Patents by Inventor Duane Bloom
Duane Bloom 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: 9988868Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: WWT NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V
-
Publication number: 20160281450Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2015Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: DUANE BLOOM, NORMAN BRUCE MOORE, RUDOLPH ERNST KRUEGER
-
Patent number: 9228403Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: WWT NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V
-
Publication number: 20150376967Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: DUANE BLOOM, NORMAN BRUCE MOORE, RUDOLPH ERNST KRUEGER, V
-
Patent number: 8944161Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: WWT North America Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V
-
Publication number: 20140166369Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: WWT INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V
-
Patent number: 8555963Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: WWT International, Inc.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V
-
Patent number: 8245796Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: WWT International, Inc.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V, Duane Bloom, N. Bruce Moore, Robert Levay
-
Publication number: 20120061074Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: WWT INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V
-
Patent number: 8069917Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: WWT International, Inc.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V
-
Patent number: 7954563Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: WWT International, Inc.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, N. Bruce Moore, Duane Bloom
-
Publication number: 20100307832Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V, Duane Bloom, N. Bruce Moore, Robert Levay
-
Publication number: 20100212887Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: WESTERN WELL TOOL, INC.Inventors: DUANE BLOOM, NORMAN MOORE, RUDOLPH KRUEGER
-
Publication number: 20100163251Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Philip W. Mock, N. Bruce Moore, Duane Bloom
-
Publication number: 20100108387Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Robert Levay
-
Publication number: 20100038138Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: WESTERN WELL TOOL, INC.Inventors: PHILIP W. MOCK, RUDOLPH ERNST KRUEGER, V, DUANE BLOOM, N. BRUCE MOORE
-
Publication number: 20100018695Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: WESTERN WELL TOOL, INC.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V
-
Patent number: 7607495Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Robert Levay
-
Patent number: 7607497Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, N. Bruce Moore, Duane Bloom
-
Patent number: 7604060Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V