Patents by Inventor Van J. Brackin
Van J. Brackin 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: 9637979Abstract: Rotary drag bits comprise a body comprising a face at a leading end of the body. An abrasive-impregnated cutting structure is located at the face of the body. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure comprises abrasive particles dispersed within a matrix material. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure exhibits an anisotropic wear resistance. The wear resistance varies at least substantially continuously within the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Van J. Brackin, Jeffrey B. Lund, Danny E. Scott, Marcus R. Skeem, Matthew R. Isbell
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Publication number: 20140151132Abstract: Rotary drag bits comprise a body comprising a face at a leading end of the body. An abrasive-impregnated cutting structure is located at the face of the body. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure comprises abrasive particles dispersed within a matrix material. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure exhibits an anisotropic wear resistance. The wear resistance varies at least substantially continuously within the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Van J. Brackin, Jeffrey B. Lund, Danny E. Scott, Marcus R. Skeem, Matthew R. Isbell
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Patent number: 8662207Abstract: Rotary drag bits comprise a body comprising a face at a leading end of the body. An abrasive-impregnated cutting structure is located at the face of the bit body. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure comprises abrasive particles dispersed within a matrix material. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure exhibits an anisotropic wear resistance. The wear resistance varies at least substantially continuously within the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Van J. Brackin, Jeffrey B. Lund, Danny E. Scott, Marcus R. Skeem, Matthew R. Isbell
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Patent number: 8333814Abstract: An abrasive-impregnated cutting structure for use in drilling a subterranean formation is disclosed. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure may comprise a plurality of abrasive particles dispersed within a substantially continuous matrix, wherein the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure exhibits an anisotropic wear resistance. One or more of the amount, average size, composition, properties, shape, quality, strength, and concentration of the abrasive particles may vary within the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure. Anisotropic wear resistance may relate to a selected direction, such as, for example, one or more of an expected direction of engagement of the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure with the subterranean formation and an anticipated wear direction. Anisotropic wear resistance of an abrasive-impregnated cutting structure may be configured for forming or retaining a formation-engaging leading edge thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Van J. Brackin, Jeffrey B. Lund, Danny E. Scott, Marcus R. Skeem, Matthew R. Isbell
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Patent number: 8011275Abstract: A method of designing a rotary drill bit includes selecting and positioning a plurality of cutting elements on a rotary drill bit. At least one substantially helically extending feature is selected and positioned to rotationally follow at least one of the plurality of cutting elements, the at least one substantially helically extending feature exhibiting a selected maximum Helical Pitch.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Van J. Brackin, Brian E. Miller, Mathews George
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Patent number: 7921937Abstract: Drilling tools that may detect and dynamically adjust drilling parameters to enhance the drilling performance of a drilling system used to drill a well. The tools may include sensors, such as RPM, axial force for measuring the weight on a drill bit, torque, vibration, and other sensors known in the art. A processor may compare the data measured by the sensors against various drilling models to determine whether a drilling dysfunction is occurring and what remedial actions, if any, ought to be taken. The processor may command various tools within the bottom hole assembly (BHA), including a bypass valve assembly and/or a hydraulic thruster to take actions that may eliminate drilling dysfunctions or improve overall drilling performance. The processor may communicate with a measurement while drilling (MWD) assembly, which may transmit the data measured by the sensors, the present status of the tools, and any remedial actions taken to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Van J. Brackin, Paul E. Pastusek
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Patent number: 7810588Abstract: A method of constructing an earth-boring, diamond-impregnated drill bit has a first step of coating diamond grit with tungsten to create tungsten-coated diamond particles. These coated particles are then encapsulated in a layer of carbide powder held by an organic green binder material. The encapsulated granules are then mixed along with a matrix material and placed in a mold. The matrix material includes a matrix binder and abrasive particles. The mixture is heated in the mold at atmospheric pressure to cause the matrix binder to melt and infiltrate the encapsulated granules and abrasive particles.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Eric E. McClain, Dan E. Scott, Wesley Dean Fuller, Robert M. Welch, Jimmy W. Eason, Marcus R. Skeem, Van J. Brackin
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Publication number: 20090217597Abstract: An abrasive-impregnated cutting structure for use in drilling a subterranean formation is disclosed. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure may comprise a plurality of abrasive particles dispersed within a substantially continuous matrix, wherein the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure exhibits an anisotropic wear resistance. One or more of the amount, average size, composition, properties, shape, quality, strength, and concentration of the abrasive particles may vary within the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure. Anisotropic wear resistance may relate to a selected direction, such as, for example, one or more of an expected direction of engagement of the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure with the subterranean formation and an anticipated wear direction. Anisotropic wear resistance of an abrasive-impregnated cutting structure may be configured for forming or retaining a formation-engaging leading edge thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Van J. Brackin, Jeffrey B. Lund, Danny E. Scott, Marcus R. Skeem, Matthew R. Isbell
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Patent number: 7497280Abstract: An abrasive-impregnated cutting structure for use in drilling a subterranean formation is disclosed. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure may comprise a plurality of abrasive particles dispersed within a substantially continuous matrix, wherein the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure exhibits an anisotropic wear resistance. One or more of the amount, average size, composition, properties, shape, quality, strength, and concentration of the abrasive particles may vary within the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure. Anisotropic wear resistance may relate to a selected direction, such as, for example, one or more of an expected direction of engagement of the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure with the subterranean formation and an anticipated wear direction. Anisotropic wear resistance of an abrasive-impregnated cutting structure may be configured for forming or retaining a formation-engaging leading edge thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Van J. Brackin, Jeffrey B. Lund, Danny E. Scott, Marcus R. Skeem, Matthew R. Isbell
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Publication number: 20080202821Abstract: A method of constructing an earth-boring, diamond-impregnated drill bit has a first step of coating diamond grit with tungsten to create tungsten-coated diamond particles. These coated particles are then encapsulated in a layer of carbide powder held by an organic green binder material. The encapsulated granules are then mixed along with a matrix material and placed in a mold. The matrix material includes a matrix binder and abrasive particles. The mixture is heated in the mold at atmospheric pressure to cause the matrix binder to melt and infiltrate the encapsulated granules and abrasive particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Eric E. McClain, Dan E. Scott, Wesley Dean Fuller, Robert M. Welch, Jimmy W. Eason, Marcus R. Skeem, Van J. Brackin
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Publication number: 20080164062Abstract: Drilling tools that may detect and dynamically adjust drilling parameters to enhance the drilling performance of a drilling system used to drill a well. The tools may include sensors, such as RPM, axial force for measuring the weight on a drill bit, torque, vibration, and other sensors known in the art. A processor may compare the data measured by the sensors against various drilling models to determine whether a drilling dysfunction is occurring and what remedial actions, if any, ought to be taken. The processor may command various tools within the bottom hole assembly (BHA), including a bypass valve assembly and/or a hydraulic thruster to take actions that may eliminate drilling dysfunctions or improve overall drilling performance. The processor may communicate with a measurement while drilling (MWD) assembly, which may transmit the data measured by the sensors, the present status of the tools, and any remedial actions taken to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Van J. Brackin, Paul E. Pastusek
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Publication number: 20080142271Abstract: A method of designing a rotary drill bit includes selecting and positioning a plurality of cutting elements on a rotary drill bit. At least one substantially helically extending feature is selected and positioned to rotationally follow at least one of the plurality of cutting elements, the at least one substantially helically extending feature exhibiting a selected maximum Helical Pitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2008Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Van J. Brackin, Brian E. Miller, Mathews George
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Patent number: 7360608Abstract: A rotary drill bit is disclosed, including at least one cutting element affixed thereto and configured to form a distinct borehole surface in response to drilling a subterranean formation. At least one substantially helically extending feature associated with the at least one cutting element may be formed upon the leading end of the rotary drill bit. Alternatively, a rotary drill bit may include a plurality of substantially helically extending features. Methods of operating a rotary drill bit are also disclosed. Specifically, a subterranean formation may be drilled with a rotary drill bit to form an on-center bottomhole pattern, which may be at least partially contacted by at least one substantially helically extending feature of the rotary drill bit. Alternatively, a subterranean formation may be contacted with at least one substantially helically extending feature of the rotary drill bit. A method of designing a rotary drill bit is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Van J. Brackin, Brian E. Miller, Mathews George
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Patent number: 6843333Abstract: A drill bit employing a plurality of discrete, post-like, abrasive, particulate-impregnated cutting structures extending upwardly from abrasive, particulate-impregnated blades defining a plurality of fluid passages therebetween on the bit face. Additional cutting elements may be placed in the cone of the bit surrounding the centerline thereof. The blades may extend radially in a linear fashion, or be curved and spiral outwardly to the gage to provide increased blade length and enhanced cutting structure redundancy. Additionally, discrete protrusions may extend outwardly from at least some of the plurality of cutting structures. The discrete protrusions may be formed of a thermally stable diamond product and may exhibit a generally triangular cross-sectional geometry relative to the direction of intended bit rotation.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Volker Richert, Van J. Brackin, Matthew R. Isbell, Douglas J. Bobrosky, M. MacLean Price
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Publication number: 20030111273Abstract: A drill bit employing a plurality of discrete, post-like abrasive particulate-impregnated cutting structures extending upwardly from abrasive particulate-impregnated blades defining a plurality of fluid passages therebetween on the bit face. Additional cutting elements may be placed in the cone of the bit surrounding the centerline thereof. The blades may extend radially in a linear fashion, or be curved and spiral outwardly to the gage to provide increased blade length and enhanced cutting structure redundancy. Additionally, discrete protrusion may extend outwardly from at least some of the plurality of cutting structures. The discrete protrusions may be formed of a thermally stable diamond product and may exhibit a generally triangular cross-sectional geometry relative to the direction of intended bit rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Volker Richert, Van J. Brackin, Matthew R. Isbell, Douglas J. Bobrosky, M. MacLean Price
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Patent number: 6510906Abstract: A drill bit employing a plurality of discrete, post-like diamond grit impregnated cutting structures extending upwardly from abrasive particulate-impregnated blades defining a plurality of fluid passages therebetween on the bit face. PDC cutters with faces oriented in the general direction of bit rotation are placed in the cone of the bit, which is relatively shallow, to promote enhanced drilling efficiency through softer, non-abrasive formations. A plurality of ports, configured to receive nozzles therein are employed for improved drilling fluid flow and distribution. The blades may extend radially in a linear fashion, or be curved and spiral outwardly to the gage to provide increased blade length and enhanced cutting structure redundancy.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Volker Richert, Van J. Brackin, Matthew R. Isbell, Douglas J. Bobrosky