Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm John E. Vick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6688143
    Abstract: A warp knit fabric having elastomeric yarns and polyester yarns, the polyester yarns including a flame retardant agent incorporated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Jan L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6688642
    Abstract: An airbag system for seatbelts including a housing and an elongated one-piece tubular inflatable structure disposed within the housing, where the housing and inflatable structure include a seatbelt passageway so that a seatbelt may pass therethrough unhindered and unaffected during normal seatbelt use, while the inflatable structure remains in an uninflated state. In a collision event, an inflator causes the inflatable structure to unfold, or preferably unroll, and extend from the housing along the seatbelt, so that the inflatable structure surrounds the seatbelt over an extended length thereof to provide a cushion between the seatbelt and an occupant. Such an arrangement may be easily applied to existing seatbelt systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: John A. Sollars, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6684911
    Abstract: A textile with first grouping of yarns separated from a second grouping of yarns, and displacement yarns disposed between the first grouping of yarns and the second grouping of yarns such that the displacement yarns progress in a sinusoidal manner to alternately contact the adjacent displacement yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Douglas John Salway, Jan L. Williams, Daniel P. Gillig
  • Patent number: 6666477
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an inflatable restraint system for use in a transportation vehicle having a dash panel and space for an operator and a passenger is provided. The restraint system includes at least one gas generator housed within the dash panel and an inflatable cushion in fluid communication with the gas generator. The inflatable cushion which may be formed from a single blank of material includes an impact portion for contact with the passenger during a frontal collision and a neck portion which extends away from the impact portion towards the gas generator. The impact portion of the inflatable cushion has a seam free contact surface for contact with the passenger during a collision event and a rear surface which opposes the dash panel upon inflation. The impact portion and the neck portion are adjoined and enclosed by a plurality of substantially straight seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: James M. Robertson, Leigh A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6632756
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fabric composite for disposition across an automotive seating frame and relates more particularly to a laminated fabric incorporating elastomeric yarn which has undergone either flame or adhesive lamination so as to be joined to a knit or woven aesthetic cover by means of foam either with or without adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Anthony R. Waldrop, George C. McLarty, Marc J. Balsa
  • Patent number: 6446727
    Abstract: A wellbore (10) in an earth formation (12) having a casing (14) and a plurality of pay or production zones (32, 34, 36) provided in the formation. A coiled tubing string (18) from a reel (20) is injected by an injector (24) into the wellbore (10) for first perforating casing section (38) at each pay zone (32, 34, 36) in a single pass of the coiled tubing (18) as shown in FIG. 1. Next, the coiled tubing (18) is utilized for hydraulic fracturing each of the pay zones (32, 34, 36) individually from the lowermost pay zone (32) to the uppermost pay zone (36) in a single pass of the coiled tubing (18). Each pay zone (32, 34, 36) is isolated for the hydraulic fracturing. An upper packer (44 or 54) is provided above each of the pay zones for isolation and a lower packer (56) or sand plug (50) is utilized for isolating the lower or outermost end of each pay zone (32, 34, 36). Swab cups (58, 54A, 56A, 54B, 56B) are also utilized for isolation of pay zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sclumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Warren M. Zemlak, Stephen P. Lemp, Robert D. Thiessen
  • Patent number: 6060436
    Abstract: The crosslinking of galactomannan gum fracturing fluids by borate ion is delayed for high temperature applications by completing boron in a basic solution with an organic polyol. Low pumping friction pressures are achieved by the delay in the crosslinking with the boron being available at high temperatures to add high temperature stability to the fracturing fluid at temperatures ranging upto about 300.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Travis C. Snyder, Dustin L. Free, Stanley Bruce McConnell, Brian R. Ainley
  • Patent number: 5972849
    Abstract: In the presence of certain crude oils, when ferric iron exists in very acidic fluid, it practically instantaneously forms precipitates known as sludges which lead to irreversible damage. Iron control compositions and acid fluids containing such iron control compositions are disclosed. For acid fluids containing up to 15% acid, the iron control composition includes a reducing agent selected from a substituted and unsubstituted thiourea compounds, and a reduction catalyst including a copper (cuprous or cupric) compound. When the acid fluid contains more than 15% acid, for example from 15 to 28% acid, the reducing agent is again selected from substituted or unsubstituted thiourea compounds, and the reduction catalyst is a combination of a copper (cuprous or cupric) compound and iodine (iodine or iodide ions).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Feraud, Herve Perthuis, Philippe Dejeux, Pierre Maroy
  • Patent number: 5972850
    Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is a novel fracturing fluid composition comprising an aqueous metal hydrated galactomannan gum, buffered to a pH of from about 9 to about 11. In another embodiment, a method of fracturing a formation is disclosed, the method being characterized by the use of the compositions mentioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Nimerick
  • Patent number: 5962375
    Abstract: Wellbore fluids are disclosed which comprise liquid dispersions of particulate mixed divalent metal carbonates having a generally platy crystal form. Mixed alkaline earth metal carbonates are preferred. The invention further relates to a method of well construction, well remediation, or stimulation utilizing such wellbore fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Dowell, a division of Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Sawdon, Shreekant Babulal Mehta
  • Patent number: 5950725
    Abstract: A hydraulic wiper plug launcher (8) includes a coupler (22) releasably mounted on the upper end of a well casing (9). The outer coupler body (10) has an inner shoulder (49) and an open ended plug container (12) has a stack of wiper plugs (16) compressed therein. The upper end portion of container (12) forms a fluid chamber (S2) above the uppermost wiper plug (16). A precise predetermined volume of fluid is supplied to fluid chamber (S2) for expelling the plugs (16) in a controlled sequence. The length of the fluid chamber (S2) in container (12) increases an amount equal to the length of the wiper plug (16) pushed or expelled from the open lower end of the container (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Jason Jonas
  • Patent number: 5948733
    Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, relates to a fluid loss control additive or composition comprising a granular starch composition and fine particulate mica, in specified proportions. The invention further comprises a fracturing fluid containing a starch composition and mica, in a specified ratio. In yet a third embodiment, the invention comprises a method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a borehole, comprising injecting into the borehole and into contact with the formation, at a rate and pressure sufficient to fracture the formation, a fracturing fluid containing starch and mica, in specified ratios, and in an amount sufficient to provide fluid loss control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Dowell Schlumberger Incorporated
    Inventors: Kay E. Cawiezel, Reinaldo C. Navarrete, Vernon G. Constien
  • Patent number: 5929002
    Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, relates to a fluid loss control additive or composition comprising a granular starch composition and fine particulate mica, in specified proportions. The invention further comprises a fracturing fluid containing a starch composition and mica, in a specified ratio. In yet a third embodiment, the invention comprises a method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a borehole, comprising injecting into the borehole and into contact with the formation, at a rate and pressure sufficient to fracture the formation, a fracturing fluid containing starch and mica, in specified ratios, and in an amount sufficient to provide fluid loss control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Dowell, a division of Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Andrew Joyce, Reinaldo Navarrete, Vernon G. Constien
  • Patent number: 5890537
    Abstract: A wiper plug launching tool includes a body arranged to be lowered into a liner on a running string, the body having a tubular upper portion and a cylindrical lower portion, upper and lower wiper plugs loaded into the lower portion, each of the plugs having upwardly facing elastomer cups that are reduced in diameter during loading, a drive rod movably mounted in the upper portion of the body, a first piston or dart that is pumped down the running string and into engagement with the drive rod so that pressure applied to the first dart forces the rod downward to cause ejection of the lower wiper plug into the liner where cups of the plug expand to provide a moving seal at the lower end of a column of cement, and a second piston or dart that is pumped down into engagement with the first dart to force the rod further downward and cause ejection of the upper wiper plug into the liner where the cups of this plug expand to provide a moving seal at the upper end of the column of cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gilbert Lavaure, Jason Jonas, Bernard Piot
  • Patent number: 5884701
    Abstract: A dual injection system for selectively injecting a treating fluid in a predetermined treating zone (16) of a well bore hole (10) adjacent a productive zone (14) with a marker fluid injected from the annulus (36) outside a coiled tubing string (34). The coiled tubing string (34) is inserted within the well bore hole (10) and a sensor (40) is provided on the coiled tubing string (34) with a lower end portion (42) extending below the sensor (40) for the discharge of the treating fluid from the lower end (44) of the extending end portion (42). The sensor (40) senses a detectable material, such as a radioactive material, in the marker fluid injected from the annulus (36) outside the coiled tubing string (34) and may be reciprocated within the well with the coiled tubing string (34) for determining the interface (46) between the marker fluid and the treating fluid so that the treating fluid does not enter the productive zone (18). In one embodiment (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corpporation
    Inventor: Sheldon Von Plahn
  • Patent number: 5877127
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the delay time of aqueous borate-crosslinked polysaccharide-based fluids for hydraulic fracturing and related applications which allows on-the-fly control of the delay time without comprising overall fluid integrity. Without having to modify the total boron content nor pH of the fracturing fluid, the delay time is controlled by adding a polyol to the fracturing fluid at a first rate, determining the resulting delay time and then adjusting the rate of the polyol addition to the fracturing fluid until the desired delay time is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Roger John Card, Kenneth H. Nimerick, L. Jack Maberry, S. Bruce McConnell, Erik Bentley Nelson
  • Patent number: 5846913
    Abstract: The invention concerns wellbore fluids suitable for use in the oil and gas exploration and production industries and embraces fluids used for drilling, completion, workover or packing of wellbores. The invention is especially concerned with biodegradable wellbore fluids the liquid phase of which consists of an oil, or of water-in-oil "invert" emulsions, where the oil phase comprises n-alkanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Dowell, a division of Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Alan Sawdon
  • Patent number: 5828003
    Abstract: Products and methods relating to composite materials and their use in coiled tubing is disclosed. The composite tubing is a pressurized structure for conveying fluids downhole in a wellbore. It has a multilayered laminate that resists buckling within the wellbore and is fabricated into a hollow tube. The fibers are oriented in angular relationship to the longitudinal direction of the coiled tubing such as to provide appropriate strength and buckling characteristics to the coiled tubing. Further, the coiled tubing layered laminate may transmit signals representing data from downhole to the surface. In some embodiments, a composite disconnecting structure having a blend of fibers of different types or orientations is shown. The disconnecting structure shows a failure load range corresponding to the failure characteristics of the fiber blend, the fiber blend having a predetermined failure limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Dowell -- A Division of Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bart Thomeer, Robert Sorem
  • Patent number: 5821203
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aqueous foamed Drilling Fluid for drilling well bores into a subterranean formation, comprising water, at least one clay and at least one foaming agent. According to the invention, it further comprises at least one metal hydroxide. The invention further relates to a method for preparing said foamed drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Dowell, a division of Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Don Williamson
  • Patent number: 5806594
    Abstract: Foamed cement slurry compositions and a process or method for cementing well casings or pipes utilizing such compositions are described, the compositions being characterized by critical ratios of particular solid and liquid components. The slurry compositions formed provide unique properties such as rapid set or hydration, and are designed particularly for use with weakly consolidated formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Stiles, Jean Mari Guy de Rozieres, deceased