Patents by Inventor Kevin R. George

Kevin R. George 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: 10612340
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Martin Snider, Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Nathan G. Clark, James A. Rollins, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10480276
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Martin Snider, Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Nathan G. Clark, James A. Rollins, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10294752
    Abstract: A catch-and-release tool conveyed with a well casing for use in a wellbore comprising an outer housing having flow ports therethrough, a functioning apparatus disposed within the outer housing comprising a movable member/sleeve and a holding device, and a blocking apparatus comprising a blocking member configured to block the flow ports in a first position. When a ball deployed into the well casing passes through the tool in a downstream direction and moves back in an upstream direction, the restriction element engages onto the holding device and moves the movable member such that a port is exposed to up hold pressure and the blocking member travels to a second position in a reverse direction unblocking flow ports and enabling fluid communication to the wellbore. The ball is thereafter released in an upstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Roessler, Varun Garg, John T. Hardesty, Kevin R. George, Raymond C. Shaffer, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10253597
    Abstract: A time delay tool and method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, Dennis Roessler, Kevin R George
  • Patent number: 10221654
    Abstract: An arming apparatus for arming a downhole tool in a wellbore casing comprising an arming member and a holding device. The arming member is disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool and the holding device is mechanically coupled to the arming member. When a ball deployed into the wellbore casing passes through the downhole tool in a downhole direction and moves back in an uphole direction due to reverse flow, the ball engages on the holding device and functions the arming member such that a pressure actuating device in the downhole tool is armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Roessler, Varun Garg, Kevin R. George, Michael D. Wroblicky, Raymond C. Shaffer, John T. Hardesty, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10208570
    Abstract: A time delay tool and method in a wellbore casing is disclosed. The tool/method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, Dennis Roessler, Kevin R George
  • Patent number: 10184319
    Abstract: A seat forming apparatus for use in a downhole tool comprising a driving member and a seating restriction. The driving member and the seating restriction are mechanically disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool. When the driving member drives into the seating restriction, the seating restriction or the driving member bend or buckle inwards to form a seat in the downhole tool. The inner diameter of the seat is configured to allow a restriction element to be seated in the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Raymond C. Shaffer, Dennis E. Roessler, Varun Garg, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10156126
    Abstract: A time delay tool and method in a wellbore casing is disclosed. The tool/method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, Dennis Roessler, Kevin R George
  • Patent number: 10138725
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a time delay in injection of pressured fluid into a geologic formation. In one aspect the invention is a toe valve activated by fluid pressure that opens ports after a predetermined time interval to allow fluid to pass from a well casing to a formation. The controlled time delay enables casing integrity testing before fluid is passed through the ports. This time delay also allows multiple valves to be used in the same well casing and provide a focused jetting action to better penetrate a concrete casing lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10066461
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a time delay in injection of pressured fluid into a geologic formation. In one aspect the invention is a toe valve activated by fluid pressure that opens ports after a predetermined time interval to allow fluid to pass from a well casing to a formation. The controlled time delay enables casing integrity testing before fluid is passed through the ports. This time delay also allows multiple valves to be used in the same well casing and provide a focused jetting action to better penetrate a concrete casing lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
  • Publication number: 20180171741
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Philip Martin Snider, Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Nathan G. Clark, James A. Rollins, David S. Wesson
  • Publication number: 20180142528
    Abstract: An efficient wiper plug seal integrity system and method for deviated/horizontal wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing installed into a wellbore along with restriction elements, a secondary engagement sub, a float collar and a shoe. A wiper plug is deployed into the wellbore casing after cement slurry is pumped into the wellbore casing. The secondary engagement sub provides a tapered entry guide directly above the float collar. The entry guide has a reduced inside diameter that serves to enhance the sealing integrity of the wiper plug and also aligns the wiper plug to properly latch into a locked position. In another system, a stepped diameter wiper plug with a reduced nose is disclosed. The reduced nose provides for an improved seal integrity that fits and latches into a smaller internal diameter secondary engagement sub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. George, Raymond C. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20180087343
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 9835006
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty
  • Publication number: 20170247988
    Abstract: A time delay tool and method in a wellbore casing is disclosed. The tool/method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, Dennis Roessler, Kevin R George
  • Publication number: 20170247977
    Abstract: A time delay tool and method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Dennis Roessler, Kevin R. George
  • Publication number: 20170247982
    Abstract: A time delay tool and method in a wellbore casing is disclosed. The tool/method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, Dennis Roessler, Kevin R George
  • Patent number: 9689232
    Abstract: An actuating apparatus for actuating a downhole tool in a wellbore casing comprising an actuating member and a holding device. The actuating member disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool and the holding device mechanically coupled to the arming member. When a ball deployed into the wellbore casing passes through the downhole tool in a downhole direction and moves back in an uphole direction due to reverse flow, the ball engages on the holding device and functions the actuating member such that a port in the downhole tool is exposed to uphole pressure and actuates the actuating member to travel in an uphole direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Kevin R. George, Raymond C. Shaffer, Michael D. Wroblicky, Dennis E. Roessler, Varun Garg, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 9650866
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a time delay in injection of pressured fluid into a geologic formation. The apparatus comprises a toe valve activated by fluid pressure that opens ports after a predetermined time interval to allow fluid to pass from a well casing to a formation. The controlled time delay enables casing integrity testing before fluid is passed through the ports. This time delay also allows multiple valves to be used in the same well casing and provide a focused jetting action to better penetrate a concrete casing lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin R. George, James A. Rollins, John T. Hardesty, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 9617826
    Abstract: A catch-and-engage tool conveyed with a well casing for use in a wellbore comprising an outer housing having flow ports therethrough, a functioning apparatus disposed within the outer housing comprising a movable member/sleeve and a holding device, a blocking apparatus disposed within the outer housing comprising a blocking member configured to block one or more flow ports in a first position, a seating apparatus positioned upstream of the blocking apparatus configured to form a seat in the tool. When a ball deployed into the well casing passes through the tool in a downstream direction and moves back in an upstream direction, the restriction element engages onto the holding device and moves the movable member such that a port in exposed to uphole pressure and the blocking member travels to a second position in a reverse direction unblocking flow ports and enabling fluid communication to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Roessler, Kevin R. George, Varun Garg, John T. Hardesty, Raymond C. Shaffer, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson