Patents by Inventor Albert Augustus Mullins
Albert Augustus Mullins 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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Publication number: 20030217843Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Publication number: 20030178192Abstract: A apparatus is disclosed for attaching and sealing to the upper end of the casing allowing the inner string to be run through the apparatus. The apparatus provides a latch for anchoring the inner string and a seal for sealing on the inner string. Also disclosed is a flow path for providing for circulation of fluid between the inner string and casing annulus. Also disclosed is an inner string sub that provides a profile anchoring and sealing the inner string by the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Patent number: 6604578Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Publication number: 20020129934Abstract: A system for capturing displaced fluid or pumping fluid through tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore is described. Embodiments are supported by a traveling block and top drive unit with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mud system. Alternative sealing arrangements for sealing inside the tubular connection are also disclosed. These alternate sealing arrangements also provide flow areas larger than the tubular body since no portion of these arrangements enter the tubular body. All of the sealing arrangements provide a biased area whereby any internal pressure in the invention forces the seals into more intimate contact with their mating seal surfaces. A mudsaver valve having a large flow capacity is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. This mudsaver valve also provides for pumping of fluid into the tubular or flow of fluid from the tubular to the mud system prior to removing the apparatus from the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Albert Augustus Mullins, Raul Daniel Vega
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Patent number: 6415862Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Publication number: 20020066558Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2002Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Patent number: 6390190Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Offshore Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Publication number: 20020053427Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Publication number: 20010011589Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 1998Publication date: August 9, 2001Inventor: ALBERT AUGUSTUS MULLINS
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Patent number: 6176318Abstract: An actuator apparatus for actuating a downhole well tool according to which a housing extends in the well and a tool to be actuated is disposed in the housing. A drive member is connected to the tool for operating the tool, and an actuator system is disposed in the housing and is normally connected to the drive member for driving the drive member and operating the tool. In the event the actuator system fails, an additional actuator system is disposed in the housing and is adapted to be connected to the drive member for also driving the drive member and operating the tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Brian Keith Drakeley, Albert Augustus Mullins, II, Richard M. Wilde
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Patent number: 6173777Abstract: A casing or tubular fill and circulator assembly is indicated, wherein a singular valve is used for filling and circulating the casing as well as providing for pressure equalization when the singular valve is in the open position. The valve is constructed so that it is opened upon being inserted into the upper end of the casing. For filling the casing, only the valve is inserted into the upper end of the casing whereupon the valve is fully opened so that fluid can be pumped into the casing without a pressure drop or erosion of any of the valve members. For circulation, the apparatus is advanced further into the casing until a cup seal closes off the top of the casing. Once flow is initiated in that condition, internal pressure in the casing, at very low applied pressures, will begin the circulation through the casing. With the valve in the fully open position, erosive effects from flow are eliminated during filling and circulation.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Patent number: 5971079Abstract: A casing fill and circulator assembly is disclosed. The fill valve is constructed so that the valve member moves out of the main flowpath when the valve is in the open position. The valve is constructed so that flow opens it and the majority of the pressure drop is taken in an area other than the interface between the valve member and the seat. For circulation, the apparatus is advanced further into the casing until a cup seal closes off the top of the casing. Once flow is initiated in that condition, internal pressure in the casing, at very low applied pressures, opens a circulation valve and closes the fill valve so that circulation through the casing is accomplished through the circulation valve while bypassing the fill valve. Erosive effects from flow on the fill valve are thus eliminated during circulation. An alternative dual-function valve in a circulator/filling apparatus is also disclosed where a control system senses applied pressure in the apparatus and opens the valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Patent number: 5831156Abstract: A downhole, modular, well-monitoring and control system is disclosed for use as a stand alone system capable of being left unconnected to the surface in a cased and completed well borehole. Annular shaped interchangeably connected modules, each having a centrally located fluid flow pathway through them, are connected in end to end relationship to each other. Seating modules, sensor and flow control modules, power supply modules and other modules form the functional basis for a complete stand alone downhole system to monitor and control production in multiple zone completed wells. The system may be interrogated and reprogrammed from the surface without removing modules from the well.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins