Patents by Inventor Bruce E. Scott

Bruce E. Scott 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: 10323483
    Abstract: A method of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool through which a well fluid flows can include heating a surrounding wall of an interior flow passage through which the well fluid flows. A system for of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool can include an interior flow passage having a surrounding wall, and a heater which heats the wall of the flow passage. Another method of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool can include monitoring the accumulation of the substance in the well tool, and heating a surrounding wall of an interior flow passage in response to detecting the accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, Thomas W. Swan, John J. Goiffon
  • Patent number: 10301911
    Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, James D. Vick, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180100376
    Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, James D. Vick, JR.
  • Patent number: 9874073
    Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, James D. Vick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9574423
    Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Bruce E. Scott
  • Publication number: 20160123115
    Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC
    Inventors: BRUCE E. SCOTT, JAMES D. VICK, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150198011
    Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Jimmie R. WILLIAMSON, Jr., Bruce E. SCOTT
  • Patent number: 9068425
    Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Bruce E. Scott
  • Patent number: 9010448
    Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Bruce E. Scott
  • Patent number: 8869881
    Abstract: A safety valve for use in a subterranean well can include a housing assembly having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the housing assembly. An outer diameter of the housing assembly is eccentric relative to the flow passage. A well tool can include a magnetic coupling between magnet devices. One magnet device includes a series of magnets which are unequally spaced circumferentially about the other magnet device. Another safety valve can include a longitudinally extending flow passage, a closure device which selectively permits and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an outer diameter which is eccentric relative to the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Bruce E. Scott
  • Patent number: 8851161
    Abstract: A well tool can include multiple electrical devices and multiple electronic circuits which control operation of the respective electrical devices, each electronic circuit including a respective isolation circuit, wherein each of the isolation circuits isolates a corresponding one of the electronic circuits from a respective one of the electrical devices in response to a predetermined condition. A method of operating a well tool can include providing multiple electronic circuits for operation of respective multiple electrical devices of the well tool, disconnecting one electronic circuit from its respective electrical device in the well, and connecting another electronic circuit to the electrical device in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, John J. Goiffon
  • Publication number: 20140202711
    Abstract: A well tool can include multiple electrical devices and multiple electronic circuits which control operation of the respective electrical devices, each electronic circuit including a respective isolation circuit, wherein each of the isolation circuits isolates a corresponding one of the electronic circuits from a respective one of the electrical devices in response to a predetermined condition. A method of operating a well tool can include providing multiple electronic circuits for operation of respective multiple electrical devices of the well tool, disconnecting one electronic circuit from its respective electrical device in the well, and connecting another electronic circuit to the electrical device in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce E. SCOTT, John J. GOIFFON
  • Publication number: 20140020887
    Abstract: A safety valve for use in a subterranean well can include a housing assembly having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the housing assembly. An outer diameter of the housing assembly is eccentric relative to the flow passage. A well tool can include a magnetic coupling between magnet devices. One magnet device includes a series of magnets which are unequally spaced circumferentially about the other magnet device. Another safety valve can include a longitudinally extending flow passage, a closure device which selectively permits and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an outer diameter which is eccentric relative to the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James D. VICK, JR., Jimmie R. Williamson, JR., Bruce E. SCOTT
  • Patent number: 8573304
    Abstract: A safety valve for use in a subterranean well can include a housing assembly having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the housing assembly. An outer diameter of the housing assembly is eccentric relative to the flow passage. A well tool can include a magnetic coupling between magnet devices. One magnet device includes a series of magnets which are unequally spaced circumferentially about the other magnet device. Another safety valve can include a longitudinally extending flow passage, a closure device which selectively permits and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an outer diameter which is eccentric relative to the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Bruce E. Scott
  • Patent number: 8511374
    Abstract: A method of operating an insert safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing the insert safety valve in a flow passage which extends longitudinally through an outer safety valve, making electrical contact between the insert safety valve and an electrical connector, and operating the insert safety valve, thereby selectively permitting and preventing flow through the flow passage. An insert safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to another electrical connector external to the insert safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, John J. Goiffon
  • Patent number: 8490687
    Abstract: A method of operating a valve can include installing an electrical actuator in a flow passage extending longitudinally through the valve, and operating a closure assembly in response to electrical power being supplied to the electrical actuator. An outer safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to an insert safety valve positioned in the flow passage. A method of operating an outer safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing an insert safety valve in the safety valve, and operating the insert safety valve with electrical current flowing from the safety valve to the insert safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, John J. Goiffon
  • Publication number: 20130032356
    Abstract: A method of operating an insert safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing the insert safety valve in a flow passage which extends longitudinally through an outer safety valve, making electrical contact between the insert safety valve and an electrical connector, and operating the insert safety valve, thereby selectively permitting and preventing flow through the flow passage. An insert safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to another electrical connector external to the insert safety valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce E. SCOTT, John J. GOIFFON
  • Publication number: 20130032355
    Abstract: A method of operating a valve can include installing an electrical actuator in a flow passage extending longitudinally through the valve, and operating a closure assembly in response to electrical power being supplied to the electrical actuator. An outer safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to an insert safety valve positioned in the flow passage. A method of operating an outer safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing an insert safety valve in the safety valve, and operating the insert safety valve with electrical current flowing from the safety valve to the insert safety valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce E. SCOTT, John J. GOIFFON
  • Publication number: 20120125597
    Abstract: A safety valve for use in a subterranean well can include a housing assembly having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the housing assembly. An outer diameter of the housing assembly is eccentric relative to the flow passage. A well tool can include a magnetic coupling between magnet devices. One magnet device includes a series of magnets which are unequally spaced circumferentially about the other magnet device. Another safety valve can include a longitudinally extending flow passage, a closure device which selectively permits and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an outer diameter which is eccentric relative to the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James D. VICK, JR., Jimmie R. WILLIAMSON, JR., Bruce E. SCOTT
  • Patent number: 6619388
    Abstract: The present invention is a surface controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) for use in a well, preferably a hydrocarbon producing well. The SCSSV comprises a valve body having a longitudinal bore for fluid to flow through, a bore closure assembly, a pressure balanced drive assembly, and a fail safe assembly. The bore closure assembly is positioned and normally biased to close the bore to fluid flow. The drive assembly is coupled to the bore closure assembly for driving the bore closure assembly to an open position. The fail safe assembly is positioned and configured to hold the bore closure assembly in the open position in response to a hold signal and to release the valve to return to the safe, closed position upon interruption of the hold signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley P. Dietz, Robert A. Rademaker, Ronald W. McGregor, Bruce E. Scott