Patents by Inventor Steve Riley

Steve Riley 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: 10215880
    Abstract: Methods and systems for quantitatively determining pack density within a section of a wellbore are disclosed. The method compares acquired pulsed neutron measurements to models of the section having zero pack density and one hundred percent pack density and extrapolates the measured pulsed neutron data between those two extremes to quantitatively determine pack density. The methods and systems allow hydrocarbon saturation and pack density to be determined in a single trip of a pulsed neutron tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Darryl E. Trcka, Steve Riley
  • Patent number: 8513958
    Abstract: A sensor is provided for testing a porous medium. The sensor includes a plurality of porous elements, a number of electrically conductive interface plates which is one greater than the quantity of elements, and the same number of conductors. Each element operates as a discrete variable capacitor, exhibits a different known liquid release curve, and includes a first axial opening. The elements are stacked one on top of another. Each plate includes a second axial opening. The plates are axially distributed within the sensor such that the first and second axial openings combine to form a longitudinal cavity that extends from the sensor's proximal end to its distal end, and each element is sandwiched between a different pair of plates. A distal end of each conductor is attached to a different one of the plates, and a proximal end is routed through the cavity to the sensor's proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Soilmoisture Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Whitney Skaling, Steve Riley
  • Publication number: 20120319704
    Abstract: A sensor is provided for testing a porous medium. The sensor includes a plurality of porous elements, a number of electrically conductive interface plates which is one greater than the quantity of elements, and the same number of conductors. Each element operates as a discrete variable capacitor, exhibits a different known liquid release curve, and includes a first axial opening. The elements are stacked one on top of another. Each plate includes a second axial opening. The plates are axially distributed within the sensor such that the first and second axial openings combine to form a longitudinal cavity that extends from the sensor's proximal end to its distal end, and each element is sandwiched between a different pair of plates. A distal end of each conductor is attached to a different one of the plates, and a proximal end is routed through the cavity to the sensor's proximal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SOILMOISTURE EQUIPMENT CORP.
    Inventors: Whitney Skaling, Steve Riley
  • Patent number: 7372018
    Abstract: A pulsed neutron tool with three or more detectors is used for making measurements inside casing. The measurements may be used to determine gas saturation at a constant gas pressure, pressure at constant gas saturation, or to determine both gas saturation and gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darryl E. Trcka, Pingjun Guo, Steve Riley, Joseph Gregory Barolak, David M. Chace
  • Patent number: 7365308
    Abstract: A pulsed neutron tool with three or more detectors is used for making measurements inside casing. The measurements may be used to determine gas saturation at a constant gas pressure, pressure at constant gas saturation, or to determine both gas saturation and gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darryl E. Trcka, Steve Riley, Pingjun Guo
  • Patent number: 7361887
    Abstract: A pulsed neutron tool with three or more detectors is used for making measurements inside casing. The measurements may be used to determine gas saturation at a constant gas pressure, pressure at constant gas saturation, or to determine both gas saturation and gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darryl E. Trcka, Steve Riley, Pingjun Guo
  • Publication number: 20070023625
    Abstract: A pulsed neutron tool with three or more detectors is used for making measurements inside casing. The measurements may be used to determine gas saturation at a constant gas pressure, pressure at constant gas saturation, or to determine both gas saturation and gas pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventors: Darryl Trcka, Pingjun Guo, Steve Riley, Joseph Barolak, David Chace
  • Publication number: 20070023623
    Abstract: A pulsed neutron tool with three or more detectors is used for making measurements inside casing. The measurements may be used to determine gas saturation at a constant gas pressure, pressure at constant gas saturation, or to determine both gas saturation and gas pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventors: Darryl Trcka, Steve Riley, Pingjun Guo
  • Publication number: 20070023624
    Abstract: A pulsed neutron tool with three or more detectors is used for making measurements inside casing. The measurements may be used to determine gas saturation at a constant gas pressure, pressure at constant gas saturation, or to determine both gas saturation and gas pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventors: Darryl Trcka, Steve Riley, Pingjun Guo