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US 6,385,031 B1Granted
Switches for use in tools
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsNolan C. Lerche, James E. Brooks
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A switch for use in various applications, including downhole applications, includes a first conductor and a second conductor and an insulator electrically isolating the first and second conductors. A device responsive to an applied voltage generates a plasma to perforate through the insulator to create an electrically conductive path between the first and second conductors. In another arrangement, a switch includes conductors and at least one element separating the conductors. The at least one element is adapted to electrically isolate the conductors in one state and to change characteristics in response to an applied voltage to provide an electrically conductive path between the conductors. Other types of switches may include electromechanical or mechanical elements.
Claims33
A switch comprising:
- a first conductor and a second conductor;
- an insulator electrically isolating the first and second conductors;
- and
- a device responsive to an applied voltage to generate a plasma to perforate through the insulator to create an electrically conductive path between the first and second conductors.
1 more element
A tool for use in a wellbore, comprising:
- a downhole component activable by electrical power;
- and
- a switch coupled to the downhole component, the switch selected from the group consisting of:
- (a) an assembly having a first conductor and a second conductor;
- an insulator electrically isolating the first and second conductors;
- and a device responsive to an applied voltage to generate a plasma to perforate through the insulator to create an electrically conductive path between the first and second conductors;
- (b) an assembly having conductors;
- a fuse link between the conductors;
- and insulation formed between the fuse link and each conductor, the fuse link coupled to receive a triggering voltage;
- (c) assembly having a spark gap;
- a wire wound a plurality of turns around the spark gap;
- a first voltage coupled to the spark gap, the first voltage being less than an activation voltage of the spark gap;
- and a second voltage applied to the wire at a sufficient level to activate the spark gap;
- (d) an assembly having conductors, an insulator, and a microelectromechanical device adapted to electrically connect the conductors when actuated, wherein the microelectromechanical device includes an actuator moveable by an applied electrical signal to move through the insulator and electrically connect the conductors;
- and
- (e) an assembly having conductors;
- an insulating layer separating the conductors;
- and a pressure actuated rod that when actuated in response to a predetermined pressure moves to electrically couple the conductors through the insulating layer.
15 more elements
A switching apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of conductor layers;
- at least an insulator layer separating the conductor layers;
- and
- a microelectromechanical device adapted to electrically connect the conductor layers when actuated, wherein the microelectromechanical device includes an actuator moveable by an applied electrical signal to move through the insulator layer and electrically connect the conductor layers.
1 more element
A switch comprising:
- conductors;
- a fuse link between the conductors;
- and
- insulation formed between the fuse link and each conductor,
- the fuse link coupled to receive a triggering voltage.
2 more elements
An activation device to activate an explosive, comprising:
- a support structure;
- an initiator formed on the support structure;
- and
- a switch formed with the initiator on the support structure to couple an applied voltage to the initiator, wherein the switch includes a multi-layered assembly including a plurality of electrical conductor layers and at least one insulator layer isolating the electrical conductor layers.
1 more element
A switching system comprising:
- a spark gap;
- a wire wound a plurality of turns around the spark gap;
- a first voltage coupled to the spark gap, the first voltage being less than an activation voltage of the spark gap;
- and
- a second voltage applied to the wire at a sufficient level to activate the spark gap.
2 more elements
Apparatus for use in a downhole tool, comprising:
- a downhole component;
- and
- a switch including conductors and a microelectromechanical device adapted to electrically connect the conductors when actuated,
- wherein the microelectromechanical device includes an actuator moveable by an applied electrical signal to electrically connect the conductors,
- wherein the switch further includes a multilayered assembly including the conductors and an insulator, the actuator adapted to move through the insulator.
2 more elements
A switch comprising:
- conductors;
- an insulating layer separating the conductors;
- and
- a pressure actuated rod that when actuated in response to a predetermined pressure moves to electrically couple the conductors through the insulating layer.
1 more element
A method of electrically coupling an electrical signal to a component in a downhole tool, comprising:
- providing a multilayered switch assembly including a plurality of conductor layers and at least one insulator layer;
- and
- activating an element to create at least one electrical path by using a plasma to perforate through the at least one insulator layer to establish electrical conduction between the conductor layers.
A method of electrically coupling an electrical signal to a component in a downhole tool, comprising:
- providing a switch selected from the group consisting of:
- (a) an assembly having a first conductor and a second conductor;
- an insulator electrically isolating the first and second conductors;
- and a device responsive to an applied voltage to generate a plasma to perforate through the insulator to create an electrically conductive path between the first and second conductors;
- (b) an assembly having conductors;
- a fuse link between the conductors;
- and insulation formed between the fuse link and each conductor, the fuse link coupled to receive a triggering voltage;
- (c) an assembly having a spark gap;
- a wire wound a plurality of turns around the spark gap;
- a first voltage coupled to the spark gap, the first voltage being less than an activation voltage of the spark gap;
- and a second voltage applied to the wire at a sufficient level to activate the spark gap;
- (d) an assembly having conductors, an insulator, and a microelectromechanical device adapted to electrically connect the conductors when actuated, wherein the microelectromechanical device includes an actuator moveable by an applied electrical signal to move through the insulator and electrically connect the conductors;
- and
- (e) an assembly having conductors;
- an insulating layer separating the conductors;
- and a pressure actuated rod that when actuated in response to a predetermined pressure moves to electrically couple the conductors through the insulating layer;
- and
- activating the switch to provide the electrical signal to the component.
15 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.