Patents by Inventor Stuart Schaaf
Stuart Schaaf 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: 10895113Abstract: A variable offset bearing assembly, associated with an offset shaft, having a longitudinal axis, disposed with a housing, having a longitudinal axis, the assembly including a radial bearing associated with the offset shaft; a thrust bearing associated with the offset shaft; the radial bearing and thrust bearing permit axial misalignment between the longitudinal axes of the offset shaft and the housing; and the thrust bearing and radial bearing manage axial and radial misalignment of the radial bearing and thrust bearing within the housing, caused by an axial or radial force exerted upon the housing and offset shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: B&W Mud Motors, LLCInventors: Stuart Schaaf, Marcus D. Wernig
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Patent number: 10443692Abstract: A system has a pump with a power input, a power source and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the power source and to the power input of the pump. The CVT transmits power from the power source to the pump. The CVT comprises a plurality of planetary members in rolling contact with an inner race and an outer race. A radial distance between the planetary members and a drive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio of the CVT.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Orbital Traction, Ltd.Inventors: Stuart A. Schaaf, Michael P. Bujold, Joseph D. Kliewer
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Publication number: 20190257155Abstract: A variable offset bearing assembly, associated with an offset shaft, having a longitudinal axis, disposed with a housing, having a longitudinal axis, the assembly including a radial bearing associated with the offset shaft; a thrust bearing associated with the offset shaft; the radial bearing and thrust bearing permit axial misalignment between the longitudinal axes of the offset shaft and the housing; and the thrust bearing and radial bearing manage axial and radial misalignment of the radial bearing and thrust bearing within the housing, caused by an axial or radial force exerted upon the housing and offset shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Stuart Schaaf, Marcus D. Wernig
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Patent number: 10301877Abstract: A method for directionally drilling a portion of a borehole, comprising utilizing a drilling system associated with a drill string and a drill bit; rotating the drill string and placing an axial load on the drill string causing the drill string to move into compression; and stopping rotation of the drill string and with the drill string in compression, drilling a portion of the portion of the borehole while actively managing a toolface angle of the drill bit.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: C&J Spec-Rent Services, Inc.Inventors: Stuart Schaaf, Marcus D. Wernig
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Publication number: 20180306284Abstract: A system has a pump with a power input, a power source and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the power source and to the power input of the pump. The CVT transmits power from the power source to the pump. The CVT comprises a plurality of planetary members in rolling contact with an inner race and an outer race. A radial distance between the planetary members and a drive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio of the CVT.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Applicant: Orbital Traction, Ltd.Inventors: Stuart A. Schaaf, Michael P. Bujold, Joseph D. Kliewer
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Patent number: 10006526Abstract: A system has a pump with a power input, a power source and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the power source and to the power input of the pump. The CVT transmits power from the power source to the pump. The CVT comprises a plurality of planetary members in rolling contact with an inner race and an outer race. A radial distance between the planetary members and a drive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio of the CVT.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Orbital Traction, Ltd.Inventors: Stuart A. Schaaf, Michael P. Bujold, Joseph D. Kliewer
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Publication number: 20170089142Abstract: A method for directionally drilling a portion of a borehole, comprising utilizing a drilling system associated with a drill string and a drill bit; rotating the drill string and placing an axial load on the drill string causing the drill string to move into compression; and stopping rotation of the drill string and with the drill string in compression, drilling a portion of the portion of the borehole while actively managing a toolface angle of the drill bit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Stuart Schaaf, Marcus D. Wernig
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Patent number: 9556678Abstract: A drilling system for directional drilling of a borehole includes a biasing mechanism having a pivot associated with a lower bearing assembly, an offset mechanism associated with an upper radial bearing assembly, and a toolface controller, whereby the angular relationship of a drill bit and its toolface angle may be actively managed.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Penny Technologies S.À R.L.Inventors: Stuart Schaaf, Marcus D. Wernig
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Publication number: 20160369875Abstract: A system has a pump with a power input, a power source and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the power source and to the power input of the pump. The CVT transmits power from the power source to the pump. The CVT comprises a plurality of planetary members in rolling contact with an inner race and an outer race. A radial distance between the planetary members and a drive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio of the CVT.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Applicant: Orbital Traction, Ltd.Inventors: Stuart A. Schaaf, Michael P. Bujold, Joseph D. Kliewer
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Patent number: 9464701Abstract: A system has a pump with a power input, a power source and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the power source and to the power input of the pump. The CVT transmits power from the power source to the pump. The CVT comprises a plurality of planetary members in rolling contact with an inner race and an outer race. A radial distance between the planetary members and a drive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio of the CVT.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Orbital Traction, Ltd.Inventors: Stuart A. Schaaf, Michael P. Bujold, Joseph D. Kliewer
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Patent number: 8639423Abstract: A variable power split device having radially inner and outer races, each comprising at least two axially spaced parts. A plurality of planetary members are arranged for rolling contact between the races and a planet follower carrier engages the planetary members. A first rotatable power element spindle connects with the planet follower to couple power between the planet follower carrier and a first power element. A second rotatable power element spindle connects with the inner race to couple power between the inner race and a second power element. A third rotatable power element spindle connects with the outer race to couple power between the outer race and a third power element. Means for adjusting axial separation adjust separation of the axially spaced parts of at least one of the races to vary a power split ratio between the first, second and third rotatable power element spindles.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Orbital Traction LimitedInventors: Stuart Schaaf, Sam Akehurst
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Publication number: 20130319764Abstract: A drilling system for directional drilling of a borehole includes a biasing mechanism having a pivot associated with a lower bearing assembly, an offset mechanism associated with an upper radial bearing assembly, and a toolface controller, whereby the angular relationship of a drill bit and its toolface angle may be actively managed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: TELLUS OILFIELD, INC.Inventors: Stuart Schaaf, Marcus D. Wernig
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Publication number: 20120025542Abstract: A system has a pump with a power input, a power source and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the power source and to the power input of the pump. The CVT transmits power from the power source to the pump. The CVT comprises a plurality of planetary members in rolling contact with an inner race and an outer race. A radial distance between the planetary members and a drive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio of the CVT.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: ORBITAL TRACTION, LTD.Inventors: Stuart A. Schaaf, Michael P. Bujold, Joseph D. Kliewer
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Publication number: 20100286876Abstract: A variable power split device having radially inner and outer races, each comprising at least two axially spaced parts. A plurality of planetary members are arranged for rolling contact between the races and a planet follower carrier engages the planetary members. A first rotatable power element spindle connects with the planet follower to couple power between the planet follower carrier and a first power element. A second rotatable power element spindle connects with the inner race to couple power between the inner race and a second power element. A third rotatable power element spindle connects with the outer race to couple power between the outer race and a third power element. Means for adjusting axial separation adjust separation of the axially spaced parts of at least one of the races to vary a power split ratio between the first, second and third rotatable power element spindles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: Stuart Schaaf, Sam Akehurst
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Systems and methods for directionally drilling a borehole using a continuously variable transmission
Patent number: 7234543Abstract: Systems and methods for directionally drilling a borehole are provided. One system includes a biasing subsystem that is configured to control a tendency of a bottom hole assembly during drilling of the borehole. The system also includes a continuously variable transmission. An output shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to the biasing subsystem such that the continuously variable transmission is configured to control relative rotation of one or more components of the biasing subsystem during the drilling. One method includes controlling a tendency of a bottom hole assembly during drilling of the borehole using a biasing subsystem. The method also includes controlling relative rotation of one or more components of the biasing subsystem using a continuously variable transmission during the drilling. The one or more components are coupled to an output shaft of the continuously variable transmission.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: InterSyn IP Holdings, LLCInventor: Stuart Schaaf -
Patent number: 7004263Abstract: A directional casing drilling system including a casing string for rotation of a drill bit, a shaft coupled to the casing string, and a sleeve having pads that are hydraulically extensible. The sleeve may be positioned about a portion of the shaft. The invention may also include a tube connecting the sleeve to the drill collar, the tube adapted to conduct drilling fluid, and a valve system adapted to operatively conduct at least a portion of the drilling fluid to the pads whereby the pads move between an extended position and a retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Keith A. Moriarty, Michael R. Johnson, Attilio C. Pisoni, Ruben Martinez, Spyro Kotsonis, Alain P. Dorel, Pat Patterson, Stuart Schaaf
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Patent number: 6840336Abstract: The invention refers to a drilling tool and method that, among other aspects, provides for a sleeve with expansible pads for positioning the drilling tool in the desired direction during drilling. The pads are hydraulically expanded and retracted by a valve system which selectively diverts mud flowing through the tool to the desired pads. The tool may also be provided with a flexible tube connecting the sleeve to drilling tool for maneuvering along deviations or curves in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stuart Schaaf, Alain Dorel, Albert E. Patterson, II
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Publication number: 20050000733Abstract: Systems and methods for performing mud-pulse telemetry are provided. One system includes a mechanical continuously variable transmission coupled to the modulator. The continuously variable transmission is configured to control the modulator. For example, the continuously variable transmission may be configured to control a relative position of the modulator. The relative position can be rotational position or can be converted to an axial position. In one embodiment, the continuously variable transmission is also configured to alter a frequency at which the modulator operates to modulate an acoustic or pressure wave telemetry signal. In another embodiment, the continuously variable transmission is further configured to control the modulator such that a rate of relative rotation of the modulator is substantially constant. One method includes controlling a modulator of a mud-pulse telemetry system using a continuously variable transmission coupled to the modulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2004Publication date: January 6, 2005Inventor: Stuart Schaaf
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Patent number: 6837315Abstract: The invention refers to a rotary steerable drilling tool having a tool collar and a bit shaft. The bit shaft is supported within the tool collar for pivotal movement about a fixed position along the bit shaft. Moreover, the rotary steerable drilling tool includes a variable bit shaft angulating mechanism, located within the interior of the tool collar. The variable bit shaft angulating mechanism includes a motor, an offset mandrel, and a variable offset coupling. The motor is attached to the upper end of the offset mandrel and adapted to rotate the offset mandrel. The upper end of the variable offset coupling is uncoupleably attached to an offset location of the lower end of the offset mandrel, and the upper end of the bit shaft is rotatably coupled to the variable offset coupling. The rotary steerable drilling tool also includes a torque transmitting coupling adapted to transmit torque from the tool collar to the bit shaft at the fixed position along the bit shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Attilio C. Pisoni, Ruben Martinez, Spyro Kotsonis, Stuart Schaaf
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Systems and methods for directionally drilling a borehole using a continuously variable transmission
Publication number: 20040262044Abstract: Systems and methods for directionally drilling a borehole are provided. One system includes a biasing subsystem that is configured to control a tendency of a bottom hole assembly during drilling of the borehole. The system also includes a continuously variable transmission. An output shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to the biasing subsystem such that the continuously variable transmission is configured to control relative rotation of one or more components of the biasing subsystem during the drilling. One method includes controlling a tendency of a bottom hole assembly during drilling of the borehole using a biasing subsystem. The method also includes controlling relative rotation of one or more components of the biasing subsystem using a continuously variable transmission during the drilling. The one or more components are coupled to an output shaft of the continuously variable transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Stuart Schaaf