The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 03, 2006
Filed:
Nov. 24, 2003
Patrick Fisseler, Missouri City, TX (US);
Tom Palmer, Stafford, TX (US);
James Mather, Richmond, TX (US);
Colin Longfield, Houston, TX (US);
Richard Meehan, Sugar Land, TX (US);
Jean-marc Follini, Houston, TX (US);
Jean-michel Hache, Houston, TX (US);
Patrick Fisseler, Missouri City, TX (US);
Tom Palmer, Stafford, TX (US);
James Mather, Richmond, TX (US);
Colin Longfield, Houston, TX (US);
Richard Meehan, Sugar Land, TX (US);
Jean-Marc Follini, Houston, TX (US);
Jean-Michel Hache, Houston, TX (US);
Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Sugar Land, TX (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method useful for acquiring information from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore contemplate the use of a tubular body adapted for connection within a drill string disposed in the wellbore. The tubular body is equipped with one or more protuberances (e.g., ribs) defining an expanded axial portion. A probe is carried by the tubular body at or near a first location within the expanded axial portion of the body where the cross-sectional area of the expanded axial portion is a minimum. The probe is movable between retracted and extended positions. In another aspect, the inventive apparatus may further include a cover releasably-secured about the probe for protecting the probe while drilling. In a further aspect, the inventive apparatus may include a shearable backup support carried by the tubular body azimuthally opposite the probe permitting release of the apparatus from the wellbore in the event of a failure. In yet another aspect, the probe is at least partially carried within a debris-clearing channel formed in a protruding portion of the tubular body to promote free movement of the probe within the wellbore.