Patents by Inventor Bruce Cram

Bruce Cram 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: 8256517
    Abstract: A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes includes an outer shroud having an axial throughbore, and an inner tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, wherein the tubular member is releasably coupled to the shroud, and wherein the outer diameter of the shroud is adjustable. A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes may also include a shroud having an axial throughbore, a movable tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, and a releasable coupling between the shroud and the tubular member, wherein the releasable coupling includes a retracted position allowing entry of the tubing assembly into a junction between two boreholes, wherein the releasable coupling includes an expanded position allowing movement of the tubular member relative to the shroud and prevents re-entry of the tubing assembly into the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Ingraham, Bruce Cram
  • Publication number: 20100252256
    Abstract: A downhole tool including an inner mandrel, a first sealing element disposed around the inner mandrel, a second sealing mandrel disposed around the inner mandrel and axially below the first sealing elements, and a monitoring device disposed on the downhole tool between the first and second sealing elements. Also, a method of monitoring a downhole formation, the method including disposing a downhole monitoring tool in a wellbore, isolating a first production zone from a second production zone, wherein the first production zone is axially above the second production zone, and monitoring a condition of the first production zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Plooy, Bruce Cram
  • Publication number: 20100163240
    Abstract: A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes includes an outer shroud having an axial throughbore, and an inner tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, wherein the tubular member is releasably coupled to the shroud, and wherein the outer diameter of the shroud is adjustable. A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes may also include a shroud having an axial throughbore, a movable tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, and a releasable coupling between the shroud and the tubular member, wherein the releasable coupling includes a retracted position allowing entry of the tubing assembly into a junction between two boreholes, wherein the releasable coupling includes an expanded position allowing movement of the tubular member relative to the shroud and prevents re-entry of the tubing assembly into the junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Ingraham, Bruce Cram
  • Publication number: 20050126775
    Abstract: A running tool for a liner hanger has a mandrel supported by latch segments housed in a latch cage, the latch segments being engaged in the tubular portion of the hanger. In one mode, the latch cage is supported on latch shoulders temporarily restrained to the mandrel by a locking cylinder. Support of the latch cage ensures the latch segments remain engaged. Hydraulic actuation of the locking cylinder releases the latch shoulders, releasing the latch cage to move axially and disengage the latch segments. The mandrel is also supported using a drive housing axially engaging the liner hanger. If the hydraulic actuation fails, an indexed and relative reverse rotation of the mandrel releases the mandrel to lower through the drive housing and through the latch cage housing to the disengaged position. A barrel ratchet enables transmission of driving torque in one direction and ratcheting in a reverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Vi (Jim) Van Nguy, Bruce Cram, Kevin O'Dwyer