Apparatus and methods for determining parameters downhole using gravity-affected sensor
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsPaul G. Cairns, Kurt J. Kuck, Robert A. Estes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes a sensor having a plurality of spaced conductive contact elements, a sensing member that moves by gravity and contacts at least two contact elements in the plurality of contact elements to create an electrical short between such at least two contact elements and a circuit coupled to the contact elements configured to generate electrical signals in response to the electrical short between the contact elements.
Claims21
An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising:
- a sensor having:
- a plurality of spaced contact elements;
- a sensing member that moves by gravity and contacts at least two contact elements in the plurality of contact elements to create an electrical short between such at least two contact elements;
- and
- a circuit coupled to the contact elements configured to generate electrical signals in response to the electrical short between the contact elements.
An apparatus for determining a parameter of interest downhole, comprising:
- a tool body;
- and
- a sensor in the tool body that contains:
- a plurality of spaced apart contact elements;
- and
- a sensing member that moves by gravity and contacts at least two contact elements in the plurality of contact elements to create an electrical short between the at least two contact elements;
- a circuit coupled to the plurality of contact elements configured to generate electrical signals in response to the electrical short between the contact elements;
- and
- a processor configured to process the signals to determine the parameter of interest.
An apparatus for determining a parameter of interest downhole, comprising:
- a tool body configured to be deployed in a wellbore;
- a gravity-assisted sensor in the tool that includes a sensing member that freely moves over a plurality of spaced apart contact elements to cause a shorts between at least two such contact elements at a time and generate electrical signals corresponding to such shorts;
- and
- a processor configured to determine the parameter of interest utilizing the electrical signals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.