Patents by Inventor Frank Ditta

Frank Ditta 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: 6289992
    Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into a well to displace well fluid. A flexible hose is lowered into an annulus between strings of casing. A nozzle is affixed to the lower end of the hose. During insertion, the hose is pressurized and rigid to keep the hose from winding about the well. To keep the hose rigid, internal pressure is maintained in the hose. The nozzle is provided with a check valve that holds the internal pressure up to a selected amount. Once the hose is lowered to a desired depth, the operator increases the pressure sufficiently in the hose to open the check valve, thereby allowing heavy liquid to flow out. The heavy liquid displaces the lighter well production, which flows out of the outlet. After the heavy fluid has been dispensed, the internal pressure is reduced, causing the check valve to close. The check valve can also be opened during insertion, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel A. Monjure, David D. Comeaux, Michael J. Scott, Kenneth Sikes, Sr., Frank Ditta, Tim Gus Wolcott, Larry M. Young