Patents by Inventor Philip M. Snider
Philip M. Snider 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: 20170058638Abstract: An actuating apparatus for actuating a downhole tool in a wellbore casing comprising an actuating member and a holding device. The actuating member disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool and the holding device mechanically coupled to the arming member. When a ball deployed into the wellbore casing passes through the downhole tool in a downhole direction and moves back in an uphole direction due to reverse flow, the ball engages on the holding device and functions the actuating member such that a port in the downhole tool is exposed to uphole pressure and actuates the actuating member to travel in an uphole direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Kevin R. George, Raymond C. Shaffer, Michael D. Wroblicky, Dennis E. Roessler, Varun Garg, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
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Publication number: 20170058641Abstract: A multiple tool reverse flow system and method in a wellbore casing for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of catch-and-release tools and a catch-and-engage tool, wherein the catch-and-release tools allow a restriction element to pass through in a downstream direction and engage and then allow the restriction element to pass through in an upstream direction. The catch-and-engage tool allows the restriction element to pass through only in a downstream direction, engage and restrict travel of the restriction element in an upstream direction. The catch-and-engage tool forms a seat on an upstream end is positioned upstream of all of catch-and-release tools. The restriction element passes through all the tools in a downstream direction and moves back in an upstream direction and actuates each of the tools one at a time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
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Publication number: 20170058642Abstract: A catch-and-engage tool conveyed with a well casing for use in a wellbore comprising an outer housing having flow ports therethrough, a functioning apparatus disposed within the outer housing comprising a movable member/sleeve and a holding device, a blocking apparatus disposed within the outer housing comprising a blocking member configured to block one or more flow ports in a first position, a seating apparatus positioned upstream of the blocking apparatus configured to form a seat in the tool. When a ball deployed into the well casing passes through the tool in a downstream direction and moves back in an upstream direction, the restriction element engages onto the holding device and moves the movable member such that a port in exposed to uphole pressure and the blocking member travels to a second position in a reverse direction unblocking flow ports and enabling fluid communication to the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: Dennis E. Roessler, Kevin R. George, Varun Garg, John T. Hardesty, Raymond C. Shaffer, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
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Publication number: 20160061005Abstract: A dedicated hydraulic line for transmission of a signal device capable of generating one or more unique signals to one or more tools within a subterranean well. Each tool can be equipped with a reader device for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to the signal device. Each reader device can control operation of the tool associated therewith if the reader device is programmed to respond to signals received from the control device. Hydraulic fluid used to operate the tool can be conveyed via the dedicated hydraulic line or a separate hydraulic line. A separate hydraulic line can be used to reset the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANYInventors: Philip M Snider, Daniel G Purkis
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Publication number: 20160047199Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The RPE includes a first composition and a second composition that changes phase or strength under wellbore conditions. After a stage is perforated, RPEs are deployed to isolate toe ward pressure communication. The second composition changes phase to create flow channels in the RPE during production. In an alternate system/method, the second composition changes phase or strength thereby deforming the RPE to reduce size and pass through the RSM's. The RPEs are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
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Publication number: 20160047194Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The RPE includes a first composition and a second composition that changes phase or strength under wellbore conditions. After a stage is perforated, RPEs are deployed to isolate toe ward pressure communication. The second composition changes phase to create flow channels in the RPE during production. In an alternate system/method, the second composition changes phase or strength thereby deforming the RPE to reduce size and pass through the RSM's. The RPEs are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Applicant: GEODYNAMICS, INC.Inventors: Philip M. Snider, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, David S. Wesson
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Publication number: 20160047198Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The RPE includes a first composition and a second composition that changes phase or strength under wellbore conditions. After a stage is perforated, RPEs are deployed to isolate toe ward pressure communication. The second composition changes phase to create flow channels in the RPE during production. In an alternate system/method, the second composition changes phase or strength thereby deforming the RPE to reduce size and pass through the RSM's. The RPEs are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Applicant: GEODYNAMICS, INC.Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Philip M. Snider
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Publication number: 20150369040Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a time delay in injection of pressured fluid into a geologic formation. In one aspect the invention is a toe valve activated by fluid pressure that opens ports after a predetermined time interval to allow fluid to pass from a well casing to a formation. The controlled time delay enables casing integrity testing before fluid is passed through the ports. This time delay also allows multiple valves to be used in the same well casing and provide a focused jetting action to better penetrate a concrete casing lining.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
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Publication number: 20150369011Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a time delay in injection of pressured fluid into a geologic formation. In one aspect the invention is a toe valve activated by fluid pressure that opens ports after a predetermined time interval to allow fluid to pass from a well casing to a formation. The controlled time delay enables casing integrity testing before fluid is passed through the ports. This time delay also allows multiple valves to be used in the same well casing and provide a focused jetting action to better penetrate a concrete casing lining.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
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Patent number: 9194227Abstract: A dedicated hydraulic line for transmission of a signal device capable of generating one or more unique signals to one or more tools within a subterranean well. Each tool can be equipped with a reader device for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to the signal device. Each reader device can control operation of the tool associated therewith if the reader device is programmed to respond to signals received from the control device. Hydraulic fluid used to operate the tool can be conveyed via the dedicated hydraulic line or a separate hydraulic line. A separate hydraulic line can be used to reset the tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Philip M. Snider, Daniel G. Purkis
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Patent number: 8850899Abstract: Processes and systems for logging production of fluid produced into a well bore without intervention of the well are disclosed. Two or more markers may be introduced into produced fluid at spaced apart locations along a well. The time for each marker to reach a common point may be measured and production rates for produced fluids at each spaced apart location may be calculated.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventor: Philip M Snider
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Patent number: 8783350Abstract: Processes and systems for fracturing a formation are disclosed. Tools that may be selectively opened and closed are positioned on a tubular liner that in turn is positioned within a subterranean well bore. Separate pairs of packers are also attached to and positioned along the tubular liner so as to straddle each tool. Fracturing fluid is pumped from the surface through the tubular and open tool and past a pair of packers at a temperature and injection rate which causes contraction of the tubular liner. Thereafter, the velocity of the fracturing fluid is sufficient to set the pair of packers adjacent the open tool. Continued pumping of fracturing fluid is directed by the set packers into the adjacent subterranean environs at a pressure sufficient to fracture the subterranean environs.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventor: Philip M Snider
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Patent number: 8684084Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: David S. Wesson, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
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Publication number: 20140020897Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: GeoDynamics, Inc.Inventors: David S. Wesson, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
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Patent number: 8540027Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: David S. Wesson, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
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Publication number: 20130043030Abstract: Processes and systems for fracturing a formation are disclosed. Tools that may be selectively opened and closed are positioned on a tubular liner that in turn is positioned within a subterranean well bore. Separate pairs of packers are also attached to and positioned along the tubular liner so as to straddle each tool. Fracturing fluid is pumped from the surface through the tubular and open tool and past a pair of packers at a temperature and injection rate which causes contraction of the tubular liner. Thereafter, the velocity of the fracturing fluid is sufficient to set the pair of packers adjacent the open tool. Continued pumping of fracturing fluid is directed by the set packers into the adjacent subterranean environs at a pressure sufficient to fracture the subterranean environs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANYInventor: Philip M. Snider
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Patent number: 8044820Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Philip M Snider, Joseph A Zierolf
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Publication number: 20110252878Abstract: Processes and systems for logging production of fluid produced into a well bore without intervention of the well are disclosed. Two or more markers may be introduced into produced fluid at spaced apart locations along a well. The time for each marker to reach a common point may be measured and production rates for produced fluids at each spaced apart location may be calculated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANYInventor: Philip M. Snider
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Publication number: 20100219980Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANYInventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf
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Patent number: 7714741Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Philip M. Snider, Joseph A. Zierolf