Of Geophysical Surface Or Subsurface In Situ Patents (Class 324/323)
  • Patent number: 9910177
    Abstract: A system and method for deep detection of petroleum and hydrocarbon deposits is disclosed. The system includes a sensing array that includes a plurality of electrodes positioned in the ground at a testing site, a sensing device, and a system for generating a seismic event that generates below-ground signals that are received by the sensing array. The system enables detection and depth determination of underground features such as petroleum and hydrocarbon deposits at greater depths compared to conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: LONGBRANCH ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventor: Ervin Kraemer
  • Patent number: 9859790
    Abstract: A power detection and transmission circuit is provided. The power detection and transmission circuit includes a first conversion circuit, a second conversion circuit and a signal coupling circuit. The first conversion circuit is electrically connected to a power supply module to receive an analog input signal, and is arranged for converting the analog input signal to a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The second conversion circuit is arranged for converting a second PWM signal to an analog regenerated signal, and transmitting the analog regenerated signal to a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller calculates power information of the power supply module according to the analog regenerated signal. The signal coupling circuit is coupled between the first conversion circuit and the second conversion circuit, and is arranged for coupling the first PWM signal to the second conversion circuit and accordingly generating the second PWM signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: FSP TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Kuo-Fan Lin, Fu-Kai Tu
  • Patent number: 9689253
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a reservoir during an oil recovery process includes placing a plurality of electrodes proximate the reservoir, injecting a nanoparticle dispersion into the reservoir with an injection fluid, and recording a current measurement and a voltage measurement from the plurality of electrodes with an electronic control module during the oil recovery process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Rivero, Shad W. Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 9598951
    Abstract: An apparatus for retaining electronic components in a downhole component coupling mechanism includes: a power supply frame including a first housing configured to retain a power supply therein and isolate the power supply from downhole fluids, the power supply frame configured to be disposed in and constrained axially by a coupling assembly of a first downhole component and a second downhole component; an electronic component disposed in a second housing in the coupling assembly, the electronic component located external to the power supply frame; and a connector configured to transmit electric power from the power supply to the electronic component to supply electrical power to the electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephan Mueller, Ingo Roders, Robert Buda, Henning Rahn, Detlev Benedict, Rene Schulz, Volker Peters
  • Patent number: 9581720
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for evaluating an earth formation using complex dielectric permittivity. The method may include estimating at least one property of the earth formation using a real part and an imaginary part of complex permittivity at a plurality of frequencies. The at least one property may include one or more of: oil viscosity and surface tension of a water-oil system. The method may include performing dielectric permittivity estimates using an electromagnetic tool in a borehole. The apparatus may include the electromagnetic tool and at least one processor configured to store information obtained by the electromagnetic tool in a memory. The at least one processor may also be configured to estimate at least one property of the earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Vitaly N. Dorovsky
  • Patent number: 9544748
    Abstract: A tsunami monitoring system includes a transmitting antenna configured to radiate a transmission signal to detect a tsunami as a radio wave toward a sea, and a receiving antenna configured to receive reflected waves reflected by the tsunami as a receiving signal. The tsunami monitoring system includes a signal generator circuit configured to generate the transmission signal having a predetermined frequency, a signal processor portion configured to generate a beat signal of a frequency difference between the transmission signal and the receiving signal, and a wave height estimator portion configured to divide a radio wave radiation region into a plurality of regions, calculate a flow velocity of a sea surface of the tsunami for each region on the basis of the beat signal, and estimate a wave height of the tsunami from a calculated flow velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ishikawa, Takashi Kawai, Takafumi Nagano, Taizo Isono
  • Patent number: 9449413
    Abstract: A video image capture component includes a light source operable in a first spectrum, a first image detector operable in the first spectrum, a second light source operable in a second spectrum, and a second image detector operable in the second spectrum. A filtering component generates a combination image by filtering a first image obtained by the first image detector with a high-contrast filter, resulting in a high-contrast image, and masking a second image obtained by the second image detector using the high-contrast image. A compositing component creates a composite image from the combination image and a selected image. A display component displays the composite image. Alternative systems and methods for creating a combination image include techniques involving thermal imaging, laser detection, and narrow band frequency detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Don Relyea, Michelle Felt
  • Patent number: 9422809
    Abstract: A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, David A. Switzer, Justin C. Logan, Jili Liu
  • Patent number: 9422810
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for evaluating fluid saturation in an earth formation using complex dielectric permittivity. The method may include estimating fluid saturation using an estimated rate of change at a frequency of an imaginary part of permittivity relative to a real part of permittivity. The method may include performing dielectric permittivity estimates using an electromagnetic tool in a borehole. The apparatus may include the electromagnetic tool and at least one processor configured to store information obtained by the electromagnetic tool in a memory. The at least one processor may also be configured to estimate the fluid saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vitaly N. Dorovsky, Denis N. Gapeyev, Timofey I. Eltsov
  • Patent number: 9391692
    Abstract: A microwave antenna terminal for two-way, in-motion communication systems using geostationary or other orbit satellites, and capable of supporting two-way communication in two different frequency ranges, for example Ku and Ka frequency ranges, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.
    Inventors: Borislav Petkov Marinov, Ivan Tsonev Ivanov, Ivaylo Georgiev Slavkov, Ilian Kirilov Stoyanov, Daniel Mitkov Nikolov
  • Patent number: 9377552
    Abstract: A surface electromagnetic survey system and method for detecting a fracture or fracture zone in a rock formation are provided. The system includes an electromagnetic source configured to generate an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of or at a surface of the rock formation. The electromagnetic source includes one or more electric dipole sources that are arranged so as to generate a substantially vertical electric field. The system also includes an electromagnetic receiver associated with the electromagnetic source, the electromagnetic receiver being configured to measure a component of the electromagnetic field at the surface of the rock formation; and a processor configured to convert the measured component of the electromagnetic field measured at the electromagnetic receiver into an electromagnetic field response per unit moment of the electromagnetic source. The electromagnetic field response provides information about characteristics parameters of the fracture or fracture zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Gary Michael Hoversten, David Lee Alumbaugh
  • Patent number: 9372279
    Abstract: The probable location of petroleum deposits is determined by identifying a severe-weather-inducing site from severe weather such as mesocyclones, tornados, funnels aloft, wall clouds or supercells, water spouts, and a high density of multiple lightning ground strikes. Typically the severe-weather-inducing site is located by identifying the initial appearance of the tornado vortex signature in modern Doppler radar or monitoring the severe weather, recording data as to its position and its velocity and acceleration with respect to the ground or water surface if it is moving, and determining the inducing site from such data. The occurrence of multiple severe weather sites in a dense pattern is also used to determine the probable location of petroleum deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Shuji Mori
  • Patent number: 9287687
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical low-voltage switchgear, comprising at least two power units accommodated in slide-in units or in a housing, and comprising control units assigned to the power units. The control units are spatially separated from the power units and power levers and are connected to one another via signal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ABB PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Kraft, Hans-Peter Merkel
  • Patent number: 9269158
    Abstract: In an example embodiment a method, apparatus and computer program product are provided. The method includes facilitating selection of a region of interest (ROI) in a plurality of frames of a multimedia content. The ROI is associated with a motion of at least one object. An object mobility data matrix associated with the ROI is determined in the plurality of frames. The object mobility data matrix is indicative of a difference in motion of the at least one object in the plurality of frames. A projection of the object mobility data matrix is determined on a line. The motion of the at least one object in the ROI is determined across the plurality of frames to as a periodic motion or a non-periodic motion based on the projection of the object mobility data matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Soumik Ukil, Krishna Annasagar Govindarao, Ravi Shenoy
  • Patent number: 9121959
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining the rock solid (matrix) dielectric permittivity for subterranean rocks, such as carbonate rocks, are described. According to some embodiments, this is accomplished by linking the matrix permittivity to the detailed chemical composition of the rock. The linking function is defined by coefficients for each component that can be determined by inversion in a laboratory calibration process such that the function compensates for the permittivity contribution of rock components that may be undetectable through downhole logging procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tianhua Zhang, Jean-Marc Donadille, Patrice Ligneul, Mahmood Akbar
  • Patent number: 9097107
    Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer structural layer that expands across an expansion zone to facilitate creation of a seal with a surrounding wellbore wall. An inflatable bladder can be used within the outer structural layer to cause expansion, and a seal can be disposed for cooperation with the outer structural layer to facilitate sealing engagement with the surrounding wellbore wall. One or more drain features are used to improve the sampling process and/or to facilitate flow through the drain over the life of the single packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Edward Harrigan, Alexander F. Zazovsky, Stephane Briquet, Stephen Yeldell, Carsten Sonne, Stephane Metayer
  • Patent number: 9069097
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for making measurements of an electromagnetic field in a subterranean formation that has been induced by a current loop. The current loop uses one or more steel wellbore casings as electrodes. Receiver arrays are positioned either at surface/seafloor, in the same, or in nearby wells. In the most general case, the receivers are tri-axial. A section of metallic casing in one well can be used as a current source and the electromagnetic field at surface can be measured using an array of EM receivers placed at a range of distances from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Patent number: 9035657
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for conducting an electromagnetic borehole-to-surface survey of a formation surrounding a borehole. Such methods include deploying a dipole transmitter into the borehole to a depth of investigation, deploying an array of electromagnetic receivers outside of the wellbore, and measuring a response of the formation at the array of electromagnetic receivers deployed outside of the wellbore, for example at the surface. From the response of the formation a property of the formation can be determined based on the response of the formation measured at the array of electromagnetic receivers. For the scenario of a cased well, a local reference receiver may be added at a location proximate the borehole to measure the effective magnetic moment of the transmitter inside the casing, and normalize the formation response in order for a more accurate determination of a formation characteristic, such as resistivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Richard A. Rosthal
  • Patent number: 8937279
    Abstract: Cross-well electromagnetic (EM) imaging is performed using high-power pulsed magnetic field sources, time-domain signal acquisition, low-noise magnetic field sensors, spatial oversampling and super-resolution image enhancement and injected contrast fluids. The contrast fluids increase the electromagnetic character of the formation and fluids, either the magnetic permeability or the dielectric permittivity. The acquired signals are processed and inter-well images are generated mapping electromagnetic (EM) signal speed (group velocity) rather than conductivity maps. EM velocity maps with improved resolution for both native and injected fluids are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Howard K. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8901930
    Abstract: A method for detecting metal in an inner region of a caster mold during a casting process using a plurality of eddy current probe assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of eddy current probe assemblies is configured to generate a primary magnetic field passing through nonconductive mold material of the casting mold to the inner region of the casting mold and to provide a signal indicative of a detected secondary magnetic field caused by eddy currents induced in the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nemak Dillingen GmbH
    Inventors: Glenn Byczynski, Robert Patrick, Christian Fruehauf
  • Patent number: 8890541
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating a multi-component induction logging tool. The method may include orienting a Z-transmitter coil to be substantially orthogonal to at least one Z-receiver coil, positioning an X-transmitter coil disposed on the logging tool so that the X-transmitter coil is substantially parallel to a conducting surface; encompassing the Z-transmitter coil, the X-transmitter coil, and at least one Z-receiver coil of the logging tool with at least one conducting loop of a calibrator; and calibrating the logging tool using the calibrator. The apparatus may include a calibrator configured to receive the logging tool. The Z-transmitter coil and the Z-receiver coil may be located on separate subs that are detachable from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Fei Le, Michael B. Rabinovich, Stanislav W. Forgang
  • Patent number: 8884622
    Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) dipole antenna system with spiral leg is described used to measure oscillatory electric field strengths. The system relies on spiral dipole leg segments of limited length attached to a cylinder. It is designed to improve the sensitivity to oscillatory electric signals in the range of 0.01 Hz to 10,000 Hz. The antenna system is connected to an object (a survey platform) that is stationary or moving in an area of interest in air, over land, on water or under water. Such antenna system is generally used as part of a prospecting survey system for water, minerals or hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Marius J. Mes
  • Publication number: 20140318232
    Abstract: Methods for deriving relative permeability from resistivity measurements in the laboratory and from downhole resistivity measurements are described. Further, systems and methods for determining relative permeability from borehole resistivity measurements made during a water flooding event such as drilling with water-based mud, water injection and/or water invasion are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: FABRICE PAIROYS
  • Patent number: 8854247
    Abstract: A hybrid ground penetrating radar (GPR)/metal detector (MD) head includes a V-dipole GPR antenna and transmit and receive MD coils. One of the MD coils is arranged in a quadrupole configuration with a crossbar, and the V-dipole antenna is perpendicular to the crossbar. The legs of the V-dipole antenna may straddle the crossbar or may be on one side of the crossbar. The MD coils may be fabricated on a printed circuit board, which may be at a non-normal angle with respect to a central axis of the V-dipole antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: NIITEK, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Etebari, Jason Wolfson, Brian A. Whaley, Mark Hibbard
  • Patent number: 8847576
    Abstract: A current transformer includes capacitive phase angle error correction in the secondary circuit boosted by an isolating impedance. Temperature compensation for the phase error correction and amplitude correction is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Control Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Anthony Hannam, Nathaniel W. Crutcher
  • Patent number: 8847601
    Abstract: A method of determining the maximum temperature undergone by a specimen of sedimentary rock during natural heating over a geological process, within the range from 60° C. to 230° C. approximately. The method includes analysis at very low temperature, down to a few kelvin, for example down to 10 kelvin, of the magnetic transitions intended to characterize an iron oxide and an iron sulfide that are formed or destroyed in the specimen by the geological heating of the sediment; and determination of the maximum temperature undergone by the specimen, using a calibration obtained by measuring the same magnetic parameters on the same sediment or on other sediments of the same nature, heated beforehand in the laboratory to known temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Pozzi, Charles Aubourg
  • Patent number: 8841899
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electro-magnetic tomography including: a modulator configured to modulate a generated transmit reference signal using a pseudo-noise signal; a transmitter configured to transmit the signal modulated by the modulator; a receiver configured to receive a signal transmitted from a transmitter; an amplitude detector configured to compare an amplitude magnitude between the signal received by the receiver and the transmit reference signal to measure a received amplitude; and a demodulator configured to demodulate the signal received by the receiver using the pseudo-noise signal to generate a cyclic signal, compare a phase between the transmit reference signal and the cyclic signal to measure the phase of the cyclic signal, and determine the phase of the received signal based on the phase of the measured cyclic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Soon-Ik Jeon, Hyuk-Je Kim, Seong-Ho Son
  • Publication number: 20140266210
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for acquiring data in a wellbore containing three or more casing or tubing strings through the use of inductive couplers to transmit power and signal through one or more fluid filled annular spaces and one or more casing or tubular elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SENSOR DEVELOPMENTS AS
    Inventor: ØIVIND GODAGER
  • Patent number: 8816716
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for erroneous installation of power storage stacks includes a first connector portion included in a first power storage stack, a second connector portion included in a second power storage stack capable of connection to the first power storage stack, and a third connector portion included in a third power storage stack which should be prohibited from connection to the first power storage stack, wherein the first connector portion and the second connector portion provides a first circuit when they are connected to each other, and the first connector portion and the third connector portion provides a second circuit when they are connected to each other, the second circuit having a different circuit configuration from that of the first circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryutaro Tokitsu, Koichi Nagamine
  • Patent number: 8803077
    Abstract: Cross-well electromagnetic (EM) imaging is performed using high-power pulsed magnetic field sources, time-domain signal acquisition, low-noise magnetic field sensors, spatial oversampling and super-resolution image enhancement and injected magnetic nanofluids. The acquired signals are processed and inter-well images are generated mapping electromagnetic (EM) signal speed (group velocity) rather than conductivity maps. EM velocity maps with improved resolution for both native and injected fluids are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Howard K. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8770140
    Abstract: Marking information relating to use of a marking device to perform a marking operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the marking information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the marking device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the marking device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Patent number: 8766639
    Abstract: The invention concerns a proximity detection of buried conductive structures before or while digging in areas being excavated. By means of the enclosed methods, devices, and setups, the ability and accuracy of the detection of underground structures, such as conduits, pipes, etc. is improved by conductively applying a current into the structure through the soil. The thereby emitted electromagnetic field is detected by a movable detection-unit over ground. According to this electromagnetic field the detection-unit can determine the proximity of the structure and issue a warning signal. This warning signal helps an operator of an earth moving machine to avoid a collision with the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Leica Geosystems AG, Cable Detection Limited
    Inventors: Simon Branson, Andrew Allen
  • Patent number: 8754650
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine a characteristic of a subsurface formation using electromagnetic coupling components. A downhole logging tool having one or more transmitters and one or more receivers, and being capable of measuring the electromagnetic coupling components is provided. The electromagnetic coupling components are measured using the downhole logging tool and used to form a 3-D Lateral Indicator and/or a 3-D Longitudinal Indicator. The 3-D Lateral Indicator and/or the 3-D Longitudinal Indicator are used to determine the characteristic of the subsurface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Legendre, Fabienne Legendre
  • Patent number: 8736270
    Abstract: A technique utilizes the acquisition of data from desired subterranean regions via a logging system. The logging system is constructed for use in a wellbore and comprises a transmitter module having a transmitter antenna. Additionally, the logging system utilizes a receiver module spaced from the transmitter module and having a receiver antenna. The transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna are oriented to enable sensitivity in desired directions, such as ahead of the logging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jean Seydoux, Emmanuel Legendre, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 8729902
    Abstract: Metal detectors use graphical displays offering many analysis methods and user options which were not possible before. The new graphical detector displays allow new ways to display target information that enable better methods of analyzing and viewing target data. Graphical detectors have menu structures with dozens of operating parameters which can be modified by the user. Some of these parameters are able to be changed on-the-fly without having to suspend detector operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: White's Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Kelley, Anne Kelley, John W. Plautz, Robert M. Canaday, Brian Hupy, Carl Moreland
  • Patent number: 8717029
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring permittivity of a sample. The apparatus includes: a sample chamber including a sealed space portion in which a sample to be measured is put; a pressure adjusting unit for varying pressure by applying water pressure to the space portion of the sample chamber; a permittivity sensor for measuring permittivity of the sample and disposed outside the sample chamber; measurement conducting wires including conductors, installed to contact the sample and connected to the permittivity sensor by using electric wires; and a data logger for storing data relating to permittivity that is measured by the permittivity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Byung-Gon Chae, Jung-Hae Choi, Yong-Je Kim
  • Patent number: 8686730
    Abstract: A system for measuring electrical resistivity survey checks a border of bedrock or a thickness of a sedimentary layer in a riverbed of a river or lake within a short time. A method for analysis of an underground structure of a riverbed using the same is also provided. The system for streamer electric resistivity survey using a survey boat includes a streamer cable connected to the survey boat and having a plurality of electrodes attached thereto, a multi-channel resistivity meter loaded on the survey boat to measure electric resistivity from the plurality of electrodes, a first RTK GPS (Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System) loaded on the survey boat to measure a position of the survey boat in real time, and a second RTK GPS installed to a tail of the streamer cable to measure a position of the tail in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience & Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Seong-Jun Cho, Jung-Ho Kim, Myeong-Jong Yi, Jeong Sul Son
  • Patent number: 8664586
    Abstract: Cross-well electromagnetic (EM) imaging is performed using high-power pulsed magnetic field sources, time-domain signal acquisition, low-noise magnetic field sensors, spatial oversampling and super-resolution image enhancement and injected magnetic nanofluids. Inter-well images are generated mapping electromagnetic (EM) signal speed (group velocity) rather than conductivity maps. EM velocity maps with improved resolution for both native and injected fluids are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Howard K. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8636061
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a property of a downhole formation, the apparatus comprising: an array having a plurality of transmitters and receivers capable of propagating electromagnetic waves through the formation; measuring circuitry for measuring an effect of the formation on the propagating waves; control circuitry arranged to vary the propagating waves as a function of at least one of frequency, spacing and polarization; and processing circuitry arranged to combine the effects of the propagating waves that are varied according to frequency, spacing and polarization for determining the property of the downhole formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Mosse, Matthieu Simon, Ollivier Faivre, Mehdi Hizem
  • Patent number: 8614578
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining the attenuation of an electromagnetic signal passing through a conductive material. An antenna is provided and placed in relatively close proximity to the conductive material. An alternating current is passed through the antenna and the impedance of the antenna is measured. The attenuation is determined using the measured impedance. A single frequency measurement may be made, or multiple measurements using different frequencies may be made. Grouped parameters based on properties of the material and the frequency of the current are used to relate the coil impedance to the attenuation. A current frequency for which the ratio of the antenna's resistive part of the impedance to the angular frequency of the current is substantially insensitive to at least one of the parameters is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Guozhong Gao, H. Frank Morrison, Hong Zhang, Richard A. Rosthal, David Alumbaugh, Cyrille Levesque
  • Patent number: 8589079
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8575938
    Abstract: A marine electromagnetic receiver cable includes a plurality of signal processing modules disposed at spaced apart locations along the receiver cable. A power supply line is connected to each of the signal processing modules and to an electric current source. A current regulation device is connected in the power supply line proximate each signal processing module. The current regulation devices are connected such that an amount of current flowing through the power supply line is substantially constant. At least one electromagnetic receiver is functionally coupled to an input of each signal processing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Karlsen, Ulf Peter Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 8577614
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of normalizing characterization information comprising: defining a plurality of characteristics, for each characteristic defining a set of allowed values and defining a logging interval. The method further comprises: at a plurality of logging intervals, selecting a value from the set of allowed values for a characteristic of the plurality of characteristics, and storing the selected value for the characteristics at the plurality of logging intervals. The present disclosure also provides a system for correlating log information comprising: a core set log data module for storing core set log data information, an electrical log data module for storing electrical log data information, a correlation module for correlating the core set log data information with the electrical log data information, and an input/output module for inputting and displaying the core set log data information the electrical log data information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Straterra Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Norris, John H. Lake
  • Patent number: 8566037
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8566036
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8494776
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8482291
    Abstract: A substrate includes a first plate member; a plurality of first electrodes provided on the major surface of the first plate member, the first electrodes including at least one electrode for circuit connection and at least one monitor electrode separate from the electrode for circuit connection; a second plate member; a plurality of second electrodes provided on the major surface of the second plate member; a plurality of solder members provided between the first electrodes and the second electrodes for electrical connection therebetween, repeatedly; and a detector for detecting an electrical disconnection between at least one of the monitor electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Nobutaka Itoh, Makoto Sakairi, Mami Nakadate
  • Patent number: 8478533
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8456159
    Abstract: A stabilized field sensor apparatus collects field data, in particular magnetic field data, with reduced motion noise. The apparatus includes a tear drop shaped housing, a tow frame in the housing, a plurality of vibration isolating dampers spaced around the frame, a base assembly mounted to the dampers, a support pedestal having a bottom end fixed to the base assembly and an upper free end, a single spherical air bearing connected to the upper free end of the pedestal, an instrument platform with a lower hollow funnel having an upper inside apex supported on the air bearing for a one point support, principal and secondary gyro stabilizers for maintaining pivotal and rotational stability, and at least one field sensor mounted to the instrument platform for collecting the field data while being stabilized against motion noise including vibration, pivoting and rotation from the base assembly, from the tow frame and from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Vale S.A.
    Inventors: Benjamin David Polzer, Gordon Fox West, Peter Whyte Walker, Peter Anthony Hurley, Robert Leslie Scott Hogg
  • Publication number: 20130113488
    Abstract: One method of monitoring a formation core during coring operations can include measuring resistivities of a formation internal and external to a core barrel assembly, comparing the resistivities of the formation internal and external to the core barrel assembly, and determining a displacement of the core into the core barrel assembly, based at least in part on the comparing, while the core is being cut. A formation core analysis system can include multiple longitudinally spaced apart sets of transmitters and receivers which measure resistivity of a core while the core displaces into a core barrel assembly, and multiple longitudinally spaced apart sets of transmitters and receivers which measure resistivity of a formation external to the core barrel assembly while a coring bit penetrates the formation. A speed of displacement of the core may be indicated by differences in time between measurements taken via the different sets as the core displaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.