Patents by Inventor Samuel P. Hawkins, III

Samuel P. Hawkins, III 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).

  • Publication number: 20120175117
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus to fluidly couple to a casing string. The apparatus may include a fill-up and circulating tool having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the fill-up and circulating tool is configured to fluidly couple to an upper end of the casing string, a cementing head assembly having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the flow path of the cementing head assembly is fluidly coupled to the flow path of the fill-up and circulating tool, and a releasing mechanism coupled to the cementing head assembly, in which the releasing mechanism is configured to release a fluid-conveyed sealing device through the cementing head assembly and into the fill-up and circulating tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, JR.
  • Patent number: 8096357
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a top drive supported tool for making up and running casing strings into a borehole. The tool comprises a fill-up and circulation assembly and a launcher assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a connectable cement wiper plug assembly for launching wiper plugs that control cement placement in the annulus between a casing string and a borehole containing the casing string. The tool of the present invention shortens or eliminates delays in well operations, thereby improving integrity of cement liners formed by placing cement slurry in a targeted interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Keith Thomas Lutgring, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 8082982
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E Mosing, Samuel P Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110139435
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a top drive supported tool for making up and running casing strings into a borehole. The tool comprises a fill-up and circulation assembly and a launcher assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a connectable cement wiper plug assembly for launching wiper plugs that control cement placement in the annulus between a casing string and a borehole containing the casing string. The tool of the present invention shortens or eliminates delays in well operations, thereby improving integrity of cement liners formed by placing cement slurry in a targeted interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, JR., Keith Thomas Lutgring, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Publication number: 20110114306
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, JR.
  • Patent number: 7874361
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7866390
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a top drive supported tool for making up and running casing strings into a borehole. The tool comprises a fill-up and circulation assembly and a launcher assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a connectable cement wiper plug assembly for launching wiper plugs that control cement placement in the annulus between a casing string and a borehole containing the casing string. The tool of the present invention shortens or eliminates delays in well operations, thereby improving integrity of cement liners formed by placing cement slurry in a targeted interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Keith Thomas Lutgring, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Publication number: 20100096132
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, JR.
  • Patent number: 7635026
    Abstract: An example of a method for cementing a casing within an earthen formation includes the steps of providing a gripping mechanism connected to a cementing assembly and a top drive; gripping the casing with the gripping mechanism; sealingly engaging the casing with a seal member; moving the casing to a position within the formation; and cementing the casing within the formation while maintaining a gripping and sealing engagement of the casing. The step of cementing may also include the step of remotely releasing a plug into the casing from the cementing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7370698
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, a wiper plug assembly, and a push plate assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head, push plate, and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7357434
    Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given external diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch, accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical ring upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Keith T. Lutgring, Braxton I. Moody, V., John K. M. Saichuk, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 7159619
    Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given external diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch, accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical ring upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Johnny Firmin Elkins, Keith T. Lutgring, John K. M. Saichuk, Braxton I. Moody, V, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 7096948
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6994505
    Abstract: A pick-up and lay-down pipe handling system and method provides a telescopingly extendable pipe trough which is telescopingly extendable from a lift frame. The lift frame is preferably pivotally moveable with respect to a support. A tilting mechanism is operable for tilting the pipe trough to either lateral side for unloading and/or loading purposes. A lift frame with slidable powered lift heads is provided to raise and lower pipes from a pipe rack to the pipe trough. A pivotal guide member on the slidable powered lift head to pivot into a guiding position for guiding pipe from the lift frame onto the pipe trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Frank's International
    Inventor: Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 6752044
    Abstract: A power tong system and method is disclosed for making and breaking joints between wellbore. The system comprises a frame to which a spinner is mounted for spinning the wellbore tubulars. A first member is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame such that the first member is rotatable with respect to the frame. A piston/cylinder assembly is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame and with respect to the first member whereby the first member is rotatable with respect to the frame in response to movement of the piston with respect to the cylinder. A control arm is preferably pivotally mounted to the first member and the piston/cylinder assembly. The control arm is securable, such as with a moveable pin or a latch, to the first member in at least two positions for controlling whether the first member is operable for making or for breaking the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 6595288
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6431029
    Abstract: A maneuverable powerjaw apparatus for making and breaking joints of well bore tubular is provided for operation on a rig floor. Preferably a plurality of wheels are mounted to a mobile housing in a reverse tricycle orientation that permits high maneuverability of the mobile housing including rotation in position. Preferably, the two forward wheels are individually powered by hydraulic motors. Vertical orientation of the mobile housing is preferably provided by hydraulic struts that, once the mobile housing is positioned adjacent the pipes on the rig floor, permit the power jaws to be positioned at the correct vertical position on the joints for making, breaking, and spinning of the pipes. In one presently preferred embodiment, a pivotal connection is provided between the mobile housing and a frame to which torque arms are attached. In this embodiment, the frame rotates with respect to the well bore tubular as the joints are made or broken while the mobile housing may remain stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 6425442
    Abstract: A drillable, anti-rotation device for limiting the rotation of a downhole tool, such as a cement plug, when drilling out the down hole tool. The drillable, anti-rotation device comprises a drillable sleeve connected within a non-drillable outer tubular member connected within a pipe string. The sleeve has one or more grooves or other indentations, and/or one or more ribs or other protrusions extending inwardly within the interior of the device for gripping or otherwise retarding the rotation of such downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney Latiolais, Jr., Keith T. Lutgring, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 5735348
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a packer cup fixedly attached to a sliding sleeve disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tool is inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lower further such that the packer cup sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 5706894
    Abstract: An apparatus for engagement of cylindrical members about the outside diameter, so that downhole tools may be positioned longitudinally along said cylindrical member. A generally cylindrical outer ring is detachably engaged with a generally cylindrical inner ring. Once the inner ring is detached from the outer ring it is automatically present into position by a spring clamping force exerted between the pipe and inner ring. Relative axial motion of the outer ring with respect to the inner ring automatically energizes the inner ring inward providing the high clamping force required to set the self energizing stop collar in its final position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel P. Hawkins, III