Patents by Inventor James C. Tucker
James C. Tucker 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: 12180792Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2023Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, James C. Tucker
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Patent number: 12146378Abstract: A method of dispensing a plug can include deploying the plug into a tubular string including a plug dispenser tool, and applying a pressure differential across the plug, thereby discharging the plug into an annulus surrounding the plug dispenser tool. A plug dispenser tool can include an outer housing having a plug discharge port that provides fluid communication between an exterior of the outer housing and a flow passage extending longitudinally through the plug dispenser tool, and a piston slidably disposed in the outer housing between a closed position in which the piston blocks fluid flow through the plug discharge port, and an open position in which fluid flow through the plug discharge port is permitted. A system can include a plug dispenser tool configured to discharge the plug into an annulus surrounding the plug dispenser tool in response to a predetermined pressure differential applied across the plug.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2023Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: James C. Tucker, Roger L. Schultz, Brett A. Fears, Gary P. Funkhouser
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Publication number: 20240337167Abstract: A method of dispensing a plug can include deploying the plug into a tubular string including a plug dispenser tool, and applying a pressure differential across the plug, thereby discharging the plug into an annulus surrounding the plug dispenser tool. A plug dispenser tool can include an outer housing having a plug discharge port that provides fluid communication between an exterior of the outer housing and a flow passage extending longitudinally through the plug dispenser tool, and a piston slidably disposed in the outer housing between a closed position in which the piston blocks fluid flow through the plug discharge port, and an open position in which fluid flow through the plug discharge port is permitted. A system can include a plug dispenser tool configured to discharge the plug into an annulus surrounding the plug dispenser tool in response to a predetermined pressure differential applied across the plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2023Publication date: October 10, 2024Inventors: James C. TUCKER, Roger L. SCHULTZ, Brett A. FEARS, Gary P. FUNKHOUSER
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Publication number: 20230349247Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, James C. TUCKER
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Patent number: 11773667Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, James C. Tucker
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Patent number: 11668147Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Roger L. Schultz, James C. Tucker
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Publication number: 20220275696Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, James C. TUCKER
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Publication number: 20220112779Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2020Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: Brock W. WATSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ, James C. TUCKER
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Patent number: 7510017Abstract: A device includes a main body adapted to couple between a first element of a working string and a second element of the working string. A seal is provided about the main body and is adapted to substantially sealingly engage a wall of the wellbore. An conductor is carried by the main body. The conductor is adapted to communicate at least one of electrical current or a light signal between an interior of the first element and the second element while the seal is substantially sealingly engaging the wall of the wellbore, while the device is released from sealingly engaging the wall of the wellbore, and/or both.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Matt Howell, James C. Tucker, Mike Connell
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Patent number: 7404416Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for creating pulsating fluid flow, including an inlet into which fluid flows and a chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end. The chamber is defined by a pair of outwardly-projecting sidewalls, and the inlet is disposed at the upstream end of the chamber. This particular embodiment further includes at least two feedback passages with opposed entrances at the downstream end of the chamber and opposed exits at the upstream end of the chamber, near where the chamber joins the inlet. At least one feedback outlet leaves each of the feedback passages. A feedback cavity is disposed at the downstream end of the chamber. At least one exit flowline having an exit port leaves the at least one feedback outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert K. Michael, Pete C. Dagenais, Michael L. Fripp, James C. Tucker
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Patent number: 7373974Abstract: A release tool includes a first subassembly and a second subassembly. A connector is operable to selectively coupled the first subassembly to the second subassembly. A release guard is operable to selectively inhibit release of the connector. The release guard operable to inhibit release of the connector in response to a pressure difference between an interior of the release tool and an exterior of the release tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, James C. Tucker
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Publication number: 20080110644Abstract: A device includes a main body adapted to couple between a first element of a working string and a second element of the working string. A seal is provided about the main body and is adapted to substantially sealingly engage a wall of the wellbore. An conductor is carried by the main body. The conductor is adapted to communicate at least one of electrical current or a light signal between an interior of the first element and the second element while the seal is substantially sealingly engaging the wall of the wellbore, while the device is released from sealingly engaging the wall of the wellbore, and/or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Matt Howell, James C. Tucker, Mike Connell
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Patent number: 7306044Abstract: A method for lining tubular includes positioning an expandable liner in a wellbore at a depth of one or more perforations using a downhole depth locator tool. The expandable liner is expanded in the wellbore to line the one or more perforations.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, James C. Tucker, Perry Courville
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Patent number: 7234517Abstract: A system and method for determining load on a downhole tool according to which one or more sensors are embedded in one or more components of the tool or in a material on one or more of the components. The sensors are adapted to sense load on the components.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Steven G. Streich, Roger L. Schultz, James C. Tucker, Lee Wayne Stepp, Phillip M. Starr
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Patent number: 6976507Abstract: A fluidic oscillator is disclosed, wherein the fluidic oscillator includes a fluid source and a housing coupled to the fluid source. At least one recess is formed within the housing. An insert resides within each at least one recess; the insert provides at least one substantially flat surface. A fluid flowpath in the at least one substantially flat surface generates fluid pulses from fluid received from the fluid source.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Earl D. Webb, James C. Tucker, Mardy L. Meadows, Robert L. Pipkin
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Patent number: 6877558Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert G. Howard, James C. Tucker, Douglas N. Love
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Patent number: 6688389Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert G. Howard, James C. Tucker, Douglas N. Love
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Publication number: 20040020635Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert G. Howard, James C. Tucker, Douglas N. Love
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Publication number: 20030070806Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert G. Howard, James C. Tucker, Douglas N. Love
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Patent number: 6397950Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a frangible rupture disc or other frangible device from a wellbore casing. The casing has a special casing section defining a plurality of holes therethrough. Rupturable glass ceramic discs or inserts are disposed in the holes and retained therein. The glass ceramic discs or inserts are adapted to withstand fluid differential pressure normally present in the wellbore but are rupturable in response to impingement by a pressure wave thereon. The pressure wave is provided by a pressure wave generating device positionable in the casing string adjacent to the holes in the special casing section. The pressure generative device may generate a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave. Methods of perforating a well casing using a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Steven G. Streich, James C. Tucker, James R. Birchak, Paul F. Rodney, Neal G. Skinner
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Patent number: 5098505Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising(A) An epoxide resin component,(B) A hardener component, and incorporated in either or both/or (A) and (B) a thermoplastic polymer, mixtures thereof and application of said mixtures to substrate surfaces to adhere said surfaces together are described.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1987Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.Inventors: Anil B. Goel, Harvey J. Richards, Jeffrey P. Jones