Patents by Inventor Roger L. Schultz

Roger L. Schultz 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).

  • CASING DEFORMATION AND CONTROL FOR INCLUSION PROPAGATION
    Publication number: 20090166040
    Abstract: Casing deformation and control for inclusion propagation in earth formations. A method of forming at least one inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a liner within a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; and expanding the liner and the casing section, thereby applying an increased compressive stress to the formation. Another method of forming the inclusion includes the steps of: installing an expansion control device on a casing section, the device including at least one latch member; expanding the casing section radially outward in a wellbore, the expanding step including widening at least one opening in a sidewall of the casing section, and displacing the latch member in one direction; and preventing a narrowing of the opening after the expanding step, the latch member resisting displacement thereof in an opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. CAVENDER, Roger L. Schultz, Grant Hocking, Robert Pipkin
  • Multicycle hydraulic control valve
    Patent number: 7552773
    Abstract: A multicycle hydraulic control valve. A control and actuation system for a well tool includes a control valve having one or more metal-to-metal seals which open while differential pressure exists across the seals to thereby selectively connect pressure sources to an actuator to operate the well tool. Both seals may be closed while a connection between the actuator and the pressure sources is switched by the control valve. The control valve may include a member having areas formed thereon acted upon by various pressures to facilitate operation of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Wright, Roger L. Schultz
  • THERMAL RECOVERY OF SHALLOW BITUMEN THROUGH INCREASED PERMEABILITY INCLUSIONS
    Publication number: 20090101347
    Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal recovery of shallow bitumen using increased permeability inclusions. A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation includes the steps of: propagating at least one generally planar inclusion outward from a wellbore into the formation; injecting a fluid into the inclusion, thereby heating the hydrocarbons; and during the injecting step, producing the hydrocarbons from the wellbore. A well system includes at least one generally planar inclusion extending outward from a wellbore into a formation; a fluid injected into the inclusion, hydrocarbons being heated as a result of the injected fluid; and a tubular string through which the hydrocarbons are produced, the tubular string extending to a location in the wellbore below the inclusion, and the hydrocarbons being received into the tubular string at that location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Travis W. Cavender, Grant Hocking
  • Fiber optic sensor
    Patent number: 7511823
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for measuring state properties without requiring an internal or proximate power supply. The apparatus provides a sensing device that is responsive to fluctuations in a state property that are encountered within the test zone. Due to the fluctuations experienced by the sensing device, a sensing signal is generated and transmitted to an optical device, such as an interferometer. The sensing signal's affect on the optical device produces an interference pattern that may be detected remotely and correlated to the fluctuation experienced by the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Neal Gregory Skinner, Harry Davis Smith, Jr., Daniel David Gleitman
  • INJECTION PLANE INITIATION IN A WELL
    Publication number: 20090032260
    Abstract: Initiation of injection planes in a well. A method of forming at least one generally planar inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: expanding a wellbore in the formation by injecting a material into an annulus positioned between the wellbore and a casing lining the wellbore; increasing compressive stress in the formation as a result of the expanding step; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, thereby forming the inclusion in a direction of the increased compressive stress. Another method includes the steps of: expanding a wellbore in the formation by injecting a material into an annulus positioned between the wellbore and a casing lining the wellbore; reducing stress in the formation in a tangential direction relative to the wellbore; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, thereby forming the inclusion in a direction normal to the reduced tangential stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Grant Hocking, Scott Wendorf, Travis Cavender
  • Oscillating Fluid Flow in a Wellbore
    Publication number: 20090008088
    Abstract: A system for oscillating compressible working fluid in a wellbore defined in a subterranean formation includes a fluid supply and a fluid oscillator device. The fluid supply communicates compressible working fluid into a conduit disposed within the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device is configured to reside in the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device includes an interior surface that defines an interior volume of the fluid oscillator device, an inlet into the interior volume, and an outlet from the interior volume. The interior surface is static during operation to receive the compressible working fluid into the interior volume through the inlet and to vary over time a flow rate of the compressible working fluid from the interior volume through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, Daniel D. Gleitman
  • Treating Subterranean Zones
    Publication number: 20090008096
    Abstract: A system for treating a subterranean zone includes a combustion driven compressor in communication with a supply of a component of a combustion mixture. The compressor is configured to compress the component of the combustion mixture and has a combustion exhaust. A source of treatment fluid for treating the subterranean zone is coupled to the combustion exhaust to supply the treatment fluid in heat transfer communication with the combustion exhaust. In certain instances, compressor is driven by combusting the combustion mixture. In certain instances, the combustion mixture is combusted in separate combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender
  • Generating Heated Fluid
    Publication number: 20090008090
    Abstract: A subterranean zone is treated by exothermically decomposing hydrogen peroxide in or near the subterranean zone. The decomposed hydrogen peroxide yields at least oxygen and heated water. The oxygen is combusted to further heat the heated water. The heated water is introduced into subterranean zone to treat the subterranean zone. In certain instances, the heated water is heated to produce 100% quality steam. Additional water may be supplied for treating the subterranean zone, for example, by supplying the hydrogen peroxide in solution with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Matt E. Blauch
  • Synchronous multi-phase AC-to-DC converter
    Patent number: 7447051
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of power conversion systems and methods employing synchronous multi-phase AC-to-DC conversion. In one embodiment, a power converter comprises a transistor bridge and a switching controller that operates the transistor bridge in response to AC voltage threshold crossings. The switching controller may include a period counter to measure times between threshold crossings, and a delay counter to trigger a delayed state transition for the transistor bridge. One disclosed method embodiment comprises: receiving multiple phased alternating voltages; comparing each phased alternating voltage to a threshold; determining a period associated with voltage threshold crossings; triggering state transitions at some fraction of the period after each threshold crossing; and placing a transistor bridge into a configuration associated with a current state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Masino, Roger L. Schultz
  • High temperature imaging device
    Patent number: 7442932
    Abstract: High temperature imaging devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the imaging device comprises an array of photosensitive elements fabricated on an insulator substrate, and an information storage component coupled to the array. The information storage component stores data representing one or more light patterns detected by the array. The light patterns may be images or spectral patterns. The insulator substrate may be a sapphire or spinel substrate. Alternatively, the substrate may be silicon carbide or an insulated silicon substrate. In at least some embodiments, a processor is integrated on the same substrate as the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, James J. Freeman, Neal G. Skinner, Steven G. Streich
  • Annular Isolators for Expandable Tubulars in Wellbores
    Publication number: 20080251250
    Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, William D. Henderson, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Jody R. McGlothen, Ronald J. Powell, Alex Procyk, Thomas W. Ray, Michael W. Sanders, Roger L. Schultz, David J. Steele, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
  • Apparatus and method of identifying rock properties while drilling
    Patent number: 7404456
    Abstract: Acoustic signals generated by drilling a bore hole with a drill bit are received at sensors placed in the drill string. The acoustic signals received by the sensors are processed, e.g. using a Fourier transform, and a characteristic of the acoustic signals is used to identify lithology, rock strength, presence of oil, presence of gas, change in lithology, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Weaver, Roger L. Schultz
  • Apparatus and method for creating pulsating fluid flow, and method of manufacture for the apparatus
    Patent number: 7404416
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for creating pulsating fluid flow, including an inlet into which fluid flows and a chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end. The chamber is defined by a pair of outwardly-projecting sidewalls, and the inlet is disposed at the upstream end of the chamber. This particular embodiment further includes at least two feedback passages with opposed entrances at the downstream end of the chamber and opposed exits at the upstream end of the chamber, near where the chamber joins the inlet. At least one feedback outlet leaves each of the feedback passages. A feedback cavity is disposed at the downstream end of the chamber. At least one exit flowline having an exit port leaves the at least one feedback outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert K. Michael, Pete C. Dagenais, Michael L. Fripp, James C. Tucker
  • Casing Expansion and Formation Compression for Permeability Plane Orientation
    Publication number: 20080142219
    Abstract: Casing expansion and formation compression for permeability plane orientation. A method of forming at least one increased permeability plane in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; expanding the casing section in the wellbore; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, the injecting step being performed after the expanding step is completed. Another method includes the steps of: applying an increased compressive stress to the formation, the compressive stress being radially directed relative to a wellbore intersecting the formation; and then piercing the formation radially outward from the wellbore, thereby initiating the increased permeability plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, John C. Gano
  • Method and apparatus for maintaining a multi-chip module at a temperature above downhole temperature
    Patent number: 7363971
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating integrated circuits at temperatures higher than expected ambient temperatures. The heating may be of entire circuit boards, portions of the circuit boards (such as the components within a multiple-chip module) and/or single devices. Methods and related systems may be used in any high temperature environment such as downhole logging tools, and the devices so heated are preferably of silicon on insulator semiconductor technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, James E. Masino, Roger L. Schultz
  • Annular isolators for expandable tubulars in wellbores
    Patent number: 7363986
    Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, William D. Henderson, Marion D. Kilgore, Jody R. McGlothen, Ronald J. Powell, Alex Procyk, Thomas W. Ray, Michael W. Sanders, Roger L. Schultz, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a downhole drill bit, and communicating the condition to the surface
    Patent number: 7357197
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for signalling the surface operator about downhole conditions. Sensors located downhole collect data while drilling and the data is processed to determine bit failure, for example. When the sensor data indicates a failure, the pressure of drilling mud is varied using a valve on the downhole unit, and this pressure variance is indicated by a pressure gauge visible to the operator. This pressure change tells the operator a failure has been indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Orlando De Jesus, Andrew J. Osborne, Jr.
  • Flexible piezoelectric for downhole sensing, actuation and health monitoring
    Patent number: 7325605
    Abstract: Thin flexible piezoelectric transducers are bonded to or imbedded into oilfield tubular members or structural members. The transducers may be used to telemeter data as acoustic waves through the members. By proper spacing of transducers and phasing of driving signals, the transmitted signals can be directionally enhanced or encoded to improve transmission efficiency. The transducers may be used for health monitoring of the tubular or structural members to detect cracks, delaminations, or other defects. The flexible transducers are very thin so that overall dimensions of tubular or structural members are essentially unchanged by incorporation of the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, John P. Rodgers, Roger L. Schultz
  • High temperature electronic devices
    Patent number: 7301223
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, electronic devices suitable for use at temperatures in excess of 200 C. may comprise an integrated circuit fabricated on a silicon carbide substrate, and a thick passivation layer. In other embodiments, electronic devices suitable for use at temperatures in excess of 200 C. may comprise an integrated circuit formed from silicon located on a sapphire substrate, and a thick passivation layer. The electronic devices may be implemented in the context of hydrocarbon drilling and production operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, James E. Masino, Christopher A. Golla, Roger L. Schultz, James J. Freeman
  • Method and apparatus for high temperature operation of electronics
    Patent number: 7268019
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for high temperature operation of electronics according to the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention generally includes an integrated circuit package having a substrate. A plurality of integrated circuits are coupled to a surface of the substrate. A lid is positioned above the substrate facing the surface. One or more pieces of compliant and thermally conductive material are compressed between at least one of the integrated circuits and the lid. The lid defines in part an enclosed volume containing the compliant and thermally conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Golla, Roger L. Schultz, James Masino