Patents by Inventor Volker Richert

Volker Richert 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: 10570669
    Abstract: A tool for drilling subterranean formations includes a tool body having a face surface, a blade extending radially outward on the face surface toward a gage surface, and a plurality of cutting structures disposed in the blade. Each of the plurality of cutting structures comprises a substantially spherical body of particulate impregnated matrix material. A method of forming the tool includes forming a tool body having the plurality of cutting structures dispersed therein. A method of using the tool includes rotating the earth-boring tool within a wellbore and engaging a formation material of an earth formation with an outer surface of the blade and wearing the outer surface of the blade to expose the spherical cutting structure. After wearing the outer surface of the blade, the method includes engaging the earth formation with the spherical cutting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Volker Richert, Nathaniel R. Adams
  • Patent number: 10494875
    Abstract: An impregnated bit for forming a wellbore in an earth formation includes a bit body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. A bit face is located at the distal end and extends between the longitudinal axis and a gage. The bit face comprises at least one blade extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis toward the gage and comprising an outer surface to engage formation material. The outer surface of the at least one blade may extend substantially linearly from a distalmost point of the bit face coincident with the longitudinal axis and at an acute angle relative to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bit body. The bit face may comprise a first fluid channel extending radially within and across the bit face and a second fluid channel extending radially within and across a portion of the bit face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Volker Richert
  • Publication number: 20180202235
    Abstract: An impregnated bit for forming a wellbore in an earth formation includes a bit body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. A bit face is located at the distal end and extends between the longitudinal axis and a gage. The bit face comprises at least one blade extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis toward the gage and comprising an outer surface to engage formation material. The outer surface of the at least one blade may extend substantially linearly from a distalmost point of the bit face coincident with the longitudinal axis and at an acute angle relative to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bit body. The bit face may comprise a first fluid channel extending radially within and across the bit face and a second fluid channel extending radially within and across a portion of the bit face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventor: Volker Richert
  • Publication number: 20180202236
    Abstract: A tool for drilling subterranean formations includes a tool body having a face surface, a blade extending radially outward on the face surface toward a gage surface, and a plurality of cutting structures disposed in the blade. Each of the plurality of cutting structures comprises a substantially spherical body of particulate impregnated matrix material. A method of forming the tool includes forming a tool body having the plurality of cutting structures dispersed therein. A method of using the tool includes rotating the earth-boring tool within a wellbore and engaging a formation material of an earth formation with an outer surface of the blade and wearing the outer surface of the blade to expose the spherical cutting structure. After wearing the outer surface of the blade, the method includes engaging the earth formation with the spherical cutting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Volker Richert, Nathaniel R. Adams
  • Patent number: 9752387
    Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes at least one volume of superabrasive material on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the first planar surface and intersecting the first planar surface along an apex. The first planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a first maximum diameter, and the second planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a second maximum diameter. The apex has a length less than the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter. Earth-boring tools include such a cutting element attached to a body. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include the attachment of such a cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Volker Richert, Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Patent number: 9598911
    Abstract: A coring bit for extracting a sample of subterranean formation material from a well bore may include a bit body having a bit face and an inner surface defining a substantially cylindrical cavity of the bit body. A first portion of the inner surface may be configured to surround a core catcher. The coring bit may include a face discharge channel inlet formed in the inner surface of the bit body longitudinally at or above the first portion of the inner surface. The coring bit may also include a face discharge channel extending through the bit body from the face discharge channel inlet to the bit face. A tubular body having a core catcher may be disposed in the coring bit to form a coring tool. Methods of forming such bit bodies may include forming an inlet for a face discharge channel in the inner surface of the bit body at a location longitudinally at or above the first portion of the inner surface and forming a face discharge channel extending from the inlet to the bit face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Uhlenberg, Volker Richert
  • Publication number: 20160281439
    Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes at least one volume of superabrasive material on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the first planar surface and intersecting the first planar surface along an apex. The first planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a first maximum diameter, and the second planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a second maximum diameter. The apex has a length less than the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter. Earth-boring tools include such a cutting element attached to a body. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include the attachment of such a cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Volker Richert, Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Patent number: 9371699
    Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes at least one volume of superabrasive material on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the first planar surface and intersecting the first planar surface along an apex. The first planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a first maximum diameter, and the second planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a second maximum diameter. The apex has a length less than the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter. Earth-boring tools includes such a cutting element attached to a body. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include the attachment of such a cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Volker Richert, Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20150322722
    Abstract: A coring bit for extracting a sample of subterranean formation material from a well bore may include a bit body having a bit face and an inner surface defining a substantially cylindrical cavity of the bit body. A first portion of the inner surface may be configured to surround a core catcher. The coring bit may include a face discharge channel inlet formed in the inner surface of the bit body longitudinally at or above the first portion of the inner surface. The coring bit may also include a face discharge channel extending through the bit body from the face discharge channel inlet to the bit face. A tubular body having a core catcher may be disposed in the coring bit to form a coring tool. Methods of forming such bit bodies may include forming an inlet for a face discharge channel in the inner surface of the bit body at a location longitudinally at or above the first portion of the inner surface and forming a face discharge channel extending from the inlet to the bit face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Uhlenberg, Volker Richert
  • Publication number: 20130112485
    Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes at least one volume of superabrasive material on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the first planar surface and intersecting the first planar surface along an apex. The first planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a first maximum diameter, and the second planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a second maximum diameter. The apex has a length less than the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter. Earth-boring tools includes such a cutting element attached to a body. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include the attachment of such a cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED, Volker Richert, Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Patent number: 8408338
    Abstract: A drill bit employing a plurality of abrasive, particulate-impregnated cutting structures extending upwardly from a bit face and defining a plurality of fluid passages therebetween. The plurality of cutting structures may be configured as spaced posts, or as blades with circumferentially extending grooves at radially spaced intervals. Superabrasive cutting elements in the form of thermally stable diamond are placed between the posts or in the grooves, depending on the cutting structure configuration, and at a reduced exposure. Additional cutting elements may be placed in a cone of the bit surrounding a centerline thereof. The blades may extend generally radially. Additionally, discrete protrusions may extend outwardly from at least some of the plurality of cutting structures. The discrete protrusions may be formed of thermally stable diamond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Volker Richert
  • Patent number: 8191657
    Abstract: A drill bit for cutting casing employing a plurality of discrete, abrasive particulate-impregnated cutting structures having cutting structures therein extending upwardly from abrasive particulate-impregnated blades, which define a plurality of fluid passages therebetween on the bit face. Additional cutting elements may be placed in the inverted cone of the bit surrounding the centerline thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Volker Richert, Henning Finke
  • Publication number: 20110061943
    Abstract: A drill bit employing a plurality of abrasive, particulate-impregnated cutting structures extending upwardly from the bit face and defining a plurality of fluid passages therebetween. The cutting structures may be configured as spaced posts, or as blades with circumferentially extending grooves at radially spaced intervals. Superabrasive cutting elements in the form of thermally stable diamond are placed between the posts or in the grooves, depending on the cutting structure configuration, and at a reduced exposure. Additional cutting elements may be placed in the cone of the bit surrounding the centerline thereof. The blades may extend generally radially. Additionally, discrete protrusions may extend outwardly from at least some of the plurality of cutting structures. The discrete protrusions may be formed of thermally stable diamond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Volker Richert
  • Publication number: 20100300673
    Abstract: A drill bit for cutting casing employing a plurality of discrete, abrasive particulate-impregnated cutting structures having TSP cutting structures therein extending upwardly from abrasive particulate-impregnated blades, which define a plurality of fluid passages therebetween on the bit face. Additional cutting elements may be placed in the inverted cone of the bit surrounding the centerline thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Volker Richert, Henning Finke
  • Patent number: 7621350
    Abstract: A diamond impregnated bit crown has blades formed thereon. Flow channels are formed between the blades, the flow channels having inner and outer ends and extending outward to a gage surface of the crown. At least some of the flow channels have an enlarged width area that has a greater width than a portion of the channel immediately outward from the enlarged width area. A nozzle is releasably secured in each of the enlarged width areas for discharging drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Volker Richert
  • Patent number: 7617747
    Abstract: A rotary drag bit including an inverted cone geometry proximate the longitudinal axis thereof is disclosed. The inverted cone region may include a central region, the central region including a plurality of cutting structures affixed thereto and arranged along at least one spiral path. The at least one spiral path may encircle its center of revolution at least once within the inverted cone region. A cone region displacement and a method for manufacturing a rotary drag bit therewith are disclosed. At least one groove may be formed within the cone region displacement along a respective at least one spiral path, the at least one spiral path encircling its center of revolution at least once. A plurality of cutting structures may be placed within the at least one groove and the cone region displacement may be placed within a mold for filling with an infiltratable powder and infiltrating with a hardenable infiltrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Volker Richert, David W. Watson
  • Publication number: 20080135307
    Abstract: A diamond impregnated bit crown has blades formed thereon. Flow channels are formed between the blades, the flow channels having inner and outer ends and extending outward to a gage surface of the crown. At least some of the flow channels have an enlarged width area that has a greater width than a portion of the channel immediately outward from the enlarged width area. A nozzle is releasably secured in each of the enlarged width areas for discharging drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Volker Richert
  • Publication number: 20070284153
    Abstract: A rotary drag bit including an inverted cone geometry proximate the longitudinal axis thereof is disclosed. The inverted cone region may include a central region, the central region including a plurality of cutting structures affixed thereto and arranged along at least one spiral path. The at least one spiral path may encircle its center of revolution at least once within the inverted cone region. A cone region displacement and a method for manufacturing a rotary drag bit therewith are disclosed. At least one groove may be formed within the cone region displacement along a respective at least one spiral path, the at least one spiral path encircling its center of revolution at least once. A plurality of cutting structures may be placed within the at least one groove and the cone region displacement may be placed within a mold for filling with an infiltratable powder and infiltrating with a hardenable infiltrant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Volker Richert, David Watson
  • Patent number: 7278499
    Abstract: A rotary drag bit including an inverted cone geometry proximate the longitudinal axis thereof is disclosed. The inverted cone region may include a central region, the central region including a plurality of cutting structures affixed thereto and arranged along at least one spiral path. The at least one spiral path may encircle its center of revolution at least once within the inverted cone region. A cone region displacement and a method for manufacturing a rotary drag bit therewith are disclosed. At least one groove may be formed within the cone region displacement along a respective at least one spiral path, the at least one spiral path encircling its center of revolution at least once. A plurality of cutting structures may be placed within the at least one groove and the cone region displacement may be placed within a mold for filling with an infiltratable powder and infiltrating with a hardenable infiltrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Volker Richert, David W. Watson
  • Publication number: 20060162966
    Abstract: A rotary drag bit including an inverted cone geometry proximate the longitudinal axis thereof is disclosed. The inverted cone region may include a central region, the central region including a plurality of cutting structures affixed thereto and arranged along at least one spiral path. The at least one spiral path may encircle its center of revolution at least once within the inverted cone region. A cone region displacement and a method for manufacturing a rotary drag bit therewith are disclosed. At least one groove may be formed within the cone region displacement along a respective at least one spiral path, the spiral path encircling its center of revolution at least once. A plurality of cutting structures may be placed within the at least one groove and the cone region displacement may be placed within a mold for filling with an infiltratable powder and infiltrating with a hardenable infiltrant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Volker Richert, David Watson