Patents by Inventor Clifford L. Hicks

Clifford L. Hicks 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).

  • Exposed energetic device initiation via tubing conveyed firing mechanism
    Patent number: 10087727
    Abstract: A mechanical firing system is used to detonate energetic material, such as external perforating charges, disposed on an apparatus deployed on tubing in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a through-bulkhead explosive energy transfer is used to deliver the detonation from the mechanical firing system to an external detonator. In another embodiment, the mechanical firing system delivers an electric pulse to initiate a detonator. A through-wire pressure bulkhead isolates the source of electric power from the wellbore environment. The electrical source can be a magneto-based device or can use a piezoelectric device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Segura, Clifford L. Hicks
  • Exposed Energetic Device Initiation via Tubing Conveyed Firing Mechanism
    Publication number: 20170226829
    Abstract: A mechanical firing system is used to detonate energetic material, such as external perforating charges, disposed on an apparatus deployed on tubing in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a through-bulkhead explosive energy transfer is used to deliver the detonation from the mechanical firing system to an external detonator. In another embodiment, the mechanical firing system delivers an electric pulse to initiate a detonator. A through-wire pressure bulkhead isolates the source of electric power from the wellbore environment. The electrical source can be a magneto-based device or can use a piezo-electric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: John W. Segura, Clifford L. Hicks