Patents by Inventor Patrick J. Zimmerman
Patrick J. Zimmerman 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: 20120103603Abstract: A downhole assembly, such as a toe-to-heel gravel pack assembly, has a body with a body passage, outlet ports for slurry, and screens for fluid returns. An inner string deploys in the body to perform the toe-to-heel gravel packing. A telescoping adjustment device allows the inner string to space out properly when deployed to the toe of the assembly. Sealing surfaces of a locating device in the body separate a sealable space and seal against seals on the inner string movably disposed therein. Fluid pumped in the string produces a pressure buildup when the string's port communicates with the sealable space. The pressure buildup indicates that the tool is positioned at a first location in the assembly, and other positions for placement of the tool can then be calculated therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: John P. Broussard, Ronald van Petegem, Christopher Hall, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Brian Ritchey, Rockni Van Clief
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Publication number: 20120055684Abstract: For wellbore fluid treatment, sliding sleeves deploy on tubing in a wellbore annulus. Operators deploy a plug down the tubing to a first sleeve. The plug seats in this first sleeve, and pumped fluid pressure opens the first sleeve and communicates from the tubing to the wellbore annulus. In the annulus, the fluid pressure creates a pressure differential between the wellbore annulus pressure and a pressure chamber on second sleeves on the tubing. The resulting pressure differential opens the second sleeves so that fluid pressure from the tubing can communicate through the second open sleeves. Using this arrangement, one sleeve can be opened in a cluster of sleeves without opening all of them at the same time. The deployed plug is only required to open the fluid pressure to the annulus by opening the first sleeve. The pressure chambers actuate the second sleeves to open up the tubing to the annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward, Cesar G. Garcia
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Publication number: 20120048562Abstract: A crossover tool has an internal sleeve rotatably positioned within an external sleeve, and each of the sleeves has ports alignable with ports on the other sleeve. After deploying the crossover tool downhole and diverting fluid flow below the tool, fluid flow communicated into the internal sleeve tends to rotate it relative to the external sleeve until the ports are substantially aligned so that wear to the components is substantially reduced. The ports themselves may facilitate the rotation and alignment. For example, ports on the internal sleeve may produce tangentially exiting fluid flow. Alternatively, an additional outlet may be defined in the internal sleeve and eccentrically located to its rotation axis. Furthermore, an internal sleeve or insert may partially block fluid flow through the ports to allow greater fluid flow through the additional outlet to enhance rotation of the internal sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, Christopher Hall, John Broussard
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Publication number: 20120043070Abstract: A downhole tool, such as a packer or liner hanger, has a mandrel on which slips are disposed for engaging a surrounding tubular downhole. When the tool is being run in or out of the hole, at least one magnetic component magnetically retains the slip adjacent the mandrel so the slip can be held away from the surrounding tubular. When the tool is set downhole, the initial magnetic retention can be broken, and the slips can be moved away from the mandrel to engage the surface of the surrounding tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward, Jonathan Young
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Publication number: 20120031608Abstract: A swellable packer with an enhanced sealing ability comprises a tubular body, a swellable element, and a filler ring disposed about the tubular body between the tubular body and the swellable element. The filler ring is formed of a material harder than the swellable element. The filler ring enhances the sealing ability of the swellable packer. Any number of filler rings may be used. The filler ring or rings may be fixed to the tubular body or may be unfixed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward
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Patent number: 8087459Abstract: A packer provides multiple seals when deployed downhole. Exposed to an activating agent, a swellable element on the packer's mandrel expands radially outward to form a seal with the borehole wall. Deformable elements, are disposed on the mandrel adjacent the swellable element. These deformable elements deform outward to the surrounding borehole wall to at least partially isolate the downhole annulus and the swellable element. Bias units releasable affixed on the tool adjacent the deformable elements can deform the elements. These bias units can be released either by swelling of the swellable element or by fluid pressure. Once released, the bias units are axially biased toward the deformable elements to deform them. In this way, the packer can form multiple seals with the borehole wall, and the deformable elements can isolate the swellable element from the downhole annulus, which can keep the swellable element from degrading or being overly extruded.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca Caldwell, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Robert Coon, Henry Joe Jordan, Jr., David Ward
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Patent number: 8069918Abstract: A downhole tool, such as a packer or liner hanger, has a mandrel on which slips are disposed for engaging a surrounding tubular downhole. When the tool is being run in or out of the hole, at least one magnetic component magnetically retains the slip adjacent the mandrel so the slip can be held away from the surrounding tubular. When the tool is set downhole, the initial magnetic retention can be broken, and the slips can be moved away from the mandrel to engage the surface of the surrounding tubular.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward, Jonathan Young
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Publication number: 20110192613Abstract: A downhole sleeve has an insert movable in the sleeve's bore from a closed condition to an opened condition when a ball dropped in the bore engages an indexing seat in the sliding sleeve. In the closed condition, the insert prevents communication between the bore and the sleeve's port, while the insert in the opened condition permits communication between the bore and port. Keys of a seat extend into the bore to engage the ball and to move the insert open. After opening, the keys retract so the ball can pass through the sleeve to another cluster sleeve or to an isolation sleeve of an assembly. Insets or buttons disposed in the sleeve's port temporarily maintain fluid pressure in the sleeve's bore so that a cluster of sleeves can be opened before treatment fluid dislodges the button to treat the surrounding formation through the open port.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Cesar G. Garcia, Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward, Antonio B. Flores, Michael Dedman
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Publication number: 20110048740Abstract: A filament wound composite tube is inserted into a non-metallic mandrel below the core to support the core when holding pressure in the top annulus. The tube has a close-fit tolerance to the inner surface of the mandrel. The tube is secured in place with pins through a mule shoe, such that the bore of the tube is not impeded. Alternately, a retainer with wickers is disposed in the mandrel below the core to support the core when holding pressure in the top annulus. The wickers are biased to engage with an inner surface of the mandrel, holding the insert in place under pressure. Axial movement of the core downward further engages the wickers with the mandrel, helping to support the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: David WARD, Patrick J. ZIMMERMAN, Bradford James McDONALD
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Publication number: 20100294483Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
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Publication number: 20100288513Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
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Publication number: 20100288508Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
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Publication number: 20100288487Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J . Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
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Publication number: 20100288488Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
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Publication number: 20100243235Abstract: A packer provides multiple seals when deployed downhole. Exposed to an activating agent, a swellable element on the packer's mandrel expands radially outward to form a seal with the borehole wall. One or more deformable elements, such as compressible packers or cup packers, are disposed on the mandrel adjacent the swellable element. These deformable element deform outward to the surrounding borehole wall to at least partially isolate the downhole annulus and the swellable element. Bias units releasably affixed on the tool adjacent the deformable elements can deform the elements. These bias unit can be released either by swelling of the swellable element or by fluid pressure. Once released, the bias units are axially biased toward the deformable elements to deform them. In this way, the packer can form multiple seals with the borehole wall, and the deformable elements can isolate the swellable element from the downhole annulus, which can keep the swellable element from degrading or being overly extruded.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Rebecca Caldwell, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Robert Coon, Henry Joe Jordan, David Ward
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Publication number: 20100243232Abstract: A downhole tool, such as a packer or liner hanger, has a mandrel on which slips are disposed for engaging a surrounding tubular downhole. When the tool is being run in or out of the hole, at least one magnetic component magnetically retains the slip adjacent the mandrel so the slip can be held away from the surrounding tubular. When the tool is set downhole, the initial magnetic retention can be broken, and the slips can be moved away from the mandrel to engage the surface of the surrounding tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward, Jonathan Young
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Patent number: 7789136Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
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Patent number: 7789137Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
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Patent number: 7789135Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
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Publication number: 20100218879Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray