Patents by Inventor David B. Ruddock

David B. Ruddock 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: 10415341
    Abstract: A downhole system including tubular casing string and a packer setting joint configured to receive a packer therein. The packer setting joint includes an interior and an exterior, and all interior and exterior surfaces from an uphole to a downhole end of the packer setting joint are machined surfaces. The uphole end of the packer setting joint is connected to the casing string, and the downhole end of the packer setting joint is connected to the casing string. The packer setting joint has a greater burst strength than a burst strength of a casing joint connected to the packer setting joint within the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Jack D. Farmer, David B. Ruddock, Michael J. Naquin, Allan R. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20170234091
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated downhole tool located at a depth where control line hydrostatic pressure would normally set the tool is temporarily isolated from hydrostatic pressure and changes thereto from well exposure or downhole operations until properly located. A removable barrier is placed in the control line to the tool at a height from the tool that limits the hydrostatic force exposed to the actuation mechanism for the tool. The preferred barrier is a rupture disc that is selectively broken with applied pressure from a remote location, typically the surface above the well. The mounting depth of the barrier can be varied to control the maximum hydrostatic pressure seen by the tool as it is advanced to the intended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen H. Bisset, Gary L. Anderson, David B. Ruddock, Robert J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9447649
    Abstract: A packer system including a packer and a setting mechanism. The setting mechanism has a setting piston that is actuatable in response to a fluid pressure in order to set the packer with the setting piston. The setting mechanism prevents actuation of the setting piston until the pressure is decreased below a threshold pressure from a value greater than the threshold pressure. A method of setting a packer is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Robert J. Taylor, Peter J. Fay, David B. Ruddock, Scott D. Collins, Rafael Ramirez, Gary L. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20160024859
    Abstract: A downhole system including tubular casing string and a packer setting joint configured to receive a packer therein. The packer setting joint includes an interior and an exterior, and all interior and exterior surfaces from an uphole to a downhole end of the packer setting joint are machined surfaces. The uphole end of the packer setting joint is connected to the casing string, and the downhole end of the packer setting joint is connected to the casing string. The packer setting joint has a greater burst strength than a burst strength of a casing joint connected to the packer setting joint within the casing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jack D. Farmer, David B. Ruddock, Michael J. Naquin, Allan R. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20140360734
    Abstract: A packer system including a packer and a setting mechanism. The setting mechanism has a setting piston that is actuatable in response to a fluid pressure in order to set the packer with the setting piston. The setting mechanism prevents actuation of the setting piston until the pressure is decreased below a threshold pressure from a value greater than the threshold pressure. A method of setting a packer is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Robert J. Taylor, Peter J. Fay, David B. Ruddock, Scott D. Collins, Rafael Ramirez, Gary L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8365829
    Abstract: A pluggable seat includes, a first portion, positionable within a tubular, that is receptive to a runnable member seatable thereagainst, a second portion positioned downstream of the first portion, having a radial dimension smaller than a smallest radial dimension of the first portion, and a profile disposed at the second portion configured to increase resistance to extrusion of a runnable member past the pluggable seat in comparison to the same pluggable seat without the profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Justin Kellner, Travis Harris, Jason Coe, Dwayne Walkoviak, James Scott Sanchez, David B. Ruddock
  • Patent number: 8157090
    Abstract: An organization system for a series of objects to be sequentially run downhole is disclosed. The preferred objects are spheres of progressively larger diameter put into a wellbore to land at discrete locations for operation of ports in a given sequence so that a specific producing zone or zones can be completed in increments that preferably go in an uphole direction as progressively larger spheres are inserted. In the preferred embodiment the process is fracturing where a series of ported subs are operated to selectively open for the fracture procedure at a specific location and then close or become isolated when another sphere is dropped. Optionally the balls can be recovered at the surface when production starts. The organizer prevents size confusion and gives a ready feedback as to the progress of a given job. Trays can be stacked and carried in a carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Donald F. Ingvardsen, Rafael Ramirez, David B. Ruddock, Michael J. Naquin
  • Publication number: 20110094901
    Abstract: An organization system for a series of objects to be sequentially run downhole is disclosed. The preferred objects are spheres of progressively larger diameter put into a wellbore to land at discrete locations for operation of ports in a given sequence so that a specific producing zone or zones can be completed in increments that preferably go in an uphole direction as progressively larger spheres are inserted. In the preferred embodiment the process is fracturing where a series of ported subs are operated to selectively open for the fracture procedure at a specific location and then close or become isolated when another sphere is dropped. Optionally the balls can be recovered at the surface when production starts. The organizer prevents size confusion and gives a ready feedback as to the progress of a given job. Trays can be stacked and carried in a carrying case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Donald F. Ingvardsen, Rafael Ramirez, David B. Ruddock, Michael J. Naquin
  • Publication number: 20110061856
    Abstract: A pluggable seat includes, a first portion, positionable within a tubular, that is receptive to a runnable member seatable thereagainst, a second portion positioned downstream of the first portion, having a radial dimension smaller than a smallest radial dimension of the first portion, and a profile disposed at the second portion configured to increase resistance to extrusion of a runnable member past the pluggable seat in comparison to the same pluggable seat without the profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Justin Kellner, Travis Harris, Jason Coe, Dwayne Walkoviak, James Scott Sanchez, David B. Ruddock
  • Patent number: 7673677
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a reusable seat disposed within the bore. The seat comprises a slidable element, a fixed element, a plug element support member, a seat inner diameter, and a return member to urge the slidable element toward the run-in position. The plug element support member has a retracted position when the seat is in the run-in position and an extended position when the seat is in the set position. A plug element adapted to be disposed into the bore and landed on the seat to restrict fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit is used to move the plug element support member from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby providing support to the plug element landed on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James G. King, David B. Ruddock
  • Patent number: 7644772
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a seat disposed within the bore. The seat has a first position when the apparatus is in the run-in position and a second position when the apparatus is in the set position. The seat comprises an arcuate member comprising a plurality of slits defining a plurality of segment members having a gap there-between. Each of the gaps are variable such that movement of segment members inwardly causes the gaps to be narrowed or closed off completely when a plug element is disposed into the bore and landed on the arcuate member to move the arcuate member from the first position to the second position, causing restriction of fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus A. Avant, Charles C. Johnson, James G. King, David B. Ruddock, Matthew D. Solfronk, Justin Kellner
  • Patent number: 7628210
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a seat disposed within the bore. The seat has a first position when the apparatus is in the run-in position and a second position when the apparatus is in the set position. A plug element support member has a retracted position when the apparatus is in the run-in position and an extended position when the apparatus is in the set position. A plug element adapted to be disposed into the bore and landed on the seat to restrict fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit is used to move the plug element support member from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby providing support to the plug member landed on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus A. Avant, Charles C Johnson, James G. King, David B. Ruddock
  • Patent number: 7594544
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole disconnectable and length compensatable tubular sealing system. The system includes, a seal connector having a first metal seal receptive of a separate seal nipple and pressure sealably engagable therewith and at least one expansion joint sealingly connected to the seal connector. The expansion joint includes, a section of metal tubing having a sealing surface thereon and a metal-to-metal seal slidably sealingly engaged with the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: David B. Ruddock
  • Publication number: 20090159289
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a seat disposed within the bore. The seat has a first position when the apparatus is in the run-in position and a second position when the apparatus is in the set position. The seat comprises an arcuate member comprising a plurality of slits defining a plurality of segment members having a gap there-between. Each of the gaps are variable such that movement of segment members inwardly causes the gaps to be narrowed or closed off completely when a plug element is disposed into the bore and landed on the arcuate member to move the arcuate member from the first position to the second position, causing restriction of fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Marcus A. Avant, Charles C. Johnson, James G. King, David B. Ruddock, Matthew D. Solfronk, Justin Kellner
  • Publication number: 20090102133
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole disconnectable and length compensatable tubular sealing system. The system includes, a seal connector having a first metal seal receptive of a separate seal nipple and pressure sealably engagable therewith and at least one expansion joint sealingly connected to the seal connector. The expansion joint includes, a section of metal tubing having a sealing surface thereon and a metal-to-metal seal slidably sealingly engaged with the sealing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: David B. Ruddock
  • Patent number: 7503392
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a collapsible seat disposed within the bore. The seat has a first position defining a first seat inner diameter when the apparatus is in the run-in position and a second position defining a second seat inner diameter when the apparatus is in the set position. The first seat inner diameter is greater than the second seat inner diameter. A plug element is adapted to be disposed into the bore and landed on the seat to move the seat from the first position to the second position. While in the second position, the seat restricts fluid flow through the bore and provides additional support to the plug member landed on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James G. King, David B Ruddock
  • Publication number: 20090044949
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a collapsible seat disposed within the bore. The seat has a first position defining a first seat inner diameter when the apparatus is in the run-in position and a second position defining a second seat inner diameter when the apparatus is in the set position. The first seat inner diameter is greater than the second seat inner diameter. A plug element is adapted to be disposed into the bore and landed on the seat to move the seat from the first position to the second position. While in the second position, the seat restricts fluid flow through the bore and provides additional support to the plug member landed on the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: James G. King, David B. Ruddock
  • Publication number: 20090044955
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a reusable seat disposed within the bore. The seat comprises a slidable element, a fixed element, a plug element support member, a seat inner diameter, and a return member to urge the slidable element toward the run-in position. The plug element support member has a retracted position when the seat is in the run-in position and an extended position when the seat is in the set position. A plug element adapted to be disposed into the bore and landed on the seat to restrict fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit is used to move the plug element support member from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby providing support to the plug element landed on the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: James G. King, David B. Ruddock
  • Publication number: 20090044948
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a seat disposed within the bore. The seat has a first position when the apparatus is in the run-in position and a second position when the apparatus is in the set position. A plug element support member has a retracted position when the apparatus is in the run-in position and an extended position when the apparatus is in the set position. A plug element adapted to be disposed into the bore and landed on the seat to restrict fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit is used to move the plug element support member from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby providing support to the plug member landed on the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Marcus A. Avant, Charles C. Johnson, James G. King, David B. Ruddock
  • Patent number: 7469744
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disappearing ball seat. The disappearing ball seat includes, a tubular member having an inside dimension, and a restricted dimension portion of the tubular member dimensioned to prevent passage of a tripping ball therethrough, the restricted dimension portion being reconfigurable to a dimension capable of passing the tripping ball therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David B. Ruddock, Raymond D. Chavers