Patents by Inventor Peter Raymond Hughes
Peter Raymond Hughes 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: 7568534Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond cutting element for earth boring drill bits presents regions of different abrasion resistance to the earthen formation when in operation. The cutting element has an end working surface and a region which is substantially free of catalyzing material, forming a layer. In operation, this layer wears at a different rate than the underlying material causing a pair of protruding lips to form. The end working surface may be substantially planar or frusto-conical in form.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: ReedHycalog UK LimitedInventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes, Andrew Bell
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Publication number: 20080142275Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond cutting element for earth boring drill bits presents regions of different abrasion resistance to the earthen formation when in operation. The cutting element has an end working surface and a region which is substantially free of catalyzing material, forming a layer. In operation, this layer wears at a different rate than the underlying material causing a pair of protruding lips to form. The end working surface may be substantially planar or frusto-conical in form.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes, Andrew Bell
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Publication number: 20080142267Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond cutting element for earth boring drill bits presents at least three regions of different abrasion resistance to the earthen formation when in operation. The cutting element has an end working surface and the regions, which are substantially free of catalyzing material, form a series of at least three layers. In operation, these layers wear at different rates causing a series of protruding lips. The end working surface may be substantially planar or frusto-conical in form.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2008Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes, Andrew Bell
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Patent number: 6962214Abstract: A rotary valve assembly for a rotary steerable tool is disclosed for directing flow of an abrasive laden drilling fluid; the valve assembly has a first sealing surface rotatably engaging a second sealing surface. At least one of the surfaces has at least about 5% of its area comprising interconnecting voids to an average depth of at least 0.02 mm. The interconnected voids allow fluid pressure to equalize between the sealing faces by flowing through the interconnecting voids to the sealing surfaces. Because the fit of the sealing surfaces of the valve is less than perfect, and because the voids on mating surfaces do not necessarily overlap, the 5% of the surface area comprising interconnected voids can easily translate to a 10% or more reduction in sealed area when both sealing surfaces have the interconnecting voids. The additional reduction in surface area subjected to differential pressure has substantially eliminated the hydraulic lock problem previously encountered upon startup.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger WCP Ltd.Inventors: Peter Raymond Hughes, Nigel Dennis Griffin, Mark A. Colebrook
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Patent number: 6878447Abstract: The present invention provides a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: ReedHycalog UK LtdInventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6861137Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: ReedHycalog UK LtdInventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6861098Abstract: A method for forming a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material to a depth from the working surface, the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material, causing a 950 degrees C. temperature at the working surface to be less than 750 degrees C. at the depth.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: ReedHycalog UK LtdInventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6797326Abstract: Griffin, Nigel, et al78.1081-1.3-29 Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Reedhycalog UK Ltd.Inventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Publication number: 20040115435Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6749033Abstract: The present invention provides a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: ReedHyoalog (UK) LimitedInventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Publication number: 20040105806Abstract: A method for forming a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material to a depth from the working surface, the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material, causing a 950 degrees C. temperature at the working surface to be less than 750 degrees C. at the depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6739214Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making an earth boring drill bit having a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: ReedHycalog (UK) LimitedInventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Publication number: 20030235691Abstract: The present invention provides a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Publication number: 20030183426Abstract: The present invention provides a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with improved wear resistance. Collectively called PCD elements for the purposes of this specification, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The diamond material is formed and integrally bonded to a substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond body so formed has a working surface, a plurality of crystals being exposed at the working surface, and wherein the exposed crystals are substantially free of microfractures. The exposed parts of the exposed crystals are of rounded or domed form.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6601662Abstract: Disclosed is a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a first portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and a second portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Grant Prideco, L.P.Inventors: Terry R. Matthias, Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6592985Abstract: The present invention provides a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Camco International (UK) LimitedInventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6589640Abstract: The present invention provides a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6585064Abstract: The present invention provides an earth boring drill bit with a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material. This translates to higher wear resistance in cutting applications and has advantages in numerous other applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6562462Abstract: Disclosed is a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Camco International (UK) LimitedInventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes
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Patent number: 6544308Abstract: Disclosed is a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Camco International (UK) LimitedInventors: Nigel Dennis Griffin, Peter Raymond Hughes