Patents by Inventor Rocco DiFoggio

Rocco DiFoggio 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).

  • Publication number: 20240126071
    Abstract: A system for downhole optical analysis includes a housing forming at least part of a pressure barrier. The system also includes a window, formed at an end of the housing, the window being at least semi-transparent to permit light to travel through the window. The system further includes at least one light source, arranged within the housing, wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit a beam of light at a wavelength to enable non-contact, optical cleaning of the window, the wavelength being selected to reduce interaction with the window while heating a fluid film formed on the window outside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 11852807
    Abstract: A system for downhole optical analysis includes a housing forming at least part of a pressure barrier. The system also includes a window, formed at an end of the housing, the window being at least semi-transparent to permit light to travel through the window. The system further includes at least one light source, arranged within the housing, wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit a beam of light at a wavelength to enable non-contact, optical cleaning of the window, the wavelength being selected to reduce interaction with the window while heating a fluid film formed on the window outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Publication number: 20230313679
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting one or more properties of a downhole fluid includes a housing. The apparatus also includes a location-sensitive optical detector, arranged within a chamber formed by the housing. The apparatus further includes a light source, arranged within the chamber. The apparatus also includes a lens, positioned at an end of the housing, the lens preferably having a flat side and a curved side, the flat side positioned proximate the chamber to position the flat side closer to the light source than the curved side. The apparatus further includes a mirror, arranged outside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Helene C. Climent
  • Patent number: 11768178
    Abstract: A sensor for obtaining downhole data includes a first piezoelectric layer. The sensor also includes a second piezoelectric layer having a trench extending a depth below a surface of the second piezoelectric layer. The sensor also includes an electrode positioned within the trench. The first piezoelectric layer is directly coupled to the second piezoelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Yi Liu
  • Publication number: 20230296019
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis system includes an optical sensor comprising, which includes a light source configured to emit light comprising a plurality of wavelengths, a light detector, and an optical tip through which at least a portion of the light travels and returns to the detector, wherein the incident angle of the light causes total internal reflection within the optical tip. The system further includes a piezoelectric helm resonator that generates a resonance response in response to an applied current, and an electromagnetic spectroscopy sensor positioned symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator in at least one direction. The light may be reflected in the optical tip at one or more reflection points, and each reflection point may generate an evanescent wave in a medium surrounding the optical tip. The light may be internally reflected in the optical tip at a plurality of reflection points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sandip Maity, Otto Fanini, Dwight Swett, Rocco DiFoggio, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi, Jana Mohamed Aljindan
  • Patent number: 11708760
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting one or more properties of a downhole fluid includes a housing. The apparatus also includes a location-sensitive optical detector, arranged within a chamber formed by the housing. The apparatus further includes a light source, arranged within the chamber. The apparatus also includes a lens, positioned at an end of the housing, the lens preferably having a flat side and a curved side, the flat side positioned proximate the chamber to position the flat side closer to the light source than the curved side. The apparatus further includes a mirror, arranged outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Helene C. Climent
  • Patent number: 11661845
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis system includes an optical sensor comprising, which includes a light source configured to emit light comprising a plurality of wavelengths, a light detector, and an optical tip through which at least a portion of the light travels and returns to the detector, wherein the incident angle of the light causes total internal reflection within the optical tip. The system further includes a piezoelectric helm resonator that generates a resonance response in response to an applied current, and an electromagnetic spectroscopy sensor positioned symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator in at least one direction. The light may be reflected in the optical tip at one or more reflection points, and each reflection point may generate an evanescent wave in a medium surrounding the optical tip. The light may be internally reflected in the optical tip at a plurality of reflection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sandip Maity, Otto Fanini, Dwight Swett, Rocco DiFoggio, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi, Jana Mohamed Aljindan
  • Patent number: 11573220
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method for performing downhole optical fluid analysis including positioning an optical analysis tool in a downhole environment. The method also includes regulating a flow of a fluid sample into a reaction chamber of the optical analysis tool. The method further includes providing a catalyst within the reaction chamber that reacts with an analyte in the fluid sample to emit light. The method includes detecting the emitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 11548098
    Abstract: A method of forming a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may include directing at least one energy beam at a surface of a volume of polycrystalline superabrasive material including interstitial material disposed in regions between inter-bonded grains of polycrystalline superabrasive material. The method includes ablating the interstitial material with the at least one energy beam such that at least a portion of the interstitial material is removed from a first region of the volume of polycrystalline superabrasive material without any substantial degradation of the inter-bonded grains of superabrasive material or of bonds thereof in the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Anthony A. DiGiovanni, Rocco DiFoggio
  • Publication number: 20220404331
    Abstract: A system for performing a downhole optical analysis includes a housing positioned in a wellbore extending into a formation. The system also includes a carrier arranged within the housing, the carrier being coupled to a power supply. The system further includes a catalyst coating at least a portion of the carrier. The system also includes a regulated inlet providing a fluid pathway into a reaction chamber that includes at least a portion of the catalyst. The system further includes a detector arranged relative to the reaction chamber to detect a signal emitted via an interaction between the catalyst and a fluid sample introduced into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 11473412
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing components of a fluid having a first fluid component and a second fluid component in a fluid property-dependent fluid device includes an energy device configured to input energy to the fluid, the energy selectively changing a property of one of the first and second components more than the other of the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Publication number: 20220325622
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for determining an acoustic parameter of a downhole fluid using an acoustic assembly. Methods include transmitting a plurality of pulses; measuring values for at least one wave property measured for reflections of the plurality of pulses received at at least one acoustic receiver, including: a first value for a first reflection traveling a first known distance from a first acoustically reflective surface having a first known acoustic impedance, a second value for a second reflection traveling a second known distance substantially the same as the first known distance from a second acoustically reflective surface having a second known acoustic impedance, and a third value for a third reflection traveling a third known distance from a third acoustically reflective surface having a third known acoustic impedance substantially the same as the second acoustic impedance; and estimating the acoustic parameter using the values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wei Han, Rocco DiFoggio, James V. Leggett, III
  • Patent number: 11448056
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating fluids and controlling flow of production fluid includes a diversion assembly configured to receive production fluid produced from a subterranean region, the diversion assembly including an inflow conduit in fluid communication with a first outflow conduit and a second outflow conduit, the first outflow conduit in fluid communication with a surface location. The apparatus also includes a separation assembly including a hydrophilic ribbon and an oleophilic ribbon configured to be immersed in the production fluid, at least part of the hydrophilic ribbon and the oleophilic ribbon configured to move with the production fluid, the oleophilic ribbon configured to redirect a flow of hydrocarbons into the first outflow conduit, and the hydrophilic ribbon configured to redirect a flow of water-based fluid into the second outflow conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 11359488
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for determining an acoustic parameter of a downhole fluid using an acoustic assembly. Methods include transmitting a plurality of pulses; measuring values for at least one wave property measured for reflections of the plurality of pulses received at at least one acoustic receiver, including: a first value for a first reflection traveling a first known distance from a first acoustically reflective surface having a first known acoustic impedance, a second value for a second reflection traveling a second known distance substantially the same as the first known distance from a second acoustically reflective surface having a second known acoustic impedance, and a third value for a third reflection traveling a third known distance from a third acoustically reflective surface having a third known acoustic impedance substantially the same as the second acoustic impedance; and estimating the acoustic parameter using the values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wei Han, Rocco DiFoggio, James V. Leggett, III
  • Publication number: 20220162936
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating fluids and controlling flow of production fluid includes a diversion assembly configured to receive production fluid produced from a subterranean region, the diversion assembly including an inflow conduit in fluid communication with a first outflow conduit and a second outflow conduit, the first outflow conduit in fluid communication with a surface location. The apparatus also includes a separation assembly including a hydrophilic ribbon and an oleophilic ribbon configured to be immersed in the production fluid, at least part of the hydrophilic ribbon and the oleophilic ribbon configured to move with the production fluid, the oleophilic ribbon configured to redirect a flow of hydrocarbons into the first outflow conduit, and the hydrophilic ribbon configured to redirect a flow of water-based fluid into the second outflow conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Publication number: 20220112793
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing components of a fluid having a first fluid component and a second fluid component in a fluid property-dependent fluid device includes an energy device configured to input energy to the fluid, the energy selectively changing a property of one of the first and second components more than the other of the first and second components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 11194074
    Abstract: A system for downhole optical imaging includes a housing forming at least a portion of a tool string. The system also includes a source arranged within the housing, the source emitting light through a window formed in the housing. The system further includes an imager arranged within the housing, the imager receiving imaging data through the window. The system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the imager, the control system processing the image data using one or more algorithms, the one or more algorithms modifying the imaging data based at least in part on a scattering material surrounding the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 11193826
    Abstract: A method for performing a formation fluid test in a borehole penetrating a subsurface formation includes disposing a fluid tester in the borehole, extracting a sample of fluid from the subsurface formation using the fluid tester, and analyzing the sample using the fluid tester to provide test data for a process used to analyze the sample. The method also includes fitting an equation to the test data and calculating a ratio of a first derivative of the equation to a second derivative of the equation. The method further includes continuing to extract the sample from the subsurface formation in response to the ratio indicating a clean sample will be forthcoming and terminating the extracting of the sample from the subsurface formation in response to the ratio indicating a clean sample will not be forthcoming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Bernardo E. Pohl
  • Publication number: 20210333543
    Abstract: A system for downhole optical analysis includes a housing forming at least part of a pressure barrier. The system also includes a window, formed at an end of the housing, the window being at least semi-transparent to permit light to travel through the window. The system further includes at least one light source, arranged within the housing, wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit a beam of light at a wavelength to enable non-contact, optical cleaning of the window, the wavelength being selected to reduce interaction with the window while heating a fluid film formed on the window outside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 11156084
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating a presence of oil-based mud (OBM) in a downhole fluid. Methods include generating measurement values by measuring one or more gross physical properties of the downhole fluid with at least one sensor, the measurement values comprising at least one measurement value representative of each gross physical property; and estimating with at least one processor a relative concentration of OBM with respect to the downhole fluid by using a model correlating the measurement values with the relative concentration. Methods may include taking measurements from the downhole fluid in situ and/or estimating the relative concentration in real-time with respect to generating the measurement values. The model may comprise a correlation prediction function mapping the measurement values to the relative concentration, which may use the measurement values as input to predict the relative concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Hermanus J. Nieuwoudt