Patents by Inventor Ronald L. Spross

Ronald L. Spross 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: 10472956
    Abstract: Mud pulse telemetry. The various embodiments are directed to methods and systems of encoding data in a mud pulse telemetry system, where at least a portion of the data is encoded the time between pressure transitions. Moreover, the various embodiments are directed to detection methods and systems that detect the pressure transitions at the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bipin K. Pillai, Laban M. Marsh, James H. Dudley, Ronald L. Spross
  • Patent number: 9874432
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of measuring pressure within pipes implemented in a well drilling operation. Methods and apparatus may include a single path optical interferometer having a sensing portion attachable to a location on a conduit and a dual path optical interferometer having a sensing portion attachable to the conduit, where the sensing portions are effectively collocated. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventor: Ronald L. Spross
  • Publication number: 20170198569
    Abstract: Mud pulse telemetry. The various embodiments are directed to methods and systems of encoding data in a mud pulse telemetry system, where at least a portion of the data is encoded the time between pressure transitions. Moreover, the various embodiments are directed to detection methods and systems that detect the pressure transitions at the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Bipin K. PILLAI, Laban M. MARSH, James H. DUDLEY, Ronald L. SPROSS
  • Patent number: 9638033
    Abstract: Mud pulse telemetry. The various embodiments are directed to methods and systems of encoding data in a mud pulse telemetry system, where at least a portion of the data is encoded the time between pressure transitions. Moreover, the various embodiments are directed to detection methods and systems that detect the pressure transitions at the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Bipin K. Pillai, Laban M. Marsh, James H. Dudley, Ronald L. Spross
  • Patent number: 9593569
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system for removably attaching an optical fiber sensor loop onto a tubular member, which includes an optical fiber sensor loop having a continuous optical fiber positioned arranged in a plurality of loops, each of said loops having a first end turn and a second end turn, a first and a second turn guide each including a plurality of turn grooves increasing outwardly in increasing radii, each of said turn grooves configured to receive an end turn portion of the optical fiber, a first and a second supporting wedge each having a planar first surface configured to receive a turn guide and a curved second surface configured to be received on the tubular member, and a connector configured to couple the first mounting wedge to the second mounting wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zbigniew Sobolewski, Ronald L. Spross, Gary Nguyen, Mark A. Sitka
  • Publication number: 20170044892
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system for removably attaching an optical fiber sensor loop onto a tubular member, which includes an optical fiber sensor loop having a continuous optical fiber positioned arranged in a plurality of loops, each of said loops having a first end turn and a second end turn, a first and a second turn guide each including a plurality of turn grooves increasing outwardly in increasing radii, each of said turn grooves configured to receive an end turn portion of the optical fiber, a first and a second supporting wedge each having a planar first surface configured to receive a turn guide and a curved second surface configured to be received on the tubular member, and a connector configured to couple the first mounting wedge to the second mounting wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Zbigniew Sobolewski, Ronald L. Spross, Gary Nguyen, Mark A. Sitka
  • Patent number: 9512711
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system for removably attaching an optical fiber sensor loop onto a tubular member, which includes an optical fiber sensor loop having a continuous optical fiber positioned arranged in a plurality of loops, each of said loops having a first end turn and a second end turn, a first and a second turn guide each including a plurality of turn grooves increasing outwardly in increasing radii, each of said turn grooves configured to receive an end turn portion of the optical fiber, a first and a second supporting wedge each having a planar first surface configured to receive a turn guide and a curved second surface configured to be received on the tubular member, and a connector configured to couple the first mounting wedge to the second mounting wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zbigniew Sobolewski, Ronald L. Spross, Gary Nguyen, Mark A. Sitka
  • Publication number: 20160230534
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system for removably attaching an optical fiber sensor loop onto a tubular member, which includes an optical fiber sensor loop having a continuous optical fiber positioned arranged in a plurality of loops, each of said loops having a first end turn and a second end turn, a first and a second turn guide each including a plurality of turn grooves increasing outwardly in increasing radii, each of said turn grooves configured to receive an end turn portion of the optical fiber, a first and a second supporting wedge each having a planar first surface configured to receive a turn guide and a curved second surface configured to be received on the tubular member, and a connector configured to couple the first mounting wedge to the second mounting wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Zbigniew Sobolewski, Ronald L. Spross, Gary Nguyen, Mark A. Sitka
  • Patent number: 9284836
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a property of a sample of fluid in a borehole. A fluid sample is collected in a downhole tool. While collecting, X-rays are transmitted proximate the fluid from an X-ray source in the tool and an X-ray flux that is a function of a property of the fluid is detected. The detected X-ray flux data is processed to determine the property of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Ronald L. Spross, Jerome Allen Truax, Daniel David Gleitman
  • Patent number: 9234981
    Abstract: A method for communicating data in an offshore data communication system comprises measuring L/MWD data with a sensor disposed in a bottomhole assembly positioned in a subsea borehole. The bottomhole assembly is disposed along a drillstring extending through the subsea borehole. In addition, the method comprises communicating the L/MWD data from the bottomhole assembly to the seafloor with a telemetry signal. Further, the method comprises receiving the telemetry signal with at least one telemetry transducer positioned proximal the sea floor. Still further, the method comprises processing the telemetry signal at the seafloor to produce a processed signal. Moreover, the method comprises transmitting the processed signal from the sea floor to the sea surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Andrew J. Downing, Ronald L. Spross
  • Publication number: 20150025806
    Abstract: Mud pulse telemetry. The various embodiments are directed to methods and systems of encoding data in a mud pulse telemetry system, where at least a portion of the data is encoded the time between pressure transitions. Moreover, the various embodiments are directed to detection methods and systems that detect the pressure transitions at the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bipin K. PILLAI, Laban M. MARSH, James H. DUDLEY, Ronald L. SPROSS
  • Patent number: 8891071
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an encoded pressure signal propagating in a fluid flowing in a conduit. An optical fiber measurement element has a reflector on one end and is disposed around at least a portion of the conduit. A light source injects a second optical signal and a third optical signal propagating in first and second optical fibers, respectively. A delay section is disposed in the second optical fiber. The second optical signal and the third optical signal are directed into the optical fiber measurement element and are reflected back from the reflective end such that at least a portion of the reflected second and third optical signals propagate through the second and first optical fibers respectively to an optical detector. The optical detector senses an interference between the reflected optical signals and outputs a first signal related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L Spross, Paul F Rodney, Neal G Skinner, James H Dudley, John L Maida, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8880349
    Abstract: Mud pulse telemetry. The various embodiments are directed to methods and systems of encoding data in a mud pulse telemetry system, where at least a portion of the data is encoded the time between pressure transitions. Moreover, the various embodiments are directed to detection methods and systems that detect the pressure transitions at the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bipin K. Pillai, Laban M. Marsh, James H. Dudley, Ronald L. Spross
  • Patent number: 8736822
    Abstract: An apparatus to detect a pressure signal in a fluid flowing in a conduit comprises a flexible band sized to fit at least partially around the conduit. An optical fiber is flexibly adhered to the flexible band. At least one fastener is attached to the flexible band to fasten the flexible band at least partially around the conduit. A method for detecting a pressure signal in a conduit comprises adhering an optical fiber to a flexible band. At least one fastener is attached to the band. The band is fastened around the conduit such that a strain induced in the conduit by the pressure signal is transmitted to the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L Spross, John Gallagher, Neal G Skinner
  • Publication number: 20140060821
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a property of a sample of fluid in a borehole. A fluid sample is collected in a downhole tool. While collecting, X-rays are transmitted proximate the fluid from an X-ray source in the tool and an X-ray flux that is a function of a property of the fluid is detected. The detected X-ray flux data is processed to determine the property of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Ronald L. Spross, Jerome Allen Truax, Daniel David Gleitman
  • Patent number: 8610896
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting data in a fluid pressure signal in a conduit comprises an optical fiber loop comprises a measurement section and a delay section wherein the measurement section is disposed substantially circumferentially around at least a portion of the conduit, and wherein the measurement section changes length in response to the fluid pressure signal in the conduit. A light source injects a first optical signal in a first direction into the measurement section and a second optical signal in a second direction opposite the first direction into the delay section. An optical detector senses an interference phase shift between the first optical signal and the second optical signal and outputs a first signal related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Spross, Paul F. Rodney, Neal G. Skinner, James H. Dudley, John L. Maida, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8511379
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a property of a sample of fluid in a borehole. A fluid sample is collected in a downhole tool. While collecting, X-rays are transmitted proximate the fluid from an X-ray source in the tool and an X-ray flux that is a function of a property of the fluid is detected. The detected X-ray flux data is processed to determine the property of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Spross, Jerome Allen Truax, Paul F. Rodney, Daniel David Gleitman
  • Publication number: 20130141733
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an encoded pressure signal propagating in a fluid flowing in a conduit. An optical fiber measurement element has a reflector on one end and is disposed around at least a portion of the conduit. A light source injects a second optical signal and a third optical signal propagating in first and second optical fibers, respectively. A delay section is disposed in the second optical fiber. The second optical signal and the third optical signal are directed into the optical fiber measurement element and are reflected back from the reflective end such that at least a portion of the reflected second and third optical signals propagate through the second and first optical fibers respectively to an optical detector. The optical detector senses an interference between the reflected optical signals and outputs a first signal related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L Spross, Paul F Rodney, Neal G Skinner, James H Dudley, John L Maida, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130120756
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of measuring pressure within pipes implemented in a well drilling operation. Methods and apparatus may include a single path optical interferometer having a sensing portion attachable to a location on a conduit and a dual path optical interferometer having a sensing portion attachable to the conduit, where the sensing portions are effectively collocated. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventor: Ronald L. Spross
  • Publication number: 20130080063
    Abstract: Mud pulse telemetry. The various embodiments are directed to methods and systems of encoding data in a mud pulse telemetry system, where at least a portion of the data is encoded the time between pressure transitions. Moreover, the various embodiments are directed to detection methods and systems that detect the pressure transitions at the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Bipin K. Pillai, Laban M. Marsh, James H. Dudley, Ronald L. Spross