Patents by Inventor Allen Keith Thomas, Jr.

Allen Keith Thomas, Jr. 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).

  • Automatic false rotary
    Patent number: 7681631
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely performing a pipe handling operation is provided. In one aspect, the method and apparatus includes a false rotary table capable of supporting one or more tubulars during the pipe handling operation which is moveable between a position for landing one or more tubulars to a position for running one or more tubulars into a wellbore. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely connecting elevator links alternatingly between interchangeable elevators which are capable of axially engaging one or more tubulars above the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Keith Thomas, Jr., Jim Wiens, Michael Hayes
  • Method and apparatus for handling wellbore tubulars
    Patent number: 7370707
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a tubular handling system for handling wellbore tubulars. In one aspect, the present invention provides a tubular handling system adapted to retain a tubular without damaging the outer surface of the tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting tubulars by remotely controlling the connection process, including joint compensation, alignment, make up, and interlock. In one embodiment, the tubular handling system comprises an elevator adapted to support a tubular utilizing a first portion of an upset of the tubular and a spider adapted to support the tubular utilizing a second portion of the upset. In another embodiment, at least one of the elevator and the spider is remotely controllable. In yet another embodiment, the tubular handling system comprising a joint compensator system adapted to provide fluid communication to the elevator during rotation of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary McDaniel, Allen Keith Thomas, Jr., Patrick D. Cummins, Troy F. Hill, Tracy J. Cummins, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes
  • Automatic false rotary
    Patent number: 7314090
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely performing a pipe handling operation is provided. In one aspect, the method and apparatus includes a false rotary table capable of supporting one or more tubulars during the pipe handling operation which is moveable between a position for landing one or more tubulars to a position for running one or more tubulars into a wellbore. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely connecting elevator links alternatingly between interchangeable elevators which are capable of axially engaging one or more tubulars above the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Keith Thomas, Jr., Jim Wiens, Michael Hayes