Patents by Inventor Danny W. Wagoner

Danny W. Wagoner 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: 11326403
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Danny W. Wagoner, Tuong T. Le
  • Publication number: 20210277727
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Danny W. WAGONER, Tuong T. LE
  • Patent number: 10995562
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Danny W. Wagoner, Tuong T. Le
  • Patent number: 10408000
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Danny W. Wagoner, Tuong T. Le
  • Patent number: 10000988
    Abstract: Rotating control device related oilfield pressure control is accomplished by upper and lower seal members configured to seal around a tubular, a chamber defined between the upper and lower seal members; and wherein fluid enters and/or exits the chamber via some device or structure. Such a device or structure could be a relief valve, a first accumulator, a pressure control valve, an orifice, and/or a void space in a seal member in a location which contacts the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, James W. Chambers, Andrew A. W. Barry, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20180155993
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Danny W. WAGONER, Tuong T. LE
  • Patent number: 9932786
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments relate to misalignment correction devices and methods for mitigating misalignment of a piece of oilfield equipment in or proximate an RCD. A rounded shoulder appears on a first surface within or proximate the RCD, and a socket profile appears on a second surface within or proximate the RCD. The second surface is configured to abut the rounded shoulder. The rounded shoulder is configured to rotate within the socket profile. Further, a floating joint may be implemented into or proximate the RCD and combined with the foregoing rotation mitigation features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner, Andrew Harrison
  • Publication number: 20170328145
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Danny W. WAGONER, Tuong T. LE
  • Patent number: 9784073
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Don M. Hannegan, James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner
  • Patent number: 9518436
    Abstract: A latch and method for use is provided for latching an item of oilfield equipment. The latch has a housing containing a latch member, and the latch member is movable between a radially engaged position in which it is engaged with the item of oilfield equipment, and a radially retracted position in which it is disengaged from the item of oilfield equipment. An actuator is configured to drive the latch member into the radially engaged position. Further, the actuator is configured to drive the latch member toward the radially retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 9422776
    Abstract: A rotating control device housing includes an upper riser flange; a lower riser flange; a latch section for receiving a bearing assembly and connected to the upper riser flange; a port section connected to the latch section by a flanged connection, having an outlet for discharging fluid flow diverted by the bearing assembly, and connected to the lower riser flange; and a jumper connected to the upper and lower riser flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Danny W. Wagoner, Gordon Thomson
  • Publication number: 20150345236
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments relate to misalignment correction devices and methods for mitigating misalignment of a piece of oilfield equipment in or proximate an RCD. A rounded shoulder appears on a first surface within or proximate the RCD, and a socket profile appears on a second surface within or proximate the RCD. The second surface is configured to abut the rounded shoulder. The rounded shoulder is configured to rotate within the socket profile. Further, a floating joint may be implemented into or proximate the RCD and combined with the foregoing rotation mitigation features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner, Andrew Harrison
  • Publication number: 20150226025
    Abstract: A latch and method for use is provided for latching an item of oilfield equipment. The latch has a housing containing a latch member, and the latch member is movable between a radially engaged position in which it is engaged with the item of oilfield equipment, and a radially retracted position in which it is disengaged from the item of oilfield equipment. An actuator is configured to drive the latch member into the radially engaged position. Further, the actuator is configured to drive the latch member toward the radially retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20150204146
    Abstract: A rotating control device housing includes an upper riser flange; a lower riser flange; a latch section for receiving a bearing assembly and connected to the upper riser flange; a port section connected to the latch section by a flanged connection, having an outlet for discharging fluid flow diverted by the bearing assembly, and connected to the lower riser flange; and a jumper connected to the upper and lower riser flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Danny W. WAGONER, Gordon THOMSON
  • Publication number: 20150136407
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. BAILEY, Don M. Hannegan, James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner
  • Patent number: 9010433
    Abstract: A latch and method for use is provided for latching an item of oilfield equipment. The latch has a housing containing a latch member, and the latch member is movable between a radially engaged position in which it is engaged with the item of oilfield equipment, and a radially retracted position in which it is disengaged from the item of oilfield equipment. An actuator is configured to drive the latch member into the radially engaged position. Further, the actuator is configured to drive the latch member toward the radially retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20150027688
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Danny W. Wagoner, Thomas F. Bailey, Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 8939235
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner
  • Patent number: 8844652
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Danny W. Wagoner, Thomas F. Bailey, Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 8770297
    Abstract: An RCD is used to provide a system and method for sealing a marine riser having a rotatable tubular. A bypass internal channel or external line may be used to allow fluid to bypass the RCD seal. An RCD holding member seal could be a mechanically extrudable seal or a hydraulically expanded seal to seal the RCD with the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, Waybourn J. Anderson, Jr.