Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080252535 | FOLDED-MONOPOLE WHIP ANTENNA, ASSOCIATED COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD - The folded-monopole whip antenna is for a portable wireless communication device having a portable housing and wireless communication circuitry carried thereby. The antenna includes a flexible antenna element extending outwardly from the housing and having a proximal end for coupling to the wireless communication circuitry and having a distal end spaced from the proximal end. The flexible antenna element may have first and second flexible elongate legs or whips extending parallel to one another. The first flexible elongate leg may have a proximal end defining a first antenna feedpoint to be coupled to the wireless communication circuitry, and the second flexible elongate leg may have a proximal end defining a second antenna feedpoint to be coupled to the portable housing. The first and second flexible elongate legs may have distal ends electrically coupled to one another. A dielectric layer may be fastened between the first and second flexible elongate legs. The folded-monopole whip antenna may provide a tactical military antenna for manpack radio requirements, with greater gain, smaller size and reduced visability at HF and VHF frequencies. It may use capacitor only matching across broad tunable bandwidths, and an elevated feedpoint for increased efficiency and RF safety. | 10-16-2008 |
20080309572 | BROADBAND PLANAR DIPOLE ANTENNA STRUCTURE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - An antenna structure includes an omnidirectional broadband planar dipole antenna including a first electrically conductive disc defining a first dipole antenna element, and a second electrically conductive disc defining a second dipole antenna element in parallel with and spaced apart from the first dipole antenna element. A dual-line antenna feed structure may be connected to the planar dipole antenna and includes a first conductor electrically connected to the first conductive disc adjacent a peripheral edge thereof, and a second conductor electrically connected to the second conductive disc adjacent a peripheral edge thereof. The planar antenna may provide vertical polarization transmission and reception, and it may not require a ground plane. The antenna may use printed circuit construction like microstrip patch antennas. Operation may provide a single band antenna of broad bandwidth, a multiple band antenna, or any combination thereof. Responses may include single, multiple, or the Chebyshev polynomial tuning. | 12-18-2008 |
20090174501 | ELECTRONICALLY VARIABLE INDUCTOR, ASSOCIATED TUNABLE FILTER AND METHODS - The electrically tunable inductive device includes an electromagnet including an electromagnet core and a bias or tuning coil cooperating therewith to define opposing magnetic poles for generating a quiescent magnetic field that may be varied. An inductor is tunable based upon the variable magnetic field and includes an inductor core having a toroidal shape and fixed at a position adjacent the opposing magnetic poles of the electromagnet, and an inductor or signal coil is around at least a portion of the inductor core. The electromagnet core may include a pair of opposing legs and a bight portion therebetween defining a horseshoe shape. The inductor core may be positioned between ends of the opposing legs of the electromagnet core, and the tuning coil may surround the bight portion of the electromagnet core. The electrically tunable inductive device may have the combination of fine precision, high speed and high power handling, useful for tunable RF filters. | 07-09-2009 |
20090267850 | CIRCULARLY POLARIZED LOOP REFLECTOR ANTENNA AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The antenna may include a planar reflector having a plurality of loop electrical conductors defining an array of parasitically drivable antenna elements, and a circularly polarized antenna feed spaced from the planar reflector to parasitically drive the array of parasitically drivable antenna elements and impart a traveling wave current distribution therein. The antenna may have properties that are hybrid between parabolic reflectors and driven arrays, providing a relatively compact circularly polarized antenna capable of having low wind load. Closed circuit or loop elements may provide increased gain over antennas using dipole turnstile reflector elements. | 10-29-2009 |
20090289865 | FOLDED CONICAL ANTENNA AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The conical monopole antenna includes a conical antenna element having an apex and a base, a conductive base member coupled across the base of the conical antenna element and a ground plane antenna element, e.g. a disc antenna element, adjacent the apex of the conical antenna element. A fold conductor is coupled between the conductive base member and the ground plane antenna element. The fold conductor may include at least one impedance element, such as a resistive element or inductive element. An antenna feed structure is coupled to the ground plane and conical antenna elements. The antenna may have reduced gain above a cutoff frequency being traded for low VSWR below the cutoff frequency to get increased usable bandwidth. The folded resistive termination is preferential to driving point attenuation and edge loading, and the conical monopole antenna provides low VSWR at most radio frequencies. | 11-26-2009 |
20090289866 | BROADBAND TERMINATED DISCONE ANTENNA AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The discone antenna is a small communication antenna with broad voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) bandwidth. The discone antenna includes a conical antenna element and a disc antenna element adjacent the apex thereof and including a proximal electrically conductive planar member and a spaced apart distal electrically conductive planar member being electrically connected together at respective peripheries thereof defining a folded ground plane. An antenna feed structure is coupled to the disc and conical antenna elements and includes a first conductor coupled to the proximal electrically conductive planar member, and a second conductor coupled to the conical antenna element and to the distal electrically conductive planar member. An impedance element, such as a resistor, may be connected between the second conductor and the distal electrically conductive planar member. | 11-26-2009 |
20100066627 | POLYHEDRAL ANTENNA AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The antenna includes an electrically conductive antenna body having a polyhedral shape with opposing first and second ends and a medial portion therebetween. The medial portion of the electrically conductive antenna body is wider than the opposing first and second ends thereof, and the electrically conductive antenna body has a slot therein extending from at least adjacent the first end to at least adjacent the second end. The polyhedral antenna has an omnidirectional pattern, is horizontally polarized and broad in bandwidth above a lower cutoff frequency. | 03-18-2010 |
20100097275 | LOOP ANTENNA INCLUDING IMPEDANCE TUNING GAP AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A loop antenna may include first and second electrical conductors arranged to define a circular shape with first and second spaced apart gaps therein. Opposing portions of the first and second electrical conductors at the first gap may define a signal feedpoint, and opposing portions of the first and second electrical conductors at the second gap may define an impedance tuning feature. The second gap may be circumferentially spaced from the first gap less than ninety degrees, and the second gap may be greater than the first gap to provide a predetermined impedance. A coaxial transmission line may form a feed inset into the loop conductor. The loop antenna may be planar and have a reduced size for ease of manufacture and use, and it may provide an isotropic radiating pattern at a predetermined operating frequency, which may avoid the need for antenna aiming. | 04-22-2010 |
20100201578 | HALF-LOOP CHIP ANTENNA AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The planar or printed chip antenna is configured to enhance the gain relative to its area. The antenna includes a dielectric substrate having first and second opposing sides and a plurality of electrically conductive traces thereon configured to define a half-loop antenna element extending along an arcuate path on a first side of the dielectric substrate and having spaced apart first and second ends. First and second base strips are electrically connected together and aligned on the respective first and second opposing sides of the dielectric substrate adjacent the spaced apart first and second ends of the half-loop antenna element. A feed strip is on the second side of the dielectric substrate and aligned with the first end of the half-loop antenna element and electrically connected thereto. At least one capacitive element is associated with the half-loop antenna element. | 08-12-2010 |
20100207829 | PLANAR SLOT ANTENNA HAVING MULTI-POLARIZATION CAPABILITY AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The antenna apparatus may include a planar, electrically conductive, slot antenna element having a geometrically shaped opening therein defining an inner perimeter, and a pair of spaced apart signal feedpoints along the inner perimeter separated by a distance of one quarter of the inner perimeter to impart a traveling wave current distribution. The inner perimeter of the planar, electrically conductive, slot antenna element may be equal to about one operating wavelength thereof. The antenna apparatus may provide at least one of linear, circular, dual linear and dual circular polarizations, and it may provide an in situ or conformal antenna for vehicles or aircraft. | 08-19-2010 |
20100207830 | PLANAR ANTENNA HAVING MULTI-POLARIZATION CAPABILITY AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The planar antenna apparatus may include a planar, electrically conductive, patch antenna element having a geometric shape defining an outer perimeter, and a pair of spaced apart signal feedpoints along the outer perimeter of the planar, electrically conductive, patch antenna element and separated by a distance of one quarter of the outer perimeter to impart a traveling wave current distribution. The outer perimeter of the planar, electrically conductive, patch antenna element may be equal to about one operating wavelength thereof. The apparatus may provide dual circular or dual linear polarization. The planar patch element may relate to a full wave loop antenna as a compliment. | 08-19-2010 |
20100214177 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS INCLUDING AN ANTENNA FOR WIRELESS POWER TRANSMISSION AND DATA COMMUNICATION AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The wireless communication system includes a first device, e.g. a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, having a wireless power transmitter, a first wireless data communications unit, and a first dual polarized loop antenna having isolated signal feedpoints along a first loop electrical conductor. The wireless power transmitter transmits a power signal having a first polarization, and the first wireless data communications unit communicates using a data signal having a second polarization. A second device, e.g. an RFID tag, includes a second dual polarized loop antenna. A second wireless data communications unit communicates with the first wireless data communications unit of the first device using the data signal having the second polarization. A wireless power receiver receives the power signal having the first polarization from the wireless power transmitter of the first device, and provides power for the second device. | 08-26-2010 |
20100218940 | IN SITU LOOP ANTENNA ARRAYS FOR SUBSURFACE HYDROCARBON HEATING - An array of loop antennas for a heating subsurface formation by emission of RF energy and a method of heating a subsurface formation by an array of subsurface loop antennas is disclosed. The antennas are approximate loops and are positioned in proximity to adjacent loops. The antennas are driven by RF energy. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219105 | RF HEATING TO REDUCE THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL WATER ADDED IN THE RECOVERY OF UNCONVENTIONAL OIL - Equipment and a process for separating bitumen from oil sand in a process stream are disclosed. The equipment includes several processing vessels and one or more local area radio frequency applicators to selectively heat the process stream in local areas of the equipment. The local area can be adjacent to an input or output of a component of the equipment. Also disclosed is equipment for processing an oil sand—water slurry, including a slurrying vessel, a slurry pipe, and a local area radio frequency applicator. The local area radio frequency applicator is located outside of the slurry pipe, and heats the local area without significantly heating the contents of the slurrying vessel or of the downstream portion of the slurry pipe. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219107 | RADIO FREQUENCY HEATING OF PETROLEUM ORE BY PARTICLE SUSCEPTORS - A method for heating materials by application of radio frequency (“RF”) energy is disclosed. For example, the disclosure concerns a method for RF heating of petroleum ore, such as bitumen, oil sands, oil shale, tar sands, or heavy oil. Petroleum ore is mixed with a substance comprising susceptor particles that absorb RF energy. A source is provided which applies RF energy to the mixture of a power and frequency sufficient to heat the susceptor particles. The RF energy is applied for a sufficient time to allow the susceptor particles to heat the mixture to an average temperature greater than about 212° F. (100° C.). Optionally, the susceptor particles can be removed from the mixture after the desired average temperature has been achieved. The susceptor particles may provide for anhydrous processing, and temperatures sufficient for cracking, distillation, or pyrolysis. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219108 | CARBON STRAND RADIO FREQUENCY HEATING SUSCEPTOR - A method for heating materials by application of radio frequency (“RF”) energy is disclosed. For example, the disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for RF heating of petroleum ore, such as bitumen, oil sands, oil shale, tar sands, or heavy oil. Petroleum ore is mixed with a substance comprising mini-dipole susceptors such as carbon strands. A source is provided which applies RF energy to the mixture of a power and frequency sufficient to heat the mini-dipole susceptors. The RF energy is applied for a sufficient time to allow the mini-dipole susceptors to heat the mixture to an average temperature greater than about 212° F. (100° C.). Optionally, the mini-dipole susceptors can be removed after the desired average temperature has been achieved. The susceptors may provide advantages for the RF heating of hydrocarbons, such as higher temperatures (sufficient for distillation or pyrolysis), anhydrous processing, and greater speed or efficiency. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219182 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEATING MATERIAL BY ADJUSTABLE MODE RF HEATING ANTENNA ARRAY - An apparatus for heating a material that is susceptible to RF heating by an RF antenna array. The apparatus includes a source of RF power connected to an antenna array having a plurality of loop antenna sections connected to each other by dipole antenna sections wherein the loop antenna sections and dipole antenna sections create a magnetic near field and an electric near field such that the ratio of magnetic field strength to electric field strength is approximately a predetermined value. Material is heated by the apparatus by placing the material in the near fields of the antenna array and creating magnetic near fields and electric near fields that approximate a ratio that is predetermined to efficiently heat the material and connecting the antenna array to an RF power source. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219184 | APPLICATOR AND METHOD FOR RF HEATING OF MATERIAL - A radio frequency heater is disclosed including a vessel for containing material to be heated and a radio frequency radiating surface. The vessel has a wall defining a reservoir. The radio frequency radiating surface at least partially surrounds the reservoir. The radiating surface includes two or more circumferentially spaced petals that are electrically isolated from other petals. The petals are positioned to irradiate at least a portion of the reservoir, and are adapted for connection to a source of radio frequency alternating current. A generally conical tank or tank segment having a conically wound radio frequency applicator is also contemplated. Also, a method of heating an oil-water process stream is disclosed. In this method a radio frequency heater and an oil-water process stream are provided. The process stream is irradiated with the heater, thus heating the water phase of the process stream. | 09-02-2010 |
20100223011 | REFLECTOMETRY REAL TIME REMOTE SENSING FOR IN SITU HYDROCARBON PROCESSING - A method and apparatus for sensing conditions in a subsurface geologic formation heated for the extraction of hydrocarbons is disclosed. A time domain reflectometer in conjunction with an open wire transmission line is employed in real time to determine impedance discontinuities in the geologic formation. These impedance discontinuities correspond to physical conditions in the geologic formation. The open wire transmission line can include pipes running into the subsurface geologic formation or other conductors, including a split tube well casing. The method may operate in the low frequency window for subsurface electromagnetic propagation. | 09-02-2010 |
20110121822 | PLANAR COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA HAVING AN EPICYCLIC STRUCTURE AND ISOTROPIC RADIATION, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The antenna device includes an electrical conductor extending on a substrate and having at least one gap therein, and with an outer ring portion to define a radiating antenna element, and at least one inner ring portion to define a feed coupler and connected in series with the outer ring portion and extending within the outer ring portion. A coupling feed element is adjacent the at least one inner ring portion, and a feed structure is connected to the coupling feed element to feed the outer ring portion. A plurality of inner ring portions may be provided with the coupling feed element being adjacent a selected one of the plurality of inner ring portions. The plurality of inner ring portions may have a common size and be symmetrically spaced within the outer ring portion. The radiation pattern may be sufficiently isotropic to eliminate the need for antenna aiming. An epicyclic geometry radiating element provides for a compound antenna design. | 05-26-2011 |
20110309988 | CONTINUOUS DIPOLE ANTENNA - A dipole antenna may be created by surrounding a portion of the continuous conductor with a nonconductive magnetic bead, and then applying a power source to the continuous conductor across the nonconductive magnetic bead. The nonconductive magnetic bead creates a driving discontinuity without requiring a break or gap in the conductor. The power source may be connected or applied to the continuous conductor using a variety of preferably shielded configurations, including a coaxial or twin-axial inset or offset feed, a triaxial inset feed, or a diaxial offset feed. A second nonconductive magnetic bead may be positioned to surround a second portion of the continuous conductor to effectively create two nearly equal length dipole antenna sections on either side of the first nonconductive magnetic bead. The nonconductive magnetic beads may be comprised of various nonconductive magnetic materials, and preformed for installation around the conductor, or injected around the conductor in subsurface applications. Electromagnetic heating of hydrocarbon ores may be accomplished. | 12-22-2011 |
20110309990 | DIAXIAL POWER TRANSMISSION LINE FOR CONTINUOUS DIPOLE ANTENNA - A dipole antenna may be created by surrounding a portion of the continuous conductor with a nonconductive magnetic bead, and then applying a power source to the continuous conductor across the nonconductive magnetic bead. The nonconductive magnetic bead creates a driving discontinuity without requiring a break or gap in the conductor. The power source may be connected or applied to the continuous conductor using a variety of preferably shielded configurations, including a coaxial or twin-axial inset or offset feed, a triaxial inset feed, or a diaxial offset feed. A second nonconductive magnetic bead may be positioned to surround a second portion of the continuous conductor to effectively create two nearly equal length dipole antenna sections on either side of the first nonconductive magnetic bead. The nonconductive magnetic beads may be comprised of various nonconductive magnetic materials, and preformed for installation around the conductor, or injected around the conductor in subsurface applications. Electromagnetic heating of hydrocarbon ores may be accomplished. | 12-22-2011 |
20110316285 | WIND TURBINE PROVIDING REDUCED RADIO FREQUENCY INTERACTION AND RELATED METHODS - A wind turbine electrical generator may include a monopole tower extending upwardly from ground level. The wind turbine electrical generator may also include an electrical power generator carried by an upper end of the monopole tower and may include a horizontally extending drive shaft. The wind turbine electrical generator may further include a plurality of wind-driven blades carried by the horizontally extending drive shaft. The monopole tower may have an outer surface with a vertically extending outer corner therein defining a pair of adjacent vertical facets. The monopole tower may be positioned with the vertically extending outer corner aligned with the land-based radar site so that the pair of adjacent vertical facets reflects radar illumination away from the radar site to reduce an amount of the radar illumination reflected back to the land-based radar site. | 12-29-2011 |
20120012575 | Radio Frequency Heating Fork - An apparatus for heating a target comprises a radio frequency heating fork having two substantially parallel tines, the substantially parallel tines electrically connected at a loop end of the radio frequency heating fork, and the substantially parallel tines separated at an open end of the radio frequency heating fork, and a feed coupler connection, the feed coupler connection connecting a power source across the substantially parallel tines of the radio frequency heating fork. The application of power across the substantially parallel tines of the radio frequency heating fork results in induction heating near the loop end of the radio frequency heating fork, and dielectric heating near the open end of the radio frequency tuning fork. A target can be positioned relative to the heating fork to select the most efficient heating method. The heating fork can provide near fields at low frequencies for deep heat penetration. | 01-19-2012 |
20120018140 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEATING OF HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS BY AXIAL RF COUPLER - An apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon deposit that is susceptible to RF heating by coupling a linear conductive element that extends into the material to a source of RF power. The apparatus includes a source of RF power connected to driving winding that extends around a magnetic core loop and the magnetic core loop extends around the RF conductive linear element. One or more apparatus may be used to couple RF energy to conductive elements that extend into a hydrocarbon deposit to achieve a desired RF current within the element. RF energy may be coupled to conductive elements that are adjacent to each other within a hydrocarbon deposit to create a desired region of heating within the hydrocarbon deposit. The magnetic core loop may start and stop the RF energy to position heating. | 01-26-2012 |
20120026067 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING SOLAR CELL ANTENNA ELEMENT AND RELATED METHODS - An antenna may include a ground plane and a solar cell spaced above the ground plane. The solar cell may have first and second power output terminals. The antenna may include a coaxial antenna feed line including an inner conductor coupled to the first power output terminal, and an outer conductor coupled to the ground plane so that the solar cell also serves as a patch antenna element. The antenna may further include a drive shunt conductor extending between the first terminal and the ground plane. | 02-02-2012 |
20120061380 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEATING OF HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS BY RF DRIVEN COAXIAL SLEEVE - An apparatus for radiating RF energy from a well structure that provides a circuit through which RF power may be driven to heat a hydrocarbon deposit that is susceptible to RF heating. The apparatus includes a source of RF power connected at one connection to a conductive linear element, such as a well bore pipe, and at a second connection to a conductive sleeve that surrounds and extends along the linear conductive element. The sleeve extends along the linear conductive element to a location between the connection of the source of RF energy to the linear conductive element and an end of the linear conductive element where the sleeve is conductively joined near to the linear conductive element. The apparatus may include a transmission section that extends from a geologic surface to connect to a radiating apparatus according to the invention. | 03-15-2012 |
20120061383 | LITZ HEATING ANTENNA - An electromagnetic heating applicator is disclosed. The applicator includes a first strand and a second strand, each of which has an insulated portion, a bare portion, and is made up of at least one wire. The first and second strands are braided, twisted, or both braided and twisted together such that the bare portion of each strand is adjacent to the insulated portion of the other strand. A system and method for heating a geological formation are also disclosed. The system includes an applicator in a bore that extends into a formation, an extraction bore connected to a pump and positioned under the first bore, and transmitting equipment connected to the applicator. The method includes the steps of providing the components of the system, connecting the applicator to RF power transmitting equipment, applying RF power to the applicator using the transmitting equipment, and pumping hydrocarbons out of the extraction bore. | 03-15-2012 |
20120067572 | RADIO FREQUENCY ENHANCED STEAM ASSISTED GRAVITY DRAINAGE METHOD FOR RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBONS - A method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. A radio frequency applicator is positioned to provide radiation within the hydrocarbon formation. A first signal sufficient to heat the hydrocarbon formation through electric current is applied to the applicator. A second or alternate frequency signal is then applied to the applicator that is sufficient to pass through the desiccated zone and heat the hydrocarbon formation through electric or magnetic fields. A method for efficiently creating electricity and steam for heating a hydrocarbon formation is also disclosed. An electric generator, steam generator, and a regenerator containing water are provided. The electric generator is run. The heat created from running the electric generator is fed into the regenerator causing the water to be preheated. The preheated water is then fed into the steam generator. The RF energy from power lines or from an on site electric generator and steam that is harvested from the generator or provided separately are supplied to a reservoir as a process to recover hydrocarbons. | 03-22-2012 |
20120067580 | RADIO FREQUENCY HEAT APPLICATOR FOR INCREASED HEAVY OIL RECOVERY - A radio frequency applicator and method for heating a geological formation is disclosed. A radio frequency source configured to apply a differential mode signal is connected to a coaxial conductor including an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through one or more metal jumpers. One or more current chokes, such as a common mode choke or antenna balun, are installed around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation. The outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe can be traditional well pipes for extracting hydrocarbons, such as a steam pipe and an extraction pipe of a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) system. An apparatus and method for installing a current choke are also disclosed. | 03-22-2012 |
20120085533 | CYCLIC STEAM STIMULATION USING RF - A method of producing hydrocarbons from a well. The method begins by injecting steam into a well. The bitumen in the formation is then heated with the injected steam, followed by ceasing the injection of steam into the well and then by soaking the bitumen with the injected steam and collecting the heated oil. Steam that has condensed is revaporized by directing RF/MW radiation to the steam allowing for more bitumen to be produced without injecting more steam. In addition, some of the steam could become superheated, wherein the temperature of the superheated steam is greater than the temperature of the steam. The bitumen is heated by the revaporized steam and the superheated steam, followed by soaking the bitumen with the revaporized steam and the superheated steam. Hydrocarbons are then produced from the well. | 04-12-2012 |
20120090844 | SIMULTANEOUS CONVERSION AND RECOVERY OF BITUMEN USING RF - The present invention provides a method of producing upgraded hydrocarbons in-situ from a production well. The method begins by operating a subsurface recovery of hydrocarbons with a production well. An RF absorbent material is heated by at least one RF emitter and used as a heated RF absorbent material, which in turn heats the hydrocarbons to be produced. Hydrocarbons are upgraded in-situ and then produced from the production well. | 04-19-2012 |
20120097578 | RF HEATING TO REDUCE THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL WATER ADDED IN THE RECOVERY OF UNCONVENTIONAL OIL - Equipment and a process for separating bitumen from oil sand in a process stream are described. The equipment includes several processing vessels and one or more local area radio frequency applicators to selectively heat the process stream in local areas of the equipment. The local area can be adjacent to an input or output of a component of the equipment. Also described is equipment for processing an oil sand—water slurry, including a slurrying vessel, a slurry pipe, and a local area radio frequency applicator. The local area radio frequency applicator is located outside of the slurry pipe, and heats the local area without significantly heating the contents of the slurrying vessel or of the downstream portion of the slurry pipe. | 04-26-2012 |
20120112464 | WIND TURBINE PROVIDING REDUCED RADIO FREQUENCY INTERACTION AND RELATED METHODS - A wind turbine electrical generator may include a monopole tower extending upwardly from ground level. The wind turbine electrical generator may also include an electrical power generator carried by an upper end of the monopole tower and may include a horizontally extending drive shaft. The wind turbine electrical generator may further include a plurality of wind-driven blades carried by the horizontally extending drive shaft. The monopole tower may have an outer surface with a vertically extending outer corner therein defining a pair of adjacent vertical facets. The monopole tower may be positioned with the vertically extending outer corner aligned with the land-based radar site so that the pair of adjacent vertical facets reflects radar illumination away from the radar site to reduce an amount of the radar illumination reflected back to the land-based radar site. | 05-10-2012 |
20120125607 | PARALLEL FED WELL ANTENNA ARRAY FOR INCREASED HEAVY OIL RECOVERY - A parallel fed well antenna array and method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. An aspect of at least one embodiment is a parallel fed well antenna array. It includes an electrically conductive pipe having radiating segments and insulator segments. It also includes a two conductor shielded electrical cable where the shield has discontinuities such that the first conductor and the second conductor are exposed. The first conductor is electrically connected to the conductive pipe and the second conductor is electrically connected to the shield of the electrical cable just beyond an insulator segment of the conductive well pipe A radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the electrical cable. | 05-24-2012 |
20120125608 | TWINAXIAL LINEAR INDUCTION ANTENNA ARRAY FOR INCREASED HEAVY OIL RECOVERY - A radio frequency applicator and method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. An aspect of at least one embodiment disclosed is a linear radio frequency applicator. It includes a transmission line and a current return path that is insulated from the transmission line. At least one conductive sleeve is positioned around the transmission line and the current return path. The transmission line and the current return path are electrically connected to the conductive sleeve. A radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the transmission line. When the linear applicator is operated, a circular magnetic field forms, which creates eddy current in the formation causing heavy hydrocarbons to flow. The heat is reliable as liquid water contact is not required. The applicator may operate in permafrost regions and without caprock. | 05-24-2012 |
20120125609 | TRIAXIAL LINEAR INDUCTION ANTENNA ARRAY FOR INCREASED HEAVY OIL RECOVERY - A radio frequency applicator and method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. An aspect of at least one embodiment disclosed is a linear radio frequency (RF) applicator. It includes a transmission line and a current return path that is insulated from the transmission line and surrounds the transmission line to create a coaxial conductor. At least one conductive sleeve is positioned around the transmission line and the current return path. The transmission line and the current return path are electrically connected to the conductive sleeve. A radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the transmission line. When the linear applicator is operated, a circular magnetic field forms, which creates eddy current in the formation causing heavy hydrocarbons to flow. The applicator provides enhanced oil recovery where steam may not be used. | 05-24-2012 |
20120160827 | CARBON STRAND RADIO FREQUENCY HEATING SUSCEPTOR - A method for heating materials by application of radio frequency (“RF”) energy is disclosed. For example, the disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for RF heating of petroleum ore, such as bitumen, oil sands, oil shale, tar sands, or heavy oil. Petroleum ore is mixed with a substance comprising mini-dipole susceptors such as carbon strands. A source is provided which applies RF energy to the mixture of a power and frequency sufficient to heat the mini-dipole susceptors. The RF energy is applied for a sufficient time to allow the mini-dipole susceptors to heat the mixture to an average temperature greater than about 212° F. (100° C.). Optionally, the mini-dipole susceptors can be removed after the desired average temperature has been achieved. The susceptors may provide advantages for the RF heating of hydrocarbons, such as higher temperatures (sufficient for distillation or pyrolysis), anhydrous processing, and greater speed or efficiency. | 06-28-2012 |
20120182185 | COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE AND TRACKING DEVICE WITH SLOTTED ANTENNA AND RELATED METHODS - A communications device may include an electrically conductive antenna layer having a slotted opening therein extending from a medial portion and opening outwardly to a perimeter thereof, the electrically conductive antenna layer including antenna feed points. The communications device may include a first dielectric layer adjacent the electrically conductive antenna layer, an electrically conductive passive antenna tuning member adjacent the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer adjacent the electrically conductive passive antenna tuning member, circuitry adjacent the second dielectric layer, and electrically conductive vias extending through the first and second dielectric layers and coupling the circuitry and the antenna feed points. | 07-19-2012 |
20120234536 | ENHANCED RECOVERY AND IN SITU UPGRADING USING RF - A method for heating heavy oil inside a production well. The method raises the subsurface temperature of heavy oil by utilizing an activator that has been injected below the surface. The activator is then excited with a generated non-microwave frequency from 0.1 MHz to 300 MHz such that the excited activator heats the heavy oil. | 09-20-2012 |
20120247945 | Hydrocarbon cracking antenna - An aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention is a device for cracking heavy hydrocarbons. A linear applicator is positioned within heavy oil containing aromatic molecules. A radio frequency electrical current source is electrically connected to the applicator at a first connection point and a second connection point to create a closed electrical loop. The radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the applicator that is sufficient to create a magnetic field and an electric field relative to the axis of the linear applicator. The device also includes a chamber positioned around the applicator generally between the first connection point and the second connection point to concentrate the magnetic field within a region surrounding the applicator and containing the heavy hydrocarbons. | 10-04-2012 |
20120249396 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE INCLUDING SIDE-BY-SIDE PASSIVE LOOP ANTENNAS AND RELATED METHODS - A wireless communications device may include a housing, and wireless communications circuitry carried by the housing. The wireless communications device may also include an antenna assembly carried by the housing and coupled to the wireless communications circuitry. The antenna assembly may include a substrate and a plurality of passive loop antennas carried by the substrate and arranged in side-by-side relation. Each of the plurality of spaced apart passive loop antennas may include a passive loop conductor and a tuning element coupled thereto. The antenna assembly may also include an active loop antenna carried by the substrate and arranged to be at least partially coextensive with each of the plurality of passive loop antennas. The active loop antenna may include an active loop conductor and a pair of feedpoints defined therein. | 10-04-2012 |
20120287002 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING A PATCH ANTENNA AND VISUAL DISPLAY LAYER AND RELATED METHODS - An electronic device may include a substrate and a stacked arrangement of layers thereon. The stacked arrangement of layers may include a visual display layer, and a patch antenna above the visual display layer. The patch antenna may include an optically transmissive electrically conductive mesh. | 11-15-2012 |
20120287017 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE MESH LAYER PATCH ANTENNA AND RELATED METHODS - An electronic device may include a substrate, and a patch antenna carried by the substrate. The patch antenna may include an electrically conductive mesh layer having a perimeter defined by perimeter segments including at least one pair of arcuate perimeter segments with a cusp therebetween. The patch antenna may also include at least one antenna feed coupled to the patch antenna. | 11-15-2012 |
20120287018 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING A PATCH ANTENNA AND PHOTOVOLTAIC LAYER AND RELATED METHODS - An electronic device may include a substrate and a stacked arrangement of layers thereon. The stacked arrangement of layers may include a photovoltaic layer above the substrate, and an antenna ground plane above the photovoltaic layer. The antenna ground plane may include a first electrically conductive mesh layer being optically transmissive. The stacked arrangement of layers may further include a patch antenna above the photovoltaic layer and may include a second electrically conductive mesh layer being optically transmissive. | 11-15-2012 |
20120318498 | Electromagnetic Heat Treatment Providing Enhanced Oil Recovery - A method for using RF energy to facilitate the production of oil from formations separated from the RF energy source by a rock stratum comprises operating an antenna to transmit RF energy into a hydrocarbon formation, the hydrocarbon formation comprised of a first hydrocarbon portion above and adjacent to the antenna, a second hydrocarbon portion above the first hydrocarbon portion, and a rock stratum between the first hydrocarbon portion and the second hydrocarbon portion. The operation of the antenna heats water in the hydrocarbon formation to produce steam in the hydrocarbon formation, and the steam heats hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon formation and fractures the rock stratum to produce fissures in the rock stratum. The heated hydrocarbons in the second hydrocarbon portion flows into the first hydrocarbon portion through the fissures in the rock stratum. | 12-20-2012 |
20130037262 | HYDROCARBON RESOURCE PROCESSING DEVICE INCLUDING RADIO FREQUENCY APPLICATOR AND RELATED METHODS - A hydrocarbon resource processing device may include a radio frequency (RF) source and an RF applicator coupled to the RF source. The RF applicator may include a base member being electrically conductive, and first and second elongate members being electrically conductive and having proximal ends coupled to the base member and extending outwardly therefrom in a generally parallel spaced apart relation. The first and second elongate members may have distal ends configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therebetween. In another embodiment, the RF applicator may include an enclosure being electrically conductive and having a passageway therethrough to accommodate a flow of the hydrocarbon resource and a divider being electrically conductive and positioned within the enclosure. | 02-14-2013 |
20130048277 | METHOD FOR HYDROCARBON RESOURCE RECOVERY INCLUDING ACTUATOR OPERATED POSITIONING OF AN RF APPLICATOR AND RELATED APPARATUS - A method of hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation may include forming a plurality of spaced apart injector/producer well pairs in the subterranean formation. Each injector/producer well pair may include a laterally extending producer well and a laterally extending injector well spaced thereabove. The method may include forming an intermediate well adjacent a given injector/producer well pair, and operating a positioning actuator to position a radio frequency (RF) applicator coupled to the positioning actuator to at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well. The method may further include supplying RF energy to the RF applicator at the at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well to selectively heat at least one corresponding portion of the subterranean formation adjacent the given injector/producer well pair. The method may also include recovering hydrocarbon resources from the plurality of injector/producer well pairs including the given injector/producer well pair. | 02-28-2013 |
20130048278 | METHOD FOR HYDROCARBON RESOURCE RECOVERY BY REPAIRING A FAILED HYDROCARBON RECOVERY ARRANGEMENT - A method of hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation may include forming a plurality of spaced apart injector/producer well pairs in the subterranean formation, each injector/producer well pair including a laterally extending producer well, and a laterally extending injector well spaced thereabove. The method may include determining a failed injector/producer well pair from among the plurality thereof. The method may further include repairing the failed injector/producer well pair by at least forming a repair well adjacent the failed injector/producer well pair, and applying radio frequency (RF) heating from the repair well to the subterranean formation adjacent the failed injector/producer well pair. The method may further include recovering hydrocarbon resources from the plurality of injector/producer well pairs including the repaired injector/producer well. | 02-28-2013 |
20130048297 | METHOD FOR HYDROCARBON RESOURCE RECOVERY INCLUDING ACTUATOR OPERATED POSITIONING OF AN RF SENSOR AND RELATED APPARATUS - A method of hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation may include forming a plurality of spaced apart injector/producer well pairs in the subterranean formation. Each injector/producer well pair may include a laterally extending producer well and a laterally extending injector well spaced thereabove. The method may include forming an intermediate well adjacent a given injector/producer well pair, and operating a positioning actuator to position a radio frequency (RF) sensor coupled to the positioning actuator to at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well. The method may further include operating the RF sensor at the at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well to selectively sense at least one corresponding portion of the subterranean formation adjacent the given injector/producer well pair. The method may also include recovering hydrocarbon resources from the plurality of injector/producer well pairs including the given injector/producer well pair. | 02-28-2013 |
20130096039 | CARBON STRAND RADIO FREQUENCY HEATING SUSCEPTOR - A method for heating materials by application of radio frequency (“RF”) energy is disclosed. For example, the disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for RF heating of petroleum ore, such as bitumen, oil sands, oil shale, tar sands, or heavy oil. Petroleum ore is mixed with a substance comprising mini-dipole susceptors such as carbon strands. A source is provided which applies RF energy to the mixture of a power and frequency sufficient to heat the mini-dipole susceptors. The RF energy is applied for a sufficient time to allow the mini-dipole susceptors to heat the mixture to an average temperature greater than about 212° F. (100° C.). Optionally, the mini-dipole susceptors can be removed after the desired average temperature has been achieved. The susceptors may provide advantages for the RF heating of hydrocarbons, such as higher temperatures (sufficient for distillation or pyrolysis), anhydrous processing, and greater speed or efficiency. | 04-18-2013 |
20130105155 | METHOD OF PROCESSING A HYDROCARBON RESOURCE INCLUDING SUPPLYING RF ENERGY USING AN EXTENDED WELL PORTION | 05-02-2013 |
20130180885 | HYDROCARBON RESOURCE PROCESSING DEVICE INCLUDING SPIRALLY WOUND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND RELATED METHODS - A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a first spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container and coupled to the RF source. The device may further include a second spirally wound electrical conductor carried within the hydrocarbon processing container. The first spirally wound electrical conductor may be configured to generate magnetic fields with the hydrocarbon processing container that are parallel with an axis thereof. | 07-18-2013 |
20130180889 | HYDROCARBON RESOURCE PROCESSING APPARATUS INCLUDING A LOAD RESONANCE TRACKING CIRCUIT AND RELATED METHODS - A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container, and a radio frequency (RF) circuit coupled to the spirally wound electrical conductor and configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resource while tracking a load resonance of the RF circuit. The RF circuit may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the hydrocarbon processing container parallel with an axis thereof. | 07-18-2013 |
20130180890 | HYDROCARBON RESOURCE PROCESSING DEVICE INCLUDING SPIRALLY WOUND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR AND RELATED METHODS - A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container and coupled to the RF source. The spirally wound electrical conductor may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the hydrocarbon processing container that are parallel with an axis thereof. | 07-18-2013 |
20130180980 | ELECTROMAGNETIC OVEN INCLUDING SPIRALLY WOUND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR AND RELATED METHODS - An electromagnetic oven may include a housing and a food heating chamber carried by the housing. The food heating chamber may have a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The electromagnetic oven may include a radio frequency (RF) source carried by the housing, and a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the food heating chamber and coupled to the RF source. The spirally wound electrical conductor may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the food heating chamber that are parallel with an axis thereof. | 07-18-2013 |
20130183417 | FOOD PASTEURIZATION DEVICE INCLUDING SPIRALLY WOUND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR AND RELATED METHODS - A food pasteurization device may include a food pasteurization chamber having a pair of opposing first and second ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween, and a first electrically conductive layer adjacent the first opposing end of the food pasteurization chamber. The food pasteurization device may also include a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the food pasteurization chamber and coupled to the first electrically conductive layer. A radio frequency (RF) source may be coupled to the spirally wound electrical conductor. | 07-18-2013 |
20130192825 | HYDROCARBON RESOURCE HEATING APPARATUS INCLUDING UPPER AND LOWER WELLBORE RF RADIATORS AND RELATED METHODS - A device for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having at least one pair of laterally extending upper and lower wellbores therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source. The device may also include an upper wellbore RF radiator to be positioned in the laterally extending upper wellbore and including a plurality of first terminals. The device may further include a lower wellbore RF radiator to be positioned in the laterally extending lower wellbore and comprising a plurality of second terminals. The device may also include an interconnection arrangement configured to couple the RF source and the first and second terminals so that at least one of the upper and lower wellbore RF radiators heat the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation. | 08-01-2013 |
20130201065 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE HAVING LOOP ANTENNA WITH FOUR SPACED APART COUPLING POINTS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A wireless communications device includes wireless communications circuitry and an antenna coupled to the wireless communications circuitry. The antenna includes a loop electrical conductor having four spaced apart gaps therein defining four respective spaced apart coupling points, and a feed assembly. The feed assembly includes at least one antenna feed, and four signal feed lines, each signal feed line coupled between the at least one antenna feed and a respective one of the four coupling points. The antenna may provide linear polarization, circular polarization, and dual polarization. | 08-08-2013 |
20130201066 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE HAVING LOOP ANTENNA WITH FOUR SPACED APART COUPLING POINTS AND REFLECTOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A wireless communications device may include wireless communications circuitry and an antenna coupled to the wireless communications circuitry. The antenna may include a loop electrical conductor having four spaced apart gaps therein defining four respective spaced apart coupling points, and a feed assembly. The feed assembly may include at least one antenna feed, and a feed network coupled between the at least one antenna feed and the four coupling points. The antenna may also include a reflector surrounding the loop electrical conductor. | 08-08-2013 |
20130201070 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE HAVING LOOP WAVEGUIDE TRANSDUCER WITH SPACED APART COUPLING POINTS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A wireless communications device may include wireless communications circuitry and a waveguide transducer coupled to the wireless communications circuitry. The waveguide transducer may include a loop electrical conductor having a plurality of spaced apart gaps therein defining a plurality of respective spaced apart coupling points. The waveguide transducer may also include a feed assembly that may include at least one waveguide feed, and a feed network coupled between the at least one waveguide feed and the plurality of coupling points. The waveguide transducer may further include a waveguide surrounding the loop electrical conductor and extending outwardly therefrom. The waveguide may include a tubular body having an open end and an opposing closed end carrying the loop electrical conductor. | 08-08-2013 |
20130248185 | METHOD FOR FORMING A HYDROCARBON RESOURCE RF RADIATOR - A method for forming a radio frequency (RF) radiator in a laterally extending wellbore in a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon resource water may include positioning at least one electrically conductive member within the laterally extending wellbore. The method may also include supplying a solidifiable material adjacent the at least one electrically conductive member, and solidifying the solidifiable material to form a dielectric material layer over the at least one electrically conductive member to form the RF radiator. | 09-26-2013 |
20130277045 | METHOD OF HEATING A HYDROCARBON RESOURCE INCLUDING LOWERING A SETTABLE FREQUENCY BASED UPON IMPEDANCE - A method for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a laterally extending wellbore therein may include supplying radio frequency (RF) power at a settable frequency from an RF radiator positioned within the laterally extending wellbore to heat the hydrocarbon resource and start formation of a steam bubble adjacent the laterally extending wellbore while sensing an impedance matching value of the RF radiator. The method may also include lowering the settable frequency at least one time based upon the sensed impedance matching value as the steam bubble grows. The frequency may rise after the steam bubble is formed and induction heating operation occurs. | 10-24-2013 |
20130304436 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTION OF HYDROCARBONS FROM UNDERGROUND DEPOSITS - A control system for use in extracting hydrocarbons from an underground deposit is disclosed that comprises an electromagnetic heating system and a processor. The electromagnetic heating system is configured to heat the underground deposit to facilitate fluid flow of a resource for extraction from the underground deposit. The processor is configured to control the electromagnetic heating system in response to temperature data and pressure data for the underground deposit. The processor correlates the temperature data and pressure data with predetermined water phase characteristics to control the electromagnetic heating system so that substantially all water in the underground deposit is maintained in a liquid state. The control system may also generate voxel data corresponding to spatial characteristics of the underground deposit. The spatial characteristics may be presented as a map on a display. | 11-14-2013 |
20140069638 | RADIO FREQUENCY ENHANCED STEAM ASSISTED GRAVITY DRAINAGE METHOD FOR RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBONS - A method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. A radio frequency applicator is positioned to provide radiation within the hydrocarbon formation. A first signal sufficient to heat the hydrocarbon formation through electric current is applied to the applicator. A second or alternate frequency signal is then applied to the applicator that is sufficient to pass through the desiccated zone and heat the hydrocarbon formation through electric or magnetic fields. A method for efficiently creating electricity and steam for heating a hydrocarbon formation is also disclosed. An electric generator, steam generator, and a regenerator containing water are provided. The electric generator is run. The heat created from running the electric generator is fed into the regenerator causing the water to be preheated. The preheated water is then fed into the steam generator. The RF energy from power lines or from an on site electric generator and steam that is harvested from the generator or provided separately are supplied to a reservoir as a process to recover hydrocarbons. | 03-13-2014 |
20140110395 | SYSTEM INCLUDING TUNABLE CHOKE FOR HYDROCARBON RESOURCE HEATING AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A system and method for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein, include the use of a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the wellbore and a transmission line coupling the RF source and the RF antenna. A tunable choke is positioned on the transmission line between the RF source and RF antenna, and a controller is coupled to the tunable choke. The controller may be configured to tune the tunable choke to reduce a common mode current from propagating on an outside of the transmission line toward the RF source. | 04-24-2014 |
20140251597 | APPARATUS FOR HEATING HYDROCARBON RESOURCES WITH MAGNETIC RADIATOR AND RELATED METHODS - An apparatus is for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein. The apparatus includes an RF source, and a magnetic field radiator including a ferromagnetic body having an aboveground portion and a belowground portion coupled thereto. The magnetic field radiator includes a conductive wire coil surrounding the aboveground portion and coupled to the RF source so that an RF current through the conductive wire coil magnetizes the ferromagnetic body and generates a magnetic field from the belowground portion to heat the hydrocarbon resources. | 09-11-2014 |
20140290934 | RADIO FREQUENCY HEAT APPLICATOR FOR INCREASED HEAVY OIL RECOVERY - A radio frequency applicator and method for heating a geological formation is disclosed. A radio frequency source configured to apply a differential mode signal is connected to a coaxial conductor including an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through one or more metal jumpers. One or more current chokes, such as a common mode choke or antenna balun, are installed around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation. The outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe can be traditional well pipes for extracting hydrocarbons, such as a steam pipe and an extraction pipe of a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) system. An apparatus and method for installing a current choke are also disclosed. | 10-02-2014 |
20140361942 | MULTIPLE POLARIZATION LOOP ANTENNA AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The multiple polarization loop antenna includes a circularly polarized loop antenna, which may utilize a loop electrical conductor and two signal feedpoints along the loop electrical conductor separated by one quarter of the length of the loop circumference for a signal feedpoint phase angle input difference of 90 degrees. Each of the signal feedpoints may include a loop discontinuity, so that at least one signal source coupled thereto provides circular polarization from the loop electrical conductor. The circularly polarized loop antenna provides an increase in gain and decrease in size relative to the dipole turnstile. It can provide two orthogonal polarizations from two isolated ports, and the polarizations may be dual linear or dual circular. | 12-11-2014 |
20140363349 | HYDROCARBON CRACKING ANTENNA - An aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention is a device for cracking heavy hydrocarbons. A linear applicator is positioned within heavy oil containing aromatic molecules. A radio frequency electrical current source is electrically connected to the applicator at a first connection point and a second connection point to create a closed electrical loop. The radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the applicator that is sufficient to create a magnetic field and an electric field relative to the axis of the linear applicator. The device also includes a chamber positioned around the applicator generally between the first connection point and the second connection point to concentrate the magnetic field within a region surrounding the applicator and containing the heavy hydrocarbons. | 12-11-2014 |
20150013967 | HYDROCARBON RESOURCE HEATING SYSTEM INCLUDING RF ANTENNAS DRIVEN AT DIFFERENT PHASES AND RELATED METHODS - A system for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having spaced-apart wellbores therein aligned in a plane may include radio frequency (RF) antennas to be positioned within respective ones of the spaced apart wellbores aligned in the plane. The system may also include a plurality of discrete RF sources each coupled to one of the RF antennas and configured so that the RF antennas are driven at a same frequency as each other RF antenna but at different phases. | 01-15-2015 |
20150013979 | HYDROCARBON RECOVERY SYSTEM USING RF ENERGY TO HEAT STEAM WITHIN AN INJECTOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A hydrocarbon resource recovery system is provided for a subterranean formation having an injector wellbore and a producer wellbore therein. The hydrocarbon resource recovery system includes a tubular producer positioned in the producer wellbore and a tubular injector positioned in the injector wellbore. A steam source is coupled to a proximal end of the tubular injector, and a radio frequency (RF) energy source is coupled to the proximal end of tubular injector. The tubular injector has spaced apart steam injector slots sized to allow steam to pass into the subterranean formation, while containing RF energy within the tubular injector to heat the steam. | 01-15-2015 |
20150013985 | APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING HYDROCARBON RESOURCES INCLUDING FERROFLUID SOURCE AND RELATED METHODS - A device for recovering hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a ferrofluid source, and an RF applicator coupled to the RF source and configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resources. The RF applicator may include concentric tubular conductors defining ferrofluid passageways therebetween coupled to the ferrofluid source. | 01-15-2015 |
20150034303 | HYDROCARBON RESOURCE HEATING SYSTEM INCLUDING SLEEVED BALUN AND RELATED METHODS - A system for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein includes a coaxial transmission line, a balun, and a radio frequency (RF) antenna coupled together in series and configured to be positioned in the wellbore so that the RF antenna heats the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation. The coaxial transmission line includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor. The balun includes an outer conductive sleeve having a proximal end coupled to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and a medial portion coupled to the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line. The balun also includes an inner tubular conductor extending longitudinally within the outer conductive sleeve between the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and the RF antenna. | 02-05-2015 |
20150034304 | HYDROCARBON RESOURCE HEATING SYSTEM INCLUDING BALUN HAVING A FERRITE BODY AND RELATED METHODS - A system for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein includes a coaxial transmission line, a balun, and a radio frequency (RF) antenna coupled together in series and configured to be positioned in the wellbore so that the RF antenna heats the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation. The coaxial transmission line includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor. The balun includes an outer conductive sleeve having a proximal end coupled to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and a medial portion coupled to the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line. An inner tubular conductor extends longitudinally within the outer conductive sleeve between the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and the RF antenna. The balun also includes a ferrite body surrounding the inner tubular conductor at the proximal end. | 02-05-2015 |
20150061936 | DUAL POLARIZATION GROUND-BASED PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT COMMUNICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A ground-based antenna system includes a first phased array antenna to generate a first directional antenna beam at a first polarization, and a second phased array antenna to generate a second directional antenna beam at a second polarization. The first and second phased array antennas each include a lower antenna element row, an upper antenna element row, and medial antenna element rows therebetween. The ground-based antenna system further includes first and second antenna beam controllers cooperating with the first and second phased array antennas to generate a more steeply sloped phase taper associated with the lower antenna element row, a less steeply sloped phase taper associated with the medial antenna element rows, and a more steeply sloped phase taper associated with the upper antenna element row. | 03-05-2015 |