Patents by Inventor Nicky A. White
Nicky A. White 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: 10024154Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
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Patent number: 9845653Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White
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Publication number: 20170226846Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Kevin L. GRAY, Thomas F. BAILEY, James W. CHAMBERS, Jonathan P. SOKOL, Nicky A. WHITE
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Patent number: 9523252Abstract: A running tool and delivery and/or retrieving apparatus, and method for use, are designed for optionally delivering and optionally retrieving an oilfield device down a borehole. A kelly extends into the borehole. The tool has a journal configured for slidable movement along the kelly, an engagement disk mounted around the journal configured for engaging the device, and a plurality of fins attached perpendicular to an outer circumference of the journal. The proximal fins extend radially from the outer circumference of the journal toward the engagement disk, are butted against the engagement disk and extend to a diameter complementary to an outer diameter of the engagement disk. The plurality of proximal fins surround and are arranged concentric with the journal.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Nicky A. White, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey
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Publication number: 20160230491Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Don M. HANNEGAN, Thomas F. BAILEY, Melvin T. JACOBS, Nicky A. WHITE
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Patent number: 9404346Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
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Patent number: 9334711Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). A sensor measures the temperature in a cavity defined by a rotating control device “RCD” first sealing element and second sealing element, an inner member and a tubular. The RCD cavity is cooled by communicating/supplying or calculating/cooling fluid to the RCD cavity.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White
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Publication number: 20150096766Abstract: A running tool and delivery and/or retrieving apparatus, and method for use, are designed for optionally delivering and optionally retrieving an oilfield device down a borehole. A kelly extends into the borehole. The tool has a journal configured for slidable movement along the kelly, an engagement disk mounted around the journal configured for engaging the device, and a plurality of fins attached perpendicular to an outer circumference of the journal. The proximal fins extend radially from the outer circumference of the journal toward the engagement disk, are butted against the engagement disk and extend to a diameter complementary to an outer diameter of the engagement disk. The plurality of proximal fins surround and are arranged concentric with the journal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Nicky A. White, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey
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Publication number: 20140367114Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
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Patent number: 8826988Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
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Publication number: 20140138094Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2014Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White
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Patent number: 8636087Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White, Carel W. Hoyer
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Publication number: 20130118749Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2013Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: Weatherford/lamb. Inc.Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White, Carel W. Hoyer
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Patent number: 8347983Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressured Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the facture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Carel W. Hoyer, Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White
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Publication number: 20110024195Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Carel W. Hoyer, Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White
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Publication number: 20090139724Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White