Patents by Inventor Brent J. Lirette

Brent J. Lirette 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).

  • Patent number: 10174579
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to extrusion-resistant seals for an expandable tubular assembly. In one aspect, a seal assembly for creating a seal between a first tubular and a second tubular is provided. The seal assembly includes an annular member attached to the first tubular, the annular member having a groove formed on an outer surface of the annular member. The seal assembly further includes a seal member disposed in the groove, the seal member having one or more anti-extrusion bands. The seal member is configured to be expandable radially outward into contact with an inner wall of the second tubular by the application of an outwardly directed force supplied to an inner surface of the annular member. Additionally, the seal assembly includes a gap defined between the seal member and a side of the groove. In another aspect, a method of creating a seal between a first tubular and a second tubular is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Reinhardt, Rocky A. Turley, Brent J. Lirette, Huy V. Le
  • Patent number: 10113372
    Abstract: A centralizer having bow springs in a retracted position to facilitate passage through a restriction. After passing through the restriction, the bow springs may be expanded to support a casing. In one embodiment, the bow springs may be expanded using a movable sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery Morrison, Brent J. Lirette, Michael LoGiudice, Paul L. Smith
  • Patent number: 9657548
    Abstract: A method of running casing in a dual gradient system includes lowering a casing into a low density fluid region and allowing the low density fluid to enter the casing; releasing a plug into the casing; supplying a high density fluid behind the plug; and lowering the casing into a high density fluid region until target depth is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Marcel Budde, Brent J. Lirette, Michael Logiudice
  • Patent number: 9637977
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, David J. Brunnert
  • Patent number: 9528352
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to extrusion-resistant seals for an expandable tubular assembly. In one aspect, a seal assembly for creating a seal between a first tubular and a second tubular is provided. The seal assembly includes an annular member attached to the first tubular, the annular member having a groove formed on an outer surface of the annular member. The seal assembly further includes a seal member disposed in the groove, the seal member having one or more anti-extrusion bands. The seal member is configured to be expandable radially outward into contact with an inner wall of the second tubular by the application of an outwardly directed force supplied to an inner surface of the annular member. Additionally, the seal assembly includes a gap defined between the seal member and a side of the groove. In another aspect, a method of creating a seal between a first tubular and a second tubular is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Reinhardt, Rocky A. Turley, Brent J. Lirette, Huy V. Le
  • Patent number: 8997882
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a stage tool. In one aspect, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore is provided. The tool includes a body having a bore. The tool further includes a seal assembly attached to the body. The seal assembly having an expandable annular member, a seal member and an expander sleeve, wherein the seal member includes one or more anti-extrusion spring bands embedded within the seal member. The tool further includes a slip assembly attached to the body. The slip assembly includes slips that are configured to engage the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Brent J. Lirette, Huy V. Le
  • Publication number: 20140034311
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Brent J. Lirette, David J. Brunnert
  • Patent number: 8403078
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Brunnert, Brent J. Lirette
  • Publication number: 20120273055
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly may be coupled to one or more casings and/or tubular members to control fluid communication therebetween. The valve assembly is a one-way valve assembly that relieves pressure within an annulus formed between adjacent casings and/or tubular members to prevent burst or collapse of the casings and/or tubular members. In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes a tubular body having a port for fluid communication between an exterior of the valve assembly and an interior of the valve assembly; a chamber formed in a wall of the tubular body, the chamber in fluid communication with the port; and a closure member disposed in the chamber and configured to control fluid communication through the port in response to a pressure differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Brent J. Lirette, Michael LoGiudice, George W. Ribble, Stephanie Dianne Wind, Frederick T. Tilton
  • Publication number: 20120205872
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to extrusion-resistant seals for an expandable tubular assembly. In one aspect, a seal assembly for creating a seal between a first tubular and a second tubular is provided. The seal assembly includes an annular member attached to the first tubular, the annular member having a groove formed on an outer surface of the annular member. The seal assembly further includes a seal member disposed in the groove, the seal member having one or more anti-extrusion bands. The seal member is configured to be expandable radially outward into contact with an inner wall of the second tubular by the application of an outwardly directed force supplied to an inner surface of the annular member. Additionally, the seal assembly includes a gap defined between the seal member and a side of the groove. In another aspect, a method of creating a seal between a first tubular and a second tubular is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Reinhardt, Rocky A. Turley, Brent J. Lirette, Huy V. Le
  • Publication number: 20120205091
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a stage tool. In one aspect, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore is provided. The tool includes a body having a bore. The tool further includes a seal assembly attached to the body. The seal assembly having an expandable annular member, a seal member and an expander sleeve, wherein the seal member includes one or more anti-extrusion spring bands embedded within the seal member. The tool further includes a slip assembly attached to the body. The slip assembly includes slips that are configured to engage the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Brent J. Lirette, Huy V. Le
  • Publication number: 20120168228
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
  • Publication number: 20120138298
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Patent number: 8127868
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
  • Patent number: 8066069
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Patent number: 8042616
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
  • Publication number: 20110011646
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhalib, Mike Wardley
  • Patent number: 7823660
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
  • Patent number: 7730965
    Abstract: An improved method and/or apparatus for completing a wellbore is provided. In one embodiment, a method of lining a pre-drilled wellbore is provided. The method includes the act of providing a casing assembly, the casing assembly including a string of casing; and a retractable joint comprising an inner tubular and an outer tubular. The method further includes the acts of running the casing assembly into the pre-drilled wellbore and actuating the retractable joint, thereby reducing the length of the casing assembly through movement between the inner and outer tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Christopher Jordan, James G. Martens, R. Lee Colvard, Brent J. Lirette, Gregory Guy Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Gregory Gerard Gaspard, John Robert Gradishar
  • Patent number: RE42877
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent J. Lirette, David J. Brunnert