Patents Assigned to Geo Vann, Inc.
  • Patent number: 4601492
    Abstract: A releasable coupling has opposite ends adpated to be connected into a tool string or tubing string and run downhole into a borehole. A sealing member is passed down through the tubing string and allowed to become seated within the axial passageway of the releasable coupling. Pressure is applied through the axial passageway above the sealing member whereupon the differential in pressure effected across the sealing member is also effected across a slidable piston reciprocatingly received within the releasable coupling. The piston moves into a position which enables a male member to be released and separated from a female member. When the male and female members are released and separated from one another, the lower part of the tubing string is disconnected from the upper part of the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Geo Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Flint R. George
  • Patent number: 4598771
    Abstract: An improved downhole pressure measuring apparatus includes a flow tube conveying pressurized fluid from a fluid source on the surface into a borehole. The fluid flow and pressure is measured at the surface and the downhole pressure is determined.A perforating gun firing mechanism may be attached to a lower end of the flow tube and positioned in the borehole respective to a perforating gun for the firing thereof. The gun is fired by manipulating the flow tubing and the downhole pressure is simultaneously recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Geo Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy R. Vann
  • Patent number: 4598775
    Abstract: A perforating gun has a charge carrier assembly housed therein comprised of a plurality of charge holders connected together in tandem. Shaped charges are supported within each of the charge holders, such that the corresponding charges of each holder are circumferentially and vertically spaced apart from one another to forn a predetermined pattern. The individual charge holders describe a polyhedron whose bases or ends describe equal polygons, and whose lateral faces are rectangular and include a centrally located aperture which is adapted to receive a shaped charge in supported relationship therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Geo. Vann, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy R. Vann, Edward A. Colle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4576233
    Abstract: A differential pressure actuated vent assembly is connected into an oil well tool string. In one form of the invention, the tool string includes a packer device, a perforating gun attached to the lower end of the tubing string, with the vent assembly being interposed between the gun and the packer device. Fluid pressure within the tubing string is effected on one face of a piston associated with the vent assembly, which reciprocates the piston and communicates the interior of the tubing string with the annulus around the tubing string while carrying out the step of perforating the formation. Movement of the piston and the subsequent detonation of the gun preferably are both accomplished sequentially in response to the dropping of a bar down through the tool string. The bar opens a passageway leading to the piston, and immediately thereafter, before the pressure differential between the interior of the tubing string and the annulus is equalized, the gun is detonated, thereby obviating damage to the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Geo Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Flint R. George
  • Patent number: 4570714
    Abstract: A well apparatus connected to a pipe string extending down into a cased borehole for treating a formation comprising a packer assembly for sealing with the casing assembly and an integral crossover/release assembly attached to the packer assembly for supporting and releasing a gravel screen assembly before or after treating the formation without rotating the pipe string. The crossover/release assembly includes crossover ports providing a downward flow path for the treating fluid, annular veins providing an upward flow path for the returns, and a reciprocating piston reciprocating upon effecting hydraulic pressure on the piston for releasing the gravel screen assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Geo Vann, Inc.
    Inventors: Dewayne Turner, Raymond A. Menard, Dean Oneal
  • Patent number: 4564076
    Abstract: A pipe string with a valve, pressure responsive member, packer, firing mechanism and perforating gun are suspended within a well to complete the well. The packer is set to form an upper and lower annulus, and the valve and pressure responsive member are disposed above the packer in the upper annulus. A signal transmission member extends from the pressure responsive member to the firing mechanism in the lower annulus. The valve is initially closed to prevent fluid flow through the flow bore of the pipe string. The upper annulus is pressurized to open the valve and create a pressure differential across the pressure responsive member. The pressure responsive member then transmits a signal through the signal transmission member to the firing mechanism to actuate the firing mechanism and detonate the perforating gun. Hydrocarbons from the formation then flow through the perforations and up the flow bore of the pipe string to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy R. Vann, Emmet F. Brieger
  • Patent number: 4554975
    Abstract: A hold down apparatus for a wireline operated perforating gun which prevents the gun from being thrust uphole when the gun is fired. The hold down apparatus enables the gun to be run downhole in a tubing or casing string, without the necessity of filling the pipe with liquid. The hold down apparatus includes a releasable anchor apparatus which is selectively set when the gun is manipulated vertically in a particular manner by the wireline. The gun is run downhole and positioned at the zone where the perforations are to be formed. The gun is lifted a finite distance, then lowered a finite distance, and then lifted again, thereby setting a pair of slips which are located in underlying relationship with respect to the gun. The gun remains anchored downhole so long as tension is maintained on the wireline. The gun is fired and subsequently released by lowering the gun a finite distance whereupon the anchoring device releases the slips from engagement with the piping. The gun can then be lifted uphole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: GEO VANN, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy R. Vann, Flint R. George
  • Patent number: 4544034
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for actuating a perforating gun by pressure includes a pressure actuated gun firing head disposed on the perforating gun for detonating the shaped charges of the gun. The gun is attached to a pipe string and located downhole adjacent the formation to be perforated. The pressure actuated firing head includes a housing with a plug and piston. The piston has a firing pin adapted for engagement with the initiator of a perforating gun upon reciprocation within the housing. Initially, the piston is pressure balanced until the time of actuation. The plug is responsive to fluid pressure of a predetermined magnitude at the time of the actuation of the gun firing head. Upon effecting pressure on the plug, the plug unbalances the piston causing the piston to reciprocate. Upon reciprocation of the piston, the firing pin engages the initiator to detonate the shaped charges of the perforating gun. Pressure may be effected on the firing head through the pipe string, or the annulus, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Flint R. George
  • Patent number: 4538680
    Abstract: A perforating gun is suspended downhole in a cased borehole, in underlying relationship relative to a packer device, and adjacent to a hydrocarbon-bearing formation to be completed. A connecting tubing interconnects the gun with the packer device, and includes a rupture barrier therebetween which prevents debris from accumulating within a gun firing head. An upper tubing string is removably connected to the packer device and forms a passageway which extends from the surface of the earth, down through the packer, and to the gun firing head. The upper tubing string includes a seal means and an extension tube which sealingly engages the packer device and penetrates the rupture barrier to provide a passageway through which the gun can be fired from the surface of the earth. This combination of elements prevents malfunction of the gun when the tool is left downhole for an appreciable length of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Geo Vann, Inc.
    Inventors: Emmet F. Brieger, Flint R. George, Edward A. Colle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4529038
    Abstract: A tool for use downhole in a borehole for carrying out a backsurging method whereby existing open perforations are cleaned. The tool comprises an annular body having spaced cylindrical walls, each of which reciprocatingly receives spaced pistons which move individually relative to one another. A port is formed through each of the walls of each of the cylinders with the first port being normally closed by a first piston and the second port being normally open. The second piston is moved to close the second port. The tool is placed on the end of a tubing string or within a tool string and run downhole into the borehole. A packer device enables the pressure between the lower annulus, the upper annulus, and the tubing to be adjusted relative to one another. A bar is then dropped down the tubing string, contacts the second piston and moves the second piston to cover the second port. The tubing pressure is reduced to provide a pressure differential between the lower annulus and the interior of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmet F. Brieger
  • Patent number: 4522665
    Abstract: A primer mix which contains from 26 to 66 weight percent titanium and from 74 to 44 weight percent potassium perchlorate having a density of from 68 to 81 percent of crystal density such that the mix is stable at high temperature up to 525.degree. F. for more than 100 hours without degradation and requires a relatively high amount of impact energy greater than 4 ft.-lbs. in order to ignite it. Alternatively, the primer mix contains from 40 to 74 weight percent zirconium and from 60 to 26 weight percent potassium perchlorate having the above density. The primer mix is used in a percussion primer for initiating combustion or in a percussion initiator for detonating a high-order explosive, as used for example within wellbores in the oil and gas industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald N. Yates, Jr., Michael Oestrich
  • Patent number: 4512406
    Abstract: A vent assembly is positioned downhole in a borehole in underlying relationship with respect to a packer device. The vent assembly is connected within a production tubing string and a perforating gun is supported by the lower end of the string. A bar of special design is dropped down through the interior of the tubing and falls through the vent assembly and continues to fall down the tubing string to impact against a gun firing head. The action of the bar passing through the vent assembly moves structures associated therewith to cause a port to assume an open position. The subsequent impact of the bar against the gun firing head detonates the shaped charges of the gun. Formation fluid is then free to flow into the perforations, up the lower annulus, into the port of the vent assembly, and up the production tubing to the surface of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy R. Vann, Flint R. George, Dennis F. Warren
  • Patent number: 4510999
    Abstract: A cased borehole has a perforating gun suspended in underlying relationship relative to a packer device. A tubing string has a seal assembly connected to the lower end thereof, and an extension tube downwardly extends from the seal assembly. A seal housing is connected to the packer and receives the seal assembly therewithin. The tubing string is run downhole until the end of the extension tube is in proximity of a gun firing head while the seal assembly is unseated from the housing, so that the fluid in proximity of the gun firing head is displaced with clean fluid which flows from the surface, down the tubing string, and out of the end of the extension tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Geo Vann, Inc.
    Inventors: Flint R. George, Emmet F. Brieger
  • Patent number: 4501331
    Abstract: A packer actuated vent assembly comprising an outer barrel attached to a packer body, and a mandrel extension attached to the lower end of the mandrel of the packer. A valve means on the mandrel extension has a slidable valve element which slidably engages a medial portion of the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel and normally is in the opened position. The valve element has a boss thereon which engages a shoulder on the barrel and is thereby moved from the opened to the closed position when the packer mandrel, and therefore the mandrel extension, is properly manipulated to seat the packer. This combination of elements enables a tubing string to be run downhole into a borehole with the tubing string in the open configuration, so that fluid contained within the annulus flows through the opened valve means into the tubing string, thereby balancing the fluid pressure on either side of the tubing string; and when the packer is set, the interior of the tubing string is isolated from the borehole annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmet F. Brieger
  • Patent number: 4499951
    Abstract: A tubing string extends downhole in a cased borehole to a jet perforating gun. A packer device is located uphole of a releasable coupling apparatus. The coupling apparatus has an annular piston therein which is moved to release the lower string. Two spaced apart movable annular pistons are series connected in the tubing string at a location below the packer and above the gun. Flow ports, formed in the tubing wall, are covered by the pistons. A ball of appropriate diameter can be circulated downhole and seated upon either of the pistons, thereby forcing a selected piston in a downhole direction. Circulation ports are provided below the lower piston in proximity of a gun firing head. The lower piston includes a shaft depending axially therefrom and into proximity of a detonator of the gun firing head, so that when the lower piston is forced downhole, the shaft contacts the firing head which detonates the shaped charges of the perforating gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy R. Vann
  • Patent number: 4497366
    Abstract: A packer actuated vent assembly comprising an outer barrel attached to a packer body, and a mandrel extension attached to the lower end of the mandrel of the packer. A valve means on the mandrel extension has a slidable valve element which slidably engages a medial portion of the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel and normally is in the opened position. The valve element has a boss thereon which engages a shoulder on the barrel and is thereby moved from the opened to the closed position when the packer mandrel, and therefore the mandrel extension, is properly manipulated to seat the packer. This combination of elements enables a tubing string to be run downhole into a borehole with the tubing string in the open configuration, so that fluid contained within the annulus flows through the opened valve means into the tubing string, thereby balancing the fluid pressure on either side of the tubing string; and when the packer is set, the interior of the tubing string is isolated from the borehole annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Geo Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmet F. Brieger
  • Patent number: 4484632
    Abstract: A pipe string with a valve, pressure responsive means, packer, firing mechanism and perforating gun are suspended within a well to complete the well. The packer is set to form an upper and lower annulus, and the valve and pressure responsive means are disposed above the packer in the upper annulus. A force transmission means extends from the pressure responsive means to the firing mechanism in the lower annulus. The valve is initially closed to prevent fluid flow through the flow bore of the pipe string. The upper annulus is pressurized to open the valve and create a pressure differential across the pressure responsive means. The pressure responsive means then transmits a force through the force transmission means to the firing mechanism to actuate the firing mechanism and detonate the perforating gun. Hydrocarbons from the formation then flows through the perforations and up the flow bore of the pipe string to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy R. Vann
  • Patent number: 4480690
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for completing a well by means of a perforating gun attached to the downhole end of a string of production tubing, producing the well until it is clean, shutting-in the well at a point relatively near the perforating gun, and measuring the shut-in pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Geo Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy R. Vann
  • Patent number: 4445574
    Abstract: A borehole is formed down into the ground and extends towards an underlying pay zone, and then is turned horizontally through the pay zone, and then continues back up towards the surface of the earth; so that the resultant borehole is continuous from an inlet to an outlet, with the inlet and outlet being spaced from one another. When the free end of the drill string arrives at the outlet, one end of a casing string is attached thereto, and the casing string is pulled back through the entire borehole so that the borehole is cased from the outlet to the inlet, or vice versa. The casing is perforated adjacent to the pay zone so that the hydrocarbons may flow from the pay zone into the interior of the casing. Production is achieved through either of the spaced inlet or outlet; or, by using one vertical length of the borehole to force fluid to flow through the entire borehole, thereby forcing the production to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy R. Vann
  • Patent number: 4436155
    Abstract: A well cleanup and completion apparatus and technique. A packer is located downhole in a borehole, and a tool string comprising a one-way vent assembly and a one-way circulating valve assembly is connected above a perforating gun. The tool string is used to run the gun downhole through the packer until the gun arrives at a location adjacent to the formation to be perforated. During this time, the packer assembly must be in a configuration which admits flow from the lower to the upper annulus. Cleaning fluid is circulated down the entire tool string to the one-way circulating valve assembly located immediately above the firing head of the gun, thereby displacing fluid from the lower annulus, and cleaning any debris from the gun firing head. The packer is next closed, the gun detonated, whereupon the formation is perforated and production fluid flows through the perforations, up the lower annulus, into the one-way vent assembly located below the packer, into the tubing, and to the surface of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: GEO Vann, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmet F. Brieger