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).

  • Patent number: 8813855
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary B. Lake
  • Patent number: 8739884
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary B. Lake
  • Patent number: 8671974
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Patterson, Gary B. Lake, Yang Xu, Terry R. Bussear
  • Patent number: 8471551
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 8393386
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, John E. Burris, David Z. Anderson, Brock A. Peoples, Robert G. McDaniel, Charles M. Tompkins, Grant R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8267167
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, David Z. Anderson, Brock A. Peoples, Tyler Roberts
  • Publication number: 20120138310
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Gary B. Lake
  • Publication number: 20120138309
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Gary B. Lake
  • Patent number: 8176975
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, David Z. Anderson, Darren E. Bane, Aaron T. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120049841
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 8056618
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan N. Wagner, Gary B. Lake
  • Patent number: 7967074
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, Richard Patterson, Thad Andrews
  • Publication number: 20110120728
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, David Z. Anderson, Brock A. Peoples, Tyler Roberts
  • Publication number: 20110120727
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, John E. Burris, David Z. Anderson, Brock A. Peoples, Robert G. McDaniel, Charles M. Tompkins, Grant R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7896082
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, Ronnie D. Russell
  • Publication number: 20100294370
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Patterson, Gary B. Lake, Yang Xu, Terry R. Bussear
  • Publication number: 20100230109
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, Ronnie D. Russell
  • Patent number: 7735560
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darren E. Bane, David Z. Anderson, Alan N. Wagner, Clifford H. Beall, Gary B. Lake
  • Patent number: 7708075
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, Kerry J. Broussard, Richard Patterson, Keith M. Lalumia, Richard W. Whalen, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7699108
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darren E. Bane, David Z. Anderson, Alan N. Wagner, Clifford H. Beall, Gary B. Lake