Patents by Inventor Richard L. Giroux
Richard L. Giroux 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: 11306562Abstract: A stage tool used in a wellbore has a housing consisting of two sub-housings that couple together. A first sleeve is movably disposed in the housing bore and is held closed with a temporary connection relative to a side port of the housing. The first sleeve has a first seat of millable material. A second sleeve is also movably disposed in the housing bore and is held opened with a temporary connection relative to the side port. The second sleeve has a second seat of millable material. An opening plug is landed on the first seat so pressure can break the connection and shift the first sleeve open relative to the side port. After pumping cement out of the tool, a closing plug is pumped to the second seat so pressure can break the connection and shift the second sleeve closed relative to the side port. The first sleeve includes a bypass that allows for fluid to pass beyond the seated plug.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard L. Giroux, Eric R. Evans, Joshua V. Symms, Yidara Wolf
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Patent number: 10655428Abstract: A flow control apparatus includes a housing having a bore extending and a port formed through a wall of the housing; and a port sleeve disposed in the housing and having a port in communication with the port of the housing. The apparatus also includes a first sleeve releasably attached to the housing, wherein the first sleeve is movable from a first position preventing axial movement of the port sleeve relative to the housing to a second position allowing axial movement of the port sleeve relative to the housing. The apparatus further includes a second sleeve releasably attached to the port sleeve, wherein the second sleeve is movable from a first position blocking fluid communication through the port of housing and the port of the port sleeve to a second position allowing fluid communication through the ports.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard L. Giroux, Michael J Sepulveda, Joshua Vernon Symms, Jobby T. Jacob
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Patent number: 10392898Abstract: A crossover tool for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular housing having a bypass port; a mandrel having a bore therethrough and a mandrel port in fluid communication with the mandrel bore, the mandrel movable relative to the tubular housing between a first position where the mandrel port is isolated from the bypass port and a second position where the mandrel port is aligned with the bypass port; and an actuator operable to move the mandrel between the first position and the second position. The actuator includes a first piston connected to the mandrel and a second piston operable in response to the first piston.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Richard L. Giroux, Eric R. Evans
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Publication number: 20190178052Abstract: A flow control apparatus includes a housing having a bore extending and a port formed through a wall of the housing; a port sleeve disposed in the housing and having a port in communication with the port of the housing; a first sleeve releasably attached to the housing, wherein the first sleeve is movable from a first position preventing axial movement of the port sleeve relative to the housing to a second position allowing axial movement of the port sleeve relative to the housing; and a second sleeve releasably attached to the port sleeve, wherein the second sleeve is movable from a first position blocking fluid communication through the port of housing and the port of the port sleeve to a second position allowing fluid communication through the ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2017Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard L. GIROUX, Michael J. SEPULVEDA, Joshua Vernon SYMMS, Jobby T. JACOB
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Patent number: 9856714Abstract: A stage tool operable with a plug is used for cementing a tubing string in a wellbore annulus. The tool can have a housing with a closure sleeve movably disposed in the internal bore of the housing. When pressure is applied downhole to the tool, a breachable obstruction on an exit port of the tool's bore opens and allows fluid such as cement slurry to communicate to the wellbore annulus. When cementing through the open tool is finished, a plug can be deployed downhole lands on a seat in the closure sleeve, and applied fluid pressure in the tool's bore against the seated plug closes the closure sleeve relative to the housing's exit port. Rotational catches between the housing's bore and the closure sleeve prevent the closure sleeve from rotating. A hydraulic mechanism on the tool can facilitate movement of the closure sleeve in response to a fluid pressure component.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Richard L. Giroux
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Publication number: 20170362915Abstract: A crossover tool for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular housing having a bypass port; a mandrel having a bore therethrough and a mandrel port in fluid communication with the mandrel bore, the mandrel movable relative to the tubular housing between a first position where the mandrel port is isolated from the bypass port and a second position where the mandrel port is aligned with the bypass port; and an actuator operable to move the mandrel between the first position and the second position. The actuator includes a first piston connected to the mandrel and a second piston operable in response to the first piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Richard L. GIROUX, Eric R. EVANS
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Patent number: 9637977Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, David J. Brunnert
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Publication number: 20150021026Abstract: A stage tool operable with a plug is used for cementing a tubing string in a wellbore annulus. The tool can have a housing with a closure sleeve movably disposed in the internal bore of the housing. When pressure is applied downhole to the tool, a breachable obstruction on an exit port of the tool's bore opens and allows fluid such as cement slurry to communicate to the wellbore annulus. When cementing through the open tool finished, a plug deployed downhole lands on a seat in the closure sleeve, and applied fluid pressure in the tool's bore against the seated plug closes the closure sleeve relative to the housing's exit port. Rotational catches between the housing's bore and the closure sleeve prevent the closure sleeve from rotating. Preferably, an intermediate sleeve is used in the housing's bore and has rotational catches on each end.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Richard L. Giroux
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Publication number: 20140326454Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Richard L. GIROUX, Gregory G. GALLOWAY, Patrick G. MAGUIRE, Tuong Thanh LE, Albert C. ODELL, II, David M. HAUGEN, Frederick T. TILTON, Brent J. LIRETTE, David J. BRUNNERT
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Patent number: 8567515Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Michael J. Lynch, Lev Ring
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Patent number: 8534379Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley
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Patent number: 8360160Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to place a conductor pipe and a casing in a subsea environment. In one embodiment, a conductor pipe is jetted or drilled into the subsea floor. Thereafter, a casing drilling assembly comprising a drill casing and a drilling assembly is connected to the drill pipe using a crossover. The drilling assembly urged into the seafloor until a casing latch on the drilling assembly is engaged with a casing profile of the conductor pipe. During drilling, instrumentation in the drilling assembly may be used to measure geophysical data. The measured data may be used to optimize the drilling process. After the drill casing is engaged with the conductor pipe, cementing may be performed to set the drill casing.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Doug Reid, Albert C. Odell, II, Gregory G. Galloway, Mark J. Murray
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Patent number: 8286717Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Michael Lynch, Lev Ring
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Patent number: 8276689Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore includes running a liner drilling assembly into the wellbore, the liner drilling assembly having a liner, a conveying member, one or more connection members, and a drilling member. The method includes temporarily suspending the liner at a location below the rig floor; releasing the conveying member and the drilling member from the liner; re-connecting the conveying member to the liner; releasing the liner from its location of temporary suspension; and advancing the liner drilling assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Albert C. Odell, II, Wei Xu
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Publication number: 20120168228Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
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Publication number: 20120138298Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
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Patent number: 8127868Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
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Publication number: 20120006567Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to place a conductor pipe and a casing in a subsea environment. In one embodiment, a conductor pipe is jetted or drilled into the subsea floor. Thereafter, a casing drilling assembly comprising a drill casing and a drilling assembly is connected to the drill pipe using a crossover. The drilling assembly urged into the seafloor until a casing latch on the drilling assembly is engaged with a casing profile of the conductor pipe. During drilling, instrumentation in the drilling assembly may be used to measure geophysical data. The measured data may be used to optimize the drilling process. After the drill casing is engaged with the conductor pipe, cementing may be performed to set the drill casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Doug Reid, Albert C. Odell, II, Gregory G. Galloway, Mark J. Murray
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Patent number: 8066069Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
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Patent number: 8042616Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley