Patents by Inventor Adrian Vuyk
Adrian Vuyk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7963341Abstract: An anchor for a wellbore is adaptable to be operated in at least two separate and distinct ways. In one embodiment, a whipstock anchor is provided that can be operated either mechanically or hydraulically. In another embodiment, the anchor is designed to run through a restriction in a retracted position and thereafter expanded to position a wellbore tool in the wellbore. Preferably, the anchor is expandable to set in wellbores of various sizes and either cased or uncased.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Aristeo Rios, III, Greg Marshall, Stephen Hermes Hester, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Ken W. Winterrowd, Dan Blankenship
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Patent number: 7654325Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, David Shahin, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Gary Thompson, Kevin Leon Gray, John Timothy Allen, Randy Gene Snider
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Publication number: 20090218098Abstract: A particle impact drilling system and method are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, an apparatus or system, methods, to excavate a subterranean formation. The system can including, for example, removing near-borehole damage, casing, window milling, fishing, drilling with casing, under reaming, coring, perforating, effective circulatory density management, assisted annular flow, and directional control. Embodiments of associated systems and methods are also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Gordon A. Tibbitts, Greg Galloway, Adrian Vuyk, JR., James Terry
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Publication number: 20090200084Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2007Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Particle Drilling Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Vuyk, JR., Jim B. Terry, Gordon Allen Tibbitts, Nathan J. Harder, Gregory G. Galloway
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Publication number: 20090200080Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors are introduced into at least one cavity formed in a body member and are discharging from the cavity so that the impactors remove a portion of the formation. The impactors are separated from at least a portion of the fluid, and are passed to a conduit so that the impactors accumulate in the conduit before being removed from the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2007Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Gordon A. Tibbitts, Paul O. Padgett, Nathan J. Harder, Adrian Vuyk, JR., Gregory G. Galloway, Harry Curlett, Samuel Curlett
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Publication number: 20090126994Abstract: A method and system of subterranean excavating that estimates a buoyancy force applied to a downhole excavating system from drilling fluid. The estimated buoyancy force is used to derive a true weight on bit (WOB) at the borehole bottom. The derived realized WOB is compared to a target WOB to obtain a change in WOB. Based on the change in WOB, the excavating system is adjusted so the realized WOB approximates the target WOB. The excavating system adjustment includes applying a compensating force to the string. Compensating forces can be produced by manipulating a block assembly or deploying a thruster device in the string.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Gordon A. Tibbitts, Greg Galloway, Adrian Vuyk, JR., Thomas Alan Carlson
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Publication number: 20090090557Abstract: An excavation system for forming a wellbore through a subterranean formation, the system employing pressurized drilling fluid with impactors mixed therein. The pressurized fluid with impactors is directed to a drill string having a drill bit with nozzles on its lower end. The fluid impactor mixture is discharged from the nozzles and against the formation, wherein the impactors contact, compress, and fracture the formation to excavate through the formation. The system includes an impactor injection system that injects impactors into a stream of pressurized drilling fluid to form the mixture. The injection system operates at substantially the same pressure as the pressurized drilling fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: PARTICLE DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Adrian Vuyk, JR., Greg Galloway, Jim Terry, Gordon Tibbitts, Kenneth Colvin, Thomas Alan Carlson
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Patent number: 7513300Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and turning a tubular and string of tubulars, such as casing, for make-up and drilling with the tubulars are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spear and a clamping head, both of which are mounted to a top drive. The spear and the clamping head can be engaged to transmit torque therebetween from the top drive. In addition, an aspect of the invention provides variable height wickers positioned on slips to enable use of the slips with variable inner diameter (ID) and weight casing without deformation or rupture of the casing. Still further, a casing collar is also provided to provide reinforcement to the casing in the area of slip contact with the casing ID.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Thomas F. Bailey, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Carl J. Wilson
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Publication number: 20090038856Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: PARTICLE DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Adrian Vuyk, JR., Jim Terry, Gordon Tibbitts, Greg Galloway, Joseph Estes, Jason Tichenor, Darrell Traylor, Donald Woods
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Publication number: 20080059073Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Richard Giroux, David Shahin, Adrian Vuyk, Gary Thompson, Kevin Gray, John Allen, Randy Snider
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Patent number: 7325610Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, David Shahin, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Gary Thompson, Kevin Leon Gray, John Timothy Allen, Randy Gene Snider
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Patent number: 7308940Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling and/or broaching within a wellbore. A flexible broach runs into the wellbore and is located adjacent a portion of the wellbore to be broached. The broach reciprocates axially within the wellbore and removes at least part of the portion to be broached. Weight may be coupled to the broach, thereby applying a resultant side load for broaching an offset portion of the wellbore. The broach comprises a flexible member that may be a bare cable. When an abrasive material is disposed on an outer surface of the flexible member, the flexible member may be a cable, a continuous rod, or pressurized coiled tubing. Alternatively, sleeves positioned on the flexible member may have an abrasive material on their outer surface. A rotational mill that is either coupled to the broach or run in separately from the broach can further mill the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Vuyk, Michael Sullivan, Gene Halford, Robert Finch, Mark Schnitker, Jerry Fisher, Ken Winterrowd
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Patent number: 7278497Abstract: The present invention generally provides an inexpensive method for drilling a multilateral wellbore where the pressure exerted on a formation of interest by a column of drilling fluid may be controlled.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/LambInventors: Jim Terry, Tom Bailey, Adrian Vuyk, Alejandro Coy, Ron Divine, Darrell Johnson
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Publication number: 20070193751Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and turning a tubular and string of tubulars, such as casing, for make-up and drilling with the tubulars are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spear and a clamping head, both of which are mounted to a top drive. The spear and the clamping head can be engaged to transmit torque therebetween from the top drive. In addition, an aspect of the invention provides variable height wickers positioned on slips to enable use of the slips with variable inner diameter (ID) and weight casing without deformation or rupture of the casing. Still further, a casing collar is also provided to provide reinforcement to the casing in the area of slip contact with the casing ID.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Thomas Bailey, Adrian Vuyk, Carl Wilson
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Patent number: 7191840Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and turning a tubular and string of tubulars, such as casing, for make-up and drilling with the tubulars are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spear and a clamping head, both of which are mounted to a top drive. The spear and the clamping head can be engaged to transmit torque therebetween from the top drive. In addition, an aspect of the invention provides variable height wickers positioned on slips to enable use of the slips with variable inner diameter (ID) and weight casing without deformation or rupture of the casing. Still further, a casing collar is also provided to provide reinforcement to the casing in the area of slip contact with the casing ID.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Thomas F. Bailey, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Carl J. Wilson
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Publication number: 20060207771Abstract: An anchor for a wellbore is adaptable to be operated in at least two separate and distinct ways. In one embodiment, a whipstock anchor is provided that can be operated either mechanically or hydraulically. In another embodiment, the anchor is designed to run through a restriction in a retracted position and thereafter expanded to position a wellbore tool in the wellbore. Preferably, the anchor is expandable to set in wellbores of various sizes and either cased or uncased.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2006Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: Aristeo Rios, Greg Marshall, Stephen Hester, Adrian Vuyk, Ken Winterrowd, Dan Blankenship
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Patent number: 7083209Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hydraulic overshot tool. The overshot tool mechanically engages a cylindrical body downhole attempting to be retrieved. In the event retrieval is unsuccessful, the overshot tool may be hydraulically released from the cylindrical body. The release function employs a pressure differential within the overshot tool, but without necessity of a nozzle within the bore of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Leman, Adrian Vuyk, Jr.
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Patent number: 7077212Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for operating a tool in a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a hydraulically operated tool and a wellbore tubular both in communication with a pressure sensing line. The hydraulically operated tool is responsive to a combination of a fluid pressure in the pressure sensing line and a manipulation of the wellbore tubular, such response causing the tool to operate within the wellbore. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for anchoring a well tool in a wellbore. The method includes the steps of lowering the well tool into the wellbore on a tubular string, flowing fluid through the tubular string to begin anchoring the well tool, and manipulating the tubular string to complete the anchoring of the well tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Roesner, Scott McIntire, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Thomas F. Bailey
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Publication number: 20060006004Abstract: The present invention generally provides an inexpensive method for drilling a multilateral wellbore where the pressure exerted on a formation of interest by a column of drilling fluid may be controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2004Publication date: January 12, 2006Inventors: Jim Terry, Tom Bailey, Adrian Vuyk, Alejandro Coy, Ron Divine, Darrell Johnson
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Publication number: 20050155766Abstract: Methods and apparatus for milling and/or broaching within a wellbore are disclosed. A flexible broach runs into the wellbore and is located adjacent a portion of the wellbore to be broached. The broach reciprocates axially within the wellbore and removes at least part of the portion to be broached. Weight may be coupled to the broach, thereby applying a resultant side load for broaching an offset portion of the wellbore. The broach comprises a flexible member that may be a bare cable. When an abrasive material is disposed on an outer surface of the flexible member, the flexible member may be a cable, a continuous rod, or pressurized coiled tubing. Alternatively, sleeves positioned on the flexible member may have an abrasive material on their outer surface. A rotational mill that is either coupled to the broach or run in separately from the broach can further mill the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2005Publication date: July 21, 2005Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Vuyk, Michael Sullivan, Gene Halford, Robert Finch, Mark Schnitker, Jerry Fisher, Ken Winterrowd