Patents by Inventor Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.

Burney J. Latiolais, Jr. 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: 9567815
    Abstract: A load lifting apparatus comprises a first housing, a second housing and a mechanical obstruction structure(s). The first housing is sized to slide over an upset tubular having a given diameter, wherein the first housing comprises the mechanical obstruction structure(s) that is designed to move radially inward when engaged with the second housing. The compressed internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) can contact the upset tubular, wherein the upset tubular can then be supported by the mechanical obstruction structure(s) and the second housing, for safely lifting the upset tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Keith T. Lutgring, Braxton I. Moody, V, John K. M. Saichuk, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Publication number: 20150197996
    Abstract: A load lifting apparatus comprises a first housing, a second housing and a mechanical obstruction structure(s). The first housing is sized to slide over an upset tubular having a given diameter, wherein the first housing comprises the mechanical obstruction structure(s) that is designed to move radially inward when engaged with the second housing. The compressed internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) can contact the upset tubular, wherein the upset tubular can then be supported by the mechanical obstruction structure(s) and the second housing, for safely lifting the upset tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, JR., Keith T. Lutgring, Braxton I. Moody, V, John K. M. Saichuk, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 8936292
    Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical rings upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Keith T. Lutgring, Braxton I. Moody, John K. M. Saichuk, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Publication number: 20140224473
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8708043
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus to fluidly couple to a casing string. The apparatus may include a fill-up and circulating tool having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the fill-up and circulating tool may be configured to fluidly seal internally within an upper end of the casing string. The apparatus may further include a cementing head assembly having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the flow path of the cementing head assembly is fluidly coupled to the flow path of the fill-up and circulating tool, and a releasing mechanism coupled to the cementing head assembly, in which the releasing mechanism is configured to release a fluid-conveyed sealing device through the cementing head assembly and into the fill-up and circulating tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, David L. Sipos, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Samuel P. Hawkins, III, Keith T. Lutgring
  • Publication number: 20130220610
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus to fluidly couple to a casing string. The apparatus may include a fill-up and circulating tool having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the fill-up and circulating tool may be configured to fluidly seal internally within an upper end of the casing string. The apparatus may further include a cementing head assembly having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the flow path of the cementing head assembly is fluidly coupled to the flow path of the fill-up and circulating tool, and a releasing mechanism coupled to the cementing head assembly, in which the releasing mechanism is configured to release a fluid-conveyed sealing device through the cementing head assembly and into the fill-up and circulating tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, David L. Sipos, Burney J. Latiolais, JR., Samuel P. Hawkins, III, Keith T. Lutgring
  • Publication number: 20130161966
    Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical rings upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, JR., Keith T. Lutgring, Braxton I. Moody, V, John K.M. Saichuk, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 8424604
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus to fluidly couple to a casing string. The apparatus may include a fill-up and circulating tool having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the fill-up and circulating tool is configured to fluidly couple to an upper end of the casing string, a cementing head assembly having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the flow path of the cementing head assembly is fluidly coupled to the flow path of the fill-up and circulating tool, and a releasing mechanism coupled to the cementing head assembly, in which the releasing mechanism is configured to release a fluid-conveyed sealing device through the cementing head assembly and into the fill-up and circulating tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, David L. Sipos, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Samuel P. Hawkins, III, Keith T. Lutgring
  • Patent number: 8348320
    Abstract: Methods for gripping an oilfield tubular include engaging a band with a ring member to form a load ring. The band has an arcuate component with a gap separating first and second ends, an interior surface, and an inclined exterior surface. The ring member has an interior surface with a groove therein. The inclined exterior surface of the band is associated with the groove of the interior surface to form the load ring. The load ring can be engaged with an oilfield tubular, and a force can be applied such that the groove of the ring member engages the inclined exterior surface of the band for securing the load ring to the oilfield tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Keith T. Lutgring, Braxton I. Moody, V, John K. M. Saichuk, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Publication number: 20120175117
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus to fluidly couple to a casing string. The apparatus may include a fill-up and circulating tool having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the fill-up and circulating tool is configured to fluidly couple to an upper end of the casing string, a cementing head assembly having a flow path extending therethrough, in which the flow path of the cementing head assembly is fluidly coupled to the flow path of the fill-up and circulating tool, and a releasing mechanism coupled to the cementing head assembly, in which the releasing mechanism is configured to release a fluid-conveyed sealing device through the cementing head assembly and into the fill-up and circulating tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, JR.
  • Patent number: 8096357
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a top drive supported tool for making up and running casing strings into a borehole. The tool comprises a fill-up and circulation assembly and a launcher assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a connectable cement wiper plug assembly for launching wiper plugs that control cement placement in the annulus between a casing string and a borehole containing the casing string. The tool of the present invention shortens or eliminates delays in well operations, thereby improving integrity of cement liners formed by placing cement slurry in a targeted interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Keith Thomas Lutgring, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 8082982
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E Mosing, Samuel P Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8047278
    Abstract: A method to connect a lifting assembly to a bore of a downhole tubular includes providing a communication tool to a distal end of the lifting assembly, the communication tool comprising a body assembly, an engagement assembly, a valve assembly and a seal assembly, sealingly engaging a first portion of the seal assembly in the bore of the downhole tubular, selectively permitting fluid to flow between the lifting assembly and the downhole tubular with the valve assembly, and disengaging the first portion of the seal assembly from the bore of the downhole tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Robert Large
  • Publication number: 20110139435
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a top drive supported tool for making up and running casing strings into a borehole. The tool comprises a fill-up and circulation assembly and a launcher assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a connectable cement wiper plug assembly for launching wiper plugs that control cement placement in the annulus between a casing string and a borehole containing the casing string. The tool of the present invention shortens or eliminates delays in well operations, thereby improving integrity of cement liners formed by placing cement slurry in a targeted interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, JR., Keith Thomas Lutgring, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Publication number: 20110114306
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, JR.
  • Patent number: 7874361
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7866390
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a top drive supported tool for making up and running casing strings into a borehole. The tool comprises a fill-up and circulation assembly and a launcher assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a connectable cement wiper plug assembly for launching wiper plugs that control cement placement in the annulus between a casing string and a borehole containing the casing string. The tool of the present invention shortens or eliminates delays in well operations, thereby improving integrity of cement liners formed by placing cement slurry in a targeted interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Keith Thomas Lutgring, Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Publication number: 20100326731
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a downhole tool and a method to abate vibration with the downhole tool. The downhole tool may include a first stabilizing member, a second stabilizing member, a flexible member, and/or a dampening member, in which the downhole tool may be disposed downhole within a wellbore. The flexible member may enable the first stabilizing member and the second stabilizing member to articulate with respect to an axis of the downhole tool. The dampening member may enable vibration received by the downhole tool to be dampened. Further, the first stabilizing member and the second stabilizing member may be rotatable with respect to each other about the axis of the downhole tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: PILOT DRILLING CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Burney J. Latiolais, JR., Thomas G. Roesner
  • Publication number: 20100096132
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, JR.
  • Patent number: RE41979
    Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus for use in a mid-string location in a pipe string being run into a well has an open fluid flow route to the annulus above the apparatus to provide more flow area for upwardly moving fluid. Flow up the upper pipe string bore is resisted to reduce fluid overflow from the top of the pipe string. Fluid flow down the pipe string bore closes the fluid channel between the lower pipe string bore and the upper annulus and blows out a pipe bore flow resisting element for free down flow of fluids in the pipe string bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Braxton I. Moody, V, Keith T. Lutgring, Donald E. Mosing