Don J Clark

US Patent:

6820701, Nov 23, 2004

Filed:

Nov 1, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/285835

Inventors:

Don T. Clark - Idaho Falls ID
Eugene E. Erickson - Pocatello ID
William L. Casper - Rigby ID
David M. Everett - Shelley ID

Assignee:

Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

E21B 4700

US Classification:

175 49, 7315201, 16625001

Abstract:

Visual probes and methods for placing visual probes into subsurface areas in either contaminated or non-contaminated sites are described. In one implementation, the method includes driving at least a portion of a visual probe into the ground using direct push, sonic drilling, or a combination of direct push and sonic drilling. Such is accomplished without providing an open pathway for contaminants or fugitive gases to reach the surface. According to one implementation, the invention includes an entry segment configured for insertion into the ground or through difficult materials (e. g. , concrete, steel, asphalt, metals, or items associated with waste), at least one extension segment configured to selectively couple with the entry segment, at least one push rod, and a pressure cap. Additional implementations are contemplated.

US Patent:

6826972, Dec 7, 2004

Filed:

Oct 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/285798

Inventors:

Don T. Clark - Idaho Falls ID
Eugene E. Erickson - Pocatello ID
William L. Casper - Rigby ID
David M. Everett - Shelley ID
Joel M. Hubbell - Idaho Falls ID
James B. Sisson - Idaho Falls ID

Assignee:

Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

G01N 126

US Classification:

7386381, 7315223, 175 59

Abstract:

A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.

US Patent:

6938503, Sep 6, 2005

Filed:

Oct 25, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/973710

Inventors:

Don T. Clark - Idaho Falls ID, US
Eugene E. Erickson - Pocatello ID, US
William L. Casper - Rigby ID, US
David M. Everett - Shelley ID, US
Joel M. Hubbell - Idaho Falls ID, US
James B. Sisson - Idaho Falls ID, US

Assignee:

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

E21B043/00

US Classification:

7386323, 7386474, 175 60

Abstract:

A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.

US Patent:

7178391, Feb 20, 2007

Filed:

Aug 9, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/200752

Inventors:

Chris Casper, legal representative - Rigby ID, US
Don T. Clark - Idaho Falls ID, US
Blair K. Grover - Idaho Falls ID, US
Rodney O. Mathewson - Idaho Falls ID, US
Craig A. Seymour - Idaho Falls ID, US

Assignee:

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

G01N 1/26
G01L 7/18
E21B 49/08
F16L 25/14

US Classification:

7315205, 73 73, 7315223, 7315241, 7386381, 175 59, 285333, 285334

Abstract:

A drill string comprises a first drill string member having a male end; and a second drill string member having a female end configured to be joined to the male end of the first drill string member, the male end having a threaded portion including generally square threads, the male end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the threaded portion, and the male end further having a bearing surface, the female end having a female threaded portion having corresponding female threads, the female end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the female threaded portion, and the female end having a bearing surface. Installation methods, including methods of installing instrumented probes are also provided.

US Patent:

7311011, Dec 25, 2007

Filed:

Nov 22, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/995799

Inventors:

Don T. Clark - Idaho Falls ID, US
Richard L. Jones - Idaho Falls ID, US
Terry D. Turner - Idaho Falls ID, US
Joel M. Hubbell - Idaho Falls ID, US
James B. Sisson - Idaho Falls ID, US

Assignee:

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

G01N 1/10

US Classification:

7386474

Abstract:

An access casing assembly structured for placement at least partially within a subterranean formation by forcing the access casing assembly thereinto, comprising a plurality of casing sections operably coupled to form a central elongated cavity for providing access to the subterranean region is disclosed. Further, a tip portion of the access casing assembly may include a porous filter through which liquid or gas may communicate with the central elongated cavity. Also, a receiving member or at least one engagement hub may form a portion of the central elongated cavity and may include an engagement feature configured for selectively and lockingly engaging a locking structure of a device to be positioned within the access casing assembly. Methods of use are disclosed. A tensiometer is disclosed including a chamber structured for allowing at least partially filling with a fluid subsequent to contact therewith.

US Patent:

7431348, Oct 7, 2008

Filed:

Jan 9, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/621448

Inventors:

William L. Casper - Rigby ID, US
Don T. Clark - Idaho Falls ID, US
Blair K. Grover - Idaho Falls ID, US
Rodney O. Mathewson - Idaho Falls ID, US
Craig A. Seymour - Idaho Falls ID, US

Assignee:

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

F16L 15/04
F16L 15/06

US Classification:

285334, 285329, 285355, 1662421

Abstract:

A drill string comprises a first drill string member having a male end; and a second drill string member having a female end configured to be joined to the male end of the first drill string member, the male end having a threaded portion including generally square threads, the male end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the threaded portion, and the male end further having a bearing surface, the female end having a female threaded portion having corresponding female threads, the female end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the female threaded portion, and the female end having a bearing surface. Installation methods, including methods of installing instrumented probes are also provided.

US Patent:

20040083835, May 6, 2004

Filed:

Oct 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/285786

Inventors:

William Casper - Rigby ID, US
Don Clark - Idaho Falls ID, US
Blair Grover - Idaho Falls ID, US
Rodney Mathewson - Idaho Falls ID, US
Craig Seymour - Idaho Falls ID, US

International Classification:

G01N033/00
E21B049/00

US Classification:

073/866500, 073/866000

Abstract:

An apparatus which facilitates placing an instrumented probe into a media, including a plurality of probe casings having first and second ends, the first end of one probe casing being configured to selectively couple with the second end of another probe casing at a casing joint to form an insertion tube, the insertion tube having an instrument receiving end, a surface end, and an insertion tube wall which together define a central cavity, and wherein the casing joint includes a seal which functions as a substantial barrier to contaminants.

US Patent:

20050011290, Jan 20, 2005

Filed:

Aug 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/910860

Inventors:

William Casper - Rigby ID, US
Don Clark - Idaho Falls ID, US
Blair Grover - Idaho Falls ID, US
Rodney Mathewson - Idaho Falls ID, US
Craig Seymour - Idaho Falls ID, US

International Classification:

G01N033/24
E21B049/00
E21B049/08

US Classification:

073866500, 073866000

Abstract:

An apparatus which facilitates placing an instrumented probe into a media, including a plurality of probe casings having first and second ends, the first end of one probe casing being configured to selectively couple with the second end of another probe casing at a casing joint to form an insertion tube, the insertion tube having an instrument receiving end, a surface end, and an insertion tube wall which together define a central cavity, and wherein the casing joint includes a seal which functions as a substantial barrier to contaminants.