Biased Probe Patents (Class 33/544.3)
  • Patent number: 11947066
    Abstract: A drill hole logging system (5) incorporates a computing system (58) at the surface and a deployment mechanism (40) for conveying a logging tool (10) configured to measure one or more geophysical parameters into a drill hole (20). A transmission means (57) communicates commands and data representing the geophysical parameters between the surface computing system and the logging tool. A borehole caliper (300) is employed to profile the inside of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: REFLEX INSTRUMENTS ASIA PACIFIC PTY LTD
    Inventors: David Charles Lawie, Christopher Thomas Koplan, John Carl Jackson, Cory Bryce Wilson, Joel Hitchen, Christopher Pell, Frederick Blaine, Erik Gutterud
  • Patent number: 11753926
    Abstract: A method may include obtaining caliper log data regarding a well. The method may further include determining, using a descaling model and the caliper log data, various predicted caliper log values for a descaled well. The descaled well may correspond to the well following a scale treatment. The method may further include determining whether the descaled well satisfies a predetermined criterion based on the predicted caliper log values. The method may further include determining, in response to determining that the descaled well fails to satisfy the predetermined criterion, a tubular replacement for the well. The method may further include transmitting, to a control system, a command that implements the tubular replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdulrahman T. Mishkhes, Fuad A. AlSultan, Mosab Al-Askar
  • Patent number: 11725497
    Abstract: A device and method for manipulating a robotic end effector in a well. Actuators manipulate the end effector independently through multiple degrees of freedom to improve the perspective of the end effector. An imaging sensor may be used to image, measure and identify features of a well and objects located therein. The sensor may be an ultrasound transducer, camera or x-ray sensor arranged radially, axial or distributed over a 2D surface. The end effector may be connected to a tool, such as a fishing tool, a welder, a milling tool, or a repair tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: DarkVision Technologies Inc
    Inventors: Michael Halpenny-Mason, Matt James, Graham Manders
  • Patent number: 11661840
    Abstract: The present disclosure introduces an MFC module for use in a tubular extending into a subterranean formation. The MFC module includes a tool body having slots that each include a receptacle. The MFC module also includes measuring fingers each independently rotatable within a corresponding one of the slots via a corresponding pivot formed by complementary linking portions of the measuring finger and the receptacle of the corresponding slot. The linking portions of the receptacle are situated on opposing side walls of the receptacle. The MFC modules also includes linear displacement sensors each operable for sensing an orientation of a corresponding one of the measuring fingers relative to the tool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cédric Perrin, Jose Luis Lopes, Miguel Delgado, Florian Becker, Pedro Alexandre Das Neves
  • Patent number: 11319799
    Abstract: A stator bore gage comprises a detector assembly comprising a wheel configured to engage an inside surface and to transduce the varying surface diameters into electrical or optical signals representative of the condition of the inside surface as the detector traverses the inside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Gagemaker, LP
    Inventors: James R. Douglas, Kris L. Dawson, Craig Cloud
  • Patent number: 11306860
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a pipeline deformation detection PIG, including: a detection body and a foam body; the detection body is arranged in the foam body, and the detection body includes: a pressure sensing element; and the pressure sensing element includes: a pressure sensor and a pressure coupling unit. The detection body of the pipeline deformation detection PIG of the present disclosure is provided in the foam body, the inner side surface of the pressure coupling unit is in contact with the force receiving surface of the pressure sensor, and the outer side surface is in contact with the inner wall of the pipeline to be detected, the pressure coupling unit can translate the pipeline deforms into pressure according to coupling deformation, and meanwhile solve the stuck problem of the existing detection PIG in a large deformation pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM-BEIJING
    Inventors: Yi Xiong, Da Yu, Kunpeng Zhao
  • Patent number: 11078776
    Abstract: A caliper-arm-retention mechanism for a caliper tool is disclosed. The retention mechanism includes a selectively movable retention sleeve and a pivot arm that cooperate to constrain relative translational motion between the pivot arm and a caliper arm pivotally engaged with the pivot arm while at the same time allowing relative rotational movement of the caliper arm and pivot arm. The retention sleeve may be selectively repositioned using a threaded nut configured to push the sleeve toward the pivot arm or pull the sleeve away from the pivot arm, depending on the direction of rotation of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Probe Technology Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Wallace
  • Patent number: 10927925
    Abstract: A well tractor drive section comprising—a drive section body (0) with main central axis (0x), with—first and second drive wheels (10A, 10B) on the outer ends of first and second wheel arms (12A, 12B); inner ends of said wheel arms (12A, 12B) arranged pivotally about first and second transverse axes (8Ax, 8Bx) in first and second transverse-axial wheel arm bearings (14A, 4B) for said wheel arms (12A, 12B) to rotate in a direction away from said main axis (0x) to engage said drive wheels (10A, 10B) with an inner wall of a well; —said first and second transverse-axes (8Ax, 8Bx) being mutually oppositely laterally displaced with a first separation (d1) from said main central axis (0x) in a common perpendicular plane (8P) relative to said main central axis (0x).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: C6 Technologies AS
    Inventor: Kenny Armstrong
  • Patent number: 10557326
    Abstract: Systems and methods for moving a tubular string within a subterranean well include a ring assembly. The ring assembly includes a structural ring sized with a ring inner diameter to circumscribe the tubular string and a ring outer diameter to fit within a bore of the subterranean well. A rotatable blade extends from the structural ring. Wheels are spaced around an inner diameter surface of the structural ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Abdulaziz S. Al-Qasim, Raed A. Alouhali, Sunil Kokal
  • Patent number: 10384697
    Abstract: A protective shroud for enveloping light radiating from a light emitter used with a sensor system for mapping of a railway track. The protective shroud includes: a rigid body having a frame and at least one opaque panel connected to the frame, the rigid body defining at least a first portion of a light radiation zone; and a skirt formed of high density fibers extending from adjacent a bottom edge of the at least one opaque panel to adjacent a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: TETRA TECH, INC.
    Inventor: Darel Mesher
  • Patent number: 9689255
    Abstract: A logging tool, toolstring (10), or element (19) comprises a stabilizer including a pair of moveable, rigid, main stabilizer arms (23, 24) that each is pivotably secured adjacent to one another at one end to the logging tool or toolstring. As a result the arms (23, 24) are moveable between a relatively retracted position on the one hand and a relatively advanced position on the other in which the main stabilizer arms diverge from one another and protrude from the logging tool so as to present a pair of main arm free ends (29, 31) that are spaced from an outer surface of the tool and are engageable with a borehole surface. The logging tool (10) or element (19) includes a mechanism for effecting coordinated, powered, linked movement of the main stabilizer arms (23, 24) between the retracted and advanced positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Reeves Wireline Technologies Limited
    Inventors: James R. Samworth, Michael J. Chaplin
  • Patent number: 9534459
    Abstract: A system includes a valve assembly configured to be disposed within a downhole tool module, a valve of the valve assembly configured to regulate flow of a fluid within the downhole tool module, a pump configured to supply a hydraulic fluid to actuate the valve, and an actuator configured to drive the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kent Harms, Albert Hoefel, Stephen Parks
  • Patent number: 9051823
    Abstract: Fluid flow measurement device and method. In one embodiment, a tool comprises a rotating arm with a sensor pad to measure fluid flow into or out of the casing wall. The arm maintains the sensor pad in close proximity to the casing inner wall. The tool diameter is variable to allow the tool to traverse variable diameter casings and pass obstacles. The sensor pad comprises flow channels to direct the flow of fluid by electromagnetic sensors configured to detect conductive fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: REM Scientific Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Maute, Feroze J. Sidhwa
  • Publication number: 20150143709
    Abstract: A wellbore caliper includes an actuator housing pivotally connected at one end to a well logging instrument housing and an actuator disposed in the housing and operable to extend and retract laterally extensible measuring arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Alan James Sallwasser
  • Patent number: 8925213
    Abstract: A wellbore caliper includes an actuator housing pivotally connected at one end to a well logging instrument housing and an actuator disposed in the housing and operable to extend and retract laterally extensible measuring arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Alan J. Sallwasser
  • Publication number: 20140059874
    Abstract: A wellbore caliper includes an actuator housing pivotally connected at one end to a well logging instrument housing and an actuator disposed in the housing and operable to extend and retract laterally extensible measuring arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Alan James Sallwasser
  • Patent number: 8484858
    Abstract: A drill string caliper includes a mandrel configured to be coupled within a drill string. At least one laterally extensible arm is coupled to an exterior of the mandrel. A biasing device is configured to urge the at least one arm into contact with a wall of a wellbore. A sensor is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a lateral extent of the at least one arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Brannigan, Raymond V. Nold, III, John C. Rasmus, Fernando Garcia-Osuna, Alexander Zazovsky
  • Patent number: 8235109
    Abstract: A centralizer for a well logging instrument includes a mandrel, a plurality of bow springs arranged circumferentially about the exterior surface of the mandrel and a biasing device in contact with one longitudinal end of each bow spring. The biasing device is configured to apply longitudinal biasing force to the longitudinal end of the respective bow spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporatio
    Inventors: John Vaeth, Dennis Molaison, Pavel Shaposhnikov, Chris Babin
  • Patent number: 8024868
    Abstract: A drill string caliper includes a mandrel configured to be coupled within a drill string. At least one laterally extensible arm is coupled to an exterior of the mandrel. A biasing device is configured to urge the at least one arm into contact with a wall of a wellbore. A sensor is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a lateral extent of the at least one arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Brannigan, Raymond V. Nold, III, John Rasmus, Fernando Garcia-Osuna, Alexander Zazovsky
  • Patent number: 7484309
    Abstract: A system for measuring an internal dimension, such as the radius, of a cylindrical cavity over a determined length, particularly in a hollow shaft belonging to a turbomachine. The system includes a measurement module mounted removably on a support that has translational mobility inside and along the axis of the cavity, the module including a measurement component for measuring the dimension and delivering signals corresponding to the measured values and incorporating a recording and storage for recording and storing the values. More particularly, the module includes a mechanical sensor component able to move between a retracted position and an extended position for sensing the internal surface of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Alain George Albert Feillias, Dominique Bernard Lourdin, Bernard Philippe Jacques Paillarse, Christophe Francis Pinchon
  • Patent number: 7421914
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the physical condition of a tubular. In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a body and a drive member for urging the apparatus through the tubular. The apparatus further includes at least two independent caliper assemblies capable of generating data representative of an interior surface of the tubular, wherein each caliper assembly includes an independent force sensor with a sensing member operatively attached thereto. In another aspect, a method for obtaining data in a tubular is provided. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for collecting data in a tubular is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Ian Stanley, Juergen Abendroth
  • Patent number: 6647637
    Abstract: A downhole caliper instrument utilizing a linear or arcuate magneto resistive sensor to determine the position of one or more caliper arms which extend from a carrier tool to touch the surface of a borehole wall. A processor and firmware are included to calculate and plot the borehole radius. A plurality of magneto resistive sensors are provided to calculate the sine, cosine and tangent for accurate motion of each independent arm. The magneto resistive sensors sense the position a precise magnetic ruler linked to the caliper arm. The position of the caliper arm determines the radius of the borehole. Calculation of Radius/Diameter is preferably performed in the computer on surface. The downhole controller's firmware controls the multiplexer switching, A/D conversion and other functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Helmut Lechen
  • Patent number: 6560889
    Abstract: A downhole caliper instrument utilizing a magneto resistive sensor to determine the position of a caliper arm which extends to touch the surface of the borehole wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Helmut Lechen