Patents Examined by Hoang Dang
  • Hybrid wellhead system and method of use
    Patent number: 7721808
    Abstract: A hybrid wellhead system is assembled using a plurality of threaded unions, such as spanner nuts or hammer unions, for securing respective tubular heads and a flanged connection for securing a flow control stack to a top of a tubing head spool. The tubing head spool is secured by a threaded union to an intermediate head spool. The intermediate head spool is secured by another threaded union to a wellhead. Each tubular head secures and suspends a tubular string in the well bore. The hybrid wellhead system is capable of withstanding higher fluid pressures than a conventional independent screwed wellhead, while providing a more economical alternative to a flanged, or ranged, wellhead system because it is less expensive to construct and faster to assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Murray Dallas, Bob McGuire
  • Artificial lift system
    Patent number: 7717181
    Abstract: An artificial lift system provides an artificial lift design specifically for the pumping of liquids from natural gas wells, but not limited to this application. In doing so, production rates and reserves recovered can be significantly increased. The artificial lift system uses small diameter continuous tubing to run the pump in the hole and deliver small volumes of high pressure dry gas as a power fluid to the pump. This power fluid forces liquid that has been drawn into the pump from the bottom of the wellbore to surface. By removing the liquids from the wellbore the natural gas can flow unrestricted to surface. The design and equipment allow for a cost effective artificial lift alternative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Terry Bullen
  • Top drive casing system
    Patent number: 7712523
    Abstract: A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Gene Snider, David Shahin, Jim Allen, Kevin Gray, Gary Thompson
  • Multi-lock adapters for independent screwed wellheads and methods of using same
    Patent number: 7708079
    Abstract: A multi-lock adapter used to inject high-pressure well stimulation fluids through an independent screwed wellhead includes an adapter pin having a central passageway with an internal diameter at least as large as a passageway through the wellhead. A lockdown flange secures the adapter pin to a casing mandrel of the wellhead. The lockdown flange ensures that stress on connection points to the screwed independent wellhead due to elevated fluid pressures used for well stimulation procedures does not exceed engineered specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Downhole sampling tool and method for using same
    Patent number: 7703517
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Tarvin, Julian J. Pop, Simon H. Bittleston, Angus J. Melbourne, Rogerio T. Ramos
  • Cutting element with canted interface surface and bit body incorporating the same
    Patent number: 7703560
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cutting element having a cylindrical body having a canted end face on which is formed an ultra hard material layer and to a bit incorporating such cutting element. One or a plurality of transition layers may be provided between the ultra hard material layer and the cutting element body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Eyre, Madapusi K. Keshavan, David Truax
  • Distortion compensation for rod piston bore in subsurface safety valves
    Patent number: 7699108
    Abstract: Piston bore distortions in a sub-surface safety valve are reduced or eliminated when valve body is subjected to high working pressures. In one embodiment, a piston is disposed in a sleeve that is disposed in a piston bore. The bore can distort but the sleeve within will not distort to the point of losing sealing pressure around the piston. In another approach additional bore or bores are provided adjacent the piston bore to make the pin end of the connection for the valve housing more uniform in the region of the piston bore so that pressure loading does not result in sufficient distortion of the piston bore to lose the piston sealing relation in its bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darren E. Bane, David Z. Anderson, Alan N. Wagner, Clifford H. Beall, Gary B. Lake
  • Cutting element having asymmetrical crest for roller cone drill bit
    Patent number: 7699126
    Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole includes a cutter element comprising a base portion. In addition, the cutter element comprises a cutting portion extending from the base portion and terminating in an elongate crest extending between a first crest end and a second crest end, and having an intermediate portion therebetween. The first crest end has a width W1 and the second end has a width W2 that is greater than the width W1. Still further, the intermediate portion of the crest has a width W3 that is less than the width W2 and less than or equal to the width W1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammed Boudrare, Amardeep Singh
  • Indenting member for a drill bit
    Patent number: 7694756
    Abstract: A drill bit has a bit body intermediate a working face and a shank end adapted for connection to a downhole drill string. The working face has at least three fixed blades converging towards a center of the working face and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least one blade having a cone region adjacent the center of the working face. The cone region increases in height away from the center of the working face and towards a nose portion of the at least one blade. An opening is formed in the working face at the center of the bit along an axis of the drill bit's rotation, the opening leading into a chamber with at least one wall. An indenting member is disposed within and extends from the opening, is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation, and is fixed to the wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Francis Leany, John Bailey
  • Well bore anchors
    Patent number: 7690424
    Abstract: A formation engaging member for use in an open hole anchor (10) is described. The formation engaging member has at least one first open hole surface engaging element (20) for penetrating a surface of an open hole, and at least one second open hole surface engaging element (22) for fractionally interacting with a surface of the open hole to form an interference engagement. A method of anchoring to a formation surface of an open hole and an anchor are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventors: Iain McLeod, Steve Reid
  • Screen and method having a partial screen wrap
    Patent number: 7681640
    Abstract: The present invention provides a screen for a well that utilizes a partial screen wrapping used to advantage with side conduits (e.g., alternate flowpaths), control lines, intelligent completions devices, and the like. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Bixenman, Craig D. Johnson, Jake A. Danos, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Method for signalling a downhole device in a flowing well
    Patent number: 7673680
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a flowing or producing well utilising: a downhole located pressure monitoring device which is operative to monitor a characteristic pressure profile of the flowing well, and to respond when a significant deviation to the pressure profile is introduced into the well as a control signal to the monitoring device; and an actuator which is initiated into operation to control any required operation of the well when the monitoring device responds to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Completion Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Buyers, David Forsyth
  • Resettable actuator for downhole tool
    Patent number: 7669663
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprising a through bore running there through formed to accept drilling fluid. At least one mechanical actuation device is also disposed within the through bore. A guide channel is disposed within the through bore and comprises a geometry shaped to conduct the at least one mechanical actuation device. A switch is disposed within the guide channel in an original position and actuatable by the at least one mechanical actuation device to a subsequent position. A resettable mechanism is in contact with the switch wherein the resettable mechanism returns the switch to its original position. A receptacle may also be disposed within the through bore comprising a geometry shaped to accept the at least one mechanical actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Nathan Nelson, David Lundgreen
  • Expandable packer with anchoring feature
    Patent number: 7661470
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, John Lindley Baugh
  • Stabilizing system and methods for a drill bit
    Patent number: 7661490
    Abstract: A drill bit stabilizing system comprising a body member having an axis and at least one recess formed in the body member housing at least one stabilizing member when in a first retracted position. The stabilizing member is positionable along a diagonal angle with the axis to a second extended operating position which extends downward and outward relative to the main body to selectively engage the surface of a pilot bore hole wall during a drilling operation so as to stabilize an under gauge drill bit used in association with the stabilizing system. The body member further comprises at least one fixed stabilizing surface positioned in an axially spaced relationship to the at least one moveable stabilizing member. The body member further comprises a gauge cutter positioned above the moveable stabilizing member and below the fixed stabilizing surface to expand the pilot hole to the final gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Richard C. Raney
  • Downhole percussive tool with alternating pressure differentials
    Patent number: 7661487
    Abstract: A downhole percussive tool is disclosed comprising an interior chamber and a piston element slidably sitting within the interior chamber forming two pressure chambers on either side. The piston element may slide back and forth within the interior chamber as drilling fluid is channeled into either pressure chamber. Input channels supply drilling fluid into the pressure chambers and exit orifices release that fluid from the same. An exhaust orifice allows additional drilling fluid to release from the interior chamber. The amount of pressure maintained in either pressure chamber may be controlled by the size of the exiting orifices and exhaust orifices. In various embodiments, the percussive tool may form a downhole jack hammer or vibrator tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Jonathan Marshall
  • Hole coring system with lever arm
    Patent number: 7658242
    Abstract: A hole coring system for drilling large diameter holes with a handheld tool. The drill bit is guided by a mandrel attached to the concrete and serves as a central guidepost that ensures precise centering of the drill bit. Commonly available tools may be used to rotate the drill bit. A lever arm may be attached to the tool and used to resist any torquing action. Additionally, a brace may be attached to the lever arm which may be used to resist any torquing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: C. Warren Duncan
  • Methods and apparatus for handling and drilling with tubulars or casing
    Patent number: 7654325
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, David Shahin, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Gary Thompson, Kevin Leon Gray, John Timothy Allen, Randy Gene Snider
  • Resettable actuator for downhole tool
    Patent number: 7650951
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprising a through bore running there through formed to accept drilling fluid. At least one mechanical actuation device is also disposed within the through bore. A guide channel is disposed within the through bore and comprises a geometry shaped to conduct the at least one mechanical actuation device. A switch is disposed within the guide channel in an original position and actuatable by the at least one mechanical actuation device to a subsequent position. A resettable mechanism is in contact with the switch wherein the resettable mechanism returns the switch to its original position. A receptacle may also be disposed within the through bore comprising a geometry shaped to accept the at least one mechanical actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Nathan Nelson, David Lundgreen
  • Annular isolators for expandable tubulars in wellbores
    Patent number: RE41118
    Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, William D. Henderson, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Ronald J. Powell, Thomas W. Ray, Roger L. Schultz, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness