Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Marlin R. Smith
  • Method and apparatus for use with two or more hydraulic conduits deployed downhole
    Patent number: 6595292
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with two or more hydraulic conduits deployed downhole reduces a number of penetrations required through a well bulkhead for a given number of fluid paths extending therethrough. In a described embodiment, a fluid conductor includes multiple fluid paths extending therein. The fluid conductor is installed in an aperture formed through a bulkhead. Couplings are connected on opposite sides of the bulkhead to opposite ends of the fluid conductor. Multiple hydraulic lines are connected to each of the couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Purkis, Michael A. Reid, Stephen Reid
  • Internally oriented perforating apparatus
    Patent number: 6595290
    Abstract: An internally oriented perforating apparatus and associated method of perforating provide increased reliability in orienting perforating charges to shoot in desired directions in a well. In a described example, a perforating gun includes a tubular gun carrier, multiple perforating charges, multiple charge mounting structures and multiple rotating supports. The rotating supports are attached between the charge mounting structures, or at least between the perforating charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Flint R. George, Melissa G. Allin
  • Hydrophone for use in a downhole tool
    Patent number: 6594199
    Abstract: A pressure pulse sensor and associated methods provide enhanced functionality and convenience in detecting pressure pulses. In a described embodiment, a hydrophone includes a stack of disc-shaped lead titanate piezoelectric crystals enclosed within an epoxy membrane and a mounting portion which is aligned with a center of mass of the crystal stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Birchak, Alvin B. Miller, John W. Harrell
  • Methods of calibrating pressure and temperature transducers and associated apparatus
    Patent number: 6594602
    Abstract: A calibration method provides enhanced accuracy in calibrating outputs of sensors. In embodiments described herein, the outputs of one or more sensors are input to a neural network and the neural network is trained to generate calibrated outputs in response thereto. In one method, the neural network is trained to simulate the output of a known accurate reference sensor in response to input to the neural network of the output of a subject sensor. In another method, the neural network is trained to simulate the output of a known accurate reference sensor in response to input to the neural network of the output of a subject sensor and the output of a second sensor. Additional methods are provided which compensate for changes in a stimulus applied to a sensor, the output which is indicative of another stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Lynn Schultz
  • Hydraulic control system for downhole tools
    Patent number: 6591914
    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 multiple control modules, each of which has a member that is displaceable to multiple predetermined positions to thereby select a corresponding one of multiple well tool assemblies for operation thereof. When the member of a certain control module 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. The members of the multiple control modules are displaced simultaneously in response to pressure on a line connected to each of the control modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hallliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr.
  • Methods and associated apparatus for downhole data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation
    Patent number: 6588505
    Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Kent Beck, Clark E. Robison, Arthur Isadore Burke, Ian Colin Phillips, Elbert Juan Smith, Tance Jackson
  • Hydraulic well control system
    Patent number: 6575237
    Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals and hydraulic power to downhole well tools while reducing the number of hydraulic lines installed in the wellbore. Hydraulic control signals can be furnished at relatively lower pressures, and the hydraulic pressure within the line can be selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic actuation power. The system can provide multiple control paths through a few number of hydraulic lines to provide flexibility and verification of well tool operation. Closed loop hydraulic operation monitors well tool operation, and a combination of pressurized hydraulic lines can provide an operating code for selective downhole well tool control. Four hydraulic lines can provide independent control and actuation of seven well tools, and additional combinations can be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Welldynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Purkis, Brett W. Bouldin
  • Digital hydraulic well control system
    Patent number: 6567013
    Abstract: A well control system and associated method of controlling well tools provides downhole well tool control without requiring the use of electricity or complex pressure pulse decoding mechanisms. In a described embodiment, a digital hydraulic well control system includes multiple well tool assemblies, with each assembly including a well tool, an actuator and an addressable actuation control device. Multiple hydraulic lines are interconnected to each control device. The hydraulic lines transmit addresses or codes to respective selected ones of the control devices, thereby selecting corresponding respective ones of the well tools for actuation thereof. Hydraulic lines are also used to actuate the selected well tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Purkis, Brett W. Bouldin
  • Methods and apparatus for interconnecting well tool assemblies in continuous tubing strings
    Patent number: 6561278
    Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventors: Henry L. Restarick, John C. Gano, Patrick E. Laursen, Michael L. Connell, Nicida Maerefat
  • Downhole drilling apparatus
    Patent number: 6550550
    Abstract: A downhole drilling apparatus for interconnection in a casing or liner string having a drill bit disposed thereon for enabling the drilling of intersecting wellbores without removal of the drill bit is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the apparatus comprises a housing having a window. A whipstock is disposed within the housing. Between the window and the whipstock is a filler. The whipstock and the filler define a central bore providing a fluid path through the apparatus. A back pressure valve may be disposed within the central bore to prevent back flow of fluids through the apparatus. Once the total depth of an initial wellbore is reached, the casing or liner string, including the apparatus, may be cemented in place. Thereafter, an intersecting wellbore may be drilled by laterally deflecting a second drill bit with the whipstock through the window of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hanton, Tommie A. Freeman, William M. Imwalle
  • Low profile static wellhead plug
    Patent number: 6547009
    Abstract: A plug is provided for use in conjunction with a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a wellhead plug includes multiple outwardly extendable lugs for engagement with corresponding multiple oppositely facing shoulders formed internally on a bore extending in a wellhead. The lugs engage the shoulders to thereby resist pressure applied to the plug in the bore from above or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Vick, Jr.
  • Explosive system for casing damage repair
    Patent number: 6536349
    Abstract: An explosive system is disclosed which may be used in repair of damaged casing. In a described embodiment, an explosive system includes a flexible elongated tubular container with a liquid explosive disposed within the container. As an alternative, the liquid explosive may be flowed into a wellbore without being retained within a container. The liquid explosive is detonated in the wellbore, thereby fragmenting the damaged casing and forcing it out into a formation surrounding the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Patterson, Richard J. Foret
  • Methods of downhole testing subterranean formations and associated apparatus therefor
    Patent number: 6527052
    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 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Mark Anton Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Hinz, Gregory N. Gilbert, Harold Wayne Nivens, Mehdi Azari
  • Vibration based downhole power generator
    Patent number: 6504258
    Abstract: A downhole power generator produces electrical power for use by downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a downhole power generator includes a member that is vibrated in response to fluid flow through a housing. Vibration of the member causes a power generating assembly to generate electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Lynn Schultz, Paul David Ringgenberg, Clark Edward Robison, Robert Ken Michael, Russell Irving Bayh, III
  • Methods and associated apparatus for downhole data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation
    Patent number: 6497280
    Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Kent Beck, Clark E. Robison, Arthur Isadore Burke, Ian Colin Phillips, Elbert Juan Smith, Tance Jackson
  • Single trip perforating and fracturing/gravel packing
    Patent number: 6497284
    Abstract: A well completion system and associated methods of completing wells provides enhanced convenience in well completions involving well treatment operations. In a described embodiment, a single trip perforating and fracturing/gravel packing method permits a well completion assembly including a well screen and a perforating gun to be installed in a well, the well to be perforated and treated, and the perforating gun to be retrieved from the well in a single trip. Retrieval of the perforating gun permits multiple zone completions in the well without the perforating guns remaining in the well thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald van Petegem, Colby M. Ross
  • Single trip perforating and fracturing/gravel packing
    Patent number: 6494260
    Abstract: A well completion system and associated methods of completing wells provides enhanced convenience in well completions involving well treatment operations. In a described embodiment, a single trip perforating and fracturing/gravel packing method permits a well completion assembly including a well screen and a perforating gun to be installed in a well, the well to be perforated and treated, and the perforating gun to be retrieved from the well in a single trip. Retrieval of the perforating gun permits multiple zone completions in the well without the perforating guns remaining in the well thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald van Petegem, Colby M. Ross
  • Method of controlling a subsurface safety valve
    Patent number: 6491106
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of a subsurface hydraulically operated well tool. In a described embodiment, a surface controlled subsurface safety valve is controlled utilizing two control lines. The control lines are hydraulically connected to respective ones of two pistons in the safety valve. Pressure applied to either of the two pistons is capable of independently operating the safety valve. In normal operation, pressure is applied to both of the pistons. However, when a failure occurs in one of the control lines, the other may still be used to operate the safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Floyd R. Simonds
  • Field development methods
    Patent number: 6488087
    Abstract: A field development system and associated methods provide a main wellbore intersecting a formation and having fractures extending outwardly from the main wellbore into the formation. Multiple additional wellbores, spaced apart from the main wellbore and without associated additional production facilities, intersect the fractures and provide auxiliary drainage of the formation into the main wellbore via the fractures extending outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Longbottom, Tommie A. Freeman
  • Methods and associated apparatus for downhole data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation
    Patent number: 6481505
    Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Kent Beck, Clark E. Robison, Arthur Isadore Burke, Ian Colin Phillips, Elbert Juan Smith, Tance Jackson