Patents by Inventor David J. Steele

David J. Steele 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).

  • Publication number: 20220006798
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to multiway communications. In some embodiments, a first electronic device initiates a multiway call between a plurality of electronic devices and exchanges a first secret with a first set of electronic devices participating during a first portion of the multiway call, the first secret being used to encrypt traffic between the first set of electronic devices. The first electronic device receives an indication that first set of participating electronic devices has changed and, in response to the indication, exchanges a second secret with a second set of electronic devices participating during a second portion of the multiway call, the second secret being used to encrypt traffic between the second set of participating electronic devices. In some embodiments, the indication identifies a second electronic device as leaving the multiway call, and the second secret is not exchanged with the second electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Yan YANG, Jin HYUNG PARK, Joe S. ABUAN, Berkat S. TUNG, Sean P. DEVLIN, Vu H. CHIEM, Jose A. LOZANO HINOJOSA, Thomas P. DEVANNEAUX, Vladimir GOUPENKO, Hsien-Po SHIANG, Daniel B. POLLACK, Mark M. XUE, David J. STEELE, Yu XING, Ryan W. BAKER, Christopher M. GARRIDO, Ming JIN
  • Patent number: 11128610
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to multiway communications. In some embodiments, a first electronic device initiates a multiway call between a plurality of electronic devices and exchanges a first secret with a first set of electronic devices participating during a first portion of the multiway call, the first secret being used to encrypt traffic between the first set of electronic devices. The first electronic device receives an indication that first set of participating electronic devices has changed and, in response to the indication, exchanges a second secret with a second set of electronic devices participating during a second portion of the multiway call, the second secret being used to encrypt traffic between the second set of participating electronic devices. In some embodiments, the indication identifies a second electronic device as leaving the multiway call, and the second secret is not exchanged with the second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Yang, Jin Hyung Park, Joe S. Abuan, Berkat S. Tung, Sean P. Devlin, Vu H. Chiem, Jose A. Lozano Hinojosa, Thomas P. Devanneaux, Vladimir Goupenko, Hsien-Po Shiang, Daniel B. Pollack, Mark M. Xue, David J. Steele, Yu Xing, Ryan W. Baker, Christopher M. Garrido, Ming Jin
  • Publication number: 20200270969
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus can include a first lateral tubing support that comprises: a body; a first passage extending through the body; and a second passage extending through the body. The first and second passage are spaced in parallel arrangement, and the body extends continuously and uninterruptedly in a direction transverse to the parallel directions of extension of the first and second passages, from the first passage to the second passage. The lateral tubing string can also include a first tubular and a second tubular spaced in parallel arrangement. The first passage is configured to at least partially encircle the first tubular and the second passage is configured to at least partially encircle the second tubular, with the first lateral tubing support increasing a radial and/or axial compressive load rating of the lateral tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Matthew Bradley Stokes
  • Publication number: 20200032620
    Abstract: A completion system and method for intelligent control of multilateral wells. A wye-shaped junction fitting defines a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled with the uphole tubing string and both downhole main and lateral completion strings. Hydraulic, electric, and/or fiber-optic communication line segments extend between the uphole end and both downhole ends of the junction fitting for providing power, control or communications between the surface and all production zones. The communication line segments are located outside the junction fitting interior and may be located within longitudinal grooves formed along the exterior wall surface of the junction fitting. Stabable, wet-matable connectors may be provided at each end of the junction fitting, which connect the both interior flow paths and communication lines, and which may allow connection at any relative radial orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: David J. STEELE
  • Patent number: 10472933
    Abstract: A completion system and method for intelligent control of multilateral wells. A wye-shaped junction fitting defines a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled with the uphole tubing string and both downhole main and lateral completion strings. Hydraulic, electric, and/or fiber-optic communication line segments extend between the uphole end and both downhole ends of the junction fitting for providing power, control or communications between the surface and all production zones. The communication line segments are located outside the junction fitting interior and may be located within longitudinal grooves formed along the exterior wall surface of the junction fitting. Stabable, wet-matable connectors may be provided at each end of the junction fitting, which connect the both interior flow paths and communication lines, and which may allow connection at any relative radial orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 10344570
    Abstract: A completion system and method for intelligent control of multilateral wells. A completion deflector defines a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled with a uphole tubing and downhole main completion strings. Hydraulic, electric, and/or fiber-optic communication line segments extend between the uphole end and downhole end of the completion deflector for providing power, control or communications between the surface and production zones associated with the main wellbore. The communication line segments are located outside the completion deflector interior and may be located within longitudinal grooves formed along the exterior wall surface of the completion deflector. A self-guided, wet-matable connector is provided at the uphole end, which connects the both interior flow path and communication lines, and which may allow connection at any relative radial orientation. The uphole end of the completion deflector has an inclined upper surface for deflecting various tools and strings into a lateral wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Publication number: 20190103984
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to multiway communications. In some embodiments, a first electronic device initiates a multiway call between a plurality of electronic devices and exchanges a first secret with a first set of electronic devices participating during a first portion of the multiway call, the first secret being used to encrypt traffic between the first set of electronic devices. The first electronic device receives an indication that first set of participating electronic devices has changed and, in response to the indication, exchanges a second secret with a second set of electronic devices participating during a second portion of the multiway call, the second secret being used to encrypt traffic between the second set of participating electronic devices. In some embodiments, the indication identifies a second electronic device as leaving the multiway call, and the second secret is not exchanged with the second electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Yan YANG, Jin HYUNG PARK, Joe S. ABUAN, Berkat S. TUNG, Sean P. DEVLIN, Vu H. CHIEM, Jose A. LOZANO HINOJOSA, Thomas P. DEVANNEAUX, Vladimir GOUPENKO, Hsien-Po SHIANG, Daniel B. POLLACK, Mark M. XUE, David J. STEELE, Yu XING, Ryan W. BAKER, Christopher M. GARRIDO, Derek JIN
  • Patent number: 10240434
    Abstract: An assembly and method for completion of lateral wellbores is disclosed. The completion assembly includes a junction fitting with main and lateral legs, and a lateral completion string and anchoring device connected to the downhole end of the lateral leg and the uphole end of the junction fitting, respectively. A working string, positioned within the lateral leg, anchoring device, and lateral completion string, includes a setting tool that is removably connected to the anchoring device and a completion tool assembly located within the lateral completion string. The completion assembly is run by the working string into the wellbore. After setting the anchoring device, the working string conveys the completion tool assembly within the lateral completion string for gravel packing, fracturing, frac-packing, acidizing, cementing, perforating, and inflating packers, for example. After wellbore completion, the completion tool assembly is removed through the lateral leg of the junction fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Matthew B. Stokes
  • Publication number: 20180045020
    Abstract: An assembly and method for completion of lateral wellbores is disclosed. The completion assembly includes a junction fitting with main and lateral legs, and a lateral completion string and anchoring device connected to the downhole end of the lateral leg and the uphole end of the junction fitting, respectively. A working string, positioned within the lateral leg, anchoring device, and lateral completion string, includes a setting tool that is removably connected to the anchoring device and a completion tool assembly located within the lateral completion string. The completion assembly is run by the working string into the wellbore. After setting the anchoring device, the working string conveys the completion tool assembly within the lateral completion string for gravel packing, fracturing, frac-packing, acidizing, cementing, perforating, and inflating packers, for example. After wellbore completion, the completion tool assembly is removed through the lateral leg of the junction fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Matthew B. Stokes
  • Patent number: 9822612
    Abstract: An assembly and method for completion of lateral wellbores is disclosed. The completion assembly includes a junction fitting with main and lateral legs, and a lateral completion string and anchoring device connected to the downhole end of the lateral leg and the uphole end of the junction fitting, respectively. A working string, positioned within the lateral leg, anchoring device, and lateral completion string, includes a setting tool that is removably connected to the anchoring device and a completion tool assembly located within the lateral completion string. The completion assembly is run by the working string into the wellbore. After setting the anchoring device, the working string conveys the completion tool assembly within the lateral completion string for gravel packing, fracturing, frac-packing, acidizing, cementing, perforating, and inflating packers, for example. After wellbore completion, the completion tool assembly is removed through the lateral leg of the junction fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Matthew B. Stokes
  • Publication number: 20170234113
    Abstract: A completion system and method for intelligent control of multilateral wells. A completion deflector defines a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled with a uphole tubing and downhole main completion strings. Hydraulic, electric, and/or fiber-optic communication line segments extend between the uphole end and downhole end of the completion deflector for providing power, control or communications between the surface and production zones associated with the main wellbore. The communication line segments are located outside the completion deflector interior and may be located within longitudinal grooves formed along the exterior wall surface of the completion deflector. A self-guided, wet-matable connector is provided at the uphole end, which connects the both interior flow path and communication lines, and which may allow connection at any relative radial orientation. The uphole end of the completion deflector has an inclined upper surface for deflecting various tools and strings into a lateral wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: David J. STEELE
  • Publication number: 20170130564
    Abstract: An assembly and method for completion of lateral wellbores is disclosed. The completion assembly includes a junction fitting with main and lateral legs, and a lateral completion string and anchoring device connected to the downhole end of the lateral leg and the uphole end of the junction fitting, respectively. A working string, positioned within the lateral leg, anchoring device, and lateral completion string, includes a setting tool that is removably connected to the anchoring device and a completion tool assembly located within the lateral completion string. The completion assembly is run by the working string into the wellbore. After setting the anchoring device, the working string conveys the completion tool assembly within the lateral completion string for gravel packing, fracturing, frac-packing, acidizing, cementing, perforating, and inflating packers, for example. After wellbore completion, the completion tool assembly is removed through the lateral leg of the junction fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Matthew B. Stokes
  • Publication number: 20170107794
    Abstract: A completion system and method for intelligent control of multilateral wells. A wye-shaped junction fitting defines a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled with the uphole tubing string and both downhole main and lateral completion strings. Hydraulic, electric, and/or fiber-optic communication line segments extend between the uphole end and both downhole ends of the junction fitting for providing power, control or communications between the surface and all production zones. The communication line segments are located outside the junction fitting interior and may be located within longitudinal grooves formed along the exterior wall surface of the junction fitting. Stabable, wet-matable connectors may be provided at each end of the junction fitting, which connect the both interior flow paths and communication lines, and which may allow connection at any relative radial orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 9200482
    Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector, and opening a flow control device in response to the inserting. A well system can include a deflector positioned at an intersection between at least three wellbore sections, and a tubular string connector having at least two tubular strings connected to an end thereof, one tubular string being received in the deflector and engaged with a flow control device positioned in a wellbore section, and another tubular string being received in another wellbore section. Another method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector positioned at a wellbore intersection, then sealingly engaging the tubular string, and then opening a flow control device in response to the inserting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 8967277
    Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include connecting at least two tubular strings to one opposite end of a tubular string connector with similarly dimensioned oriented connections, whereby the tubular strings are interchangeably connectable to the connector by the oriented connections. A wellbore junction assembly can include at least two tubular strings and a tubular string connector having opposite ends. Each of the tubular strings may be secured to one opposite end of the connector by oriented connections, whereby each of the tubular strings has a fixed rotational orientation relative to the connector. A well system can include a tubular string connector, each of first and second tubular strings being secured to the connector, and a support which reduces bending of the second tubular string which results from deflection of the second tubular string from one wellbore section into another wellbore section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Jean-Michel Ranjeva
  • Patent number: 8826991
    Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include connecting at least two tubular strings to one opposite end of a tubular string connector with similarly dimensioned oriented connections, whereby the tubular strings are interchangeably connectable to the connector by the oriented connections. A wellbore junction assembly can include at least two tubular strings and a tubular string connector having opposite ends. Each of the tubular strings may be secured to one opposite end of the connector by oriented connections, whereby each of the tubular strings has a fixed rotational orientation relative to the connector. A well system can include a tubular string connector, each of first and second tubular strings being secured to the connector, and a support which reduces bending of the second tubular string which results from deflection of the second tubular string from one wellbore section into another wellbore section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Jean-Michel Ranjeva
  • Patent number: 8701770
    Abstract: A well system includes a main wellbore extending from a terranean surface toward a subterranean zone. A first lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A second lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A liner junction device resides in the main wellbore and has a first leg extending into the first lateral wellbore and a second leg extending downhole in the main wellbore. A treatment fluid injection string extends from in the main wellbore through the liner junction and into the first lateral wellbore and terminates in the first lateral wellbore. A seal in the first lateral wellbore seals against flow toward the main wellbore in an annulus adjacent an outer surface of the treatment fluid injection string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Steven Ronald Fipke, Aditya Shailesh Deshmukh, David J. Steele, Jorge Enrique Velez, Eulalio Rosas Fermin
  • Patent number: 8485268
    Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 8376054
    Abstract: Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. Certain assemblies can be used to orient a second pipe with respect to a first pipe in a bore. A second pipe can be rotationally oriented without breaking one or more control lines that may be associated or included with the second pipe by using a tool that orients the second pipe as the second pipe is moved toward a surface of the bore. In some embodiments, assemblies can be used to orient multiple portions of the second pipe with respect to multiple windows of the first pipe. The first pipe may be a casing string and the second pipe may be a tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Loc Lang, David J. Steele, Dan P. Saurer
  • Patent number: 8371368
    Abstract: Assemblies can be disposed in a subterranean bore. An assembly can include a body and a member that is made from a different material that the material from which the body is made. The member can be located in an opening in the body and can be coupled to the body. The member coupled to the body can define an inner diameter and form a seal for the inner diameter. The member can be milled to access an environment exterior to the member and the body for example to create a branch wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Dan Parnell Saurer