Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Marlin R. Smith
  • Expanding wellbore junction
    Patent number: 6935422
    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: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Ernest C. Bailey, Jody R. McGlothen
  • Subsea controlled milling
    Patent number: 6926102
    Abstract: Subsea controlled milling apparatus and methods. In a described embodiment, a method of controlling displacement of a cutting device conveyed on a tubular string in a subterranean well includes the steps of: interconnecting an apparatus in the tubular string, the apparatus including an axial advancement device and an anchoring device; actuating the anchoring device to anchor the apparatus in the well; applying a pressure differential to the advancement device, thereby displacing the cutting device relative to the apparatus; and operating the cutting device to cut a structure in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Hess, Neil Hepburn, Benji Smith, John J. Guerrero, Ian W. Thackwray
  • Wellbore junction drifting apparatus and associated method
    Patent number: 6915855
    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: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Ernest C. Bailey, Jody R. McGlothen
  • Reduced debris milled multilateral window
    Patent number: 6913082
    Abstract: A reduced debris milled multilateral window. In a described embodiment, a window joint is constructed in a manner which reduces debris created when a window is milled therethrough. The window joint includes a generally tubular body having a sidewall, a window portion of the sidewall being configured for forming a window therethrough, and a thickness of the sidewall being reduced in the window portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody R. McGlothen, Joseph D. Parlin
  • Latch profile installation in existing casing
    Patent number: 6907935
    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: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray C. Smith
  • Multilateral well construction and sand control completion
    Patent number: 6907930
    Abstract: A multilateral well construction and sand control completion. In a described embodiment, a well completion includes first and second wellbores intersecting at an intersection; an assembly positioned in the second wellbore, the assembly including a packer and a well screen, the packer being sealingly engaged with the second wellbore; and a wellbore connector sealingly connected to the assembly, the wellbore connector also being sealingly engaged in the first wellbore on opposite sides of the intersection, and the wellbore connector isolating the intersection from fluid flow through the assembly in the second wellbore and from fluid flowing through the wellbore connector between the opposite sides of the intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Thomas O. Roane, Neil Hepburn
  • Sealed multilateral junction system
    Patent number: 6883611
    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: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray C. Smith, Terry A. Schroter
  • Distributed flow properties wellbore measurement system
    Patent number: 6874361
    Abstract: A distributed flow properties wellbore measurement system. In a described embodiment, a system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid in a tubular string includes a pressure pulse generator attached to the tubular string and a set of sensors. The generator transmits a pressure pulse through the fluid. The set of sensors is used to determine a velocity of the pressure pulse transmitted through the fluid, and to determine a velocity of the pressure pulse reflected back through the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Meltz, Neal G. Skinner
  • Alternate path multilayer production/injection
    Patent number: 6863126
    Abstract: Alternate path multilateral production/injection. In a described embodiment, a system for drilling and completing a well having intersecting first and second wellbores comprises a casing string positioned in the first wellbore; and at least one apparatus interconnected in the casing string. The apparatus includes a mandrel having intersecting first and second passages formed therein. The first passage extends longitudinally through the mandrel and is in fluid communication with an interior of the casing string. The second passage extends laterally relative to the first passage and is configured for drilling the second wellbore therethrough. The mandrel further includes at least one third passage or alternate path extending longitudinally in the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody R. McGlothen, Henry L. Restarick
  • Multi-layer deformable composite construction for use in a subterranean well
    Patent number: 6863130
    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: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, John C. Gano
  • Multilateral injection/production/storage completion system
    Patent number: 6840321
    Abstract: A multilateral injection/production/storage completion system. In a described embodiment, a method of completing a well having a first wellbore intersecting each of second, third and fourth wellbores includes the steps of: injecting a first fluid into a first zone intersected by the second wellbore; receiving a second fluid into the third wellbore in response to the first fluid injecting step; flowing the second fluid from the third wellbore to the fourth wellbore; storing the second fluid in a second zone intersected by the fourth wellbore; and then producing the second fluid from the second zone to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Restarick, Jody R. McGlothen
  • Multilateral well completion apparatus and methods of use
    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
  • Synchronous CDMA telemetry system for use in a wellbore
    Patent number: 6819260
    Abstract: A synchronous CDMA telemetry system is provided for use in a wellbore. In one described embodiment, each data bit of digital outputs of multiple downhole data sources is multiplied by an orthogonal code unique to each data source. The resulting encoded outputs are modulated on a carrier frequency and summed on a transmission channel. The resulting signal is demodulated at a remote location and separately multiplied by each of the codes to separate out the contributions to the signal from each data source. The individual demodulated and decoded outputs are then integrated over the length of each data bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace R. Gardner, Roger L. Schultz
  • Latch profile installation in existing casing
    Patent number: 6808022
    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: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray C. Smith
  • Webserver-based well instrumentation, logging, monitoring and control
    Patent number: 6801135
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for webserver-based well instrumentation, logging, monitoring and control provide convenience and economy in well site and off-site operations. In a described embodiment, a well tool includes a webserver connected to a sensor and an actuator of the tool. In response to a condition sensed by the sensor, a person utilizing a network to access a web page supported by the webserver at a remote location may operate the actuator to control operation of the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Harold K. Beck, Robert K. Michael
  • Downhole sensing and flow control utilizing neural networks
    Patent number: 6789620
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Bruce H. Storm, Jr., John R. Dennis, John M. Richardson
  • Systems and methods for controlling flow and access in multilateral completions
    Patent number: 6789628
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe E. Hess, Benji L. Smith
  • Methods and associated apparatus for drilling and completing a wellbore junction
    Patent number: 6786283
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommie A. Freeman, James R. Longbottom
  • Expandable float shoe and associated methods
    Patent number: 6772841
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Gano
  • Vibration based power generator
    Patent number: 6768214
    Abstract: Electrical power generators and methods of producing power in a subterranean well are provided. In a described embodiment, fluid flow through a fluid conduit causes a member to displace or vibrate. The displacement of the member is utilized to induce strain in a piezoelectric material, thereby causing the piezoelectric material to produce electricity. Various means may be used to create turbulence in the fluid flow, thereby increasing displacement of the member, resulting in increased power output from the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert K. Michael, Clark E. Robison, Paul D. Ringgenberg