Patents by Inventor Colin McHardy

Colin McHardy 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: 8136216
    Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement and a method used for coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement comprising a first expandable tubing section defining a male portion; a second expandable tubing section defining a female portion, the first and second expandable tubing sections being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections including a restraining member for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section; and the first expandable tubing section including a tapered shoulder for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder of the second expandable tubing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason David Evans, Martin William Geddes, Colin McHardy, Wayne Rudd
  • Patent number: 8028749
    Abstract: Apparatus for expanding first and second portions of a downhole tubular in a single trip comprises a support and first and second expansion devices. The first expansion device is mounted on the support and is operable to expand a first portion of tubular. The second expansion device is mounted to a second portion of tubular and is adapted to be engaged by the support following the expansion of the first portion of tubular, and is then used to expand the second portion of tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin McHardy, Simon John Harrall
  • Patent number: 8006771
    Abstract: Methods relate to tubulars that may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Annabel Green, Lev Ring, Colin McHardy, Simon Harrall, Gary Johnston, Neil A. A. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20100236792
    Abstract: Apparatus for expanding first and second portions of a downhole tubular in a single trip comprises a support and first and second expansion devices. The first expansion device is mounted on the support and is operable to expand a first portion of tubular. The second expansion device is mounted to a second portion of tubular and is adapted to be engaged by the support following the expansion of the first portion of tubular, and is then used to expand the second portion of tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Colin McHardy, Simon John Harrall
  • Patent number: 7726395
    Abstract: Apparatus for expanding first and second portions of a downhole tubular in a single trip comprises a support and first and second expansion devices. The first expansion device is mounted on the support and is operable to expand a first portion of tubular. The second expansion device is mounted to a second portion of tubular and is adapted to be engaged by the support following the expansion of the first portion of tubular, and is then used to expand the second portion of tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin McHardy, Simon John Harrall
  • Publication number: 20100005643
    Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement and a method used for coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement comprising a first expandable tubing section defining a male portion; a second expandable tubing section defining a female portion, the first and second expandable tubing sections being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections including a restraining member for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section; and the first expandable tubing section including a tapered shoulder for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder of the second expandable tubing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Jason David Evans, Martin William Geddes, Colin McHardy, Wayne Rudd
  • Publication number: 20090223680
    Abstract: Methods relate to tubulars that may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Annabel Green, Lev Ring, Colin McHardy, Simon Harrall, Gary Johnston, Neil A.A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7559582
    Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement and a method used for coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement comprising a first expandable tubing section defining a male portion; a second expandable tubing section defining a female portion, the first and second expandable tubing sections being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections including a restraining member for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section; and the first expandable tubing section including a tapered shoulder for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder of the second expandable tubing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason David Evans, Martin William Geddes, Colin McHardy, Wayne Rudd
  • Patent number: 7543637
    Abstract: Methods relate to tubulars that may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Annabel Green, Lev Ring, Colin McHardy, Simon Harrall, Gary Johnston, Neil A. A. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20080017387
    Abstract: Methods relate to tubulars that may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Annabel Green, Lev Ring, Colin McHardy, Simon Harrall, Gary Johnston, Neil Simpson
  • Publication number: 20080012320
    Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement and a method used for coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement comprising a first expandable tubing section defining a male portion; a second expandable tubing section defining a female portion, the first and second expandable tubing sections being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections including a restraining member for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section; and the first expandable tubing section including a tapered shoulder for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder of the second expandable tubing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jason Evans, Martin Geddes, Colin McHardy, Wayne Rudd
  • Patent number: 7275602
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars are disclosed. The tubulars may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Annabel Green, Lev Ring, Colin McHardy, Simon Harrall, Gary Johnston, Neil A. A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7240928
    Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement and a method used for coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement comprising a first expandable tubing section defining a male portion; a second expandable tubing section defining a female portion, the first and second expandable tubing sections being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections including a restraining member for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section; and the first expandable tubing section including a tapered shoulder for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder of the second expandable tubing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason David Evans, Martin William Geddes, Colin McHardy, Wayne Rudd
  • Publication number: 20070119597
    Abstract: Apparatus for expanding first and second portions of a downhole tubular in a single trip comprises a support and first and second expansion devices. The first expansion device is mounted on the support and is operable to expand a first portion of tubular. The second expansion device is mounted to a second portion of tubular and is adapted to be engaged by the support following the expansion of the first portion of tubular, and is then used to expand the second portion of tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Colin McHardy, Simon Harrall
  • Publication number: 20060065408
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars are disclosed. The tubulars may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Annabel Green, Lev Ring, Colin McHardy, Simon Harrall, Gary Johnston
  • Publication number: 20040135370
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement and a method of coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement (10) comprising a first expandable tubing section (12) defining a male portion (16); a second expandable tubing section (14) defining a female portion (18), the first and second expandable tubing sections (12, 14) being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections (12, 14) including a restraining member (40) for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section (12, 14); and the first expandable tubing section (12) including a tapered shoulder (42,44) for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder (46,48) of the second expandable tubing section (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jason David Evans, Martin William Geddes, Colin McHardy, Wayne Rudd
  • Patent number: 6725937
    Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises a body for mounting on a tubular string, the body defining an internal bore. A fluid pressure actuated valve member is movable relative to the body and a normally closed flow port is provided in the valve member. With the valve member in a first position relative to the body the port is closed, and with the valve member in a second position the port is open to permit fluid communication therethrough between the body bore and the exterior of the body. The valve member is biassed towards the first position. A fluid pressure actuated latch arrangement releasably retains the valve member in the first position, the latch arrangement being releasable on application of a predetermined cracking pressure to allow the unlatched valve member to move to the second position in response to a valve opening pressure lower than the cracking pressure. The latch is resettable to relatch the valve member on return of the valve member to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin McHardy
  • Patent number: 5409059
    Abstract: A locking mandrel is provided for use in downhole assembly and comprises a cylindrical body (12) having an annular series of openings (20) in which locking keys (21) are movably positioned, the keys (21) being biased radially inwardly, and an inner mandrel (13, 14) for moving the keys (21) from a withdrawn primed condition to an extended set position. Additionally the body (12) includes a series of movable no-go members (22) below the keys (21) which are extended in the primed condition so as to be engageable with a no-go ring (R2) on a downhole tubing string to axially arrest the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Petroline Wireline Services Limited
    Inventor: Colin McHardy
  • Patent number: 5267613
    Abstract: An upstroke jar for use in downhole operations in an oil or gas well and for connection between a wireline and a tool comprises a casing defining an anvil and for connection to the tool, a hammer slidable axially within the casing for impacting with the anvil and for connection to the wireline, a hammer holder, a spring arrangement located between an abutment on the casing and an abutment on the hammer holder for compression on an operative movement of the hammer holder as a consequence of tension on the wireline and a connector releasable to free the hammer from the holder at the completion of the operative movement so that the freed hammer may impact with the anvil. The compression load on the spring present at the release is dependant on the extent of the operative movement from a rest position and the degree of compression of the spring means to obtain the operative movement. Adjustment of the release load present at the instant the hammer part is released by the connector is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Petroline Wireline Services Limited
    Inventors: Klaas J. Zwart, Colin McHardy
  • Patent number: 5156209
    Abstract: In a downhole assembly (1) including an outer casing or mandrel (2), an axially movable prong (11) in the mandrel, and means for equalizing pressure within the mandrel (1) comprising a fluid duct (7) communicating the interior of the mandrel with the outside and a control member (or melon) (8) movable by the prong to control fluid flow via said duct (7); there is provided apparatus for controlling movement of the prong (11) comprising radially movable arrester dogs (14) engagable with a rib (20) on the prong (11) and an annular piston device (15) located in a housing (16) adapted for operative movement of the dogs (14). In particular housing zones on either side of the piston device (15) are maintained at tool external and mandrel internal pressure respectively whereby the piston device (11) is moved to lock the prong (11) when there is a pressure imbalance but free the prong (11) when pressure equilibrium is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Petroline Wireline Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Colin McHardy