Patents by Inventor Gary Duron Ingram

Gary Duron 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).

  • Patent number: 11713644
    Abstract: A packer assembly includes a mandrel and a packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower recovery sleeves are disposed about the mandrel and extend between the mandrel and respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The upper and lower recovery sleeves each have a recovery profile embedded within the packing element. Upper and lower backup assemblies are movably disposed about the respective upper and lower recovery sleeves, adjacent to the respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The packer assembly includes at least one release mechanism. When setting the packer assembly in a bore, the packing element is axially compressed between the upper and lower backup assemblies to contact the bore wall, and the upper and lower backup assemblies splay outwards. Upon release, the packing element and backup assemblies retract, thereby facilitating retrieval of the packer assembly from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wilbert Mitchell, Gary Duron Ingram
  • Patent number: 11713643
    Abstract: A packer assembly includes a mandrel and a packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower recovery sleeves are disposed about the mandrel and extend between the mandrel and respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The upper and lower recovery sleeves each have a recovery profile embedded within the packing element. Upper and lower backup assemblies are movably disposed about the respective upper and lower recovery sleeves, adjacent to the respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The packer assembly includes at least one release mechanism. When setting the packer assembly in a bore, the packing element is axially compressed between the upper and lower backup assemblies to contact the bore wall, and the upper and lower backup assemblies splay outwards. Upon release, the packing element and backup assemblies retract, thereby facilitating retrieval of the packer assembly from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wilbert Mitchell, Gary Duron Ingram
  • Publication number: 20230220744
    Abstract: A packer assembly includes a mandrel and a packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower recovery sleeves are disposed about the mandrel and extend between the mandrel and respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The upper and lower recovery sleeves each have a recovery profile embedded within the packing element. Upper and lower backup assemblies are movably disposed about the respective upper and lower recovery sleeves, adjacent to the respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The packer assembly includes at least one release mechanism. When setting the packer assembly in a bore, the packing element is axially compressed between the upper and lower backup assemblies to contact the bore wall, and the upper and lower backup assemblies splay outwards. Upon release, the packing element and backup assemblies retract, thereby facilitating retrieval of the packer assembly from the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Wilbert Mitchell, Gary Duron Ingram
  • Publication number: 20220136362
    Abstract: A packer assembly includes a mandrel and a packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower recovery sleeves are disposed about the mandrel and extend between the mandrel and respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The upper and lower recovery sleeves each have a recovery profile embedded within the packing element. Upper and lower backup assemblies are movably disposed about the respective upper and lower recovery sleeves, adjacent to the respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The packer assembly includes at least one release mechanism. When setting the packer assembly in a bore, the packing element is axially compressed between the upper and lower backup assemblies to contact the bore wall, and the upper and lower backup assemblies splay outwards. Upon release, the packing element and backup assemblies retract, thereby facilitating retrieval of the packer assembly from the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Wilbert MITCHELL, Gary Duron INGRAM
  • Publication number: 20220136361
    Abstract: A packer assembly includes a mandrel and a packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower recovery sleeves are disposed about the mandrel and extend between the mandrel and respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The upper and lower recovery sleeves each have a recovery profile embedded within the packing element. Upper and lower backup assemblies are movably disposed about the respective upper and lower recovery sleeves, adjacent to the respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The packer assembly includes at least one release mechanism. When setting the packer assembly in a bore, the packing element is axially compressed between the upper and lower backup assemblies to contact the bore wall, and the upper and lower backup assemblies splay outwards. Upon release, the packing element and backup assemblies retract, thereby facilitating retrieval of the packer assembly from the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Wilbert MITCHELL, Gary Duron INGRAM
  • Patent number: 10753179
    Abstract: A wellbore assembly includes a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool includes lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method includes actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method also includes actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Paul James Wilson, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 10590732
    Abstract: A packer for sealing in a tubular includes a mandrel on which a packing element is disposed between booster pistons. Each piston defines a sealed chamber with housed areas of the mandrel. A setting force compresses packing element between the booster piston, which shear free. Ratchet mechanisms including ratchet sleeves and body lock rings disposed between the pistons and the housed areas initially allow the pistons to move in a direction away from the packing element, which expands the respective sealed chamber. Thereafter, in response to a pressure differential across the respective sealed chamber, the ratchet mechanisms each permit urging of the respective piston toward the packing element while preventing retraction of respective piston in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Duron Ingram
  • Publication number: 20190186232
    Abstract: A packer for sealing in a tubular includes a mandrel on which a packing element is disposed between booster pistons. Each piston defines a sealed chamber with housed areas of the mandrel. A setting force compresses packing element between the booster piston, which shear free. Ratchet mechanisms including ratchet sleeves and body lock rings disposed between the pistons and the housed areas initially allow the pistons to move in a direction away from the packing element, which expands the respective sealed chamber. Thereafter, in response to a pressure differential across the respective sealed chamber, the ratchet mechanisms each permit urging of the respective piston toward the packing element while preventing retraction of respective piston in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventor: Gary Duron Ingram
  • Patent number: 10253592
    Abstract: An anti-extrusion device used in a packer or a bridge plug is disclosed. The anti-extrusion device includes a garter spring and a support assembly having a ring shaped body disposed in an entire circumference of an inner volume of the garter spring. The ring shaped body expands with expansion of the garter spring while maintaining a continuous ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Duron Ingram, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20180266215
    Abstract: A wellbore assembly includes a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool includes lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method includes actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method also includes actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas FAGLEY, IV, Gary Duron INGRAM, Paul James WILSON, Simon J. HARRALL
  • Patent number: 10030481
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wellbore assembly. The wellbore assembly may comprise a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool may comprise lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Paul James Wilson, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20170350211
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an anti-extrusion device used in a packer or a bridge plug. The anti-extrusion device includes a garter spring and a support assembly having a ring shaped body disposed in an entire circumference of an inner volume of the garter spring. The ring shaped body expands with expansion of the garter spring while maintaining a continuous ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Gary Duron INGRAM, Simon J. HARRALL
  • Publication number: 20150101829
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wellbore assembly. The wellbore assembly may comprise a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool may comprise lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Paul James Wilson, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 8931569
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wellbore assembly. The wellbore assembly may comprise a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool may comprise lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Paul James Wilson, Simon John Harrall
  • Patent number: 8881836
    Abstract: A packer is provided for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the, packer includes a boosting assembly adapted to increase a pressure on the packing element in response to an increase in a pressure surrounding the packer, for example, an increase in the annulus pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Duron Ingram
  • Patent number: 8316943
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a packer and a fracture valve. The packer may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore with an annular packing element and a first piston disposed around the mandrel, wherein the first piston is operable to set the packing element, and a second piston operable to isolate fluid communication between the first piston and the mandrel bore. The fracture valve may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore and a port, a piston operable to close fluid communication between the bore and the port, and a latch disposed between the piston and the mandrel operable to resist movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Christopher Carter Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110108285
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wellbore assembly. The wellbore assembly may comprise a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool may comprise lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Paul James Wilson, Simon John Harrall
  • Publication number: 20110030960
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a packer and a fracture valve is shown. The packer may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore with an annular packing element and a first piston disposed around the mandrel, wherein the first piston is operable to set the packing element, and a second piston operable to isolate fluid communication between the first piston and the mandrel bore. The fracture valve may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore and a port, a piston operable to close fluid communication between the bore and the port, and a latch disposed between the piston and the mandrel operable to resist movement of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Christopher Carter Johnson
  • Patent number: 7836962
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a packer and a fracture valve is shown. The packer may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore with an annular packing element and a first piston disposed around the mandrel, wherein the first piston is operable to set the packing element, and a second piston operable to isolate fluid communication between the first piston and the mandrel bore. The fracture valve may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore and a port, a piston operable to close fluid communication between the bore and the port, and a latch disposed between the piston and the mandrel operable to resist movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram
  • Publication number: 20090242211
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a packer and a fracture valve is shown. The packer may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore with an annular packing element and a first piston disposed around the mandrel, wherein the first piston is operable to set the packing element, and a second piston operable to isolate fluid communication between the first piston and the mandrel bore. The fracture valve may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore and a port, a piston operable to close fluid communication between the bore and the port, and a latch disposed between the piston and the mandrel operable to resist movement of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Christopher Carter Johnson