Patents by Inventor Dennis M. Read
Dennis M. Read 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).
-
Patent number: 7487832Abstract: A completion assembly having a force transfer apparatus to assist in the release of a loaded member.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Dennis M. Read, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7438130Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool is provided. The apparatus of the present invention includes a remotely energized actuator device that facilitates storage of energy needed to actuate a downhole tool after the device is placed downhole. By energizing the tool downhole, surface exposure to potential safety hazards is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Dennis M. Read, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7404446Abstract: The system including a well tool having a housing forming a protection fluid chamber in fluid communication with a discharge port, a protection fluid disposed within the protection fluid chamber, and a moveable mechanism in functional connection with the protection fluid chamber in a manner to expel a portion of the protection fluid when the moveable mechanism moves.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Michael Hui Du, Dennis M. Read, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7231986Abstract: The system including a well tool having a housing forming a protection fluid chamber in fluid communication with a discharge port, a protection fluid disposed within the protection fluid chamber, and a moveable mechanism in functional connection with the protection fluid chamber in a manner to expel a portion of the protection fluid when the moveable mechanism moves.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dennis M. Read, Jr., Michael H. Du
-
Patent number: 7216713Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool is provided. The apparatus of the present invention includes a remotely energized actuator device that facilitates storage of energy needed to actuate a downhole tool after the device is placed downhole. By energizing the tool downhole, surface exposure to potential safety hazards is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Dennis M. Read, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6978842Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method of use for a hydraulic shifting tool to be used in a sealed volume in a subsurface well completion to actuate a downhole device, without a fluid return to surface or the well annulus.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dennis M. Read, Jr., Clay W. Milligan, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6772842Abstract: A flapper valve having a curved flapper and a seat, the flapper and seat each having complementary undulating and tapered perimeters, with sealing surfaces designed to maintain seal integrity under higher pressure, for a given outer diameter to inner diameter ratio, compared to prior art flapper valves.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dennis M. Read, Alfred Hernandez, Juan A. Campos
-
Publication number: 20040144546Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool is provided. The apparatus of the present invention includes a remotely energized actuator device that facilitates storage of energy needed to actuate a downhole tool after the device is placed downhole. By energizing the tool downhole, surface exposure to potential safety hazards is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2004Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: Dennis M. Read
-
Publication number: 20040094310Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method of use for a hydraulic shifting tool to be used in a sealed volume in a subsurface well completion to actuate a downhole device, without a fluid return to surface or the well annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Dennis M. Read, Clay W. Milligan
-
Patent number: 6715557Abstract: A tool string for deployment in a wellbore includes an upper string and a lower string. The upper string includes a valve actuator, and the lower string includes a valve. The lower string is adapted to receive the upper string, and the valve actuator controls the operation of the valve once the upper string is received by the lower string.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Stephen Meschall, Dennis M. Read, Clay W. Milligan, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6631768Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose apparatus and methods that can be used to mechanically actuate a downhole tool with an expandable shifting tool. One embodiment of the invention is an expandable shifting tool comprising a housing having an outer diameter and a plurality of radially extendable elements. The radially extendable elements are longitudinally separated from each other and each extendable element is at least partially contained within the housing. The extendable elements are capable of moving between an extended position and a retracted position and are biased towards the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Dennis M. Read, Jr., Ricardo Martinez
-
Publication number: 20020166667Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose apparatus and methods that can be used to mechanically actuate a downhole tool with an expandable shifting tool. One embodiment of the invention is an expandable shifting tool comprising a housing having an outer diameter and a plurality of radially extendable elements. The radially extendable elements are longitudinally separated from each other and each extendable element is at least partially contained within the housing. The extendable elements are capable of moving between an extended position and a retracted position and are biased towards the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Dennis M. Read, Ricardo Martinez
-
Publication number: 20020129942Abstract: A tool string for use in a well to retrieve a completion string while maintaining control of a well without having to kill the well (i.e., without having to exceed formation pressure) each time the string is retrieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Stephen Mescall, Dennis M. Read, Clay W. Milligan
-
Patent number: 6433991Abstract: An actuator assembly includes an operating actuator and a holding actuator that are engageable with an operator member of a device. The operating actuation is cycled between on and off states to move the operator member in incremental steps, and the holding actuator is maintained in an active state to maintain or latch the current position of the operator member. Each of the operating and holding actuators may include one of the following: a solenoid actuator; and an actuator including one or more expandable elements, such as a piezoelectric element, a magnetostrictive element, and a heat-expandable element.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: Thomas M. Deaton, Dwayne D. Leismer, Dennis M. Read
-
Patent number: 6328109Abstract: The invention is a downhole valve that includes a body, a flow tube assembly that includes an upper tube member and a lower tube member, and a flapper valve. The flapper valve is pivotally attached to the body and is positioned between the upper tube member and the lower tube member when the flapper valve is in a closed position that blocks fluid flow in an internal bore of the body. The flapper valve is moved from the closed position to an open position in response to an upward movement of the upper tube member and the lower tube member. When the flapper valve pivots to the open position, the lower tube member moves adjacent to and forms a seal with the upper tube member, forming an unobstructed internal bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Clay W. Milligan, Jr., Dennis M. Read
-
Patent number: 6257792Abstract: The invention is directed to a retaining ring for securing components along a shaft by transferring the compression load between the components, thereby preventing the adjacent components from separating. The retaining ring includes a pair of arcuate interlocking members having a first end, a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall includes a first surface and the inner wall includes a second surface thereby defining a thickness between the first surface and the second surface. The inner wall also includes a third surface thereby defining a thickness between the third surface and the first surface, wherein the thickness between the third surface and the first surface is less than the thickness between the second surface and the first surface. The inner wall also includes a fourth surface joining the second surface and the third surface to define a smooth transition therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Camco International Inc.Inventor: Dennis M. Read, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6213202Abstract: A connector permits separation of a submergible pumping system from its deployment system. The connector includes an upper assembly and a lower assembly that are connected by shear screws. A hydraulic separation mechanism is used to shear the shear screws and separate the upper and lower assemblies from a remote location.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Camco International, Inc.Inventor: Dennis M. Read, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6142237Abstract: A controlled release method for a submergible completion is disclosed wherein upper and lower interface assemblies are separated from one another in a predictable manner. A separation or release assembly is actuated remotely for forcing the interface assemblies apart. The release assembly may shear pins extending between portions of the interface assemblies. The interface assemblies may include multi-conductor electrical plugs or connectors which are separated during release.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Camco International, Inc.Inventors: David A. G. Christmas, David C. Turner, Dennis M. Read, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6003834Abstract: A fluid circulation apparatus for interconnection with a wellbore tubing string for particular use in drilling deviated wellbores, such as with coiled tubing. The circulation apparatus has a tubular body member with a longitudinal bore extending eccentrically therethrough and threads for interconnection with a tubing string. A fluid communication port extends through a sidewall of the tubular body member, and a shiftable sleeve is placed thereacross for selectively permitting and preventing fluid flow through the fluid communication port. The valve is biased in a normally closed position by way of a spring and/or hydraulic fluid. Fluid control means, such as a hydraulic fluid source conveyed from a downhole Hydraulic Power Unit to an internal piston, opens or closes the valve in response to electrical signals sent to the Hydraulic Power Unit from the earth's surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1996Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Camco International, Inc.Inventor: Dennis M. Read
-
Patent number: 5984006Abstract: An improved emergency release tool is provided to releasably connect a coiled tubing to one or more downhole tools. The emergency release tool broadly includes a releasable slip for holding a coiled tubing, the releasable slip being secured to a first end of a slip case, the slip case being disposed within a slip housing and a lower housing, the slip housing being movable from a locked position to a released position; a piston slidably disposed about the slip case and being moveable from a locked position to a released position; a first end of the lower housing being releasably connected to a second end of the slip housing when the slip housing is in its locked position; and, a remotely activated means for moving the piston and the slip housing from their locked positions to their released positions to disengage the releasable slip from the coiled tubing and enable the coiled tubing to be removed from the tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Camco International Inc.Inventors: Dennis M. Read, Dwayne D. Leismer