Patents by Inventor Edward J. O'Malley

Edward J. O'Malley 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: 10301909
    Abstract: An actuation system and method, the system including a tubular having a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular. The assembly includes a degradable restriction, the restriction only partially blocking the passage prior to being degraded. The assembly is configured to receive and prevent further movement of a restrictor through the tubular prior to the restriction being degraded. The assembly is further configured to release the restrictor when the restriction is degraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew T. McCoy, Matthew D. Solfronk, Jack D. Farmer, William A. Burton, James G. King, Jason J. Barnard, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 10072493
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a conveyance device having a flow bore, an isolator forming a testing volume at least partially defined by an inner surface of a wellbore tubular, and one or more pressure sensors generating signals representative of a pressure in the testing volume while the conveyance device moves the isolator axially through the wellbore tubular. The isolator substantially isolates a testing fluid received from the flow bore in the testing volume from an adjacent bore of the wellbore tubular. A location of at least one flow path in the wellbore tubular is identified by estimating a pressure of the testing fluid in the testing volume. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the general subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Juan C. Flores, Edward J. O'Malley, Jason M. Harper
  • Patent number: 9828827
    Abstract: A composite plug that can be used in fracturing has backup rings for the seal that are preferably made of a composite material. The backup rings are essentially connected segments that allow the connections to break when the plug is set and the cones are brought closer together. When the rings break to form gaps between segments in a specific ring, the adjacent ring has offset gaps so that as a whole there are no extrusion gaps that would allow the seal element to pass. The rings can be rotationally locked to each other initially at the adjacent segments that are formed when the plug is set to maintain their relative positions so that gaps between segments adjacent the seal are overlapped with segments from the adjacent ring. The segmenting backup rings can be used on one or on both sides of a sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Justin C. Kellner, Edward J. O'Malley, Clint Mickey, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 9771767
    Abstract: A downhole tool for performing a wellbore operation includes a perforating gun, a detector module connected to the perforating gun, wherein the detector module transmits a command in response to a signal, a signal generator configured to transmit the signal to the detector module, and a plug dropping mechanism located adjacent to the detector module, the plug dropping mechanism releasing an object upon receiving the command from the detector module. The perforating gun is fired, and the downhole tool is activated. A plug-mate positioned adjacent to the plug dropping mechanism receives the object. The plug-mate has a profile complementary to the object, and the plug-mate and the object cooperating to block flow along the wellbore. In another mode of operation, an actuation member actuates the plug-mate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James S. Sanchez, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 9759034
    Abstract: A frac plug mandrel assembly has an inner core that permits flow that is surrounded by a thin wall tube that distributes compressive loading, such as that applied by the set sealing element to the core. The core is a cylindrically shaped insert for inside the tube and allows flow until a ball or plug is landed on a seat to close off the flow through the core. The core can have a star pattern with a series of radially extending segments from a solid hub or a cylindrical shape of a honeycomb or other porous structure that has the requisite strength to resist collapse from compressive loading of the set sealing element while still allowing sufficient flow area for fluid displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James G. King, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 9623479
    Abstract: A device to be deployed downhole. The device includes a member including a metallic foam and a sealing material coupled to the metallic foam. The member attains a compressed shape when compressed to restrict fluid flow between regions downhole. The sealing material may be in, on or coated on the metallic foam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Grant R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9611709
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes a downhole tool coupled to a wireline for conveying the downhole tool into the wellbore and for providing a data communication between the downhole tool and a surface device. The downhole tool further includes a settable device, a setting tool for setting the settable device in the wellbore, a sensor that provide measurements relating to downhole parameter, and a controller for determining the downhole parameter from the measurements and in response thereto altering an operation parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 9605519
    Abstract: A non-ballistic tubular perforating system includes a tubular having a wall with perforations therethrough and at least one radially extendable member positioned radially of the perforations configured to displace cement radially of the tubular and configured to radially extend prior to pumping of the cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 9441455
    Abstract: A cement masking system includes a tubular having a wall with at least one radial port. At least one swellable member is arranged to cover the at least one port. The at least one swellable member is configured to at least partially displace cement radially of the tubular during radial expansion of the at least one swellable member. A method of masking ports in a tubular from cement employs the cement masking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Charles C. Johnson, James G. King
  • Publication number: 20160237775
    Abstract: A setting assembly includes an inflatable packer, a housing including a chamber, a setting material disposed in the chamber and having a first phase of matter and a second phase of matter, the setting material occupying a greater volume in the second phase than in the first phase, the setting material arranged to exert a setting force on the inflatable packer during transition of the setting material from the first phase to the second phase, and at least one pressure relief member within the chamber, the pressure relief member configured to protect the inflatable packer from rupturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 9410411
    Abstract: Fractures are induced from lobe shaped inflatable members disposed at different axial locations along a string with frac ports in the circumferential gaps between the lobes. The lobes are inflated by landing a ball on a seat on a sleeve that is initially shifted enough to expose a fill port on each lobe. The lobes are inflated to a pressure that initiates fractures in the formation as the lobes extend. Further raising the pressure induces the sleeve to move a second time to open frac ports. The annulus can be cemented and fracturing can penetrate the cement to further propagate the initiated fractures from lobe inflation. The process is repeated at different levels until the zone of interest is completed. Sensors can relay information by telemetry techniques as to the onset of fractures or other well conditions. The sleeve for the frac ports can be moved in a variety of ways without intervention tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, James G. King, Paul Madero
  • Patent number: 9410398
    Abstract: A downhole system including a tubular having a wall with at least one port there through. At least one member arranged to cover the at least one port in a compressed condition thereof. Configured to at least partially displace cement pumped on an exterior of the tubular in a radially expanded condition of the at least one member. Also included is a method of non-ballistically opening ports in a tubular of a downhole system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, James G King, Charles C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9387420
    Abstract: A screen device includes a foam body having a passageway that extends longitudinally through the foam body, the foam body has an open cell structure such that at least two surfaces of the foam body are in fluidic communication with one another through the foam body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Brad G. Baker
  • Patent number: 9359857
    Abstract: A setting assembly including a settable member. A housing including a chamber and a setting material disposed in the chamber and having a first phase of matter and a second phase of matter. The setting material occupying a greater volume in the second phase than in the first phase. The setting material arranged to exert a setting force on the settable member during transition of the setting material from the first phase to the second phase. Also included is a method of setting a settable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20160123129
    Abstract: A downhole tool for performing a wellbore operation includes a perforating gun, a detector module connected to the perforating gun, wherein the detector module transmits a command in response to a signal, a signal generator configured to transmit the signal to the detector module, and a plug dropping mechanism located adjacent to the detector module, the plug dropping mechanism releasing an object upon receiving the command from the detector module. The perforating gun is fired, and the downhole tool is activated. A plug-mate positioned adjacent to the plug dropping mechanism receives the object. The plug-mate has a profile complementary to the object, and the plug-mate and the object cooperating to block flow along the wellbore. In another mode of operation, an actuation member actuates the plug-mate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James S. Sanchez, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20160084072
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a conveyance device having a flow bore, an isolator forming a testing volume at least partially defined by an inner surface of a wellbore tubular, and one or more pressure sensors generating signals representative of a pressure in the testing volume while the conveyance device moves the isolator axially through the wellbore tubular. The isolator substantially isolates a testing fluid received from the flow bore in the testing volume from an adjacent bore of the wellbore tubular. A location of at least one flow path in the wellbore tubular is identified by estimating a pressure of the testing fluid in the testing volume. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the general subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Juan C. Flores, Edward J. O'Malley, Jason M. Harper
  • Patent number: 9267368
    Abstract: One or more inflatables are used to initiate fractures in a formation. The onset of fractures after inflation to a predetermined pressure also results in damage to the inflatable and the ability to follow up the stress that initiated the fracture with high flow at high pressure to further propagate the initiated fractures at a location close to their origin. In another variation the inflatable can have openings that are small enough to allow inflation to initiate the fractures and yet continue to allow fluid flow through the openings to propagate the fractures. In yet another variation sliding sleeves with ball seats can be sequentially operated to inflate to fracture followed by opening an adjacent port to propagate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 9255461
    Abstract: The removable plug features a solid material that is housed in a porous container that has its shape changed to transition from the run in shape to the set shape. A swage is moved through a passage in the container to enlarge the passage and move the container to a borehole wall. The passage is then closed such as with a flapper valve or by moving in a mandrel into the expanded passage and lodging the mandrel in the expanded passage. Various release techniques are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James G. King, Edward J. O'Malley, Charles C. Johnson, James C. Doane, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20150308215
    Abstract: A composite plug that can be used in fracturing has backup rings for the seal that are preferably made of a composite material. The backup rings are essentially connected segments that allow the connections to break when the plug is set and the cones are brought closer together. When the rings break to form gaps between segments in a specific ring, the adjacent ring has offset gaps so that as a whole there are no extrusion gaps that would allow the seal element to pass. The rings can be rotationally locked to each other initially at the adjacent segments that are formed when the plug is set to maintain their relative positions so that gaps between segments adjacent the seal are overlapped with segments from the adjacent ring. The segmenting backup rings can be used on one or on both sides of a sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Justin C. Kellner, Edward J. O'Malley, Clint Mickey, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 9109425
    Abstract: The removable plug features a solid material that is housed in a porous container that has its shape changed to transition from the run in shape to the set shape. A running string and setting tool that creates relative movement deliver the plug and pull on its lower end while holding the top stationary against a backing plate. The container is pulled into itself as the radial dimension grows for the set. There can be a mandrel that remains in position and can lock to the backing plate or alternatively there can be no mandrel or a removable mandrel. The porous container can be removed in a variety of ways to let the solid material escape to be removed with fluid circulating in the wellbore. Alternatively the mandrel can be undermined to let the solid material escape for recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James G. King, Edward J. O'Malley, Charles C. Johnson, James C. Doane, Steve Rosenblatt