Patents by Inventor Neil A. A. Simpson
Neil A. A. Simpson 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: 20050246599Abstract: A system for testing input characteristics of an integrated circuit device includes an integrated circuit device. The integrated circuit device includes, an input pad, an output pad, an input register, and a data register. The input register receives an input value from the input pad and communicates the input value to a portion of the integrated circuit for processing when the integrated circuit is not in test mode. The data register receives a test value from the input register and communicates the test value to the output pad when the integrated circuit is in test mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2004Publication date: November 3, 2005Inventors: Neil Simpson, Rakesh Kumar
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Publication number: 20050155771Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2005Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: Neil Simpson, David Haugen
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Patent number: 6902000Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A. A. Simpson, David Haugen
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Patent number: 6899181Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cutting tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting tool having radially disposed rolling element cutters is provided for insertion into a wellbore to a predetermined depth where a tubular therearound will be cut into an upper and lower portion. The cutting tool is constructed and arranged to be rotated while the actuated cutters exert a force on the inside wall of the tubular, thereby severing the tubular therearound. In one aspect, the apparatus is run into the well on wireline which is capable of bearing the weight of the apparatus while supplying a source of electrical power to at least one downhole motor which operates at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump operates a slip assembly to fix the downhole apparatus within the wellbore prior to operation of the cutting tool. Thereafter, the pump operates a downhole motor to rotate the cutting tool while the cutters are actuated.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A. A. Simpson, Kevin O. Trahan
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Publication number: 20050077046Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cutting tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting tool having radially disposed rolling element cutters is provided for insertion into a wellbore to a predetermined depth where a tubular therearound will be cut into an upper and lower portion. The cutting tool is constructed and arranged to be rotated while the actuated cutters exert a force on the inside wall of the tubular, thereby severing the tubular therearound. In one aspect, the apparatus is run into the well on wireline which is capable of bearing the weight of the apparatus while supplying a source of electrical power to at least one downhole motor which operates at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump operates a slip assembly to fix the downhole apparatus within the wellbore prior to operation of the cutting tool. Thereafter, the pump operates a downhole motor to rotate the cutting tool while the cutters are actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2004Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: Neil Simpson, Kevin Trahan
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Publication number: 20050066243Abstract: A system and method enhance observability of IC failures during burn-in tests. Scan automatic test pattern generation and memory built-in self-test patterns are monitored during the burn-in tests to provide a mechanism for observing selective scan chain outputs and memory BIST status outputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: March 24, 2005Inventors: Gordhan Barevadia, Anupama Agashe, Nikila Krishnamoorthy, Rubin Parekhji, Neil Simpson
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Patent number: 6851475Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cutting tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting tool having radially disposed rolling element cutters is provided for insertion into a wellbore to a predetermined depth where a tubular therearound will be cut into an upper and lower portion. The cutting tool is constructed and arranged to be rotated while the actuated cutters exert a force on the inside wall of the tubular, thereby severing the tubular therearound. In one aspect, the apparatus is run into the well on wireline which is capable of bearing the weight of the apparatus while supplying a source of electrical power to at least one downhole motor which operates at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump operates a slip assembly to fix the downhole apparatus within the wellbore prior to operation of the cutting tool. Thereafter, the pump operates a downhole motor to rotate the cutting tool while the cutters are actuated.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A. A. Simpson, Kevin O. Trahan
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Publication number: 20040173355Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A.A. Simpson, David Haugen
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Publication number: 20040118571Abstract: An improved expansion assembly for an expander tool is provided, and a method for expanding a surrounding tubular body within a wellbore. The expansion assembly first comprises a piston disposed within a recess of the expander tool. The top surface of the piston closely receives a body. The bearing body includes one or more races which house at least one bearing. In one arrangement, at least one bearing is provided which rotationally resides within a single race. In another arrangement, a plurality of bearings are provided that recirculate within one or more races. In this arrangement, the bearing body is preferably a tapered, cylindrical roller actuated into contact with the surrounding tubular by hydraulic pressure applied from within the bore of the expander tool. These arrangements reduce the geometric size of the expansion assembly, affording a larger inner diameter for the hollow bore of the expander tool itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: J. Eric Lauritzen, Clayton Pluckeck, A. Craig MacKay, Neil A.A. Simpson, Caswell D. Vickers, Stephen L. Jackson
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Publication number: 20040069498Abstract: The present invention provides a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. The first tubular member has at least one circumferential ring profile, and the second tubular member has a corresponding number of matching circumferential ring profiles. When the ring profiles of the two tubulars are mated and interlocked, they form separate and independent fluid seals as well as a mechanical lock able to hold the tubulars together during future expansion of the entire tubular and joint. Further, selecting properties of the tubulars such as yield strength and modulus of elasticity or constraining a diameter of one of the tubulars during expansion or compression forms a tight connection due to elastic recovery of the tubulars.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Neil A. A. Simpson, Clayton Plucheck, Robert J. Coon
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Patent number: 6712142Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A. A. Simpson, David Haugen
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Patent number: 6708762Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims methods and apparatus for forming an opening or a window in a downhole tubular for the subsequent formation of a lateral wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a thermite containing apparatus is run into the wellbore on a wire line and a widow is subsequently formed in casing wall. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a run-in string or drill stem with a drill bit attached to a lower end thereof. A diverter, like a whipstock is attached temporarily to the drill bit with a mechanically shearable connection. At a lower end of the whipstock, a container is formed and connected thereto. The container is designed to house a predetermined amount of exothermic material at one side thereof adjacent the portion of casing where the window or opening will be formed. A telescopic joint extends between the bottom of the container and an anchor therebelow and the telescopic joint is in an extended position when the apparatus is run into a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Neil A. A. Simpson, Kevin L. Gray, Robert Badrak, David J. Brunnert
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Patent number: 6698517Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore. The tubular lining can comprise nonporous or porous material.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A.A. Simpson, Mark Hopmann
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Patent number: 6695063Abstract: An improved expansion assembly for an expander tool is provided. The expander tool is used to expand a surrounding tubular body within a wellbore. The expansion assembly first comprises a piston disposed within a recess of the expander tool. The top surface of the piston defines a bearing cavity configured to closely receive a roller. A shoe is further disposed on the top surface of the piston to receive a lower portion of the roller. In one arrangement, the roller is a tapered cylindrical roller actuated by hydraulic pressure applied from within the bore of the expander tool. Actuation of the tool forces the pistons to radially extend away from the body of the tool within the recesses. This, in turn, causes the roller members to engage the inner surface of the surrounding tubular body to be expanded. Rotation of the expander tool causes the rollers to at least partially rotate within the bearing cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: J. Eric Lauritzen, A. Craig Mackay, Neil A.A. Simpson
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Patent number: 6688395Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable tubular having improved polished bore receptacle protection. The present invention further provides methods for completing a wellbore through the use of an expandable string of casing having improved polished bore receptacle protection. In one aspect, the invention includes a liner member having an expandable section, and a polished bore receptacle positioned below the expandable section. The expandable section is run into a wellbore, and is positioned to overlap with the bottom portion of a string of casing already set within the wellbore. The expandable section is then expanded into frictional engagement with the surrounding casing. The expandable section optionally includes at least one sealing member and at least one slip member on the outer surface. In one aspect, a transition section is provided between the expandable section and the polished bore receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Patrick G. Maguire, Robert J. Coon, J. Eric Lauritzen, Khai Tran, Neil A. A. Simpson, A. Craig Mackay
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Publication number: 20040007365Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of locking out a subsurface safety valve (SSV) in a hydrocarbon wellbore. A lockout tool is provided that is dimensioned to be received within the housing of the safety valve. The lockout tool generally comprises an elongated housing, and an expander mandrel slidably received within the housing. Together, the housing and expander mandrel are run into the wellbore and landed into the housing of the SSV such that the end of the expander mandrel opens the flapper valve. A portion of the lockout tool housing shoulders against the flow tube in the SSV to drive the flow tube downward, thereby maintaining the flapper of the SSV in its open position. As the expander mandrel moves downward through the hard seat of the SSV, the mandrel engages the flow tube and expands it against the hard seat. In this manner, the flow tube is expanded into permanent, frictional engagement with the hard seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Thomas Michael Deaton, Neil A.A. Simpson, Rory L. Hodge
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Publication number: 20030188868Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cutting tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting tool having radially disposed rolling element cutters is provided for insertion into a wellbore to a predetermined depth where a tubular therearound will be cut into an upper and lower portion. The cutting tool is constructed and arranged to be rotated while the actuated cutters exert a force on the inside wall of the tubular, thereby severing the tubular therearound. In one aspect, the apparatus is run into the well on wireline which is capable of bearing the weight of the apparatus while supplying a source of electrical power to at least one downhole motor which operates at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump operates a slip assembly to fix the downhole apparatus within the wellbore prior to operation of the cutting tool. Thereafter, the pump operates a downhole motor to rotate the cutting tool while the cutters are actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: October 9, 2003Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A.A. Simpson, Kevin O. Trahan
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Publication number: 20030141063Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims methods and apparatus for forming an opening or a window in a downhole tubular for the subsequent formation of a lateral wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a thermite containing apparatus is run into the wellbore on a wire line and a widow is subsequently formed in casing wall. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a run-in string or drill stem with a drill bit attached to a lower end thereof. A diverter, like a whipstock is attached temporarily to the drill bit with a mechanically shearable connection. At a lower end of the whipstock, a container is formed and connected thereto. The container is designed to house a predetermined amount of exothermic material at one side thereof adjacent the portion of casing where the window or opening will be formed. A telescopic joint extends between the bottom of the container and an anchor therebelow and the telescopic joint is in an extended position when the apparatus is run into a wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Neil A.A. Simpson, Kevin L. Gray, Robert Badrak, David J. Brunnert
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Patent number: 6598678Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cutting tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting tool having radially disposed rolling element cutters is provided for insertion into a wellbore to a predetermined depth where a tubular therearound will be cut into an upper and lower portion. The cutting tool is constructed and arranged to be rotated while the actuated cutters exert a force on the inside wall of the tubular, thereby severing the tubular therearound. In one aspect, the apparatus is run into the well on wireline which is capable of bearing the weight of the apparatus while supplying a source of electrical power to at least one downhole motor which operates at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump operates a slip assembly to fix the downhole apparatus within the wellbore prior to operation of the cutting tool. Thereafter, the pump operates a downhole motor to rotate the cutting tool while the cutters are actuated.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A. A. Simpson, Kevin O. Trahan
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Patent number: 6578630Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A. A. Simpson, David Haugen