Patents by Inventor Mike Luke
Mike Luke 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: 20050000698Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: January 6, 2005Inventors: Thomas Bailey, Mike Luke
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Publication number: 20040251032Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. Any combination of fail safe features may be used with or incorporated into the DDV such as redundant valve members, an upward opening flapper valve or a metering flapper below a sealing valve. In one aspect, a barrier or diverter located in the bore above a valve member of the DDV permits passage through the bore when the valve member is open and actuates when the valve member is closed. Once actuated, the barrier or diverter either stops or diverts any dropped objects prior to the dropped object reaching and potentially damaging the valve member. In another aspect, the tool string tripped in above the DDV includes an acceleration actuated brake that anchors the tool string to a surrounding tubular if the tool string is dropped.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Mike A. Luke, Tom Fuller, Darrell Johnson, David Brunnert, Brian Grayson, David Pavel, R. K. Bansal
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Patent number: 6827150Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing a tubular. In one aspect, the apparatus is sealing apparatus for a downhole tool such as a bridge plug, packer, or frac-plug. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a sealing apparatus having a body and a sealing system disposed about the body. The sealing apparatus further includes one or more extrusion rings disposed at each end of the sealing system. The sealing apparatus may also have a first cone to support the one or more extrusion rings and a second cone expandable over the first cone. A slip member is disposed adjacent the second cone at each end of the sealing system. Upon actuation, the sealing apparatus expands the sealing system and causes the slip member to fold outward and engage the tubular. The sealing apparatus is functionally expandable to at least 25% diametrically to seal the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Mike A. Luke
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Publication number: 20040177951Abstract: The present invention provides a simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for utilizing the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Corey E. Hoffman, Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke, Stephen J. Norris
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Patent number: 6735898Abstract: An artificial fishing lure having a squid-like appearance with a generally cylindrical body and a skirt with a plurality of thin, elongated, flexible streamers, wherein the nose of the body is formed by the combination of a rearwardly inclined planar surface intersecting with a rounded surface, wherein the central axis of the lure body extends through the planar surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Inventor: Mike Luke
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Patent number: 6722441Abstract: An apparatus for translating an expander tool within a wellbore. The apparatus enables an expander tool to be moved axially within a wellbore during an expansion operation without raising or lowering the working string during the expansion operation. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a shaft, a nut member which rides along the shaft when the shaft is rotated, and a recess connected to the nut member for receiving the shaft as the nut member travels axially along the shaft. The expander tool is connected at an end to the nut member such that translation of the nut member along the shaft serves to translate the expander tool axially within the wellbore. In one aspect, the shaft employs helical threads for incrementally advancing the nut member upon rotation of the shaft. In a further aspect, the apparatus includes a nut housing for holding the nut member, and a key member disposed within the circumference of the nut and the nut housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: J. Eric Lauritzen, Mike A. Luke, Dale Norman
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Publication number: 20040069502Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing a tubular. In one aspect, the apparatus is sealing apparatus for a downhole tool such as a bridge plug, packer, or frac-plug. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a sealing apparatus having a body and a sealing system disposed about the body. The sealing apparatus further includes one or more extrusion rings disposed at each end of the sealing system. The sealing apparatus may also have a first cone to support the one or more extrusion rings and a second cone expandable over the first cone. A slip member is disposed adjacent the second cone at each end of the sealing system. Upon actuation, the sealing apparatus expands the sealing system and causes the slip member to fold outward and engage the tubular. The sealing apparatus is functionally expandable to at least 25% diametrically to seal the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: Mike A. Luke
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Publication number: 20040069496Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for isolating a wellbore condition such as formation pressure during a wellbore operation. The invention has particular application in connection with underbalanced drilling. In one arrangement, a formation isolation apparatus is provided that serves as a selectively actuatable plug. The plug in one aspect is selectively set and released by a setting/releasing tool. The setting/releasing tool includes a system for setting the plug in the wellbore, and a system for releasing the plug from the wellbore. The setting/releasing tool is releasably connected to the plug. Thus, after the plug has been set, the setting/releasing tool may be removed from the wellbore. The plug includes a flapper valve that is restrained in its open position by the setting/releasing tool. Removal of the setting/releasing tool from the wellbore allows the flapper valve to close, thereby isolating pressures in the wellbore below the flapper valve. The plug is wireline retrievable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David Hosie, Mike A. Luke
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Patent number: 6719056Abstract: The present invention provides a simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Corey E. Hoffman, Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke, Stephen J. Norris
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Patent number: 6702012Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Mike A. Luke
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Publication number: 20030226664Abstract: The present invention provides a simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for utilizing the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Corey E. Hoffman, Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke, Stephen J. Norris
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Patent number: 6640904Abstract: A simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for utilizing the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Corey E. Hoffman, Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke, Stephen J. Norris
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Publication number: 20030196369Abstract: An artificial fishing lure having a squid-like appearance with a generally cylindrical body and a skirt with a plurality of thin, elongated, flexible streamers, wherein the nose of the body is formed by the combination of a rearwardly inclined planar surface intersecting with a rounded surface, wherein the central axis of the lure body extends through the planar surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: Mike Luke
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Patent number: 6595289Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for plugging a wellbore in a trip saving manner. In one aspect, the invention includes a cement retainer disposed on a run-in string and a radially expanded perforating assembly disposed below the cement retainer. In a single run, the apparatus provides for perforating a wellbore and squeezing cement through the perforations and into the formation therearound. In another aspect, a method of plugging the wellbore includes running a cement retainer and a radially expanded perforating assembly into a wellbore on a run-in string. After the cement retainer is set, a firing head is actuated to cause the perforating gun to discharge. After perforations are formed, cement is introduced from the cement retainer into the isolated area and squeezed through the perforations. Thereafter, the run-in string disengages from the cement retainer leaving behind the plug formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David Moore Tumlin, Gene K. Fugatt, Sr., David Hosie, Mike Luke
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Publication number: 20030121671Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Mike A. Luke
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Publication number: 20030121655Abstract: An apparatus for translating an expander tool within a wellbore. The apparatus enables an expander tool to be moved axially within a wellbore during an expansion operation without raising or lowering the working string during the expansion operation. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a shaft, a nut member which rides along the shaft when the shaft is rotated, and a recess connected to the nut member for receiving the shaft as the nut member travels axially along the shaft. The expander tool is connected at an end to the nut member such that translation of the nut member along the shaft serves to translate the expander tool axially within the wellbore. In one aspect, the shaft employs helical threads for incrementally advancing the nut member upon rotation of the shaft. In a further aspect, the apparatus includes a nut housing for holding the nut member, and a key member disposed within the circumference of the nut and the nut housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: J. Eric Lauritzen, Mike A. Luke, Dale Norman
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Patent number: 6547002Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Mike A. Luke
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Publication number: 20030056953Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for plugging a wellbore in a trip saving manner. In one aspect, the invention includes a cement retainer disposed on a run-in string and a radially expanded perforating assembly disposed below the cement retainer. In a single run, the apparatus provides for perforating a wellbore and squeezing cement through the perforations and into the formation therearound. In another aspect, a method of plugging the wellbore includes running a cement retainer and a radially expanded perforating assembly into a wellbore on a run-in string. After the cement retainer is set, a firing head is actuated to cause the perforating gun to discharge. After perforations are formed, cement is introduced from the cement retainer into the isolated area and squeezed through the perforations. Thereafter, the run-in string disengages from the cement retainer leaving behind the plug formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David Moore Tumlin, Gene K. Fugatt, David Hosie, Mike Luke
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Publication number: 20020174987Abstract: The present invention provides a simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for utilizing the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: Weatherford/LambInventors: Corey E. Hoffman, Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke, Stephen J. Norris
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Publication number: 20020162657Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for plugging a wellbore in a trip saving manner. In one aspect, the invention includes a cement retainer disposed on a run-in string and a radially expanded perforating assembly disposed below the cement retainer. In a single run, the apparatus provides for perforating a wellbore and squeezing cement through the perforations and into the formation therearound. In another aspect, a method of plugging the wellbore includes running a cement retainer and a radially expanded perforating assembly into a wellbore on a run-in string. After the cement retainer is set, a firing head is actuated to cause the perforating gun to discharge. After perforations are formed, cement is introduced from the cement retainer into the isolated area and squeezed through the perforations. Thereafter, the run-in string disengages from the cement retainer leaving behind the plug formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMBInventors: David Moore Tumlin, Gene K. Fugatt, David Hosie, MIke Luke