Patents by Inventor James C. Tucker
James C. Tucker 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).
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Publication number: 20230349247Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, James C. TUCKER
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Patent number: 11773667Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, James C. Tucker
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Patent number: 11668147Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Roger L. Schultz, James C. Tucker
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Publication number: 20220275696Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, James C. TUCKER
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Publication number: 20220112779Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2020Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, James C. TUCKER
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Patent number: 7510017Abstract: A device includes a main body adapted to couple between a first element of a working string and a second element of the working string. A seal is provided about the main body and is adapted to substantially sealingly engage a wall of the wellbore. An conductor is carried by the main body. The conductor is adapted to communicate at least one of electrical current or a light signal between an interior of the first element and the second element while the seal is substantially sealingly engaging the wall of the wellbore, while the device is released from sealingly engaging the wall of the wellbore, and/or both.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Matt Howell, James C. Tucker, Mike Connell
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Patent number: 7404416Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for creating pulsating fluid flow, including an inlet into which fluid flows and a chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end. The chamber is defined by a pair of outwardly-projecting sidewalls, and the inlet is disposed at the upstream end of the chamber. This particular embodiment further includes at least two feedback passages with opposed entrances at the downstream end of the chamber and opposed exits at the upstream end of the chamber, near where the chamber joins the inlet. At least one feedback outlet leaves each of the feedback passages. A feedback cavity is disposed at the downstream end of the chamber. At least one exit flowline having an exit port leaves the at least one feedback outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert K. Michael, Pete C. Dagenais, Michael L. Fripp, James C. Tucker
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Patent number: 7373974Abstract: A release tool includes a first subassembly and a second subassembly. A connector is operable to selectively coupled the first subassembly to the second subassembly. A release guard is operable to selectively inhibit release of the connector. The release guard operable to inhibit release of the connector in response to a pressure difference between an interior of the release tool and an exterior of the release tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, James C. Tucker
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Publication number: 20080110644Abstract: A device includes a main body adapted to couple between a first element of a working string and a second element of the working string. A seal is provided about the main body and is adapted to substantially sealingly engage a wall of the wellbore. An conductor is carried by the main body. The conductor is adapted to communicate at least one of electrical current or a light signal between an interior of the first element and the second element while the seal is substantially sealingly engaging the wall of the wellbore, while the device is released from sealingly engaging the wall of the wellbore, and/or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Matt Howell, James C. Tucker, Mike Connell
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Patent number: 7306044Abstract: A method for lining tubular includes positioning an expandable liner in a wellbore at a depth of one or more perforations using a downhole depth locator tool. The expandable liner is expanded in the wellbore to line the one or more perforations.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, James C. Tucker, Perry Courville
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Patent number: 7234517Abstract: A system and method for determining load on a downhole tool according to which one or more sensors are embedded in one or more components of the tool or in a material on one or more of the components. The sensors are adapted to sense load on the components.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Steven G. Streich, Roger L. Schultz, James C. Tucker, Lee Wayne Stepp, Phillip M. Starr
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Patent number: 6976507Abstract: A fluidic oscillator is disclosed, wherein the fluidic oscillator includes a fluid source and a housing coupled to the fluid source. At least one recess is formed within the housing. An insert resides within each at least one recess; the insert provides at least one substantially flat surface. A fluid flowpath in the at least one substantially flat surface generates fluid pulses from fluid received from the fluid source.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Earl D. Webb, James C. Tucker, Mardy L. Meadows, Robert L. Pipkin
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Patent number: 6877558Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert G. Howard, James C. Tucker, Douglas N. Love
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Patent number: 6688389Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert G. Howard, James C. Tucker, Douglas N. Love
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Publication number: 20040020635Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert G. Howard, James C. Tucker, Douglas N. Love
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Publication number: 20030070806Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert G. Howard, James C. Tucker, Douglas N. Love
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Patent number: 6397950Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a frangible rupture disc or other frangible device from a wellbore casing. The casing has a special casing section defining a plurality of holes therethrough. Rupturable glass ceramic discs or inserts are disposed in the holes and retained therein. The glass ceramic discs or inserts are adapted to withstand fluid differential pressure normally present in the wellbore but are rupturable in response to impingement by a pressure wave thereon. The pressure wave is provided by a pressure wave generating device positionable in the casing string adjacent to the holes in the special casing section. The pressure generative device may generate a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave. Methods of perforating a well casing using a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Steven G. Streich, James C. Tucker, James R. Birchak, Paul F. Rodney, Neal G. Skinner
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Patent number: 6336502Abstract: A slow rotating apparatus for use in performing downhole operations. The apparatus generally consists of a motor section with a rotor rotatable in response to fluid flow, a speed reducer section connected to the motor section such that an output speed of the speed reducer section is less than an output speed of the rotor, and a jetting section or other head attached to the speed reducer section and rotated thereby at the speed reducer output speed. A flow passage is defined through the speed reducer section so that fluid may communicate therefrom into the jetting head. The speed reducer section includes an input shaft attached to the rotor. The input shaft has an eccentric portion and has an input gear disposed about the eccentric portion. The input gear is a solid gear having a first outer geared surface and a second outer geared surface. The pitch diameter of the first outer geared surface is less than the pitch diameter of the second outer geared surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, James C. Tucker
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Patent number: 6305467Abstract: A wireless coiled tubing joint locator for locating joints or collars in a production tubing string. An electromagnetic coil assembly or giant magnetoresistive digital field sensor senses the increased mass of a pipe joint, and provides a signal to an electric circuit which generates a signal received by a pilot solenoid valve. The solenoid valve momentarily opens a pilot passageway which activates a piston to close a circulation port in the joint locator, resulting in an increase in a surface pressure reading observable by the operator. In one embodiment, a rupture disk is provided so that pressure cannot be applied to any downhole tool below the joint locator prematurely. A seat sleeve prevents premature communication of fluid to the rupture disk but can be opened by dropping a ball into the joint locator. A second embodiment may be used for either logging or washing operations or both. The electronic circuit can provide a selected one of a plurality of time delays.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, James C. Tucker, Robert G. Howard
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Patent number: 6220360Abstract: A ball drop tool, for dropping a ball to a ball seat located in a tool, or tool string therebelow. The ball drop tool has an upper end adapted to be connected to the lower end of the coiled tubing string. The ball drop tool includes a housing with a ball drop cage positioned therein. The ball drop cage has a rocker arm pivotally attached thereto. The rocker arm can be pivoted so that a lower end thereof extends radially inwardly into an opening and will hold a ball in the cage. The cage will move downwardly in the housing until the lower end of the rocker arm is retracted from the opening, which will allow the ball to pass downwardly through the ball drop housing so that it can be received in a ball seat in a tool therebelow.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, James C. Tucker
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Patent number: 5098505Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising(A) An epoxide resin component,(B) A hardener component, and incorporated in either or both/or (A) and (B) a thermoplastic polymer, mixtures thereof and application of said mixtures to substrate surfaces to adhere said surfaces together are described.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1987Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.Inventors: Anil B. Goel, Harvey J. Richards, Jeffrey P. Jones