Patents by Inventor James C. Doane

James C. Doane 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: 7493945
    Abstract: A packer device includes a central packer mandrel and a radially surrounding expansion mandrel. At least one slip mandrel carrying wickers surrounds the expansion mandrel and is secured in place upon the expansion mandrel by an annular retaining ring. The slip mandrel is secured to the retaining ring by screw connectors that pass through the slip mandrel and into retainer segments. The retaining ring is clamped between the slip mandrel and segments. Additionally, the packer device carries a fluid seal that is made up of a thermoplastic material with elastomeric energizing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, Nicholas S. Conner
  • Publication number: 20080296845
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tubular seal apparatus. The seal apparatus includes, a first tubular positioned coaxially with a second tubular having an annular space therebetween, a frustoconical portion at the first tubular having a first end and a second end, such that a radial dimension of the annular space is larger at the first end than at the second end and a tubular seal positioned within the annular space. The seal apparatus further includes an urging member in operable communication with the tubular seal, the urging member is axially movable relative to the frustoconical portion such that movement of the urging member toward the second end of the frustoconical portion urges the tubular seal into sealing engagement with the frustoconical portion and causes diametrical deformation of the tubular seal to thereby sealingly engage with the second tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: James C. Doane
  • Publication number: 20080296844
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tubular seal apparatus. The seal apparatus includes, a first tubular positioned coaxially with a second tubular having an annular space therebetween, a frustoconical portion at the first tubular having a first end and a second end, such that a radial dimension of the annular space is larger at the first end than at the second end and a tubular seal positioned within the annular space. The seal apparatus further includes an urging member in operable communication with the tubular seal, the urging member is axially movable relative to the frustoconical portion such that movement of the urging member toward the second end of the frustoconical portion urges the tubular seal into sealing engagement with the frustoconical portion and causes diametrical deformation of the tubular seal to thereby sealingly engage with the second tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: James C. Doane
  • Patent number: 7448445
    Abstract: A downhole well tool comprises a seal ring secured along the outer surface of the downhole tool. The downhole tool expands the seal ring radially outward into sealing engagement with an outer tubular member in the well. The seal ring has an annular reinforcing element having an outer wall surface, an inner wall surface, and at least one hole disposed between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface. At least one sealing material, either preformed or molded in place with the reinforcing element, is disposed along the outer wall surface, through each of the holes, and along at least a portion of the inner wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Sean L. Gaudette, Jason J. Barnard
  • Publication number: 20080236844
    Abstract: A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an associated packer device is set within a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sean L. Gaudette, James C. Doane, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20080224413
    Abstract: A downhole well tool having a component with a metal surface to which a sealing material is adhered is disclosed. The sealing material is bonded to the metal surface through the use of an energetic material disposed between the sealing material and the metal surface. Upon activation or initiation of the energetic material, the sealing material becomes bonded to the metal surface. A plastic layer may be disposed between the sealing material and the metal surface to facilitate bonding sealing material to the metal surface. The energetic material is used to bond the plastic layer to the metal surface and may be used to bond the plastic layer to the sealing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Darrin L. Willauer, James E. Goodson
  • Publication number: 20080196884
    Abstract: A packer device includes a central packer mandrel and a radially surrounding expansion mandrel. At least one slip mandrel carrying wickers surrounds the expansion mandrel and is secured in place upon the expansion mandrel by an annular retaining ring. The slip mandrel is secured to the retaining ring by screw connectors that pass through the slip mandrel and into retainer segments. The retaining ring is clamped between the slip mandrel and segments. Additionally, the packer device carries a fluid seal that is made up of a thermoplastic material with elastomeric energizing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, Nicholas S. Conner
  • Patent number: 7387170
    Abstract: A packer device includes a central packer mandrel and a radially surrounding expansion mandrel. At least one slip mandrel carrying wickers surrounds the expansion mandrel and is secured in place upon the expansion mandrel by an annular retaining ring. The slip mandrel is secured to the retaining ring by screw connectors that pass through the slip mandrel and into retainer segments. The retaining ring is clamped between the slip mandrel and segments. Additionally, the packer device carries a fluid seal that is made up of a thermoplastic material with elastomeric energizing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, Nicholas S. Conner
  • Publication number: 20080087417
    Abstract: A downhole well tool having a seal ring secured along the outer surface of the downhole tool is disclosed. The downhole tool expands the seal ring radially outward into sealing engagement with an outer tubular member in the well. The seal ring has an annular reinforcing element having an outer wall surface, an inner wall surface, and at least one hole disposed between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface. At least one sealing material, either preformed or molded in place with the reinforcing element, is disposed along the outer wall surface, through each of the holes, and along at least a portion of the inner wall surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Sean L. Gaudette, Jason J. Barnard
  • Patent number: 7341110
    Abstract: A packer device includes a central packer mandrel and a radially surrounding expansion mandrel that can expand radially. At least one slip mandrel carrying wickers surrounds the expansion mandrel and a plurality of axial slots are disposed within the slip mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper
  • Patent number: 7134504
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, John Lindley Baugh
  • Patent number: 7117949
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, John Lindley Baugh
  • Patent number: 7051805
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel and mating undulating surfaces to help maintain grip under changing load conditions. Upon expansion, pressure on a sealing element is enhanced by nodes to increase internal pressure as it engages an outer tubular. Adjacent retaining rings limit extrusion and enhance grip. A gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper
  • Patent number: 7044231
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, John Lindley Baugh
  • Patent number: 6986390
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel and mating undulating surfaces to help maintain grip under changing load conditions. Upon expansion, pressure on a sealing element is enhanced by nodes to increase internal pressure as it engages an outer tubular. Adjacent retaining rings limit extrusion and enhance grip. A gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper
  • Patent number: 6959759
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel and mating undulating surfaces to help maintain grip under changing load conditions. Upon expansion, pressure on a sealing element is enhanced by nodes to increase internal pressure as it engages an outer tubular. Adjacent retaining rings limit extrusion and enhance grip. A gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper
  • Publication number: 20040182583
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel and mating undulating surfaces to help maintain grip under changing load conditions. Upon expansion, pressure on a sealing element is enhanced by nodes to increase internal pressure as it engages an outer tubular. Adjacent retaining rings limit extrusion and enhance grip. A gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper
  • Patent number: 6702031
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing the mandrel of an anchor device such as a packer to release the packer and remove it from a well. A cutter locator profile above the packer assembly and a cutter locator element on the cutting tool are located so as to precisely position the cutting element at a desired location on the packer mandrel. Once the mandrel is severed, the packer assembly can elongate to release the expansion mechanism. Then, the packer assembly can be pulled upwardly to release the packer, and to remove it from the well. A cutting tool can be lowered through production tubing to sever the mandrel, followed by pulling the packer with the production tubing. Alternatively, a cutting tool can be lowered on a workstring and latched to the upper end of the packer assembly, followed by severing the mandrel and pulling the packer with the workstring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Michael Vincent Smith, Roger Steele, John P. Davis, David B. Haughton
  • Publication number: 20040035588
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, John Lindley Baugh
  • Patent number: 6629563
    Abstract: In a release system for a packer the release ring is minimally exposed in the wellbore and is actuated by a release tool, which comprises a collet and cone with a relative movement feature. In the preferred embodiment, the release ring has alternating cuts and a built in radially outward bias. The ring is held in locked position by bands, which are broken by the action of the releasing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James C. Doane