Patents by Inventor Stephane Vannuffelen

Stephane Vannuffelen 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: 20070171412
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis system comprises an input light signal that is directed through a fluid sample housed in a sample cell. The input light signal may originate from a plurality of light sources. A light signal output from the sample cell is then routed to two or more spectrometers for measurement of the represented wavelengths in the output light signal. The output of the spectrometers is then compared to known values for hydrocarbons typically encountered downhole. This provides insight into the composition of the sample fluid. Additionally, the input light can be routed directly to the two or more spectrometers to be used in calibration of the system in the high temperature and noise environment downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Kentaro Indo, Go Fujisawa, Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate
  • Publication number: 20070171414
    Abstract: Spectral analysis system for downhole applications is provided utilizing an inorganic replica-type grating that is configured to operate as a diffractive element that provides broad spectral coverage in high temperature downhole environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Kentaro Indo, Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate
  • Publication number: 20070109537
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing real-time analysis of a subterranean formation fluid includes a light source configured to transmit at least a sample signal through a sample of the subterranean formation fluid and a reference signal, at least one photodetector configured to continuously detect the sample and reference signals, and an electronics assembly configured to compensate for drift in the detected sample signal in real-time based on the value of the detected reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Takeaki Nakayama, Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Akira Otsuka, Kentaro Indo
  • Publication number: 20070035736
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates implementation of transitory downhole video imaging and/or spectral imaging for the characterization of formation fluid samples in situ, as well as during flow through production tubing, including subsea flow lines, for permanent and/or long term installations. The present invention contemplates various methods and apparatus that facilitate one-time or ongoing downhole fluid characterization by video analysis in real time. The methods and systems may be particularly well suited to permanent and periodic intervention-based operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Ahmed Hammami, Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate, Terry Sopkow, John Ratulowski, John Kerr, Francois Auzerais, Robert Schroeder, Jeffrey A. Tarvin, Andrew L. Kurkjian, Laurent Prouvost
  • Publication number: 20060152383
    Abstract: Hybrid electrical-optical telemetry systems and methods are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate faster data transmission rates between the surface and downhole tools and sensors. The methods and systems may also include a downhole electrical bus for inter-tool and intra-tool communication to facilitate limited changes to existing downhole equipment. Some embodiments of the hybrid electrical-optical telemetry system include a light source at the surface and a downhole modulator. Some embodiments also include redundant, selectable optical systems. The methods and systems may operate via a single optical input/output cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yamate, Stephane Vannuffelen, Bruno Gayral, Soon Chee, Colin Wilson
  • Publication number: 20060133711
    Abstract: Single fiber optical telemetry systems and methods are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate input and output via a single fiber optic interface. The optical telemetry systems and methods also facilitate faster data transmission rates between surface and downhole equipment in oilfield applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Tsutomu Yamate, Bruno Gayral, Soon Chee, Colin Wilson
  • Patent number: 6606915
    Abstract: The oscillation frequency of a fluid jet in a fluidic oscillator is measured using a temperature sensor. The resistance of the temperature sensor varies as a function of the oscillation of frequency f0 of the jet. The method consists in feeding the temperature sensor with an AC voltage of frequency f, and then in determining the frequency components around the frequency 3×f in the output signal from the temperature sensor in order to determine the oscillation frequency f0 of the jet. The frequency components in the signal output by the temperature sensor are determined by measuring the measurement signal across the terminals of the temperature sensor, then by synchronously demodulating the measurement signal at the frequency 3×f, and finally by determining the frequency of the demodulated measurement signal, which frequency corresponds to the oscillation frequency f0 of the jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Actaris S.A.S.
    Inventor: Stephane Vannuffelen
  • Publication number: 20030041673
    Abstract: The oscillation frequency of a fluid jet in a fluidic oscillator is measured using a temperature sensor. The resistance of the temperature sensor varies as a function of the oscillation of frequency f0 of the jet. The method consists in feeding the temperature sensor with an AC voltage of frequency f, and then in determining the frequency components around the frequency 3×f in the output signal from the temperature sensor in order to determine the oscillation frequency f0 of the jet. The frequency components in the signal output by the temperature sensor are determined by measuring the measurement signal across the terminals of the temperature sensor, then by synchronously demodulating the measurement signal at the frequency 3×f, and finally by determining the frequency of the demodulated measurement signal, which frequency corresponds to the oscillation frequency f0 of the jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stephane Vannuffelen