Patents by Inventor Gordon A. Tibbitts
Gordon A. Tibbitts 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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Publication number: 20090038856Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: PARTICLE DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Adrian Vuyk, JR., Jim Terry, Gordon Tibbitts, Greg Galloway, Joseph Estes, Jason Tichenor, Darrell Traylor, Donald Woods
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Publication number: 20080210472Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors are introduced into at least one cavity formed in a body member and are discharging from the cavity so that the impactors remove a portion of the formation. The impactors are separated from at least a portion of the fluid, and are passed to a conduit so that the impactors accumulate in the conduit before being removed from the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Particle Drilling Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Publication number: 20080196944Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors are passed between a drill string to a body member for discharge from the body member to remove at least a portion of the formation. The flow of the suspension between the drill string and the body member is controlled in order to present the impactors from settling near the bottom of the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 7258176Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a well bore using solid material impactors comprising a nozzle and a cavity for accelerating the velocity of the solid material impactors and directing flow of the solid material impactors through the nozzle. The drill bit may also comprise a junk slot for return flow of the drilling fluid and solid material impactors.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Particle Drilling, Inc.Inventors: Gordon A. Tibbitts, Paul O. Padgett, Harry B. Curlett, Samuel R. Curlett, Nathan J. Harder
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Publication number: 20060027398Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a well bore using solid material impactors comprising a nozzle and a cavity for accelerating the velocity of the solid material impactors and directing flow of the solid material impactors through the nozzle. The drill bit may also comprise a junk slot for return flow of the drilling fluid and solid material impactors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2004Publication date: February 9, 2006Applicant: Particle Drilling, Inc.Inventors: Gordon Tibbitts, Paul Padgett, Harry Curlett, Samuel Curlett, Nathan Harder
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Publication number: 20060021798Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors are introduced into at least one cavity formed in a body member and are discharging from the cavity so that the impactors remove a portion of the formation. The impactors are separated from at least a portion of the fluid, and are passed to a conduit so that the impactors accumulate in the conduit before being removed from the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2005Publication date: February 2, 2006Applicant: Particle Drilling Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Gordon Tibbitts
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Publication number: 20060016624Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors are passed between a drill string to a body member for discharge from the body member to remove at least a portion of the formation. The flow of the suspension between the drill string and the body member is controlled in order to present the impactors from settling near the bottom of the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2005Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Particle Drilling Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Gordon Tibbitts
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Publication number: 20060016622Abstract: A method and system for excavating a subterranean formation using a fluid comprising pumping the fluid through at least one nozzle such that a velocity of the fluid when exiting the nozzle is greater than a velocity of the fluid entering the nozzle. A plurality of solid material impactors are introduced into the fluid and circulated with the fluid through the nozzle. A substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a mean diameter of equal to or less than approximately 0.100 inches. The fluid is pumped at a pressure level and a flow rate level sufficient to satisfy an impactor mass-velocity relationship wherein a substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a minimum kinetic energy of approximately 0.075 Ft Lbs when exiting the nozzle. The substantial portion by weight of solid material impactors exit the nozzle and contact the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Particle Drilling, Inc.Inventor: Gordon Tibbitts
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Publication number: 20060011386Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors is introduced into at least one cavity formed in the body member. The suspension is discharged from a nozzle disposed in the cavity towards the formation so that the impactors remove at least a portion of the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2005Publication date: January 19, 2006Applicant: Particle Drilling Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Gordon Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6742611Abstract: A laminated cutting element for use on a rotary-type earth-boring drill bit for drilling subterranean formations preferably including at least one first segment formed of a hard, continuous-phase material impregnated with a particulate superabrasive material laminated to and including at least one second segment formed of a continuous-phase material having essentially no particulate superabrasive material impregnated therein. Alternatively, the at least one second segment may have superabrasive and/or abrasive material impregnated therein which is less abrasive than the superabrasive material impregnated in the at least one first segment. Preferably, the continuous-phase material in which the at least one first segment and the at least one second segment are made is a metal matrix material. A further alternative of the present invention includes a single segment formed of a continuous-phase material in which a particulate superabrasive material is impregnated.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Roland Illerhaus, Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6594881Abstract: A torque limiting device that allows a drill string to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit when a predetermined torque is applied between the cutting structure of the drill bit and the drill string. The torque limiting device utilizes a retaining member which restricts rotational movement of a first component of the torque limiting device relative to a second component. When a sufficient torque load is placed on the cutting structure of the drill bit, the retaining member allows rotational movement of the first component relative to the second component and allows the drill string to continue to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit until the torque is sufficiently reduced. The torque limiting device may be an integral part of a drill bit, may be a separate device attached between the drill string and the drill bit or between the drill string and a downhole motor, or may be part of a near-bit sub or incorporated in a downhole motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6527065Abstract: Cutting elements for use in a rotary drill bit are configured to facilitate positioning of the cutting elements at a positive rake angle with respect to the formation to enhance compressive stresses in the cutting element and to reduce cutting loads on the cutting elements. The cutting element generally comprises a three-dimensional superabrasive cutting member having a leading edge and a three-dimensional arcuate scoop-like surface which conveys formation cuttings away from the cutting element. The cutting element may also be formed to a substrate or backing. A drill bit suitable for use of the cutting elements of the invention is disclosed which includes passageways and internal fluid passages for enhancing the conveyance of formation cuttings away from the leading edge of the cutting element.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gordon A. Tibbitts, Craig H. Cooley
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Patent number: 6458471Abstract: A cutting element for use on a rotary-type earth boring drill bit for drilling subterranean formations including a segment and a support member. The support member is preferably fabricated from a tough and ductile material, such as iron, an iron-based alloy, nickel, a nickel-based alloy, copper, a copper-based alloy, titanium, a titanium-based alloy, zirconium, a zirconium-based alloy, silver, or a silver-based alloy. A bit attachment portion of the support member is securable to a bit body. A segment-receiving portion of the support member is disposable within a recess formed in the segment to secure the segment to the bit body and support the segment during use of the drill bit. Preferably, the segment is fabricated from a hard continuous phase material that is impregnated with a particulate abrasive material, such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, or cubic boron nitride.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Lorenzo G. Lovato, Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6450271Abstract: A rotary-type drill bit for drilling subterranean formations having areas or components having surfaces exhibiting a relatively low adhesion, preferably nonwater-wettable, surface over at least a portion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gordon A. Tibbitts, Danny E. Scott, James L. Overstreet, Terry J. Kolterman, Chih Lin, James Andy Oxford, Steven R. Radford
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Publication number: 20020073528Abstract: A torque limiting device that allows a drill string to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit when a predetermined torque is applied between the cutting structure of the drill bit and the drill string. The torque limiting device utilizes a retaining member which restricts rotational movement of a first component of the torque limiting device relative to a second component. When a sufficient torque load is placed on the cutting structure of the drill bit, the retaining member allows rotational movement of the first component relative to the second component and allows the drill string to continue to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit until the torque is sufficiently reduced. The torque limiting device may be an integral part of a drill bit, may be a separate device attached between the drill string and the drill bit or between the drill string and a downhole motor, or may be part of a near-bit sub or incorporated in a downhole motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2002Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6390211Abstract: Drill bit nozzle assemblies and methods of mounting the nozzle assemblies relative to a drill bit for drilling subterranean earth formations are described in which the nozzle assembly provides diverse rotational orientation of the nozzle about at least two axes relative to the drill bit. The nozzle assemblies generally include a nozzle body and an associated, cooperatively-configured nozzle body housing structure to facilitate orientation of the nozzle body within a nozzle orifice of a drill bit body and securement of the nozzle assembly with the nozzle body in a desired orientation.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6357538Abstract: A torque limiting device that allows a drill string to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit when a predetermined torque is applied between the cutting structure of the drill bit and the drill string. The torque limiting device utilizes a retaining member which restricts rotational movement of a first component of the torque limiting device relative to a second component. When a sufficient torque load is placed on the cutting structure of the drill bit, the retaining member allows rotational movement of the first component relative to the second component and allows the drill string to continue to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit until the torque is sufficiently reduced. The torque limiting device may be an integral part of a drill bit, may be a separate device attached between the drill string and the drill bit or between the drill string and a downhole motor, or may be part of a near-bit sub or incorporated in a downhole motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6338390Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling subterranean formations with a rotary-type drill bit are disclosed in which oscillation is produced in the drill string, drill bit or cutting element, in an axial and/or torsional direction, to produce formation chips that have both thin portions and thick portions. More specifically, the oscillations cause a cutting element of the drill bit to engage the formation to various degrees, resulting in a chip that has varying thicknesses which facilitate fracture of the chip along its thinner portions, thereby reducing the likelihood of adherence of the formation chips to the drill bit or cutting element.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6325163Abstract: A torque limiting device that allows a drill string to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit when a predetermined torque is applied between the cutting structure of the drill bit and the drill string. The torque limiting device utilizes a retaining member which restricts rotational movement of a first component of the torque limiting device relative to a second component. When a sufficient torque load is placed on the cutting structure of the drill bit, the retaining member allows rotational movement of the first component relative to the second component and allows the drill string to continue to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit until the torque is sufficiently reduced. The torque limiting device may be an integral part of a drill bit, may be a separate device attached between the drill string and the drill bit or between the drill string and a downhole motor, or may be part of a near-bit sub or incorporated in a downhole motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6298930Abstract: A rotary drag bit including exterior features to control the depth of cut by cutters mounted thereon, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation as well as the torque experienced by the bit and an associated bottomhole assembly. The exterior features preferably precede, taken in the direction of bit rotation, cutters with which they are associated, and provide sufficient bearing area so as to support the bit against the bottom of the borehole under weight on bit without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock. The exterior features may be oriented and configured to function optimally at a predicted rate of penetration, or range of rates, at which the bit may be operated, such rate or rates being further optionally maximized in softer formations in light of the ability of the bit to hydraulically clear a maximum volume of formation cuttings to prevent so-called bit balling.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: L. Allen Sinor, Wayne R. Hansen, Mark W. Dykstra, Craig H. Cooley, Gordon A. Tibbitts