Patents by Inventor Michael James Foster

Michael James Foster 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: 20090090518
    Abstract: An apparatus has a housing with an internal passage. When deployed, a barrier positions in an upward direction in an annular space between a sleeve and the housing and folds towards one of its sides to conform to the annular space. When debris collection is desired, operators lift the sleeve with a tool, the barrier rotates down and positions across the internal passage, and the tool releases the sleeve. In this stage, the barrier can collect debris to protect a downhole valve. In further stages, operators open the downhole valve, and flow moves the barrier, cage body, and sleeve together in upward direction. Eventually, the sleeve is biased downward again, and the barrier positions within the annular space by reversibly folding towards its opposing side. In this position, barrier points in a downward direction and folds towards its opposing side to conform to the annular space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Coon, Roddie Robert Smith, Michael James Foster