Patents by Inventor Eric M. Twardowski
Eric M. Twardowski 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: 11060383Abstract: An apparatus deploys and retrieves a wear bushing in a wellhead during the same trip, such as when using a bottom hole assembly for drilling. Arms in the form of pistons, levers, dogs, etc. can be moved between retracted and extended conditions on the apparatus using actuations from remote communications. When extended, the arms engage inside the wear bushing or inside an adapter disposed in the bushing. When retracted, the arms lie within the exterior of the tool to avoid wear and damage when the drillstring is used for drilling or other operations. During deployment, the bushing supported on the extended arms is seated in the wellhead. The arms are then retracted through remote activation, and the bottom hole assembly is run further downhole. During retrieval, the retracted arms are extended through remote activation and engage in the bushing so the drillstring can lift the bushing from the wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2020Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Eduardo G Valverde
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Publication number: 20200318460Abstract: An apparatus deploys and retrieves a wear bushing in a wellhead during the same trip, such as when using a bottom hole assembly for drilling. Arms in the form of pistons, levers, dogs, etc. can be moved between retracted and extended conditions on the apparatus using actuations from remote communications. When extended, the arms engage inside the wear bushing or inside an adapter disposed in the bushing. When retracted, the arms lie within the exterior of the tool to avoid wear and damage when the drillstring is used for drilling or other operations. During deployment, the bushing supported on the extended arms is seated in the wellhead. The arms are then retracted through remote activation, and the bottom hole assembly is run further downhole. During retrieval, the retracted arms are extended through remote activation and engage in the bushing so the drillstring can lift the bushing from the wellhead.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Eduardo G Valverde
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Patent number: 10662743Abstract: An apparatus deploys and retrieves a wear bushing in a wellhead during the same trip, such as when using a bottom hole assembly for drilling. Arms in the form of pistons, levers, dogs, etc. can be moved between retracted and extended conditions on the apparatus using actuations from remote communications. When extended, the arms engage inside the wear bushing or inside an adapter disposed in the bushing. When retracted, the arms lie within the exterior of the tool to avoid wear and damage when the drillstring is used for drilling or other operations. During deployment, the bushing supported on the extended arms is seated in the wellhead. The arms are then retracted through remote activation, and the bottom hole assembly is run further downhole. During retrieval, the retracted arms are extended through remote activation and engage in the bushing so the drillstring can lift the bushing from the wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Eduardo G Valverde
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Patent number: 10590733Abstract: A valve arrangement in a tubular having a first one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a first direction; and a second one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a second, opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le
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Publication number: 20190242217Abstract: An apparatus deploys and retrieves a wear bushing in a wellhead during the same trip, such as when using a bottom hole assembly for drilling. Arms in the form of pistons, levers, dogs, etc. can be moved between retracted and extended conditions on the apparatus using actuations from remote communications. When extended, the arms engage inside the wear bushing or inside an adapter disposed in the bushing. When retracted, the arms lie within the exterior of the tool to avoid wear and damage when the drillstring is used for drilling or other operations. During deployment, the bushing supported on the extended arms is seated in the wellhead. The arms are then retracted through remote activation, and the bottom hole assembly is run further downhole. During retrieval, the retracted arms are extended through remote activation and engage in the bushing so the drillstring can lift the bushing from the wellhead.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2018Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Eduardo G. Valverde
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Patent number: 10161217Abstract: A ball seat assembly includes a tubular having a bore therethrough; an entry port in fluid communication with the bore; a plurality of exit ports in fluid communication with the entry port; a ball seat disposed in the each of the plurality of exit ports, wherein the ball seat is configured to receive a ball to block fluid flow through the respective exit port; and a diverter configured to block fluid flow through the bore and direct fluid flow from the bore to the entry port.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: Eric M. Twardowski
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Publication number: 20180038194Abstract: A valve arrangement in a tubular having a first one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a first direction; and a second one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a second, opposite direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE
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Patent number: 9745821Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow between two tubulars includes disposing a sealing member in an annular area between two tubulars, wherein the two tubulars partially overlap; moving the sealing member to a lower position where it is not in contact with one of the tubulars, thereby allowing fluid flow through the annular area; and moving the sealing member to an upper position where it is in contact with both of the tubulars, thereby preventing fluid flow through the annular area.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le
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Patent number: 9719303Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
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Publication number: 20170198526Abstract: In one embodiment, a casing bit drive assembly may be used with a casing drilling system. The casing bit drive assembly may include one or more of the following: a retrievable drilling motor; a decoupled casing sub; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing bit; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing; a cement diverter; and a casing bit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2017Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Jose A. TREVINO
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Publication number: 20170051561Abstract: A casing drilling system includes a casing having a bore therethrough; a drilling member coupled to the casing; a retrievable motor releasably coupled to the casing and includes a power section configured to rotate the drilling member relative to the casing; and a cementing tube in selectively fluid communication with the bore of the casing for diverting cement from the power section of the drilling motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Jose A. TREVINO
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Patent number: 9500044Abstract: A coupling device includes an upper adapter and a lower adapter. The lower adapter may be pre-installed on a downhole tool and positioned in a wellbore. The upper adapter may be attached to a conveyance and lowered into the wellbore for connection with the lower adapter. The upper adapter may be coupled to the lower adapter by sliding over the lower adapter and applying weight to actuate a locking mechanism. After coupling, axial and torque load may be transmitted from the conveyance to the downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Eric M. Twardowski
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Patent number: 9493989Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
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Patent number: 9488004Abstract: In one embodiment, a casing bit drive assembly may be used with a casing drilling system. The casing bit drive assembly may include one or more of the following: a retrievable drilling motor; a decoupled casing sub; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing bit; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing; a cement diverter; and a casing bit.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holding, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Jose A. Trevino
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Patent number: 9297210Abstract: An earth removal member for drilling a wellbore with casing or liner includes a tubular body and a head. The head is fastened to or formed with an end of the body, has a face and a side, is made from a high strength material, and has a port formed through the face. The earth removal member further includes a blade. The blade is formed on the head, extends from the side and along the face, and is made from the high strength material. The earth removal member further includes cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle adapter. The nozzle adapter has a port formed therethrough, is longitudinally and rotationally coupled to the head, and is made from a drillable material. The earth removal member further includes a nozzle disposed in the adapter port and fastened to the nozzle adapter.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Guy F. Feasey, Scott Beattie, Sharp Okorie Ugwuocha
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Publication number: 20150184461Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Jose A. TREVINO, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE, Wei Jake XU, Guy F. FEASEY
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Publication number: 20150060078Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Jose A. TREVINO, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE, Wei Jake XU, Guy F. FEASEY
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Patent number: 8839880Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Eric M. Twardowski, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
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Publication number: 20140196900Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow between two tubulars includes disposing a sealing member in an annular area between two tubulars, wherein the two tubulars partially overlap; moving the sealing member to a lower position where it is not in contact with one of the tubulars, thereby allowing fluid flow through the annular area; and moving the sealing member to an upper position where it is in contact with both of the tubulars, thereby preventing fluid flow through the annular area.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE
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Publication number: 20140199196Abstract: A ball seat assembly includes a tubular having a bore therethrough; an entry port in fluid communication with the bore; a plurality of exit ports in fluid communication with the entry port; a ball seat disposed in the each of the plurality of exit ports, wherein the ball seat is configured to receive a ball to block fluid flow through the respective exit port; and a diverter configured to block fluid flow through the bore and direct fluid flow from the bore to the entry port.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI