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: 8171994Abstract: A completion tubular is placed in position adjacent the zone or zones to be fractured and produced. It features preferably sliding sleeve valves that can assume at least two configurations: wide open and open with a screen material juxtaposed in the flow passage. In a preferred embodiment the valve assembly has three positions, adding a fully closed position to the other two mentioned. After run in, the valves can be put in the wide open position in any order desired to fracture. After fracturing, the valves can be closed or selectively be put in filtration position for production from the fractured zones in any desired order. Various ways are described to actuate the valves. The tubular can have telescoping pistons through which the fracturing can take place if the application calls for a cemented tubular. Alternatively, the tubular can be in open hole and simply have openings for passage of fracture fluid and external isolators to allow fracturing in any desired order.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Douglas J. Murray, Robert S. O'Brien, Peter J. Fay, Sean L. Gaudette
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Patent number: 8104505Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two-way actuator. The actuator includes, a tubular, movably positionable within a structure between at least a first position and a second position, the tubular having a first density selected such that buoyancy forces urge the tubular toward the first position in response to submersion of the tubular within a fluid having a second density that is greater than the first density, and at least one flow resistor disposed at the tubular configured to urge the tubular toward the second position in response to fluid flow interacting with the at least one flow resistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Robert S. O'Brien, Robert T. O'Brien
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Patent number: 8022602Abstract: A method for generating power in a wellbore includes moving an actuator; inducing an oscillating stress on a piezoelectric component with the actuator; and generating a voltage with the piezoelectric component in response to the induced stress on the piezoelectric component.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jason J. Barnard, Robert S. O'Brien
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Patent number: 7987905Abstract: An apparatus to protect the mounting area of casing and a locating profile and optionally a sliding sleeve valve and a flow path is provided from the outside of the valve to the annulus when subsequent attachment of an expanded liner is intended and the expanded liner is to be cemented in place.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Matthew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
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Patent number: 7971646Abstract: A completion tubular is placed in position adjacent the zone or zones to be fractured and produced. It features preferably sliding sleeve valves that can assume at least two configurations: wide open and open with a screen material juxtaposed in the flow passage. In a preferred embodiment the valve assembly has three positions, adding a fully closed position to the other two mentioned. After run in, the valves can be put in the wide open position in any order desired to fracture. After fracturing, the valves can be closed or selectively be put in filtration position for production from the fractured zones in any desired order. Various ways are described to actuate the valves. The tubular can have telescoping pistons through which the fracturing can take place if the application calls for a cemented tubular. Alternatively, the tubular can be in open hole and simply have openings for passage of fracture fluid and external isolators to allow fracturing in any desired order.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Douglas J. Murray, Robert S. O'Brien, Peter J. Fay, Sean L. Gaudette
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Publication number: 20110120726Abstract: A completion tubular is placed in position adjacent the zone or zones to be fractured and produced. It features preferably sliding sleeve valves that can assume at least two configurations: wide open and open with a screen material juxtaposed in the flow passage. In a preferred embodiment the valve assembly has three positions, adding a fully closed position to the other two mentioned. After run in, the valves can be put in the wide open position in any order desired to fracture. After fracturing, the valves can be closed or selectively be put in filtration position for production from the fractured zones in any desired order. Various ways are described to actuate the valves. The tubular can have telescoping pistons through which the fracturing can take place if the application calls for a cemented tubular. Alternatively, the tubular can be in open hole and simply have openings for passage of fracture fluid and external isolators to allow fracturing in any desired order.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Douglas J. Murray, Robert S. O'Brien, Peter J. Fay, Sean L. Gaudette
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Publication number: 20110056678Abstract: A positioning tool engages a profile with retaining members such as dogs so that a pulling force can be applied for a predetermined time as a signal that the tool is at the proper location. The time delay is a fluid system that drives fluid through a narrow restriction. The restriction is variable to allow unloading of the resistance from the fluid system while the dogs are still adequately supported. As a result the dogs are released from the profile without regional overstressing. A lock can prevent the tool from resetting to limit its use to locating at a single location. The lock holds the hydraulic system in a defeated position so that even if the dogs engage another profile when locked they will immediately exit that profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventor: Robert S. O'Brien
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Patent number: 7891434Abstract: A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an associated packer device is set within a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sean L. Gaudette, James C. Doane, Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20110005763Abstract: A valve is mounted to a tubular string and has an actuation assembly that is isolated from well fluids. The valve member can be a ball that rotates on a pivot and is actuated by relative rotation of string components that straddle the ball. Rotation of one string component is linked to the closure ball by an external slanted slot with an operating ball that rides in it and connects the rotating string component to the closure ball. Travel stops limit the desired rotation of the closure ball in opposed directions. The closure ball can alternatively be rotated by relative longitudinal string component movement that is converted to relative rotation such as through the use of a j-slot mechanism. Internal seals isolate the slanted slot and operating ball from well fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2009Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Robert S. O'Brien, Steve Rosenblatt
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Publication number: 20100314133Abstract: A system including a plurality of differential pressure actuated tools; a seat receptive to a plug; a first conduit fluidly communicating tubing pressure upstream of the seat to one end of each of the plurality of tools; and a second conduit fluidly communicating tubing pressure downstream of the seat to an opposite end of each of the plurality of tools and method.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: ROBERT S. O'BRIEN
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Publication number: 20100294376Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two-way actuator. The actuator includes, a tubular, movably positionable within a structure between at least a first position and a second position, the tubular having a first density selected such that buoyancy forces urge the tubular toward the first position in response to submersion of the tubular within a fluid having a second density that is greater than the first density, and at least one flow resistor disposed at the tubular configured to urge the tubular toward the second position in response to fluid flow interacting with the at least one flow resistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Robert S. O'Brien, Robert T. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20100206566Abstract: An apparatus to protect the mounting area of casing and a locating profile and optionally a sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus when subsequent attachment of an expanded liner is intended and the expanded liner is to be cemented in place. A barrier sleeve, nose, and outer sleeve define a sealed cavity having a loose incompressible material inside that covers the mounting location on the casing. A locating profile and an optional sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus can be provided. The cementing of the casing takes place through the barrier sleeve. After the cementing, the sleeve and nose are drilled out and the incompressible material is removed to the surface with the drill cuttings. A liner is inserted in the casing and is preferably expanded into sealing contact with the mounting location on the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Mathew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
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Publication number: 20100206587Abstract: An apparatus to protect the mounting area of casing and a locating profile and optionally a sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus when subsequent attachment of an expanded liner is intended and the expanded liner is to be cemented in place. A barrier sleeve, nose, and outer sleeve define a sealed cavity having a loose incompressible material inside that covers the mounting location on the casing. A locating profile and an optional sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus can be provided. The cementing of the casing takes place through the barrier sleeve. After the cementing, the sleeve and nose are drilled out and the incompressible material is removed to the surface with the drill cuttings. A liner is inserted in the casing and is preferably expanded into sealing contact with the mounting location on the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Mathew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
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Patent number: 7757758Abstract: A wellbore tubular has openings in its wall. An outer sleeve has ridges on which openings are located so that they communicate with the tubular openings. The tubular can be expanded to plant the ridges against the formation while any space between the ridges and the borehole wall can be used for pumping cement without fouling the aligned openings between the tubular and the sleeve. Optionally the sleeve can swell with or without tubular expansion. The openings can be initially sealed for delivery to the desired location and then opened using well or added fluids or well conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20100147538Abstract: A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an s associated packer device is set within a wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sean L. Gaudette, James C. Doane, Robert S. O'Brien
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Patent number: 7708060Abstract: An apparatus to protect the mounting area of casing and a locating profile and optionally a sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus when subsequent attachment of an expanded liner is intended and the expanded liner is to be cemented in place. A barrier sleeve, nose, and outer sleeve define a sealed cavity having a loose incompressible material inside that covers the mounting location on the casing. A locating profile and an optional sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus can be provided. The cementing of the casing takes place through the barrier sleeve. After the cementing, the sleeve and nose are drilled out and the incompressible material is removed to the surface with the drill cuttings. A liner is inserted in the casing and is preferably expanded into sealing contact with the mounting location on the casing.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Mathew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
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Patent number: 7681652Abstract: A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an associated packer device is set within a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sean L. Gaudette, James C. Doane, Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20100012323Abstract: A method of making porous shapes from unit structures such as beads involves coating the beads with two or more layers of material deposited such that it forms an energetic material. These bi-layer energetic materials are formed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to: Ti & B, Zr & B, Hf & B, Ti & C, Zr & C, Hf & C, Ti & Si, Zr & Si, Nb & Si, Ni & Al, Zr & Al, or Pd & Al, all of which can be deposited from vapor. Pressure is applied to prevent the components from moving and the solid-state reaction between the alternating layers produces exothermic heat. Heat from the reaction alone or in conjunction of an applied brazing compound joins the beads forming a porous shape that is desired. The reaction in the materials may be activated with a small pulse of local energy that can be applied using optical, electrical, or thermal sources. Common examples include an electrical pulse, spark, hot filament, a laser beam, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: Oceaneering International, Inc.Inventors: Kevin C. Holmes, Robert S. O'Brien
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Patent number: 7644854Abstract: A method of making porous shapes from unit structures such as beads involves coating the beads with two or more layers of material deposited such that it forms an energetic material. These bi-layer energetic materials are formed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to: Ti & B, Zr & B, Hf & B, Ti & C, Zr & C, Hf & C, Ti & Si, Zr & Si, Nb & Si, Ni & Al, Zr & Al, or Pd & Al, all of which can be deposited from vapor. Pressure is applied to prevent the components from moving and the solid-state reaction between the alternating layers produces exothermic heat. Heat from the reaction alone or in conjunction of an applied brazing compound joins the beads forming a porous shape that is desired. The reaction in the materials may be activated with a small pulse of local energy that can be applied using optical, electrical, or thermal sources. Common examples include an electrical pulse, spark, hot filament, a laser beam, etc.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Kevin C. Holmes, Robert S. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20090322185Abstract: A method for generating power in a wellbore includes moving an actuator; inducing an oscillating stress on a piezoelectric component with the actuator; and generating a voltage with the piezoelectric component in response to the induced stress on the piezoelectric component.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jason J. Barnard, Robert S. O'Brien