Of Geophysical Surface Or Subsurface In Situ Patents (Class 324/323)
  • Patent number: 7218244
    Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Jin, Scott Rempe
  • Patent number: 7117093
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a seismic velocity field from seismic data including time-amplitude representations associated with source-receiver locations spaced apart by an offset distance and having a midpoint therebetween, the seismic data being arranged into common midpoint (CMP) gathers associated with respective CMP locations. A control plane having an edge intersecting a plurality of the CMP locations is defined, an initial velocity field for the control plane is produced, the initial velocity field including a plurality of time-velocity values for each of the CMP locations; and an optimized velocity field for the control plane is produced by adjusting the time-velocity values for each of the CMP locations in response to trends, relative to offset distance, in time values, associated with common seismic events, until said optimized velocity field satisfies a condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Data Modeling Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry James Stinson, Shlomo Levy, Wai-Kin Chan, Edward Charles Crase
  • Patent number: 7106194
    Abstract: A method for identifying a buried metal object using a three-dimensional steerable magnetic field (3DSMF) system. The method comprises generating a magnetic field vector (MFV) at a first MFV position above the buried metal object; measuring a time decay response at the first MFV position; generating a MFV at a next MFV position above the buried metal object; measuring a time decay response at the next MFV position; repeating the above steps until a complete 360-degree measurement of time decay responses of the buried metal object is completed; processing all measured time decay responses with a target search algorithm to determine a magnetic polarizability tensor of the buried metal object; and identifying the buried metal object by matching the magnetic polarizability tensor of the buried metal object to a known magnetic polarizability tensor of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Carl V. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7088097
    Abstract: A method for analyzing formations using measurements from a detector in response to energy imparted therein. The measurements have characteristics which exponentially reduce in magnitude with time. The method includes (a) determining, an N-th order integral of the value of each measurement from an initial time to the time of each measurement, wherein N represents a number of exponentially decaying characteristics; b) determining a solution to a system of linear equations relating the measurements to the integrals, the solution representing polynomials of order N related to a decay rate and an initial measurement amplitude for each component; (c) solving the polynomials to determine the decay rate and the initial amplitude for each component; (d) determining if the decay rates and initial amplitudes are within possible limits; and (e) incrementing N and repeating (a) through (d) until the decay rates or the initial amplitudes are not within possible limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Zeljko Jeri{hacek over (c)}ević
  • Patent number: 7071694
    Abstract: The present invention is a saturated ferromagnetic structure for controlling the homogeneity of the primary magnet field of a magnet in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging system. The structure has a plurality of coaxial laminations disposed thereon about a central axis of the structure, such that the structure is magnetically saturated and generates a magnetic field parallel to the central axis. In use the structure functions to improve the homogeneity of the primary magnetic field. The structure further allows for a MRI system with a less confined patient space than is currently available with known MRI systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Oxford Magnet Technology Limited
    Inventor: Marcel Jan Marie Kruip
  • Patent number: 7042801
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed employing seismic waves having infrasonic frequencies in the range of about 0.1–20 Hz for generating electromagnetic waves of similar infrasonic frequency in hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formations located at depths up to about 5000 meters, said electromagnetic waves having sufficient voltage amplitudes for detection at the earth's surface. Also disclosed are seismic sources capable of generating infrasonic seismic waves of sufficient amplitude for generating electromagnetic waves in hydrocarbon bearing formations at depths up to 5000 meters, said electromagnetic waves having voltage amplitudes sufficient for detection at the earth's surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: SeismoElectric Soundings, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrey Berg
  • Patent number: 6972678
    Abstract: The present invention describes a wireless system and method for distributing sensors in large numbers that makes possible the application of a number of algorithms for the extraction of important physical quantities. More specifically, the method involves (a) formation of an electromagnetic waveguide by the application of a polymer, or other dielectric material, on the exterior of the hull of a vessel; (b) insertion of sensors/radio units within the waveguide, the sensors being arranged to sample the fields of interest; and (c) insertion of radio transceiver base stations in the waveguide to communicate and extract data from the sensor/radio units. The wireless system of the present invention is implemented with a very high sensor count whose outputs are processed to recover exterior field quantities without the requirement of direct measurements off of the vessel's structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian H. Houston, Geoffrey L. Main
  • Patent number: 6969844
    Abstract: A ground penetrating antenna apparatus and method are provided for locating underground objects via radar, sonar, or similar methods. The apparatus includes one or more antennas that are rotatably affixed to support extensions that also rotate, but about an axis that is different from each of the antenna axes. The apparatus includes a linear propulsion mechanism, and the support extensions may be coupled to the linear propulsion mechanism via a transmission mechanism. In one embodiment, the supporting extensions rotate at a constant rate and each antenna rotates at that same constant rate but in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Witten Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Albats, Jr., Macyln Burns, Mark Dalton, Anthony DeRubeis, Cliff Evans, Jakob Haldorsen, Thorkild Hansen, Douglas E. Miller, Michael L. Oristaglio
  • Patent number: 6927698
    Abstract: A coal bed anomaly detection and imaging system comprises a synchronous transmitter and receiver that are separated by a geologic structure with embedded and hidden anomalies. The receiver is housed in a shuttle body that can be pumped into a borehole by water or air pressure. The shuttle may itself employ hydraulic inching mechanism to move within the drillhole. Signal measurements are reported out over a fiberoptic pigtail. A separate radio signal path provides synchronization between the transmitter and receiver. The receiver shuttle is tethered by this fiberoptic pigtail, and it can be withdrawn from the borehole by the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Larry G. Stolarczyk
  • Patent number: 6891376
    Abstract: An electromagnetic induction logging method is disclosed. The method includes measuring electromagnetic induction response in earth formations surrounding a wellbore. The measuring is performed on an electrically conductive sonde support. The measured response is deconvolved with respect to a response of an instrument not having an electrically conductive sonde support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Tilman Hanstein, Horst Rueter, Kurt M. Strack
  • Patent number: 6845936
    Abstract: A stable heli-borne vector platform capable of accepting a range of different sensors or instruments, particularly, but not exclusively, for the mapping and exploration of mountainous regions is described. The platform enables the arrangement of the sensors in three orthogonal directions, thus allowing the restitution of the resultant vector. The geographical referencing is provided by the use of a differential GPS receiver, whose antenna is installed on the main body of the platform. This platform distinguishes itself from its predecessors through the use of a lateral pulling axis, the use of a heavy weight placed underneath the main body, and by a perfectly symmetrical geometry in the direction of pull, thus ensuring perfect in-flight balance and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Geophysique G.P.R. International Inc.
    Inventors: Pascal Mouge, Emmanuel Chalifoux
  • Publication number: 20040178794
    Abstract: A method for identifying a buried metal object using a three-dimensional steerable magnetic field (3DSMF) system. The method comprises generating a magnetic field vector (MFV) at a first MFV position above the buried metal object; measuring a time decay response at the first MFV position; generating a MFV at a next MFV position above the buried metal object; measuring a time decay response at the next MFV position; repeating the above steps until a complete 360-degree measurement of time decay responses of the buried metal object is completed; processing all measured time decay responses with a target search algorithm to determine a magnetic polarizability tensor of the buried metal object; and identifying the buried metal object by matching the magnetic polarizability tensor of the buried metal object to a known magnetic polarizability tensor of an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Carl V Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040163443
    Abstract: A method for determining rotational offset between first and second gravity measurement devices deployed on a downhole tool is disclosed. The method includes positioning the tool in a previously surveyed section of a borehole that provides a historical survey including at least three previously surveyed azimuthal reference points and utilizing the gravity measurement devices to determine local azimuths at three or more sites in the previously surveyed section of the borehole. The method further includes comparing local azimuths with the historical survey and determining a rotational offset between the measurement devices that gives a best fit between local azimuths and the historical survey. A system adapted to execute the disclosed method and a computer system including computer-readable logic configured to instruct a processor to execute the disclosed method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham McElhinney
  • Publication number: 20040155776
    Abstract: A locating device, particularly for locating trapped victims under avalanches, under debris or under collapsed buildings, equipped with a receiving unit (6-13) for signals from transmitters and preferably a transmitter (13, 14), as well as optical (6) and/or acoustic (12) display units, whereby the receiving unit is connected to three preferably orthogonally arranged ferrite rod antennas (2, 3, 4). All antennas (2, 3, 4) are disposed in a compact housing (1) together with the receiving unit (6-13) and preferably also the transmitter (13, 14) to ensure accurate locating of the trapped victim across the largest range possible at compact design whereby one antenna (4) is of substantially shorter length than the two other antennas (2, 3). The receiving unit is provided with a DSP module (11) for incoming signals of the antennas (2, 3, 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Rudolf Sackl
  • Publication number: 20040135698
    Abstract: A P-wave sensing apparatus including a printed circuit board having mounted thereon from one to three orthogonally disposed miniature sensors that function as inertia monitoring devices with respect to motion of the external supporting structures, a plurality of amplifying and filtering circuits for amplifying and filtering the outputs generated by the sensors, and a central processing unit responsive to the amplified signals and operative to generate output signals which can be used to drive optical and audible annunciators, automated data recording systems, or other device actuating systems. Each sensor is formed by a thin piezo-electric film sandwiched between two metallization layers and is laminated to a small rectangular sheet of polyester mounted in cantilever fashion with one edge thereof firmly affixed to a supporting circuit board or clamped between two flat, solid layers (such as miniature circuit boards) and then firmly affixed to the main supporting circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Craig Webb, Jean-Pierre Guite
  • Publication number: 20040100263
    Abstract: The invention is a method of determining horizontal and vertical resistivity in an anisotropic formation using a combination of orientable triaxial and array antennae conveyed downhole. Measurements are taken at various azimuthal angles about a measuring device at a given depth. Values at each azimuthal orientation can be fit to a curve to yield information on the surrounding formation. Multiple measurements at a given depth and azimuthal orientation can be weighted to obtain an average value. Values from the curve fitting process are used in subsequent inversion processing and reduce the uncertainty of the inversion processing result. Utilization of a three dimensional geometry enables a unique resolution of the orientation of the principle axis of anisotropy, and consequently of horizontal and vertical resistivity, and dip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Otto N. Fanini, Gulamabbas A. Merchant
  • Publication number: 20040095142
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring an electrical parameter through electrically conductive casing, said device including a current injection electrode (3) and a measurement electrode (7) on one side of the wall of the casing (1). According to the invention, the injection electrode (3) is associated via a first magnetic coupler (4) with a current source (2) and the measurement electrode (7) is associated via a second magnetic coupler (6) with a measurement device (5) situated on the other side of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Alain Dumont, Nicolas Renoux, Philippe Salamitou
  • Patent number: 6714153
    Abstract: The invention is a well radar for detecting, by electromagnetic wave reflection, resistivity horizons in production zones in oil wells. Transmitter and receiver antennas are combined in a tubing string antenna module. Two dipole transmitter antenna are positioned in a first position on either side of the tubing string antenna module. A first directionally sensitive group of four dipole receiver antennas is positioned in a second positioned so that the receiver antennas have even angular separation. Likewise, a second directionally sensitive group of four dipole receiver antennas is positioned in a third position opposite the first directionally sensitive group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignees: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S., Kongsberg Offshore A.S., Norges Geotekniske Institutt
    Inventors: Fan-Nian Kong, Svein Ellingsrud, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen, Einar Stølen, Harald Westerdahl, Terje Eidesmo
  • Patent number: 6697102
    Abstract: An elongate rugged cylindrical metal housing encloses rotatable forward looking and side looking video cameras for inspecting bore holes of water, oil and natural gas wells. A ring-shaped array of white LEDs is mounted on a PC board at the forward end of the housing. The ring-shaped array of LEDs surrounds, and is spaced rearward of a flat sapphire window through which the forward looking video camera views down the bore hole. The array of forward looking LEDs is encased behind a dome-shaped acrylic window which protects the forward looking LEDs from physical impacts and also functions as a light pipe. A side looking video camera is mounted in an inner tube rotatable by a motor drive within the outer housing about a longitudinal axis of the outer housing. The side field of view of the second video camera can be aligned with a predetermined circumferential region of a side wall of the bore hole for locating and inspecting defects in a well casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: DeepSea Power & Light Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, David A. Cox, Jeffrey A. Prsha, Michael E. Turgeon
  • Publication number: 20040021564
    Abstract: The present invention describes a wireless system and method for distributing sensors in large numbers that makes possible the application of a number of algorithms for the extraction of important physical quantities. More specifically, the method involves (a) formation of an electromagnetic waveguide by the application of a polymer, or other dielectric material, on the exterior of the hull of a vessel; (b) insertion of sensors/radio units within the waveguide, the sensors being arranged to sample the fields of interest; and (c) insertion of radio transceiver base stations in the waveguide to communicate and extract data from the sensor/radio units. The wireless system of the present invention is implemented with a very high sensor count whose outputs are processed to recover exterior field quantities without the requirement of direct measurements off of the vessel's structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Brian H. Houston, Geoffrey L. Main
  • Patent number: 6670813
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating an image of earth formations penetrated by a wellbore. The method includes generating an initial model of the earth formations using formation resistivity measured by a direct current signal. A response to the initial model of an instrument used to make the direct current resistivity measurements is calculated. The calculated response is compared to the measurements of resistivity. The model is adjusted, and the calculating and comparing are repeated until a difference between the calculated response and measurements reaches a minimum. The adjusted model is refined based on resistivity measurements made using an electromagnetic measuring instrument, and the refined model is constrained using acoustic velocity measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt M. Strack
  • Patent number: 6664788
    Abstract: A method for seismic exploration using nonlinear conversions between electromagnetic and seismic energy, with particular attention to the electromagnetic source waveform used. According to the invention, seismic returns from a source waveform are correlated with a reference waveform, with both waveforms custom designed to minimize both correlation side lobes and interference from linear electroseismic effects. A waveform element is selected which may be sequenced by a binary or similar digital code embodying the desired custom design to generate an input sweep with the needed depth penetration and noise suppression. Correlation of the seismic response with the reference waveform in a data processing step mathematically aggregates the seismic response from the input sweep into a single wavelet. Preferred binary digital codes include prescribed variations of maximal length shift-register sequences. Also, an apparatus for generating the desired waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Scott C. Hornbostel, Arthur H. Thompson, Thomas C. Halsey, Robert A. Raschke, Clint A. Davis
  • Patent number: 6646440
    Abstract: Shifts in rock strata are measured be inserting into a bore hole in the rock a conductive tube in which an insulated conductor runs along the length and the continuity is measured between the conductor and the tube. When conductivity is detected, the shift in the strata amounts to the distance required for the tube wall to break the insulation and create an electrical content between the tube and the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: DMT Deutsche Montan Technologie GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Wittenberg
  • Publication number: 20030184299
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating an image of earth formations penetrated by a wellbore. The method includes generating an initial model of the earth formations using formation resistivity measured by a direct current signal. A response to the initial model of an instrument used to make the direct current resistivity measurements is calculated. The calculated response is compared to the measurements of resistivity. The model is adjusted, and the calculating and comparing are repeated until a difference between the calculated response and measurements reaches a minimum. The adjusted model is refined based on resistivity measurements made using an electromagnetic measuring instrument, and the refined model is constrained using acoustic velocity measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Kurt M. Strack
  • Patent number: 6541975
    Abstract: In one embodiment the invention comprises a system for generating an image of an Earth formation surrounding a borehole penetrating the formation. Resistivity of the formation is measured using a DC measurement, and conductivity and resistivity of the formations is measured with a time domain signal or AC measurement. Acoustic velocity of the formation is also measured. The DC resistivity measurement, the conductivity measurement made with a time domain electromagnetic signal, the resistivity measurement made with a time domain electromagnetic signal and the acoustic velocity measurements are combined to generate the image of the Earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt-Martin Strack
  • Publication number: 20030038634
    Abstract: In one embodiment the invention comprises a system for generating an image of an Earth formation surrounding a borehole penetrating the formation. Resistivity of the formation is measured using a DC measurement, and conductivity and resistivity of the formations is measured with a time domain signal or AC measurement. Acoustic velocity of the formation is also measured. The DC resistivity measurement, the conductivity measurement made with a time domain electromagnetic signal, the resistivity measurement made with a time domain electromagnetic signal and the acoustic velocity measurements are combined to generate the image of the Earth formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Kurt-Martin Strack
  • Publication number: 20030011370
    Abstract: An above ground locator includes an apparatus for determining the strength of the locating signal at a selected point relative to the boring tool. The apparatus includes an antenna arrangement configured for measuring the strength of the locating signal at the selected point along first and second orthogonally opposed receiving axes to produce first and second received signals. A phase shifting arrangement phase shifts the first and second received signals in a predetermined way to generate first and second phase shifted signals, respectively. Thereafter, a summing arrangement adds the first and second phase shifted received signals to generate an output signal which is a vector sum of the first and second received signals. In one feature, third and fourth signals derived from the first and second signals are used to eliminate balance point ambiguity which is present using the first and second signals alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: John E. Mercer
  • Publication number: 20030010494
    Abstract: A method for determining alteration of a region of an earth formation surrounding an earth borehole, comprising the steps of providing a logging device that is moveable through the borehole; transmitting sonic energy into the formation and receiving, at a plurality of transmitter-to-receiver spacings, sonic energy that has traveled through the formation, and producing signals representative of the received sonic energy for the plurality of transmitter-to-receiver spacings; determining sonic transit times and differential transit times for the respective transmitter-to-receiver spacings; deriving a test statistic from the differential transit times; and determining the presence of alteration of a region of the formations from the test statistic. An associated apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Sandip Bose, Ramachandra Ganesh Shenoy
  • Patent number: 6505509
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a fluid level is disclosed, which includes a coaxial sensor having a pair of conducting tubes positioned with respect to each other in spaced coaxial arrangement, a coaxial transmission line connected to the sensor, a means for injecting a standing wave into the coaxial sensor, a summer for summing the injected wave and a reflected wave connected to the sensor, a means for adjusting the frequency of the injected wave in response to the voltage and phase of the summed signal, and a processor for processing and displaying the frequency as a representation of the level of the fluid. A method for detecting the fluid level is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Devlin M. Gualtieri
  • Patent number: 6476608
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for low cost, convenient prospecting and surveys of subsurface structures using seismoelectric signals, as well as laboratory analysis of geological samples. The seismoelectric signals come from seismic waves generated by sources which can be applied or natural. The seismoelectric signals are generated with the same velocity and frequency of the generating seismic waves, then induce secondary electromagnetic signals which travel at their own much higher speed. The seismoelectric signals thus may be measured with electrodes or antennas. Electrodes may be disposed within a borehole or on the surface. The method allows use of geophone data, but does not require it. The it source of the seismoelectric signals, being a moving seismic wave front, conveys continuous, whole body information on the structures underground, in much the same way as seismic ware data, but in the form of simpler, easier to capture seismoelectric signals. Reflection and refraction of seismic waves can be ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Chi Dong
  • Patent number: 6477113
    Abstract: A method for seismic exploration using conversions between electromagnetic and seismic energy, with particular attention to the electromagnetic source waveform used. According to the invention, source waveforms are correlated with reference waveforms selected to minimize correlation side lobes. Line power at 60 Hz may be used to provide a waveform element which may be sequenced by a binary code to generate an extended source waveform segment with minimal correlation side lobes. Preferred binary codes include Golay complementary pairs and maximal length shift-register sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Scott C. Hornbostel, Arthur H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6462549
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the location of a microseismic event is disclosed. An electromagnetic sensor measures the electromagnetic energy which is caused by a microseismic event. Seismic data from the microseismic event is measured and recorded using plurality of ground motion sensors. The time at which microseismic event occurred is estimated based at least in part on the time at which electromagnetic energy caused by the microseismic event is received by the electromagnetic sensor. The location of said source of the microseismic event is determined using the estimated occurrence time and the time at which the seismic energy arrived at the ground motion sensors. A method of triggering a seismic recording device is also disclosed. The electromagnetic energy from a microseismic event is measured and recorded using an electromagnetic sensor. The time at which the microseismic event occurred is estimated based on the measured electromagnetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Curtis, Sarah Ryan, James Edward Martin
  • Patent number: 6452395
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining properties of rocks surrounding a borehole in which electrokinetic signals are generated in the rocks is disclosed. For example, the signals may be generated by the vibration induced by the drilling of the borehole or by a seismic source emitting continuous pressure waves. The electrokinetic signals generated are detected and the signal amplified and processed to measure the porous rock properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Court Services Limited
    Inventors: Richard Hedley Clarke, John William Aidan Millar
  • Publication number: 20020112855
    Abstract: System and methods are disclosed for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic pulses through a geological formation. A preferably programmable transmitter having an all-digital portion in a preferred embodiment may be operated at frequencies below 1 MHz without loss of target resolution by transmitting and over sampling received long PN codes. A gated and stored portion of the received signal may be correlated with the PN code to determine distances of interfaces within the geological formation, such as the distance of a water interfaces from a wellbore. The received signal is oversampled preferably at rates such as five to fifty times as high as a carrier frequency. In one method of the invention, an oil well with multiple production zones may be kept in production by detecting an approaching water front in one of the production zones and shutting down that particular production zone thereby permitting the remaining production zones to continue operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: G. Dickey Arndt, James R. Carl, Kent A. Byerly, B. Jon Amini
  • Patent number: 6427532
    Abstract: A device for measuring a fill level of a liquid includes an ultrasonic sensor with two sensor elements. One of the sensor elements determines the echo time of an ultrasonic wave to a float which follows the liquid level. The other of the sensor elements determines the echo time of the ultrasonic wave up to a measuring reflector arranged at a known distance from the other of the sensor elements. An evaluation unit compares the echo times and determines the fill level of the liquid from the ratio of echo times and from the known distance to the measuring reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Dieter Keller
  • Patent number: 6393363
    Abstract: Provided are a method, a computer program product and a system, to measure characteristics of a geologic formation, such as hydrocarbon reservoirs, that employs modeling data to remove unwanted information from a signal carrying information concerning the geologic formation. This allows obtaining accurate information concerning the resistivity of geologic formations in which a borehole has been formed and encased with a conductive liner, such as a steel casing. Specifically, it was recognized that a magnetic field produced within a borehole that has been cased is substantially similar to magnetic field produced from a borehole that was not cased, i.e., the spatial distribution and orientation to the two aforementioned magnetic fields are the same, differing only by a constant related to the casing attenuation factor. The magnetic field outside of the cased borehole is reduced in amplitude by an attenuation factor associated with the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wilt, Edward Nichols
  • Patent number: 6392317
    Abstract: An annular wire harness for use in drill pipe comprising two rings interconnected by one or more insulated conductors. The rings are positioned within annular grooves located within the tool joints and the conductors are fixed within grooves along the bore wall of the pipe. The rings may be recessed within annular grooves in order to permit refacing of the tool joint. The rings are provided with means for coupling a power and data signal from an adjacent pipe to the conductors in such a fashion that the signal may be transmitted along the drill pipe and along an entire drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 6380745
    Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for determining geo-electric data and the density of a porous material. A resistivity-measuring device applies an electrical current through an electrode array to that is part of a non-electrical conductive test cell that is used to measure the resistivity of the porous material that is the test cell. The test cell is a made of a rigid non-electrically conductive material and is a standard shape and dimension. The material that is the test specimen is compacted into the test cell using a standard technique so that the physical properties of the test specimen my calculated. In addition to making a set of standard physical measurement (material unit density and unit moisture content) the test cell is used to measure electrical properties of the test specimen so that a set of electrical constants can be determined for the material under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis M. Anderson, William J. Ehni
  • Patent number: 6307375
    Abstract: A method of detecting precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms and predicting future seismic activity in the form of an earthquake by placing a detector including a dielectric material in contact with the earth. The detector receives at the dielectric material precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms traveling within the earth emanating from a region of seismic activity. A sensor responsive to the dielectric material senses a series of individual discrete signals imposed by the waveforms at the dielectric material wherein each of the signals has the characteristic of a rise time that is shorter than its fall time. Alternatively, the discrete signals may be a single discrete signal characterized by a plurality of overlapping waveforms. Then predicting based on the series of the signals the occurrence of the earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Larry Park
  • Patent number: 6225806
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the properties of rocks such as permeability, porosity and fluid properties downhole around a borehole (3) in which a seismic source (6) which radiates a seismic signal substantially radially within the borehole is lowered down the borehole (3) and the electrical signal generated by the seismic signal within the surrounding rock is detected by detectors (4, 5) mounted above and below the seismic source (6) so that signals are received from substantially all radial directions. Preferably a continuous wave signal is generated and the signal detected whilst the apparatus (1) is raised or lowered. The apparatus (1) gives a much better and more accurate measurement than previous methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Court Services Limited
    Inventors: John William Aidan Millar, Richard Hedley Clarke
  • Patent number: 6100697
    Abstract: A method of detecting precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms and predicting future seismic activity in the form of an earthquake by placing a detector including a dielectric material in contact with the earth. The detector receives at the dielectric material precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms traveling within the earth emanating from a region of seismic activity. A sensor responsive to the dielectric material senses a series of individual discrete signals imposed by the waveforms at the dielectric material wherein each of the signals has the characteristic of a rise time that is shorter than its fall time. Alternatively, the discrete signals may be a single discrete signal characterized by a plurality of overlapping waveforms. Then predicting based on the series of the signals the occurrence of the earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Larry Park
  • Patent number: 6049209
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the axial resolution of conductivity well log measurements of in earth formation zones radially distal from a wellbore. The method includes calculating differential axial resolution information present in measurements of the conductivity of a zone radially proximal to the wellbore by low pass filtering the proximal zone measurements so as to have the same axial resolution as the measurements of earth formations radially distal from the wellbore, and subtracting the low pass filtered measurements from the measurements of the proximal zone. The differential axial resolution information is projected to conductivity values which would obtain if the proximal zone conductivity were equal to the distal zone conductivity. The projection is calculated by determining a projection factor, which is related to a weighted average of a ratio of conductivity in the distal zone with respect to the conductivity in the proximal zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiaqi Xiao, David R. Beard, Bill Harold Corley, Ingo M. Geldmacher
  • Patent number: 6018244
    Abstract: A diastrophism detection method and an apparatus therefor are provided which is capable of predicting a position of occurrence of diastrophism such as an earthquake or the like, a scale thereof, time thereof and the like with increased accuracy without being affected by various artificial and natural noises and being effectively put to practice utilizing a simple and objective judgment procedure and by means of equipments simplified in structure and reduced in cost. A VHF radio wave beyond a line-of-sight distance through a plasma density distribution abnormality zone temporarily formed in the ionosphere during diastrophism such as an earthquake or the like is detected in the form of abnormal propagation, resulting in a position of diastrophism below the plasma density distribution abnormality zone, a scale thereof, time thereof and the like being judged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Yoshio Kushida
  • Patent number: 5999885
    Abstract: An interpretation workstation based apparatus having an "Auto Fault" software stored therein automatically identifies a plurality of fault cuts in each of a plurality of horizons in a seismic data volume in response to a plurality of predetermined "horizon time structures".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: GeoQuest
    Inventors: Peter P. Van Bemmel, Randolph E. F. Pepper, William G. Dillon
  • Patent number: 5990809
    Abstract: The hydrography of a land area beneath a shallow body of water is determined by driving a submersible, remotely controlled, powered vehicle along a route over the land area. The vehicle includes a chassis, a drive mechanism, a drive control module to control the drive mechanism, and a mast extending upwardly from the chassis, with the top end of the mast projecting above the body of water. A position indicator, such as a global positioning system, mounted adjacent the mast top end, determines the position of the position indicator, and transmits position data to a receiving unit at a remote location. A transmitter at the remote location transmits instructions to the drive control module to control the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: David M. Howard
  • Patent number: 5963037
    Abstract: A method for generating a flow profile of a wellbore whereby a resistivity tool is run through the wellbore, while the wellbore is being drilled, to sequentially measure and record, at each of a sequence of selected points along the wellbore, a sequential series of resistivities measured while drilling (MWD). Fluid from the wellbore is then allowed to permeate into the formation. The resistivity tool is then run through the wellbore, after the drilling mud has permeated into the formation, to sequentially measure and record, at substantially the same points at which the MWD resistivity measurements were made, a sequential series of resistivities measured after drilling (MAD). For each point, the arithmetic difference between the MWD resistivity and the corresponding MAD resistivity recorded for the respective point is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Jerry L. Brady, Becky A. Watson, Robert J. North
  • Patent number: 5939885
    Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the resistivity of geological formations surrounding a borehole includes a tubular body member (1) which is adapted to form a portion of a length of drill string. An antenna (10) is mounted within the body member (1) and the body member (1) has apertures (2) adjacent to the antenna (10) to permit an electro-magnetic signal to pass through the body member (1) after transmission from, or for reception by, the antenna (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Dailey International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Donegan McClure, William David Murray, Edward Joseph Beshoory
  • Patent number: 5903153
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting underground liquids is disclosed in which the electrical potential generated by a seismic shock is detected and measured with respect to a base point insulated from the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Court Services Limited
    Inventors: Richard Hedley Clarke, John William Aidan Millar
  • Patent number: 5877995
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a new type of geophysical prospecting. The method applies an electric field to a fluid-containing porous subsurface formation to create a fluid pulse from changes in the polarization of pore fluid dipoles. The fluid pulse propagates in the subsurface as a seismic wave that may be detected by an appropriate array of seismic detectors. The apparatus is a pulsed DC or AC source for generating an applied electric field and a seismic detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Arthur Howard Thompson, Grant Alan Gist
  • Patent number: 5861751
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and device for determining the in-situ density of a porous material. A resistivity measuring device applies an electrical current through an electrode array to measure the resistivity of the porous material. The resistivity measuring device may also be used to measure the resistivity of a pore filling fluid. A formation factor and in-situ density constants of the porous material are determined using empirical methods. In-situ moisture content of the porous material is determined. The above data is applied to a general geophysical in-situ density equation to calculate the in-situ density of the porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventors: Dennis M. Anderson, William J. Ehni