Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Marlin R. Smith
  • Sealed multilateral junction system
    Patent number: 7070000
    Abstract: A sealed multilateral junction system provides fluid isolation between intersecting wellbores in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore junction includes the steps of sealing a tubular string in a branch wellbore to a tubular structure in a parent wellbore. The tubular string may be secured to the tubular structure utilizing a flange which is larger in size than a window formed in the tubular structure. The flange may be sealed to the tubular structure about the window by a metal to metal seal or by adhering the flange to the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray C. Smith, Terry A. Schroter
  • Power tongs
    Patent number: 7069817
    Abstract: Damage to pipe resulting from non-uniform application of gripping forces is minimized by modified power tongs employing pivoting jaws which automatically adjust to the circumference of the pipe. The pivoting jaws pivot about mounting pins which pass through an elongated aperture in the jaw. The aperture is elongated in a direction which allows the arcuate pipe-gripping surface on the jaw to align itself concentric with the outer surface of the pipe so that the gripping force applied by the jaw is uniformly distributed over the arcuate pipe-gripping surface of the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: William E. Wesch, Jr.
  • Multiplexed distribution of optical power
    Patent number: 7072588
    Abstract: An optical power distribution system and method permits multiple power consuming devices to be selectively supplied with power using a single fiber optic line. In a described embodiment, multiple electrical power consuming well tools are interconnected to a fiber optic line extending into a well. Control modules are interconnected between the fiber optic line and the well tools. When a particular optical wavelength band is transmitted through the fiber optic line, a corresponding one of the control modules causes the respective well tool to be selected for electrical power to be supplied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal G. Skinner
  • Sealed multilateral junction system
    Patent number: 7066272
    Abstract: A sealed multilateral junction system provides fluid isolation between intersecting wellbores in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore junction includes the steps of sealing a tubular string in a branch wellbore to a tubular structure in a parent wellbore. The tubular string may be secured to the tubular structure utilizing a flange which is larger in size than a window formed in the tubular structure. The flange may be sealed to the tubular structure about the window by a metal to metal seal or by adhering the flange to the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray C. Smith, Terry A. Schroter
  • Multi-layer deformable composite construction for use in a subterranean well
    Patent number: 7063163
    Abstract: A multi-layer deformable composite construction. In a described embodiment, a method of expanding a structure in a wellbore includes the steps of: positioning the structure in an unexpanded configuration in the wellbore, the structure including a wall made up of multiple layers; expanding the structure to an expanded configuration while permitting relative displacement between the layers; and then preventing relative displacement between the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, John C. Gano
  • Packer releasing methods
    Patent number: 7055596
    Abstract: Methods of releasing a well tool set in a wellbore are provided. In various embodiments, a well tool, such as a packer, is released from sealing and gripping engagement within a wellbore using alternate methods. A dual-string packer is described in which the packer may be released by severing a mandrel of the packer, displacing a piston of the packer, or by displacing a retaining device in a flow passage of the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Marion D. Kilgore, Daniel L. Patterson
  • Slickline signal filtering apparatus and methods
    Patent number: 7053787
    Abstract: A signal filtering apparatus and associated methods enable noise to be significantly reduced or eliminated from a signal. In a described embodiment, the signal is indicative of tension in a slickline. An adaptive filter is used to effectively cancel the noise from the signal, using an input signal characteristic of a noise source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Dingding Chen, Orlando DeJesús
  • Safety valve having extension spring closure mechanism
    Patent number: 7021386
    Abstract: A safety valve having an extension spring closure mechanism. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well is provided which includes a biasing device and a closure member having open and closed positions. The biasing device has a length which decreases as the closure member displaces toward the closed position. The biasing device may be an extension spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Leo G. Collins
  • Methods of downhole testing subterranean formations and associated apparatus therefor
    Patent number: 7021375
    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: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    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
  • Sealed multilateral junction system
    Patent number: 7017668
    Abstract: A sealed multilateral junction system provides fluid isolation between intersecting wellbores in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore junction includes the steps of sealing a tubular string in a branch wellbore to a tubular structure in a parent wellbore. The tubular string may be secured to the tubular structure utilizing a flange which is larger in size than a window formed in the tubular structure. The flange may be sealed to the tubular structure about the window by a metal to metal seal or by adhering the flange to the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray C. Smith, Terry A. Schroter
  • Annulus pressure operated well monitoring
    Patent number: 7012545
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a well. In a described embodiment, the method uses annulus pressure to communicate between a downhole system and a remote location. The method may use intermittent electrical power generated by changes in annulus pressure to power the downhole system. Various sensors and well tools may be monitored and actuated by the downhole system, and acquired data may be transmitted to the remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Michael L. Fripp, Roger L. Schultz
  • Latch profile installation in existing casing
    Patent number: 7000704
    Abstract: A method of installing an internal latch profile in an existing tubular string does not require the use of a packer. In a described embodiment, a method of latch installation includes the step of deforming an interior surface of the tubular string after the tubular string is positioned in a well. In another described embodiment, a method of latch installation includes the step of cutting into the interior surface of the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray C. Smith
  • Expanding wellbore junction
    Patent number: 7000695
    Abstract: An expanding wellbore junction system, apparatus and methods are provided for forming a sealed wellbore intersection in a subterranean well. In one described method, an expandable wellbore junction is expanded within an under-reamed cavity in a wellbore. Intersecting tubular legs of the wellbore junction are then drifted using a drifting apparatus. A deflection device may be used to direct a drift of the drifting apparatus into a selected one of the wellbore junction legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Ernest C. Bailey, Jody R. McGlothen
  • Sealed multilateral junction system
    Patent number: 7000703
    Abstract: A sealed multilateral junction system provides fluid isolation between intersecting wellbores in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore junction includes the steps of sealing a tubular string in a branch wellbore to a tubular structure in a parent wellbore. The tubular string may be secured to the tubular structure utilizing a flange which is larger in size than a window formed in the tubular structure. The flange may be sealed to the tubular structure about the window by a metal to metal seal or by adhering the flange to the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray C. Smith, Terry A. Schroter
  • Multilateral open hole gravel pack completion methods
    Patent number: 6994165
    Abstract: A method of gravel packing a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a parent wellbore enables formation of a sealed wellbore junction. In a described embodiment, a gravel packing assembly is positioned in a well, so that an upper packer is in the parent wellbore and a well screen and slurry discharge device are positioned in the branch wellbore. After depositing gravel in the branch wellbore, cement is flowed into the branch wellbore above the gravel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Roane, Travis W. Cavender
  • Deep set safety valve
    Patent number: 6988556
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Vick, Jr.
  • Underbalanced well completion
    Patent number: 6962215
    Abstract: Equipment and methods which may be used in conjunction with an underbalanced well completion. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well in conjunction with a tool conveyed through the valve in a container is provided. The valve includes a passage formed longitudinally through the valve, a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through the passage, and an engagement device which engages the container as the tool is conveyed through the passage. The closure assembly permits flow through the passage when the container is conveyed into the passage, and the closure assembly prevents flow through the passage when the container is removed from the passage. Engagement between the container and the engagement device separates the tool from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Fredrick D. Curtis, Derrick W. Lewis, Dale E. Ray, Michael J. Harvey
  • Subterranean well pressure and temperature measurement
    Patent number: 6957576
    Abstract: A well pressure and temperature measurement system and method are provided. In a described embodiment, a sensor system includes multiple strain sensors attached to a structure which changes dimensionally in response to well pressure and temperature changes. The strain sensors may be fiber optic sensors. The structure may be tubular and the strain sensors may detect axial and hoop strains in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, John R. Dennis, Michel Leblanc, Gregg Johnson, Michael D. Todd
  • Surface controlled subsurface lateral branch safety valve
    Patent number: 6951252
    Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface lateral branch safety valve provides flow control for each branch wellbore in a multilateral well. In a described embodiment, a completion system for a well having an intersection between parent and branch wellbores includes an apparatus having multiple passages formed therethrough. One passage provides fluid communication between opposite ends of the apparatus in the parent wellbore, and another passage provides guidance for drilling the branch wellbore. The apparatus further includes a flow control device, such as a surface controlled subsurface safety valve, which selectively controls fluid communication with the branch wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Restarick, Jody R. McGlothen
  • Apparatus and methods for anchoring and orienting equipment in well casing
    Patent number: 6935428
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for anchoring and orienting equipment in a well provide a latch assembly having a substantially unobstructed bore, thereby increasing access and flow therethrough while the latch assembly is operatively engaged with an anchoring and orienting profile in the well. The latch assembly may include a generally tubular collet structure having multiple collets integrally formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody R. McGlothen, Steven R. Fipke, Radu Nicolae Nistor