Buried Underground Or Submerged Under Water Patents (Class 343/719)
  • Patent number: 11567188
    Abstract: A method for forming 3D image data representative of the subsurface of infrastructure located in the vicinity of a moving vehicle. The method includes: rotating a directional antenna, mounted to the moving vehicle, about an antenna rotation axis; performing, using the directional antenna whilst it is rotated about the antenna rotation axis, a plurality of collection cycles in which the directional antenna emits RF energy and receives reflected RF energy; collecting, during each of the plurality of collection cycles performed by the directional antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: PBU (UK) LTD.
    Inventors: Anthony Gallagher, Alexander Robinson
  • Patent number: 11563273
    Abstract: Antenna having a housing (3), a core (1) and a coil (2), which is wound around the core (1), the core (1) with the coil (2) in a potting compound (5) being mounted in the housing (3), the potting compound (5) being softer than 40 Shore A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Schaffner EMV AG
    Inventors: Szymon Pasko, Stéphane Lebreton, Shemsi Musiqi, Luca Dalessandro
  • Patent number: 11349189
    Abstract: A configuration is adopted in which an antenna apparatus of an underground embedded type to be disposed below a cover includes an antenna element and installation base where the antenna element is installed and which includes a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting a distance from the antenna element up to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: NTT DOCOMO, INC.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kawano, Jun Andou, Hiroki Takahashi, Taku Yamazaki, Kensuke Miyachi
  • Patent number: 11264710
    Abstract: A mounting structure for protecting a transceiver located on an underside of a manhole cover is formed from a metal or rugged plastic in the shape of a truncated dome or cone with a sloping sidewall and a cavity configured to receive a transceiver, wherein the mounting structure is mountable to an underside of the manhole cover. A data communication system for an enclosure comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with a network outside of the enclosure and a mounting structure to mount the transceiver to an underside of the manhole cover. The mounting structure is configured to protect the transceiver from damage during removal of the manhole cover from the entrance port of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Steven E. Turch
  • Patent number: 11201395
    Abstract: A dual band antenna is configured for use with a power meter having a power meter housing. The dual band antenna includes a flexible polymeric substrate and an adhesive layer that is secured relative to the flexible polymeric substrate. A first conductive element is disposed relative to the flexible polymeric substrate and has a first electrical length. A second conductive element is disposed relative to the flexible polymeric substrate and has a second electrical length. The first electrical length and the second electrical length are substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kerrance Carpenter, Gang Wei
  • Patent number: 11152683
    Abstract: A dual band antenna (AN) configured for being position on a surface of a pit lid and capable of wireless signal transmission at two frequency bands in response to an electrical signal applied via a feed wire. A convex conductive surface, e.g. 5 dome-shaped, is placed above a conductive ground plane element, wherein at least a part of an edge, e.g. 20-40% of the edge, of the dome-shaped radiator element is in electrical contact with the conductive ground plane element. Further, the convex conductive surface is connected via the feed wire. This antenna design allows first and second resonance frequencies within a factor of such as 1.8-2.2, 10 which allows the antenna to be designed e.g. for both of the frequency bands 450-470 MHz and 902-928 MHz which are relevant for meter reading data and with smaller dimension than what could be expected from conventional antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Kamstrup A/S
    Inventors: Leonardo Azzinnari, Claus Jørgensen
  • Patent number: 10658798
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an electric meter assembly including a socket housing with a socket interface extending from a top side of the socket housing, and a removable or portable meter coupled to the socket interface. Further, the electric meter assembly includes at a strap coupled at one end to at least one side of the socket housing. The strap is configured and arranged to extend over at least a portion of the meter from one side of the socket to an opposite side of the socket. Some further embodiments include an electric meter assembly with a support platform including a coupled transformer and socket housing. The socket housing includes a socket interface extending from a top side of the socket housing, and a secondary housing enclosed within the socket housing. The secondary housing includes a CT shunt and a switch assembly including an actuator extending through the top side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Quoc Hoang, Alan Jones, Earle Davis, Young D Nguyen, Alex Yan, Shelley Williams
  • Patent number: 10498007
    Abstract: A loop antenna assembly is provided that can include a loop antenna with one of more magnet wires encased in a non-magnetic flexible sheath and mounted to a transceiver block that is mountable to a tool body, where the loop antenna can at least partially encircle the tool body. The loop antenna can include a plurality of magnet wires each individually encased in the sheath, with a metal adaptor attached to each end. The magnet wire can be coated with thin insulation, thin enamel insulation, and/or a polymer film. A plane of the loop antenna can be perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis or at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis. A non-magnetic locating ring positioned in the loop antenna assembly can secure the loop antenna of the assembly about the tool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Minh Dang Nguyen, Lay Wei Ang
  • Patent number: 10330507
    Abstract: A meter register is disclosed herein, the meter register having a register body and a face cap secured to a cup forming an internal cavity, the face cap is sealed to the register body, a microprocessor and an antenna to transmit radio waves that is electrically coupled to the microprocessor are both contained within the internal cavity. A self-contained power source is coupled to the antenna, and a sensor is coupled to the microprocessor and adapted to sense movement of water through a meter. The microprocessor, power source, and sensor are contained within the internal cavity, and the internal cavity is at a different pressure than atmospheric pressure, and environmentally separated from the external atmosphere such that the antenna transmits from the antenna meter volume measurements. A utility meter having the aforementioned meter register is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Arad Measuring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Winter
  • Patent number: 10256543
    Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a bobbin that provides a cylindrical body that defines an outer radial surface, an inner radial surface, and a central axis. One or more channels are defined on the outer radial surface, and each channel provides a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, a floor, and a pocket jointly defined by the first sidewall and the floor. A coil including one or more wires is wrapped about the bobbin and received within the one or more channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse K. Hensarling, Paul F. Rodney, James H. Cobb
  • Patent number: 10218074
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for downhole wired-pipe communication and/or power transmission. The system includes first and second couplers each comprising a dielectric substrate, an electric dipole arranged on the dielectric substrate, a dielectric encapsulation surrounding the dielectric substrate and the electric dipole, and an electric shield surrounding the dielectric encapsulation. In operation, the electric dipoles are adapted to exchange radiofrequency signals and/or electrical power at radiofrequencies with each other by means of near-field dipole-dipole interaction. The one or more electric dipoles may be of the quarter-wavelength dipole type or of the half-wavelength dipole type. In a first embodiment, the dielectric substrate may form a generally circular ring and the coupler may be adapted to be rotatably movable against another coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Manfred G. Prammer
  • Patent number: 10211543
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an antenna system for wireless communication of data. In one implementation, the system includes at least four horn antennas. Each horn antenna may have a three-layered cavity, and each layer may be filled with dielectric. The system may further include two microstrip line networks. The microstrip networks may be between two adjacent layered portions and configured to communicate with the horn antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Oppenlaender, Michael Wenzel, Alexander Moessinger, Michael Seifried, Christoph Haeussler, Alexander Friesch
  • Patent number: 10177432
    Abstract: A disclosed example embodiment includes an antenna assembly for use in a well logging system. The antenna assembly includes a flexible, non-conductive cylindrical core having an outer surface and an electrically conductive path positioned on the outer surface of the core. The electrically conductive path forms an electromagnetic coil operable to transmit or receive electromagnetic energy. The electrically conductive path is formed on the core without winding a wire around the core using, for example, a removal process selected from the group consisting of milling, machining, etching and laser removal, an additive process selected from the group consisting of printing with conductive and dielectric inks and silk screening with conductive and dielectric epoxies or an integrated material deposition process such as a multi-material 3D printing process. The antenna assembly may be flexible mounted on a tubular member during assembly of a well logging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Kevin Hensarling, Mark Anthony Sitka
  • Patent number: 10148016
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system having a polyrod antenna array. Beam steering can be performed according to a first subset of elements of the polyrod antenna array generating first electromagnetic waves with a first phase that is different from a second phase of the first electromagnetic waves being generated by a second subset of elements of the polyrod antenna array. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Shikik Johnson, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Patent number: 9882436
    Abstract: Aspects of return coupled wireless power transmission systems are described. In one embodiment, a system includes a guided surface waveguide probe including a charge terminal elevated at a height over a lossy conducting medium, a ground stake, and a feed network. The system further includes a conductor coupled to the ground stake that extends a distance away from the guided surface waveguide probe across the lossy conducting medium, and at least one guided surface wave receivers including a ground connection coupled to the conductor. The conductor can help to provide additional efficiency in power transfer between the guided surface waveguide probe and the guided surface wave receivers, especially when the operating frequency of the probe is in the medium, high, or very high frequency ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: CPG Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Corum, Kenneth L. Corum
  • Patent number: 9722326
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure may be directed to a reconfigurable antenna system including a reconfigurable antenna capable of providing various types of radiation patterns without having to be replaced or needing its orientation changed. The reconfigurable antenna may create various types of quasi-omni directional radiation patterns of different shapes depending on the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Nikolay Chistyakov, Scott Lynn Michaelis, Zoya Balter
  • Patent number: 9532118
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for an underground antenna structure for radiating through a dissipative medium, the antenna structure. The antenna structure includes a dielectric substrate, a feeding structure disposed on the substrate, and one or more electrical conductors. The one or more electrical conductors are disposed on the substrate, oriented, and buried within the dissipative medium. The electrical conductors are also adapted to radiate signals at a frequency in a half-space adjacent to the dissipative medium. The adaptation include a beamwidth state for one or more of the electrical conductors based at least in part on the relative permittivity of the dissipative medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: NUtech Ventures
    Inventors: Mehmet Vuran, Xin Dong, David Anthony
  • Patent number: 9425511
    Abstract: A coaxial feed horn including a dielectric substrate having at least one microstrip feed line deposited on a bottom surface of the substrate and a ground plane deposited on a top surface of the substrate. A cylindrical outer conductor is electrically coupled to the ground plane and an embedded conductor is coaxially positioned within the outer conductor, where the embedded conductor is in electrical contact with the microstrip line. A dielectric member is positioned within the outer conductor and includes a tapered portion extending out of the outer conductor at the aperture. In one embodiment, the dielectric member is a plurality of dielectric layers each having a different dielectric constant, where a first dielectric layer allows for propagation of a TE11 sum mode and a last dielectric layer is positioned proximate the antenna aperture and allows for propagation of a TE12 difference mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory P. Krishmar-Junker, Philip W. Hon, Arun K. Bhattacharyya
  • Patent number: 9322694
    Abstract: A meter register of the type having a sealed register body, and a member adapted to measure liquid flow through the meter and an antenna mounted within the register body is improved by providing a microprocessor adapted to have a calculated water meter maximum flow rate and a minimum flow rate defined as the meter flow rate range. The member co-acts with the microprocessor to determine flow rate, and the microprocessor is adapted to forward a signal to the antenna when the flow rate of the meter is outside, or within, the meter flow rate range, and the antenna transmits the signal to the water utility that the meter is not properly sized, or is properly sized, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Master Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Seehoffer, Jerry Potter
  • Patent number: 9110099
    Abstract: A downhole logging tool includes a tool body having a co-located set of antennas located on the tool body and first and second antennas formed from respective first and second pairs of coil windings having a closed-loop pattern. Both the first and second pair of coil windings are arranged on diametrically opposed antenna sections. A cylindrical shield is disposed over the co-located set of antennas and has a first set of vertical slots arranged interposed between each of the underlying antenna sections, a second set of vertical slots arranged over each of the underlying antenna sections, with each of the second set of vertical slots being perpendicular to a portion of the coil winding in the underlying antenna section, and a set of non-vertical slots arranged over each the underlying antenna sections. Each of non-vertical slots is perpendicular to a portion of the coil winding in the underlying antenna section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean M. Homan, Gerald N. Minerbo, Robert C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150102967
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater antenna device with a nonstationary antenna, an extension mechanism and a repositioning mechanism, wherein an extending force can be applied in a direction of the extending force by the extension mechanism of the antenna and an opposing force can be applied in a direction of the opposing force, in the opposite direction to the extending force by the repositioning mechanism of the antenna, characterized in that the repositioning mechanism or a part of the repositioning mechanism is designed as selectively nonstationary, so that, by selected changes to the position, the antenna can be positioned in a retracted position, an extended position or an intermediate position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Sonke Huckfeldt, Norbert Slotta
  • Patent number: 8917192
    Abstract: A portable terminal has a keypad. The portable terminal includes the keypad including a plurality of key buttons in a predetermined pattern and forming an antenna pattern by using devices connected to both ends of predetermined key buttons among the plurality of key buttons, a Radio Frequency (RF) communicator connected to signal lines of the predetermined key buttons of the keypad, a digital circuit for recognizing a signal input to the keypad, and a controller for controlling the keypad to be selectively switched to one of the digital circuit and the RF communicator according to a signal generated in a resonance frequency region of a particular service band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Chul Choi
  • Patent number: 8907680
    Abstract: A voltage detector for detecting a voltage generated in a second resonant coil that is disposed to face a first resonant coil and that performs at least one of electric power transmission and electric power reception to and from the first resonant coil in a contactless manner by means of electromagnetic resonance includes: a first high-impedance element having one end connected to one end of the second resonant coil; a second high-impedance element having one end connected to the other end of the second resonant coil; a low-impedance element connected between the other end of the first high-impedance element and the other end of the second high-impedance element and having an impedance smaller than each of those of the first and second high-impedance elements; and an output terminal for outputting a signal associated with a voltage applied across the low-impedance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sakakibara, Shinji Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20140327583
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a system for improving subterranean RF signal propagation. Embodiments comprise a redirecting antenna element which includes a redirecting conductive arrangement, a feed point, and a receiving antenna element which includes at least one or more planes. The redirecting antenna element and receiving antenna are arranged to create a redirection of the energy produced by the existing RF device. Further, the proposed invention will cause the radio signal from the original RF device to be redirected to an elliptical propagation pattern. This new elliptical propagation pattern will be elongated from the original RF propagation pattern along an axis perpendicular to the neighboring streets and thus cause it to be intersected by drive-by reading systems at a greater distance when they intersect this axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Travis Sparks, Michael L. Gregory, Jonathan Scott Ratliff
  • Publication number: 20140306853
    Abstract: An antenna for use in a downhole tubular. The antenna comprises a generally cylindrical housing and a coiled conductor located within a portion of the housing and separated therefrom by insulating material. The portion of housing has a greater internal diameter than an external diameter of the coiled conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Petrowell Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Purkis, Lain Morrison MacLeod
  • Patent number: 8842051
    Abstract: The invention is a buoyant cable antenna that is towed on the surface of a body of water by a submerged underwater vehicle to allow communication coverage in an omnidirectional pattern in the VHF frequency range and that is also compatible with existing buoyant cable antenna deployment and retrieval systems. The antenna of the present invention comprises a floating cable having four identical antenna elements that are arranged in a cross configuration. The antenna is designed with a system of four shielded inductor units connected in series with the antenna elements to reduce the losses to seawater by the submerged elements and to tune the exposed vertical element and its feed-cable capacitance to resonance which results in greatly increased radiated power at the design frequency of approximately 10-30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Paul M. Mileski
  • Patent number: 8810473
    Abstract: A non-penetrating antenna mounting system is provided. The system includes a frame, an antenna, and an airfoil. The frame is configured to retain ballast to secure the frame to a surface of a structure without penetrating the surface of the structure. The antenna is mounted on the frame. The airfoil is mounted on the frame and is oriented relative to the frame to impart a downforce on the frame when exposed to wind. The airfoil can be rotatably mounted on the frame. The system can also include a wind vane mounted to the airfoil, with the wind vane and the airfoil being configured to turn into the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jason Fruh
  • Patent number: 8783346
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an antenna having a conductive winding, with the antenna disposed about a channel. A characteristic improvement material is disposed between the antenna and the channel. In some embodiments, the characteristic improvement material includes at least one of a negative stiffness material or a negative Poisson's ratio material. Various systems and methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Reza Taherian, Henry N. Bachman
  • Patent number: 8786287
    Abstract: A logging tool for use in a borehole to obtain multicomponent resistivity induction measurements using collocated coils wherein each of the transverse antennas comprises a pair of mirror-image coils symmetrically disposed about an axis of the logging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonty A. Tabarovsky, Yuliy A. Dashevsky, Tatyana F. Polozova
  • Patent number: 8760355
    Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a buoyant cable antenna configured for both VLF/LF and HF signals. A 100 foot antenna element has a low-pass filter assembly positioned at the midpoint of the antenna element to block HF signals. The outboard tip of the antenna element is shorted. In this way, the antenna element appears as a 50 foot open circuit antenna element to HF signals and as a 100 foot shorted antenna element to VLF/LF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: David A. Tonn
  • Patent number: 8711045
    Abstract: An EM antenna for location on a pipe (10) surrounded by a casing (12). The antenna has a power source (21) for injecting a current across a first insulated section (25) of the pipe (10) and an electrode (22) for conducting the current from the pipe (10) to the casing (12). There is also a second insulated section (23) of the pipe arranged to operate together with the electrode (22) and first insulated section (25) for directing a path flow of the current. Such antennas are described both in relation to repeater arrangements as well as land and sea applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthe Contant, Erwann Lemenager, Yves Mathieu, Sylvain Chambon
  • Patent number: 8686909
    Abstract: A fringe-effect vault antenna includes a communications vault having a non-conductive cover disposed substantially at ground level. An antenna element is positioned in the communications vault. A metallic reflector has an edge, positioned substantially parallel to the ground, where the metallic reflector and the edge are configured to cause an edge diffraction, or “fringe-effect” upon the RF fields of the antenna to cause those RF fields to diffract in a direction toward the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: BelAir Networks Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Frank, Roland A. Smith, Dave Pell, Stephen Rayment
  • Patent number: 8674894
    Abstract: An antenna core design. An antenna assembly is provided for use in tracking and locating equipment used to track and locate tools with underground drilling systems. The antenna assembly comprises an elongate core, a plurality of metal strips supported on an external surface of the core, an insulating material adapted to insulate each of the plurality of metal strips from the other metal strips and the core, and a wire disposed around the external surface of the strips. Alternatively the antenna assembly comprises an elongate core, an insulating material disposed around a perimeter of the core, and a wire disposed around the insulating material. The core has a plurality of slots cut from one end of the core so that the core defines a plurality of metal strips. A support ring is disposed on the internal surface of the core to support the metal strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Harak, Sean A. McLain
  • Publication number: 20140005843
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an irrigation system comprising a surface wave launcher located predominantly underground and controlled by an electronic control system, and a surface wave receiver located underground and operatively coupled to an irrigation sprinkler. In operation, the surface wave launcher is activated by the electronic control system to, under predetermined conditions, transmit a surface wave signal. The surface wave signal is transmitted at a relatively low operating frequency and received by the surface wave receiver to activate the irrigation sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Pandeb Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Ian Thomas
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130328692
    Abstract: Methods, a system and antennas are provided for transmitting or receiving signals from a hydrocarbon production well. The well comprises a well bore formed in a formation, a production liner/tubing extending axially along the well bore, and an inductive coupling disposed around the liner/tubing. The liner tubing is electrically coupled to the formation at two axially separated locations and is electrically isolated from the formation between the locations. For transmitting, an alternating current signal to the inductive coupling to induce a current in the liner/tubing, the liner tubing forming a dipole antenna that generates an electromagnetic radiation signal propagating through the formation. For receiving, the dipole antenna is exposed to an electromagnetic radiation signal propagated through the formation which induces an alternating current signal in the tubing and the current signal is detected at the inductive coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventor: Kjetil Johannessen
  • Patent number: 8604986
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for propagating electromagnetic waves through impure water such as seawater or brackish water. The device comprises a body of polar material, for example pure water, contained in an enclosure, and an antenna arranged to emit an electromagnetic signal into the polar material. Excitation of dipoles in the polar material by the electromagnetic signal causes them to re-radiate the signal, which is thereby emitted into and relatively efficiently propagated through the water in which the device is submerged. The device offers the possibility of improved underwater communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: James Lucas
  • Patent number: 8602369
    Abstract: A bracket system and method to retrofit a subsurface water meter enclosure with a mount so as to provide secure positioning means suitable for components related to a water meter such as water-usage monitoring equipment. The system is only removable from the water meter enclosure via disassembling the water meter enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: David C. Rinaldi, John T. Amrein
  • Publication number: 20130321223
    Abstract: An underwater connector includes a first component and a second component, wherein the components are operable to be coupled together in operation in a first coupled state, and operable to be mutually spatially separated in a second uncoupled state. The first and second components each include communication arrangements which are operable to provide wireless communication between the first and second components when in their first coupled state. The first and second components include a power transfer arrangement for transmitting power between the first and second components. The power transfer arrangement includes inductive coupling devices and/or capacitive coupling devices, wherein the power transfer arrangement is implemented substantially as an annulus, for example circular, elliptical, or polygonal, on the first and second components together with the communication arrangements being disposed within the annulus and/or around a periphery of the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: WiSub AS
    Inventors: Mark Bokenfohr, Tomasz Ciamulski
  • Patent number: 8515343
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8497673
    Abstract: A logging while drilling tool includes a directional resistivity antenna and an antenna shield having. The shield has at least one slot having at least one electrically open end formed therein. The antenna shield may include a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart fingers extending away from the base portion such that the finger ends are electrically isolated from the tool body and from one another. The antenna shield may alternatively include a plurality of spaced apart plates that are electrically isolated from the tool body and from one another. These antenna shields have been found to provide suitable physical protection for sensitive antenna components while at the same time being substantially transparent to both z-mode and x-mode electromagnetic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tsili Wang, Jun Zhang, Jing Li, Stephen D Bonner
  • Patent number: 8466682
    Abstract: A directional resistivity tool includes a pair of transmitters deployed between at least one pair of receivers. Each of the transmitters and receivers preferably includes collocated z-mode and x-mode antennae. Exemplary embodiments may further include additional receivers, for example, additional pairs of receivers deployed axially about the transmitters or one or more deep reading receivers deployed on one axial end of the transmitters. Tools in accordance with the invention enable directional resistivity measurements to be acquired at multiple depths of investigation using fewer transmitter firings than conventional tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Tsili Wang
  • Patent number: 8462060
    Abstract: An embedded antenna for facilitating wireless transmission of utility meter data is disclosed, where in one embodiment an RF antenna is a part of the faceplate of the utility meter. In another embodiment the utility meter faceplate is a single-layer or a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with the RF antenna printed on any desired layer. Such faceplates may be labeled to be viewable from outside of the meter housing and/or have openings to accommodate visual access to an output display of the meter consumption information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Savage, Kirby K. Nelson, Michael D. Rock
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8446325
    Abstract: A hybrid cable antenna includes a first cable antenna that is buoyant and unloaded for operation in a lower portion of the high frequency band. At least one second cable antenna is serially and electrically coupled to the first cable antenna. Each second cable antenna is buoyant and loaded for operation in a portion of the high frequency band that is above the lower portion of the high frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: David A. Tonn
  • Publication number: 20130120199
    Abstract: A fringe-effect antenna module includes coupling structure configured to couple the module to a communications vault that is disposed substantially at ground level. A support structure (which preferably includes an electronics unit) is coupled to the coupling structure, and at least one antenna element is coupled to the support structure. A metallic deflector is coupled to at least one of (i) the coupling structure and (ii) the support structure. The metallic deflector has an edge that is positioned substantially parallel to the ground so as to cause a fringe effect upon the RF signals of the antenna to cause those RF signals to bend in a direction toward the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ERICSSON CANADA
    Inventors: PETER FRANK, ROLAND A. SMITH, DAVE PELL, STEPHEN RAYMENT, ALAIN J. BRAZEAU, TRIET LE
  • Patent number: 8396610
    Abstract: It is well known that tunnels in many cases have been proven as an efficient means to overcome counter trespassing means and enable hostile entities to infiltrate a boarder or other restricted area. There is provided a method and system for efficiently detecting and locating underground tunnels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaacov Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8385821
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8378908
    Abstract: An electromagnetic antenna for Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) applications is disclosed. The antenna can include several array elements that can act alone or together in various measurement modes. The antenna elements can be disposed in tool body recesses to be protected from damage. The antenna elements can include a ferrite plate crossed or looped by independent current carrying conductors in two or more directions forming a bi-directional or crossed magnetic dipole. Although disclosed as a MWD system conveyed by a drill string, basic concepts of the system are applicable to other types of borehole conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Macmillan M. Wisler, Larry W. Thompson, Jian-Qun Wu, Michael S. Spencer
  • Patent number: 8378842
    Abstract: A downhole tool string component has a through-bore intermediate first and second tool joints adapted for connection to adjacent tool string components. A blind-hole is formed in an outer surface of the component. A processing unit is also disposed within an outer surface of the component. An electrical device that is disposed within the component is in communication with the processing unit through an electrically or optically conductive medium which has a self-aligning pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jim Shumway, Brad Barger