Patents by Inventor Don A. Hopmann
Don A. Hopmann 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: 11933415Abstract: A valve assembly can include a housing having multiple longitudinally spaced apart ports, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and at least one deflector ring configured to block flow through an annular space formed between the housing and an outer surface of the sleeve. The deflector ring is positioned longitudinally between an adjacent pair of the ports. Another valve assembly can include a housing having a port, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and a nozzle having an orifice in communication with the port. The nozzle is secured to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Nauman H. Mhaskar, Don A. Hopmann, Sebastiaan J. Wolters
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Publication number: 20230304594Abstract: A valve assembly can include a housing having multiple longitudinally spaced apart ports, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and at least one deflector ring configured to block flow through an annular space formed between the housing and an outer surface of the sleeve. The deflector ring is positioned longitudinally between an adjacent pair of the ports. Another valve assembly can include a housing having a port, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and a nozzle having an orifice in communication with the port. The nozzle is secured to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2022Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Nauman H. MHASKAR, Don A. HOPMANN, Sebastiaan J. WOLTERS
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Publication number: 20220316299Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a system controller with a computer, a power supply and at least one current sensor, multiple downhole well tools, each of the downhole well tools including a motor and a member displaceable by the motor; and an umbilical connected between the system controller and the downhole well tools, at least one conductor of the umbilical being connected to the motor of each of the downhole well tools. A downhole well tool example can include an actuator assembly configured to displace a member of the downhole well tool, the actuator assembly including a motor, a load yoke displaceable by the motor, and an elongated position indicator bar having at least one profile formed thereon. Friction between the load yoke and the position indicator bar varies as the load yoke displaces relative to the position indicator bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Don A. HOPMANN, Sebastiaan J. WOLTERS
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Patent number: 11371318Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a system controller with a computer, a power supply and at least one current sensor, multiple downhole well tools, each of the downhole well tools including a motor and a member displaceable by the motor; and an umbilical connected between the system controller and the downhole well tools, at least one conductor of the umbilical being connected to the motor of each of the downhole well tools. A downhole well tool example can include an actuator assembly configured to displace a member of the downhole well tool, the actuator assembly including a motor, a load yoke displaceable by the motor, and an elongated position indicator bar having at least one profile formed thereon. Friction between the load yoke and the position indicator bar varies as the load yoke displaces relative to the position indicator bar.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Don A. Hopmann, Sebastiaan J. Wolters
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Patent number: 11125346Abstract: A gas migration prevention module can include a housing, control line connections configured to connect the housing between control line sections, spaced apart pistons sealingly received in the housing, and a fluid volume defined between the pistons. A control line system can include an upper control line section, a lower control line section in fluid communication with a downhole tool, and a gas migration prevention module connected between the upper and lower control line sections, the lower control line section providing fluid communication between the gas migration prevention module and the downhole tool, and the gas migration prevention module comprising spaced apart pistons and a fluid volume defined between the pistons, the fluid volume being in fluid communication with an exterior of the gas migration prevention module.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Otavio Maffud Cilli, Don A. Hopmann
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Publication number: 20210062614Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a system controller with a computer, a power supply and at least one current sensor, multiple downhole well tools, each of the downhole well tools including a motor and a member displaceable by the motor; and an umbilical connected between the system controller and the downhole well tools, at least one conductor of the umbilical being connected to the motor of each of the downhole well tools. A downhole well tool example can include an actuator assembly configured to displace a member of the downhole well tool, the actuator assembly including a motor, a load yoke displaceable by the motor, and an elongated position indicator bar having at least one profile formed thereon. Friction between the load yoke and the position indicator bar varies as the load yoke displaces relative to the position indicator bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Don A. HOPMANN, Sebastiaan J. WOLTERS
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Publication number: 20200347945Abstract: A gas migration prevention module can include a housing, control line connections configured to connect the housing between control line sections, spaced apart pistons sealingly received in the housing, and a fluid volume defined between the pistons. A control line system can include an upper control line section, a lower control line section in fluid communication with a downhole tool, and a gas migration prevention module connected between the upper and lower control line sections, the lower control line section providing fluid communication between the gas migration prevention module and the downhole tool, and the gas migration prevention module comprising spaced apart pistons and a fluid volume defined between the pistons, the fluid volume being in fluid communication with an exterior of the gas migration prevention module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Otavio Maffud CILLI, Don A. HOPMANN
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Patent number: 9133687Abstract: A tubing pressure insensitive, pressure compensated actuator system includes a housing having a bore therein. A force transmitter sealingly moveable within the bore. The force transmitter defining with the bore two fluid chambers. The two fluid chambers being in fluid communication with each other, one at each longitudinal end of the force transmitter. An activator in one or both of the two fluid chambers and operatively connected to the force transmitter. At least two seals sealingly positioned between the housing and the force transmitter. One of the seals disposed near one end of the force transmitter and another of the seals disposed near another end of the force transmitter. A separate compensation piston disposed in the housing so as to expose one end of the compensation piston to tubing pressure and to expose the other end of the compensation piston to a fluid volume including the fluid chambers. Also included is a method for reducing force requirements of an actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James T. Sloan, Ronald J. Garr, Robert McDaniel, Don A. Hopmann, David E. Schneider
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Patent number: 8602658Abstract: A spoolable signal conduction and connection line for a downhole environment including a length of signal conduction and connection line suitable for the downhole environment; and one or more connectors depending from the line along a length of the line, the connectors capable of making a signal bearing connection for the downhole environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Don A. Hopmann, Luis E. Mendez, Darin Duphorne, Darin Willauer
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Patent number: 8397828Abstract: A spoolable downhole control system includes a length of one or more lines suitable for the downhole environment. The spoolable downhole control system also includes one or more components disposed in signal bearing communication with the one or more lines and along a length of the one or more lines, prior to the system being connected with a string. The components are capable of actuating an operation. A method for creating a downhole system includes spooling out the spoolable downhole control system and joining the one or more components with one or more subs of the tubing string.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Don A. Hopmann, Luis E. Mendez
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Publication number: 20130043039Abstract: A tubing pressure insensitive, pressure compensated actuator system includes a housing having a bore therein. A force transmitter sealingly moveable within the bore. The force transmitter defining with the bore two fluid chambers. The two fluid chambers being in fluid communication with each other, one at each longitudinal end of the force transmitter. An activator in one or both of the two fluid chambers and operatively connected to the force transmitter. At least two seals sealingly positioned between the housing and the force transmitter. One of the seals disposed near one end of the force transmitter and another of the seals disposed near another end of the force transmitter. A separate compensation piston disposed in the housing so as to expose one end of the compensation piston to tubing pressure and to expose the other end of the compensation piston to a fluid volume including the fluid chambers. Also included is a method for reducing force requirements of an actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: James T. Sloan, Ronald J. Garr, Robert McDaniel, Don A. Hopmann, David E. Schneider
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Patent number: 8237443Abstract: The position of a movable downhole component such as a sleeve in a choke valve is monitored and determined using an array of sensors, preferably Hall Effect sensors that measure the strength of a magnetic field from a magnet that travels with the sleeve. The sensors measure the field strength and output a voltage related to the strength of the field that is detected. A plurality of sensors, with readings, transmits signals to a microprocessor to compute the magnet position directly. The sensors are in the tool body and are not mechanically coupled to the sleeve. The longitudinal position of the sleeve is directly computed using less than all available sensors to facilitate the speed of transmission of data and computation of actual position using known mathematical techniques.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Don A. Hopmann, Daniel M. Cousin, Levon H. Yeriazarian, Juan P. Franco, Ahmed J. Jasser, Priyesh Ranjan
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Publication number: 20110232921Abstract: A spoolable downhole control system including a length of one or more lines suitable for the downhole environment; and one or more components disposed in signal bearing communication with the one or more lines and along a length of the one or more lines, prior to the system being connected with a string, the components capable of actuating an operation. A method is included.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Don A. Hopmann, Luis E. Mendez
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Publication number: 20110194817Abstract: A spoolable signal conduction and connection line for a downhole environment including a length of signal conduction and connection line suitable for the downhole environment; and one or more connectors depending from the line along a length of the line, the connectors capable of making a signal bearing connection for the downhole environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Don A. Hopmann, Luis E. Mendez, Darin Duphorne, Darin Willauer
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Publication number: 20090151790Abstract: An electromagnetic valving system includes a manifold having one or more flow passages therein; a sleeve disposed relative to the manifold so that movement of the sleeve inhibits or allows fluid flow relative to the manifold; and an electromagnet positioned relative to the sleeve such that a magnetic field generated by the at least one electromagnet produces a motive force in the sleeve and method.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Priyesh Ranjan, Don A. Hopmann, Luis E. Mendez, Carl W. Stoesz
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Publication number: 20090128141Abstract: The position of a movable downhole component such as a sleeve in a choke valve is monitored and determined using an array of sensors, preferably Hall Effect sensors that measure the strength of a magnetic field from a magnet that travels with the sleeve. The sensors measure the field strength and output a voltage related to the strength of the field that is detected. A plurality of sensors, with readings, transmits signals to a microprocessor to compute the magnet position directly. The sensors are in the tool body and are not mechanically coupled to the sleeve. The longitudinal position of the sleeve is directly computed using less than all available sensors to facilitate the speed of transmission of data and computation of actual position using known mathematical techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Don A. Hopmann, Daniel M. Cousin, Levon H. Yeriazarian, Juan P. Franco, Ahmed J. Jasser, Priyesh Ranjan
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Patent number: 7104331Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for using optical sensors to determine the position of a movable flow control element in a well control tool. A housing has a movable element disposed within such that the element movement controls the flow through the tool. An optical sensing system senses the movement of the element. Optical sensors are employed that use Bragg grating reflections, time domain reflectometry, and line scanning techniques to determine the element position. A surface or downhole processor is used to interpret the sensor signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Terry R. Bussear, Michael A. Carmody, Steve L. Jennings, Don A. Hopmann, Edward J. Zisk, Jr., Michael Norris
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Patent number: 6798350Abstract: A method for two-way communication for controlling production from a formation having at least one producing well and a plurality of producing zones. In one embodiment, the method comprises installing a flow control device with a controller proximate each of the producing zones, where each controller has a predetermined communication address, and each controller is adapted to act as a repeater on command from a surface controller; connecting each controller to a transmission bus where the transmission bus is connected to the surface controller; transmitting a command message from the surface controller to a predetermined downhole controller, where the command message determines a predetermined path along the transmission bus according to a predetermined protocol; receiving the command message by the predetermined controller; and executing the command message to control the flow control device. Transmitting a response message back along the predetermined path.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jorge O. Maxit, Izhar Ahmad, Don A. Hopmann, Dan Cousin, Terry A. Gibson
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Publication number: 20030127232Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for using optical sensors to determine the position of a movable flow control element in a well control tool. A housing has a movable element disposed within such that the element movement controls the flow through the tool. An optical sensing system senses the movement of the element. Optical sensors are employed that use Bragg grating reflections, time domain reflectometry, and line scanning techniques to determine the element position. A surface or downhole processor is used to interpret the sensor signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Terry R. Bussear, Michael A. Carmody, Steven L. Jennings, Don A. Hopmann, Edward J. Zisk, Michael Norris
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Publication number: 20020179303Abstract: A method for two-way communication for controlling production from a formation having at least one producing well and a plurality of producing zones. In one embodiment, the method comprises installing a flow control device with a controller proximate each of the producing zones, where each controller has a predetermined communication address, and each controller is adapted to act as a repeater on command from a surface controller; connecting each controller to a transmission bus where the transmission bus is connected to the surface controller; transmitting a command message from the surface controller to a predetermined downhole controller, where the command message determines a predetermined path along the transmission bus according to a predetermined protocol; receiving the command message by the predetermined controller; and executing the command message to control the flow control device. Transmitting a response message back along the predetermined path.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jorge O. Maxit, Izhar Ahmad, Don A. Hopmann, Dan Cousin, Terry A. Gibson