Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm J. Richard Konneker
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Patent number: 6953094Abstract: A subterranean well completion has a tubular structure in which a remote controlled robot is permanently disposed. The robot is self-propelled, programmable, receives instructions from and communicates data to the surface, and is adapted to receive power from a downhole source and perform a variety of well tasks such as, for example, positioning valves and other well tools and sensing the values of predetermined downhole parameters and relaying the sensed information to the surface. The robot, which is operable without physical intervention through the tubular structure to the robot, propels itself to a location in the tubular structure at which a desired well task is to be performed, performs the task and then parks itself in the tubular structure until another well task is to be performed by the robot.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Colby Munro Ross, Robert L. Thurman, Syed Hamid, Clifford David Wohleb, Jr., Ronald W. McGregor
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Patent number: 6941652Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ralph H. Echols, Anthony D. Simone, Sam A. Hopkins
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Patent number: 6830106Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Travis W. Cavender
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Patent number: 6820693Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for use in a subterranean well incorporates therein an electromagnetic frequency receiver coupled to a motor section which, in turn, is coupled to the mechanically actuatable firing head portion of the perforating gun. The assembly is lowered into a cased wellbore to a subterranean formation location, and a surface-disposed transmitter generates encoded electromagnetic waves through the earth to the receiver. Upon sensing in the received waves a predetermined frequency and embedded firing code, the receiver electrically operates the motor which, in turn, mechanically actuates the firing head to initiate the firing of the perforating gun. While the assembly is illustratively lowered into the wellbore on a tubing structure, a variety of non-tubing structures may be alternatively utilized to lower the gun assembly into the wellbore and operatively support it therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: John H. Hales, Brian R. Duea, Rebecca A. McConnell
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Patent number: 6799686Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ralph H. Echols, Anthony D. Simone, Sam A. Hopkins
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Patent number: 6789620Abstract: Methods are provided for downhole sensing and flow control utilizing neural networks. In a described embodiment, a temporary sensor is positioned downhole with a permanent sensor. Outputs of the temporary and permanent sensors are recorded as training data sets. A neural network is trained using the training data sets. When the temporary sensor is no longer present or no longer operational in the well, the neural network is capable of determining the temporary sensor's output in response to the input to the neural network of the permanent sensor's output.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Bruce H. Storm, Jr., John R. Dennis, John M. Richardson
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Patent number: 6789628Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling flow and access in multilateral completions provide for controlling rates of flow from intersecting wellbores. Flow from a branch wellbore and flow from a lower parent wellbore are controlled by respective remotely actuated flow control devices interconnected in a production tubing string in the parent wellbore. Access is provided to both of the wellbores below an intersection of the wellbores.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Joe E. Hess, Benji L. Smith
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Patent number: 6786283Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which enhance drilling and completion of wellbore intersections. In a described embodiment, a cutting tool diverter is used to drill a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a main wellbore. The diverter is provided with an outer easily millable portion which reduces the amount of time needed to retrieve the diverter. In another embodiment, a substance is injected into a formation surrounding the intersection of the main and branch wellbores, to thereby facilitate sealing of the intersection.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Tommie A. Freeman, James R. Longbottom
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Patent number: 6772841Abstract: An expandable float shoe and associated methods are provided. In a described embodiment, an expandable float shoe is attached to a leg of an expandable wellbore junction. The float shoe and leg are radially compressed, such as by folding along their axial lengths. The wellbore junction is conveyed into a well and expanded by applying pressure therein. The float shoe expands outward, along with the leg of the wellbore junction.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: John C. Gano
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Patent number: 6763885Abstract: A gas storage and production system decreases production of formation sand and permits high gas flow rates in storing and producing operations. In a described embodiment, different flowpaths are used for injecting and withdrawing gas from a subterranean formation. In another embodiment, a gravel pack is confined to a set volume, so that it is not expanded when gas flows at a relatively high rate therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Travis Wayne Cavender
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Patent number: 6732802Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well utilizes an isolation bypass transition joint at a wellbore intersection. In a described embodiment, the isolation bypass transition joint has multiple plug devices in a sidewall thereof. The transition joint extends laterally from one wellbore into another. After a cementing operation, the plug devices are opened to permit flow through the transition joint sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Ray C. Smith
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Patent number: 6729410Abstract: A multiple tube structure provides enhanced utilization of limited cross-sectional area in a wellbore. In a described embodiment, a tube system includes multiple tubular members rigidly attached to each other along axial lengths thereof. The tubular members are configured so that they conform to an interior of a generally D-shaped portion of a circle.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: David J. Steele
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Patent number: 6725918Abstract: A method of regulating flow through a first tubular structure in a well provides flow control by use of an expandable second tubular structure inserted into the first tubular structure and deformed therein. In a described embodiment, a liner has sealing material externally disposed thereon. Expansion of the liner within a screen assembly may be used to sealingly engage the liner with one or more well screens of the screen assembly, and may be used to regulate a rate of fluid flow through one or more of the well screens.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: John C. Gano
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Patent number: 6712148Abstract: Specially designed apparatus is utilized to provide convenient isolation of a wellbore junction from pressure and corrosion during an acid fracturing stimulation process performed in a main or branch wellbore portion downhole from the junction. The apparatus has an outer tubular portion which may be installed, in a single trip into the main wellbore, in a straddling and sealing relationship with the junction, and an inner tubular structure sealingly and removably received within the outer tubular structure. Fracturing acid may be pumped directly down the main wellbore, and then to the formation to be stimulated, via the interior of the outer tubular structure, after the removal of the inner tubular structure subsequent to its use in facilitating a downhole pressure test of a lower end seal portion of the outer tubular structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Fipke, Ernest C. Bailey, David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender
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Patent number: 6677285Abstract: An aerosol UV dye cleaner. In a described embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning UV dye from an air conditioning system includes a UV dye cleaner, a propellant and an aerosol can having the cleaner and the propellant pressurized therein. The apparatus is particularly useful in servicing automotive air conditioning systems in which access to system components is restricted.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Technical Chemical CompanyInventor: Newton Howard Dudley
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Patent number: 6675894Abstract: A plug is provided for use in well plugging applications. In a described embodiment, the plug has a metal to metal seal on a hollow spherical structure. A change in contact pressure between the seal and a bore due to a change in differential pressure across the plug is regulated by changing characteristics of the plug structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Robert Guyden
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Patent number: 6668936Abstract: A hydraulic control system and associated methods provides selective control of operation of multiple well tool assemblies. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control system includes a control module which has a member that is displaceable to multiple predetermined positions to thereby select from among multiple well tool assemblies for operation thereof. When the member is in a selected position, an actuator of a corresponding one of the well tool assemblies is placed in fluid communication with a flowpath connected to the control module. When the member is in another selected position, the flowpath is placed in fluid communication with an actuator of another one of the well tool assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Virgilio Garcia-Soule, Perry C. Shy, Leo G. Collins
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Patent number: 6668932Abstract: A wellbore junction isolation method and associated apparatus provide convenient isolation of a wellbore junction while permitting certain operations to be performed in a main or branch wellbore below the junction. In described embodiments, formations intersected by a main or branch wellbore below a wellbore junction may be stimulated by fracturing after installing an assembly at the wellbore junction, in a straddling and sealing relationship therewith, to isolate it from pressures applied during the fracturing operation. The illustrated isolation assembly may be installed in a single trip into the main wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Joseph E. Hess, Benji Smith
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Patent number: 6659184Abstract: A multi-line back pressure control system for providing two way hydraulic line movement while maintaining back pressure control. Check valves are integrated in hydraulic fluid control lines extending downhole into a wellbore. Each check valve is pilot operated with pressure from another hydraulic line to selectively open the lines for two way fluid communication. Removal of the pilot pressure closes the check valves to provide passive back pressure control against catastrophic wellbore events. Pilot pressure operation between multiple pressurized lines can be provided with valves such as three-way, three-position piloted valves.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Welldynamics, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, Brett W. Bouldin, Richard P. Rubbo
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Patent number: 6655407Abstract: A refrigerant charging tool. In a described embodiment, a refrigerant charging tool has two separately formed handles pivotably attached to each other. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. Interchangeable spacers are configured for attachment to the other handle, so that a selected one of differently shaped containers may be biased against the container piercing member when the handles are pivoted toward each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Technical Chemical CompanyInventor: Newton Howard Dudley