Patents by Inventor Brian O. Faircloth

Brian O. Faircloth 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).

  • High power laser workover and completion tools and systems
    Patent number: 8869914
    Abstract: Workover and completion systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser workover and completion of a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform laser workover and completion operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • Method and system for advancement of a borehole using a high power laser
    Patent number: 8826973
    Abstract: There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. There is further provided with in the systems a means for delivering high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates, a laser bottom hole assembly, and fluid directing techniques and assemblies for removing the displaced material from the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel F. Moxley, Mark S. Land, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Mark S. Zediker
  • Apparatus for advancing a wellbore using high power laser energy
    Patent number: 8820434
    Abstract: Delivering high power laser energy to form a borehole deep into the earth using laser energy. Down hole laser tools, laser systems and laser delivery techniques for advancement, workover and completion activities. A laser bottom hole assembly (LBHA) for the delivery of high power laser energy to the surfaces of a borehole, which assembly may have laser optics, a fluid path for debris removal and a mechanical means to remove earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Mark S. Land, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • HIGH POWER LASER TUNNELING MINING AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20140231398
    Abstract: There are provided high power laser and laser mechanical earth removing equipment, and operations using laser cutting tools having stand off distances. These equipment provide high power laser beams, greater than 1 kW to cut and volumetrically remove targeted materials and to remove laser affected material with gravity assistance, mechanical cutters, fluid jets, scrapers and wheels. There is also provided a method of using this equipment in mining, road resurfacing and other earth removing or working activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: FORO ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Land, John F. Volkmar, Mark S. Zediker, Shararth Kolachalam, Ryan J. Norton, Brian O. Faircloth, Daryl L. Grubb, Ronald A. De Witt
  • Laser assisted riser disconnect and method of use
    Patent number: 8783360
    Abstract: There is provided a high power laser-riser blowout preventer package and laser module for use with a subsea riser. The laser module and laser-riser package use high power laser energy to quickly cut the riser permitting an offshore drilling rig to quickly, and in a controlled manner disconnect from a blowout preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Foro Energy, Inc., Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Henry A. Bergeron, Philip V. Clark, Brian O. Faircloth, Joel F. Moxley, Paul D. Deutch, Charles C. Rinzler
  • SYSTEMS, TOOLS AND METHODS FOR HIGH POWER LASER SURFACE DECOMMISSIONING AND DOWNHOLE WELDING
    Publication number: 20140190949
    Abstract: There are provided using high power laser systems for performing decommissioning welding and repair of structures in boreholes, off-shore, and other remote and hazardous locations. In a particular embodiment the laser system is a Class I system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORO ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Daryl L. Grubb, Brian O. Faircloth, Kenneth L. Havlinek, Scott A. Marshall
  • Methods for enhancing the efficiency of creating a borehole using high power laser systems
    Patent number: 8757292
    Abstract: Methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena to enhance the formation of Boreholes. Methods for the laser operations to reduce the critical path for forming a borehole in the earth. These methods can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • High power laser perforating tools and systems
    Patent number: 8701794
    Abstract: Systems devices and methods for the transmission of 1 kW or more of laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser perforation of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perforate such boreholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • LIGHT WEIGHT HIGH POWER LASER PRESURE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20140069896
    Abstract: There is provided pressure control systems, methods and apparatus for the use of high power laser energy to server structures, such as rods, tubes, wireline, slickline and braided line in well and pipeline pressure control situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: FORO ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Paul D. Deutch, Ronald A. De Witt, Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth, Daniel L. Wolfe
  • Systems and conveyance structures for high power long distance laser transmission
    Patent number: 8662160
    Abstract: There is provided a mobile high power laser system and conveyance structure for delivering high power laser energy to and for performing high power laser operations in remote and difficult to access locations. There is further provide such systems with high power laser, handling equipment and conveyance equipment that are configured to avoid exceeding the maximum bending radius of high power optical fibers used with the conveyance structures. There are also provided embodiments of the conveyance structures having channels, lines and passages for delivering materials such as fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. DeWitt, Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth, Daryl L. Grubb, Ryan P. McKay, William C. Gray, Joel F. Moxley, Charles C. Rinzler, Lance D. Underwood, Paul D. Deutch
  • Methods and apparatus for removal and control of material in laser drilling of a borehole
    Patent number: 8636085
    Abstract: The removal of material from the path of a high power laser beam during down hole laser operations including drilling of a borehole and removal of displaced laser effected borehole material from the borehole during laser operations. In particular, paths, dynamics and parameters of fluid flows for use in conjunction with a laser bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Rinzler, Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth, Joel F. Moxley
  • Laser bottom hole assembly
    Patent number: 8627901
    Abstract: There is provided for laser bottom hole assembly for providing a high power laser beam having greater than 5 kW of power for a laser mechanical drilling process to advance a borehole. This assembly utilizes a reverse Moineau motor type power section and provides a self-regulating system that addresses fluid flows relating to motive force, cooling and removal of cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance D. Underwood, Ryan J. Norton, Ryan P. McKay, David R. Mesnard, Jason D. Fraze, Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth
  • HIGH POWER LASER OFFSHORE DECOMMISSIONING TOOL, SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20130319984
    Abstract: There is provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these tools and systems for cutting, sectioning and removing structures objects, and materials, and in particular, for doing so in difficult to access locations and environments, such as offshore, underwater, or in hazardous environments, such as nuclear and chemical facilities. Thus, there is also provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these systems and tools for removing structures, objects, and materials located offshore, under bodies of water and under the seafloor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: FORO ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene J. Linyaev, Scott A. Marshall, Daryl L. Grubb, Ronald A. De Witt, Paul D. Deutch, Brian O. Faircloth, Jason D. Fraze, Mark S. Zediker
  • SYSTEMS AND ASSEMBLIES FOR TRANSFERRING HIGH POWER LASER ENERGY THROUGH A ROTATING JUNCTION
    Publication number: 20130266031
    Abstract: There are provided high power laser devices and systems for transmitting a high power laser beam across a rotating assembly, including optical slip rings and optical rotational coupling assemblies. These devices can transmit the laser beam through the rotation zone in free space or within a fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Foro Energy Inc
    Inventors: Ryan J. Norton, Ryan P. McKay, Jason D. Fraze, Charles C. Rinzler, Daryl L. Grubb, Brian O. Faircloth, Mark S. Zediker
  • TOTAL INTERNAL REFLECTION LASER TOOLS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20130228557
    Abstract: There is provided high power laser tools and laser heads that utilize total internal reflection (“TIR”) structures to direct the laser beam along a laser beam path within the TIR structure. The TIR structures may be a TIR prism having its hypotenuse as a TIR surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Foro Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth, Sharath K. Kolachalam, Daryl L. Grubb
  • HIGH POWER LASER PERFORATING AND LASER FRACTURING TOOLS AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20130228372
    Abstract: There are provided high power laser perforating tools and methods of delivering laser energy patterns that enhance the flow of energy sources, such as hydrocarbons, from a formation into a production tubing or collection system. These tools and methods precisely deliver predetermined laser beam energy patterns, to provide for custom geometries in a formation. The patterns and geometries are tailored and customized to the particular geological and structural features of a formation and reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Foro Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene J. Linyaev, Mark S. Zediker, Daryl L. Grubb, Sam N. Schroit, Ronald A. De Witt, Sharath K. Kolachalam, Paul D. Deutch, Brian O. Faircloth
  • Method and apparatus for delivering high power laser energy over long distances
    Patent number: 8511401
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the transmission of 1 kW or more of laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • Methods and apparatus for delivering high power laser energy to a surface
    Patent number: 8424617
    Abstract: There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for providing a laser beam to borehole surface in a predetermined and energy deposition profile. The predetermined energy deposition profiles may be uniform or tailored to specific downhole applications. Optic assemblies for obtaining these predetermined energy deposition profiles are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Foro Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Brian O. Faircloth, Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • RUGGED PASSIVELY COOLED HIGH POWER LASER FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20130011102
    Abstract: There are provided high power laser connectors and couplers and methods that are capable of providing high laser power without the need for active cooling to remote, harsh and difficult to access locations and under difficult and harsh conditions and to manage and mitigate the adverse effects of back reflections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Charles C. Rinzler, William C. Gray, Jason D. Fraze, Brian O. Faircloth, Mark S. Zediker, Ryan P. McKay
  • METHOD OF PROTECTING HIGH POWER LASER DRILLING, WORKOVER AND COMPLETION SYSTEMS FROM CARBON GETTERING DEPOSITS
    Publication number: 20120273470
    Abstract: There is provided a high power laser system for performing high power laser operations and methods and systems for protecting optics and components of high power laser systems while performing laser operations from damage from carbon gettering migration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth