Patents by Inventor John M. Birckhead

John M. Birckhead 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).

  • Publication number: 20140124266
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism to remotely initiate actuation of a device positioned in a borehole. The disclosure includes a magnetically initiated actuation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: John M. Birckhead, Christopher W. Mayeu
  • Publication number: 20140043122
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to remote actuation of a device positioned in a borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: John M. Birckhead, Christopher W. Mayeu
  • Patent number: 7819198
    Abstract: A one-shot thermally activated release mechanism, the release mechanism including a spiral or helically wound spring wrapped around a set of jaws in a manner that prevents the jaws from expanding; held in this tightened position by two wires, with one wire fixed to the body of a member of the jaws and the second wire attached to the spring, the wires bonded together by a solder or other fusible material. The jaws restrict the movement of a plunger. Heating the solder causes release of the spring and enables expansion of the jaws, allowing movement of the plunger. A bias force on the plunger assists in movement of the plunger past the expanding jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: John M. Birckhead, Christopher W. Mayeu
  • Patent number: 6536522
    Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial lift apparatus that monitors the conditions in and around a well and makes automated adjustments based upon those conditions. In one aspect, the invention includes a pump for disposal at a lower end of a tubing string in a cased wellbore. A pressure sensor in the wellbore adjacent the pump measures fluid pressure of fluid collecting in the wellbore. Another pressure sensor disposed in the upper end of the wellbore measures pressure created by compressed gas above the fluid column and a controller receives the information and calculates the true height of fluid in the wellbore. Another sensor disposed in the lower end the tubing string measures fluid pressure in the tubing string and transmits that information to the controller. The controller compares the signals for the sensors and makes adjustments based upon a relationship between the measurements and preprogrammed information about the wellbore and the formation pressure therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Birckhead, Art Britton
  • Publication number: 20020074127
    Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial lift apparatus that monitors the conditions in and around a well and makes automated adjustments based upon those conditions. In one aspect, the invention includes a pump for disposal at a lower end of a tubing string in a cased wellbore. A pressure sensor in the wellbore adjacent the pump measures fluid pressure of fluid collecting in the wellbore. Another pressure sensor disposed in the upper end of the wellbore measures pressure created by compressed gas above the fluid column and a controller receives the information and calculates the true height of fluid in the wellbore. Another sensor disposed in the lower end the tubing string measures fluid pressure in the tubing string and transmits that information to the controller. The controller compares the signals for the sensors and makes adjustments based upon a relationship between the measurements and preprogrammed information about the wellbore and the formation pressure therearound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: John M. Birckhead, Art Britton