Patents by Inventor J. Dale Horton

J. Dale Horton 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: 8256523
    Abstract: A wellbore plug and method for retrieving two or more wellbore plugs simultaneously from the wellbore. The wellbore plug can be actuated to an open position and released from engagement in the wellbore. The plug can be locked in an open position, and remain in an open position without regard to weight or tension applied to the plug. The released and locked open plug can be lowered to next plug to be retrieved. Prior to connecting to the next plug, reverse and/or normal fluid circulation can be utilized to clean the next plug. Upon connecting the first plug to the second plug, the second plug can be locked open and released in by applying tension in the same manner as the first plug. The process can continue to retrieve multiple plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: J. Dale Horton
  • Publication number: 20110226478
    Abstract: A wellbore plug and method for retrieving two or more wellbore plugs simultaneously from the wellbore. The wellbore plug can be actuated to an open position and released from engagement in the wellbore. The plug can be locked in an open position, and remain in an open position without regard to weight or tension applied to the plug. The released and locked open plug can be lowered to next plug to be retrieved. Prior to connecting to the next plug, reverse and/or normal fluid circulation can be utilized to clean the next plug. Upon connecting the first plug to the second plug, the second plug can be locked open and released in by applying tension in the same manner as the first plug. The process can continue to retrieve multiple plugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: J. Dale Horton
  • Patent number: 7950468
    Abstract: A method of retrieving at least a first plug and a second plug of the same type from a wellbore, wherein when the plugs are set in the wellbore each plug has a valve in a closed position blocking flow of fluid through the plug and a sealing mechanism expanded into engagement with a wellbore casing providing a seal between the plug and the casing, includes the steps of connecting a conveyance to the first plug; releasing the first plug; moving the first plug into connection with the second plug; and retrieving the first and the second plug from the wellbore simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: J. Dale Horton