Patents Assigned to Tempress Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10753154
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator includes a vortex chamber in fluid communication with a flow volume, an outlet, a first control port, and a second control port. The flow volume is defined by a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are arranged to direct a fluid flow to create a vortex flow in the vortex chamber. The pressure differential cycles the attachment of fluid flow between the first wall and the second wall at a cycle rate. Because the fluidic oscillator can operate at a low cycle rate, the fluidic oscillator can provide an extended reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack J Kolle, Scott A Fletcher, Andrew W Fraser
  • Patent number: 10465475
    Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A bypass passage is configured to connect with a valve actuation vent port such that when the poppet closes the valve actuation pressure is less than the difference between the pressure up stream of the pulse valve and a pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Theimer, Jack J. Kolle
  • Patent number: 9279300
    Abstract: A hydraulic pulse valve for use in downhole tools includes a split ring seal to limit the fluid flow available to shift a poppet in the valve from an open position to a closed position. The split ring seal provides relatively long and repeatable pressure pulses, which improve the effectiveness of the hydraulic pulse valve for borehole applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack J. Kolle, Kenneth J. Theimer
  • Patent number: 9057262
    Abstract: A hyper-pressure water cannon, or pulse excavator, is able to discharge fluid pulses at extremely high velocities to fracture a rock face in excavation applications. A compressed water cannon can be used to generate hyper-pressure pulses by discharging the pulse into a straight nozzle section which leads to a convergent tapered nozzle. The hyper-pressure water cannon design is relatively compact, and the pulse generator can readily be maneuvered to cover the face of an excavation as part of a mobile mining system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack J. Kolle
  • Patent number: 8939217
    Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack J. Kolle
  • Publication number: 20140028078
    Abstract: A hyper-pressure water cannon, or pulse excavator, is able to discharge fluid pulses at extremely high velocities to fracture a rock face in excavation applications. A compressed water cannon can be used to generate hyper-pressure pulses by discharging the pulse into a straight nozzle section which leads to a convergent tapered nozzle. The hyper-pressure water cannon design is relatively compact, and the pulse generator can readily be maneuvered to cover the face of an excavation as part of a mobile mining system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack J. Kolle
  • Patent number: 8607896
    Abstract: A turbine drill motor capable of operation at ultra-high rotary speeds (i.e., in excess of 1000 rpm, which is very high for turbine drill motors), with a high-pressure jet-assist functionality for drilling and well service applications. The ultra-high rotary speed enables fast penetration with diamond bits, while the high-pressure jet-assist ensures adequate cooling and cuttings removal. In an exemplary embodiment, such a turbine drill motor includes a bypass channel to divert a portion of the driving fluid supply when the bit is off-bottom, to limit the no-load runaway speed of the turbine. Serial and parallel flow paths can be accommodated, and different drill bits for cutting and well-bore servicing are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Kollé, Kenneth Theimer
  • Publication number: 20130306319
    Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack J. Kolle
  • Publication number: 20130292180
    Abstract: A gas turbodrill with an adjustable bent housing for use in a spur lateral drilling application. The gas turbodrill includes a high-speed gas turbine, a gearbox assembly, a pivoting shaft connection point, a gimbal assembly comprising a hollow ball and socket joint, a bearing assembly and drill bit assembly. The gas turbodrill gimbal assembly enabling a bend through an angle of up to 5 degrees while drilling. Springs and the application of pressure will lock the bend in place once drilling commences to facilitate lateral drilling of the spur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack J. Kolle
  • Publication number: 20130286787
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is configured with a drill bit section connected to a pulse generation section. The pulse generation section includes a relatively long external housing, the particular housing length being selected for the particular drilling location. The long external housing is positioned closely adjacent to the borehole sidewalls to thereby create a high speed flow course between the external walls of the housing and the borehole sidewalls. The long external housing includes a valve cartridge assembly and optionally a shock sub decoupler. While in operation, the valve cartridge assembly continuously cycles and uses downhole pressure to thereby generate seismic signal pulses that propagate to geophones or other similar sensors on the surface. The amount of bypass allowed through the valve assembly is selectable in combination with the long external housing length and width to achieve the desired pulse characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack J. Kolle
  • Patent number: 8528649
    Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Kollé
  • Publication number: 20130112427
    Abstract: A hydraulic pulse valve for use in downhole tools includes a split ring seal to limit the fluid flow available to shift a poppet in the valve from an open position to a closed position. The split ring seal provides relatively long and repeatable pressure pulses, which improve the effectiveness of the hydraulic pulse valve for borehole applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130092246
    Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20120132289
    Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Kollé
  • Publication number: 20100307833
    Abstract: A turbine drill motor capable of operation at ultra-high rotary speeds (i.e., in excess of 1000 rpm, which is very high for turbine drill motors), with a high-pressure jet-assist functionality for drilling and well service applications. The ultra-high rotary speed enables fast penetration with diamond bits, while the high-pressure jet-assist ensures adequate cooling and cuttings removal. In an exemplary embodiment, such a turbine drill motor includes a bypass channel to divert a portion of the driving fluid supply when the bit is off-bottom, to limit the no-load runaway speed of the turbine. Serial and parallel flow paths can be accommodated, and different drill bits for cutting and well-bore servicing are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Kollé, Kenneth Theimer
  • Patent number: 7540339
    Abstract: A sleeved hose assembly for lateral jet drilling through an ultra-short radius curve. The sleeved hose assembly includes a wire-wound high-pressure hose inserted inside a reinforcing sleeve. In general, wire-wound high-pressure hoses exhibit transverse moduli that are insufficient to resist buckling forces encountered during lateral drilling. A sleeve is selected to encompass a wire-wound high-pressure hose and to exhibit a transverse stiffness sufficient to prevent the combination of the wire-wound high-pressure hose and the sleeve (i.e., a “sleeved hose assembly”) from buckling during lateral drilling. Also disclosed are a method for drilling a lateral borehole using such a sleeved hose assembly, and a method for drilling an ultra-short radius curve using such a sleeved hose assembly. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the sleeve includes a fiber reinforced epoxy composite having a transverse modulus of about 10 GPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack J. Kollé
  • Patent number: 7524160
    Abstract: A method for governing the speed of a fluid turbine by establishing a circulating flow and a rotational flow with a rotor, and interrupting the rotational flow with an opposing stator. A related braking apparatus includes a housing, a rotatable shaft, a rotor configured to rotatingly engage the shaft and engage a fluid in the housing with a plurality of radial vanes, and a non-rotating stator comprising a plurality of fluid pockets. The stator is disposed such that the radial vanes of the rotor and the fluid pockets of the stator are oriented in a facing relationship. When the shaft is rotated, the fluid in the housing experiences both a circulating flow and a rotational flow. Thus, the rotational flow is present proximate the radial vanes, but not in the fluid pockets, and the fluid imparts a braking torque on the rotating shaft via the rotor's radial vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack J. Kollé, Mark H. Marvin
  • Patent number: 7201238
    Abstract: Rotary jetting tool including a rotor with axially-opposed pressure-balanced mechanical face seals. Vented upper mechanical face seal enables the rotor to be operated with the relativity low starting torque achievable using reaction forces from offset jets energized with a pressurized fluid. When rotor is displaced axially due to set-down conditions, a pressure chamber exerts a pressure imbalance on the rotor, forcing the rotor to return to a normal operating position. Alternate structure to achieve low starting torque includes a volume disposed adjacent to a lower mechanical face seal, the volume being coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid. Mechanical face seal surfaces are fabricated from ultra-hard materials, such as tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, and diamond. A gage ring designed to ensure the jets remove all of the material from the gage of the protective housing before the tool can advance can be incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Marvin, Jack J. Kollé
  • Patent number: 7198456
    Abstract: A rotary jetting tool including a pressure-balanced rotor, which is achieved using a vented volume. Axial movement of the rotor relative to the housing caused by pressure imbalances acting on the rotor selectively uncovers or opens a vent that places the volume in fluid communication with an ambient volume, enabling the rotor to achieve a pressure balanced condition. A plurality of radial clearance seals between the rotor and the housing are used to provide hydrodynamic bearings to reduce friction between the rotor and housing. The diameters of the seals are manipulated to facilitate pressure balancing of the rotor. In one embodiment, the rotor includes a centrifugal brake configured to control a maximum rotational speed of the rotor. Pressurized fluid is introduced into the rotor in an axial direction, enabling a relatively large upstream settling chamber to be incorporated into the rotor, thereby reducing inlet turbulence and improving jet quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack J. Kollé, Mark H. Marvin
  • Patent number: 7139219
    Abstract: This invention discloses a valve that generates a hydraulic negative pressure pulse and a frequency modulator for the creation of a powerful, broadband swept impulse seismic signal at the drill bit during drilling operations. The signal can be received at monitoring points on the surface or underground locations using geophones. The time required for the seismic signal to travel from the source to the receiver directly and via reflections is used to calculate seismic velocity and other formation properties near the source and between the source and receiver. This information can be used for vertical seismic profiling of formations drilled, to check the location of the bit, or to detect the presence of abnormal pore pressure ahead of the bit. The hydraulic negative pressure pulse can also be used to enhance drilling and production of wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack J. Kollé, Mark H. Marvin, Kenneth J. Theimer