Patents by Inventor David Brunnert
David Brunnert 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).
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Patent number: 9085942Abstract: The present invention embodies a drill pipe in which various damaged sections of the pipe are repaired in order to maintain or improve the wear and buckle resistance of the drill pipe. The sections are strengthened using various hardening methods such as heat treatment processes and/or expansion techniques. A sleeve can also be applied to the strengthened portions. Surface enhancers, such as hardbanding, can be applied to the strengthened portions or the sleeve in order to provide abrasion resistance or to reduce friction.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Ghazi J. Hashem, David Brunnert, John W. Kochera, Mark Mitchell, Melissa A. Frilot, Thomas M. Redlinger
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Publication number: 20130098690Abstract: The present invention embodies a drill pipe in which various damaged sections of the pipe are repaired in order to maintain or improve the wear and buckle resistance of the drill pipe. The sections are strengthened using various hardening methods such as heat treatment processes and/or expansion techniques. A sleeve can also be applied to the strengthened portions. Surface enhancers, such as hardbanding, can be applied to the strengthened portions or the sleeve in order to provide abrasion resistance or to reduce friction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Ghazi J. Hashem, David Brunnert, John W. Kochera, Mark Mitchell, Melissa A. Frilot, Thomas M. Redlinger
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Patent number: 8122975Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore includes an act of drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a tubular string disposed in the wellbore, the tubular string comprising a drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The drilling fluid and cuttings (returns) flow to a surface of the wellbore via an annulus defined by an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner surface of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of measuring a first annulus pressure (FAP) using a pressure sensor attached to a casing string hung from a wellhead of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of controlling a second annulus pressure (SAP) exerted on a formation exposed to the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Gary Belcher, Adrian Steiner, Kevin Schmigel, David Brunnert, Darcy Nott, Richard Todd, Jim Stanley, Simon Harrall
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Publication number: 20110114387Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore includes an act of drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a tubular string disposed in the wellbore, the tubular string comprising a drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The drilling fluid and cuttings (returns) flow to a surface of the wellbore via an annulus defined by an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner surface of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of measuring a first annulus pressure (FAP) using a pressure sensor attached to a casing string hung from a wellhead of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of controlling a second annulus pressure (SAP) exerted on a formation exposed to the annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Gary Belcher, Adrian Steiner, Kevin Schmigel, David Brunnert, Darcy Nott, Richard Todd, Jim Stanley, Simon Harrall
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Patent number: 7836973Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore includes an act of drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a tubular string disposed in the wellbore, the tubular string comprising a drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The drilling fluid and cuttings (returns) flow to a surface of the wellbore via an annulus defined by an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner surface of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of measuring a first annulus pressure (FAP) using a pressure sensor attached to a casing string hung from a wellhead of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of controlling a second annulus pressure (SAP) exerted on a formation exposed to the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Gary Belcher, Adrian Steiner, Kevin Schmigel, David Brunnert, Darcy Nott, Richard Todd, Jim Stanley, Simon Harrall
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Publication number: 20080093124Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Richard Giroux, Gregory Galloway, Tuong Le, Raymond Jackson, Gregory Nazzal, James Swarr, David Brunnert, William Beasley, Brent Lirette, Albert Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
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Publication number: 20080060846Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore includes an act of drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a tubular string disposed in the wellbore, the tubular string comprising a drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The drilling fluid and cuttings (returns) flow to a surface of the wellbore via an annulus defined by an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner surface of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of measuring a first annulus pressure (FAP) using a pressure sensor attached to a casing string hung from a wellhead of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of controlling a second annulus pressure (SAP) exerted on a formation exposed to the annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Gary Belcher, Adrian Steiner, Kevin Schmigel, David Brunnert, Darcy Nott, Richard Todd, Jim Stanley, Simon Harrall
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Publication number: 20070119626Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2004Publication date: May 31, 2007Inventors: Richard Giroux, Gregory Galloway, Tuong Le, Raymond Jackson, Gregory Nazzal, James Swarr, David Brunnert, William Beasley, Brent Lirette, Albert Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
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Publication number: 20070056774Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion compositions for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system. In particular, the invention includes oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) emulsion compositions comprising hydrocarbon fuel, water, alkoxylated alkyl alcohol, alkoxylated alkyl ester and alkyl polyglycerol surfactants for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2004Publication date: March 15, 2007Inventors: Richard Giroux, Gregory Galloway, Tuong Le, Raymond Jackson, Gregory Nazzal, James Swarr, David Brunnert, William Beasley, Brent Lirette, Albert Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
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Patent number: 7178600Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. Any combination of fail safe features may be used with or incorporated into the DDV such as redundant valve members, an upward opening flapper valve or a metering flapper below a sealing valve. In one aspect, a barrier or diverter located in the bore above a valve member of the DDV permits passage through the bore when the valve member is open and actuates when the valve member is closed. Once actuated, the barrier or diverter either stops or diverts any dropped objects prior to the dropped object reaching and potentially damaging the valve member. In another aspect, the tool string tripped in above the DDV includes an acceleration actuated brake that anchors the tool string to a surrounding tubular if the tool string is dropped.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Mike A. Luke, Tom Fuller, Darrell Johnson, David Brunnert, Brian Grayson, David Pavel, R. K. Bansal
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Publication number: 20060185855Abstract: An improved method and/or apparatus for completing a wellbore is provided. In one embodiment, a method of lining a pre-drilled wellbore is provided. The method includes the act of providing a casing assembly, the casing assembly including a string of casing; and a retractable joint comprising an inner tubular and an outer tubular. The method further includes the acts of running the casing assembly into the pre-drilled wellbore and actuating the retractable joint, thereby reducing the length of the casing assembly through movement between the inner and outer tubulars.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2006Publication date: August 24, 2006Inventors: John Jordan, James Martens, R. Colvard, Brent Lirette, Gregory Galloway, David Brunnert
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Publication number: 20060157282Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for dynamically controlling pressure within a wellbore while forming the wellbore. In one aspect, one or more pressure control apparatus are used to maintain desired pressure within the wellbore while drilling the wellbore. In another aspect, pressure is dynamically controlled while drilling using foam to maintain a substantially homogenous foam flow regime within the wellbore annulus for carrying cuttings from the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Inventors: Frederick Tilton, David Haugen, Kevin Smith, David Brunnert, Thomas Bailey, Tom Fuller, Roy Rooyakkers, Ram Bansal, Graham Skinner
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Publication number: 20060027359Abstract: The present invention discloses a whipstock assembly (100) for use in forming a lateral borehole from a parent wellbore. The whipstock assembly comprises a body (122) and a deflection member 120) above the body. The deflection member includes aconcave portion (111) for deflecting a milling bit during a milling operation. Disposed on a perforation plate (110) portion of the concave portion is a raised surface feature (116). The raised surface supports a milling bit above the perforation plate portion during a milling operation. This, in turn, substantially prevents frictional contact between the milling bits and the perforation plate portion during a milling operation. The present invention also provides a novel method for manufacturing a whipstock in which a cavity portion is formed behind the perforation plate by milling out the backside of the deflection member and then joining a second back cover member to the whipstock body to complete the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2003Publication date: February 9, 2006Inventors: Thurman Carter, Thomas Redlinger, David Brunnert
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Publication number: 20050230118Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. The DDV system can include fail safe features such as selectively extendable attenuation members for decreasing a falling object's impact, a normally open back-up valve member for actuation upon failure of a primary valve member, or a locking member to lock a valve member closed and enable disposal of a shock attenuating material on the valve member. Actuation of the DDV system can be electrically operated and can be self contained to operate automatically downhole without requiring control lines to the surface. Additionally, the actuation of the DDV can be based on a pressure supplied to an annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2005Publication date: October 20, 2005Inventors: Joe Noske, David Brunnert, David Pavel, R. Bansal, David Haugen, Mike Luke
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Publication number: 20050217858Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for drilling a subsea wellbore and landing a casing mandrel in a subsea wellhead. In one aspect, a method of drilling a subsea wellbore with casing is provided. The method includes placing a string of casing with a drill bit at the lower end thereof in a riser system and urging the string of casing axially downward. The method further includes reducing the axial length of the string of casing to land a wellbore component in a subsea wellhead. In this manner, the wellbore is formed and lined with the string of casing in a single run. In another aspect, a method of forming and lining a subsea wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of landing a casing mandrel in a casing hanger disposed in a subsea wellhead is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2005Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventors: Gregory Galloway, David Brunnert
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Publication number: 20050133274Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for setting concentric casing strings within a wellbore in one run-in of a casing working string. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a drilling system comprising concentric casing strings, with each casing string having a drill bit piece disposed at the lower end thereof. The drill bit pieces of adjacent casing strings are releasably connected to one another. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for setting concentric casing strings within a wellbore with the drilling system. In another aspect of the invention, the releasably connected drill bit pieces comprise a drill bit assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2005Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventors: Gregory Galloway, David Brunnert
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Publication number: 20050045337Abstract: Methods for forming a portion of a wellbore are provided. The well is drilled from a first selected depth to a second selected depth to form a bore through a surrounding earth formation. A fluid heating apparatus is disposed within the bore on a working string. Fluid is then heated by moving the fluid through the fluid heating apparatus in the wellbore. The process of circulating fluid adjacent the earth formation serves to also heat the surrounding formation so as to increase the fracture gradient. The fluid heating process may be conducted during a drilling procedure. Alternatively, the fluid heating process may be conducted in connection with a liner hanging and cementing process. A fluid flow restrictor is provided along a run-in assembly that serves to warm the fluids as they are circulated. The warm fluids provide convective heat to the surrounding earth formation, thereby reducing the formation's fracture gradient.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2004Publication date: March 3, 2005Inventors: R.K. Bansal, David Brunnert, Michael Grayson, James Whanger, Evan Lowe, Abdolreza Gharesi, Tim Hanberry
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Publication number: 20040251032Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. Any combination of fail safe features may be used with or incorporated into the DDV such as redundant valve members, an upward opening flapper valve or a metering flapper below a sealing valve. In one aspect, a barrier or diverter located in the bore above a valve member of the DDV permits passage through the bore when the valve member is open and actuates when the valve member is closed. Once actuated, the barrier or diverter either stops or diverts any dropped objects prior to the dropped object reaching and potentially damaging the valve member. In another aspect, the tool string tripped in above the DDV includes an acceleration actuated brake that anchors the tool string to a surrounding tubular if the tool string is dropped.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Mike A. Luke, Tom Fuller, Darrell Johnson, David Brunnert, Brian Grayson, David Pavel, R. K. Bansal
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Publication number: 20040206511Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for monitoring conditions downhole and/or manipulating downhole tools by placing electrical wire on a casing string while drilling with casing. Wire is inserted into a groove within the casing string while drilling with the casing string into a formation. The wire connects downhole equipment to surface equipment. Multiple casing strings may be drilled into the formation while wire is simultaneously inserted into a groove therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Frederick T. Tilton, David Brunnert