Patents by Inventor Don L. Weeks

Don L. Weeks 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).

  • Self-locking connector
    Patent number: 6155608
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling downhole fluids comprising a tool (36) attached to a connector (34) that is locked into position within a pipe section (32) is disclosed. The pipe section (32) has a longitudinal slot (62) with first and second sides (78, 80). The pipe section (32) also includes a transverse slot (64) that extends perpendicularly from the first side (78) of the longitudinal slot (62) and a hole (66) that extends perpendicularly from the second side (80) of the longitudinal slot (62). The connector (34) is inserted into the hole (66) such that the connector (34) may be rotated between an insertion position and an operating position. The connector head (100) of the connector (34) is closely received within the longitudinal slot (62) such that when the connector (34) is in the operating position, the connector head (100) contacts the first side (78) of the longitudinal slot (62) to lock the connector (34) within the pipe section (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Don L. Weeks
  • Self-locking connector
    Patent number: 6000470
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling downhole fluids comprising a tool (36) attached to a connector (34) that is locked into position within a pipe section (32) is disclosed. The pipe section (32) has a longitudinal slot (62) with first and second sides (78, 80). The pipe section (32) also includes a transverse slot (64) that extends perpendicularly from the first side (78) of the longitudinal slot (62) and a hole (66) that extends perpendicularly from the second side (80) of the longitudinal slot (62). The connector (34) is inserted into the hole (66) such that the connector (34) may be rotated between an insertion position and an operating position. The connector head (100) of the connector (34) is closely received within the longitudinal slot (62) such that when the connector (34) is in the operating position, the connector head (100) contacts the first side (78) of the longitudinal slot (62) to lock the connector (34) within the pipe section (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Don L. Weeks