Murray D Einarson

US Patent:

6865933, Mar 15, 2005

Filed:

Feb 1, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/241744

Inventors:

Murray D. Einarson - Palo Alto CA, US
Michael B. Casey - Woodacre CA, US
Donald Winglewich - Marshall CA, US

International Classification:

E21B049/10

US Classification:

7315223, 7315225, 7386333, 7386433, 7386464, 166264, 166384, 166385, 166387

Abstract:

An apparatus and methods are provided for monitoring a well and for obtaining fluid samples from below the ground. The apparatus includes a single-piece, extruded plastic well stock that extends from the surface of the ground to the lowest sampling depth. Plural sampling intervals are defined between the surface and the lowest sampling depth. Sampling intervals are defined by isolating sections of the borehole by using packers that seal the annular space between the well stock and the borehole. The well stock includes plural longitudinal chambers. Inlet holes are put into the well stock so that inlets for each interval admit fluid to only one longitudinal chamber. Inert sealant is injected below inlets to prevent fluid from spreading below a desired level. Instructions are placed into the longitudinal chambers to monitor fluids in the chambers or to retrieve samples, or alternatively, the well stock can be removed to obtain samples.

US Patent:

RE370665, Feb 27, 2001

Filed:

Feb 4, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/018651

Inventors:

Michael B. Casey - Woodacre CA
Murray D. Einarson - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

Precision Sampling Incorporated - Richmond VA

International Classification:

G01N 104

US Classification:

7386444

Abstract:

A soil sampling system includes a rig for driving a drive casing, a sample barrel, and sample liners simultaneously into soil to be sampled. The rig includes mechanisms for driving the casing, barrel, and lining in three modes: hydraulic hammer, continuous pressure, and vibration. The three drive mechanisms can be operated singly or in any combination. After the casing, barrel, and liners are advanced a selected depth into the soil, the barrel and liners are removed. The drive casing remains in the soil. New sample liners are put into the sample barrel, and an inner rod is attached to the sample barrel. The sample barrel is then replaced into the drive casing, and extensions are attached to the drive casing. The drive casing, including extensions, and the sample barrels, along with sample liners and inner rod, are driven further down into the soil. The rig also includes a winch that can be coupled to the inner rod or sample barrel so that the casing and/or barrel (including sample liners) can be retrieved from the drive casing.

US Patent:

54171229, May 23, 1995

Filed:

Jun 17, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/261397

Inventors:

Michael B. Casey - San Rafael CA
Murray D. Einarson - Mountain View CA

International Classification:

G01N 120
E21B 3300

US Classification:

7386444

Abstract:

A fluid-coupled latch for a soil sampling system (including a sample barrel and a drive casing) includes an inflatable gland affixed to the sample barrel. When inflated, the latch engages the inner wall of the drive casing so that the sample barrel is held in a fixed position relative to the drive casing. The latch thus in effect rigidly couples the sample barrel to the drive casing so that the drive casing and sample barrel can be driven simultaneously into the soil while maintaining their initial relative positions. The pressure in the gland is regulated during sampling procedures. After the casing, barrel, and liners are advanced a selected depth into the soil, the latch is released by deflating the inflatable gland and the barrel and liners are removed using wire rope from a winch. The drive casing remains in the soil. An extension is attached to the drive casing.

US Patent:

54888760, Feb 6, 1996

Filed:

Mar 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/464592

Inventors:

Michael B. Casey - Woodacre CA
Murray D. Einarson - Mountain View CA

Assignee:

Precision Sampling Incorporated - San Rafael CA

International Classification:

G01N 104

US Classification:

7386444

Abstract:

A soil sampling system includes a rig for driving a drive casing, a sample barrel, and sample liners simultaneously into soil to be sampled. The rig includes mechanisms for driving the casing, barrel, and lining in three modes: hydraulic hammer, continuous pressure, and vibration. The three drive mechanisms can be operated singly or in any combination. After the casing, barrel, and liners are advanced a selected depth into the soil, the barrel and liners are removed. The drive casing remains in the soil. New sample liners are put into the sample barrel, and an inner rod is attached to the sample barrel. The sample barrel is then replaced into the drive casing, and extensions are attached to the drive casing. The drive casing, including extensions, and the sample barrels, along with sample liners and inner rod, are driven further down into the soil. The rig also includes a winch that can be coupled to the inner rod or sample barrel so that the casing and/or barrel (including sample liners) can be retrieved from the drive casing.