Patents by Inventor Verlin A. Hibner

Verlin A. Hibner 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: 10954765
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a casing within the wellbore including electrically conductive pipes with a dielectric heel isolator coupled between adjacent electrically conductive pipes. Electrically conductive pipes from among the plurality thereof and downstream from the dielectric heel isolator define an RF antenna. The system may further include an RF transmission line extending within the casing and coupled between the RF source and RF antenna, a seal between the RF transmission line and adjacent portions of the casing adjacent the dielectric heel isolator to define an internal choke fluid chamber upstream of the seal, and an electrically conductive choke fluid contained within the internal choke fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Trautman, Verlin A. Hibner, Brian N. Wright
  • Publication number: 20200190953
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a casing within the wellbore including electrically conductive pipes with a dielectric heel isolator coupled between adjacent electrically conductive pipes. Electrically conductive pipes from among the plurality thereof and downstream from the dielectric heel isolator define an RF antenna. The system may further include an RF transmission line extending within the casing and coupled between the RF source and RF antenna, a seal between the RF transmission line and adjacent portions of the casing adjacent the dielectric heel isolator to define an internal choke fluid chamber upstream of the seal, and an electrically conductive choke fluid contained within the internal choke fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: MARK A. TRAUTMAN, VERLIN A. HIBNER, BRIAN N. WRIGHT
  • Patent number: 10508524
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) antenna assembly configured to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery may include an RF transmission line and an RF antenna coupled to the RF transmission line. The RF antenna assembly may also include an adjustable balun that may include a tubular balun housing surrounding the RF transmission line and defining a space therebetween. The adjustable balun may further include an adjustable shorting body slidably movable within the space and contacting the tubular balun housing and the RF transmission line at an adjustable shorting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Wright, Murray Hann, Raymond Hewit, Verlin A. Hibner
  • Patent number: 10502041
    Abstract: A method is for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The method may include positioning an RF antenna assembly within a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the RF antenna assembly having first and second tubular conductors and a dielectric isolator defining a dipole antenna, and a dielectric coating surrounding the dielectric isolator and extending along a predetermined portion of the first and second tubular conductors. The method may include operating an RF source coupled to the RF antenna assembly during a start-up phase to desiccate water adjacent the RF antenna assembly, and operating the RF source coupled to the RF antenna assembly during a sustainment phase to recover hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Brian N. Wright, Murray T. Hann, Verlin A. Hibner, Mark Alan Trautman
  • Publication number: 20190249530
    Abstract: A method is for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The method may include positioning an RF antenna assembly within a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the RF antenna assembly having first and second tubular conductors and a dielectric isolator defining a dipole antenna, and a dielectric coating surrounding the dielectric isolator and extending along a predetermined portion of the first and second tubular conductors. The method may include operating an RF source coupled to the RF antenna assembly during a start-up phase to desiccate water adjacent the RF antenna assembly, and operating the RF source coupled to the RF antenna assembly during a sustainment phase to recover hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Brian N. Wright, Murray T. Hann, Verlin A. Hibner, Mark Alan Trautman
  • Patent number: 10344578
    Abstract: An RF antenna assembly may include first and second tubular conductors, a dielectric isolator, and first and second electrical contact sleeves respectively coupled between the first and second tubular conductors and the dielectric isolator. The RF antenna assembly may include an RF transmission line having an inner conductor and an outer conductor extending within the first tubular conductor, and a feed structure coupled to a distal end of the RF transmission line. The feed structure may include a first radially compressible connector coupled to the outer conductor of the RF transmission line to slidably engage adjacent portions of the first electrical contact sleeve, a second radially compressible connector coupled to the inner conductor of the RF transmission line to slidably engage adjacent portions of the second electrical contact sleeve, and a dielectric tube coupled between the first and second radially compressible connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Murray T. Hann, Brian N. Wright, Verlin A. Hibner
  • Publication number: 20180223639
    Abstract: An RF antenna assembly may include first and second tubular conductors, a dielectric isolator, and first and second electrical contact sleeves respectively coupled between the first and second tubular conductors and the dielectric isolator. The RF antenna assembly may include an RF transmission line having an inner conductor and an outer conductor extending within the first tubular conductor, and a feed structure coupled to a distal end of the RF transmission line. The feed structure may include a first radially compressible connector coupled to the outer conductor of the RF transmission line to slidably engage adjacent portions of the first electrical contact sleeve, a second radially compressible connector coupled to the inner conductor of the RF transmission line to slidably engage adjacent portions of the second electrical contact sleeve, and a dielectric tube coupled between the first and second radially compressible connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Murray T. HANN, Brian N. WRIGHT, Verlin A. HIBNER
  • Patent number: 9822622
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a choke fluid source, and an elongate RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore and coupled to the RF source. The elongate RF antenna may have a proximal end and a distal end separated from the proximal end. The system may further include a first choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the proximal end of the RF antenna, and a second choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the distal end of the RF antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Trautman, Verlin Hibner, Murray Hann, Brian Wright
  • Patent number: 9784083
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a choke fluid source, and an elongate RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore and coupled to the RF source, with the elongate RF antenna having a proximal end and a distal end separated from the proximal end. The system may also include a choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the proximal end of the RF antenna to define a common mode current choke at the proximal end of the RF antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Trautman, Verlin Hibner, Murray Hann, Brian Wright
  • Publication number: 20170114623
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a choke fluid source, and an elongate RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore and coupled to the RF source. The elongate RF antenna may have a proximal end and a distal end separated from the proximal end. The system may further include a first choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the proximal end of the RF antenna, and a second choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the distal end of the RF antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Mark TRAUTMAN, Verlin Hibner, Murray Hann, Brian Wright
  • Patent number: 9441472
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, an RF source, a cooling fluid source, and a transmission line coupled between the RF antenna and the RF source. A plurality of ring-shaped choke cores may surround the transmission line, and a sleeve may surround the ring-shaped choke cores and define a cooling fluid path for the ring-shaped choke cores and in fluid communication with the cooling fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Wright, Murray Hann, Raymond C Hewit, Verlin Hibner, Mark Trautman, John Emory White
  • Publication number: 20160194943
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) antenna assembly configured to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery may include an RF transmission line and an RF antenna coupled to the RF transmission line. The RF antenna assembly may also include an adjustable balun that may include a tubular balun housing surrounding the RF transmission line and defining a space therebetween. The adjustable balun may further include an adjustable shorting body slidably movable within the space and contacting the tubular balun housing and the RF transmission line at an adjustable shorting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: BRIAN WRIGHT, MURRAY HANN, RAYMOND HEWIT, VERLIN A. HIBNER
  • Patent number: 9376897
    Abstract: An RF antenna assembly may be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly includes first and second tubular conductors and a feed structure therebetween defining a dipole antenna to be positioned within the wellbore, and an RF transmission line extending within one of the tubular conductors. The feed structure includes a dielectric tube, a first connector coupling the RF transmission line to the first tubular conductor, and a second connector coupling the RF transmission line to the second tubular conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Schuyler R. Ayers, Tim W. Dittmer, Murray Hann, Verlin A. Hibner, Brian Wright
  • Publication number: 20160160622
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a choke fluid source, and an elongate RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore and coupled to the RF source, with the elongate RF antenna having a proximal end and a distal end separated from the proximal end. The system may also include a choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the proximal end of the RF antenna to define a common mode current choke at the proximal end of the RF antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Mark TRAUTMAN, Verlin Hibner, Murray Hann, Brian Wright
  • Patent number: 9322256
    Abstract: An RF antenna assembly is positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly includes first and second tubular conductors and a dielectric isolator therebetween. The dielectric isolator includes a dielectric tube having opposing first and second open ends, a first tubular connector having a first slotted recess receiving therein the first open end of the dielectric tube, and a second tubular connector having a second slotted recess receiving therein the second open end of the dielectric tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Wright, Murray Hann, Raymond Hewit, Verlin Hibner
  • Patent number: 9309757
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) antenna assembly configured to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery may include an RF transmission line and an RF antenna coupled to the RF transmission line. The RF antenna assembly may also include an adjustable balun that may include a tubular balun housing surrounding the RF transmission line and defining a space therebetween. The adjustable balun may further include an adjustable shorting body slidably movable within the space and contacting the tubular balun housing and the RF transmission line at an adjustable shorting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Wright, Murray Hann, Raymond Hewit, Verlin A. Hibner
  • Patent number: 9267365
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) source, an RE antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, and an RF transmission line configured to be positioned within the wellbore and couple the RE source to the RE antenna. The RE transmission line defines a liquid coolant circuit therethrough. The apparatus further includes a liquid coolant source configured to be coupled to the transmission line and to provide a liquid coolant through the liquid coolant circuit having an electrical parameter that is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tim Dittmer, Brian Wright, Verlin A Hibner, Mark A Trautman
  • Patent number: 9157305
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, a transmission line configured to be positioned in the wellbore and coupled to the RF antenna, and an RF source configured to be coupled to the transmission line. The apparatus also includes a balun configured to be coupled to the transmission line adjacent the RF antenna within the wellbore. The balun comprises a body defining a liquid chamber configured to receive a quantity of dielectric liquid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tim Dittmer, Verlin A. Hibner
  • Publication number: 20150211336
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, an RF source, a cooling fluid source, and a transmission line coupled between the RF antenna and the RF source. A plurality of ring-shaped choke cores may surround the transmission line, and a sleeve may surround the ring-shaped choke cores and define a cooling fluid path for the ring-shaped choke cores and in fluid communication with the cooling fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: BRIAN WRIGHT, Murray Hann, Raymond C. Hewit, Verlin Hibner, Mark Trautman, John Emory White
  • Publication number: 20140262223
    Abstract: An RF antenna assembly is positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly includes first and second tubular conductors and a dielectric isolator therebetween. The dielectric isolator includes a dielectric tube having opposing first and second open ends, a first tubular connector having a first slotted recess receiving therein the first open end of the dielectric tube, and a second tubular connector having a second slotted recess receiving therein the second open end of the dielectric tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian WRIGHT, Murray HANN, Raymond HEWIT, Verlin HIBNER