Patents by Inventor Steven R. Radford

Steven R. Radford 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: 8657039
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus for engaging a borehole in a subterranean formation includes a tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a first bore, an actuation element having a second bore and is positioned within the first bore of the tubular body, a drilling fluid flow path extending through the first and second bores, and a restriction element trap positioned within the second bore of the actuation element. The actuation element is configured to selectively retain an operable component of the downhole apparatus in an initial position and the restriction element trap is configured for retentively receiving a restriction element. A restriction element trap for use with an actuation element for retentively receiving a restriction element and an expandable reamer apparatus for enlarging a borehole in a subterranean formation are also provided. Further provided is a method of activating a downhole apparatus within a borehole of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Kevin G. Kidder
  • Patent number: 8657038
    Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and stabilizer sub having at least one rib thereon attached thereto for drilling a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Mark R. Kizziar, Mark A. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20140014329
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating an earth formation intersected by a wellbore may include a logging tool conveyed into the wellbore through a drilling tubular, a landing indicator associated with the logging tool, and a sensor operatively associated with the logging tool. In use, the landing indicator generates a pressure pulse in the drilling tubular after contacting a travel restrictor positioned in the drilling tubular. After the logging tool is positioned at the target depth, the sensor makes at least one measurement while the logging tool is in the drilling tubular and provides an output indicative of a selected subsurface parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, John G. Evans
  • Patent number: 8584776
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and tool assemblies for distributing weight between a bit and a reamer device are disclosed. For example, at least one of the drill bit and the reamer may be configured to selectively distribute a weight-on-bit between the drill bit and the reamer, such as within a predetermined range. Additionally, methods of drilling wellbores may include selectively distributing a weight-on-bit applied to a bottom hole assembly between a drill bit and a reamer of the bottom hole assembly. Also, a reamer may be configured to exhibit a first maximum rate-of-penetration into a relatively hard formation, and a drill bit may be configured to exhibit a second maximum rate-of-penetration into a relatively soft formation that is less than the first maximum rate-of-penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Mark E. Anderson, William C. Thompson, Jim R. Powers
  • Publication number: 20130292175
    Abstract: A drilling assembly for drilling a subterranean wellbore includes an expandable reamer and an expandable stabilizer. The expandable reamer and the expandable stabilizer each have a tubular body with a longitudinal axis and a drilling fluid flow path extending therethrough. A plurality of blades is carried by the reamer and a plurality of bearing pads is carried by the stabilizer. The blades and bearing pads are outwardly movable from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to the longitudinal axes of the reamer and stabilizer, respectively. The reamer and stabilizer each include an actuation device for moving the blades and bearing pads, respectively, from the retracted position to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, L. Allen Sinor, Anders K. Nesheim
  • Publication number: 20130264122
    Abstract: Expandable reamer tools include an outer body, a fluid passageway extending through the outer body, and at least one blade configured to slide relative to the outer body between a retracted position and an expanded position. In some embodiments, the tools may include a formation-engaging surface comprising a gage area. In other embodiments, the tools may include a radially recessed area extending from a back edge of the formation-engaging surface. Methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Scott Shiqiang Shu, Les T. Shale, Mark E. Morris, Mark R. Kizziar, Anton F. Zahradnik
  • Publication number: 20130256035
    Abstract: Expandable reamers comprise a housing and at least one blade supported by the housing. The at least one blade is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The at least one blade is in the retracted position when a travel sleeve is in a first sleeve position and a trigger sleeve is in an unobstructed position. The at least one blade is movable to the extended position when the travel sleeve is in a second sleeve position and the trigger sleeve is in the unobstructed position. The at least one blade is in the retracted position when the travel sleeve is in the second sleeve position and the trigger sleeve is in an obstructed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Timothy Miller, Marcus Oesterberg
  • Publication number: 20130153300
    Abstract: Expandable reamers are configured to operate in a first, retracted state in which a plurality of blades is in a retracted position when a sliding sleeve is in a first sleeve position and a seat is in a first seat position, to operate in a second, extended state in which the plurality of blades is movable to an extended position when the sliding sleeve is in at least a second sleeve position and the seat is in the first seat position, and to operate in a third, retracted state in which the plurality of blades is returned to the retracted position when the sliding sleeve is in the at least a second position and the seat is in a second seat position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Marcus Oesterberg, S. Richard Gentry
  • Patent number: 8464812
    Abstract: An expandable apparatus may comprise a tubular body, a valve piston and a push sleeve. The tubular body may comprise a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and the valve piston may be disposed within the tubular body, the valve piston configured to move axially within the tubular body responsive to a pressure of drilling fluid passing through the fluid passageway and configured to selectively control a flow of fluid into an annular chamber. The push sleeve may be disposed within the tubular body and coupled to at least one expandable feature, the push sleeve configured to move axially responsive to a flow of fluid into the annular chamber extending the at least one expandable feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, S. Richard Gentry, Johannes Witte
  • Patent number: 8459375
    Abstract: Expandable reamers for enlarging boreholes in subterranean formations include a tubular body and at least one member positioned in openings in the tubular body. The at least one member is configured to move between retracted and extended positions. A push sleeve is disposed at least partially within the tubular body and coupled to the at least one member. The push sleeve moves axially upward to move the at least one member to the extended position in response to a pressure of drilling fluid passing through a drilling fluid flow path in the tubular body. The push sleeve moves axially downward to move the at least one member to the retracted position in response to a pressure of drilling fluid upon a restrictive element disposed within the fluid passageway. The restrictive element disposed within the fluid passageway may be discarded from the fluid passageway by increasing the flow rate through the drilling fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven R. Radford
  • Patent number: 8453763
    Abstract: Expandable reamer tools include an outer body, a fluid passageway extending through the outer body, and at least one blade configured to slide relative to the outer body between a retracted position and an expanded position. In some embodiments, the tools may include a formation-engaging surface comprising a gage area. In other embodiments, the tools may include a radially recessed area extending from a back edge of the formation-engaging surface. Methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Scott Shiquiang Shu, Les T. Shale, Mark E. Morris, Mark R. Kizziar, Anton F. Zahradnik
  • Publication number: 20130092446
    Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and stabilizer sub having at least one rib thereon attached thereto for drilling a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicants: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED, Steven R. Radford, Mark R. Kizziar, Mark A. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20130087386
    Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Kelly D. Ireland, Anurag Gautam, Robert A. Laing, Matthew D. Mumma, Daryl L. Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20130025358
    Abstract: Devices and methods for logging a wellbore condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, John G. Evans, Freeman L. Hill
  • Patent number: 8297381
    Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and stabilizer sub having at least one rib thereon attached thereto for drilling a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Mark R. Kizziar, Mark A. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20120205157
    Abstract: Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. Components of the expandable apparatus may include at least one surface for removing debris proximate to the tubular body. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to enable the expandable apparatus to increase a diameter of a subterranean borehole by greater than twenty percent. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to restrict fluid flow to nozzle assemblies. The expandable apparatus may include a protect sleeve having a push sleeve disposed therein. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may include removing debris with a surface of the expandable apparatus. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may also include selectively flowing fluid to nozzle assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Khoi Q. Trinh, Li Li
  • Publication number: 20120205162
    Abstract: Downhole tools are provided with a topographical pattern, and anti-balling material is provided over the topographical pattern. The topographical pattern may be defined by at least one of a plurality of recesses extending into a surface of a body of the tool and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface. Downhole tools include an insert disposed within a recess in a body, and the insert comprises an anti-balling material having a composition selected to reduce accumulation of formation cuttings on the tools when the tools are used to form or service a wellbore. Downhole tools include anti-balling material disposed over a porous mass provided over the surfaces of the tools. Methods of forming downhole tools include providing anti-balling material over features on and/or in a surface of a body of a tool. Methods of repairing downhole tools include removing an insert therefrom and disposing a replacement insert therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Suresh G. Patel, Chaitanya K. Vempati, Steven R. Radford, Timothy K. Marvel, Bruce Stauffer, George I. Butler
  • Patent number: 8230951
    Abstract: An expandable apparatus for use in a borehole includes a tubular body having at least one opening extending between a longitudinal bore of the tubular body and an outer surface of the tubular body and at least one member positioned within the at least one opening of the tubular body. The at least one member is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuation structure is positioned within the tubular body. The actuation structure is coupled to the at least one member and is configured to move the at least one member from the retracted position to the extended position responsive to a flow rate of drilling fluid passing through the longitudinal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Khoi Q. Trinh, Li Li, Mark E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8215418
    Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven R. Radford
  • Patent number: 8205687
    Abstract: A blade for a stabilizer configured with a compound engagement profile for reducing a tendency toward whirl and other vibrational effects when rotated within a borehole of a subterranean formation is provided. A method for stabilizing down-hole components is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven R. Radford