Patents by Inventor James Damron Howell

James Damron Howell 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).

  • Drilling fluid diverter system
    Patent number: 4063602
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for offshore drilling is described which is particularly useful for drilling in deep water from a floating surface vessel. Drilling fluid is introduced into a drill string extending from the vessel into a wellbore in the floor of the body of water. In order to maintain a controlled hydrostatic pressure within the riser, drilling fluids are diverted from the lower end of the riser and are either discharged into the body of water or pumped to the surface through a return conduit adjacent the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1977
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: James Damron Howell, Robert William Beck, George Hayden Bruce, John David McLain