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).

  • Publication number: 20130032431
    Abstract: A tube wave reduction system for a borehole includes a tubular member. One or more openings in the tubular member. A dissipater in fluid communication with the one or more openings. Also included is a method for reducing an effect of a tube wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Terry R. Bussear, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20130020071
    Abstract: Slip members for use with downhole tools comprise a body formed of a first or body material and one or more hard material elements formed of a second or element material. The element material is harder than the body material. The hard material element is disposed through the body and in communication with a first surface and a second surface of the body, the second surface being disposed opposing the first surface. During manufacturing of the slip members, the hard material element may extend outwardly from one or both of the first and second surfaces. After manufacturing, the hard material element can be shaped to provide a gripping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8347505
    Abstract: A spring for use in downhole tools delivers a high force over a long deflection in a relatively uniform fashion. The spring is a tubular shape that is preferably metallic and is preferably plastically deformed into an undulating walled tube either before assembly into a downhole tool or downhole after assembly to the downhole tool. Alternatively the shape can be machined. Spacer rings are used inside and outside the tube as it is compressed to obtain the desired corrugated wall pattern and to prevent localized buckling that can cause wall failure. The spring can conduct pressurized fluids and be rotationally locked to transmit torque and to facilitate milling out. Some machining internally and/or externally can assist in forming the desired corrugated wall shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry J. Urban, Edward J. O'Malley, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20120305253
    Abstract: Sealing devices for use in a wellbore to seal a leak path through an inner wall surface of the wellbore comprise a mandrel, an expandable element, and a shape deforming sealing element. Expansion or inflation of the expandable element moves the shape deforming sealing element from its run-in shape to its set shape. A stimulus, such as a change in temperature, acts upon the shape deforming sealing element facilitating the shape deforming sealing element changing shape. Removal of the stimulus causes the shape deforming sealing element to remain in the set shape. Thereafter, the mandrel and expandable element can be removed to leave only the shape deforming sealing element within the wellbore to seal the leak path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: EDWARD J. O'MALLEY
  • Publication number: 20120247761
    Abstract: In aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of performing a wellbore operation, which in one embodiment includes supplying a mixture containing a fluid and shape memory particles of a first size into a selected region in the wellbore, retaining the shape memory particles of the first size in the selected region while expelling the fluid from the selected region, and activating the shape memory particles retained in the selected region to cause them to expand to attain a second shape to fill the selected region with shape memory particles having the second shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20120234547
    Abstract: An apparatus positionable along a downhole string. The apparatus includes a flexible structure retained on a surface of the string in a first condition. The flexible structure movable by a flow to substantially fill an annular space between the string and a radially positioned structure in a second condition. A method of diverting fracturing treatments in a wellbore is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Matthew D. Solfronk
  • Publication number: 20120217013
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus positionable along a pipe string in a wellbore. The apparatus including a tubular structure having an outermost diameter greater than an outer diameter of an adjacent portion of the pipe string. A first end face facing a flow path in the wellbore, and at least one indentation or protuberance provided on an outer surface of the tubular structure. The at least one indentation or protuberance arranged to cause particulates in slurry within the flow path to collect and remain in a vicinity of the tubular structure. A method of diverting fracturing treatments in a wellbore is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8225863
    Abstract: A modular screen system allows connection of screens using couplings that connect the annular space in each module between the screen material and the base pipe. A series of connected screens and couplings feed into a single valve to control the flow through many screens. The valve is preferably located in a coupling and the passages through the coupling or the screen can also accommodate instrumentation to detect, store or transmit well data or flows through the various screen modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Nicholas J. Clem, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8210258
    Abstract: A method of producing fluids from a wellbore that has therein n adjustable flow control device for controlling flow of fluid between a formation and the wellbore may include: providing a tool having a sensor configured to provide measurements relating to a downhole property of interest, wherein the tool is configured to adjust flow from the flow control device; conveying the tool into the wellbore; determining the property of interest using the tool; and adjusting the flow through the flow control device with the tool at least in part in response to the determined parameter of interest. An apparatus for controlling fluid flow between a formation and a wellbore, according to one embodiment may include: a tool configured to be conveyed into a wellbore that contains at least one sensor for estimating a property of interest downhole and a latching device configured to couple to a flow control device in the wellbore to alter flow of the fluid through the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Elmer R. Peterson, Martin P. Coronado, Luis A. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20120152562
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling fluid flow between a formation and a tubular is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a retrievable communication device configured to be conveyed to a selected location in the tubular downhole. The apparatus also includes a control node configured to communicate with the retrievable communication device at the selected location, a flow control device coupled to and controlled by the control node and a sensor coupled to the control node, wherein the sensor and flow control device are downhole of the control node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel Newton, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20120090830
    Abstract: In one aspect, a device is provided that in one configuration includes a member including a metallic foam and a sealing material coupled to the metallic foam. The sealing material may be in, on or coated on the metallic foam member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Grant R. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120037362
    Abstract: A downhole tool with a feedback arrangement including a tool having one or more fluid outflow ports that exhaust fluid during normal operation of the tool. A feedback arrangement in operable communication with the fluid exhausted from the one or more fluid outflow ports during operation of the tool. The feedback arrangement interacting with exhausting fluid to produce a signal receivable at a remote location indicative of proper tool operation. A method for confirming operation of a downhole tool is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20110247801
    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: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Brad G. Baker
  • Patent number: 8002044
    Abstract: A liner hanger has a housing with a pocket disposed on an inner wall surface and a slip slidingly engaged within the pocket. A moveable cover is disposed interior to the slip thereby restricting movement of the slip from a unset position to a set position. The liner hanger housing is secured in the string of casing and an actuator is mounted on the liner. As the liner is moved through the casing coupler, the actuator actuates the cover, causing the cover to be moved so that the slip can move axially downward from its unset position to its set position. As the cover is moved, the slip moves radially inward and grips the liner to secure the liner within the casing string of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Fay, Gerald D. Lynde, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20110168385
    Abstract: A space filler material is used to prevent accumulation of debris that could later foul the operation of adjacent moving parts. In one application a void space that is subsequently closed by actuated parts is initially filled with a material that is highly compressible and has voids that allow it to compress without undue resistance to part movement when the void volume is reduced. Ideally, the pores or voids in the material itself are small enough to keep most if not all the debris from entering and making the space filling material too rigid to collapse under part movement. In an alternative application, the material can be in an annular space such as a seal bore and it can keep debris from getting past the seal bore while allowing hydrostatic pressure across itself thereby helping it to maintain its position until moved such as by shifting of an inner string to which it is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20110168387
    Abstract: A space filler material is used to prevent accumulation of debris that could later foul the operation of adjacent moving parts. In one application a void space that is subsequently closed by actuated parts is initially filled with a material that is highly compressible and has voids that allow it to compress without undue resistance to part movement when the void volume is reduced. Ideally, the pores or voids in the material itself are small enough to keep most if not all the debris from entering and making the space filling material too rigid to collapse under part movement. In an alternative application, the material can be in an annular space such as a seal bore and it can keep debris from getting past the seal bore while allowing hydrostatic pressure across itself thereby helping it to maintain its position until moved such as by shifting of an inner string to which it is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20110162837
    Abstract: Nanoparticle-treated substrates, such as screens, sand beds or proppant beds, may effectively filter and purify fluids such as waste water or fluids produced from a formation, as well as other liquids. When tiny contaminant particles in a fluid such as waste water flow contact the nanoparticle-treated substrate, the nanoparticles will capture and hold the tiny contaminant particles on the substrate due to the nanoparticles' surface forces, including, but not necessarily limited to van der Waals and electrostatic forces or other associative forces. Coating agents such as alcohols, glycols, polyols, vegetable oil, and mineral oils may help apply the nanoparticles to the surfaces of structures in the filter beds or packs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Bennett M. Richard, Tianping Huang, Min Huang
  • Publication number: 20110147007
    Abstract: A flow control device is provided that in one embodiment includes a flow-through region configured to receive formation fluid at an inflow region and discharge the received fluid at an outflow region and a setting device configured to adjust the flow of the fluid through the flow-through region to a selected level. The setting device includes a coupling member configured to be coupled to an external latching device adapted to move the coupling member to cause the setting device to alter the flow of the fluid from the flow-through region to the selected level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Elmer R. Peterson, Martin P. Coronado, Luis A. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20110146975
    Abstract: A method of producing fluids from a wellbore that has therein n adjustable flow control device for controlling flow of fluid between a formation and the wellbore may include: providing a tool having a sensor configured to provide measurements relating to a downhole property of interest, wherein the tool is configured to adjust flow from the flow control device; conveying the tool into the wellbore; determining the property of interest using the tool; and adjusting the flow through the flow control device with the tool at least in part in response to the determined parameter of interest. An apparatus for controlling fluid flow between a formation and a wellbore, according to one embodiment may include: a tool configured to be conveyed into a wellbore that contains at least one sensor for estimating a property of interest downhole and a latching device configured to couple to a flow control device in the wellbore to alter flow of the fluid through the flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Elmer R. Peterson, Martin P. Coronado, Luis A. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20110147006
    Abstract: A flow control device is provided that in one embodiment includes a flow-through region configured to receive formation fluid at an inflow region and discharge the received fluid at an outflow region and a setting device configured to adjust the flow of the fluid through the flow-through region to a selected level. The setting device includes a coupling member configured to be coupled to an external latching device adapted to move the coupling member to cause the setting device to alter the flow of the fluid from the flow-through region to the selected level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Elmer R. Peterson, Martin P. Coronado, Luis A. Garcia