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).

  • Patent number: 8171994
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas J. Murray, Robert S. O'Brien, Peter J. Fay, Sean L. Gaudette
  • Patent number: 8104505
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert S. O'Brien, Robert T. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8022602
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason J. Barnard, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7987905
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Matthew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
  • Patent number: 7971646
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas J. Murray, Robert S. O'Brien, Peter J. Fay, Sean L. Gaudette
  • Publication number: 20110120726
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Douglas J. Murray, Robert S. O'Brien, Peter J. Fay, Sean L. Gaudette
  • Publication number: 20110056678
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7891434
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sean L. Gaudette, James C. Doane, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20110005763
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Robert S. O'Brien, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20100314133
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: ROBERT S. O'BRIEN
  • Publication number: 20100294376
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert S. O'Brien, Robert T. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20100206566
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Mathew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
  • Publication number: 20100206587
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Mathew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
  • Patent number: 7757758
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20100147538
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sean L. Gaudette, James C. Doane, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7708060
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Mathew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
  • Patent number: 7681652
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sean L. Gaudette, James C. Doane, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20100012323
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Holmes, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7644854
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin C. Holmes, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20090322185
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason J. Barnard, Robert S. O'Brien