Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Marlin R. Smith
  • Method of gravel packing for a gas storage and production system
    Patent number: 6763885
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis Wayne Cavender
  • Fluid property sensors and associated methods of calibrating sensors in a subterranean well
    Patent number: 6755247
    Abstract: Fluid property sensors and associated methods of calibrating sensors in a well provide enhanced well monitoring and control. In one described embodiment, an external venturi flowmeter is utilized to determine a flow rate of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In another described embodiment, a gamma ray fluid density sensor utilizes a unique combination of gamma ray sources and detectors to determine a density of fluid flowing through a tubing string. In yet another embodiment, external tubing string sensors are used to determine properties of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In still another embodiment, sensor systems for multiple independently produced zones are calibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Moake, Eugene Linyaev, Robert A. Moore, John P. Rogers
  • Method of forming downhole tubular string connections
    Patent number: 6749026
    Abstract: A method of forming a downhole connection between tubular strings includes the step of crimping the tubular strings together. The tubular strings may be positioned in the same wellbore, or the tubular strings may be positioned in different intersecting wellbores during the crimping step. One of the tubular strings may be expanded outwardly within the other tubular string prior to the crimping step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray C. Smith, Neil Hepburn
  • Multi-parameter interferometric fiber optic sensor
    Patent number: 6747743
    Abstract: A fiber optic sensor system permits multiple parameters to be sensed using a single sensor. In a described embodiment, a method of sensing multiple parameters is provided in which an interferometric fiber optic sensor is connected to a variable wavelength light source. Light is transmitted from the light source through the sensor, with the light being swept over a range of wavelengths to measure relatively low frequency signals, and the light being maintained at a constant wavelength to measure relatively high frequency signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, John R. Dennis, Michel LeBlanc
  • Isolation bypass joint system and completion method for a multilateral well
    Patent number: 6732802
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray C. Smith
  • Multiple tube structure
    Patent number: 6729410
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Methods of downhole testing subterranean formations and associated apparatus therefor
    Patent number: 6729398
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Mark A. Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold W. Nivens, Mehdi Azari
  • Expandable liner and associated methods of regulating fluid flow in a well
    Patent number: 6725918
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Gano
  • Annulus pressure operated electric power generator
    Patent number: 6717283
    Abstract: Electric power is generated downhole by changes in annulus pressure. In a described embodiment, a system for generating electric power includes a piston, an accumulator, a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a turbine, and a generator. A change in annulus pressure causes displacement of the piston due to a pressure differential between the annulus and the accumulator. Piston displacement causes the hydraulic fluid to flow through the turbine, thereby driving the generator to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Michael L. Fripp, Roger L. Schultz
  • Junction isolation apparatus and methods for use in multilateral well treatment operations
    Patent number: 6712148
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Fipke, Ernest C. Bailey, David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender
  • Downhole tool actuating apparatus and method that utilizes a gas absorptive material
    Patent number: 6695061
    Abstract: An actuator uses a gas absorptive material to produce displacement of a member of the actuator. In a described embodiment, an actuator includes a metal hydride powder. When the powder absorbs hydrogen gas, it expands and displaces a piston. When the powder discharges hydrogen gas, the powder contracts, displacing the piston in an opposite direction. Various methods of controlling gas absorption and discharge are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Neal G. Skinner, Roger L. Schultz
  • Metal to metal seal for use in well plugging applications, and associated methods
    Patent number: 6675894
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Robert Guyden
  • Aerosol UV dye cleaner
    Patent number: 6677285
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Technical Chemical Company
    Inventor: Newton Howard Dudley
  • Downhole electrical power system
    Patent number: 6672382
    Abstract: A downhole electrical power system provides long term electrical power in a downhole environment. In a described embodiment, a downhole electrical power system includes a power source which supplies electrical power to a well tool interconnected in a tubular string. The power source includes a voltaic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock Watson, Michael L. Fripp, Juanita M. Cassidy
  • Hydraulic control system for downhole tools
    Patent number: 6668936
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Virgilio Garcia-Soule, Perry C. Shy, Leo G. Collins
  • Refrigerant charging tool
    Patent number: 6655407
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Technical Chemical Company
    Inventor: Newton Howard Dudley
  • Method of progressively gravel packing a zone
    Patent number: 6644404
    Abstract: A method of progressively gravel packing is provided which enables individual sections of a continuous wellbore portion to be gravel packed in succession. In a described embodiment, multiple well screens are positioned in a wellbore. A continuous portion of the wellbore is isolated using, for example, one or more packers, with the well screens being disposed in the isolated portion. The isolated wellbore portion is then progressively gravel packed in successive individual predetermined sections of the isolated wellbore portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert K. Michael, Syed Hamid
  • Measurements of properties and transmission of measurements in subterranean wells
    Patent number: 6644110
    Abstract: A system of measuring properties, such as pressure, and transmitting measurements in a subterranean well. In a described example, a valve system includes a valve having a closure member. A sensor senses a pressure differential across the closure member. A tool positioned in the valve transmits power to the valve to operate the sensor, and the sensed pressure differential is transmitted from the valve to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Fredrick D. Curtis, Paul Spriggs, Vimal V. Shah
  • Open hole formation testing
    Patent number: 6622554
    Abstract: Systems and methods particularly suitable for open hole formation testing are provided. In a described embodiment, a method of performing a test on a formation intersected by a wellbore includes the steps of flowing fluid into an apparatus from the formation, displacing a fluid barrier of the apparatus in one direction, flowing the formation fluid out of the apparatus and back into the formation by applying pressure to the apparatus, and displacing the fluid barrier in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Manke, Harold Wayne Nivens, Samuel Bianco, Charles M. MacPhail, Ricardo Maldonado
  • Fluid property sensors and associated methods of calibrating sensors in a subterranean well
    Patent number: 6604581
    Abstract: Fluid property sensors and associated methods of calibrating sensors in a well provide enhanced well monitoring and control. In one described embodiment, an external venturi flowmeter is utilized to determine a flow rate of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In another described embodiment, a gamma ray fluid density sensor utilizes a unique combination of gamma ray sources and detectors to determine a density of fluid flowing through a tubing string. In yet another embodiment, external tubing string sensors are used to determine properties of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In still another embodiment, sensor systems for multiple independently produced zones are calibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Moake, Eugene Linyaev, Robert A. Moore, John P. Rogers