Patents by Inventor Mark McAfee

Mark McAfee 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: 20180135373
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20180106122
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark F. Alley
  • Patent number: 9759030
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA Applied Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 9745812
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA Applied Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20160115755
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 9175534
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: TETRA Applied Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20150211314
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 8833444
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting is provided wherein an abrasive jet fluid cutting assembly comprises a hose for receiving a coherent abrasive jet-fluid containing a solid abrasive; a helix/spring attached inside the high-pressure hose; and a jet-nozzle connected to the hose. Wherein the coherent abrasive laden jet-fluid is pumped under high pressure through the high-pressure hose and across the helix. As the jet-fluid traverses the helix, the jet-fluid rotates at a high rate creating a vortex. The disclosed subject matter further includes a system and method for using the abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 8585909
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus to allow high pressure pumping a fluid mixture of solid and/or abrasive particles with a liquid, and separating the fluid mixture into a solid and/or abrasive particle component and a cleaned liquid component. An embodiment includes surrounding the pump plunger/piston, and timely cycling the cleaned liquid to flush the pump check valves to displace erosive solid and/or abrasive material. Consequently, this invention allows for proper check valve sealing, extends the life of check valves, extends the life of the pump, and improves efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20130284440
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting is provided wherein a modular downhole cutting tool provides Z-Axis, X-Axis, W-Rotation, and Y-Angle manipulations individually or simultaneously and provides the ability to cut one or more windows or shapes in a target (e.g. casing, formation structure, etc.) and extend the cutting tool (or other device) through the window or shape to perform further work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20130228526
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus to allow high pressure pumping a fluid mixture of solid and/or abrasive particles with a liquid, and separating the fluid mixture into a solid and/or abrasive particle component and a cleaned liquid component. An embodiment includes surrounding the pump plunger/piston, and timely cycling the cleaned liquid to flush the pump check valves to displace erosive solid and/or abrasive material. Consequently, this invention allows for proper check valve sealing, extends the life of check valves, extends the life of the pump, and improves efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20130213636
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting is provided wherein an abrasive jet fluid cutting assembly comprises a hose for receiving a coherent abrasive jet-fluid containing a solid abrasive; a helix/spring attached inside the high-pressure hose; and a jet-nozzle connected to the hose. Wherein the coherent abrasive laden jet-fluid is pumped under high pressure through the high-pressure hose and across the helix. As the jet-fluid traverses the helix, the jet-fluid rotates at a high rate creating a vortex. The disclosed subject matter further includes a system and method for using the abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20120118562
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting is provided wherein an abrasive jet fluid cutting assembly comprises a hose for receiving a coherent abrasive jet-fluid containing a solid abrasive; a helix/spring attached inside the high-pressure hose; and a jet-nozzle connected to the hose. Wherein the coherent abrasive laden jet-fluid is pumped under high pressure through the high-pressure hose and across the helix. As the jet-fluid traverses the helix, the jet-fluid rotates at a high rate creating a vortex. The disclosed subject matter further includes a system and method for using the abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20110209872
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 7823632
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Completion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20100038080
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: WIDEX A/S
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Publication number: 20090308605
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing a well through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 7546876
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for down hole abrasive jet-fluid cutting, the apparatus includes a jet-fluid nozzle and a high pressure pump capable of delivering a high-pressure abrasive fluid mixture to the jet-fluid nozzle, an abrasive fluid mixing unit capable of maintaining and providing a coherent abrasive fluid mixture, a tube to deliver the high pressure coherent abrasive mixture down hole to the jet-fluid nozzle, a jetting shoe adapted to receive the jet-fluid nozzle and directing abrasive jet-fluid mixture towards a work piece, a jetting shoe controlling unit that manipulates the jetting shoe along a vertical and horizontal axis and a central processing unit having a memory unit capable of storing profile generation data for cutting a predefined shape or window profile in the work piece and coordinating the operation of various subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Alberta Energy Partners
    Inventor: Wesley Mark McAfee
  • Patent number: 7527092
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for down hole abrasive jet-fluid cutting, the apparatus includes a jet-fluid nozzle and a high pressure pump capable of delivering a high-pressure abrasive fluid mixture to the jet-fluid nozzle, an abrasive fluid mixing unit capable of maintaining and providing a coherent abrasive fluid mixture, a tube to deliver the high pressure coherent abrasive mixture down hole to the jet-fluid nozzle, a jetting shoe adapted to receive the jet-fluid nozzle and directing abrasive jet-fluid mixture towards a work piece, a jetting shoe controlling unit that manipulates the jetting shoe along a vertical and horizontal axis and a central processing unit having a memory unit capable of storing profile generation data for cutting a predefined shape or window profile in the work piece and coordinating the operation of various subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Alberta Energy Partners
    Inventor: Wesley Mark McAfee
  • Publication number: 20080277118
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for down hole abrasive jet-fluid cutting, the apparatus includes a jet-fluid nozzle and a high pressure pump capable of delivering a high-pressure abrasive fluid mixture to the jet-fluid nozzle, an abrasive fluid mixing unit capable of maintaining and providing a coherent abrasive fluid mixture, a tube to deliver the high pressure coherent abrasive mixture down hole to the jet-fluid nozzle, a jetting shoe adapted to receive the jet-fluid nozzle and directing abrasive jet-fluid mixture towards a work piece, a jetting shoe controlling unit that manipulates the jetting shoe along a vertical and horizontal axis and a central processing unit having a memory unit capable of storing profile generation data for cutting a predefined shape or window profile in the work piece and coordinating the operation of various subsystems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ALBERTA ENERGY PARTNERS
    Inventor: Wesley Mark McAfee