Patents by Inventor Gregory T. Werkheiser

Gregory T. Werkheiser 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: 11639636
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a downhole torque limiter, comprising a tubular housing; a pipe positioned within the tubular housing; one or more clutch mechanisms positioned between the pipe and the tubular housing, the one or more clutch mechanisms configured to move between a engaged state to fix the tubular housing relative to the pipe and a disengaged state to allow with the tubular housing to rotate relative to the pipe; and a fluid control system coupled with an exterior of the one or more clutch mechanisms, the fluid control system configured to allow the one or more clutch mechanisms to move from the engaged state to the disengaged state based upon sensing movement of the pipe relative to the tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon-Howard Elliott Hanson, Richard Decena Ornelaz, Michael Linley Fripp, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Publication number: 20220381097
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a downhole torque limiter, comprising a tubular housing; a pipe positioned within the tubular housing; one or more clutch mechanisms positioned between the pipe and the tubular housing, the one or more clutch mechanisms configured to move between a engaged state to fix the tubular housing relative to the pipe and a disengaged state to allow with the tubular housing to rotate relative to the pipe; and a fluid control system coupled with an exterior of the one or more clutch mechanisms, the fluid control system configured to allow the one or more clutch mechanisms to move from the engaged state to the disengaged state based upon sensing movement of the pipe relative to the tubular housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Jon-Howard Elliott Hanson, Richard Decena Ornelaz, Michael Linley Fripp, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Patent number: 11473398
    Abstract: Fluid flows, such as slurries, conditioning fluids, spacer fluids, or the like, may be modified to carry materials having high magnetic permeability characteristics that can be detected by a magnetic permeability sensing apparatus positioned along the fluid flow path in wellbores or downhole tools. Sensed presence of the high magnetic permeability material by the sensing apparatus positioned in the fluid flow path may result in initiation of an operational event. The operational event may include, but not limited to closing or opening a valve, moving a component, conveying a signal, activating or deactivating a device, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Jones, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Publication number: 20220316297
    Abstract: Fluid flows, such as slurries, conditioning fluids, spacer fluids, or the like, may be modified to carry materials having high magnetic permeability characteristics that can be detected by a magnetic permeability sensing apparatus positioned along the fluid flow path in wellbores or downhole tools. Sensed presence of the high magnetic permeability material by the sensing apparatus positioned in the fluid flow path may result in initiation of an operational event. The operational event may include, but not limited to closing or opening a valve, moving a component, conveying a signal, activating or deactivating a device, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Paul J. Jones, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Publication number: 20180051554
    Abstract: A method of performing real-time position sensing includes conveying a tool attached to a tubular string in a borehole. The tool includes a position sensing sub, and the position sensing sub includes sensing devices. The method further includes recording measurements taken by the sensing devices. The method further includes determining based on the measurements, a position along the borehole of a particular portion of the tubular string. Data from sensing devices having a higher priority overrides collecting data from sensing devices having a lower priority. The method further includes transmitting the position wirelessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Werkheiser, Reid E. Zevenbergen, Scott L. Miller, Nicole E. Esposito, Eric M. Conzemius
  • Patent number: 9523272
    Abstract: A method of amplifying a data-encoded acoustic signal in an oil or gas well system comprising: performing at least a first transmission of the data-encoded acoustic signal from a transmitter towards a receiver, wherein at least some of the data-encoded acoustic signal is reflected from a well system object; providing an impedance mismatch point; and causing or allowing amplification of the data-encoded acoustic signal, wherein the amplification is due to the well system object, the impedance mismatch point, and the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Michael L. Fripp, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Publication number: 20160230545
    Abstract: A method of amplifying a data-encoded acoustic signal in an oil or gas well system comprising: performing at least a first transmission of the data-encoded acoustic signal from a transmitter towards a receiver, wherein at least some of the data-encoded acoustic signal is reflected from a well system object; providing an impedance mismatch point; and causing or allowing amplification of the data-encoded acoustic signal, wherein the amplification is due to the well system object, the impedance mismatch point, and the transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Michael L. Fripp, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Publication number: 20160177713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for realtime downhole sample volume collection is described. The sampler apparatus includes a sample chamber and a sensor for real-time measurement disposed proximate to the sample chamber. In one embodiment, the sample chamber may include a piston, and the sensor may be mounted on the piston. The sensor may comprise a flow meter, a light sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a movement sensor, an acceleration sensor, a continuity sensor, or other sensor types known to those of skill in the art, and it may measure fluid volume, pressure, composition, or other properties. Optionally, a telemetry system may be included to transmit the real-time sensor measurements to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Miller, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Patent number: 9169719
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Patent number: 9145760
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Publication number: 20150047844
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Publication number: 20150007975
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Patent number: 8881832
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Publication number: 20140184364
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser