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Spencer, TX

Allan Spencer, Spring, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090255728Wireline System - A device and a method for seabed and water bottom drilling, core sampling and measuring, include a vertically movable and horizontally fixed cross beam, a winch fixed to the cross beam and having a rope wound thereon, a drill head disposed on the cross beam, a spindle having a bore formed therein and being driven by the drill head and an overshot having one end connected to the rope and another end passing through the bore in the spindle for attachment to and detachment from a drilling tool of a drillstring. The spindle, the rope and the drillstring together define a common centerline during attachment and detachment of the overshot to and from a drilling tool and during drilling. A lift rod connected between the rope and the overshot can be pulled into the bore in the spindle prior to commencing rotary drilling for sealing the top of the bore.10-15-2009

Brian M. Spencer, Spring, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120254578ZONE GROUP CONNECTIVITY INDICATOR - A method for allocating storage space is provided. The method includes receiving an assignment of an interconnect bay port to a zone group, wherein the interconnect bay port corresponds to a switch that operatively couples a storage controller to the zone group. The method also includes sending a command to the switch to determine whether the storage controller is operatively coupled to the interconnect bay port. The method also includes generating a display that indicates whether the storage controller is operatively coupled to the interconnect bay port.10-04-2012
20130268639SCRIPT MODIFICATION SUGGESTION - A resource of a system is discovered, where a component of the system is to provide the resource. A script is generated for the component providing the resource based on a rule. A suggestion to modify the script is provided based on at least one of a change in the rule, the resource, and the script by a user.10-10-2013
20130346791SAS STORAGE DRIVE INFORMATION - A SAS storage enclosure to provide storage drive information that includes an expander and a storage manager. The expander supports communication between initiators and associated zoned storage drives of the storage enclosure, and the storage drive information table is to store extended storage drive status information of storage drives of the storage enclosure. The storage manager is to store to the storage drive information table extended storage drive status information of storage drives of the storage enclosure in response to receipt from an initiator a SAS command to store the information, in the event that the storage manager receives from an initiator a command to exchange data with a zoned storage drive and then a storage drive failure occurs with the zoned storage drive. The storage manager sends to the initiator the information in response to receipt from an initiator a SAS command to retrieve the information.12-26-2013

Charles T. Spencer, El Paso, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20160136205TARGETING TYPE I NKT CELLS TO CONTROL INFLAMMATION - Embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for modulating cytokine responses in subject infected by a pathogen.05-19-2016

Chris Spencer, Garland, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150305419Adjustable Cravat - An adjustable cravat is provided. The adjustable cravat includes an elongated cloth band having a body portion, a first arm, and a second arm. Each arm has a first end and a second end configured to encircle a user's neck. The second arm includes at least one buttonhole which receives the first end of the first arm therethrough. The first end of each arm includes one or more fasteners disposed thereon. A plurality of slots are disposed on each arm. The fasteners are capable of engaging with the slots on each opposing arm to adjust the length of the elongated cloth band at fixed intervals.10-29-2015

Christopher A. Spencer, Austin, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110264951System and Method for Recovery of Primary Storage Resource Failure - Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with traditional approaches to data and program storage on an information handling system are provided. A method may include determining if a primary storage resource has a failure. The method may further include, in response to determining that the storage resource does not have a failure: booting from a first operating system stored on the primary storage resource, monitoring data stored to the primary storage resource to identify data to be copied to a persistent storage resource, and copying the identified data to the persistent storage resource. The method may further include, in response to determining that the storage resource has a failure: booting from a second operating system stored on the persistent storage resource, and via the second operating system, providing access to the copied identified data copied to the persistent storage resource.10-27-2011

Christopher W. Spencer, Mckinney, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100107109SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE FOR A USER INTERFACE DASHBOARD OF A HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure provides systems and methods of use of an HVAC graphical interface dashboard. In various embodiments, the dashboard includes a weather tab, wherein invoking the weather tab advances to a weather screen. The dashboard also includes an indoor humidity tab, wherein invoking the indoor humidity tab advances to a humidity screen which displays at least a current indoor humidity. The dashboard further includes an alerts tab, wherein invoking the alerts tab advances to an alerts screen. The dashboard still further include an indoor settings tab, wherein invoking the indoor settings tab advances to an indoor settings screen which includes a current indoor temperature. A programs tab and a home tab are also provided, wherein a programs screen includes a display of a plurality of pre-populated program schedule settings.04-29-2010
20100107112SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE FOR A USER INTERFACE DASHBOARD OF A HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure provides systems and methods of use of an HVAC graphical interface dashboard. In various embodiments, the dashboard includes a weather tab, wherein invoking the weather tab advances to a weather screen. The dashboard also includes an indoor humidity tab. A programs tab and a home tab are also provided. The dashboard further comprises: a) a screen that employs a backlight to display information to a user; b) a backlight, and c) a motion detector, wherein the backlight is turned on by the motion detector upon a detection of motion.04-29-2010

David Spencer, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080269160INDUCED ACTIVATION IN DENDRITIC CELLS - The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.10-30-2008
20100196336MODIFIED DENDRITIC CELLS HAVING ENHANCED SURVIVAL AND IMMUNOGENICITY AND RELATED COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS - Modified antigen presenting cells provided herein have improved lifespan and immunogenicity compared to unmodified antigen presenting cells, and are useful for immunotherapy. The modified antigen presenting cells express an altered protein kinase, referred to herein as “Akt.” The altered Akt associates with the cell membrane with greater frequency than unaltered Akt, and is referred to herein as “membrane-targeted Akt.”08-05-2010
20100203067METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR GENERATING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE BY INDUCING CD40 AND PATTERN RECOGNITION RECEPTOR ADAPTERS - Provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter, or adapter fragment, and CD40 activity. Also provided are nucleic acid compositions comprising sequences coding for chimeric proteins that include an inducible CD40 peptide and an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter or adapter fragment.08-12-2010
20100323420REGULATED APOPTOSIS - We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells.12-23-2010
20110033383METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR GENERATING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE BY INDUCING CD40 AND PATTERN RECOGNITION RECEPTORS AND ADAPTORS THEREOF - Provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing pattern recognition receptor activity, and CD40 activity. Also provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing CD40 activity without prostaglandin E2. Also provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing an inducible chimeric molecule comprising a region of a pattern recognition receptor or an adaptor thereof.02-10-2011
20130130386MODIFIED DENDRITIC CELLS HAVING ENHANCED SURVIVAL AND IMMUNOGENICITY AND RELATED COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS - Modified antigen presenting cells provided herein have improved lifespan and immunogenicity compared to unmodified antigen presenting cells, and are useful for immunotherapy. The modified antigen presenting cells express an altered protein kinase, referred to herein as “Akt.” The altered Akt associates with the cell membrane with greater frequency than unaltered Akt, and is referred to herein as “membrane-targeted Akt.”05-23-2013
20130183333INDUCED ACTIVATION IN DENDRITIC CELLS - The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.07-18-2013
20140023647METHOD FOR TREATING SOLID TUMORS - Provided herein are methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof by activating an immune response against a tumor antigen. Also provided are methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof by activating antigen-presenting cells and eliciting an immune response against a tumor antigen. Also provided herein are optimized therapeutic treatments of solid tumors, which comprise determining the presence, absence or amount of a biomarker after the therapy has been administered, and determining whether a subsequent dose of the therapy should be maintained, increased, or decreased based on the biomarker assessment.01-23-2014
20140087468METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR GENERATING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE BY INDUCING CD40 AND PATTERN RECOGNITION RECEPTOR ADAPTERS - Provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter, or adapter fragment, and CD40 activity. Also provided are nucleic acid compositions comprising sequences coding for chimeric proteins that include an inducible CD40 peptide and an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter or adapter fragment.03-27-2014
20140255360MODIFIED CASPASE POLYPEPTIDES AND USES THEREOF - The technology relates in part to compositions comprising modified Caspase-9 polypeptides, compositions comprising nucleic acids coding for modified Caspase-9 polypeptides, chimeric modified Caspase-9 polypeptides, and methods of use thereof, including methods for cell therapy. Methods for cell therapy include modifying transfused cells to express an inducible modified Caspase-9 protein, with reduced basal activity in the absence of the inducer.09-11-2014
20140286987METHODS FOR CONTROLLING T CELL PROLIFERATION - The technology relates generally to the field of immunology and relates in part to compositions and methods for controlling the proliferation of T cells, for example, therapeutic T cells. The methods further relate to compositions and methods for inducing an immune response in a subject.09-25-2014
20140287490METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR GENERATING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE BY INDUCING CD40 AND PATTERN RECOGNITION RECEPTORS AND ADAPTORS THEREOF - Provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing pattern recognition receptor activity, and CD40 activity. Also provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing CD40 activity without prostaglandin E2. Also provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing an inducible chimeric molecule comprising a region of a pattern recognition receptor or an adaptor thereof.09-25-2014
20150111294METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR GENERATING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE BY INDUCING CD40 AND PATTERN RECOGNITION RECEPTOR ADAPTERS - Provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter, or adapter fragment, and CD40 activity. Also provided are nucleic acid compositions comprising sequences coding for chimeric proteins that include an inducible CD40 peptide and an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter or adapter fragment.04-23-2015
20150306140INDUCED ACTIVATION IN DENDRITIC CELLS - The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.10-29-2015
20150328292CASPASE POLYPEPTIDES HAVING MODIFIED ACTIVITY AND USES THEREOF - The technology relates in part to compositions comprising modified caspase-9 polypeptides, compositions comprising nucleic acids coding for modified caspase-9 polypeptides, chimeric modified caspase-9 polypeptides, and methods of use thereof, including methods for cell therapy. Methods for cell therapy include modifying transfused cells to express an inducible modified caspase-9 protein, with reduced basal activity in the absence of the inducer.11-19-2015
20160046700METHODS FOR ACTIVATING T CELLS USING AN INDUCIBLE CHIMERIC POLYPEPTIDE - The technology relates generally to the field of immunology and relates in part to methods for activating cells, including for example T cells and T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors, using an inducible chimeric polypeptide including CD40, MyD88, or CD40 and MyD88 polypeptides. The technology further relates in part to therapeutic methods for inducing an immune response and treating tumors in a patient.02-18-2016
20160058857COSTIMULATION OF CHIMERIC ANTIGEN RECEPTORS BY MYD88 AND CD40 POLYPEPTIDES - The technology relates generally to the field of immunology and relates in part to methods for activating T cells and other cells resulting in an immune response against a target antigen. The technology also relates to costimulation of therapeutic cells that express chimeric antigen receptors that recognize target antigens using chimeric MyD88- and CD40-derived polypeptides. The technology further relates in part to therapeutic cells that express chimeric antigen receptors, wherein the chimeric antigen receptors have an endodomain that includes MyD88- and CD40-derived polypeptides, and methods for treating patients using the modified therapeutic cells.03-03-2016

Patent applications by David Spencer, Houston, TX US

David Spencer, San Antonio, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100152770Truncal Tourniquet System & Method - A bleed out prevention system and method includes an adjustable length attachment belt assembly which is passed around the body of a human being suspected of having an injured or severed major blood vessel. The adjustable length attachment belt assembly positions a plunger plate assembly over a location where compressive force can be applied to a portion of the major blood vessel which has not been injured or severed. A compressive force application assembly then applies force which reduces the size of the lumen in the major blood vessel thereby restricting or stopping the flow of blood therethrough.06-17-2010
20110201905Decision support method for casualty treatment using vital sign combinations - A device and control software and system capable of accepting patient vital sign readings from an oximeter and applying a predetermined decision algorithm that incorporates unique combinations of vital signs and will allow the care giver to continuously monitor and have continuous feedback regarding certain patient vital functions, body trauma status, and immediate treatment needs, such as the patient's likelihood of the onset of shock and the advisability of introducing blood or blood products to the patient.08-18-2011

David C. Spencer, Heath, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110290173Methods and Systems for Characterization and Production of High Purity Polysilicon - Computer controlled quality control methods for manufacturing high purity polycrystalline granules are introduced. Polycrystalline silicon granules are sampled and converted into single crystal specimen in computer controlled system, eliminating the need of human operator in controlling the processing parameters. Single crystal silicon test samples, then characterized by FTIR and other standard analysis, are therefore more representative of the starting granular silicon.12-01-2011
20130112134Method and Systems for Characterization and Production of High Quality Silicon - Computer controlled quality control methods for manufacturing high purity polycrystalline granules are introduced. Polycrystalline silicon granules are sampled and converted into single crystal specimen in computer controlled system, eliminating the need of human operator in controlling the processing parameters. Single crystal silicon test samples, then characterized by FTIR and other standard analysis, are therefore more representative of the starting granular silicon.05-09-2013

David M. Spencer, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090060888Regulated transcription of targeted genes and other biological events - Dimerization and oligomerization of proteins are general biological control mechanisms that contribute to the activation of cell membrane receptors, transcription factors, vesicle fusion proteins, and other classes of intra- and extracellular proteins. We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins. In principle, any two target proteins can be induced to associate by treating the cells or organisms that harbor them with cell permeable, synthetic ligands. To illustrate the practice of this invention, we have induced: (1) the intracellular aggregation of the cytoplasmic tail of the ζ chain of the T cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 complex thereby leading to signaling and transcription of a reporter gene, (2) the homodimerization of the cytoplasmic tail of the Fas receptor thereby leading to cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) and (3) the heterodimerization of a DNA-binding domain (Gal4) and a transcription-activation domain (VP16) thereby leading to direct transcription of a reporter gene.03-05-2009
20110003385REGULATED TRANSCRIPTION OF TARGETED GENES AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL EVENTS - Dimerization and oligomerization of proteins are general biological control mechanisms that contribute to the activation of cell membrane receptors, transcription factors, vesicle fusion proteins, and other classes of intra- and extracellular proteins. We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins. In principle, any two target proteins can be induced to associate by treating the cells or organisms that harbor them with cell permeable, synthetic ligands. To illustrate the practice of this invention, we have induced: (1) the intracellular aggregation of the cytoplasmic tail of the ζ chain of the T cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 complex thereby leading to signaling and transcription of a reporter gene, (2) the homodimerization of the cytoplasmic tail of the Fas receptor thereby leading to cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) and (3) the heterodimerization of a DNA-binding domain (Gal4) and a transcription-activation domain (VP16) thereby leading to direct transcription of a reporter gene.01-06-2011
20110287038METHOD FOR TREATING SOLID TUMORS - Provided herein are methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof by activating an immune response against a tumor antigen. Also provided are methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof by activating antigen-presenting cells and eliciting an immune response against a tumor antigen. Also provided herein are optimized therapeutic treatments of solid tumors, which comprise determining the presence, absence or amount of a biomarker after the therapy has been administered, and determining whether a subsequent dose of the therapy should be maintained, increased, or decreased based on the biomarker assessment.11-24-2011
20130323214CHIMERIC CD27 RECEPTORS FOR REDIRECTING T CELLS TO CD70-POSITIVE MALIGNANCIES - The present invention concerns methods and compositions related to T cells redirected against CD70 for the immunotherapy of CD70-positive malignancies. In aspects of the invention, T cells that are CD70-specific are employed. In particular aspects, there are T cells expressing a novel molecule that comprises the full-length CD70 receptor (CD27) fused to the zeta signaling domain of the T-cell receptor complex. Such T cells recognized CD70-positive tumor cells and have cytolytic activity against CD70-positive cancer cells.12-05-2013

Patent applications by David M. Spencer, Houston, TX US

Gregory S. Spencer, Hutto, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140213050METHOD OF MAKING A DIE WITH RECESSED ALUMINUM DIE PADS - A method for making a semiconductor device comprises forming an electrical interconnect layer, forming a first dielectric layer over the interconnect layer, forming an opening in the first dielectric layer over a first electrical interconnect of the interconnect layer, forming an aluminum layer over the first dielectric layer, etching the aluminum layer to form an aluminum die pad, forming a second dielectric layer over the aluminum die pad and the first dielectric layer, and forming a conductive via through the first and second dielectric layers to contact a second electrical interconnect of the interconnect layer.07-31-2014

John Spencer, Cypress, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120258508ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO ALCOHOLS AND HYDROCARBONS FROM BIOMASS - A method of producing hydrocarbons from biomass that includes converting at least a portion of the biomass into a first product having at least one of a carboxylic acid, a ketone, an ammonium carboxylate salt, and combinations thereof; converting at least a portion of the first product into an alcohol; reacting at least some of the alcohol in an oligomerization reactor as part of a process that produces an oligomerization product.10-11-2012
20120264184ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO ALCOHOLS AND HYDROCARBONS FROM BIOMASS - A method of producing alcohols, hydrocarbons, or both from biomass, the method including converting biomass into a carboxylic acid; reacting the carboxylic acid with an olefin to produce an ester; and hydrogenolyzing the ester to produce alcohol. The steps of reacting the carboxylic acid with an olefin to produce an ester, and hydrogenolyzing the ester to produce an alcohol, may both be carried out in the same reactor.10-18-2012

John A. Spencer, Cypress, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120031747PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR SEPARATING HEAVY AND LIGHT COMPONENTS CONTAINED IN A VAPOR MIXTURE - Herein disclosed is a method of separating heavy and light components from a vapor mixture. The method comprises a. distilling the vapor mixture into a first vapor phase and a first liquid phase; and b. condensing at least a portion of the first vapor phase into a second liquid phase and a second vapor phase; wherein the distilling utilizes the internal energy of the vapor mixture. In an embodiment, the method further comprises c. utilizing at least a portion of the first liquid phase to absorb at least a portion of the second vapor phase. In some cases, the method further comprises cooling the at least a portion of the first liquid phase prior to utilizing it to absorb the at least a portion of the second vapor phase.02-09-2012
20130211144MULTI-STAGE REACTION FOR MITIGATINGTHE PRESENCE OF UNWANTED CATIONS - Methods for producing organic products that may include the steps of providing a feed stream comprising a first organic salt and a second organic salt to a reactor; reacting the feed stream at a first temperature to convert at least some of the first organic salt to the organic products, wherein reacting the feed stream results in a first product stream comprising the organic products and second organic salt; separating at least a portion of the organic products from the first product stream resulting in a first reduced product stream comprising second organic salt; and reacting the first reduced product stream at a second temperature to convert the second organic salt to a second organic products.08-15-2013

John Edward Spencer, Plano, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090083679Efficient Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) Laser Design - A method, a data processing method, and a computer program product for the design of efficient second harmonic generation semiconductor lasers is disclosed. A method for determining an optimum laser configuration includes the determination of a conversion efficiency curve for each SHG configuration using a target conversion efficiency. Each curve, on a log03-26-2009
20120033290Light Generating System and Method - An optical system includes an electrically pumped laser light source and an optically pumped laser light source. An optical switch is located in a light path of the electrically pumped laser light source such that when the optical switch is in a first position light from the electrically pumped laser light source is directed toward the optically pumped laser light source and when the optical switch is in a second position light from the electrically pumped laser light source is directed away from the optically pumped laser light source.02-09-2012
20120195021Rear Projection Display Using Laser Excited Photoluminescence - A display system includes an optical light source and a display panel with an array of optically excitable pixels. Optics are positioned between the optical light source and the display panel so as to direct light from the optical light source toward the display panel to cause the optically excitable pixels to emit a visible image.08-02-2012
20140160555Light Generating System and Method - An optical system includes an electrically pumped laser light source and an optically pumped laser light source. An optical switch is located in a light path of the electrically pumped laser light source such that when the optical switch is in a first position light from the electrically pumped laser light source is directed toward the optically pumped laser light source and when the optical switch is in a second position light from the electrically pumped laser light source is directed away from the optically pumped laser light source.06-12-2014

Patent applications by John Edward Spencer, Plano, TX US

Jonathon Dean Spencer, League City, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130087329METHOD OF TRACING FLOW OF HYDROCARBON FROM A SUBTERRANEAN RESERVOIR - A method of tracing flow of hydrocarbon from a subterranean reservoir including forming a dispersion, injecting a hydraulic fracturing fluid containing the dispersion down a well penetrating a hydrocarbon reservoir, thereafter collecting a sample of hydrocarbon fluid flowing from the reservoir, and analysing the sample to determine whether the tracer compound is present in the sample. The dispersion includes a discontinuous condensed phase having a hydrocarbon-soluble tracer compound and a continuous phase which includes an aqueous liquid.04-11-2013
20130277048METHOD OF TRACING FLOW OF HYDROCARBON FROM A SUBTERRANEAN RESERVOIR - A method of tracing flow of hydrocarbon from a subterranean reservoir including forming a dispersion, injecting a hydraulic fracturing fluid containing the dispersion down a well penetrating a hydrocarbon reservoir, thereafter collecting a sample of hydrocarbon fluid flowing from the reservoir, and analysing the sample to determine whether the tracer compound is present in the sample. The dispersion includes a discontinuous condensed phase having a hydrocarbon-soluble tracer compound and a continuous phase which includes an aqueous liquid.10-24-2013
20140174730METHOD OF TRACING FLOW OF HYDROCARBON FROM A SUBTERRANEAN RESERVOIR - A method of tracing flow of hydrocarbon from a subterranean reservoir including forming a dispersion, injecting a hydraulic fracturing fluid containing the dispersion down a well penetrating a hydrocarbon reservoir, thereafter collecting a sample of hydrocarbon fluid flowing from the reservoir, and analysing the sample to determine whether the tracer compound is present in the sample. The dispersion includes a discontinuous condensed phase having a hydrocarbon-soluble tracer compound and a continuous phase which includes an aqueous liquid.06-26-2014

Joseph V. Spencer, Pampa, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120267107Foamed Spacer Fluids Containing Cement Kiln Dust and Methods of Use - Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations. An embodiment discloses a method comprising: providing a foamed spacer fluid comprising CKD, a foaming agent, a gas, and water; and introducing the foamed spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid present in the well bore. Another embodiment discloses a method comprising: providing a foamed spacer fluid comprising a partially calcined kiln feed removed from a gas stream, a foaming agent, a gas, and water, wherein the partially calcined kiln feed comprises SiO10-25-2012
20130244911Foamed Spacer Fluids Containing Cement Kiln Dust and Methods of Use - Disclosed are foamed spacer fluids comprising kiln dust for use in subterranean formations. An embodiment discloses a foamed spacer fluid comprising a partially calcined kiln feed removed from a gas stream comprising SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; a foaming agent; a gas; and water.09-19-2013

Liam P. Spencer, Manvel, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150307643POLYMERIZATION PROCESSES FOR HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYMERS - A process to for polymerizing ethylene in the presence of a metal complex of Structure I, as described herein, which comprises a metal selected from one of Groups 3-6, which is bonded to aryl groups via oxygen and two Z groups. The aryl groups comprise substituents R1a, R1aa, through R15a, R15aa, which are selected from hydrogen, halo, hydrocarbyl, trihydrocarbylsilyl, trihydrocarbylsilylhydrocarbyl, —O(R), —N(R′R″), —S(R′″), or —P(R10-29-2015

Mark G. Spencer, Lewisville, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090098357Structural Insulation Sheathing - Structural insulation sheathing (SIS), preferably in the form of a panel, comprises a structural facer and an insulation member. The structural facer and insulation members are in intimate, planar contact with one another, both are plastic, and the SIS structure meets both the structural (i.e., ASTM E72) and insulation (R>2) requirements for the North American residential market. The structural facer member of the SIS structure is high-density polyolefin foam. The structural facer comprises a skin/core structure with the skins of a higher density than the core, and the structural facer has a flexural modulus typically of at least about 30,000 pounds per square inch (psi). The insulation member of the SIS is a foamed sheet of thermoplastic, e.g., polyisocyanurate.04-16-2009

Mark Grant Spencer, Lake Jackson, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120231287Interpolymers Suitable for Multilayer Films - The present invention relates to compositions and processes of making and using interpolymers having a controlled molecular weight distribution. Multilayer films and film layers derived from novel ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers are also disclosed.09-13-2012

Max E. Spencer, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090071659Anchoring System for Use in a Wellbore - A technique enables anchoring of a tool in a wellbore. The technique utilizes one or more arms pivotably mounted to a structure for movement between a radially inward position and radially outward position that anchors the tool to a surrounding wall. A wedge component is positioned to selectively engage the arms. When relative axial movement is caused between the wedge component and the arms, the arms are pivoted to a desired radial position.03-19-2009
20090071660Low Stress Traction System - A technique enables anchoring of a tool in a wellbore. The technique provides traction against a well component without creating high stress concentrations that weaken the well component. An anchoring device comprises anchoring members that are selectively movable to an expanded configuration for anchoring the tool. The anchoring members have traction surfaces able to selectively engage a smooth anchoring surface of the well component at any desired location along the well component. Each traction surface is formed to facilitate traction while minimizing stress concentration.03-19-2009
20130025884LOW STRESS TRACTION SYSTEM - A technique enables anchoring of a tool in a wellbore. The technique provides traction against a well component without creating high stress concentrations that weaken the well component. An anchoring device comprises anchoring members that are selectively movable to an expanded configuration for anchoring the tool. The anchoring members have traction surfaces able to selectively engage a smooth anchoring surface of the well component at any desired location along the well component. Each traction surface is formed to facilitate traction while minimizing stress concentration.01-31-2013
20140174761Downhole Shifting Tool - A shifting tool for use in shifting axial position of a shiftable element in a well. The tool comprises a linkage mechanism configured to translate an independent axial force into a dedicated radial force applied to expansive elements thereof. Thus, the elements may radially expand into engagement with the shiftable element free of any substantial axial force imparted thereon. As such, a more discretely controllable shifting actuation may be attained, for example, as directed from an oilfield surface. Indeed, real-time intelligent feedback may also be made available through use of such elements in conjunction with the noted linkage mechanism.06-26-2014

Patent applications by Max E. Spencer, Houston, TX US

Michael Spencer, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20160102156PROCESS FOR PREPARING SPHERICAL POLYMERIZATION CATALYST COMPONENTS FOR USE IN OLEFIN POLYMERIZATIONS - A method of making a solid catalyst component for production of a polyolefin, including the steps of: a) dissolving a halide-containing magnesium compound in a mixture including alkylepoxide, an organic phosphorous compound, a carboxylic acid or anhydride, and a hydrocarbon solvent to form a homogenous solution; b) optionally treating the homogeneous solution with a halogenating agent; c) treating the homogenous solution with a first titanium halide compound in the presence of a surface modifier and optionally a first electron donor to form a solid precipitate, wherein, if present, the first electron donor is an ether; d) optionally treating the solid precipitate with a second electron donor; and e) treating the solid precipitate with a second titanium halide compound and optionally with a second electron donor to form the solid catalyst component.04-14-2016

Michael Spencer, Manvel, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120180576Evacuating a Sample Chamber - In one general aspect, a sample is transferred into a mass spectrometer by capturing a sample on a collector, inserting the collector into a sample chamber coupled to the mass spectrometer and a vacuum pump, evacuating the sample chamber using the vacuum pump to reduce an internal pressure of the sample chamber to a level less than atmospheric pressure, heating the collector to release the sample from the collector, and introducing the sample into the mass spectrometer from the evacuated sample chamber.07-19-2012
20120223226Introducing An Analyte Into A Chemical Analyzer - A chemical pre-concentrator includes a conduit defining a flow path between two ends and having a heating element disposed within the conduit, such that the heating element has at least one sorbent material deposited directly on at least a portion of a conductive surface of the heating element. Some such heating elements are in the form of electrically conductive strips defining both a plurality of apertures through the strip and a series of undulations spaced along the flow path.09-06-2012
20120270334PRECONCENTRATING A SAMPLE - A chemical analysis system is disclosed wherein, in evacuating a preconcentrator housing (10-25-2012
20140190245REDUCED PRESSURE LIQUID SAMPLING - Processing a liquid sample (07-10-2014
20140250977CHEMICAL ANALYSIS INSTRUMENT WITH MULTI-PURPOSE PUMP - A mass spectrometer for analyzing a sample may include an analysis chamber for analyzing the sample and a first vacuum pump operably connected to the analysis chamber, wherein the first vacuum pump operates to create a first vacuum state. The mass spectrometer may also include a sample-preparation chamber operably connected to the analysis chamber and a second vacuum pump that operates to create a second vacuum state, wherein the first vacuum state is a lower pressure than the second vacuum state. The second vacuum pump may be operably connected to the first vacuum pump in a first configuration, and the second vacuum pump may be operably connected to the sample-preparation chamber in a second configuration.09-11-2014
20140252215SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CALIBRATING MASS SPECTROMETERS - Systems and methods are disclosed for calibrating mass spectrometers. In accordance with one implementation, a system comprises a calibrant chamber within a housing of a mass spectrometer. The system also comprises a permeation tube enclosed within the calibrant chamber, wherein the tube contains a calibrant chemical that continuously outgasses the calibrant chemical. The outgassed calibrant chemical may be introduced to the mass spectrometer for analysis. The system may also comprise a heating block to control the temperature of the calibrant chemical. The system may further comprise a valve that introduces a known amount of the calibrant chemical into the calibrant chamber. In accordance with the present disclosure, systems and methods are provided for calibrating a mass spectrometer abundance scale.09-11-2014
20140252222AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL WITH DEFOCUSING LENS - A method and apparatus for performing mass spectrometry using an electron source, an ion trap, and a voltage-controlled lens located between the electron source and the ion trap. A controller applies a voltage to the lens. Features of the resulting output spectrum can be analyzed to determine whether to adjust the lens voltage.09-11-2014
20140252224MASS SPECTROMETER ION TRAP HAVING ASYMMETRIC END CAP APERTURES - An ion trap for a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The ion trap includes a ring electrode and first and second electrodes which are arranged on opposite sides of the ring electrode. The ring electrode and the first and second electrodes are configured to generate an electric field based on the received RF signal. The first electrode defines a first aperture and the second electrode defines a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being asymmetric relative to each other and configured to generate a hexapole field.09-11-2014
20140264006Ion Trap with Radial Opening in Ring Electrode - Apparatuses and methods for performing mass analysis are disclosed. One such apparatus may include an ion trap device. The ion trap device may comprise a first end cap having a first aperture and a second end cap having a second aperture, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture may define an ejection axis. The ion trap device may also comprise a ring electrode substantially coaxially aligned between the first and second end caps. The ring electrode may include an opening extending along a radial direction of the ring electrode, wherein the radial direction is substantially perpendicular to the ejection axis. One such method may include ionizing a sample in an ion trap through an opening separating at least part of first and second ring sections of the ion trap and detecting ions ejected though an aperture on an end cap of the ion trap.09-18-2014
20140264013MASS SPECTROMETER HAVING AN EXTERNAL DETECTOR - A mass spectrometer system is disclosed. The mass spectrometer includes a vacuum chamber defining an enclosed evacuated space and an ion trap disposed in the enclosed space. The ion trap is configured to trap an ionized sample. The mass spectrometer further includes an ion detector coupled to the chamber at a location external to the chamber such that sample ions may exit the evacuated space and into the externally-coupled detector without loss of vacuum pressure.09-18-2014
20140299760MASS DEPENDENT AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL FOR MASS SPECTROMETER - Systems and methods for automatic gain control in mass spectrometers are disclosed. An exemplary system may include a mass spectrometer, comprising a lens configured to receive a supply of ions, and a mass analyzer. The mass analyzer may include an ion trap for trapping the supplied ions. The mass analyzer may also include an ion detector for detecting ions that exit the ion trap. The lens may focus the ions non-uniformly based on mass of the ions to compensate for space charge effects reflected in a measurement output of the mass spectrometer. An exemplary method may include focusing an ion beam into a mass analyzer. The method may also include obtaining a mass spectrum and identifying a space charge characteristic based on the mass spectrum. The method may further include defocusing the lens based on the identified space charge characteristic, wherein defocusing the lens is configured to divert lighter ions away from the entrance aperture. The method may include obtaining a mass spectrum of a defocused ion beam generated from the sample.10-09-2014
20150228468MASS DEPENDENT AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL FOR MASS SPECTROMETER - Systems and methods for automatic gain control in mass spectrometers are disclosed. An exemplary system may include a mass spectrometer, comprising a lens configured to receive a supply of ions, and a mass analyzer. The mass analyzer may include an ion trap for trapping the supplied ions. The mass analyzer may also include an ion detector for detecting ions that exit the ion trap. The lens may focus the ions non-uniformly based on mass of the ions to compensate for space charge effects reflected in a measurement output of the mass spectrometer.08-13-2015
20150235826SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CALIBRATING MASS SPECTROMETERS - Systems and methods are disclosed for calibrating mass spectrometers. In accordance with one implementation, a system comprises a calibrant chamber within a housing of a mass spectrometer. The system also comprises a permeation tube enclosed within the calibrant chamber, wherein the tube contains a calibrant chemical that continuously outgasses the calibrant chemical. The outgassed calibrant chemical may be introduced to the mass spectrometer for analysis. The system may also comprise a heating block to control the temperature of the calibrant chemical. The system may further comprise a valve that introduces a known amount of the calibrant chemical into the calibrant chamber. In accordance with the present disclosure, systems and methods are provided for calibrating a mass spectrometer abundance scale.08-20-2015
20150330961METHOD FOR DETECTING ORGANIC AND INORGANIC EXPLOSIVES - Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for releasing a sample from a carrier medium. A method of releasing a sample from a carrier medium comprises treating a sample on a carrier medium with a first organic reagent, wherein when the sample contains at least one inorganic salt, the first organic reagent binds to a cation of the inorganic salt to produce both a first volatile compound and an isolated anion of the inorganic salt; treating the sample on the carrier medium with a second organic reagent, wherein the second organic reagent reacts with the isolated anion to produce a second volatile compound; and releasing the treated sample from the carrier medium, wherein when the first and the second volatile compounds are produced, the releasing step releases at least one of the first and second volatile compounds from the carrier medium.11-19-2015

Patent applications by Michael Spencer, Manvel, TX US

Michael D. Spencer, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090171044MOLAR RATIO MODIFICATIONS TO LARGER POLYOLEFIN CATALYSTS - Disclosed are catalyst systems and methods of making the catalyst systems/supports for the polymerization of an olefin containing a solid titanium catalyst component having a substantially spherical shape and containing an internal electron donor, a support made by contacting substantially equal molar amounts of a magnesium compound and an epoxy compound in the presence of an aprotic solvent and subsequent treatment with a halogenating agent to provide a magnesium based catalyst support. The catalyst system can further contain an organoaluminum compound and an organosilicon compound. Also disclosed are methods of polymerizing or copolymerizing an alpha-olefin. The methods involve contacting an olefin with a catalyst system containing the solid titanium catalyst component.07-02-2009

Michael Donald Spencer, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120277090EMULSION PROCESS FOR IMPROVED LARGE SPHERICAL POLYPROPYLENE CATALYSTS - Disclosed are spherical magnesium-based catalyst supports and methods of using the same in a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system for the polymerization of an olefin. The spherical magnesium-based catalyst supports are made by reacting a magnesium halide, a haloalkylepoxide, and a phosphate acid ester in an organic solvent that does not have to contain substantial amounts of toluene.11-01-2012
20140128556PROCESS OF POLYMERIZATION CATALYST PRODUCTION WITH CONTROLLED CATALYST PROPERTIES AND USE OF SAME IN OLEFIN POLYMERIZATIONS - Solid catalyst components for use in olefin polymerization, olefin polymerization catalyst systems containing the solid catalyst components, methods of making the solid catalyst components and the catalyst systems, and methods of polymerizing and copolymerizing olefins involving the use of the catalyst systems. The solid catalyst components are formed by (a) dissolving a magnesium compound and an auxiliary intermediate electron donor in at least one first solvent to form a solution; (b) contacting a first titanium compound with said solution to form a precipitate of the magnesium compound and the first titanium compound; (c) washing the precipitate with a mixture of a second titanium compound and at least one second solvent and optionally an electron donor at a temperature of up to 90° C.; and (d) treating the precipitate with a mixture of a third titanium compound and at least one third solvent at 90-150° C. to form a solid catalyst component.05-08-2014
20150361194PROCESS OF PRODUCTION OF LARGE AND SPHERICAL POLYMERIZATION CATALYST AND USE OF SAME IN OLEFIN POLYMERIZATIONS - Solid catalyst particles for use in olefin polymerization, olefin polymerization catalyst systems containing the solid catalyst particles, methods of making the solid catalyst particles and the catalyst systems, and methods of polymerizing and copolymerizing olefins involving the use of the catalyst systems. The method of preparing the solid catalyst particles includes steps of maintaining a mixture of reactants at a temperature of about 5° C. to about 35° C. for at least 2 hours; increasing the temperature of said mixture to a temperature of about 40° C. to about 50° C. over a period of at least 3 hours; and increasing the temperature of said mixture to a temperature of about 80° C. to about 90° C.12-17-2015

Patent applications by Michael Donald Spencer, Houston, TX US

Michael S. Spencer, Conroe, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080224707Array Antenna for Measurement-While-Drilling - An electromagnetic antenna for Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) applications is disclosed. The antenna can include several array elements that can act alone or together in various measurement modes. The antenna elements can be disposed in tool body recesses to be protected from damage. The antenna elements can include a ferrite plate crossed or looped by independent current carrying conductors in two or more directions forming a bi-directional or crossed magnetic dipole. Although disclosed as a MWD system conveyed by a drill string, basic concepts of the system are applicable to other types of borehole conveyance.09-18-2008

Mike Spencer, Conroe, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130043076Rotary Steerable Assembly Inhibiting Counterclockwise Whirl During Directional Drilling - A bottom hole assembly avoids damaging vibrations that can develop during directional drilling with a rotary steerable system. The assembly has a drill bit, a first collar that rotates with the bit, a rotary steerable tool that controls the bit's trajectory, and a second collar that rotates with the drill string. The first collar between the bit and the tool defines a bend that deflects the bit from the first collar's axis. During operation, this bend causes portion of the assembly to engage the borehole wall to inhibit counterclockwise (CCW) bit whirl by promoting clockwise whirl in the assembly, generating friction against the borehole wall, and dampening vibrations. By inhibiting CCW bit whirl, other damaging vibrations such as CCW whirl in the drill string can also be prevented up the borehole. Alternatively, only the second collar between the tool and the drill string may define the bend, or both collars can define bends.02-21-2013

Paige S. Spencer, Galveston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130149699Translation Kinetic Mapping, Modification and Harmonization - The profile of translation elongation rate along an mRNA is modulated in a directed manner by locally altering codon usage, in particular utilizing differences in ribosomal dwell times among pairs of synonymous codons translated by a single tRNA through wobble base pairing. Unlike codon optimization based on organism-specific codon frequencies or tRNA pools, the methods of the invention need not change the tRNA that translates the codon, rather modulating the interaction between a given tRNA and the mRNA coding sequence.06-13-2013

Rae Spencer, Cypress, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120258508ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO ALCOHOLS AND HYDROCARBONS FROM BIOMASS - A method of producing hydrocarbons from biomass that includes converting at least a portion of the biomass into a first product having at least one of a carboxylic acid, a ketone, an ammonium carboxylate salt, and combinations thereof; converting at least a portion of the first product into an alcohol; reacting at least some of the alcohol in an oligomerization reactor as part of a process that produces an oligomerization product.10-11-2012
20120264184ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO ALCOHOLS AND HYDROCARBONS FROM BIOMASS - A method of producing alcohols, hydrocarbons, or both from biomass, the method including converting biomass into a carboxylic acid; reacting the carboxylic acid with an olefin to produce an ester; and hydrogenolyzing the ester to produce alcohol. The steps of reacting the carboxylic acid with an olefin to produce an ester, and hydrogenolyzing the ester to produce an alcohol, may both be carried out in the same reactor.10-18-2012

Rae Lynn Spencer, Cypress, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120031747PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR SEPARATING HEAVY AND LIGHT COMPONENTS CONTAINED IN A VAPOR MIXTURE - Herein disclosed is a method of separating heavy and light components from a vapor mixture. The method comprises a. distilling the vapor mixture into a first vapor phase and a first liquid phase; and b. condensing at least a portion of the first vapor phase into a second liquid phase and a second vapor phase; wherein the distilling utilizes the internal energy of the vapor mixture. In an embodiment, the method further comprises c. utilizing at least a portion of the first liquid phase to absorb at least a portion of the second vapor phase. In some cases, the method further comprises cooling the at least a portion of the first liquid phase prior to utilizing it to absorb the at least a portion of the second vapor phase.02-09-2012

Reed Spencer, Spring, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140136168DRILL BIT SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION - A method of predicting behavior of a drill bit includes: generating, by a processor, a representation of at least one component of the drill bit, the representation representing a three-dimensional object as a combination of at least two two-dimensional polygons; representing a borehole formed in an earth formation during a drilling operation by generating a mathematical representation of a borehole surface defined by a plurality of nodes; simulating operation of the drill bit within the borehole with the application of one or both of axial load and a side load; determining whether the three-dimensional object is in contact with the borehole surface by determining if one of the nodes is within both of the two-dimensional polygons during the simulation; and estimating an amount of lateral motion of the drill bit during the simulation.05-15-2014

Reed W. Spencer, Spring, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130030706DETECTION OF DOWNHOLE VIBRATIONS USING SURFACE DATA FROM DRILLING RIGS - Disclosed is a method for estimating downhole lateral vibrations a drill tubular disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth or a component coupled to the drill tubular. The method includes rotating the drill tubular to drill the first borehole and performing a plurality of measurements in a time window of one or more parameters of the drill tubular at or above a surface of the earth during the rotating using a sensor. The method further includes estimating the downhole lateral vibrations using a processor that receives the plurality of measurements.01-31-2013
20130054203MODELING AND SIMULATION OF COMPLETE DRILL STRINGS - A method of predicting behavior of a drilling assembly includes: generating a mathematical representation of a geometry of each of a plurality of components of a drilling assembly, the plurality of components including a plurality of cutters and one or more additional components configured to at least one of: support the plurality of cutters and operably connect the plurality of cutters to the drill string, the one or more additional components including a drill bit crown; simulating one or more operating conditions incident on the drilling assembly representation, and simulating an interaction between the plurality of components and an earth formation; and predicting physical responses of the drilling assembly representation to the one or more conditions.02-28-2013
20130151219MULTI-PARAMETER BIT RESPONSE MODEL - A method of generating a directional response of a drill bit based on one or more drilling parameters includes performing actual or simulated tests with a drill bit in a test material having a strength under different experimental drilling parameters and recording the results of the plurality of tests. A representation of an expected directional response of the drill bit is formed based on the results. Current drilling parameters are receiving current drilling parameters at a computing device and the directional response is generated based on the current drilling parameters by utilizing the representation.06-13-2013
20130248256DRILL BIT OPTIMIZATION BASED MOTION OF CUTTERS - A method of designing a drill bit includes: defining a representation of a first drill bit including at least a first cutter having a first face, the first cutter being disposed on the representation of the first drill bit in a first orientation; simulating in a first simulation on a computing device off-axis rotation of the first drill bit in a simulated subterranean formation; determining that the first face included, during the first simulation, a first face orientation direction that was oriented different than a face cutting direction by an amount that exceeds a predetermined threshold; and defining the first drill bit such that the first cutter is disposed in a second orientation.09-26-2013
20140122034DRILL BIT BODY RUBBING SIMULATION - A method of predicting behavior of a drilling assembly includes generating, by a processor, a mathematical representation of a geometry of drill bit that includes a plurality of earth contacting portions, the plurality of earth contacting portions including a plurality of cutters and one or more additional components; estimating, with a separate model for each earth contacting portion, contact with the earth formation during a drilling operation; and estimating one or more forces on the one or more earth contact portions during the drilling operation based on the estimated contact.05-01-2014
20140332285FORMATION-ENGAGING ELEMENT PLACEMENT ON EARTH-BORING TOOLS AND RELATED METHODS - Earth-boring tools include a cutting element positioned on a drill bit body at a radial distance from a longitudinal axis thereof. At least two formation-engaging elements are positioned at the same radial distance from the longitudinal axis as the cutting element. The formation-engaging elements are recessed from cutting profile of the cutting element by a distance within about 10% of d, wherein d=(α*x)/(1800*y), where α is an angle between the formation-engaging element and the cutting element, x is a rate of penetration of the drill bit body, and y is a rotation speed of the drill bit body. Additional earth-boring tools include at least one cutting element and at least two formation-engaging elements recessed from a cutting profile of the at least one cutting element at a common angle. Methods relate to forming such earth-boring tools.11-13-2014
20150142403AXIAL MOTION DRILL BIT MODEL - A method for predicting an amount of axial motion of a drill bit having one or more cutters for drilling formation rock includes: receiving lithology data for the formation rock; receiving drilling parameters; calculating confined compressive strength (CCS) of the rock using the received information; calculating an area of cut into the formation rock by each of the one or more cutters; calculating an effective back rake of each of the one or more cutters; calculating a force applied to each of the one or more cutters using the CCS, the area of cut and the effective back rake of the one or more cutters, and by accounting for an orientation of each cutter with respect to a surface of the rock to be cut; and summing the calculated forces applied to each of the one or more cutters to calculate the weight on bit and torque on bit.05-21-2015
20150142404LATERAL MOTION DRILL BIT MODEL - A method for predicting a change in lateral displacement with a change in axial displacement of a drill bit drilling in a formation rock includes: constructing a virtual representation of the drill bit and the formation rock, the drill bit having a gage pad configured to remove rock by wearing or crushing the rock during moving contact and a cutter configured to cut into the rock during moving contact with the rock; adjusting lateral penetration depth until rock reactive force equals a side force applied to the drill bit to provide an adjusted lateral penetration depth; removing formation rock to where the pad and the cutters contact the rock at the adjusted lateral penetration depth and to a selected axial displacement of the drill bit; moving the drill bit in a drilling direction to the end of the currently drilled borehole; and iterating the adjusting, the removing, and the moving.05-21-2015
20150142406DIRECTIONAL DRILL AHEAD SIMULATOR: DIRECTIONAL WELLBORE PREDICTION USING BHA AND BIT MODELS - A method for predicting a path of a borehole that will be drilled in a rock formation by a bottomhole assembly (BHA) having a drill bit includes: constructing a model of the BHA; calculating confined compressive strength of the rock formation using an axial motion drill bit model that receives drilling parameter, drill bit design and lithology information; calculating lateral motion of the drill bit using a lateral motion drill bit model; calculating a ratio of lateral motion to axial motion using the lateral motion drill bit model; calculating an inclination angle and an azimuthal direction of the BHA using a BHA steering model that receives the ratio; and iterating the above steps by updating the BHA model to include extending the borehole an incremental distance in the direction of the inclination angle and the azimuthal direction and displacing the BHA the incremental distance in the extended borehole.05-21-2015
20160047206METHODS OF SELECTING BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLIES COMPRISING EARTH-BORING TOOLS, OF IMPROVING DRILLING OPERATIONS, AND OF IMPROVING DRILLING PLANS BASED ON DRILLING SIMULATIONS - Methods of evaluating performance of simulated drilling operations may involve accepting characteristics of an earth formation. A drill path, a plurality of quality evaluation standards, and selection of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and at least one earth-boring tool may be accepted. A drilling operation attempting to follow the drill path using the BHA and the drill bit may be simulated. Performance of the BHA and the drill bit in the drilling operation may be evaluated relative to the quality evaluation standards. At least one aspect of the simulated drilling operation may be changed, and simulation of the drilling operation, performance evaluation, and change of the aspects of the drilling operation may be iterated. Performance of each drilling operation may be compared to the other drilling operations, and an improved aspect of a drilling operation may be output relative to the comparative performance of the drilling operations.02-18-2016
20160097237DRILL BIT WITH EXTENDABLE GAUGE PADS - A drill bit for use in a wellbore is disclosed, including a bit body having a longitudinal axis; and at least one moveable member associated with a lateral extent of the bit body, wherein the at least one moveable member is configured to translate in a member axis that is substantially longitudinal. Further, a method of drilling a wellbore is disclosed, including providing a drill bit including a bit body having a longitudinal axis and at least one movable member associated with a lateral extent of the bit body; conveying a drill string into a formation, the drill string having the drill bit at the end thereof; drilling the wellbore using the drill string; and selectively translating at least one movable member in a member axis that is substantially longitudinal.04-07-2016

Patent applications by Reed W. Spencer, Spring, TX US

Robert Spencer, Garland, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140131450EMBEDDED RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) PACKAGE - A radio frequency identification (RFID) device is described. In one or more implementations, the RFID device includes an integrated circuit (IC) die electrically connected to a radio frequency (RF) antenna winding for transmitting electronically stored information via the RF antenna winding. The RFID device also includes a substrate comprising a first core laminated to a second core. The RF antenna winding is routed through the first core and the second core. The first core defines a cavity for retaining the IC die. The cavity is disposed within the RF antenna winding in the first core.05-15-2014

Ronald Spencer, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110267070Ground Fault Detection For An Electrical Subsea Control System - A ground fault detection circuit for detecting ground faults in electrical subsea conductor lines including a first electrical conductor line, a second electrical conductor line, a first ground fault detection line, and a second ground fault detection line. The ground fault detection circuit further includes a first resistor operatively connected to a voltage source and the first ground fault detection line, a second resistor operatively connected to the voltage source and the second ground fault detection line, and a voltage detection device configured to detect the voltage at an output end of the first resistor to determine the presence of a ground fault in at least one of the first and second conductor lines.11-03-2011
20110308807USE OF WIRED TUBULARS FOR COMMUNICATIONS/POWER IN AN IN-RISER APPLICATION - A method for controlling a subsea valve assembly includes connecting a subsea riser between a wellhead and a surface vessel. An in-riser control unit is attached to a wired pipe string and disposed within the subsea riser, resulting in the in-riser control unit being deployed in-riser. The wired pipe string is connected to a surface control unit and a communication signal is transmitted through the wired pipe string between the surface control unit and the in-riser control unit to control the subsea valve assembly.12-22-2011

Ronald James Spencer, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130153242IN-RISER POWER GENERATION - In-riser power generation devices and methods are utilized to generate power subsea to operate subsea devices of a subsea well system. A turbine power generator is located in fluid communication with a subsea fluid flow path of a subsea well system and the turbine power generator is operationally connected to a subsea power device.06-20-2013

Timothy Spencer, Georgetown, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120099268MEMORY RETENTION SYSTEM TO REDUCE SHOCK-RELATED DISCONTINUITIES - A memory retention and support system includes a memory chassis. A board is mounted to the memory chassis. A memory connector is mounted to the board and includes a pair of guide members at opposite distal ends of the memory connector and a pair of opposing outer walls extending between the guide members. A connector reinforcing member engages the memory connector to urge the guide members toward each other and to urge the opposing outer walls toward each other. A damping member is operable to be positioned adjacent to and spaced apart from the memory connector in order to engage a memory module when the memory module is coupled to the memory connector. The connector reinforcing member and the damping member act to resist a discontinuities between a plurality of memory contacts on the memory module and a plurality of connector contacts on the memory connector.04-26-2012
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