Patents by Inventor John R. Whitsitt
John R. Whitsitt 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: 20100139930Abstract: The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Y. Gil Hilsman, III, Herve Ohmer, Stephane Hiron, Philippe Gambier, Jonathan K.C. Whitehead, Randolph J. Sheffield, Rodney J. Wetzel, John R. Whitsitt, Thomas D. MacDougall, Nitin Y. Vaidya, James D. Hendrickson, John E. Edwards, Donald W. Ross, Rashmi B. Bhavsar
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Patent number: 7730949Abstract: A technique is provided for performing a well treatment operation. A completion assembly is constructed with a tubular member designed to maintain pressure integrity above a given well treatment zone. The completion assembly and a service tool can be moved downhole for well treatment operations in one or more well zones. A converter tool is utilized to selectively form openings through a wall of the tubular member to enable flow following completion of the well treatment in a lower zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Thibaut Guignard, John R. Whitsitt
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Patent number: 7665537Abstract: The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Schlumbeger Technology CorporationInventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Y. Gil Hilsman, III, Herve Ohmer, Stephane Hiron, Philippe Gambier, Jonathan K. C. Whitehead, Randolph J. Sheffield, Rodney J. Wetzel, John R. Whitsitt, Thomas D. MacDougall, Nitin Y. Vaidya, James D. Hendrickson, John E. Edwards, Donald W. Ross, Rashmi B. Bhavsar
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Patent number: 7631695Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore includes the steps of connecting an isolation tool to a conveyance, the isolation tool including a tubular base member having an internal bore and an outer housing forming a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a wall; the first chamber having a first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a first outlet port formed through the housing; the second chamber having first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a second outlet port formed through the housing; a first material disposed in the first chamber; and a second material disposed in the second chamber; running the conveyance into the wellbore, an annulus formed between the isolation tool and sidewall of the wellbore; and activating the isolation tool to form a barrier to fluid flow in the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Laura Schafer, John R. Whitsitt
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Publication number: 20090242199Abstract: A tool that is usable in a well and may include an operator, a switch, a resilient device and an indexer. The switch may be configured to selectively communicate a first force to the operator, thereby actuating the tool. The resilient device may exert a second force. The indexer may cycle through a sequence of positions in response to alternating between the second force and a third force. The sequence includes a predetermined position configured to actuate the switch, thereby communicating the first force to the operator to actuate the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Arin Basmajian, Brad Swenson, John R. Whitsitt
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Patent number: 7591321Abstract: Zonal isolation tools and methods of using same are described. The zonal isolation tools include a wellbore sealing member expandable by fluid pressure to contact a wellbore over an initial contact area, an inflation valve open during expansion of the sealing member to the initial contact area and closed upon the fluid pressure reaching a predetermined setting, a vent between the sealing member and a wellbore annulus adapted to open after the inflation valve is closed, and a compressive load imparted to the sealing member via a linear piston to achieve a sealing point at the leading edge of the sealing member. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: John R. Whitsitt, Carlos Araque, David M. Eslinger, Philippe Gambier, Dinesh R. Patel, Chad Hardwick, Jason K. Jonas, Robert Divis, Randolph J. Sheffield, Bryan L. White, Chad Lucas
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Patent number: 7562712Abstract: A tool is actuated in a well based on one or more issued commands being interpreted and implemented by the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a power generation module that multiplies pressure delivered downhole to enable actuation of the tool without requiring delivery of the higher actuation pressure along the entire wellbore. An actuation module may be used in combination with the power generation module to control operation of the power generation module in response to command signals sent downhole.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Brian W. Cho, Philippe Gambier, John R. Whitsitt, Arin Basmajian, Jose F. Garcia, Youel G. Hilsman, III
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Publication number: 20090101364Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore includes the steps of connecting an isolation tool to a conveyance, the isolation tool including a tubular base member having an internal bore and an outer housing forming a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a wall; the first chamber having a first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a first outlet port formed through the housing; the second chamber having first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a second outlet port formed through the housing; a first material disposed in the first chamber; and a second material disposed in the second chamber; running the conveyance into the wellbore, an annulus formed between the isolation tool and sidewall of the wellbore; and activating the isolation tool to form a barrier to fluid flow in the annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Laura Schafer, John R. Whitsitt
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Publication number: 20090084553Abstract: A system and method for completing a well with multiple zones of production is provided, including a casing having a plurality of valves integrated therein for isolating each well zone, establishing communication between each underlying formation and the interior of the casing, delivering a treatment fluid to each of the multiple well zones, and filtering produced fluids from each underlying formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Hugo Morales, Balkrishna Gadiyar, John Lassek, John R. Whitsitt, Jorge Lopez de Cardenas, Matthew R. Hackworth
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Publication number: 20090078421Abstract: A technique is provided for performing a well treatment operation. A completion assembly is constructed with a tubular member designed to maintain pressure integrity above a given well treatment zone. The completion assembly and a service tool can be moved downhole for well treatment operations in one or more well zones. A converter tool is utilized to selectively form openings through a wall of the tubular member to enable flow following completion of the well treatment in a lower zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Thibaut Guignard, John R. Whitsitt
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Publication number: 20080314589Abstract: A technique is provided for forming a gravel pack at a well zone. A completion assembly is positioned in a wellbore and cooperates with a service tool engaging the completion assembly. The completion assembly comprises a completion assembly central bore. A return is located radially outward of the central bore at a specific well zone or zones and comprises a flow path for returning a carrier fluid. The location of the return allows flow of the returning carrier fluid to remain outside of the completion assembly central bore at a specific well zone or zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Thibaut Guignard, John R. Whitsitt
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Publication number: 20080283252Abstract: A technique is provided for treating a plurality of well zones with a service tool during a single trip downhole. The service tool is run downhole to a selected well zone that is isolated for treatment. Following treatment of the well zone, the service tool is moved to a subsequent well zone isolated for treatment. When the lengths of the well zones to be treated are dissimilar, the active length of the service tool can be adjusted to correspond with the well zone length to optimize the well treatment operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Thibaut Guignard, John R. Whitsitt
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Publication number: 20080128130Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate use of a service tool at a downhole location. The service tool has different operational configurations that can be selected and used without moving the service string.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Whitsitt, Jason K. Jonas, Gary L. Rytlewski, Dinesh R. Patel
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Patent number: 7284607Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well that has a first string that lines a borehole includes running a second string into the well and engaging a deflecting face of a deflector to deflect the second string into a window of the first string. The technique includes performing at least one of positioning the second string and orienting the second string using a profile on the deflector downhole of the deflecting face.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Carlos Araque, John R. Whitsitt, Martin Prado, Robert Scott Neves, Christine L. Cano
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Patent number: 6651750Abstract: A shear release packer that includes at least one sealing element, at least one slip, and at least a lower shear nut. In order to release the packer, the lower shear nut is sheared enabling the at least one sealing element to de-energize and the at least one slip to disengage the casing. When set, the packer is constructed to that the lower shear nut is isolated from the load path generated by the forces acting on the at least one sealing element. The load path travels from the at least one sealing element to the at least one slip without having to travel through the lower shear nut.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: John R. Whitsitt
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Patent number: 6516890Abstract: A protective member that is disposed within the longitudinal bore of a well tool, the well tool including an actuating mechanism adapted to be mechanically activated from the longitudinal bore. The actuating mechanism includes an engagement section, preferably a profile. The protective member, preferably a sleeve, substantially covers the actuating mechanism while leaving the engagement section exposed to the longitudinal bore. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore between a first position and a second position. A biasing mechanism biases the sleeve into the first position, in which a sleeve first end is proximate the profile. Operation of the apparatus enables a method for preventing the inadvertent mechanical activation of the actuating mechanism of a well tool as peripheral equipment is passed through the longitudinal bore of the well tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen L. Jackson, John R. Whitsitt, David R. Mandeville
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Patent number: 6487893Abstract: A system for pressure testing the seals and fittings associated with at least one communication line passing through a well tool mandrel, each communication line housed within a communication line conduit defined through the well tool and sealingly engaged to each end of its corresponding communication line conduit by way of a fitting and the fittings also sealingly engaged to the communication line conduit. The system generally comprises a testing conduit, a testing passageway system, and a testing plug. The testing conduit is defined in the well tool mandrel. The testing passageway system is defined in the well tool mandrel and provides fluid communication between the testing conduit and the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. The testing plug provides fluid communication between a pressure testing source and the testing passageway system.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen L. Jackson, John R. Whitsitt
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Publication number: 20020070034Abstract: A shear release packer that includes at least one sealing element, at least one slip, and at least a lower shear nut. In order to release the packer, the lower shear nut is sheared enabling the at least one sealing element to de-energize and the at least one slip to disengage the casing. When set, the packer is constructed to that the lower shear nut is isolated from the load path generated by the forces acting on the at least one sealing element. The load path travels from the at least one sealing element to the at least one slip without having to travel through the lower shear nut.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: John R. Whitsitt
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Publication number: 20010017052Abstract: A system for pressure testing the seals and fittings associated with at least one communication line passing through a well tool mandrel, each communication line housed within a communication line conduit defined through the well tool and sealingly engaged to each end of its corresponding communication line conduit by way of a fitting and the fittings also sealingly engaged to the communication line conduit. The system generally comprises a testing conduit, a testing passageway system, and a testing plug. The testing conduit is defined in the well tool mandrel. The testing passageway system is defined in the well tool mandrel and provides fluid communication between the testing conduit and the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. The testing plug provides fluid communication between a pressure testing source and the testing passageway system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2000Publication date: August 30, 2001Inventors: Stephen L. Jackson, John R. Whitsitt
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Patent number: 5240077Abstract: A setting tool for setting in a bore hole a downhole device such as plugs and packers is actuated by supplying a voltage signal to direct current motor that drives a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump delivers high pressure fluid to a setting chamber to displace a piston received therein. Relative movement of the piston to the chamber imparts a setting force to the downhole device with a shearing action between an outer setting sleeve and an internal mandrel. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is located on the backside of the setting piston, such that displacement of the setting piston during setting forces fluid toward the pump. An accumulator located between the reservoir and the pump accommodates thermal expansion of the fluid. A relief valve at the outlet of the pump provides back pressure to ensure that a minimum positive pressure is maintained at the intake of the pump. A second setting stage provides additional setting force.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1992Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.Inventor: John R. Whitsitt