Patents by Inventor Gary B. Lake
Gary B. Lake 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: 8813855Abstract: A multi-barrier system includes a first valve in fluid communication with a lower completion, and a second valve in fluid communication with the lower completion. The first valve and the second valve are positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, and a packer located proximate the first valve and the second valve is closable in response to retrieving an upper completion.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gary B. Lake
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Patent number: 8739884Abstract: A multi-barrier system includes a first valve in fluid communication with a lower completion that is electrically actuatable and inductively coupled to an upper completion. Also included is a second valve in fluid communication with the lower completion, both the first valve and the second valve, positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, are closable in response to retrieving the upper completion and openable subsequent reengagement of an upper completion.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gary B. Lake
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Patent number: 8671974Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flow-actuated actuator. The actuator includes, a tubular with a flow passageway having a first flow area, and at least one movable member in operable communication with the tubular. The at least one movable member is movable relative to the tubular between at least a first position and a second position, the at least one movable member configured to form a second flow area that is smaller than the first flow area when in the second position, the flow-actuated actuator is configured to move a separate member in response to fluid flow therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Richard Patterson, Gary B. Lake, Yang Xu, Terry R. Bussear
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Patent number: 8471551Abstract: A position monitoring system includes a tubular with a cavity formed therein, a magnet movable relative to the tubular, and a sensor sensible of a magnetic field of the magnet. A housing positioned within the cavity sealably isolates the sensor from environmental properties while permitting the sensor to sense the magnetic field of the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary B. Lake, Brock Alan Peoples, John E. Burris, David Zach Anderson, James T. Sloan, Tyler C. Roberts, Grant R. Thompson, Anthony S. Coghill, Jeremy R. Johnson
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Patent number: 8393386Abstract: A downhole valve apparatus including a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction. The valve actuator is independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter. A first magnetic assembly is disposed at the force transmitter. A second magnetic assembly is disposed at the valve actuator. The first and second magnetic assemblies are configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary B. Lake, John E. Burris, David Z. Anderson, Brock A. Peoples, Robert G. McDaniel, Charles M. Tompkins, Grant R. Thompson
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Patent number: 8267167Abstract: A downhole valve apparatus including a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction. The valve actuator is independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter. A first magnetic assembly is disposed at the force transmitter. A second magnetic assembly is disposed at the valve actuator. The first and second magnetic assemblies are configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary B. Lake, David Z. Anderson, Brock A. Peoples, Tyler Roberts
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Publication number: 20120138309Abstract: A multi-barrier system includes a first valve in fluid communication with a lower completion, and a second valve in fluid communication with the lower completion. The first valve and the second valve are positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, and a packer located proximate the first valve and the second valve is closable in response to retrieving an upper completion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Gary B. Lake
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Publication number: 20120138310Abstract: A multi-barrier system includes a first valve in fluid communication with a lower completion that is electrically actuatable and inductively coupled to an upper completion. Also included is a second valve in fluid communication with the lower completion, both the first valve and the second valve, positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, are closable in response to retrieving the upper completion and openable subsequent reengagement of an upper completion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Gary B. Lake
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Patent number: 8176975Abstract: A tubing pressure insensitive actuator system includes a housing having a bore therein. A force transmitter is sealingly moveable within the bore, the force transmitter defining with the bore two fluid chambers. One of the fluid chambers is at each longitudinal end of the force transmitter. At least two seals are sealingly positioned between the housing and the force transmitter, with one of the seals isolating one end of the force transmitter from tubing pressure and another of the seals isolating another end of the force transmitter from tubing pressure. A method is also included.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary B. Lake, David Z. Anderson, Darren E. Bane, Aaron T. Jackson
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Publication number: 20120049841Abstract: A position monitoring system includes a tubular with a cavity formed therein, a magnet movable relative to the tubular, and a sensor sensible of a magnetic field of the magnet. A housing positioned within the cavity sealably isolates the sensor from environmental properties while permitting the sensor to sense the magnetic field of the magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Gary B. Lake, Brock Alan Peoples, John E. Burris, David Zach Anderson, James T. Sloan, Tyler C. Roberts, Grant R. Thompson, Anthony S. Coghill, Jeremy R. Johnson
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Patent number: 8056618Abstract: An equalizing valve for a flapper in a subsurface safety valve has a valve member disposed in a passage in the flapper that is made of a material that changes shape when subjected to a stimulus such as heat, for example. In one configuration, the valve member closes off the passage and in another flow past or through the valve member defines the open position allowing pressure to equalize across the closed flapper. Other valve applications are envisioned for downhole use. The stimulus can come from applied electrical current that causes sufficient heating to have the valve member alter its shape. Mechanical assists to the shape altering can be provided which can also optionally be made of shape changing materials. Biasing into a sealed position is envisioned.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Alan N. Wagner, Gary B. Lake
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Patent number: 7967074Abstract: Methods and devices for utilizing an electrically-actuated wireline insert safety valve (WLSV) within a wellbore. Power is delivered to an electrically actuated WLSV to actuate the WLSV via inductive charging and without the use of wired contact.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary B. Lake, Richard Patterson, Thad Andrews
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Publication number: 20110120727Abstract: A downhole valve apparatus includes: a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction; a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction, the valve actuator independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter; a first magnetic assembly disposed at the force transmitter; and a second magnetic assembly disposed at the valve actuator, the first and second magnetic assemblies configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Gary B. Lake, John E. Burris, David Z. Anderson, Brock A. Peoples, Robert G. McDaniel, Charles M. Tompkins, Grant R. Thompson
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Publication number: 20110120728Abstract: An apparatus for operating a downhole valve includes: a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and including at least one first magnetic assembly; a housing including at least one axially elongated passageway formed therein, the at least one first magnetic assembly configured to be disposed within the at least one axially elongated passageway; and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction and including at least one second magnetic assembly disposed at the valve actuator, the first and second magnetic assemblies configured to interact so that movement of the force transmitter in the axial direction causes movement of the valve actuator in the axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Gary B. Lake, David Z. Anderson, Brock A. Peoples, Tyler Roberts
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Patent number: 7896082Abstract: Methods and devices for negating scale buildups on interior surfaces of a sliding sleeve valve housing above the flow tube. In some aspects, a wiper member provides additional clearance between the flow tube and housing to compensate for scale buildup. In other aspects, the interior surface of the valve housing is provided with a sleeve that is disposed between the interior surface of the valve housing and the general flowbore passing through the valve housing to protect the interior surface against scale buildup.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary B. Lake, Ronnie D. Russell
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Publication number: 20100294370Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flow-actuated actuator. The actuator includes, a tubular with a flow passageway having a first flow area, and at least one movable member in operable communication with the tubular. The at least one movable member is movable relative to the tubular between at least a first position and a second position, the at least one movable member configured to form a second flow area that is smaller than the first flow area when in the second position, the flow-actuated actuator is configured to move a separate member in response to fluid flow therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Richard Patterson, Gary B. Lake, Yang Xu, Terry R. Bussear
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Publication number: 20100230109Abstract: Methods and devices for negating scale buildups on interior surfaces of a sliding sleeve valve housing above the flow tube. In some aspects, a wiper member provides additional clearance between the flow tube and housing to compensate for scale buildup. In other aspects, the interior surface of the valve housing is provided with a sleeve that is disposed between the interior surface of the valve housing and the general flowbore passing through the valve housing to protect the interior surface against scale buildup.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary B. Lake, Ronnie D. Russell
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Patent number: 7735560Abstract: Piston bore distortions in a sub-surface safety valve are reduced or eliminated when valve body is subjected to high working pressures. In one embodiment, a piston is disposed in a sleeve that is disposed in a piston bore. The bore can distort but the sleeve within will not distort to the point of losing sealing pressure around the piston. In another approach additional bore or bores are provided adjacent the piston bore to make the pin end of the connection for the valve housing more uniform in the region of the piston bore so that pressure loading does not result in sufficient distortion of the piston bore to lose the piston sealing relation in its bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Darren E. Bane, David Z. Anderson, Alan N. Wagner, Clifford H. Beall, Gary B. Lake
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Patent number: 7708075Abstract: A chemical injection system includes a TRSV; a communication nipple in operable communication with the TRSV and positioned relative to the TRSV to be downhole of a flapper closure mechanism thereof when installed in a wellbore; a chemical injection line in fluid communication with the communication nipple; and a capillary sleeve receivable at the communication nipple and configured to sealingly convey fluid from the communication nipple to a remote location without affecting operation of the TRSV and method.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary B. Lake, Kerry J. Broussard, Richard Patterson, Keith M. Lalumia, Richard W. Whalen, Sr.
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Patent number: 7699108Abstract: Piston bore distortions in a sub-surface safety valve are reduced or eliminated when valve body is subjected to high working pressures. In one embodiment, a piston is disposed in a sleeve that is disposed in a piston bore. The bore can distort but the sleeve within will not distort to the point of losing sealing pressure around the piston. In another approach additional bore or bores are provided adjacent the piston bore to make the pin end of the connection for the valve housing more uniform in the region of the piston bore so that pressure loading does not result in sufficient distortion of the piston bore to lose the piston sealing relation in its bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Darren E. Bane, David Z. Anderson, Alan N. Wagner, Clifford H. Beall, Gary B. Lake