Patents by Inventor Eric E. McClain

Eric E. McClain 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: 10704336
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a body having a shank and a crown, a plurality of blades protruding from the crown of the body and extending at least substantially along a longitudinal length of the crown of the body, each blade extending radially outward and defining a respective radially outermost gage surface. The earth-boring tool further includes at least one rotatable cutting structure assembly including a leg and a rotatable cutting structure rotatably coupled to the leg. The earth-boring tool also includes at least one stabilizing structure secured to the crown of the body between an end of the leg opposite the rotatable cutting structure and the shank of the body, the at least one stabilizing structure being at least substantially circumferentially aligned with the leg of the at least one rotatable cutting structure assembly along a circumference of the crown of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC, Oxy USA Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bradshaw, Roger Lee, Eric E. McClain, Saleh Al Esry
  • Publication number: 20190153786
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a body having a shank and a crown, a plurality of blades protruding from the crown of the body and extending at least substantially along a longitudinal length of the crown of the body, each blade extending radially outward and defining a respective radially outermost gage surface. The earth-boring tool further includes at least one rotatable cutting structure assembly including a leg and a rotatable cutting structure rotatably coupled to the leg. The earth-boring tool also includes at least one stabilizing structure secured to the crown of the body between an end of the leg opposite the rotatable cutting structure and the shank of the body, the at least one stabilizing structure being at least substantially circumferentially aligned with the leg of the at least one rotatable cutting structure assembly along a circumference of the crown of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Bradshaw, Roger Lee, Eric E. McClain, Saleh Al Esry
  • Patent number: 9540884
    Abstract: A method of producing a drill bit, such as for drilling a well into an earth formation, includes forming a bit body having a plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades includes a forward facing face with respect to a direction of rotation of the bit. The forward facing face includes individual cutter pockets at least partially recessed into the forward facing face. The method also includes securing a cutting element at least partially within each of the individual cutter pockets. Each cutting element has an abrasion resistance. Each of the plurality of blades is formed of a blade material having an abrasion resistance that is less than the abrasion resistance of the cutting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert M. Welch, Eric E. McClain, L. Allen Sinor
  • Patent number: 9085939
    Abstract: Casing bits include a bit crown having a substantially hollow interior. The bit crown has blades over a face portion thereof, the blades including a plurality of cutting elements attached thereto. The bit crown further includes a composite inlay positioned at least within the substantially hollow interior. The casing bits also include case hardened outer surfaces radially outside a drill-out region. The casing bits further include short-substrate cutting elements. Methods of forming a casing bit are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric E. McClain, Matthew R. Isbell, Jack Thomas Oldham, John C. Thomas, Marc W. Bird
  • Publication number: 20140223833
    Abstract: A method of producing a drill bit, such as for drilling a well into an earth formation, includes forming a bit body having a plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades includes a forward facing face with respect to a direction of rotation of the bit. The forward facing face includes individual cutter pockets at least partially recessed into the forward facing face. The method also includes securing a cutting element at least partially within each of the individual cutter pockets. Each cutting element has an abrasion resistance. Each of the plurality of blades is formed of a blade material having an abrasion resistance that is less than the abrasion resistance of the cutting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert M. Welch, Eric E. McClain, L. Allen Sinor
  • Patent number: 8720609
    Abstract: A method of optimizing drill bit design and an optimized drill bit for drilling a well into an earth formation comprising a bit body; a number of blades spaced around the bit body, each blade having a curved outer edge and a forward face; a first row of cutter pockets recessed into the face along the outer edge of each blade; a second group of cutter pockets recessed into the face of each blade offset from the first row; and a plurality of cutting elements, each cutting element being brazed into a different one of the cutter pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert M. Welch, Eric E. McClain, L. Allen Sinor
  • Patent number: 8297380
    Abstract: Casing shoes comprise a nose portion having an inner profile and an outer profile. At least one cutting structure is on the outer profile. A stem section extends longitudinally from the nose portion. At least one of a float valve mechanism, a cementing stage tool, a float collar mechanism, and a landing collar structure is disposed within the stem section. Methods of installing sections of casing within wellbores comprise advancing the at least one section of casing into contact with subterranean formation material with a casing shoe attached thereto. At least one of a float valve mechanism, a cementing stage tool, a float collar mechanism, and a landing collar structure is carried within the casing shoe into the wellbore. The wellbore is drilled or reamed using at least one cutting structure on the casing shoe as the at least one section of casing is advanced into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8225888
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough. Cutting elements and methods of use may be included. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element may be included. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements may be included. Telescoping casing sections and bits may be included. Embodiments may include: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8225887
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough. Cutting elements and methods of use may be included. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element may be included. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements may be included. Telescoping casing sections and bits may be included. Embodiments may include: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8205693
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough. Cutting elements and methods of use may be included. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element may be included. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements may be included. Telescoping casing sections and bits may be included. Embodiments may include: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8191654
    Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body having a face on which two different types of cutting elements are disposed, the first type being cutting elements suitable for drilling at least one subterranean formation and the second type being cutting elements suitable for drilling through a casing bit disposed at an end of a casing or liner string and cementing equipment or other components, if such are disposed within the casing or liner string, as well as cement inside as well as exterior to the casing or liner string. The second type of cutting elements exhibits a relatively greater exposure than the first type of cutting elements, so as to engage the interior of the casing bit and, if present, cementing equipment components and cement to drill therethrough, after which the second type of cutting elements quickly wears upon engagement with the subterranean formation material exterior to the casing bit, and the first type of cutting elements continues to drill the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric E. McClain, John C. Thomas, Sarvesh Tyagi, Jack T. Oldham, Lester I. Clark, William Heuser
  • Patent number: 8177001
    Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body having a face on which two different types of cutters are disposed, the first type being cutting elements suitable for drilling at least one subterranean formation and the second type being at least one of an abrasive cutting structure and an abrasive cutting element suitable for drilling through a casing shoe, reamer shoe, casing bit, casing or liner string and cementing equipment or other components, as well as cement. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include disposing at least one abrasive cutting structure or element on the earth-boring tool. Methods of drilling with earth-boring tools including drilling with at least one abrasive cutting structure or element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric E. McClain, Michael L. Doster, John C. Thomas, Matthew R. Isbell, Jarod DeGeorge, Chad T. Jurica
  • Patent number: 8167059
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of a plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8146683
    Abstract: A drilling assembly for drilling two or more casing sections into a subterranean formation includes a first casing bit and a second casing bit, each casing bit of different diameter affixed to a respective casing section of different diameter, at least two casing bits and the two or more casing sections arranged in a telescoping relationship. The second casing bit includes a bit body having a face on which two different types of cutting elements are disposed, the first type being cutting elements for drilling at least one subterranean formation and the second type being cutting elements for drilling through the first casing bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric E. McClain, John C. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110266069
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110259605
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110259608
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110259643
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110259604
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110259606
    Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack T. Oldham, L. Allen Sinor, Eric E. McClain, Robert A. Laing, Evan C. Turner, Mark W. Dykstra, Eric C. Sullivan