Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120086659 | Method and apparatus for sensing utilizing tiles - An apparatus for sensing includes a computer. The apparatus includes one or more individual sensing tiles in communication with the computer that form a sensor surface that detects force applied to the surface and provides a signal corresponding to the force to the computer which produces from the signal a time varying continuous image of force applied to the surface, where the surface is contiguous, and detected force can be sensed in a manner that is geometrically continuous and seamless on a surface. A method for determining locations of tiles of a sensor. | 04-12-2012 |
20120087545 | Fusing depth and pressure imaging to provide object identification for multi-touch surfaces - An apparatus for inputting information into a computer includes a 3d sensor that senses 3d information and produces a 3d output The apparatus includes a 2d sensor that senses 2d information and produces a 2d output The apparatus includes a processing unit which receives the 2d and 3d output and produces a combined output that is a function of the 2d and 3d output. A method for inputting information into a computer. The method includes the steps of producing a 3d output with a 3d sensor that senses 3d information. There is the step of producing a 2d output with a 2d sensor that senses 2d information. There is the step of receiving the 2d and 3d output at a processing unit. There is the step of producing a combined output with the processing unit that is a function of the 2d and 3d output. | 04-12-2012 |
20120089348 | Sensor having a set of plates, and method - A sensor having a set of plates that are in contact from their bottom at the corners with a set of protrusions that are in contact from above with a plurality of intersections, each having a sensing element, of a grid of wires disposed on a base, and a top surface layer that is disposed atop the set of plates, so that force imparted from above onto the top surface layer is transmitted to the plates and thence to the protrusions, and thence to the intersections of the grid of wires which are thereby compressed between the base and protrusions; and that the protrusions above thereby focus the imparted force directly onto the intersections. A sensor includes a computer in communication with the grid which causes prompting signals to be sent to the grid and reconstructs a continuous position of force on the surface from interpolation based on data signals received from the grid. A method for sensing. | 04-12-2012 |
20130275057 | Sensor Having a Mesh Layer with Protrusions, and Method - A sensor having a set of grid of bars that are in contact from their bottom at the corners with a set of protrusions that are in contact from above with a plurality of intersections, each having a sensing element, of a grid of wires disposed on a base, and a top surface layer that is disposed atop the grid of bars, so that force imparted from above onto the top surface layer is transmitted to the grid of bars and thence to the protrusions, and thence to the intersections of the grid of wires which are thereby compressed between the base and protrusions; and that the protrusions above thereby focus the imparted force directly onto the intersections. A sensor includes a computer in communication with the grid of wires which causes prompting signals to be sent to the grid of wires and reconstructs a continuous position of force on the surface from interpolation based on data signals received from the grid of wires. A method for sensing. | 10-17-2013 |
20130319137 | Sensors Having a Connecting Frame and Method for Composite Sensors - A technique for sensing involving one or more individual sensing tiles that are physically connected to a frame with electrical and communications wiring integrated into the frame and with corresponding physical, electrical and communication connectors on the tiles and the frame. | 12-05-2013 |
20140032136 | Method for Mechanical Sensing Utilizing Controlled Current - A method for sensing. The method includes the steps of transmitting mechanical forces to one or more printed mechanical sensing elements. There is the step of sending prompting signals associated with the mechanical forces to a computer in communication with one or more printed diodes and the one or more printed mechanical sensing elements. There is the step of reconstructing with the computer the mechanical forces that were applied to the one or more printed mechanical sensing elements. An apparatus for sensing. The apparatus includes a computer. The apparatus includes one or more printed electronic diodes and printed mechanical sensing elements connected to the computer, the one or more printed electronic diodes detect mechanical signals applied to the one or more mechanical-sensing elements and that provide corresponding values to the computer. | 01-30-2014 |
20150370398 | Mechanical Force Redistribution Sensor Array Embedded in a Single Support Layer - An MFR sensor array having a first supporting layer. The array has a second supporting layer. The array has a force sensing component disposed between the first and second supporting layers. The array has protrusions combined with the force supporting component, where there are only two supporting layers. When a force is applied to the second supporting layer, the force causes the second supporting layer to contact protrusions so the force is transmitted through the protrusions to the force supporting component and through the force supporting component. An MFR sensor array. A system for sensing. A method for sensing. | 12-24-2015 |
20160041610 | Sensors Having a Connecting Frame and Method for Composite Sensors - A technique for sensing involving one or more individual sensing tiles that are physically connected to a frame with electrical and communications wiring integrated into the frame and with corresponding physical, electrical and communication connectors on the tiles and the frame. | 02-11-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090259237 | Pyloric valve devices and methods - A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a plurality of disc-shaped flanges connected in series. The blocking portion may be disposed in a contracted position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a stacked configuration and a resting position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a linear configuration. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its resting and contracted positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259238 | Pyloric valve devices and methods - A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259239 | Pyloric valve devices and methods - A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259240 | PYLORIC VALVE - A pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient. | 10-15-2009 |
20120136457 | PYLORIC VALVE DEVICES AND METHODS - A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve. | 05-31-2012 |
20120259427 | Pyloric Valve - A pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient. | 10-11-2012 |
20130006381 | PYLORIC VALVE DEVICES AND METHODS - A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve. | 01-03-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100243877 | SCINTILLATOR BASED RADIATION DETECTION - Methods and related systems are described for the detection of nuclear radiation. The system can include a tool body adapted to be deployed in a wellbore and a scintillator material that intrinsically generates radiation. The scintillator material is mounted within the tool body. A photodetection system is coupled to the scintillator material, and mounted within the tool body. Features in a spectrum associated with a scintillation material's intrinsic radioactive decay are used for the determination of one or more parameter's of the response function of the radiation detector system. | 09-30-2010 |
20100301198 | INTRINSIC RADIOACTIVITY IN A SCINTILLATOR AS COUNT RATE REFERENCE - Methods and related systems are described for the detection of nuclear radiation. The system can include a scintillator material that intrinsically generates radiation and a photodetection system coupled to the scintillator material and adapted to generate electrical signals based on light emitted from the scintillator material. A processing system adapted and programmed to receive the electrical signals, to generate a count rate reference value based at least in part on electrical signals generated in response to the light emitted from the scintillator material due to the intrinsically generated radiation. | 12-02-2010 |
20110284731 | GAMMA-RAY DETECTORS FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS - Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis. | 11-24-2011 |
20130158876 | COMBINING INELASTIC AND CAPTURE GAMMA RAY SPECTROSCOPY FOR DETERMINING FORMATION ELEMENTAL - A method for determining weight fractions of a plurality of elements in a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore includes determining weight fractions of a first plurality of elements using measurements of capture gamma rays made in the wellbore. The capture gamma rays result from bombardment of the formations with high energy neutrons. A weight fraction of a second plurality of elements is determined using measurements of inelastic gamma rays made in the wellbore resulting from bombardment of the formations with high energy neutrons. The weight fraction for the second plurality is determined by setting a transformation factor for those elements common to both the first and second plurality to result in a statistically equivalent weight fraction for the common elements as determined, for the first plurality of elements. Weight fractions of elements in the second plurality not common to the first plurality of elements is determined using the set transformation factor. | 06-20-2013 |
20130214145 | Gamma-Ray Detectors For Downhole Applications - Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis. | 08-22-2013 |
20140110575 | Method Of Determining An Element Value - A method of analyzing a geologic formation having a borehole therein may include operating at least one tool within the borehole to collect respective borehole dimensions at different depths in the borehole, and collect respective total values for a given element at the different depths in the borehole. Each total value may be based upon both a value for an adjacent portion of the geologic formation and a value for material within the borehole. The method may also include determining each value of the given element in the adjacent portion of the geologic formation based upon the total value and the corresponding borehole dimensions. | 04-24-2014 |
20140138529 | Environmental Corrections in Nuclear Spectroscopy Using Variable Element Ratio - A method for estimating an aspect of a formation using a nuclear spectroscopy tool includes placing a nuclear spectroscopy tool into a borehole and emitting neutrons such that some of the neutrons generate gamma rays from a formation adjacent the nuclear spectroscopy tool and some of the neutrons generate gamma rays from elements within the nuclear spectroscopy tool. An energy spectrum of gamma rays induced by the emitted neutrons can be detected. The energy spectrum includes a background having a plurality of measured spectral components. A background ratio between at least one spectral component of the background and another measured spectral component can be determined or estimated in accordance with environmental measurements. The detected gamma ray spectra can be analyzed using a combination of standard spectra and subtracting at least one spectral component of the background in accordance with the background ratio. | 05-22-2014 |
20140138530 | Environmental Corrections in Nuclear Spectroscopy Using Variable Shape Standard - An aspect of a formation may be estimated by placing a nuclear spectroscopy tool including a neutron source and a gamma ray detector into a borehole and performing a plurality of environmental measurements. Neutrons are emitted from the nuclear spectroscopy tool such that some of the neutrons generate gamma rays from a formation adjacent the nuclear spectroscopy tool, some of the neutrons generate gamma rays from elements within the nuclear spectroscopy tool and some of the neutrons generate gamma rays from an element in the drilling mud. An energy spectrum of gamma rays induced by the emitted neutrons can be detected with the tool. The detected gamma-ray energy spectrum can be analyzed using a combination of standard spectra, where the shape of at least one of the standard spectra can be varied based on the environmental measurements to account for the environment's effects on gamma-ray spectra. | 05-22-2014 |
20140217273 | Correcting Gamma-Ray Energy Spectra for Pileup Degradation - A method for correcting detected gamma ray spectra for the effects of energy analyzer pileup includes assigning detected gamma rays to channels in a multichannel analyzer (MCA). A pileup spectrum is estimated. The pileup spectrum is subtracted from the measured spectrum. The result thereof is compared to the preceding estimated pileup free spectrum and the estimating the pileup spectrum, subtracting the pileup spectrum and comparing is repeated until the difference between successive estimates of the pileup-free spectrum falls below a selected threshold. | 08-07-2014 |
20140231640 | Nuclear Spectroscopy Corrections Using Multiple Standards and Spatial Regions - A method for estimating an aspect of a formation using a nuclear spectroscopy tool includes placing a nuclear spectroscopy tool including a neutron source and a gamma ray detector into a borehole and performing a plurality of environmental measurements. Neutrons are emitted from the nuclear spectroscopy tool such that some of the neutrons generate gamma rays from a formation adjacent the nuclear spectroscopy tool, some of the neutrons generate gamma rays from elements within the nuclear spectroscopy tool and some of the neutrons generate gamma rays from an element in the drilling mud. An energy spectrum of gamma rays induced by the emitted neutrons can be detected with the tool and analyzed using a combination of standard spectra including at least two sub-standards that represent a common element or group of elements and that are differentiated based on location of neutron interaction, such as where the neutrons thermalize. | 08-21-2014 |
20140291499 | MINING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present invention provides systems and methods capable of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize a coiled tubing directional drilling system capable of treating interior portions of the heap/formation. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize a system and method capable of capturing real time temperature and resistivity data pertaining to pregnant solution characteristics in the heap/formation. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize one or more wire line deployed X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers capable of quantitatively measuring concentrations of desired metals in the heap/formation during leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes multiple passes of elemental capture spectroscopy logs acquired at regular time intervals to monitor metal concentrations during leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides one or more subsurface barriers capable of optimizing leaching operations. | 10-02-2014 |
20140343857 | Method For Measuring Formation Water Salinity From Within A Borehole - Methods and systems are described for using pulsed neutron ?-ray spectroscopy to measure formation water salinity from within a bore-hole. Through generating a cross-plot of database values of ratios of spectroscopically determined yields of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl) from two detectors, deriving apparent salinities therefrom, formation and borehole water salinities can be determined. | 11-20-2014 |
20150076337 | Gamma-Ray Detectors For Downhole Applications - Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis. | 03-19-2015 |
20150285943 | Alpha Processing to Improve Accuracy and Precision of Elemental Concentrations from Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy - A method for improving precision of measurement of material composition of formations determined by gamma ray spectral an analysis includes determining an accurate value of an amount of a selected by analyzing a spectrum of gamma rays detected from the formations using a technique that directly relates the gamma ray spectrum to the amount of the material. A precise value of the amount of the material is determined by analyzing the spectrum of detected gamma rays that indirectly relates the gamma ray spectrum to the amount of the material. A function relating the accurate value to the precise value over a selected axial interval along the wellbore is determined. The function is applied to the accurate value at at least one selected axial position along the wellbore to determine an accurate and precise value of the amount of the material. | 10-08-2015 |
20150285944 | Hydrocarbon Saturation From Total Organic Carbon Logs Derived From Inelastic And Capture Nuclear Spectroscopy - The accurate determination of formation hydrocarbon or water saturation is a useful step in the petrophysical evaluation of petroleum reservoirs. This disclosure presents a new method for estimating hydrocarbon saturation directly from a porosity log and a total organic carbon (TOC) log. The method is enabled by the recent development of a geochemical spectroscopy logging tool that combines inelastic and capture gamma ray measurements to provide a robust and accurate TOC log. The method differs from the prior approach of using carbon-to-oxygen ratios that is most often applied in cased hole evaluation. The main advantages of this method are that it does not use knowledge of formation water resistivity, it does not rely on a resistivity model, it does not use an extensive calibration database, and it is largely independent of clay or other lithology effects. Here, the principles of the method and the main challenges are described, and calculations that explore uncertainties in the saturation estimates arising from uncertainties in the log inputs are presented. The statistical uncertainty in the estimate of hydrocarbon saturation is as good as 10 saturation units (s.u.) in conventional reservoirs with porosities of 15 porosity units (p.u.) or greater. The method has been applied to the determination of hydrocarbon saturation in a variety of formations, including bitumen-filled dolomite, heavy oil sand, and shaly-sands with both open hole and cased hole wells. The method works equally well in formations drilled and logged with either oil- and water-based mud. The saturation estimates have been benchmarked against a combination of conventional and new logging approaches (e.g., resistivity, magnetic resonance and dielectric logs) and core measurements, with generally excellent agreement among independent | 10-08-2015 |
20160047938 | Correction to Determined Formation Sulfur to Account for Sulfur in the Wellbore - A method for correcting determined sulfur content in formations penetrated by a wellbore for sulfur in the wellbore includes determining an amount of sulfur from spectral analysis of gamma rays detected by a well logging instrument disposed in the wellbore. The gamma rays result from imparting neutrons into the formations. The method includes determining if strontium is present in fluid disposed in the wellbore. An amount of strontium is determined from the spectral analysis. A corrected sulfur content of the formation is determined based on the determined amount of strontium. | 02-18-2016 |