Patents by Inventor James David Dowell

James David Dowell 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: 9194225
    Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a drill pipe in borehole. The system includes an electromagnetic (EM) generator to generate a traveling wave of electromagnetic energy to propagate along a linear path through the drill pipe towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic wave reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated through the drill pipe towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid. In an embodiment, the system includes a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore or at the mudline based on the fluid surface level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: James David Dowell, Melvin Clark Thompson
  • Publication number: 20150027717
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and process for deployment of subsea drilling equipment through a moon pool of a drilling vessel is disclosed. The drilling equipment may include a subsea mudlift pump (MLP) that is configured to be deployed below the surface of the ocean and is adapted for conducting dual gradient drilling (DGD) operations. In the apparatus and process, the MLP may be suspended temporarily aboard the vessel by a holding mechanism. The MLP may be combined first with a lower marine riser package (LMRP) prior to suspension of the MLP and/or MLP/LMRP aboard the drilling vessel. An equipment combination, comprising at least a MLP and a LMRP, may be with a BOP, the mating occurring at a position below the surface of the ocean. In one aspect, the BOP may be separately deployed into the ocean, and then subsequently mated subsea with the LMRP and/or a MLP/LMRP combined equipment package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Kai-tung Ma, James David Dowell, Dave Smith, Kenneth L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140124210
    Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a drill pipe in borehole. The system includes an electromagnetic (EM) generator to generate a traveling wave of electromagnetic energy to propagate along a linear path through the drill pipe towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic wave reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated through the drill pipe towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid. In an embodiment, the system includes a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore or at the mudline based on the fluid surface level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: James David Dowell
  • Patent number: 7735561
    Abstract: A method and system for performing intervention and workover operations on a subsea well are provided, as well as an adapter for connecting a lower end portion of a conduit extending from a vessel with an upper portion of a lower marine riser package associated with a subsea tree. The method includes providing a lower marine riser package connected to an upper portion of a subsea tree associated with a subsea well, and a conduit extending from a vessel toward the lower marine riser package. The conduit is connected to the lower marine riser package with an adapter. A portion of a conduit bore of the conduit above the adapter is sealed from a chamber in the adapter, and a portion of a bore extending through the lower marine riser package is sealed from the chamber. The adapter is opened for access to the chamber from the sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Johnson, Dana Earl Witt, James David Dowell
  • Publication number: 20090050329
    Abstract: A method and system for performing intervention and workover operations on a subsea well are provided, as well as an adapter for connecting a lower end portion of a conduit extending from a vessel with an upper portion of a lower marine riser package associated with a subsea tree. The method includes providing a lower marine riser package connected to an upper portion of a subsea tree associated with a subsea well, and a conduit extending from a vessel toward the lower marine riser package. The conduit is connected to the lower marine riser package with an adapter. A portion of a conduit bore of the conduit above the adapter is sealed from a chamber in the adapter, and a portion of a bore extending through the lower marine riser package is sealed from the chamber. The adapter is opened for access to the chamber from the sea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Johnson, Dana Earl Witt, James David Dowell