Patents by Inventor Timothy A. TOMBERLIN

Timothy A. TOMBERLIN 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).

  • Subterranean formation deformation monitoring systems
    Patent number: 8573297
    Abstract: Method, devices and systems are provided for measuring deformation in subterranean formations. Such methods include introduction of spaced-apart depth magnetic markers along the longitudinal length of a well bore and measuring the position of each depth marker over time so as to determine deformation of the subterranean formation. In certain embodiments, depth markers comprise rare earth magnets. In further embodiments, orientation of each magnetic bullet is determined over time to determine the change in orientation of each magnetic bullet. Advantages of the methods and devices herein include, but are not limited to, improved accuracy and reliability of deformation measurements and reduced environmental impact due to the avoidance of radioactive markers used by the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, Total E&P Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Tomberlin, Bryan A. Vandal, Grant W. Byerley, Zachary L. A. Linkewich
  • SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION DEFORMATION MONITORING SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20120138291
    Abstract: Method, devices and systems are provided for measuring deformation in subterranean formations. Such methods include introduction of spaced-apart depth magnetic markers along the longitudinal length of a well bore and measuring the position of each depth marker over time so as to determine deformation of the subterranean formation. In certain embodiments, depth markers comprise rare earth magnets. In further embodiments, orientation of each magnetic bullet is determined over time to determine the change in orientation of each magnetic bullet. Advantages of the methods and devices herein include, but are not limited to, improved accuracy and reliability of deformation measurements and reduced environmental impact due to the avoidance of radioactive markers used by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: Total E&P Canada Limited, ConocoPhillips Company - IP Services Group
    Inventors: Timothy A. TOMBERLIN, Bryan A. Vandal, Grant W. Byerley, Zachary L.A. Linkewich