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).

  • Patent number: 11060383
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Eduardo G Valverde
  • Publication number: 20200318460
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Eduardo G Valverde
  • Patent number: 10662743
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Eduardo G Valverde
  • Patent number: 10590733
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le
  • Publication number: 20190242217
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Eduardo G. Valverde
  • Patent number: 10161217
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Eric M. Twardowski
  • Publication number: 20180038194
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE
  • Patent number: 9745821
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le
  • Patent number: 9719303
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
  • Publication number: 20170198526
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Jose A. TREVINO
  • Publication number: 20170051561
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Jose A. TREVINO
  • Patent number: 9500044
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Eric M. Twardowski
  • Patent number: 9493989
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
  • Patent number: 9488004
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holding, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Jose A. Trevino
  • Patent number: 9297210
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Guy F. Feasey, Scott Beattie, Sharp Okorie Ugwuocha
  • Publication number: 20150184461
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Jose A. TREVINO, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE, Wei Jake XU, Guy F. FEASEY
  • Publication number: 20150060078
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Jose A. TREVINO, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE, Wei Jake XU, Guy F. FEASEY
  • Patent number: 8839880
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Eric M. Twardowski, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
  • Publication number: 20140196900
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE
  • Publication number: 20140199196
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI