Patents by Inventor Timothy N. Sexton
Timothy N. Sexton 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: 11845137Abstract: A heating apparatus for induction heating is disclosed. The heating apparatus may comprise a bearing ring, at least one bearing element disposed in the bearing ring, and a braze material adjacent to the at least one bearing element and the bearing ring. The heating apparatus may additionally comprise an inductor positioned radially adjacent to at least a portion of the bearing ring. A current source may be electrically coupled to the inductor. A bearing orienting member may also abut a surface of the at least one bearing element. The bearing orienting member may orient a surface of the at least one bearing element. A heating method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Timothy N. Sexton, Curtis M. Simons, Troy C. Campbell
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Publication number: 20210355991Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 11015649Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat dissipation for bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard table including a superhard surface. The bearing assembly includes a support ring structure coupled to the plurality of superhard bearing elements. One or more of the superhard bearing elements includes a superhard table, which may improve heat transfer from such superhard bearing elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Jair Jahaziel Gonzalez, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 11015646Abstract: Tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed herein. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: US Synthetic CorportationInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 10859116Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may also include a support ring structure having a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements. The support ring structure may include at least one erosion resistant region exhibiting a higher erosion resistance than another region of the support ring.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventor: Timothy N. Sexton
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Publication number: 20200248743Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
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Publication number: 20200114446Abstract: A heating apparatus for induction heating is disclosed. The heating apparatus may comprise a bearing ring, at least one bearing element disposed in the bearing ring, and a braze material adjacent to the at least one bearing element and the bearing ring. The heating apparatus may additionally comprise an inductor positioned radially adjacent to at least a portion of the bearing ring. A current source may be electrically coupled to the inductor. A bearing orienting member may also abut a surface of the at least one bearing element. The bearing orienting member may orient a surface of the at least one bearing element. A heating method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Timothy N. Sexton, Curtis M. Simons, Troy C. Campbell
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Patent number: 10570953Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 10543548Abstract: A heating apparatus for induction heating is disclosed. The heating apparatus may comprise a bearing ring, at least one bearing element disposed in the bearing ring, and a braze material adjacent to the at least one bearing element and the bearing ring. The heating apparatus may additionally comprise an inductor positioned radially adjacent to at least a portion of the bearing ring. A current source may be electrically coupled to the inductor. A bearing orienting member may also abut a surface of the at least one bearing element. The bearing orienting member may orient a surface of the at least one bearing element. A heating method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Timothy N. Sexton, Curtis M. Simons, Troy C. Campbell
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Publication number: 20190360527Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat dissipation for bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard table including a superhard surface. The bearing assembly includes a support ring structure coupled to the plurality of superhard bearing elements. One or more of the superhard bearing elements includes a superhard table, which may improve heat transfer from such superhard bearing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2019Publication date: November 28, 2019Inventors: Jair Jahaziel Gonzalez, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 10451116Abstract: Durability-enhanced bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring structure that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The support ring structure may have a first portion that exhibits a first yield strength and a second portion that exhibits a second yield strength. The first yield strength of the first portion may be greater than the second yield strength of the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventor: Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 10422379Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies having features that provide heat dissipation for bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard table including a superhard surface. The bearing assembly includes a support ring structure coupled to the plurality of superhard bearing elements. One or more of the superhard bearing elements includes a superhard table, which may have a thickness at a peripheral that is greater than an average thickness of the superhard table improve heat transfer from such superhard bearing elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Jair Jahaziel Gonzalez, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 10371204Abstract: In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring to which one or more superhard bearing elements may be mounted. The support ring may include one or more relief features configured to reduce residual stresses in the superhard bearing elements that are induced by brazing the superhard bearing elements to the support ring, operational loads, other processes, or combinations of the foregoing. Reducing the residual stresses in the superhard bearing elements may help prevent damage to the superhard bearing elements. The bearing assembly may be used in subterranean drilling systems and/or other types of systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 10220462Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for manufacturing bearing assemblies. In accordance with one embodiment, a fixture is provided for use in brazing bearing elements to a bearing ring. The fixture comprises a substantially annular body and at least one or more force-applying mechanism associated with the annular body. The force applying mechanisms include a push rod disposed within a channel that is formed in the annular body, the push rod being displaceable within the channel. A biasing member is configured to bias the push rod in a radial direction relative to the annular body. In one embodiment, a plurality of force-applying mechanisms are circumferentially spaced about the substantially annular body. In one embodiment, the push rods extend radially inwardly from a peripheral surface of the body, while in another embodiment the push rods extend radially outwardly from peripheral surface of the body.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy N. Sexton, John Corradini
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Publication number: 20180328403Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 10054154Abstract: Tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 9926977Abstract: Bearing apparatuses including contacting bearing surfaces comprising superhard materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to bearings including polycrystalline diamond inserts or compacts defining a plurality of surfaces that move relative to one another and contact one another. For example, apparatuses may include radial bearings, or other bearings including arcuate bearing surfaces that more in relation to one another, without limitation. In one embodiment, a superhard bearing element may comprise a superhard table (e.g., polycrystalline diamond) forming an arcuate bearing surface. Further, such a superhard bearing element may comprise a chamfer formed about at least a portion of a periphery of the arcuate bearing surface. Bearing apparatuses including such bearing elements and various mechanical systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 9909366Abstract: A cutting element assembly for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation. A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element having a substrate. The cutting element assembly additionally includes a superabrasive material bonded to the substrate. The substrate extends from an end surface to a back surface. A base member is also coupled to the back surface of the substrate. Additionally, a recess is defined in the base member and a structural element is coupled to the base member. The cutting element assembly also includes a biasing element configured to selectively bias the structural element.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton, David P. Miess, Jeffrey B. Lund
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Patent number: 9816549Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a bearing assembly including a support ring configured to reduce thermal warping under operational temperature conditions, a bearing apparatus that may utilize such a thrust-bearing assembly, and applications that incorporate the disclosed bearing apparatuses such as downhole motors in subterranean drilling systems, directional drilling systems, and many other apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. The thrust-bearing assembly further includes a support ring having the plurality of superhard bearing elements mounted thereto.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy N. Sexton, Craig H. Cooley
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Publication number: 20170314617Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat dissipation for bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard table including a superhard surface. The bearing assembly includes a support ring structure coupled to the plurality of superhard bearing elements. One or more of the superhard bearing elements includes a superhard table, which may improve heat transfer from such superhard bearing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Applicant: U.S. Synthetic CorporationInventors: Jair Jahaziel Gonzalez, Timothy N. Sexton