Patents by Inventor Gary Funkhouser
Gary Funkhouser 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: 9441147Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing two phases. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore where one phase sets upon subjecting the sealant composition to a thermal source followed by the setting of the other phase.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Natasha Shirshova, Alexander Bismarck, Angelika Menner, Gary Funkhouser
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Patent number: 9243183Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating a subterranean formation having at least one fracture. The methods include providing a thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, proppant particulates, and a thermally activated suspending agent, wherein the thermally activated suspending agent is hydratable above a threshold temperature. The thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid is introduced into the subterranean formation and exceeds the threshold temperature so as to hydrate the thermally activated suspending agent. Furthermore, the proppant particulates are placed into the at least one fracture.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Feng Liang, Gary Funkhouser, Christopher Parton, Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8770291Abstract: A method for isolating a portion of a wellbore including preparing a sealant composition includes an emulsion of an internal phase and an external phase. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore where one phase sets upon subjecting the sealant composition to a thermal source followed by the setting of the other phase.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Natasha Shirshova, Alexander Bismarck, Angelika Menner, Gary Funkhouser
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Publication number: 20140144630Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation having at least one fracture including providing a thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, proppant particulates, and a thermally activated suspending agent; wherein the thermally activated suspending agent is hydratable above a threshold temperature; introducing the thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; exceeding the threshold temperature so as to hydrate the thermally activated suspending agent; and placing the proppant particulates into the at least one fracture.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Feng Liang, Gary Funkhouser, Christopher Parton, Philip D. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20140090847Abstract: Methods and compositions using gel compositions in treatment fluids employed in subterranean operations. A method includes providing a degradable gel precursor as a solid or dispersion in which substantially all the water has been removed, the degradable gel precursor being formed by a combination of a monomer and a degradable crosslinking agent of formula R1-[A]-[R3]—[B]—R2, wherein R1 and R2 may be the same or different, and includes at least one group selected from a substituted or unsubstituted ethylenically unsaturated group, N-acryloyl, O-acryloyl, vinyl, allyl, maleic anydride, a derivative thereof, and a combination thereof, A and B comprise optional bridging units, and R3 comprises a degradable group or polymer, the method including placing the degradable gel precursor in an aqueous base fluid thereby forming a treatment fluid which includes a degradable gel, and placing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Feng Liang, Gary Funkhouser, Rajesh Saini, Bradley L. Todd
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Patent number: 8684082Abstract: The present invention includes methods relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore by preparing a sealant composition comprising a fluid component and a polymeric additive component, placing the sealant composition into a wellbore and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive components and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Samuel J. Lewis, Gary Funkhouser, Paul Hoertz, David F. Myers, James Lynn Davis, Vikram Rao, Vijay Gupta, Lynn Margaret Soby
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Patent number: 8662174Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore includes preparing a sealant composition having a fluid component, a polymeric additive constituent, and a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into a wellbore and subjected to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive constituents and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition. The ionizing radiation also alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Samuel J. Lewis, Gary Funkhouser, Anthony Badalamenti, Vikram Rao, David F. Myers, Vijay Gupta, James Lynn Davis, Michael Lamvik, Paul G. Hoertz, Lynn Margaret Soby, Andrew K. Dummer
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Publication number: 20130150483Abstract: A cementing fluid may include an aqueous fluid, a hydraulic cement, and a cement suspending agent comprising a crosslinked particulate, wherein the crosslinked particulate is made from a reaction comprising: a first monofunctional monomer, a primary crosslinker, and a secondary crosslinker. In some instances, the reaction may further comprise a second monofunctional monomer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gary Funkhouser, Matthew G. Kellum
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Publication number: 20120006545Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing two phases. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore where one phase sets upon subjecting the sealant composition to a thermal source followed by the setting of the other phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Natasha Shirshova, Alexander Bismarck, Angelika Menner, Gary Funkhouser
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Publication number: 20120010324Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing two phases. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore where one phase sets upon subjecting the sealant composition to a thermal source followed by the setting of the other phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, IncInventors: Natasha Shirshova, Alexander Bismarck, Angelika Menner, Gary Funkhouser
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Publication number: 20110272142Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore includes preparing a sealant composition having a fluid component, a polymeric additive constituent, and a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into a wellbore and subjected to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive constituents and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition. The ionizing radiation also alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: Halliburton Law DepartmentInventors: Samuel J. Lewis, Gary Funkhouser, Anthony Badalamenti, Vikram Rao, David F. Myers, Vijay Gupta, James Lynn Davis, Michael Lamvik, Paul Hoertz, Lynn Margaret Soby, Andrew K. Dummer
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Publication number: 20110265996Abstract: The present invention includes methods relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore by preparing a sealant composition comprising a fluid component and a polymeric additive component, placing the sealant composition into a wellbore and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive components and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Halliburton Law DepartmentInventors: Samuel J. Lewis, Gary Funkhouser, Paul Hoertz, David F. Myers, James L. Davis, Vikram Rao, Vijay Gupta, Lynn Margaret Soby
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Patent number: 7736430Abstract: A method of treating fly ash to modify the set time and the induction profile for a slurry comprising cement and the fly ash. The method comprising mixing fly ash with an aqueous solution comprising the calcium carbonate, thereby modifying the set time and the induction profile of the slurry comprising cement and the fly ash. A method of treating fly ash to modify the induction profile of a slurry comprising cement and the fly ash. The method comprising contacting fly ash with a wet gas stream comprising water vapor and carbon dioxide in an amount sufficient to react with the fly ash so as to modify the induction profile of the slurry comprising cement and the fly ash. Cement compositions comprising water, hydraulic cement, and carbonated fly, and associated methods of use.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignees: William Marsh Rice University, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Andrew R. Barron, Corina Lupu, Katherine L. Jackson, Sean Bard, Gary Funkhouser
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Patent number: 7549320Abstract: A cement sample testing apparatus including a first pressure zone; a second pressure zone; and a pressure control system. The pressure control system can be in fluid communication with the first pressure zone and the second pressure zone, operable to raise the first pressure zone to a first pressure above ambient pressure, and operable to raise the second pressure zone to a second pressure above ambient pressure. A method for determining mechanical properties for a sample cement composition can include applying a first pressure condition to a first portion of the sample cement composition; applying a second pressure condition raised to a second portion of the sample cement composition; and determining one or more mechanical properties of the sample cement composition based at least in part on the pressure conditions present at the failure of the sample cement composition.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gary Funkhouser, Christian Meyer, David McMechan, David Meadows, Johnny Johnson
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Publication number: 20080168848Abstract: A cement sample testing apparatus including a first pressure zone; a second pressure zone; and a pressure control system. The pressure control system can be in fluid communication with the first pressure zone and the second pressure zone, operable to raise the first pressure zone to a first pressure above ambient pressure, and operable to raise the second pressure zone to a second pressure above ambient pressure. A method for determining mechanical properties for a sample cement composition can include applying a first pressure condition to a first portion of the sample cement composition; applying a second pressure condition raised to a second portion of the sample cement composition; and determining one or more mechanical properties of the sample cement composition based at least in part on the pressure conditions present at the failure of the sample cement composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventors: Gary Funkhouser, Christian Meyer, David McMechan, David Meadows, Johnny Johnson
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Publication number: 20070267201Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Michael Brezinski, Gregory Chitwood, Ralph Echols, Gary Funkhouser, John Gano, William Henderson, Paul Herman, Marion Kilgore, Jody McGlothen, Ronald Powell, Alex Procyk, Thomas Ray, Michael Sanders, Roger Schultz, David Steele, Robert Taylor, Bradley Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
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Publication number: 20070215353Abstract: A method of treating fly ash to modify the set time and the induction profile for a slurry comprising cement and the fly ash. The method comprising mixing fly ash with an aqueous solution comprising the calcium carbonate, thereby modifying the set time and the induction profile of the slurry comprising cement and the fly ash. A method of treating fly ash to modify the induction profile of a slurry comprising cement and the fly ash. The method comprising contacting fly ash with a wet gas stream comprising water vapor and carbon dioxide in an amount sufficient to react with the fly ash so as to modify the induction profile of the slurry comprising cement and the fly ash. Cement compositions comprising water, hydraulic cement, and carbonated fly, and associated methods of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2006Publication date: September 20, 2007Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITYInventors: Andrew Barron, Corina Lupu, Katherine Jackson, Sean Bard, Gary Funkhouser
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Publication number: 20070204996Abstract: Methods comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a friction reducing polymer, and an antiflocculation additive; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a friction reducing polymer, and an antiflocculation additive; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation at rate in the range of from about 30 barrels to about 250 barrels per minute so as to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation. Aqueous treatment fluids comprising: an aqueous fluid, a friction reducing polymer in an amount sufficient to reduce friction without forming a gel, and an antiflocculation additive.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: David McMechan, Jimmie Weaver, Thomas Welton, Robert Hanes, Karen King, Gary Funkhouser
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Publication number: 20070207933Abstract: Methods comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a friction reducing polymer, and an antiflocculation additive; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a friction reducing polymer, and an antiflocculation additive; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation at rate in the range of from about 30 barrels to about 250 barrels per minute so as to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation. Aqueous treatment fluids comprising: an aqueous fluid, a friction reducing polymer in an amount sufficient to reduce friction without forming a gel, and an antiflocculation additive.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: David McMechan, Jimmie Weaver, Thomas Welton, Robert Hanes, Karen King, Gary Funkhouser
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Publication number: 20070114016Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: May 24, 2007Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Michael Brezinski, Gregory Chitwood, Gary Funkhouser, John Gano, Jody McGlothen, Alex Procyk, Thomas Ray, Robert Taylor, Bradley Todd, Cynthia Tuckness