Patents by Inventor James A. Rollins

James A. Rollins 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: 11920442
    Abstract: A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, James A. Rollins
  • Publication number: 20240060401
    Abstract: A loading tube is configured to receive one or more shaped charges to form a perforating gun. The loading tube includes a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis; a cord passage formed into the tubular body; a retention cutoff formed into the tubular body and configured to receive a detonator cord; and a holding element extending into the retention cutoff and being integrally made with a wall of the tubular body, wherein the holding element is configured to hold the detonator cord into the retention cutoff. The cord passage is configured to receive the detonator cord from a bore of the tubular body and to direct the detonator cord outside the bore of the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Applicant: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins
  • Patent number: 11834935
    Abstract: A loading tube is configured to receive one or more shaped charges to form a perforating gun. The loading tube includes a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis; a cord passage formed into the tubular body; a retention cutoff formed into the tubular body and configured to receive a detonator cord; and a holding element extending into the retention cutoff and being integrally made with a wall of the tubular body, wherein the holding element is configured to hold the detonator cord into the retention cutoff. The cord passage is configured to receive the detonator cord from a bore of the tubular body and to direct the detonator cord outside the bore of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins
  • Publication number: 20230383626
    Abstract: A perforating gun for use in a well casing, the gun having a gun carrier extending along a longitudinal axis; plural shaped charges located inside the gun carrier, in a plurality of groups, a first group being positioned in a first single plane, transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second group being positioned in a second single plane, transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first and second groups of charges are spaced along the longitudinal axis so that a third single plane, transverse to the longitudinal axis, intersects each of the shaped charges of the first and second groups of charges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins, Philip Martin Snider, John T. Hardesty, David Wesson
  • Patent number: 11719077
    Abstract: A perforating gun for use in a well casing, the gun having a gun carrier extending along a longitudinal axis; plural shaped charges located inside the gun carrier, in groups of three, a first group of three shaped charges being positioned in a first single plane, transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second group of three shaped charges being positioned in a second single plane, transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a charge holder configured to carry the plural shaped charges, the charge holder configured to be inserted into the gun carrier. The first and second groups of three charges are spaced along the longitudinal axis so that a third single plane, transverse to the longitudinal axis, intersects each of the six shaped charges of the first and second groups of three charges, to achieve an ultra-short, high-density, perforating gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins, Philip Martin Snider, John T. Hardesty, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 11326421
    Abstract: A perforating gun system with at least one gun. Each of the perforating guns have charges disposed in a gun carrier that are angled to the longitudinal axis of the gun to achieve a predetermined proppant transport profile into clusters within a stage in a well casing. The perforation tunnels may also have burrs on each side of the casing and acts in initially aiding proppant transport during fracture treatment. A method of tuning a cluster to achieve a desired fracturing treatment based on a feedback from another cluster includes selecting a hole diameter, a hole angle for creating an angled opening, a discharge coefficient, and a proppant efficiency. Moreover, a method of improving perforation charge efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins, Kevin Wutherich, Ross Harvey
  • Patent number: 11187062
    Abstract: An ultra-short, high-density, perforating gun for use in a well casing includes a gun carrier extending along a longitudinal axis, only 2 charges located inside the gun carrier, the only 2 charges being positioned in a single plane transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a charge holder configured to carry the only 2 charges, the charge holder configured to be inserted into the gun carrier. The gun carrier ranges in length from 4 inches to 11 inches. A diameter of the gun carrier ranges from 1 to 4 inches, and wherein at least one charge of the only 2 charges has a liner that has a subtended angle from 100° to 120°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins, Philip Martin Snider, John T. Hardesty, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 11047216
    Abstract: A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, James A. Rollins
  • Patent number: 10914144
    Abstract: A perforating gun system with at least one gun. Each of the perforating guns have charges disposed in a gun carrier that are angled to the longitudinal axis of the gun to achieve a predetermined proppant transport profile into clusters within a stage in a well casing. The perforation tunnels may also have burrs on each side of the casing and acts in initially aiding proppant transport during fracture treatment. A method of tuning a cluster to achieve a desired fracturing treatment based on a feedback from another cluster includes selecting a hole diameter, a hole angle for creating an angled opening, a discharge coefficient, and a proppant efficiency. Moreover, a method of improving perforation charge efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins, Kevin Wutherich, Ross Harvey
  • Patent number: 10746004
    Abstract: A perforating gun for use in a well casing includes a gun carrier extending along a longitudinal axis; plural charges located inside the gun carrier, in groups of 3, a group of 3 charges being positioned in a first single plane transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a charge holder configured to carry the plural charges, the charge holder configured to be inserted into the gun carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins, Philip Martin Snider, John Thomas Hardesty, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10746003
    Abstract: A perforating short gun for use in a horizontal well casing. The gun includes a gun carrier and a charge holder to carry shaped charges. The charge holder is inserted into the gun carrier and a selected length of the gun carrier includes internal features created therein to a depth in an inside wall of the gun carrier. The internal features are located and configured to align with a shaped charge, creating a standoff between the shaped charge and the internal feature such that when the charge is detonated it creates an opening through the internal feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins, Philip Martin Snider, John Thomas Hardesty, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10612340
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Martin Snider, Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Nathan G. Clark, James A. Rollins, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10480276
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Martin Snider, Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Nathan G. Clark, James A. Rollins, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10378320
    Abstract: A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, James A. Rollins
  • Publication number: 20190040722
    Abstract: A perforating short gun for use in a horizontal well casing. The gun includes a gun carrier and a charge holder to carry shaped charges. The charge holder is inserted into the gun carrier and a selected length of the gun carrier includes internal features created therein to a depth in an inside wall of the gun carrier. The internal features are located and configured to align with a shaped charge, creating a standoff between the shaped charge and the internal feature such that when the charge is detonated it creates an opening through the internal feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, James A. Rollins, Philip Martin Snider, John Thomas Hardesty, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10030487
    Abstract: A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, James A Rollins
  • Publication number: 20180171741
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Philip Martin Snider, Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Nathan G. Clark, James A. Rollins, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 9845666
    Abstract: A limited entry perforating phased gun system and method for accurate perforation in a deviated/horizontal wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a gun string assembly (GSA) deployed in a wellbore with shaped charge clusters. The charges are spaced and angled such that, when perforated, they intersect at a preferred fracturing plane. Upon fracturing, the fractures initiate at least principal stress location in a preferred fracturing plane perpendicular to the wellbore from an upward and downward location of the wellbore. Thereafter, the fractures connect radially about the wellbore in the preferred fracturing plane. The fracture treatment in the preferred fracturing plane creates minimal tortuosity paths for longer extension of fractures that enables efficient oil and gas flow rates during production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, James A. Rollins
  • Patent number: 9759050
    Abstract: A wellbore perforating system and method with reliable and safer connections in a perforating gun assembly is disclosed. The system/method includes a gun string assembly (GSA) deployed in a wellbore with multiple perforating guns attached to plural switch subs. The perforating guns are pre-wired with a cable having multi conductors; the multi conductors are connected to electrical ring contacts on either end of the perforating guns. The switch subs are configured with electrical contacts that are attached to the electrical contacts of the perforating guns without the need for manual electrical connections and assembly in the field of operations. The system further includes detonating with a detonator that is positioned upstream of the perforating gun. The detonator is wired to a switch that is positioned downstream of the perforating gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMCS, INC.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, James A Rollins
  • Patent number: 9759049
    Abstract: A wellbore perforating system and method with reliable and safer connections in a perforating gun assembly is disclosed. The system/method includes a gun string assembly (GSA) deployed in a wellbore with multiple perforating guns attached to plural switch subs. The perforating guns are pre-wired with a cable having multi conductors; the multi conductors are connected to electrical ring contacts on either end of the perforating guns. The switch subs are configured with electrical contacts that are attached to the electrical contacts of the perforating guns without the need for manual electrical connections and assembly in the field of operations. The system further includes detonating with a detonator that is positioned upstream of the perforating gun. The detonator is wired to a switch that is positioned downstream of the perforating gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, James A Rollins