Patents by Inventor Nicholas C. Braun

Nicholas C. Braun 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).

  • Patent number: 7694732
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a diverter tool used in a pipe string to lower a liner into a partially cased wellbore. The diverter tool has a diverter body that defines a longitudinal central flow passage and has diverter ports defined therethrough to communicate and redirect fluids received in the liner to an annulus between the diverter tool in casing previously set in the wellbore. The diverter tool has first and second closure members. The first closure member is movable between open and closed positions on the diverter body. The second closure member is detachably connected in the diverter body in its open position and is movable to its closed position to prevent flow through the diverter ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Nicholas C. Braun, Steven L. Holden
  • Patent number: 7350578
    Abstract: Zonal isolation of well bores is often desirable for performing downhole operations such as stimulation operations. In certain embodiments, diverter plugs for achieving zonal isolation in a casing string in a well bore may comprise a mandrel having a first end and a second end; a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel; and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel. In certain embodiments, systems for achieving zonal isolation of a casing string in a well bore may comprise a diverter plug comprising a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel, and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel; and a landing collar sized to mate with a portion of the sealing nose of the diverter plug. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignees: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: David D. Szarka, William W. Gilbert, David Burkhead, Henry E. Rogers, Nicholas C. Braun, Todd D. Cooper, John Johnson
  • Patent number: 7322432
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a diverter tool used in a pipe string used to lower a liner and a cutting apparatus on the end thereof into a partially cased wellbore. The diverter tool has a diverter body that defines a longitudinal flow passage and has the diverter ports defined therethrough to communicate a drilling fluid displaced through the pipe string into the liner into an annular space around the diverter tool. The diverter tool has a closure member so that when the wellbore is drilled to its desired depth, the diverter ports through which drilling fluid is diverted may be closed and the liner may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Nicholas C. Braun, Steven L. Holden