Patents by Inventor Gary D. Ingram

Gary D. Ingram 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).

  • Publication number: 20260103952
    Abstract: A traction tool is operable with fluid flow from coiled tubing for use in a wellbore. The traction tool includes a mandrel, a driver, at least one piston, and a motor. The driver is rotatably disposed on the mandrel and can be movable between retracted and extended conditions when the at least one piston is actuated. The driver in the extended condition is configured to engage inside the wellbore. The piston is adjacent to the driver and is actuated by the fluid flow from the mandrel. The motor is also actuated by the fluid flow from the mandrel. The motor imparts rotation to the piston and the drive, which can be supported by bearings on the tool's mandrel. Tracks on the driver arranged at an angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tool allow the rotating driver to spiral inside the wellbore and advance the traction tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2024
    Publication date: April 16, 2026
    Inventors: Gary D. Ingram, Keith Adams, Detlef Boss
  • Patent number: 12601257
    Abstract: A method can include deploying into a well a fluid sampler tool including a fluid sampler, a sampler valve, a controller and a sensor, and the controller operating the sampler valve in response to a sensed well parameter being within a predetermined well parameter range. A fluid sampler tool can include a fluid sampler, a sampler valve, a controller and a carrier configured to connect the fluid sampler tool in a tubular string, the controller being enclosed within a chamber that is externally accessible on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2026
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Ahmed Abdalla Elsorsar, Benoit Pinson, Blake L. Alfson, Gadi Fishel, Gary D. Ingram
  • Patent number: 12601232
    Abstract: A traction tool is operable with fluid flow from coiled tubing for use in a wellbore. The traction tool includes a mandrel, a driver, at least one piston, and a motor. The driver is rotatably disposed on the mandrel and can be movable between retracted and extended conditions when the at least one piston is actuated. The driver in the extended condition is configured to engage inside the wellbore. The piston is adjacent to the driver and is actuated by the fluid flow from the mandrel. The motor is also actuated by the fluid flow from the mandrel. The motor imparts rotation to the piston and the drive, which can be supported by bearings on the tool's mandrel. Tracks on the driver arranged at an angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tool allow the rotating driver to spiral inside the wellbore and advance the traction tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2026
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D. Ingram, Keith Adams, Detlef Boss
  • Patent number: 12258826
    Abstract: A traction tool is operable with fluid flow from coiled tubing for use in a wellbore. The traction tool includes a mandrel, a driver, at least one piston, and a motor. The driver is rotatably disposed on the mandrel and can be movable between retracted and extended conditions when the at least one piston is actuated. The driver in the extended condition is configured to engage inside the wellbore. The piston is adjacent to the driver and is actuated by the fluid flow from the mandrel. The motor is also actuated by the fluid flow from the mandrel. The motor imparts rotation to the piston and the drive, which can be supported by bearings on the tool's mandrel. Tracks on the driver arranged at an angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tool allow the rotating driver to spiral inside the wellbore and advance the traction tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Adams, Detlef Boss, Gary D. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20240328268
    Abstract: A traction tool is operable with fluid flow from on coiled tubing for use in a wellbore. The traction tool includes a mandrel, a driver, at least one piston, and a motor. The driver is rotatably disposed on the mandrel and can be movable between retracted and extended conditions when the at least one piston is actuated. The driver in the extended condition is configured to engage inside the wellbore. The piston is adjacent to the driver and is actuated by the fluid flow from the mandrel. The motor is also actuated by the fluid flow from the mandrel. The motor imparts rotation to the piston and the drive, which can be supported by bearings on the tool's mandrel. Tracks on the driver arranged at an angel transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tool allow the rotating driver to spiral inside the wellbore and advance the traction tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Keith ADAMS, Detlef BOSS, Gary D. INGRAM
  • Patent number: 11993999
    Abstract: A well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup having radially inward and radially outward portions, and a biasing device that exerts a biasing force against the radially outward portion of the anti-extrusion backup. A method of operating a well barrier can include setting the well barrier by decreasing a longitudinal distance between abutments of the well barrier, thereby compressing a seal element between the abutments, and unsetting the well barrier by increasing the longitudinal distance between the abutments and radially inwardly retracting an anti-extrusion backup positioned longitudinally between the seal element and one of the abutments. Another well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup, an abutment displaceable relative to the seal element to compress the seal element, a sleeve reciprocable relative to the abutment, and a biasing device that biases the sleeve toward the anti-extrusion backup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Mitchell, Gary D. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20220112803
    Abstract: A method can include deploying into a well a fluid sampler tool including a fluid sampler, a sampler valve, a controller and a sensor, and the controller operating the sampler valve in response to a sensed well parameter being within a predetermined well parameter range. A fluid sampler tool can include a fluid sampler, a sampler valve, a controller and a carrier configured to connect the fluid sampler tool in a tubular string, the controller being enclosed within a chamber that is externally accessible on the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Ahmed Abdalla ELSORSAR, Benoit PINSON, Blake L. ALFSON, Gadi FISHEL, Gary D. INGRAM
  • Publication number: 20220106854
    Abstract: A well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup having radially inward and radially outward portions, and a biasing device that exerts a biasing force against the radially outward portion of the anti-extrusion backup. A method of operating a well barrier can include setting the well barrier by decreasing a longitudinal distance between abutments of the well barrier, thereby compressing a seal element between the abutments, and unsetting the well barrier by increasing the longitudinal distance between the abutments and radially inwardly retracting an anti-extrusion backup positioned longitudinally between the seal element and one of the abutments. Another well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup, an abutment displaceable relative to the seal element to compress the seal element, a sleeve reciprocable relative to the abutment, and a biasing device that biases the sleeve toward the anti-extrusion backup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Michael W. MITCHELL, Gary D. INGRAM
  • Patent number: 11236579
    Abstract: A well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup having radially inward and radially outward portions, and a biasing device that exerts a biasing force against the radially outward portion of the anti-extrusion backup. A method of operating a well barrier can include setting the well barrier by decreasing a longitudinal distance between abutments of the well barrier, thereby compressing a seal element between the abutments, and unsetting the well barrier by increasing the longitudinal distance between the abutments and radially inwardly retracting an anti-extrusion backup positioned longitudinally between the seal element and one of the abutments. Another well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup, an abutment displaceable relative to the seal element to compress the seal element, a sleeve reciprocable relative to the abutment, and a biasing device that biases the sleeve toward the anti-extrusion backup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Mitchell, Gary D. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20210140265
    Abstract: A well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup having radially inward and radially outward portions, and a biasing device that exerts a biasing force against the radially outward portion of the anti-extrusion backup. A method of operating a well barrier can include setting the well barrier by decreasing a longitudinal distance between abutments of the well barrier, thereby compressing a seal element between the abutments, and unsetting the well barrier by increasing the longitudinal distance between the abutments and radially inwardly retracting an anti-extrusion backup positioned longitudinally between the seal element and one of the abutments. Another well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup, an abutment displaceable relative to the seal element to compress the seal element, a sleeve reciprocable relative to the abutment, and a biasing device that biases the sleeve toward the anti-extrusion backup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Michael W. MITCHELL, Gary D. INGRAM
  • Patent number: 10760372
    Abstract: A well tool can include an annular seal and a radial expansion mechanism having radially retracted and radially expanded configurations, the annular seal being longitudinally displaceable relative to the radial expansion mechanism in the radially retracted configuration. A method of setting a well tool can include positioning the well tool in a well, the well tool including an annular seal and a radial expansion mechanism, and then longitudinally displacing the annular seal to a radially outward position relative to the radial expansion mechanism. A well system can include a well tool including an annular seal, a radial expansion mechanism, an inner mandrel assembly and a setting sleeve, and a setting tool that produces a relative longitudinal displacement between the setting sleeve and the inner mandrel assembly, the annular seal radially outwardly overlying the radial expansion mechanism in response to the relative longitudinal displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Justin R. Scruggs, Gary D. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20200199965
    Abstract: A well tool can include an annular seal and a radial expansion mechanism having radially retracted and radially expanded configurations, the annular seal being longitudinally displaceable relative to the radial expansion mechanism in the radially retracted configuration. A method of setting a well tool can include positioning the well tool in a well, the well tool including an annular seal and a radial expansion mechanism, and then longitudinally displacing the annular seal to a radially outward position relative to the radial expansion mechanism. A well system can include a well tool including an annular seal, a radial expansion mechanism, an inner mandrel assembly and a setting sleeve, and a setting tool that produces a relative longitudinal displacement between the setting sleeve and the inner mandrel assembly, the annular seal radially outwardly overlying the radial expansion mechanism in response to the relative longitudinal displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Justin R. SCRUGGS, Gary D. INGRAM
  • Patent number: 9759040
    Abstract: A system for fracturing a hydrocarbon bearing formation includes a valve including a tubular housing having a bore therethrough and one or more flow ports formed through a wall thereof. One or more locator tags are embedded in the housing, and a sleeve is disposed in the housing and movable relative thereto between an open and a closed position. The system also includes a shifting tool comprising a shifter movable between an extended position and a retracted position and operable to engage the valve sleeve. The shifting tool includes a lock that keeps the shifter extended in the locked position and allows the shifter to retract in the unlocked position. The shifting tool also includes an antenna for detecting the locator tags, and an electronics package in communication with the antenna and the actuator for operating the actuator in response to detection of the locator tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Minh-Tuan Nguyen, Gary D. Ingram
  • Patent number: 9291044
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a fracturing operation using a wellbore fracturing assembly. The assembly may be mechanically set and released from a wellbore using a coiled tubing string to conduct a fracturing operation adjacent an area of interest in a formation. The assembly may include an unloader for equalizing pressure between the assembly and the wellbore, a pair of spaced apart packers for straddling the area of interest, an injection port disposed between the packers for injecting fracturing fluid into the area of interest, and an anchor for securing the assembly in the wellbore. After conducting the fracturing operation, the assembly may be relocated to another area of interest to conduct another fracturing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Murphy, Gary D. Ingram, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 9267348
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting fracturing operations using a wellbore fracturing assembly are described. The assembly may be mechanically set and released from a wellbore using a coiled tubing string. The assembly may include a pair of spaced apart packers for straddling the area of interest, an injection port disposed between the packers for injecting fracturing fluid into the area of interest, and an anchor for securing the assembly in the wellbore. At least one of the packers includes a pressure balanced mandrel. After conducting the fracturing operation, the assembly may be relocated to another area of interest to conduct another fracturing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D. Ingram, William D. Friend, Jr., Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV
  • Publication number: 20150176369
    Abstract: A system for fracturing a hydrocarbon bearing formation includes a valve including a tubular housing having a bore therethrough and one or more flow ports formed through a wall thereof. One or more locator tags are embedded in the housing, and a sleeve is disposed in the housing and movable relative thereto between an open and a closed position. The system also includes a shifting tool comprising a shifter movable between an extended position and a retracted position and operable to engage the valve sleeve. The shifting tool includes a lock that keeps the shifter extended in the locked position and allows the shifter to retract in the unlocked position. The shifting tool also includes an antenna for detecting the locator tags, and an electronics package in communication with the antenna and the actuator for operating the actuator in response to detection of the locator tags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Minh-Tuan NGUYEN, Gary D. INGRAM
  • Patent number: 8186446
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a packer assembly having an upper packer and a lower packer in a wellbore in a single trip into a wellbore is provided. The packer assembly is configured to be retrieved from the wellbore using a retrieval tool in a single trip into the wellbore. The retrieval tool is configured to be released from the packer assembly while in the wellbore during a retrieval process in the event that the packer assembly will not release from the wellbore or is otherwise prevented from removal from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Ingram, Jacob K. Bramwell, Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Robert S. Beeman, Carol Ann LaPlante Beeman, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20120090858
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting fracturing operations using a wellbore fracturing assembly are described. The assembly may be mechanically set and released from a wellbore using a coiled tubing string. The assembly may include a pair of spaced apart packers for straddling the area of interest, an injection port disposed between the packers for injecting fracturing fluid into the area of interest, and an anchor for securing the assembly in the wellbore. At least one of the packers includes a pressure balanced mandrel. After conducting the fracturing operation, the assembly may be relocated to another area of interest to conduct another fracturing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Gary D. Ingram, William D. Friend, JR., Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV
  • Publication number: 20100243254
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a fracturing operation using a wellbore fracturing assembly. The assembly may be mechanically set and released from a wellbore using a coiled tubing string to conduct a fracturing operation adjacent an area of interest in a formation. The assembly may include an unloader for equalizing pressure between the assembly and the wellbore, a pair of spaced apart packers for straddling the area of interest, an injection port disposed between the packers for injecting fracturing fluid into the area of interest, and an anchor for securing the assembly in the wellbore. After conducting the fracturing operation, the assembly may be relocated to another area of interest to conduct another fracturing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Robert MURPHY, Gary D. Ingram, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20100243270
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a packer assembly having an upper packer and a lower packer in a wellbore in a single trip into a wellbore is provided. The packer assembly is configured to be retrieved from the wellbore using a retrieval tool in a single trip into the wellbore. The retrieval tool is configured to be released from the packer assembly while in the wellbore during a retrieval process in the event that the packer assembly will not release from the wellbore or is otherwise prevented from removal from the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Gary D. Ingram, Jacob K. Bramwell, Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Robert S. Beeman, Carol Ann LaPlante Beeman