Patents by Inventor Frederick T. Tilton
Frederick T. Tilton 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: 10890048Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore through a formation by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string and rotating a drill bit. The drill string includes a shifting tool, a receiver in communication with the shifting tool, and the drill bit. The method further includes retrieving the drill string from the wellbore through a casing string until the shifting tool reaches an actuator. The casing string includes an isolation valve in an open position and the actuator. The method further includes sending a wireless instruction signal to the receiver. The shifting tool engages the actuator in response to the receiver receiving the instruction signal. The method further includes operating the actuator using the engaged shifting tool, thereby closing the isolation valve and isolating the formation from an upper portion of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Joe Noske, Roddie R. Smith, Paul L. Smith, Thomas F. Bailey, Christopher L. Mcdowell, Frederick T. Tilton
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Publication number: 20190100979Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore through a formation by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string and rotating a drill bit. The drill string includes a shifting tool, a receiver in communication with the shifting tool, and the drill bit. The method further includes retrieving the drill string from the wellbore through a casing string until the shifting tool reaches an actuator. The casing string includes an isolation valve in an open position and the actuator. The method further includes sending a wireless instruction signal to the receiver. The shifting tool engages the actuator in response to the receiver receiving the instruction signal. The method further includes operating the actuator using the engaged shifting tool, thereby closing the isolation valve and isolating the formation from an upper portion of the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Joe NOSKE, Roddie R. SMITH, Paul L. SMITH, Thomas F. BAILEY, Christopher L. MCDOWELL, Frederick T. TILTON
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Patent number: 10151171Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore through a formation by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string and rotating a drill bit. The drill string includes a shifting tool, a receiver in communication with the shifting tool, and the drill bit. The method further includes retrieving the drill string from the wellbore through a casing string until the shifting tool reaches an actuator. The casing string includes an isolation valve in an open position and the actuator. The method further includes sending a wireless instruction signal to the receiver. The shifting tool engages the actuator in response to the receiver receiving the instruction signal. The method further includes operating the actuator using the engaged shifting tool, thereby closing the isolation valve and isolating the formation from an upper portion of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Joe Noske, Roddie R. Smith, Paul L. Smith, Thomas F. Bailey, Christopher L. McDowell, Frederick T. Tilton
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Patent number: 10060190Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Frederick T. Tilton
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Patent number: 9637977Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, David J. Brunnert
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Patent number: 9212527Abstract: A pipe handling system for locating a pipe joint in a joining assembly that includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool is provided. The system includes a gripper configured to grip a surface of the pipe joint; an elevator configured to pick up the pipe joint and position the pipe joint adjacent a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool; and a deployment assembly coupled to the gripper, wherein the deployment assembly includes a cable that is used to position the internal joining tool inside the pipe joint.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Karsten Heidecke, Michael Hayes, Frederick T. Tilton, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, Jr., Robert P. Badrak, Joseph Ross Rials, David J. Havens
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Publication number: 20150211332Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore through a formation by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string and rotating a drill bit. The drill string includes a shifting tool, a receiver in communication with the shifting tool, and the drill bit. The method further includes retrieving the drill string from the wellbore through a casing string until the shifting tool reaches an actuator. The casing string includes an isolation valve in an open position and the actuator. The method further includes sending a wireless instruction signal to the receiver. The shifting tool engages the actuator in response to the receiver receiving the instruction signal. The method further includes operating the actuator using the engaged shifting tool, thereby closing the isolation valve and isolating the formation from an upper portion of the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Joe NOSKE, Roddie R. SMITH, Paul L. SMITH, Thomas F. BAILEY, Christopher L. MCDOWELL, Frederick T. TILTON
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Patent number: 8978750Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore through a formation by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string and rotating a drill bit. The drill string includes a shifting tool, a receiver in communication with the shifting tool, and the drill bit. The method further includes retrieving the drill string from the wellbore through a casing string until the shifting tool reaches an actuator. The casing string includes an isolation valve in an open position and the actuator. The method further includes sending a wireless instruction signal to the receiver. The shifting tool engages the actuator in response to the receiver receiving the instruction signal. The method further includes operating the actuator using the engaged shifting tool, thereby closing the isolation valve and isolating the formation from an upper portion of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Joe Noske, Roddie R. Smith, Paul L. Smith, Thomas F. Bailey, Christopher L. McDowell, Frederick T. Tilton
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Publication number: 20150060045Abstract: A pipe handling system for locating a pipe joint in a joining assembly that includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool is provided. The system includes a gripper configured to grip a surface of the pipe joint; an elevator configured to pick up the pipe joint and position the pipe joint adjacent a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool; and a deployment assembly coupled to the gripper, wherein the deployment assembly includes a cable that is used to position the internal joining tool inside the pipe joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Karsten HEIDECKE, Michael HAYES, Frederick T. TILTON, Doyle Fredric BOUTWELL, JR., Robert P. BADRAK, Joseph Ross RIALS, David J. HAVENS
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Patent number: 8955619Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for dynamically controlling pressure within a wellbore while forming the wellbore. In one aspect, one or more pressure control apparatus are used to maintain desired pressure within the wellbore while drilling the wellbore. In another aspect, pressure is dynamically controlled while drilling using foam to maintain a substantially homogenous foam flow regime within the wellbore annulus for carrying cuttings from the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Frederick T. Tilton, David M. Haugen, Kevin W. Smith, David J. Brunnert, Thomas F. Bailey, Tom Fuller, Roy W. Rooyakkers, Ram K. Bansal, Graham Skinner
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Publication number: 20140338976Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Wei Jake XU, Albert C. ODELL, II, Simon J. HARRALL, Thomas M. REDLINGER, Christopher M. VREELAND, Andrew ANTOINE, David J. BRUNNERT, Tommy L. LAIRD, Michael J. MOODY, Frederick T. TILTON
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Publication number: 20140326454Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Richard L. GIROUX, Gregory G. GALLOWAY, Patrick G. MAGUIRE, Tuong Thanh LE, Albert C. ODELL, II, David M. HAUGEN, Frederick T. TILTON, Brent J. LIRETTE, David J. BRUNNERT
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Patent number: 8833470Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pipe handling system for use with a tubular joining system. In one aspect, a method of forming a string of pipe using a joining assembly at a wellbore is provided. The joining assembly includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool. The method includes the step of picking up the pipe joint using an elevator. The method further includes the step of positioning a lower end of the pipe joint adjacent an end of a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool. The method also includes the step of moving the internal joining tool from a first position to a second position relative to the elevator, wherein the second position is between the pipe joint and the string of pipe. The method further includes the step of forming a connection between the pipe joint and the string of pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Karsten Heidecke, Michael Hayes, Frederick T. Tilton, Doyle F. Boutwell, Jr., Robert Badrak, Joseph Ross Rials, David J. Havens
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Patent number: 8794354Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Wei Jake Xu, Albert C. Odell, II, Simon J. Harrall, Thomas M. Redlinger, Christopher M. Vreeland, Andrew Antoine, David J. Brunnert, Tommy L. Laird, Michael J. Moody, Frederick T. Tilton
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Patent number: 8540035Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Wei Jake Xu, Albert C. Odell, II, Simon J. Harrall, Thomas M. Redlinger, Christopher M. Vreeland, Andrew Antoine, David J. Brunnert, Tommy L. Laird, Michael J. Moody, Frederick T. Tilton
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Publication number: 20120273055Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly may be coupled to one or more casings and/or tubular members to control fluid communication therebetween. The valve assembly is a one-way valve assembly that relieves pressure within an annulus formed between adjacent casings and/or tubular members to prevent burst or collapse of the casings and/or tubular members. In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes a tubular body having a port for fluid communication between an exterior of the valve assembly and an interior of the valve assembly; a chamber formed in a wall of the tubular body, the chamber in fluid communication with the port; and a closure member disposed in the chamber and configured to control fluid communication through the port in response to a pressure differential.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventors: Brent J. Lirette, Michael LoGiudice, George W. Ribble, Stephanie Dianne Wind, Frederick T. Tilton
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Publication number: 20120138298Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
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Publication number: 20120067594Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore through a formation by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string and rotating a drill bit. The drill string includes a shifting tool, a receiver in communication with the shifting tool, and the drill bit. The method further includes retrieving the drill string from the wellbore through a casing string until the shifting tool reaches an actuator. The casing string includes an isolation valve in an open position and the actuator. The method further includes sending a wireless instruction signal to the receiver. The shifting tool engages the actuator in response to the receiver receiving the instruction signal. The method further includes operating the actuator using the engaged shifting tool, thereby closing the isolation valve and isolating the formation from an upper portion of the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Joe Noske, Roddie R. Smith, Paul L. Smith, Thomas F. Bailey, Christopher L. McDowell, Frederick T. Tilton
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Patent number: 8066069Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
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Publication number: 20100212915Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pipe handling system for use with a tubular joining system (such as a welding or forging assembly) located on a drilling rig at a wellbore. In one aspect, a method of forming a string of pipe using a joining assembly at a wellbore is provided. The joining assembly includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool. The method includes the step of picking up the pipe joint using an elevator. The method further includes the step of positioning a lower end of the pipe joint adjacent an end of a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool. The method also includes the step of moving the internal joining tool from a first position to a second position relative to the elevator, wherein the second position is between the pipe joint and the string of pipe. The method further includes the step of forming a connection between the pipe joint and the string of pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Karsten Heidecke, Michael Hayes, Frederick T. Tilton, Doyle F. Boutwell, JR., Robert Badrak, Joseph Ross Rials, David J. Havens