Patents by Inventor Virginia Howe

Virginia Howe 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: 11339648
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating between surface equipment and a downhole tool installed in a well. First and second toroidal transformers are positioned around an inner one of a pair of coaxial structural members of a well completion (e.g., a pump rod and tubular, or a tubular and a well casing) which are electrically coupled to form an electrical circuit. A transmitter generates a data signal which is applied to the first toroidal transformer, causing a corresponding electrical current to be induced in the circuit, which then induces the data signal on the second toroidal transformer. A receiver coupled to the second toroidal transformer receives the data signal induced on the second toroidal transformer. The transmitter and receiver may be components of transceivers that may communicate bidirectionally. Additional toroidal coils and transceiver may be provided to communicate with equipment at additional locations in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Yi Liao, Thomas McClain Scott, Alexey Tyshko, Virginia Howe, Brian Reeves
  • Patent number: 11319804
    Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless power transmission in a well, wherein first and second structural members of a well completion are electrically connected to form an electrical circuit, with first and second toroidal transformers positioned around the second structural member at different axial locations. A power source coupled to the first toroidal transformer is configured to generate an output voltage which is applied to the first toroidal transformer, inducing a corresponding electrical current in the electrical circuit. This in turn induces a second voltage on the second toroidal transformer, which is provided to a downhole tool. The tool may include conditioning circuitry, which rectifies the received power and charges a battery. The downhole electric tool is then operated using the received power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Yi Liao, Thomas McClain Scott, Alexey Tyshko, Virginia Howe, Brian Reeves
  • Publication number: 20200362691
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating between surface equipment and a downhole tool installed in a well. First and second toroidal transformers are positioned around an inner one of a pair of coaxial structural members of a well completion (e.g., a pump rod and tubular, or a tubular and a well casing) which are electrically coupled to form an electrical circuit. A transmitter generates a data signal which is applied to the first toroidal transformer, causing a corresponding electrical current to be induced in the circuit, which then induces the data signal on the second toroidal transformer. A receiver coupled to the second toroidal transformer receives the data signal induced on the second toroidal transformer. The transmitter and receiver may be components of transceivers that may communicate bidirectionally. Additional toroidal coils and transceiver may be provided to communicate with equipment at additional locations in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Yi Liao, Thomas McClain Scott, Alexey Tyshko, Virginia Howe, Brian Reeves
  • Publication number: 20200362672
    Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless power transmission in a well, wherein first and second structural members of a well completion are electrically connected to form an electrical circuit, with first and second toroidal transformers positioned around the second structural member at different axial locations. A power source coupled to the first toroidal transformer is configured to generate an output voltage which is applied to the first toroidal transformer, inducing a corresponding electrical current in the electrical circuit. This in turn induces a second voltage on the second toroidal transformer, which is provided to a downhole tool. The tool may include conditioning circuitry, which rectifies the received power and charges a battery. The downhole electric tool is then operated using the received power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Yi Liao, Thomas McClain Scott, Alexey Tyshko, Virginia Howe, Brian Reeves