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).

  • 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
  • Borehole discontinuities for enhanced power generation
    Patent number: 7246660
    Abstract: An enhanced electrical power generating system. In a described embodiment, an electrical power generating system for use in a subterranean well includes a flow passage formed through a tubular string in the well, a flow region in communication with, and laterally offset relative to, the flow passage, an electrical power generator operative in response to flow of fluid through the flow region and multiple flow restrictors in the flow passage. The flow restrictors are operative to influence at least a portion of the fluid to flow from the flow passage through the flow region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Marthinus van Schoor, John Rodgers, Roger L. Schultz
  • System and method for sensing load on a downhole tool
    Patent number: 7234517
    Abstract: A system and method for determining load on a downhole tool according to which one or more sensors are embedded in one or more components of the tool or in a material on one or more of the components. The sensors are adapted to sense load on the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Streich, Roger L. Schultz, James C. Tucker, Lee Wayne Stepp, Phillip M. Starr
  • Flexible piezoelectric for downhole sensing, actuation and health monitoring
    Patent number: 7234519
    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: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Roger L. Schultz, John P. Rodgers
  • System and method for determining downhole conditions
    Patent number: 7228900
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for determining downhole conditions including a time domain reflectometer (172) that is operable to generate a transmission signal and receive a reflected signal. A tubular (192) is positioned downhole in a downhole medium (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) and a waveguide (186), which is in electrical communication with the time domain reflectometer (172), is operably contacting the downhole (214, 216, 218, 220, 222). The waveguide (186) is operable to propagate the transmission signal and operable to propagate the reflected signal that is generated responsive to an electromagnetic property of the downhole medium (214, 216, 218, 220, 222).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Neal G. Skinner, Pete C. Dagenais, Orlando De Jesus
  • Temperature compensation apparatus, systems, and methods
    Patent number: 7230552
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may include providing an analog temperature output responsive to a combination signal comprising a combination of an analog compensation output and a reference signal, and converting the analog temperature output to a digital temperature output responsive to an analog reference signal output, perhaps according to a polynomial function. Providing a digital compensation output corresponding to the digital temperature output, and converting the digital compensation output to the analog compensation output responsive to the analog reference signal output may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Masino, Roger L. Schultz
  • Hydraulic control and actuation system for downhole tools
    Patent number: 7201230
    Abstract: A hydraulic control and actuation system for downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control and actuation system includes an internal chamber serving as a low pressure region and a well annulus serving as an energy source. A valve assembly provides selective fluid communication between alternating opposite sides of a piston and each of the energy source and low pressure region. Displacement of the piston operates a well tool. Operation of the valve assembly is controlled via telemetry between a remote location and an electronic circuit of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Melissa G. Allin, Paul D. Ringgenberg, Vincent P. Zeller, Tyler T. Trinh, Adam D. Wright, Donald G. Kyle
  • Single phase fluid sampler systems and associated methods
    Patent number: 7197923
    Abstract: A single phase fluid sampler system and associated methods. A fluid sampling method includes the steps of: receiving a fluid sample into a sample chamber of a fluid sampler; pressurizing the fluid sample using a pressure source; and increasing pressure in the pressure source while the pressure source is in the well, thereby applying increased pressure to the fluid sample in the sample chamber. Another method includes the step of applying pressure to the well to thereby increase pressure in the pressure source, and to thereby increase pressure on the fluid sample. A fluid sampler system includes a fluid sampler with a sample chamber, a pressure source for pressurizing the sample chamber, and a device which operates to increase pressure in the pressure source while the fluid sampler is in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, David Larimore, Roger L. Schultz, Timothy R. Carlson, Cyrus Irani
  • Wellbore power generating system for downhole operation
    Patent number: 7165608
    Abstract: A downhole tool (100) for wellbore operations comprises a substantially tubular member (130) that is operably positionable in the wellbore and a rotation member (110) that is rotatably disposed within the substantially tubular member (130). The rotation member (110) has a passageway (112) through which objects may pass into the wellbore. The rotation member (110) rotates about an axis of rotation (x) that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y) of the substantially tubular member (130) in response to fluid flow through the passageway (112). The rotation member (110) has magnetic properties such that rotation of the rotation member (110) generates a magnetic field that produces useable power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Fripp, Brock W. Watson
  • Expanding well tools
    Patent number: 7086479
    Abstract: Methods of expanding well tools, which permit operation of the well tools after expansion, are provided. In a described example, a cementing tool includes a valve and a packer. After the cementing tool is expanded, the valve is selectively opened and closed, and the packer is sealingly engaged in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Syed Hamid, Harold Kent Beck
  • System and method for processing signals in a well
    Patent number: 7063146
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring data across a component in a well, according to which a first module receives the data and transmits the data, via electromagnetic waves, through the component, and a second module receives the transmitted data from the first module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Fripp
  • Code-division multiple-access (CDMA) wireline telemetry system
    Patent number: 7061932
    Abstract: A downhole telemetry system employing code division multiple access (CDMA) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the downhole telemetry system comprises one or more downhole transmitters and an uphole receiver. Each of the downhole transmitters transmits a corresponding uplink signal which is generated using amplitude modulation of corresponding code word signals. The code word signals are orthogonal to each other, and the transmitters may be configured to adjust the timing to assure synchronous arrival of the various uplink signals at the receiver. Each of the transmitters may be allocated a different number of code words when it is desired to allow for unequal bandwidth requirements. Such allocation is preferably dynamic. Additional modulation techniques may be employed with CDMA, including frequency division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, and frequency re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace R. Gardner, Roger L. Schultz, Beegamudre N. Murali, Manfred G. Prammer
  • Slickline signal filtering apparatus and methods
    Patent number: 7053787
    Abstract: A signal filtering apparatus and associated methods enable noise to be significantly reduced or eliminated from a signal. In a described embodiment, the signal is indicative of tension in a slickline. An adaptive filter is used to effectively cancel the noise from the signal, using an input signal characteristic of a noise source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Dingding Chen, Orlando DeJesús
  • Very high data rate telemetry system for use in a wellbore
    Patent number: 7042367
    Abstract: A very high data rate telemetry system is provided for use in a wellbore. In a described embodiment, a telemetry system includes multiple nodes positioned in the wellbore and distributed over a substantial length of the wellbore. The nodes simultaneously communicate with a remote location at a very high combined data transmission rate. A method of communicating data in a wellbore is also provided. The method includes the steps of installing multiple modems in the wellbore, installing a remote modem at a location remote from the downhole modems, and simultaneously communicating data from each of the downhole modems to the remote location. Each downhole modem communicates with the remote modem using a unique set of frequency subchannels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services
    Inventors: Wallace R. Gardner, Roger L. Schultz
  • High temperature environment tool system and method
    Patent number: 7017662
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a tool may comprise a tool body and one or more tool components. The tool may further comprise tool electronics located within the tool body, wherein the tool electronics are operable to sense and store tool component characteristics and environmental characteristics. At least some of the tool electronics are operable, at least for one week, when exposed to temperatures of at least 200 Celsius. The tool electronics may be integrated circuits formed on a silicon carbide substrate or a silicon on sapphire substrate. One illustrative embodiment of the tool is a drill bit for employment in a high temperature drill well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, James J. Freeman, Paul F. Rodney
  • Annulus pressure operated well monitoring
    Patent number: 7012545
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a well. In a described embodiment, the method uses annulus pressure to communicate between a downhole system and a remote location. The method may use intermittent electrical power generated by changes in annulus pressure to power the downhole system. Various sensors and well tools may be monitored and actuated by the downhole system, and acquired data may be transmitted to the remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Michael L. Fripp, Roger L. Schultz
  • Hybrid piezoelectric and magnetostrictive actuator
    Patent number: 6998999
    Abstract: An electromechanical transducer formed by an electrical and mechanical combination of a piezoelectric device and a magnetostrictive device. The two devices are electrically coupled so that their capacitive and inductive reactances approach a balance to provide an essentially resistive combined input at a selected frequency. Efficiency of circuits driving the transducer is improved. The devices are mechanically coupled so that the mechanical outputs add or reinforce each other. Two transducer pairs may be used in a two frequency telemetry system with each pair tuned to one of the frequencies for optimal reactance balancing and transduction efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Roger L. Schultz
  • Adaptive acoustic transmitter controller apparatus and method
    Patent number: 6933856
    Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for effectively communicating data along the acoustic channel of a subterranean well. The method comprises optimally driving an acoustic transmitter with an adaptive transmitter controller. A data signal is transmitted along the acoustic channel and detected as a distorted signal along the acoustic channel. The distorted signal is input to the adaptive transmitter controller which, based on the detected signal, modifies later transmissions to counteract the distorting effects of the transmitter and acoustic channel. The adaptive transmitter controller preferably comprises a neural network. Another receiver may be employed, at a point further from the transmitter, to receive the optimized signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger L. Schultz
  • System and method for monitoring packer slippage
    Patent number: 6924745
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a device in a well, according to which a sensor associated with the device monitors any movement of the device in the well and outputs a corresponding signal. The signal is processed and transmitted to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Gary D. Ellis, Russell I. Bayh, lll, Neal G. Skinner
  • Field/reservoir optimization utilizing neural networks
    Patent number: 6901391
    Abstract: A method of optimizing performance of a well system utilizes a neural network. In a described embodiment, the method includes the step of accumulating data indicative of the performance of the well system in response to variable influencing parameters. The data is used to train a neural network to model an output of the well system in response to the influencing parameters. An output of the neural network may then be input to a valuing model, e.g., to permit optimization of a value of the well system. The optimization process yields a set of prospective influencing parameters which may be incorporated into the well system to maximize its value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Jr., Roger L. Schultz, John R. Dennis, John M. Richardson