Patents by Inventor Mark W. Brockman
Mark W. Brockman 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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Patent number: 7458420Abstract: A system and method is provided to measure a pressure or other characteristic at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool. A comparison of the measurements is then made to verify that the system is operating according to desired parameters. In specific applications, the comparison can be made to ensure the supply of hydraulic fluid is reaching the downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Rioufol, Brian W. Cho, Mark W. Brockman, Philippe Gambier
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Patent number: 7281577Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system and method to measure a pressure or other measurement at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool and compare the measurements to verify that, for example, the supply is reaching the tool. Another aspect of the present invention is a system and method in which a gauge is positioned within a packer. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a gauge that communicates with the setting chamber of a packer as well as related methods. Other aspects and features of the system and method are also described. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Rioufol, Brian W. Cho, Mark W. Brockman
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Patent number: 7165618Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows communications of electrical power and signaling from downhole component to another downhole component employs an inductive coupler assembly. In one arrangement, one portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a production tubing section and the other portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a casing or other liner section. The production tubing inductive coupler portion is electrically connected to a cable over which electrical power and signals may be transmitted. Such power and signals are magnetically coupled to the inductive coupler portion in the casing or liner section and communicated to various electrical devices mounted outside the casing or liner section. In other arrangements, inductive coupler assemblies may be used to couple electrical power and signals from the main bore to components in lateral branches of a multilateral well.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Mark W. Brockman, Herve Ohmer, David L. Malone
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Patent number: 6915847Abstract: A test technique and mechanism includes lowering a junction assembly to a junction between at least two bores of a well. The junction assembly includes one or more sealed connections that are tested by the generation of a test flow of fluid. The distal ends of the junction assembly are blocked so that a pressure increase in the junction assembly can be monitored. The level of this pressure increase is used to determine if there is any leakage in the junction assembly. To reduce the costs associated with a faulty junction assembly, the testing is performed during an installation procedure of the junction assembly. Thus, if a faulty junction is detected, it can be quickly removed and replaced with another junction assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Mark W. Brockman
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Patent number: 6863129Abstract: A well completion apparatus and method comprises a junction assembly having a template and a lateral branch connector sealably engageable with the template to couple a main bore to a lateral branch bore. The template has a lateral window for positioning proximal a junction of the lateral branch bore and the main bore. The lateral branch connector is adapted to be engaged in the template so that a portion of the connector extends through the lateral window of the template. Plural flow paths comprise a first flow path in communication with the lateral branch, and a second flow path for communicating with a portion of the main bore below the junction.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Herve Ohmer, Mark W. Brockman
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Publication number: 20040159429Abstract: A test technique and mechanism includes lowering a junction assembly to a junction between at least two bores of a well. The junction assembly includes one or more sealed connections that are tested by the generation of a test flow of fluid. The distal ends of the junction assembly are blocked so that a pressure increase in the junction assembly can be monitored. The level of this pressure increase is used to determine if there is any leakage in the junction assembly. To reduce the costs associated with a faulty junction assembly, the testing is performed during an installation procedure of the junction assembly. Thus, if a faulty junction is detected, it can be quickly removed and replaced with another junction assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: Mark W. Brockman
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Publication number: 20040094303Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows communications of electrical power and signaling from downhole component to another downhole component employs an inductive coupler assembly. In one arrangement, one portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a production tubing section and the other portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a casing or other liner section. The production tubing inductive coupler portion is electrically connected to a cable over which electrical power and signals may be transmitted. Such power and signals are magnetically coupled to the inductive coupler portion in the casing or liner section and communicated to various electrical devices mounted outside the casing or liner section. In other arrangements, inductive coupler assemblies may be used to couple electrical power and signals from the main bore to components in lateral branches of a multilateral well.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Mark W. Brockman, Herve Ohmer, David L. Malone
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Patent number: 6684952Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows communications of electrical power and signaling from downhole component to another downhole component employs an inductive coupler assembly. In one arrangement, one portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a production tubing section and the other portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a casing or other liner section. The production tubing inductive coupler portion is electrically connected to a cable over which electrical power and signals may be transmitted. Such power and signals are magnetically coupled to the inductive coupler portion in the casing or liner section and communicated to various electrical devices mounted outside the casing or liner section. In other arrangements, inductive coupler assemblies may be used to couple electrical power and signals from the main bore to components in lateral branches of a multilateral well.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: Mark W. Brockman, Herve Ohmer, David L. Malone
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Patent number: 6568469Abstract: A well completion apparatus and method comprises a junction assembly having a template and a lateral branch connector engageable with the template to couple a main bore to a lateral branch bore. To improve inter-engagement characteristics of the template and connector, one arrangement of the junction assembly utilizes a continuous rail and groove inter-engagement mechanism. In another arrangement, a portion of the rail and groove inter-engagement mechanism is segmented instead of continuous. A method and apparatus is also provided in some arrangements to enable placement of intelligent completion devices in a lateral branch. Additionally, some junction assemblies comprise flow control mechanisms to control commingling, or not, of fluids from different regions in the well bore.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Herve Ohmer, Mark W. Brockman
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Patent number: 6505682Abstract: A tubing is used in a well bore capable of furnishing a well fluid. The tubing has an annular member having a passageway. The tubing has at least one port that is connected to detect a composition of the well fluid and control flow of the well fluid into the passageway based on the composition.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Mark W. Brockman
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Publication number: 20020112857Abstract: A well completion apparatus and method comprises a junction assembly having a template and a lateral branch connector sealably engageable with the template to couple a main bore to a lateral branch bore. The template has a lateral window for positioning proximal a junction of the lateral branch bore and the main bore. The lateral branch connector is adapted to be engaged in the template so that a portion of the connector extends through the lateral window of the template. Plural flow paths comprise a first flow path in communication with the lateral branch, and a second flow path for communicating with a portion of the main bore below the junction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Herve Ohmer, Mark W. Brockman
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Patent number: 6405804Abstract: A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Herve Ohmer, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Mark W. Brockman
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Publication number: 20020066561Abstract: A tubing is used in a well bore capable of furnishing a well fluid. The tubing has an annular member having a passageway. The tubing has at least one port that is connected to detect a composition of the well fluid and control flow of the well fluid into the passageway based on the composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2000Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: Mark W. Brockman
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Patent number: 6318466Abstract: A method and apparatus that comprises releasably securing a milling tool to a deflecting tool using a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism comprises a member that is adapted to be broken by milling action of the milling tool. In addition, in some arrangements, a protective mechanism protects abrasive inserts on a pilot mill of the milling tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: Herve Ohmer, Mark W. Brockman, Platon Koptilov, Adrian Vuyk, Jr.
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Patent number: 6311774Abstract: A well casing for receiving well fluid from a producing formation includes a first tubular section that has a tortuous outer surface for directing the flow of a bonding agent around the exterior of the first tubular section. The first tubular section has a central passageway. The well casing also has a second tubular section that is coaxial with and is connected to the first tubular section. The second tubular section has at least one opening for directing well fluid into a central passageway of the second tubular section.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Mark W. Brockman, Klaus B. Huber
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Publication number: 20010035288Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows communications of electrical power and signaling from downhole component to another downhole component employs an inductive coupler assembly. In one arrangement, one portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a production tubing section and the other portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a casing or other liner section. The production tubing inductive coupler portion is electrically connected to a cable over which electrical power and signals may be transmitted. Such power and signals are magnetically coupled to the inductive coupler portion in the casing or liner section and communicated to various electrical devices mounted outside the casing or liner section. In other arrangements, inductive coupler assemblies may be used to couple electrical power and signals from the main bore to components in lateral branches of a multilateral well.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Mark W. Brockman, Herve Ohmer, David L. Malone
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Publication number: 20010025710Abstract: A well completion apparatus and method comprises a junction assembly having a template and a lateral branch connector engageable with the template to couple a main bore to a lateral branch bore. To improve inter-engagement characteristics of the template and connector, one arrangement of the junction assembly utilizes a continuous rail and groove inter-engagement mechanism. In another arrangement, a portion of the rail and groove inter-engagement mechanism is segmented instead of continuous. A method and apparatus is also provided in some arrangements to enable placement of intelligent completion devices in a lateral branch. Additionally, some junction assemblies comprise flow control mechanisms to control commingling, or not, of fluids from different regions in the well bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventors: Herve Ohmer, Mark W. Brockman
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Patent number: 6267179Abstract: A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Herve Ohmer, Platon Koptilov, Mark W. Brockman
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Patent number: 6209648Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing connectivity of lateral branch liners to main well casings to achieve predictable and stable mechanical connectivity at the lateral junction of branch well bores to the main well bore to counter the problems of formation instability at the junction. After construction of a well having one or more lateral branches, a retrievable lateral branch template is located in the casing of a main well bore in positioned and oriented registry with a casing window that opens to a lined lateral branch. A retrievable lateral branch connector is then installed in assembly with the template to cooperatively define a production flow path having maximized mechanical integrity and optimized production flow in both the lateral bore and the main bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Herve Ohmer, Mark W. Brockman, Mikhail V. Gotlib, Michael W. Frels
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Patent number: 6012526Abstract: Junctions in multilateral well structures are sealed by employing a variety of degrees of premachined components and a variety of sealing embodiments, including casing segments having premachined windows, side pocket members which are adapted to reside within the string during run in and move laterally to the deployed position, woven members, cement filled ECPs, etc. Also disclosed is a downhole milling device which cuts a window in a casing segment or other material based upon a predetermined geometric pattern imposed upon the cutting tool by an integral template.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Steven L. Jennings, James Kenneth Whanger, Arne Larsen, John L. Baugh, Brian Wood, Christopher L. Gann, Darrin Willauer, Mark W. Brockman, David G. Forsyth, Gerald D. Lynde, Douglas J. Murray, Edwin Schubrick, James K. Jackson, William K. Brown