from each of the plurality of sensing locations; and a processing unit configured to receive the reflected signals, select a measurement location along the optical fiber sensor, select a first reflected signal associated with a first sensing location in the optical fiber sensor, the first sensing location corresponding with the measurement location, select a second reflected signal associated with a second sensing location in the optical fiber sensor, estimate a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal, and estimate a parameter of the downhole component at the measurement location based on the phase difference.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Roger G. Duncan, Brooks A. Childers, Robert M. Harman, Ajit Balagopal
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Publication number: 20150129206Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods for monitoring linearity of a down-hole pumping system assembly during deployment within a bore of a casing of a well positioned to extract hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir and selecting an optimal operational position for the down-hole pumping system assembly within the bore of the casing, are provided. Various embodiments of the systems allow an operator to ensure that a motor and pump of a down-hole pumping system assembly are installed in an optimal position in a well by ensuring alignment across the pump stages casing and motor casing. The system includes a groove extending along an outer surface of a housing of the pumping system assembly, and an optical sensing fiber mounted in the groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2015Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Robert M. Harman, Brooks A. Childers, Philippe J. Legrand, Malcolm S. Laing, Roger G. Duncan, Suresha R. O'Bryan, Ketankumar K. Sheth, Earl B. Brookbank
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Patent number: 8984956Abstract: A sensing assembly including a fiber for monitoring at least one condition or parameter and a strip formed from a pair of laminae disposed with the fiber. The laminae are arranged parallel to each other and engaged longitudinally along the fiber for enabling the strip to secure the fiber in place. A method of monitoring a parameter or condition with a sensing assembly is also included.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Baker Huges IncorporatedInventors: Daniel S. Homa, Robert M. Harman, Malcolm S. Laing, Charles A. Giebner, Christopher H. Lambert
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Patent number: 8950472Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods for monitoring linearity of a down-hole pumping system assembly during deployment within a bore of a casing of a well positioned to extract hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir and selecting an optimal operational position for the down-hole pumping system assembly within the bore of the casing, are provided. Various embodiments of the systems allow an operator to ensure that a motor and pump of a down-hole pumping system assembly are installed in an optimal position in a well by ensuring alignment across the pump stages casing and motor casing. The alignment and linearity of the pump and motor can be crucial to run life of the pump and/or motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Robert M. Harman, Brooks A. Childers, Philippe J. Legrand, Malcolm S. Laing, Roger G. Duncan, Suresha R. O'Bryan, Ketankumar K. Sheth, Earl B. Brookbank
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Patent number: 8942527Abstract: A fiber optic cable for use in a downhole environment is disclosed. The fiber optic cable includes a tube having an interior region; an optical fiber disposed in the interior region of the tube; a gas in the interior region; and a gel in the interior region, wherein the gel is configured to reduce stress on the optical fiber in the presence of the gas at a temperature substantially near the flashpoint of the gel. One or more seals can be used to seal the gel and the inert gas in the interior region. In various aspects, the fiber optic cable can be used in a downhole environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Daniel S. Homa, Robert M. Harman, Christopher H. Lambert
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Patent number: 8793102Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property includes a hollow core tube and an input light guide disposed at least partially within hollow core tube. The apparatus also includes a second gap disposed within the hollow core tube and separated from the input light guide by an air gap width. The second gap is formed of a first solid material and has a second gap width. The apparatus also includes a third gap disposed at least partially within the hollow core tube and being further from the input light guide than the second gap. The third gap is formed of a second solid material and has a third gap width.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Brooks A. Childers, Robert M Harman, Daniel S. Homa, Lance A. Beckner
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Publication number: 20140202682Abstract: An apparatus for performing a downhole operation includes: a carrier configured to be deployed in a borehole in an earth formation; and an optical fiber assembly disposed at the carrier, the optical fiber assembly including an optical fiber and a polymer material bonded to a length of the optical fiber. A portion of the polymer material has been removed by: disposing a liquid metallic material proximate to the polymer material, the polymer material being bonded to the optical fiber; heating the liquid metallic material to a temperature sufficient to burn the polymer material and de-bond the polymer material from a surface of the optical fiber; and removing the polymer material and liquid metal from the surface of the optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Christopher H. Lambert, Robert M. Harman, Daniel S. Homa
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Patent number: 8681322Abstract: A method for estimating a distance includes: generating an optical signal having a wavelength that is within a wavelength range, the optical signal modulated via a modulation signal having a modulation frequency; transmitting the modulated optical signal from a light source into the optical fiber, the optical fiber in contact with a moveable strain inducing element located at the position along the optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of sensing locations configured to reflect light within the wavelength range when under strain from the strain inducing element and transmit light within the wavelength range when not under strain from the strain inducing element; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from at least one of the sensing locations; demodulating the reflected signal with a reference signal to generate reflected signal data; and determining the distance to the position along the optical fiber based on the reflected signal data.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Alexander M. Barry, Roger Glen Duncan, Brooks A. Childers, Robert M. Harman, Daniel S. Homa, Ajit Balagopal, Philip Robin Couch
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Publication number: 20130311095Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property includes a hollow core tube and an input light guide disposed at least partially within hollow core tube. The apparatus also includes a second gap disposed within the hollow core tube and separated from the input light guide by an air gap width. The second gap is formed of a first solid material and has a second gap width. The apparatus also includes a third gap disposed at least partially within the hollow core tube and being further from the input light guide than the second gap. The third gap is formed of a second solid material and has a third gap width.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Brooks A. Childers, Robert M. Harman, Daniel S. Homa, Lance A. Beckner
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Patent number: 8557052Abstract: A method of removing a polymer material from an optical fiber assembly includes: disposing a liquid metallic material proximate to the polymer material, the polymer material being bonded to the optical fiber; heating the liquid metallic material to a temperature sufficient to burn the polymer material and de-bond the polymer material from a surface of the optical fiber; and removing the polymer material and liquid metal from the surface of the optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Christopher H. Lambert, Robert M. Harman, Daniel S. Homa
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Patent number: 8558994Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property, the apparatus includes: a hollow core tube having a first opening and a second opening; a first optical waveguide disposed within the first opening; and a second optical waveguide disposed within the second opening and spaced a distance from the first optical waveguide, the distance being related to the property; wherein a portion of at least one of the optical waveguides within the tube is perimetrically isolated from the tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Daniel S. Homa, Robert M. Harman, Brooks A. Childers, Alexander M. Barry, Brian S. Lucas
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Patent number: 8474782Abstract: An interferometer has its performance enhanced by being suspended in a housing that is optionally evacuated. The frame that supports the interferometer is secured to a cover for the housing with a plurality of studs having mechanical vibration isolators. The frame comprises a support flange with a foam layer beneath the interferometer. An optics tray is disposed above the interferometer and holds the assembly to the support flange. The fibers that are connected to the interferometer enter the side of the housing and the entry is sealed off to allow the interior of the housing to be evacuated.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: David Dixon, Robert M. Harman, Roger G. Duncan, Alan C. Reynolds, Michael C. Nuckles, Brooks A. Childers
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Publication number: 20130091956Abstract: A sensing assembly including a fiber for monitoring at least one condition or parameter and a strip formed from a pair of laminae disposed with the fiber. The laminae are arranged parallel to each other and engaged longitudinally along the fiber for enabling the strip to secure the fiber in place. A method of monitoring a parameter or condition with a sensing assembly is also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Daniel S. Homa, Robert M. Harman, Malcolm S. Laing, Charles A. Giebner, Christopher H. Lambert
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Publication number: 20130093598Abstract: A method for estimating a parameter includes: generating an optical signal, the optical signal modulated via a modulation signal; transmitting the modulated optical signal from a light source into an optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of sensing locations disposed along the optical fiber and configured to reflect light; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from the plurality of sensing locations; and combining, in parallel, each of a plurality of reference signals with the reflected signal to estimate a value of the parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Roger Glen DUNCAN, Alexander M. BARRY, Brooks A. CHILDERS, Robert M. HARMAN, Philip Robin COUCH
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Publication number: 20130094011Abstract: A method for estimating a distance includes: generating an optical signal having a wavelength that is within a wavelength range, the optical signal modulated via a modulation signal having a modulation frequency; transmitting the modulated optical signal from a light source into the optical fiber, the optical fiber in contact with a moveable strain inducing element located at the position along the optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of sensing locations configured to reflect light within the wavelength range when under strain from the strain inducing element and transmit light within the wavelength range when not under strain from the strain inducing element; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from at least one of the sensing locations; demodulating the reflected signal with a reference signal to generate reflected signal data; and determining the distance to the position along the optical fiber based on the reflected signal data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Alexander M. Barry, Roger Glen Duncan, Brooks A. Childers, Robert M. Harman, Daniel S. Homa, Ajit Balagopal, Philip Robin Couch