Patents by Inventor Robert S. O'Brien
Robert S. O'Brien 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: 9745827Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore includes an outer assembly and inner assembly. The outer assembly includes a set down profile, a first flow device for supplying a fluid to a zone in the wellbore and a second flow device for providing a flow path from the formation to inside of the outer assembly. The inner assembly includes a frac port for supplying a fluid from the inner assembly to the first flow device, a valve below the frac port that remains closed when a fluid at a selected flow rate flows downward from above the valve, and a bypass device uphole of the valve. The bypass device opens when the inner assembly is set down in the set down profile and provides a flow path from below the frac port to an annulus between the inner assembly and the outer assembly above the frac port.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Jason A. Allen, Robert S. O'Brien, Aaron C. Hammer, Andrew James Cayson
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Publication number: 20170226822Abstract: A fracturing tool features spaced releasable packers with an outlet in between. The housing has relatively moving components for opening the frac port between the packers with weight set on the lower packer. Once the frac port is opened the upper packer is set and the pumping begins. The upper packer can be released so that tension can be pulled on the lower packer to close the frac port and open a through passage in the housing. In one embodiment the through passage can be located above the lower packer to a sand jet perforator to clean debris away from the lower packer if it is difficult to release the lower packer or to abrasively perforate through a tubular. In another embodiment the housing outlet can be below bottom packer to perform a treatment further downhole or to operate another tool. The straddle tool can be run in on coiled tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Zachary S. Silva, Christopher K. Elliott, James A. Smith, Adam M. McGuire, Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20170183919Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a string for deployment into the wellbore, the string including at least one packer and an expansion tool downhole of the packer, wherein the expansion tool further includes: a release device and a lock device inside a movable housing; wherein the lock device prevents shifting of the release device until the lock device is moved to an unlock position by application of a first force to the lock device; and wherein the release device is movable to a release position by application of a second force after the lock device has been moved to the unlock position; and wherein the movable housing is capable of moving over the release device after the release device has been moved to the release position to absorb at least one of contraction and expansion of the expansion tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Travis E. Cochran, Aaron C. Hammer, Jason A. Allen, Robert S. O'Brien, Jai K. Koli
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Patent number: 9650846Abstract: A production string for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The production string includes an expansion joint having a first tubular that slides along a second tubular, and a control line extending from a location above the expansion joint to a location below the expansion joint. The control line is placed around the first tubular in a helical fashion that includes a plurality of coils. At least some of the coils in the plurality of coils are connected to each other by a flexible member to limit stretch between the connected coils when the control line is stretched.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20170081939Abstract: An inverted seal including a disintegrable body, one or more inside dimension seals disposed in the body. A method for removing an inverted seal from a downhole environment including exposing the body of the inverted seal to a condition to which it is responsive, disintegrating a portion of the body. A method for deploying a conventional seal after an inverted seal in a borehole including positioning an inverted seal in a downhole location, utilizing the inverted seal for its intended purpose, removing at least a portion of a body of the inverted seal, running a conventional seal further downhole of the location of the inverted seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: David S. Bishop, Marc N. Samuelson, Christian F. Bayne, Jason A. Allen, Robert S. O'Brien, Michael S. Manera
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Patent number: 9574408Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes a string for deployment into the wellbore, the string including at least one packer and an expansion tool downhole of the packer. The expansion tool further includes: a release device and a lock device inside a movable housing; wherein the lock device prevents shifting of the release device until the lock device is moved to an unlock position by application of a first force to the lock device. The release device is movable to a release position by application of a second force after the lock device has been moved to the unlock position. The movable housing is capable of moving over the release device after the release device has been moved to the release position to absorb at least one of contraction and expansion of the expansion tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Travis E. Cochran, Aaron C. Hammer, Jason A. Allen, Robert S. O'Brien, Jai K. Koli
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Publication number: 20160348481Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore for performing a treatment operation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include an inner string that further includes a first tubular having a first communication link, and a service tool including a cross-over tool having a fluid flow passage therein for supplying a treatment fluid under pressure from an inside of the service tool to an outside of the service tool, and wherein the service tool includes a second communication link operatively coupled to the first communication link and wherein the second communication link runs across or through the fluid flow passage in the cross-over tool that is protected from direct flow of the fluid under pressure from the inside of the service tool to the outside of the service tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Robert S. O'Brien
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Patent number: 9416653Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore for performing a treatment operation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include an inner string that further includes a first tubular having a first communication link, and a service tool including a cross-over tool having a fluid flow passage therein for supplying a treatment fluid under pressure from an inside of the service tool to an outside of the service tool, and wherein the service tool includes a second communication link operatively coupled to the first communication link and wherein the second communication link runs across or through the fluid flow passage in the cross-over tool that is protected from direct flow of the fluid under pressure from the inside of the service tool to the outside of the service tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Robert S. O'Brien
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Patent number: 9410413Abstract: In one aspect, a method for completing a wellbore in a formation is disclosed, that in one non-limiting embodiment includes placing a casing in the wellbore, cementing an annulus between the casing and the wellbore, and forming an annular cavity of a selected length in the cement between the casing and the wellbore. In one aspect, the forming the annular space includes placing a dissolvable material on an outside of the casing before placing the casing in the wellbore, and dissolving the dissolvable material after cementing to form the annular space.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20160201800Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first tubular having a sealing surface, and a seal element run with the first tubular and displaced from the surface. The seal element initially having a radial dimension that forms a radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular for enabling the first tubular to be sealed with a second tubular radially disposed with the first tubular. A mechanism is triggerable by axial movement for reconfiguring the radial dimension of the seal element. The sealing surface of the first tubular operatively forming the radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular when the radial dimension of the seal element has been reconfigured for enabling the sealing surface of the first tubular to receive a second seal element. The seal element is axially compressed and released to change the radial dimension of the seal element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jason A. Allen, Nicholas J. Clem, Robert S. O'Brien, Aaron C. Hammer
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Publication number: 20160194936Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes an outer assembly for placement in a wellbore, the outer assembly including a set down profile, a first flow device for supplying a fluid to a zone in the wellbore and a second flow device for providing a flow path from the formation to inside of the outer assembly, and an inner assembly for placement inside the outer assembly, wherein the inner assembly further includes a frac port for supplying a fluid from the inner assembly to the first flow device, a valve below the frac port that remains closed when a fluid at a selected flow rate flows downward from above the valve, and a bypass device uphole of the valve, wherein the bypass device opens when the inner assembly is set down in the set down profile and provides a flow path from below the frac port to an annulus between the inner assembly and the outer assembly above the frac port.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2015Publication date: July 7, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Jason A. Allen, Robert S. O'Brien, Aaron C. Hammer, Andrew James Cayson
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Patent number: 9334702Abstract: A seal assembly including a first tubular having a sealing surface and a seal element run with the first tubular and displaced from the surface. The seal element initially has a radial dimension that forms a radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular for enabling the first tubular to be sealed with a second tubular radially disposed with the first tubular. A mechanism is included that is triggerable for reconfiguring the radial dimension of the seal element. The sealing surface of the first tubular operative forms the radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular when the radial dimension of the seal element has been reconfigured for enabling the sealing surface of the first tubular to receive a second seal element. A method of sealing tubulars is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Jason A. Allen, Nicholas J. Clem, Robert S. O'Brien, Aaron C. Hammer
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Patent number: 9316074Abstract: A lock system works in combination with a mandrel to allow selective operation and disabling of a downhole tool. In the specific situation of a Smart Collet® the tool is locked from being able to find support when engaged to a mating profile as the tool is moved between landing locations. A lower housing features an external dog that in response to rotation takes with it a collet ring with circumferentially oriented fingers. An outer housing cams the collet heads into a respective groove in the mandrel. Reversal of such relative rotation between the upper and lower housings allows the collet heads to spring out of the mandrel groove for the unlocked position. The lock is adapted for use in a variety of tools. The rotation to unlock and then lock is accomplished by dog interaction with shaped internal profiles in a surrounding tubular assembly at strategic locations where needed.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20160097267Abstract: A method of deploying a multi-zone completion assembly in a wellbore is disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, the method includes: placing an outer assembly below a surface location, wherein the outer assembly includes an activation device; placing an inner assembly in the outer assembly, the inner assembly including a lower opening tool spaced from an upper opening tool; activating the lower opening tool using the activation device; and activating the upper opening tool independent of the lower opening tool using the activation device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2014Publication date: April 7, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Jason A. Allen, Aaron C. Hammer, Robert S. O'Brien
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Patent number: 9303475Abstract: A wellbore tool which includes a housing having an axial flowbore and a piston sleeve movably disposed within the flowbore. The tool is moveable between first and second operating positions by an actuation mechanism having a piston with a seat having a plurality of separate arcuate segments. The tool can be moved between first and second operating positions with the use of actuating plugs of different sizes that can be landed upon the seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Daniel R. Hart, Gregory L. Hern, Christopher W. Guidry, Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20160084046Abstract: A cross over tool includes, a first tubular forming part of a structure having a channel formed radially through a wall thereof and having a passageway formed longitudinally through the wall. The tool includes a second tubular forming part of a tool string, the second tubular is positionable radially of the first tubular, and has a port through a wall thereof, the port is alignable with the channel. The crossover tool is configured such that while the a port is aligned with the a channel fluid can flow through an inside of the tool string radially through the a port and the a channel and back into the inside of the tool string and through the a passageway and through an annular space defined between the tool string and the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2014Publication date: March 24, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: James A. Smith, Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20160076332Abstract: An inverted seal includes a disintegrable body; one or more inside dimension seals disposed in the body. A method for deploying a conventional seal after an inverted seal in a borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2014Publication date: March 17, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: David S. Bishop, Marc N. Samuelson, Christian F. Bayne, Jason A. Allen, Robert S. O'Brien, Michael S. Manera
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Publication number: 20160047174Abstract: A downhole clamp system includes a first clamp member having a first body having a first outer surface and a first inner annular surface configured to engage a downhole tubular. One or more lugs extend radially outwardly from the first outer surface, and a first clamping finger extends radially outwardly from the first outer surface. A second clamp member is arranged adjacent to the first clamp member. The second clamp member includes a second body having a second outer surface and a second inner annular surface configured to engage a downhole tubular. One or more lugs extend radially outwardly from the second outer surface, and a second clamping finger extends radially outwardly from the second outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2014Publication date: February 18, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20150337614Abstract: A seal protection arrangement including a seal. One or more projections disposed proximate the seal and having rigidity/flexibility to deflect components passing thereby that are not intended to seal with the seal. Rigidity/flexibility to allow a component intended to seal with the seal to engage and seal therewith. A method for protecting a seal in a downhole assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2014Publication date: November 26, 2015Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Robert S. O'Brien, Jason A. Allen
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Publication number: 20150267498Abstract: In one aspect, a device for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a body having an outer surface and a bore therethrough, an element on the outer surface of the body that expands radially outward from the body, a movable sleeve on the outer surface of the body that expands the element when pushed against the element, and an attachment device connected to an inside surface of the movable sleeve and accessible from inside the body so that the attachment member may be moved from inside the body to move the sleeve to set the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Robert S. O'Brien, Emily A. Hanson