Patents by Inventor Vincent P. Zeller

Vincent P. Zeller 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: 8118088
    Abstract: A safety valve system includes a safety valve having an actuator and a line connected to the actuator. The safety valve is operable by opening the line in the well, with the line being free of any connection to a surface control system. Another safety valve system includes multiple safety valves. An actuator of each safety valve is connected to an actuator of another safety valve via a line. A biasing force in each of the actuators is operative to close the respective one of the safety valves in response to opening of the line. The biasing force is produced at least in part by hydrostatic pressure in a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Vincent P. Zeller, Harold W. Nivens, Roger L. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20110168389
    Abstract: A tool assembly having a downhole shut-in valve, a packer, and one or more ports. The downhole shut-in valve may be configured to selectively permit flow from a conduit to a target zone of a wellbore. The packer may be configured to isolate the target zone of the wellbore. The ports may be between the conduit and the target zone. The downhole shut-in valve may be configured to close in about 5 seconds or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Raymund J. Meijs, Eric Bivens, Vincent P. Zeller
  • Patent number: 7966876
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier (104), a plurality of sampling chambers (102) and a pressure source (108) of the apparatus (100). The carrier (104) has a longitudinally extending internal fluid passageway (112) and a plurality of externally disposed chamber receiving slots (159). Each of sampling chamber (102) is positioned in one of the chamber receiving slots (159) of the carrier (104). The pressure source (108) is selectively in fluid communication with each of the sampling chambers (102) such that the pressure source (108) is operable to pressurize each of the sampling chambers (102) after the samples are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Charles M. MacPhail, Scott Brown, Timothy R. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7950277
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Charles M. MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7946166
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Charles M. MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7926342
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Charles M. MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7921876
    Abstract: A rotary control valve and associated actuator control system. An actuator control system comprises a rotary control valve including a generally planar face seal, and an actuator operatively connected to the rotary control valve. Another actuator control system comprises a control valve including multiple faces having multiple ports formed therein. Fluid communication is selectively permitted and prevented between the ports in response to relative displacement between the faces. A differential area is configured to apply a biasing force which maintains sealing engagement between the faces, and which increases in response to an increase in pressure applied to the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Vincent P. Zeller
  • Patent number: 7874206
    Abstract: A fluid sampler operable for taking at least one fluid sample in a subterranean well and associated methods. A fluid sampling method includes the steps of disposing a fluid sampler at a first target location in the well, receiving the fluid sample into at least a first sample chamber of the fluid sampler, pressurizing the fluid sample in the first sample chamber using a pressure source of the fluid sampler, retrieving the fluid sampler to a surface location, isolating the fluid sample in the first sample chamber from the pressure source of the fluid sampler and supercharging the fluid sample in the first sample chamber using a pressure source on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Adam D. Wright, Charles M. MacPhail, Vincent P. Zeller
  • Patent number: 7856872
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier (104), a plurality of sampling chambers (102) and a pressure source (108) of the apparatus (100). The carrier (104) has a longitudinally extending internal fluid passageway (112) providing a substantially smooth bore therethrough and a plurality of chamber receiving slots (159). Each of sampling chamber (102) is positioned in one of the chamber receiving slots (159) of the carrier (104). The pressure source (108) is selectively in fluid communication with each of the sampling chambers (102) such that the pressure source (108) is operable to pressurize each of the sampling chambers (102) after the samples are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Charles M. MacPhail, Scott Brown, Timothy R. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7762130
    Abstract: An apparatus (300) for obtaining a fluid sample in a subterranean well includes a housing (302) having a sample chamber (314) defined therein. The sample chamber (314) is selectively in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing (302) and is operable to receive the fluid sample therefrom. A debris trap piston (318) is slidably disposed within the housing (302). The debris trap piston (318) includes a debris chamber (326). Responsive to the fluid sample entering the sample chamber (314), the debris trap piston (318) receives a first portion of the fluid sample in the debris chamber (326) then displaces relative to the housing (302) to expand the sample chamber (314).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Chuck MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7730954
    Abstract: A hydraulic control and actuation system for downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control and actuation system includes an internal chamber serving as a low pressure region and a well annulus serving as an energy source. A valve assembly provides selective fluid communication between alternating opposite sides of a piston and each of the energy source and low pressure region. Displacement of the piston operates a well tool. Operation of the valve assembly is controlled via telemetry between a remote location and an electronic circuit of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Melissa G. Allin, Paul D. Ringgenberg, Vincent P. Zeller, Tyler T. Trinh, Adam D. Wright, Donald G. Kyle
  • Patent number: 7673506
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Chuck MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Publication number: 20090321088
    Abstract: A safety valve system includes a safety valve having an actuator and a line connected to the actuator. The safety valve is operable by opening the line in the well, with the line being free of any connection to a surface control system. Another safety valve system includes multiple safety valves. An actuator of each safety valve is connected to an actuator of another safety valve via a line. A biasing force in each of the actuators is operative to close the respective one of the safety valves in response to opening of the line. The biasing force is produced at least in part by hydrostatic pressure in a well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Vincent P. Zeller, Harold W. Nivens, Roger L. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20090301184
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Chuck MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Publication number: 20090301233
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Chuck MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Publication number: 20090293606
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Chuck MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7624792
    Abstract: A safety valve system includes a safety valve having an actuator and a line connected to the actuator. The safety valve is operable by opening the line in the well, with the line being free of any connection to a surface control system. Another safety valve system includes multiple safety valves. An actuator of each safety valve is connected to an actuator of another safety valve via a line. A biasing force in each of the actuators is operative to close the respective one of the safety valves in response to opening of the line. The biasing force is produced at least in part by hydrostatic pressure in a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Vincent P. Zeller, Harold W. Nivens, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7596995
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier (104), a plurality of sampling chambers (102) and a pressure source (108). The carrier (104) has a longitudinally extending internal fluid passageway (112) and a plurality of externally disposed chamber receiving slots (159). Each of sampling chamber (102) is positioned in one of the chamber receiving slots (159) of the carrier (104). The pressure source (108) is selectively in fluid communication with each of the sampling chambers (102) such that the pressure source (108) is operable to pressurize each of the sampling chambers (102). after the samples are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Charles M. MacPhail, Scott Brown, Timothy R. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20090241657
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier (104), a plurality of sampling chambers (102) and a pressure source (108) of the apparatus (100). The carrier (104) has a longitudinally extending internal fluid passageway (112) and a plurality of externally disposed chamber receiving slots (159). Each of sampling chamber (102) is positioned in one of the chamber receiving slots (159) of the carrier (104). The pressure source (108) is selectively in fluid communication with each of the sampling chambers (102) such that the pressure source (108) is operable to pressurize each of the sampling chambers (102) after the samples are obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Charles M. MacPhall, Scott Brown, Timothy R. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20090241658
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier (104), a plurality of sampling chambers (102) and a pressure source (108) of the apparatus (100). The carrier (104) has a longitudinally extending internal fluid passageway (112) providing a substantially smooth bore therethrough and a plurality of chamber receiving slots (159). Each of sampling chamber (102) is positioned in one of the chamber receiving slots (159) of the carrier (104). The pressure source (108) is selectively in fluid communication with each of the sampling chambers (102) such that the pressure source (108) is operable to pressurize each of the sampling chambers (102) after the samples are obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Charles M. MacPhail, Scott Brown, Timothy R. Carlson