Patents by Inventor Aaron J. Dick
Aaron J. Dick has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7946768Abstract: A bearing apparatus is disclosed. Such a bearing apparatus may comprise a rotor including at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and a stator including at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. At least one compliant member may be positioned between at least one selected bearing element of the at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and the at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. A method of assembling a bearing apparatus is disclosed. More specifically, a rotor and a stator each including at least one bearing element may be provided and a compressive force may be applied to the rotor and the stator to compress the bearing surfaces of the rotor and the stator against one another. Rotors and stators are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignees: US Synthetic Corporation, Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Aaron J. Dick
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Publication number: 20110061940Abstract: A rock drilling bit having PDC radial bearings has journal and cone bearing surfaces with increased contact area to increase load support. The radius of curvature of the bearing pin journal and cone bearing surfaces are matched or conformed on the bearing pressure side. The conformal journal surfaces may be formed on the main journal bearing, the pilot pin radial bearing, or both surfaces. In addition, diamond inlays may be located on the bearing surfaces of the cone, the bearing pin, or both components.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicants: Baker Hughes Incorporated, US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Aaron J. Dick, Chih Lin, Terry J. Koltermann, Anton F. Zahradnik, Dan E. Scott, Don Q. Nguyen, Eric Sullivan, Scott Shiqiang Shu, Craig Hodges Cooley, Timothy Nathan Sexton
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Publication number: 20110048810Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a dynamic seal between two surfaces. More specifically, the invention relates to creating a textured surface with a thin, hard coating on a metallic annular sealing ring such as the sealing ring used in an earth boring drill bit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Chih Lin, Aaron J. Dick
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Publication number: 20110024198Abstract: Downhole tool bearings are provided with diamond enhanced materials. The diamond enhanced materials comprise diamond grains in a matrix of tungsten or silicon carbide or a silicon bonded diamond material. A brazed diamond grit or diamond particles coated with a reactive braze may be utilized for bearing applications. Bearing rings for use in downhole tools may be formed at least in part with the diamond enhanced material. In one embodiment, the bearing rings may be used in a positive displacement motor. In additional embodiments, the bearing rings may be used in a submersible pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Aaron J. Dick, David A. Curry, Terry J. Koltermann, Chih Lin, Danny E. Scott, Anton F. Zahradnik
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Patent number: 7861805Abstract: A rock drilling bit having PDC radial bearings has journal and cone bearing surfaces with increased contact area to increase load support. The radius of curvature of the bearing pin journal and cone bearing surfaces are matched or conformed on the bearing pressure side. The conformal journal surfaces may be formed on the main journal bearing, the pilot pin radial bearing, or both surfaces. In addition, diamond inlays may be located on the bearing surfaces of the cone, the bearing pin, or both components.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignees: Baker Hughes Incorporated, US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Aaron J. Dick, Chih Lin, Terry J. Kolterman, Anton F. Zahradnik, Dan E. Scott, Don Q. Nguyen, Eric Sullivan, Scott Shiqiang Shu, Craig Hodges Cooley, Timothy Nathan Sexton
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Publication number: 20100329081Abstract: A method of non-destructively identifying and characterizing defects in a rotary drill component is provided. The method includes providing a drill component and an ultrasonic test system including a phased array ultrasonic transducer (PAUT). The method also includes acoustically coupling the PAUT to a surface location, transmitting focused ultrasonic acoustic waves at the location into the PAUT and recording a reflected acoustic response corresponding to a portion of a predetermined volume of a microstructure of the component associated with the location on the surface. The method also includes storing the response and moving one of the transducer or the component to a plurality of unique locations representative of the predetermined microstructure and repeating these steps. The method also includes processing the responses and providing an output signal to an output device configured to provide an output indicative of differences in the output signal within the predetermined volume of the microstructure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Eric Sullivan, David Curry, Xiamin Cheng, Tu Tien Trinh, Terry Watts, John F. Bradford, Aaron J. Dick, Chih Lin
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Publication number: 20100226759Abstract: A bearing apparatus is disclosed. Such a bearing apparatus may comprise a rotor including at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and a stator including at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. At least one compliant member may be positioned between at least one selected bearing element of the at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and the at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. A method of assembling a bearing apparatus is disclosed. More specifically, a rotor and a stator each including at least one bearing element may be provided and a compressive force may be applied to the rotor and the stator to compress the bearing surfaces of the rotor and the stator against one another. Rotors and stators are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicants: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION, BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Aaron J. Dick
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Publication number: 20100147595Abstract: A high aspect ratio seal is provided for large roller cone drill bit having a diameter of greater than about 12ΒΌ inches wherein the contact width is narrowed, relative to the width of the seal, to provide a desired contact width.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Anton F. Zahradnik, Don Q. Nguyen, Ron D. McCornick, Terry J. Koltermann, Michael J. Veasey, Aaron J. Dick
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Patent number: 7694754Abstract: An earth boring bit has a bit body having a depending bearing pin. A cone has a cavity rotatably mounted on the bearing pin. A seal groove is formed in the cavity of the cone. An elastomeric seal ring is located within the groove and forms a seal between a base of the groove and the bearing pin. The seal ring has two side surfaces, each spaced from one of the side walls of the groove by a clearance. Elastomeric protuberances protrude from each of the side surfaces of the seal ring for non-sealing contact with one of the side walls of the groove.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Aaron J. Dick
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Publication number: 20100071959Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining a roller cone on a bearing pin of a drillbit body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INC.Inventors: Anton F. Zahradnik, Don Q. Nguyen, Eric Sullivan, Terry J. Koltermann, Aaron J. Dick, Scott S. Shu
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Publication number: 20090321146Abstract: A roller cone bit is provided that includes a wear resistant diamond-like carbon coating applied to a bearing shaft, where it is in sliding contact with the bearing seal. The wear resistant diamond-like carbon coating reduces wear and corrosion of the head bearing shaft sealing surface and provides extended life to the bearing seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Aaron J. Dick, Chih C. Lin, Anton F. Zahradnik, Gregory L. Ricks, Terry J. Koltermann
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Publication number: 20090283332Abstract: A rock drilling bit having PDC radial bearings has journal and cone bearing surfaces with increased contact area to increase load support. The radius of curvature of the bearing pin journal and cone bearing surfaces are matched or conformed on the bearing pressure side. The conformal journal surfaces may be formed on the main journal bearing, the pilot pin radial bearing, or both surfaces. In addition, diamond inlays may be located on the bearing surfaces of the cone, the bearing pin, or both components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicants: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED, US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Aaron J. Dick, Chih Lin, Terry J. Kolterman, Anton F. Zahradnik, Dan E. Scott, Don Q. Nguyen, Eric Sullivan, Scott Shiqiang Shu, Craig Hodges Cooley, Timothy Nathan Sexton
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Publication number: 20090260888Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a wellbore, the drill bit having a body and at least one bearing. A rotary cone is rotatably attached to the bit body at the bearing. A lubricant reservoir is located in an inner portion of the bit body and is in fluid communication with the bearing. A communication port leads from the inner portion of the bit body to the exterior of the bit body. A fiber reinforced elastomeric pressure compensator diaphragm separates lubricant in the lubricant reservoir from the communication port.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Aaron J. Dick, Terry J. Koltermann, Chih Lin, Stefan M. Butuc, Cameron Field-Eaton
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Publication number: 20090236147Abstract: A method for lubricating a diamond bearing system of a downhole well tool involves dispensing a polyol lubricant for the reduction of friction between the two diamond surfaces. The lubricant forms a reduced friction surface film on the diamond. The polyol lubricant may be mixed with water. The polyol lubricant may contain ethylene glycol, glycerol, or a combination with water.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Terry J. Koltermann, Aaron J. Dick
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Publication number: 20090205873Abstract: Downhole tool bearings are provided with diamond enhanced materials. The diamond enhanced materials comprise diamond grains in a matrix of tungsten or silicon carbide. A brazed diamond grit or diamond particles coated with a reactive braze may be utilized for bearing applications. Bearing rings formed at least in part with diamond enhanced material are installed on at least one of the bearing pin journal, the nose and the cone cavity. The bearing rings may be continuous rings or partial rings and attached to the journal pin or cone cavity. These may include thrust bearings, rollers, roller race, balls and ball races made of diamond enhanced material. These bearing surfaces also are formed at least in part with diamond enhanced material and attached to portions of the journal or cone bearing surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Aaron J. Dick, David A. Curry, Anton F. Zahradnik, Dan E. Scott, Terry J. Koltermann, Chih Lin, Brendan P. Kirwan
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Publication number: 20090194339Abstract: A roller cone bit is provided that includes a wear resistant coating applied to a bearing shaft, which is attached to a roller cone. The wear resistant coating can be a tungsten/tungsten carbide composite applied by chemical vapor deposition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Aaron J. Dick, Chih Lin
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Publication number: 20090014217Abstract: A journal bearing element for use in forming a roller cone bit coupled to a bearing shaft to prevent circumferential sliding. Also included are material compositions of the journal bearing element. A journal bearing element is fixed in place relative to a head section and comprised of dense high purity powdered metal alloys with uniform micro-structure. A preferred material is comprised of a metal made of a carbon content of about 2.3% by weight, chromium of about 14% by weight, vanadium of about 9% by weight, and molybdenum at about 1% by weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Anton F. Zahradnik, Terry J. Koltermann, Aaron J. Dick, Don Q. Nguyen, Eric C. Sullivan, Greg Ricks
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Patent number: 7465096Abstract: An earth boring bit has thrust faces with one of the thrust faces being at least partially tilted relative to the other. The bit has a cone rotatably mounted to a bearing pin of the bit body. The thrust faces are in the cone and on an end of the bearing pin. One of the thrust faces is completely flat and perpendicular to the axis of the bearing pin. The other thrust face has a tilted portion that is at a skewed angle relative to the axis. The tilted portion creates converging and diverging zones between the thrust faces.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Aaron J. Dick, Chih Lin
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Publication number: 20080257610Abstract: An earth boring bit has a bit body with at least one bearing pin. A cone is rotatably mounted on the bearing pin. A seal assembly is located between the cone and the bearing pin, the seal assembly having at least one flexible seal member. A flexible pressure compensating diaphragm is mounted in the body. The diaphragm has one side adapted to be exposed to borehole fluids and another side in contact with lubricant contained in bearing spaces between the cone and the bearing pin. The flexible seal member and the diaphragm are formed of a fluorinated elastomer. The elastomer is either a perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) or a fluoroelastomer (FKM).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Terry J. Koltermann, Aaron J. Dick, Chih Lin
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Publication number: 20080245577Abstract: A thrust washer located between the thrust surfaces of the head and the cone of a drill bit allows for radial rotation between the cone, thrust washer, and head during drilling operations. The thrust washer also accommodates axial rotation between the cone and the head. The mating thrust surfaces between the thrust washer and the head are contoured to allow the thrust washer to rotate axially with the cone, and provide increased bearing contact between the thrust washer and the cone.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Anton F. Zahradnik, Eric Sullivan, Aaron J. Dick, Donq Nguyen, Terry J. Koltermann, Scott Shiqiang Shu