Patents by Inventor Stephen R. Means

Stephen R. Means 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: 8330616
    Abstract: The well test system has a net oil computer NOC that captures and stores information from disparate well instrumentation devices, measures produced oil, water, and gas quantities based on the information and controls well processes based on the quantity measurements. The NOC includes operational software that collects instrumentation data from a plurality of wells. Configuration software downloads user programmable configuration information to the NOC, which enables the NOC to record data from a wide variety of flow devices, water test meters, or the like. User programmable alarms are included. A plurality of controllers can control processes associated with individual wells. A wireless communication system electronically sends data and test results to cell phones, radio devices, and the like. A daily test data log provides a historical database, which is analyzed to formulate “Data Confidence” information for each well. The net oil computer is operable with two-phase or three-phase separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: FieldVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Means, Mark L. Surber, Mike G. Hagenston, Robert C Riley, Michael E. Crossman, Lee M Britt
  • Publication number: 20100214120
    Abstract: The well test system has a net oil computer NOC that captures and stores information from disparate well instrumentation devices, measures produced oil, water, and gas quantities based on the information and controls well processes based on the quantity measurements. The NOC includes operational software that collects instrumentation data from a plurality of wells. Configuration software downloads user programmable configuration information to the NOC, which enables the NOC to record data from a wide variety of flow devices, water test meters, or the like. User programmable alarms are included. A plurality of controllers can control processes associated with individual wells. A wireless communication system electronically sends data and test results to cell phones, radio devices, and the like. A daily test data log provides a historical database, which is analyzed to formulate “Data Confidence” information for each well. The net oil computer is operable with two-phase or three-phase separators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen R. Means, Mark L. Surber, Mike G. Hagenston, Robert C. Riley, Michael E. Crossman, Lee M. Britt
  • Publication number: 20100212763
    Abstract: The well gauging system and method includes two containment vessels, a common inlet line to the vessels with divert control valves on each inlet line of the vessels being controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC), a common outlet line to the vessels, a common gas line attached to the top of each vessel, which has low and high pressure regulators allowing control of the vessel's internal pressure, a vertical level indication device for controlling level in each vessel, a water cut meter used to report water cut of the production stream, a coriolis meter, valves, gas cylinder, a controller for process control of well testing, storing results, and sending results to a customer's central computer. The method of using two vessels allows more time for the emulsion to separate, thus increasing the accuracy of the oil, water, and gas measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen R. Means
  • Patent number: 7419017
    Abstract: A multi-sectional percussive drill bit assembly for drilling holes in earth formation primarily used in conjunction with a pneumatic percussive device. The drill bit assembly is comprised of an easily removable bit that is rotationally driven by a lug and pocket structure and axially limited in travel by means of retaining members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Keystone Drill Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Walker, Richard Smith, Stephen R. Means
  • Patent number: 7389833
    Abstract: A multi-sectional percussive drill bit assembly for drilling holes in earth formation primarily used in conjunction with a pneumatic percussive device. The drill bit assembly is comprised of an easily removable bit that is rotationally driven by a lug and pocket structure and axially limited in travel by means of retaining members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Keystone Drill Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Walker, Richard K. Smith, Jr., Stephen R. Means