Patents by Inventor Timothy R. Tips
Timothy R. Tips 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: 10718181Abstract: A downhole control method for use in a wellbore that includes deploying a first stand-alone hydraulic reservoir downhole; measuring a first downhole fluid parameter; and actuating a first inflow control device, based on the first measured downhole fluid parameter, using the first stand-alone hydraulic reservoir. In one aspect, the first stand-alone hydraulic reservoir and the first inflow control device comprise an open-hole completion system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Savio Saldanha, Matthew Scogin, Timothy R. Tips, Colin McKay, Michael Konopczynski, James Flygare, Robert Smith
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Patent number: 10487629Abstract: A downhole control method for use in a wellbore that includes deploying a stand-alone power source and a stand-alone hydraulic reservoir downhole; powering a downhole controller using the stand-alone power source; measuring a downhole fluid parameter; and actuating an inflow control device, using the stand-alone hydraulic reservoir and the downhole controller, based on the measured downhole fluid parameter. In one aspect, the stand-alone power source is selected from the group consisting of a battery and a downhole power generator. In another aspect, the stand-alone hydraulic reservoir, the downhole controller, the stand-alone power source, and the inflow control device comprise a remotely-powered, open-hole completion system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Savio Saldanha, Matthew Scogin, Timothy R. Tips, Colin McKay, Michael R. Konopczynski, James Flygare, Robert Smith
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Patent number: 10400544Abstract: A system can include a cementing tool positionable within a casing string of a wellbore. A receiver that is positionable at the surface of the wellbore can receive an optical signal. A locator coupled to the cementing tool can generate an electrical signal in response to detecting a change in a surrounding magnetic field. A light source can generate an optical signal. A fiber optic cable can transmit the optical signal generated by the light source. A fiber reel can dispense the fiber optic cable from an end of the fiber optic cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Lee Stokley, Timothy R. Tips, Paul F. Rodney, John Laureto Maida, Krishna M. Ravi, Jamaal Brickhouse, Luke Christopher Downey
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Publication number: 20180245424Abstract: A system can include a cementing tool positionable within a casing string of a wellbore. A receiver that is positionable at the surface of the wellbore can receive an optical signal. A locator coupled to the cementing tool can generate an electrical signal in response to detecting a change in a surrounding magnetic field. A light source can generate an optical signal. A fiber optic cable can transmit the optical signal generated by the light source. A fiber reel can dispense the fiber optic cable from an end of the fiber optic cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2015Publication date: August 30, 2018Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Lee Stokley, Timothy R. Tips, Paul F. Rodney, John Laureto Maida, Krishna M. Ravi, Jamaal Brickhouse, Luke Christopher Downey
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Publication number: 20180030810Abstract: A downhole control method for use in a wellbore that includes deploying a first stand-alone hydraulic reservoir downhole; measuring a first downhole fluid parameter; and actuating a first inflow control device, based on the first measured downhole fluid parameter, using the first stand-alone hydraulic reservoir. In one aspect, the first stand-alone hydraulic reservoir and the first inflow control device comprise an open-hole completion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2015Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Savio Saldanha, Matthew Scogin, Timothy R. Tips, Colin McKay, Michael Konopczynski, James Flygare, Robert Smith
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Publication number: 20170114615Abstract: A downhole control method for use in a wellbore that includes deploying a stand-alone power source and a stand-alone hydraulic reservoir downhole; powering a downhole controller using the stand-alone power source; measuring a downhole fluid parameter; and actuating an inflow control device, using the stand-alone hydraulic reservoir and the downhole controller, based on the measured downhole fluid parameter. In one aspect, the stand-alone power source is selected from the group consisting of a battery and a downhole power generator. In another aspect, the stand-alone hydraulic reservoir, the downhole controller, the stand-alone power source, and the inflow control device comprise a remotely-powered, open-hole completion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Savio Saldanha, Matthew Scogin, Timothy R. Tips, Colin McKay, Michael R. Konopczynski, James Flygare, Robert Smith
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Patent number: 9500074Abstract: An apparatus for communicating electrical power and data between downhole devices. The apparatus includes a wellbore tubular having a wall. An electrical device is positioned in a wellbore region to an exterior of the wellbore tubular. A first acoustic coupling element is positioned to the exterior of the wellbore tubular and is electrically connected to the electrical device. A second acoustic coupling element is positioned to an interior of the wellbore tubular. The second acoustic coupling element is operable to transmit electrical power to and receive data from the first acoustic coupling element through communication of acoustic signals through the wall of the wellbore tubular.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Timothy R. Tips
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Patent number: 9464507Abstract: A valve for use in a tubular string in a subterranean well includes a sleeve having first and second opposite ends, the sleeve being displaceable between open and closed positions to thereby selectively permit and prevent flow through a sidewall of a housing assembly, and a first and second pistons at the respective first and second ends of the sleeve. Pressure differentials applied to the first and second pistons are operative to displace the sleeve between its open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: WellDynamics, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, Alfred R. Curington
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Patent number: 9428999Abstract: A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a completion string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A completion string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Haliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William M. Richards
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Patent number: 9163488Abstract: A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a completion string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A completion string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William M. Richards
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Patent number: 9051826Abstract: A downhole control system for actuating hydraulically controlled devices positioned in a well. The system includes a first set of N hydraulically controlled devices positioned in the well and a second set of at least one hydraulically controlled device positioned in the well. A common control line is ported to a first side of each of the hydraulically controlled devices in the first set. N control lines are each ported to a second side of one of the hydraulically controlled devices in the first set. A first control line of the N control lines is ported to a first side of a first hydraulically controlled device of the second set and a second control line of the N control lines is ported to a second side of the first hydraulically controlled device of the second set, such that N+1 control lines are operable to actuate N+1 hydraulically controlled devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Joel David Shaw, Michael Robert Konopczynski, Paul R. Terry, Timothy R. Tips
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Patent number: 9051830Abstract: A downhole hydraulic control system includes a hydraulic control module positioned in a well. First and second hydraulically controlled devices are positioned in the well. The first hydraulically controlled device has a first actuator and the second hydraulically controlled device has a second actuator. First and second hydraulic control lines extend uphole of the hydraulic control module in the well. In a first configuration of the hydraulic control module, pressure variations in the first and second hydraulic control lines are operable to independently shift the first and second actuators in respective first directions. In a second configuration of the hydraulic control module, pressure variations in the first and second hydraulic control lines are operable to shift the first and second actuators in respective second directions.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Timothy R. Tips
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Patent number: 9016368Abstract: A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a tubing string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the tubing string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A tubing string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William M. Richards
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Patent number: 8985215Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of producing from multiple production zones with a single trip multi-zone completion system. One method includes arranging an outer completion string within a wellbore adjacent the one or more formation zones, the outer completion string having at least one sand screen arranged thereabout and a flow control device movably disposed within the sand screen, locating an insert string within the outer completion string, the insert string having at least one control and data acquisition module disposed thereon that has one or more mechanical coupling mechanisms, locating the flow control device with the one or more mechanical coupling mechanisms, and moving the flow control device between a closed position and an open position with the one or more mechanical coupling mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William Mark Richards
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Publication number: 20150053421Abstract: A downhole hydraulic control system includes a hydraulic control module positioned in a well. First and second hydraulically controlled devices are positioned in the well. The first hydraulically controlled device has a first actuator and the second hydraulically controlled device has a second actuator. First and second hydraulic control lines extend uphole of the hydraulic control module in the well. In a first configuration of the hydraulic control module, pressure variations in the first and second hydraulic control lines are operable to independently shift the first and second actuators in respective first directions. In a second configuration of the hydraulic control module, pressure variations in the first and second hydraulic control lines are operable to shift the first and second actuators in respective second directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Timothy R. Tips
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Publication number: 20150034305Abstract: An apparatus for communicating electrical power and data between downhole devices. The apparatus includes a wellbore tubular having a wall. An electrical device is positioned in a wellbore region to an exterior of the wellbore tubular. A first acoustic coupling element is positioned to the exterior of the wellbore tubular and is electrically connected to the electrical device. A second acoustic coupling element is positioned to an interior of the wellbore tubular. The second acoustic coupling element is operable to transmit electrical power to and receive data from the first acoustic coupling element through communication of acoustic signals through the wall of the wellbore tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Timothy R. Tips
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Patent number: 8893783Abstract: A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a tubing string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the tubing string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A tubing string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William M. Richards
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Patent number: 8893787Abstract: Casing valves for selective well stimulation and control. A well system includes at least one valve interconnected in a casing string operable via at least one line external to the casing string to selectively control fluid flow between an exterior and interior of the casing string, and the casing string, valve and line being cemented in a wellbore. A method of selectively stimulating a subterranean formation includes: positioning a casing string in a wellbore, the casing string including spaced apart valves operable via a line to selectively control fluid flow between an interior and exterior of the casing string; and for each of multiple intervals of the formation in sequence, stimulating the interval by opening a corresponding one of the valves, closing the remainder of the valves, and flowing a stimulation fluid from the casing string into the interval.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, Alfred R. Curington
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Publication number: 20140305642Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of producing from multiple production zones with a single trip multi-zone completion system. One method includes arranging an outer completion string within a wellbore adjacent the one or more formation zones, the outer completion string having at least one sand screen arranged thereabout and a flow control device movably disposed within the sand screen, locating an insert string within the outer completion string, the insert string having at least one control and data acquisition module disposed thereon that has one or more mechanical coupling mechanisms, locating the flow control device with the one or more mechanical coupling mechanisms, and moving the flow control device between a closed position and an open position with the one or more mechanical coupling mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William Mark Richards
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Patent number: 8857518Abstract: Multiple zones of a wellbore are gravel packed and fractured in the same run-in trip into a wellbore. An insert string is subsequently extended into the wellbore in order to regulate and monitor production from each zone. Control lines located within the insert string and also along the sand face allow operators to monitor production operations, including measuring fluid and well environment parameters at each point within the system. One or more control and data acquisition modules included in the insert string are able to locate and move corresponding flow control devices arranged within respective sand screens adjacent each zone. Adjusting the position of the flow control device with a corresponding control and data acquisition module serves to choke or otherwise regulate the production flow rate through the sand screen, thereby allowing for the intelligent production of hydrocarbons from each zone.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William Mark Richards