Surrounding Existing Device Or Tubing Patents (Class 166/241.6)
  • Publication number: 20090008086
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacture of a unitary centralizer forming Apertures are formed in a blank to create an intermediate blank having bow spring elements within a unitary centralizer and expanding a medial portion of the bow spring elements. An expansion element is inserted into the intermediate blank. An expansive force is applied to the expansion element, thereby expanding the medial portion of the bow spring elements. Mandrels placed against the upper and lower surfaces of the expansion element receive a compressive force for transfer to the expansion element. Set screw holes are placed on the unitary centralizer for attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Davis-Lynch, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Ehlinger, Larry Graen
  • Patent number: 7469747
    Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hudson Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Blanchard, Jr., Sandra Remedies, John Rucker, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20080302530
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus for engaging with an outside diameter of a tubular comprises a device body having an internal surface that defines an internal diameter in a first position and allowing the tubular to pass therethrough and an actuator operable to move the internal surface of the device body from the first position to a second position, the second position defining an internal diameter less than the first position internal diameter. The internal surface of the device body is sized with a predetermined grip length for engaging with the outside diameter of the tubular. The grip length is determined by a function of the outside diameter of the tubular and the coefficient of friction between of the outside diameter of the tubular and the interior surface of the device body and the device body is operable to engage with a tubular having a predetermined range of outside diameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Rod Shampine, Jean-Louis Pessin, Joseph K. Flowers, Robin Mallalieu
  • Publication number: 20080283253
    Abstract: A close-tolerance expandable bow spring centralizer 8 having a first expandable collar 10A coupled to and spaced apart from a second expandable collar 10B through a plurality of bow springs 30 wherein expandable collars 10A, 10B comprise a plurality of slidably coupled links 16 that separate to expand the diameter of the collars 10A, 10B, e.g., upon expansion of an expandable pipe string 80 on which the centralizer 8 is received. Expandable bow spring centralizer 8 may grip the expandable pipe string 80 when in the collapsed configuration to eliminate the need for a stop collar. Additionally or alternatively, a fin 32 may be connected to each bow spring 30, and then connected to one or more adjacent fins 32 upon collapse of the bow springs 30 to form a restraining band 39 that may be ruptured, e.g., upon expansion of the expandable pipe string 80.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Eugene Edward Miller, Donald Elwin McDowell
  • Patent number: 7431082
    Abstract: One or more control lines or other types of lines can be run past a downhole tool such as a side pocket mandrel, for example, in a longitudinal groove with a retaining feature for the control line where the assembly leaves little to stick out and get damaged on run in or on pulling out of the hole. In the preferred version, the groove is a dovetail and at least one retainer can be slipped into the dovetail. Lateral bores into the dovetail allow pins to be driven into a wedge shaped retainer to force it against the control line or lines such that the shape of the dovetail and the shape of the wedge retainer trap the control line within the dovetail. Upon assembly, nothing sticks out from the dovetail or the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Holt, Clark W. Beam
  • Patent number: 7431085
    Abstract: A gravel pack multi-pathway tube includes a body and a flow passage at the body. Further, the tube includes a projection at the body, the projection receptive to a control line. A gravel packing device component wherein the component includes a shroud, a multi-pathway tube at the shroud, and a projection appurtenant the multi-pathway tube, the projection being receptive to a control line. A method for running and protecting a control line at a gravel pack component, which includes running a component into a wellbore wherein the component includes a shroud, a multi-pathway tube at the shroud, and a projection appurtenant the multi-pathway tube, the projection being receptive to a control line and inserting a control line at the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin Coronado, Steve Crow, Elmer Peterson, Luis Mendez, James Zachman
  • Publication number: 20080223573
    Abstract: A passive centralizer for stably centering within a well. The centralizer may be of a retracted profile for advancement within the well and deployable for centralization upon reaching an operation site. Deployment may be achieved in an automated manner without the requirement of operator interaction therefor. Furthermore, the centralizer may be truly passive in that energy for deployment may be stored entirely within the passive centralizer prior to its insertion within the well. The passive centralizer may also be compressed following centralization by any number of downhole restrictions. In this manner the passive centralizer may also be readily withdrawn from the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Keith Nelson, Franz Aguirre
  • Patent number: 7422066
    Abstract: A system for the direct vertical connection between contiguous sub sea equipment is described, having one or more hydrocarbon flow and/or control interconnection between same, so as to dispense with the use of connecting jumpers. One mode of said system comprises a PuAB 221 vertically and directly connected to a PrAB 104. Equipment is directly fixed through the PuAB connector 251 with a PrAB 104-production mandrel 107, said mandrel being fitted with a funnel guide 112. PuAB 221 is fitted with a funnel 224 so as to guide the drilling of a cased borehole 220 in the marine soil 101, close to well 111. Once the cased borehole 220 is ready, PuAB 221 will be locked to the casing of said borehole 220 by means of a locking system, so as to complete the mechanical and hydraulic connection between the two devices, PuAB and PrAB or HWCT. Two modes of the method for installation of said system are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Roberto Rodrigues, João Siqueira De Matos, Robson Soares Junior
  • Publication number: 20080210419
    Abstract: A centraliser having a body with an inner surface provided with a friction-reducing slider, typically located in an annular recess on the inner surface of the body of the slider, spaced from the ends of the body. The slider can be formed separately from a body of the centraliser and subsequently attached thereto on the inner surface so that it is adapted to bear between the outer surface of the tubing to be centralised and the inner surface of the centraliser. This reduces rotational torque transmitted between the centraliser and the tubing, and assists in maneuvering of the tubular string into the desired position in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Alistair Bertram Clark, Ian Alastair Kirk, William Barron
  • Patent number: 7404436
    Abstract: A downhole tool for conditioning a casing or liner. The tool includes blades having a circumferential peripheral edge for 360 degree contact with the casing or liner and are formed from a composite material which comprises a polymeric fiber. Such polymeric fibers include Kevlar®, Twaron®, Dyneema®, Spectra® and Diolen®. Bypass channels for fluid flow past the tool are provided in either the tool body or the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hamdeen Incorporated Limited
    Inventor: Richard Keith Booth
  • Publication number: 20080164019
    Abstract: Centralizers including at least a portion formed of a first material and an outer shell formed of a second material. The outer shell being installed to resist destructive damage and longitudinal creep of the portion formed of the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Per G. Angman
  • Publication number: 20080156488
    Abstract: An improved centralizer is provided for centralization of tubulars such as casings, liners, production tubing, and production screens, in oil/gas wells. Such a centralizer comprises a tubular body, wherein a portion of an outermost surface of the tubular body is formed from a first material, and a portion of, or portion adjacent to, at least one end of the tubular body, and/or a portion of an innermost surface of the tubular body, is formed from at least one second material, in contrast to unitary construction centralizers disclosed by the prior art, and the first material has a lower Young's modulus than the at least one second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: John Thomas Oliver Thornton
  • Patent number: 7393158
    Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system, the centralizer being preferably heat-shrink fitted to an upset portion of a keel joint, the upset portion having tapered sections on the upper and lower ends that gradually blend into the outer diameter of the pipe used as the keel joint, the centralizer preferably comprising axially extending annular grooves in surrounding relationship to the upset portion, the grooves serving to permit forces acting on the centralizer to be redirected or dissipated to thereby prevent excessive buildup on a selected region of the upset portion adjacent the radial grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: RTI Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Caldwell, Carl F. G. Baxter, Robert E. Rose, Jr., Brent L. Dyer, Michael Beard
  • Patent number: 7377325
    Abstract: There is disclosed an expandable centraliser for locating a body within a borehole, and a method of centralising tubing in a borehole. In an embodiment of the invention, an expandable centraliser (10) is disclosed, the centraliser (10) comprising a deformable body (12), and at least one abutment portion in the form of a shoulder (14) on the body (12), the shoulder (14) adapted to be urged radially outwardly on deformation of the body (12), to centralise tubing (28) coupled to the centraliser (10) within a borehole (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan James Trinder, Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson, Alexander Craig Mackay
  • Patent number: 7373987
    Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hudson Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Blanchard, Jr., Sandra Remedies, John Rucker, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7357178
    Abstract: An improved centralizer is provided for centralization of tubulars such as casings, liners, production tubing, and production screens, in oil/gas wells. Such a centralizer comprises a tubular body, wherein a portion of an outermost surface of the tubular body is formed from a first material, and a portion of, or portion adjacent to, at least one end of the tubular body, and/or a portion of an innermost surface of the tubular body) is formed from at least one second material, in contrast to unitary construction centralizers disclosed by the prior art, and the first material has a lower Young's modulus than the at least one second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Brunel Oilfield Services (UK) Limited
    Inventor: John Thomas Oliver Thornton
  • Publication number: 20080035331
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus, an assembly, and a kit for securing a web collar to a tubular member. According to one embodiment, a sleeve has a plurality of apertures selectively sized and spaced to form a web collar. The web collar is positioned on a segment of casing and is secured in place with set screws. Epoxy is disposed into the apertures and cured. The cured epoxy deposits on the casing are analogous to keys welded to a shaft, extending outwardly into the apertures to secure the web collar and the centralizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Jean Buytaert
  • Patent number: 7320363
    Abstract: A slip ring assembly including a slip ring and an electrical contact assembly. The slip ring defines a circumference and an electrical contact groove extending around the circumference of the slip ring. The electrical contact assembly preferably includes a plurality of electrical contacts spaced around the circumference of the slip ring for engaging the electrical contact groove. In addition, an urging mechanism is preferably associated with each of the electrical contacts for urging the electrical contacts toward engagement with the electrical contact groove. Finally, a wiper is preferably associated with each of the electrical contacts for extending within the electrical contact groove to inhibit a fluid from passing through the electrical contact groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Byron John Sand, Herman Hinrich Albers, Terrance Dean Maxwell, John Ransford Hardin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7308955
    Abstract: A stabilizer comprises a body having first and second ends, each of which is formed with a respective connector means, the body having an outer wall upon which is formed a plurality of the upstanding blades radially outer surfaces of which define gauge pads, flow channels being defined between adjacent ones of the blades, and at least one bridging region interconnecting two adjacent ones of the blades to form an enclosed passage communicating with an associated one of the flow channels, the bridging region having a surface defining part of an outer gauge surface of the stabilizer, the at least one bridging region being located intermediate and spaced from the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: ReedHycalog UK Limited
    Inventors: Steven Paul Barton, Andrew David Murdock, Graham Richard Watson
  • Patent number: 7308935
    Abstract: A stabilizer is provided for stabilizing a rotary or progressive cavity pump suspended from production tubing in well casing. The stabilizer is connected between the production tubing and the pump. The stabilizer has a tubular body having a cylindrical wall and a longitudinal bore contiguous with the production tubing. A releasable sliding dog is disposed on the exterior of the tubular body and is operatively connected by a link to one or more pistons. Each piston is disposed in a piston housing that is in fluid communication with the bore of the tubular body. Circumferentially spaced-apart feet extend radially outwardly from the tubular body. In operation, actuating fluid pressure advances the pistons uphole, driving the sliding dog up one or more longitudinal outwardly extending ramps to brace against the casing, with the feet contacting the casing and bearing opposing reactive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: MSI Machineering Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Doyle, Lynn P. Tessier, James L. Weber
  • Patent number: 7306036
    Abstract: A water well bailer. In one embodiment, the bailer includes a tubular housing composed of any polymer used as a plastic, such as, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyesters, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, poly(methyl methacrylate), polytetrafluoride, polyacrylonitrile, or chemical derivations there of for storing within the housing a sample of well water. A texture may be on the housing. The texture of the bailer reduces the surface area of the bailer in contact with the inside wall of a water well such that the bailer does not stick to the wall of the water well during incidental contact. The reason a bailer sticks to the side of a well is due to adhesive and cohesive forces acting between the well wall and the bailer. Adhesive and cohesive forces are generated between the bailer and well wall because of humidity and condensation of water on the well wall, and water on the outside of the bailer after initial contact with groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Robert A. Breglio, III, Gregory Alyanakian, Rodney N. Reeve
  • Patent number: 7299886
    Abstract: A down hole drilling motor includes a stator housing having an exterior surface, an upper end, a lower end, an upper vane mounting region at the upper end and lower vane mounting region at the lower end. An upper mounting sleeve engages the upper vane mounting region, such that rotation during use brings the upper mounting sleeve into contact with an upper contact shoulder. A lower mounting sleeve engages the lower vane mounting region, such that rotation during use brings the lower mounting sleeve into contact with a lower contact shoulder. A plurality of vanes are secured to each of the upper mounting sleeve and the lower mounting sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: William Ray Wenzel
  • Patent number: 7278479
    Abstract: A device for an underground well, typically a petroleum well (1), wherein, in the uncased inflow portion (2, 4, 6) of the well, there is placed an inflow pipe, possibly in the form of a strainer pipe (8) comprising a strainer/perforated outer mantle (16), a main pipe (12) located within and a number of preferably axial spacer strips (18) spaced apart about the external periphery of the main pipe and arranged to support the strainer mantle (16), whereby there are, in the space defined by the strainer mantle (16) and the main pipe (12), channels 20 between the spacers (18), and in one or more of the channels 20, there extends at least one cable, pipe or hose (34, 38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Reslink AS
    Inventors: Ole S. Kvernstuen, Kjartan Roaldsnes
  • Patent number: 7188689
    Abstract: A variable gauge drilling apparatus and a method for assembling a variable gauge drilling apparatus for insertion in a subject borehole. The variable gauge drilling apparatus includes: an apparatus housing having a housing size which is suitable for insertion in a subject borehole which has a subject borehole size within a design range of borehole sizes; a plurality of interchangeable borehole engaging devices having different device sizes for mounting on the apparatus housing to provide the drilling apparatus with a drilling apparatus size within a range of drilling apparatus sizes, wherein the range of drilling apparatus sizes is compatible for use of the drilling apparatus within the design range of borehole sizes; and a universal borehole engaging device mount located on the apparatus housing, wherein the mount is configured to accept for mounting any one of the plurality of interchangeable borehole engaging devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrance Dean Maxwell, Julio Garcia, Nestor Humberto Gil, Bryan James Restau, Richard T. Hay, Edward James Cargill
  • Patent number: 7188671
    Abstract: A highly flexible, wireline survey tool has roller knuckle joints that enable the survey tool string to penetrate and survey horizontal wells having inclinations of about 80° and more from vertical. The survey tool string includes a nose, roller stems, roller knuckle joints, and a highly accurate electronic gauge embedded in a roller cage. Each component has external wheels that are free to contact and roll when they make contact with the inner surfaces of the well. The wheels act as both friction-reducing elements and stand-offs for the survey tool string with respect to the inner surfaces of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mufrih Saad Al-Zahrani
  • Patent number: 7182131
    Abstract: A dual diameter centralizing sub for maintaining stand-off and/or centralizing a tubular member inside a larger diameter tubular member, for instance, in a wellbore. The centralizer is provided with bow springs that compress into grooves between radially outwardly-extending vanes that are spaced around the outer diameter of the sub when compressive force is applied to the bow springs. The vanes extend radially outwardly far enough that the effective diameter of the sub in the area of the vanes is greater than the diameter of the sub and/or the tubing to which it is mounted to provide stand-off even under conditions in which the bow springs are fully compressed while still maintaining fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: CaseTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Maximillian S. Gremillion
  • Patent number: 7159668
    Abstract: A centralizer 10 for mounting on a tubular member such as a section of casing, together with one or more stops 42, 48 for retaining the centralizer thereon. The stops 42, 48 are provided with profiles for engaging the centralizer to restrict rotation thereof. The centralizer 10 may be selectively permitted or restricted from rotation by selection of appropriate stops, and by relative movement of the stops and centralizer on the tubular. Certain embodiments of the centralizer 10 may also include blades 14 on the body thereof, the blades being formed such that the velocity and kinetic energy of fluid flow across the blades is altered, so reducing settling of drill cuttings within the bore and on the centralizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Futuretec Ltd.
    Inventor: Derek Frederick Herrera
  • Patent number: 7156171
    Abstract: A centralizer for maintaining stand-off and/or centralizing a tubular member inside a larger diameter tubular member, for instance, in a wellbore. The centralizer is provided with bow springs that compress to a minimal diameter around the outer diameter of the sub to which the centralizer is concentrically mounted when compressive force is applied to the bow springs to facilitate insertion of the centralizer into restricted openings and/or flow control or wellhead equipment. The minimal diameter of the centralizer is provided by mounting the bow springs to a reduced diameter portion of the collar that is mounted to the sub, and even greater reduction in diameter is achieved by mounting the bow springs in notches formed in the reduced diameter portion of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: CaseTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Maximillian S. Gremillion
  • Patent number: 7143825
    Abstract: A stabiliser is disclosed for stabilising a radially expandable tubular element extending in a wellbore drilled into an earth formation. The stabiliser comprises a radially expandable tubular member selected from a section of the tubular element and a sleeve surrounding the tubular element, and at least one stabiliser arm connected to the tubular member, each arm being movable from a radially retracted position to a radially extended position by the action of a spring force. The stabiliser further comprises locking means arranged to lock each arm in the retracted position when the tubular element is in the unexpanded form and to unlock the arm upon radial expansion of the tubular member so as to allow the arm to move to the extended position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Michael Edward Pointing
  • Patent number: 7140431
    Abstract: A centralizer is disclosed for stabilizing a radially expandable tubular element extending in a wellbore drilled into an earth formation. The centralizer has a tubular member selected from a section of the tubular element and a sleeve surrounding the tubular element, and at least one centralizer blade, each blade including a first arm connected to the tubular member in a manner allowing the first arm to hinge relative the tubular member between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position thereof, and a second arm connected to the tubular member at a point circumferentially spaced from the point of connection of the first arm to the tubular member. The second arm has an end part connected to the first arm so as to induce movement of the first arm from the retracted position to the extended position upon radial expansion of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Michael John Betts
  • Patent number: 7140432
    Abstract: A dual diameter centralizing sub for maintaining stand-off and/or centralizing a tubular member inside a larger diameter tubular member, for instance, in a wellbore. The centralizer is provided with bow springs that compress into grooves between radially outwardly-extending vanes that are spaced around the outer diameter of the sub when compressive force is applied to the bow springs. The vanes extend radially outwardly far enough that the effective diameter of the sub in the area of the vanes is greater than the diameter of the sub and/or the tubing to which it is mounted to provide stand-off even under conditions in which the bow springs are fully compressed while still maintaining fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: CaseTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Maximillian S. Gremillion
  • Patent number: 7134502
    Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hudson Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Blanchard, Jr., Sandra Remedies, John Rucker, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7124825
    Abstract: A crimpable wear band (105) tool has been invented for installation on casing (6), used in well bore drilling. A wear band (105) is provided having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the wear band (105) tool and the pipe (6) can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the wear band tool on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or running the casing in to complete a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice William Slack
  • Patent number: 7096940
    Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system with an insulated pipe, which may be a titanium stress joint. The centralizer system utilizes one or more centralizers mounted such that insulation material is provided in an annulus between the one or more centralizers and the stress joint. A clamp is utilized to axially affix either one centralizer or multiple centralizers to the stress joint. The clamp is comprised of a plurality of sections with cylindrical interior surfaces which are tightened together using fasteners. The cylindrical interior surfaces avoid damage to the insulation layer which may be elastomeric. The clamp and each centralizer have radially directed projections thereon which interlock the clamp with each centralizer. Because the clamp is axially affixed, the centralizer is then also axially affixed. In one embodiment, the centralizer is axially moveable to a desired axial position prior to being interlocked to the tightened clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: RTI Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. G. Baxter, Christopher S. Caldwell, Robert E. Rose, Jr., Brent L. Dyer, Michael Beard, Roy Daniel Avery
  • Patent number: 7096939
    Abstract: This invention relates to a slotted expandable centraliser. In preferred embodiments, the centraliser is adapted to be used in conjunction with slotted casing, and can expand with the casing when an expander cone is propelled through the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Downhole Products plc
    Inventors: Ian Alastair Kirk, William Barron, Alistair Bertram Clark
  • Patent number: 7082997
    Abstract: A crimpable centralizer has been invented for installation on pipe, such as would be useful in well bore drilling and casing operations. The present invention provides a centralizer having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of the cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the centralizer and the pipe can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the centralizer on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or completing well bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice William Slack
  • Patent number: 7055631
    Abstract: A drill pipe protector having a tubular sleeve that is attached to a section of drill pipe and resides over the outer diameter of the drill pipe while moving within an associated well casing or well hole. The sleeve has low-friction end pads positioned on the ends of the sleeve to reduce friction between the ends of the sleeve and the end of an adjacent thrust bearing collar used to hold the sleeve in place on the drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc
    Inventors: Brian Mitchell, Andrew Dale Fuller, Norman Bruce Moore
  • Patent number: 7044232
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and method for securing together longitudinal members for use in a well. A common application of the invention is for securing an electric submersible pumping assembly to a bypass tubing. Embodiments of the invention resist rotation of the members but allow the members a degree of axial movement with respect to each other. Thus differential thermal expansion of the members does not result in tension between the connections. During assembly of the members before deployment in the well, the various components which can make up the members can be moved and aligned axially with respect to each other in order fit together. This simplifies assembly of the various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Zenith Oilfield Technology Limited
    Inventors: Leslie Eric Jordon, Keith Kettlewell
  • Patent number: 6997254
    Abstract: A spring centralizer device for supporting a tubular member spaced from the wall of a bore is made from a single piece of boron steel material. The spring centralizer device has first and second collars spaced apart along a longitudinal axis. Spring bow portions extend between the collars. As the device is made from a single piece of material, the material extends seamlessly from each collar portion through the bow portions so that there are no joins or points of weakness. Use of boron steel means that the device can be made by cold forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Domain Licences Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Jenner
  • Patent number: 6966371
    Abstract: A dual diameter centralizing sub for maintaining stand-off and/or centralizing a tubular member inside a larger diameter tubular member, for instance, in a wellbore. The centralizer is provided with bow springs that compress into grooves between radially outwardly-extending vanes that are spaced around the outer diameter of the sub when compressive force is applied to the bow springs. The vanes extend radially outwardly far enough that the effective diameter of the sub in the area of the vanes is greater than the diameter of the sub and/or the tubing to which it is mounted to provide stand-off even under conditions in which the bow springs are fully compressed while still maintaining fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: CaseTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Maximillian S. Gremillion
  • Patent number: 6962205
    Abstract: A clamp for supporting a subsea wellhead and attached casing string preparatory to installing same in a well, and slip bowl assembly for running a drill pipe cementing string inside the casing string. The clamp comprises two hinged together clamp halves with a connector to permit the clamp to be locked about a subsea wellhead. Half-circle cutouts in each clamp half form a clamp bore when the clamp is closed. The clamp bore has a grooved profile to mate with a grooved profile on the exterior of the subsea wellhead. When the subsea wellhead is clamped in place, with the clamp resting on the rig floor, a slip bowl assembly having a grooved base plate is placed atop the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Milford Lay, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6920924
    Abstract: A unitary pipe loop component for use with a sinker bar and a pair of pipes in a wellbore includes a return bend pipe fitting having a fluid flow passage configured to extend between the pipes in the wellbore, and further includes a sleeve having a passage with open opposite ends to receive the sinker bar through the sleeve. A weight suspension structure is connected to the sleeve and the pipe fitting as another distinct portion of the unitary pipe loop component, and has a knockout portion configured to provide an eyelet for insertion of a hook, tether, or the like for suspension of a weight. The eyelet may alternatively receive an anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Mark A. Roesch, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr., Stevan Joe White
  • Patent number: 6907944
    Abstract: A tool is presented for making density measurements of a formation surrounding a wellbore, comprising a collar housing in a drill string. The housing has at least one first section with a first outer diameter, and at least one sensing section with a second outer diameter located proximate the at least one first section. The second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter. A radioactive source is disposed in the sensing section of the housing. At least two detectors are disposed in the sensing section and spaced from the radioactive source and are positioned to detect radiation resulting from gamma rays emitted by the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew John Sale, Cornelis Huiszoon, Phillip Lawrence Kurkoski, Volker Krueger, Harald Grimmer
  • Patent number: 6871706
    Abstract: A casing centralizer having a pair of longitudinally spaced collars adapted to be assembled about a conduit, and a plurality of outwardly bowed springs extending longitudinally between the collars. Each collar has internal and external upsets formed therein. The external upsets are generally U shaped to receive the end of the bow spring. Each bow spring has an opening at each end thereof adapted to receive the internally upset material, with the internally upset material so formed to extending into the bow spring opening thereby locking the end portion of the bow spring within the externally formed U shaped upsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Albert Hennessey
  • Patent number: 6845816
    Abstract: A centralizer for use in centralizing casing or other tubulars such as tubulars in an oil or gas well comprising an annular body with a bore extending through the body and one or more blades, the centralizer being adapted to fit around a tubular to be centralized, and comprising a tempered metal such as austemperized ductile iron (ADI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Downhole Products, PLC
    Inventors: Ian Alastair Kirk, William Barron, Allstair Bertram Clark, Arron Rimmer, Barry Newton
  • Patent number: 6830106
    Abstract: A multilateral well completion. In a described embodiment, a multilateral well completion system includes a completion apparatus installed in a cased parent wellbore. The completion apparatus has an opening in its side which is rotationally aligned with a window in the parent wellbore casing. A tubular string is inserted through an inner tubular structure of the apparatus, through the opening, through the window, and into a branch wellbore extending outwardly from the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 6830102
    Abstract: A centraliser primarily for use when casing an oil or gas well, the centraliser having low frictions coatings or sliders on the outer surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Downhole Products PLC
    Inventors: Ian Alastair Kirk, William Barron, Alistair Bertram Clark
  • Publication number: 20040244967
    Abstract: An expandable centralizer is disclosed having a body having a first portion of circular cross-section and a second portion of polyhedral cross-section. Centralizing members are arranged on the faces of the second portion which, in a first position, limit the diameter of the tool so that it can pass through small openings in a wellbore. The centralizing members can then be moved hydraulically across the faces to extend and provide support for the expandable downhole tool in larger openings within the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Richard A. Armell
  • Publication number: 20040231854
    Abstract: A crimpable centralizer has been invented for installation on pipe, such as would be useful in well bore drilling and casing operations. The present invention provides a centralizer having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of the cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the centralizer and the pipe can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the centralizer on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or completing well bores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Maurice William Slack
  • Publication number: 20040206509
    Abstract: A crimpable wear band (105) tool has been invented for installation on casing (6), used in well bore drilling. A wear band (105) is provided having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the wear band (105) tool and the pipe (6) can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the wear band tool on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or running the casing in to complete a well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Maurice William Slack