Patents by Inventor Robert L. Pipkin

Robert L. Pipkin 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).

  • Patent number: 10704367
    Abstract: A method of forming multiple inclusions into a subterranean formation can include initiating the inclusions into the formation, the inclusions extending outwardly in respective multiple azimuthal orientations from a casing section, and flowing fluid into each of the inclusions individually, thereby extending the inclusions into the formation one at a time. A system for initiating inclusions outwardly into a subterranean formation from a wellbore can include a casing section having multiple flow channels therein, each of the flow channels being in communication with a respective one of multiple openings formed between adjacent pairs of circumferentially extendable longitudinally extending portions of the casing section. Another system can include a casing section, and an injection tool which engages the casing section and selectively directs fluid into each of the inclusions individually, whereby the inclusions are extended into the formation one at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, Timothy Hunter, Roger L. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20190032443
    Abstract: A method of forming multiple inclusions into a subterranean formation can include initiating the inclusions into the formation, the inclusions extending outwardly in respective multiple azimuthal orientations from a casing section, and flowing fluid into each of the inclusions individually, thereby extending the inclusions into the formation one at a time. A system for initiating inclusions outwardly into a subterranean formation from a wellbore can include a casing section having multiple flow channels therein, each of the flow channels being in communication with a respective one of multiple openings formed between adjacent pairs of circumferentially extendable longitudinally extending portions of the casing section. Another system can include a casing section, and an injection tool which engages the casing section and selectively directs fluid into each of the inclusions individually, whereby the inclusions are extended into the formation one at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, Timothy Hunter, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10119356
    Abstract: A method of forming multiple inclusions into a subterranean formation can include initiating the inclusions into the formation, the inclusions extending outwardly in respective multiple azimuthal orientations from a casing section, and flowing fluid into each of the inclusions individually, thereby extending the inclusions into the formation one at a time. A system for initiating inclusions outwardly into a subterranean formation from a wellbore can include a casing section having multiple flow channels therein, each of the flow channels being in communication with a respective one of multiple openings formed between adjacent pairs of circumferentially extendable longitudinally extending portions of the casing section. Another system can include a casing section, and an injection tool which engages the casing section and selectively directs fluid into each of the inclusions individually, whereby the inclusions are extended into the formation one at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, Timothy Hunter, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9328587
    Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a fluid oscillator which discharges pulsating fluid from a tubular string in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string proximate a surface of the earth. A method can include discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well. Another method can include discharging a pulsating fluid from a fluid oscillator in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string, and drilling into an earth formation with a drill bit connected at an opposite end of the tubular string in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B Surjaatmadja, Timothy H. Hunter, Robert L. Pipkin
  • Patent number: 9217316
    Abstract: Techniques for correlating depth on a tubular in a wellbore include a casing collar locator tool that includes a tubular mandrel defining a bore therethrough; a top sub-assembly and a bottom sub-assembly carried on the tubular mandrel; a profile carried on the tubular mandrel axially between the top sub-assembly and bottom sub-assembly and adjustable between an engaged state defined by the profile extending radially away from the mandrel and a disengaged state defined by the profile refracted towards the mandrel; and a wedge sleeve carried on the tubular mandrel between the top sub-assembly and the bottom sub-assembly and arranged, at least in part, axially adjacent the profile, the wedge sleeve actuatable to urge the profile into at least one of the engaged state or the disengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Asif Ehtesham, Robert L. Pipkin, Tim Hunter
  • Publication number: 20150101832
    Abstract: A method of forming multiple inclusions into a subterranean formation can include initiating the inclusions into the formation, the inclusions extending outwardly in respective multiple azimuthal orientations from a casing section, and flowing fluid into each of the inclusions individually, thereby extending the inclusions into the formation one at a time. A system for initiating inclusions outwardly into a subterranean formation from a wellbore can include a casing section having multiple flow channels therein, each of the flow channels being in communication with a respective one of multiple openings formed between adjacent pairs of circumferentially extendable longitudinally extending portions of the casing section. Another system can include a casing section, and an injection tool which engages the casing section and selectively directs fluid into each of the inclusions individually, whereby the inclusions are extended into the formation one at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Travis W. CAVENDER, Robert L. PIPKIN, Timothy HUNTER, Roger L. SCHULTZ
  • Publication number: 20150090458
    Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a fluid oscillator which discharges pulsating fluid from a tubular string in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string proximate a surface of the earth. A method can include discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well. Another method can include discharging a pulsating fluid from a fluid oscillator in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string, and drilling into an earth formation with a drill bit connected at an opposite end of the tubular string in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Jim B. SURJAATMADJA, Timothy H. HUNTER, Robert L. PIPKIN
  • Patent number: 8955585
    Abstract: A method of forming multiple inclusions into a subterranean formation can include initiating the inclusions into the formation, the inclusions extending outwardly in respective multiple azimuthal orientations from a casing section, and flowing fluid into each of the inclusions individually, thereby extending the inclusions into the formation one at a time. A system for initiating inclusions outwardly into a subterranean formation from a wellbore can include a casing section having multiple flow channels therein, each of the flow channels being in communication with a respective one of multiple openings formed between adjacent pairs of circumferentially extendable longitudinally extending portions of the casing section. Another system can include a casing section, and an injection tool which engages the casing section and selectively directs fluid into each of the inclusions individually, whereby the inclusions are extended into the formation one at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, Timothy Hunter, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8944160
    Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a fluid oscillator which discharges pulsating fluid from a tubular string in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string proximate a surface of the earth. A method can include discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well. Another method can include discharging a pulsating fluid from a fluid oscillator in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string, and drilling into an earth formation with a drill bit connected at an opposite end of the tubular string in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Timothy H. Hunter, Robert L. Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8731382
    Abstract: A method of generating steam by moving at least a portion of an electrically conductive fluid body along a curved path, passing an electrical current through at least a portion of the fluid body that is moving along the curved path, and vaporizing at least a portion of the fluid body. A steam generating apparatus having a first hydrocyclone configured to promote a rotational kinetic characteristic of a fluid body introduced into the first hydrocyclone and a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver an electrical current to the fluid body. A method of servicing a wellbore by providing a fluid body with rotational kinetic characteristics, passing an electrical current through the fluid body to heat the fluid body, converting liquid of the fluid body to vapor, and delivering the vapor to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender
  • Publication number: 20140008070
    Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a fluid oscillator which discharges pulsating fluid from a tubular string in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string proximate a surface of the earth. A method can include discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well. Another method can include discharging a pulsating fluid from a fluid oscillator in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string, and drilling into an earth formation with a drill bit connected at an opposite end of the tubular string in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jim B. SURJAATMADJA, Timothy H. HUNTER, Robert L. PIPKIN
  • Publication number: 20130333883
    Abstract: Techniques for correlating depth on a tubular in a wellbore include a casing collar locator tool that includes a tubular mandrel defining a bore therethrough; a top sub-assembly and a bottom sub-assembly carried on the tubular mandrel; a profile carried on the tubular mandrel axially between the top sub-assembly and bottom sub-assembly and adjustable between an engaged state defined by the profile extending radially away from the mandrel and a disengaged state defined by the profile refracted towards the mandrel; and a wedge sleeve carried on the tubular mandrel between the top sub-assembly and the bottom sub-assembly and arranged, at least in part, axially adjacent the profile, the wedge sleeve actuatable to urge the profile into at least one of the engaged state or the disengaged state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Muhammad Asif Ehtesham, Robert L. Pipkin, Tim Hunter
  • Patent number: 8573066
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator can include a fluid switch, at least two fluid paths from the fluid switch, and a sensor which measures a frequency of fluctuations in flow through the fluidic oscillator. A method of measuring a flow rate of a fluid can include flowing the fluid through a fluidic oscillator, a majority of the fluid flowing alternately via at least two fluid paths from a fluid switch of the fluidic oscillator, and a sensor detecting a frequency of the flow alternating between the fluid paths. Another fluidic oscillator can include a fluid input, at least two fluid paths from the fluid input to respective fluid outputs, whereby a majority of fluid which flows through the fluidic oscillator flows alternately via the fluid paths, and a sensor which detects pressure fluctuations due to the flow alternating between the fluid paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender, Neal G. Skinner
  • Patent number: 8485268
    Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, David J. Steele
  • Publication number: 20130042699
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator can include a fluid switch, at least two fluid paths from the fluid switch, and a sensor which measures a frequency of fluctuations in flow through the fluidic oscillator. A method of measuring a flow rate of a fluid can include flowing the fluid through a fluidic oscillator, a majority of the fluid flowing alternately via at least two fluid paths from a fluid switch of the fluidic oscillator, and a sensor detecting a frequency of the flow alternating between the fluid paths. Another fluidic oscillator can include a fluid input, at least two fluid paths from the fluid input to respective fluid outputs, whereby a majority of fluid which flows through the fluidic oscillator flows alternately via the fluid paths, and a sensor which detects pressure fluctuations due to the flow alternating between the fluid paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Robert L. PIPKIN, Travis W. CAVENDER, Neal G. SKINNER
  • Patent number: 8291976
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising providing a fluid diode in fluid communication with the wellbore, and transferring a fluid through the fluid diode. A fluid flow control tool, comprising a tubular diode sleeve comprising a diode aperture, a tubular inner ported sleeve received concentrically within the diode sleeve, the inner ported sleeve comprising an inner port in fluid communication with the diode aperture, and a tubular outer ported sleeved within which the diode sleeve is received concentrically, the outer ported sleeve comprising an outer port in fluid communication with the diode aperture, wherein a shape of the diode aperture, a location of the inner port relative to the diode aperture, and a location of the outer port relative to the diode aperture provide a fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the inner port from the outer port and a different fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the outer port from the inner port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 8286701
    Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, David J. Steele
  • Publication number: 20120193106
    Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, David J. Steele
  • Publication number: 20120167994
    Abstract: A well tool can comprise a fluid input, a fluid output and a fluidic oscillator which produces oscillations in a fluid which flows from the input to the output. The fluidic oscillator can include a vortex chamber with inlets, whereby fluid enters the vortex chamber alternately via the inlets, the inlets being configured so that the fluid enters the vortex chamber in different directions via the respective inlets, and a fluid switch which directs the fluid alternately toward different flow paths in response to pressure differentials between feedback fluid paths. The feedback fluid paths may be connected to the vortex chamber. The flow paths may cross each other between the fluid switch and the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Robert L. PIPKIN, Travis CAVENDER
  • Patent number: 8096362
    Abstract: Phase-controlled well flow control. A well system includes a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid in the well system, the flow control device being responsive to both pressure and temperature in the well system to regulate flow of the fluid. A flow control device includes a flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid through the flow control device, and an actuator which is operative to actuate the flow regulator in response to a predetermined relationship between a phase of the fluid and both pressure and temperature exposed to the actuator. A method of controlling a phase change of a fluid in a well system includes the steps of: flowing the fluid through a flow control device in the well system; and adjusting the flow control device in response to both pressure and temperature in the well system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Gary P. Funkhouser