Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Pfeiffer

Thomas A. Pfeiffer 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: 20200347897
    Abstract: In a method for producing a brake disc for a motor vehicle, a base disc, which is made of cast iron or aluminum in particular, is provided and equipped with an anti-corrosion layer. The anti-corrosion layer is applied using a wet chemical or galvanic method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Jan-Claus Wagner, Ingo Barzen, Kangjian Wu, Thomas Pfeiffer, Ilja Potapenko
  • Publication number: 20200318477
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a separating a fluid having multiple phases during formation testing. For example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to receiving contaminated formation fluid on a first flow line and separating a contamination (e.g., mud filtrate) from the formation fluid by diverting the relatively heavier and/or denser fluid (e.g., the mud filtrate) downward through a second flow line and diverting the relatively lighter and/or less dense fluid upward through a third flow line. In some embodiments, the third flow line is generally oriented upwards at a height that may facilitate the separation of the heavier fluid from the relatively lighter fluid based on gravity and/or pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Pfeiffer, Ashers Partouche, Kai Hsu, Simon Edmundson
  • Patent number: 10767472
    Abstract: A downhole acquisition tool having a formation testing module is provided. The formation testing module includes a fluid chamber comprising a piston and configured to store a fluid and to receive a flowback fluid from a geological formation, wherein the fluid is substantially free of solids. Additionally, the formation testing tool has a first conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber and extending from a flowback conduit and a first outlet of the formation testing module, wherein the flowback conduit is configured fluidly coupled to the geological formation. and configured to receive the flowback fluid from the geological formation, and wherein the first conduit is configured to receive the flowback fluid from the flowback conduit. Further, the formation testing module has a first flow control device positioned downstream from the fluid chamber, wherein the first flow control device is configured to control a flow of the fluid exiting the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Pfeiffer, Adriaan Gisolf, Vladislav Achourov, Geir Thomas Glattetre, Kathryn Briggs, Jan Erik Tvedten
  • Patent number: 10746017
    Abstract: A method includes receiving first fluid property data from a first location in a hydrocarbon reservoir and receiving second fluid property data from a second location in the hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes performing a plurality of realizations of models of the hydrocarbon reservoir according to a respective plurality of one or more plausible dynamic processes to generate one or more respective modeled fluid properties. The method includes selecting the one or more plausible dynamic processes based at least in part on a relationship between the first fluid property data, the second fluid property data, and the modeled fluid properties obtained from the realizations to identify potential disequilibrium in the hydrocarbon reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Kang Wang, Andrew E. Pomerantz, Soraya S. Betancourt Pocaterra, Jerimiah Forsythe, Cosan Ayan, Hadrien Dumont, Vinay Mishra, Jesus Alberto Canas, Daniel M. Tetzlaff, Anish Kumar, Vladislav Achourov, Thomas Pfeiffer, Shu Pan, Yi Chen, Armin Kauerauf, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 10746018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a likelihood that a reservoir of a geological formation received a secondary charge of hydrocarbons of relatively very different thermal maturity of composition are provided. One method includes positioning a downhole acquisition tool in a wellbore in a geological formation and testing one or more fluid properties of the formation fluid. Data processing circuitry may identify whether a relationship of the one or more fluid properties exceeds a first threshold that indicates likely asphaltene instability. When this is the case, data processing circuitry may be used to model the geological formation using a realization scenario in which multiple charges of hydrocarbons of substantially different thermal maturity or substantially different composition, or both, filled a reservoir of the geological formation over geologic time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hadrien Dumont, Vinay K. Mishra, German Garcia, Li Chen, Thomas Pfeiffer, Soraya S. Betancourt Pocaterra, Jerimiah Forsythe, Andrew Emil Pomerantz, Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20200216622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing superabsorbent polymer particles, comprising surface postcrosslinking, classifying the surface postcrosslinked superabsorbent polymer particles, deagglomerating the separated oversize fraction using a roll crusher and recycling the disintegrated oversize fraction before or into the classification of the surface postcrosslinked superabsorbent polymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Rüdiger FUNK, Thomas PFEIFFER, Matthias WEISMANTEL, Monte Alan PETERSON, Karl POSSEMIERS, Ronny DE KAEY
  • Publication number: 20200217382
    Abstract: A brake disc includes at least one friction surface consisting of a base body. The base body can be made from gray cast iron. At least one coating is applied on at least parts of the friction surface. The coating contains at least tungsten chromium carbide 2C and nickel-chromium NiCr. The coating may further contain tungsten carbide WC. The production of the brake disc according to the disclosure is also described herein. The coating has excellent oxidation resistance and good wear resistance even at high temperatures of up to 800° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Hagen Kuckert, Ilja Potapenko, Thomas Pfeiffer, Kangjian Wu
  • Patent number: 10684102
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a ring-shaped or plate-like element, in particular for a metal-sealing material-feedthrough, in particular for devices which are subjected to high pressures, for example igniters for airbags or belt tensioning devices, whereby a blank, especially in the embodiment of a wire-shaped material is provided and the blank is subjected to processing so that a feedthrough-opening can be incorporated into a ring-shaped or plate-like element created from the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Helmut Hartl, Thomas Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10534871
    Abstract: Fluid property modeling that employs a model that characterizes asphaltene concentration gradients is integrated into a reservoir modeling and simulation framework to allow for reservoir compartmentalization (the presence or absence of flow barrier in the reservoir) to be assessed more quickly and easily. Additionally, automated integration of the fluid property modeling into the reservoir modeling and simulation framework allows the compositional gradients produced by the fluid property modeler (particularly asphaltene concentration gradients) to be combined with other data, such as geologic data and other petrophysical data, which allows for more accurate assessment of reservoir compartmentalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew E. Pomerantz, Youxiang Zuo, John Waggoner, Zulfiquar Ail Reza, Sophie Nazik Godefroy, Thomas Pfeiffer, Denise E. Freed, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20190379952
    Abstract: A PON system comprising multiple PONs, each having a respective intelligent splitter monitor (ISM). In addition to having a passive optical splitter therein, an ISM also has several remotely powered active components configured to monitor the presence of uplink light signals on the ports of the splitter and communicate with the central office using out-of-band optical signals. These ISM functionalities enable the network operator, e.g., to automatically map PON connectivity, pairing each port on the splitter with a distinct optical network unit. The PON system further comprises an optical module connected to the multiple PONs through an optical switch in a manner that supports shared access to said module by the corresponding multiple ISMs. In an example embodiment, the optical module comprises an optical transceiver capable of communicating with the ISM transceivers and one or more lasers configured to provide high-intensity light for remotely charging the ISM batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Applicant: Nokia Solutions and Networks OY
    Inventors: Patrick Iannone, Michael Straub, Thomas Pfeiffer, Joerg Hehmann
  • Patent number: 10501928
    Abstract: Split connector adapted to be used for interconnecting profile bars in a frame structure, where the split connector is cube shaped and comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, where the first connecting element comprises screw holes adapted for connecting the first connecting element to a split profile section, a profile bar, and to the second connecting element, where the second connecting element comprises screw holes adapted for connecting the second connecting element to a split profile section and a profile bar, and a first threaded hole adapted for receiving a screw when connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element. The advantage of the invention is that a modular machine frame is obtained, in which a frame section can easily be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: FlexLink AB
    Inventor: Thomas Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20190323317
    Abstract: An inflatable packer assembly configured to be conveyed within a wellbore. The inflatable packer assembly includes a mandrel having a flowline, a first packer ring slidably connected with the mandrel, a second packer ring fixedly connected with the mandrel, a latching mechanism fluidly connected with the flowline, and an inflatable packer fluidly connected with the flowline. The inflatable packer may be disposed around the mandrel and sealingly connected with the first and second packer rings. The inflatable packer may be operable to expand against a sidewall of the wellbore upon receiving a fluid from the flowline. The latching mechanism may be operable to limit movement of the first packer ring with respect to the mandrel, and permit the movement of the first packer ring with respect to the mandrel upon being actuated by the fluid from the flowline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen Parks, Juan Miguel La Rotta Marin, Adam Cygan, Adriaan Gisolf, Adame Kante, Thomas Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10374715
    Abstract: The network comprises a plurality of optical line terminals which communicate with a plurality of optical network units over an optical distribution network. The optical distribution network includes a plurality of optical filters controlled by a network controller. A first optical line terminal sends a request for optical communication with at least one optical network unit to the network controller. The request is sent over the optical distribution network and indicates an operating wavelength of the first optical line terminal and of the at least one optical network unit. The network controller configures at least two of the optical filters to allow a passing through of the operating wavelength or of a further operating wavelength. The optical communication between the first optical line terminal and the at least one optical network unit in the operating or in the further operating wavelength is established through the optical filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Karsten Oberle, Bartlomiej Kozicki, Thomas Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10358371
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing glass products from a glass melt, avoiding bubble formation, are disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a crucible and an internally component for processing the glass melt, and wherein, for heating the glass melt, the apparatus comprises an AC generator which energizes the crucible or stirring crucible via electrical connection elements. The component or stirring system is connected via a current-limiting choke having a variable impedance with the power supply elements. The impedance of the current-limiting choke is adjusted so that a AC density existing in the glass melt lies between a lower limit value and an upper limit value. By means of a choke and by adjusting the impedance it can be achieved that the AC load of the system can be minimized and that simultaneously the water decomposition reaction at the precious metal surfaces can positively be influenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: SCHOTT AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Duch, Olaf Claussen, Thomas Pfeiffer, Günter Weidmann, Reinhard Wurm
  • Publication number: 20190179174
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for measuring eyewear characteristics are provided. The eyewear measurement systems and devices comprise a plurality of measurement standard frames, each having lenses marked with visible gridlines specifically configured to the measurement standard frame to allow for the direct measurement of a PD and SH/FH with respect to each eye of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicants: iCoat Company, LLC, Wiley X, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Pfeiffer, Michael Bumerts, Lawrence Wickline, Imtiaz Hasan, Timothy George Stephan, Dan Freeman, Arman Bernardi
  • Publication number: 20190128117
    Abstract: Methods and downhole tools for operation within in a wellbore that extends into a subterranean formation. The operation includes simultaneously causing a change in a first parameter of fluid drawn into the downhole tool from the formation and determining a change in a second parameter of the fluid relative to the change in the first parameter. A third parameter of the fluid is determined based on the first and second parameter changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Hadrien Dumont, Thomas Pfeiffer, Vinay K. Mishra, German Garcia, Christopher Harrison, Oliver Mullins
  • Publication number: 20190085922
    Abstract: A brake disk includes at least one friction ring, which includes a base member. The brake disk also includes at least one hole and/or groove located in the friction ring. The brake disk also includes at least one coating, which is applied to at least portions of the friction ring. The coating comprises at least portions of the transition between the hole and/or groove and the friction ring. At least portions of the transition between the hole and/or groove and the friction ring are constructed to be rounded and/or chamfered in a flat manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Georg Ketteler, Frank Feussner, Ilja Potapenko, Kangjian Wu, Thomas Pfeiffer, Christoph Oger
  • Patent number: 10216011
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for measuring eyewear characteristics are provided. The eyewear measurement systems and devices comprise a plurality of measurement standard frames, each having lenses marked with visible gridlines specifically configured to the measurement standard frame to allow for the direct measurement of a PD and SH/FH with respect to each eye of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignees: iCoat Company, LLC, Wiley X, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Pfeiffer, Michael Bumerts, Lawrence Wickline, Imtiaz Hasan, Timothy George Stephan, Dan Freeman, Arman Bernardi
  • Publication number: 20190024362
    Abstract: Split connector adapted to be used for interconnecting profile bars in a frame structure, where the split connector is cube shaped and comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, where the first connecting element comprises screw holes adapted for connecting the first connecting element to a split profile section, a profile bar, and to the second connecting element, where the second connecting element comprises screw holes adapted for connecting the second connecting element to a split profile section and a profile bar, and a first threaded hole adapted for receiving a screw when connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element. The advantage of the invention is that a modular machine frame is obtained, in which a frame section can easily be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20180351645
    Abstract: Optical network units are connected to at least one optical routing element. The optical network units and the at least one optical routing element are controlled by an optical controller. The two endpoints are controlled by a wireless controller. A communication request between the two endpoints is created by the wireless controller. The communication request is sent from the wireless controller to the optical controller. Further the optical controller identifies the optical network units connected to the two endpoints. The optical controller checks if the optical network units belong to the same optical distribution network and configures the optical network units to transmit and receive a first wavelength spectrum and the at least one optical routing element to route the first wavelength spectrum. The optical controller requests the wireless controller to establish the communication between the two endpoints over the optical distribution network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Karsten OBERLE, Bartek KOZICKI, Thomas PFEIFFER