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).
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Patent number: 8042616Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20110011646Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 7823660Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 7730965Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignees: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Christopher Jordan, James G. Martens, R. Lee Colvard, Brent J. Lirette, Gregory Guy Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Gregory Gerard Gaspard, John Robert Gradishar
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Publication number: 20080128140Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
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Publication number: 20080110673Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 7334650Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 7311148Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 7219730Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining the location of an apparatus in a wellbore. The method includes lowering the apparatus with a conveying member and measuring a parameter associated with the conveying member. Thereafter, the measured parameter is used to determine the location of the apparatus as well as other conditions in the wellbore. The apparatus includes a conveying member operatively connected to an object released downhole. The apparatus may also include a dispensing apparatus coupled to one end of the conveying member. Preferably, the conveying member is a fiber optics line capable of transmitting optical signals. Other types of conveying members include a wire, a tube, and a cable. Additionally, a sensor may be disposed on the object and connected to the conveying member.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, James G. Martens
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Publication number: 20040245020Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20040221997Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
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Publication number: 20040060697Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining the location of an apparatus in a wellbore. The method includes lowering the apparatus with a conveying member and measuring a parameter associated with the conveying member. Thereafter, the measured parameter is used to determine the location of the apparatus as well as other conditions in the wellbore. The apparatus includes a conveying member operatively connected to an object released downhole. The apparatus may also include a dispensing apparatus coupled to one end of the conveying member. Preferably, the conveying member is a fiber optics line capable of transmitting optical signals. Other types of conveying members include a wire, a tube, and a cable. Additionally, a sensor may be disposed on the object and connected to the conveying member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, James G. Martens
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Patent number: 5575333Abstract: A centralizer apparatus has been developed which, in one aspect, has a tubular body with an exterior surface, a collar movably emplaced around the tubular body and movable longitudinally thereon, a plurality of spring bows, each spring bow having a first end spaced apart from a second end, each spring bow biased outwardly from the tubular body, the first ends connected to the tubular body, the second ends connected to the first collar, so that upon movement of the first collar the spring bows move toward the tubular body. In one aspect the collar is connected to bottom ends of the spring bows and is initially movable to abut a stop on the tubular body so that from that point on the spring bows are pulled into another tubular, e.g. casing, as the centralizer apparatus moves down into the casing. In another embodiment two movable collars are used, one at each end of the spring bows.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Weatherford U.S., Inc.Inventors: Brent J. Lirette, Robert P. Vilyus, James G. Martens, Brad W. Hebert
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Patent number: 4674569Abstract: A stage cementing tool comprising a substantially tubular mandrel having a single interior unitary sleeve maintained at a first or closed position in said mandrel and adapted to move to a second or open position and subsequently to a third or closed position in said mandrel. The movable unitary sleeve is maintained by interior shear pins adapted to be sheared in two steps by separate forces applied at different points of the assembly of the unitary sleeve and respective opening and closing seats secured thereto. Positive locking means are located in the sleeve which act to maintain it at each successive position and to prevent regression when the moving force is removed. The mandrel and assembly is adapted to fit in a string of casing pipe for location at a site to be cemented. In operation the unitary sleeve is first actuated to open position for cement flow and placing and thereafter to fully closed position to stop such flow and is positively locked in such closed condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1986Date of Patent: June 23, 1987Assignee: Chromalloy American CorporationInventors: Ernest A. Revils, Emmet J. Arboneaux, III, Brent J. Lirette
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Patent number: 4655247Abstract: A ball-type check valve assembly for use in a fluid flow line includes a valve body having an inlet end and an outlet end, a ball retainer cup positioned within the valve body intermediate the inlet and the outlet end, the ball retainer cup having a passageway extending therethrough adapted to fluidly communicate the inlet passageway with the outlet passageway, spaced apart lug members attached to the valve body adapted to support said ball retainer cup, a plurality of fluid channels defined by the space between adjacent ones of the lug members to fluidly communicate the inlet passageway with the outlet passageway and being adapted to direct the flow of fluid received from the inlet passageway to a first location within the outlet passageway, a flexible skirt member having one end portion thereof abutting the ball retainer cup and extending therefrom to another end portion located at a second location within the outlet passageway between the first location and the outlet end, the flexible skirt member havingType: GrantFiled: January 17, 1986Date of Patent: April 7, 1987Assignee: Chromalloy American CorporationInventors: Lubbert Westra, Brent J. Lirette
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Patent number: RE42877Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Brent J. Lirette, David J. Brunnert