Patents by Inventor James H. Hedges
James H. Hedges 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: 12037544Abstract: The invention is directed to stable and labile crosslinked water swellable polymeric microparticles that can be further gelled by covalent crosslinking in a transamidation reaction, methods for making same, and their various uses in the hygiene and medical arts, gel electrophoresis, packaging, agriculture, the cable industry, information technology, in the food industry, papermaking, use as flocculation aids, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles having labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said microparticle mixed with a fluid and an unreacted tertiary crosslinker comprising PEI or other polyamine based tertiary crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the microparticle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and swelling of the particle, so as to form a stable gel.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2022Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignees: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSASInventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Min Cheng, Riley B. Needham, James H Hedges, Ramesh S Sarathi, Faye L Scully, Terry M Christian, Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Jenn-Tai Liang
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Patent number: 11820939Abstract: The instant application relates to nanogels or compositions that hold multivalent metal ions until some level of nanogel degradation has occurred, then slowly release the multivalent metal ions for gelation with carboxylate containing polymers. Compositions comprising such nanogels, together with polymers that can be crosslinked with multivalent metal ions, allow the deployment of such mixtures in various applications, and greatly increased gelation times.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignees: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSASInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, Min Cheng, Faye Lynn Scully, James H. Hedges
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Patent number: 11814578Abstract: The invention is directed to delayed gelation agents comprising a degradable polymeric cage containing therein one or more gelation agents. The cage degrades in situ, e.g, in an oil reservoir, thus releasing the gelation agent(s), which can then crosslink second polymers in situ to form a gel.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignees: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSASInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, David R. Zornes, Riley B Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, James P. Johnson, Faye L. Scully
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Patent number: 11634626Abstract: The disclosure is directed to polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles that can be used to deliver agents deep into hydrocarbon reservoirs. Methods of making and using said polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignees: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSASInventors: Ying-Ying Lin, Cory Berkland, Jenn-Tai Liang, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully, David R. Zornes
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Patent number: 11466198Abstract: The invention is directed to stable and labile crosslinked water swellable polymeric microparticles that can be further gelled, methods for making same, and their various uses in the hygiene and medical arts, gel electrophoresis, packaging, agriculture, the cable industry, information technology, in the food industry, papermaking, use as flocculation aids, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles having labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said microparticle mixed with a fluid and an unreacted tertiary crosslinker comprising PEI or other polyamine based tertiary crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the microparticle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and swelling of the particle, so as to form a stable gel.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignees: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSASInventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Min Cheng, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Ramesh S. Sarathi, Faye L. Scully, Terry M. Christian, Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Jenn-Tai Liang
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Patent number: 11401455Abstract: The invention is directed to polymers that self-crosslink at acidic pH or can be crosslinked by phenolic agents in brine. Such polymers have lower viscosity and can be pumped deep into reservoirs, where they will cross link in situ, thus increasing their viscosity and/or form a gel and blocking thief zones. Methods of making and using such polymers are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2021Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignees: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSASInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
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Patent number: 11396624Abstract: The instant application relates to nanogels or compositions that hold multivalent metal ions until some level of nanogel degradation has occurred, then slowly release the multivalent metal ions for gelation with carboxylate containing polymers. Compositions comprising such nanogels, together with polymers that can be crosslinked with multivalent metal ions, allow the deployment of such mixtures in various applications, and greatly increased gelation times.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignees: CONOCOPHILIPS COMPANY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSASInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, Min Cheng, Faye Lynn Scully, James H. Hedges
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Patent number: 11390795Abstract: The invention is directed to delayed gelation agents comprising a degradable polymeric cage containing therein one or more gelation agents. The cage degrades in situ, e.g, in an oil reservoir, thus releasing the gelation agent(s), which can then crosslink second polymers in situ to form a gel.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignees: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSASInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, David R. Zornes, Riley B Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, James P. Johnson, Faye L. Scully
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Patent number: 11186765Abstract: The disclosure is directed to polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles that can be used to deliver agents deep into hydrocarbon reservoirs. Methods of making and using said polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignees: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSASInventors: Ying-Ying Lin, Cory Berkland, Jenn-Tai Liang, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully, David R. Zornes
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Patent number: 11136492Abstract: The invention is directed to polymers that self-crosslink at acidic pH or can be crosslinked by phenolic agents in brine. Such polymers have lower viscosity and can be pumped deep into reservoirs, where they will cross link in situ, thus increasing their viscosity and/or form a gel and blocking thief zones. Methods of making and using such polymers are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignees: University of Kansas, Conocophilllips CompanyInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
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Patent number: 10752826Abstract: The instant application relates to nanogels or compositions that hold multivalent metal ions until some level of nanogel degradation has occurred, then slowly release the multivalent metal ions for gelation with carboxylate containing polymers. Compositions comprising such nanogels, together with polymers that can be crosslinked with multivalent metal ions, allow the deployment of such mixtures in various applications, and greatly increased gelation times.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of KansasInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, Min Cheng, Faye Lynn Scully, James H. Hedges
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Patent number: 10407612Abstract: The invention is directed to polymers that self-crosslink at acidic pH or can be crosslinked by phenolic agents in brine. Such polymers have lower viscosity and can be pumped deep into reservoirs, where they will cross link in situ, thus increasing their viscosity and/or form a gel and blocking thief zones. Methods of making and using such polymers are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of KansasInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
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Patent number: 10323174Abstract: The invention is directed to delayed gelation agents comprising a degradable polymeric cage containing therein one or more gelation agents. The cage degrades in situ, e.g., in an oil reservoir, thus releasing the gelation agent(s), which can then crosslink second polymers in situ to form a gel.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of KansasInventors: Huili S. Guan, Faye L. Scully, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, James P. Johnson
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Patent number: 10093848Abstract: The disclosure is directed to polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles that can be used to deliver agents deep into hydrocarbon reservoirs. Methods of making and using said polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of KansasInventors: Ying-Ying Lin, Cory Berkland, Jenn-Tai Liang, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Terry M Christian, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully, David R. Zornes
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Publication number: 20180066177Abstract: The invention is directed to delayed gelation agents comprising a degradable polymeric cage containing therein one or more gelation agents. The cage degrades in situ, e.g., in an oil reservoir, thus releasing the gelation agent(s), which can then crosslink second polymers in situ to form a gel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Huili S. Guan, Cory BERKLAND, Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, Jenn-Tai LIANG, David R. Zornes, Riley B. NEEDHAM, James H. Hedges, Min CHENG, James P. Johnson, Faye L. Scully
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Patent number: 9850425Abstract: The invention is directed to delayed gelation agents comprising a degradable polymeric cage containing therein one or more gelation agents. The cage degrades in situ, e.g, in an oil reservoir, thus releasing the gelation agent(s), which can then crosslink second polymers in situ to form a gel.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of KansasInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Min Cheng, James H. Hedges, James P. Johnson, Faye L. Scully
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Patent number: 9796909Abstract: The instant application relates to nanogels or compositions that hold multivalent metal ions until some level of nanogel degradation has occurred, then slowly release the multivalent metal ions for gelation with carboxylate containing polymers. Compositions comprising such nanogels, together with polymers that can be crosslinked with multivalent metal ions, allow the deployment of such mixtures in various applications, and greatly increased gelation times.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of KansasInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, Min Cheng, Faye Lynn Scully, James H. Hedges
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Publication number: 20170210971Abstract: The invention is directed to polymers that self-crosslink at acidic pH or can be crosslinked by phenolic agents in brine. Such polymers have lower viscosity and can be pumped deep into reservoirs, where they will cross link in situ, thus increasing their viscosity and/or form a gel and blocking thief zones. Methods of making and using such polymers are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2017Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Huili GUAN, Cory BERKLAND, Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, Jenn-Tai LIANG, Terry M. CHRISTIAN, Riley B. NEEDHAM, James H. Hedges, Min CHENG, Faye L. SCULLY
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Patent number: 9644136Abstract: The invention is directed to polymers that self-crosslink at acidic pH or can be crosslinked by phenolic agents in brine. Such polymers have lower viscosity and can be pumped deep into reservoirs, where they will cross link in situ, thus increasing their viscosity and/or form a gel and blocking thief zones. Methods of making and using such polymers are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of KansasInventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, Terry M. Christian, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
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Patent number: 9518463Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced capture and recovery of core samples from unconsolidated or friable formations are provided using drilling fluids that permit increased overpressures to preserve the ability to cut core samples and to strengthen the core samples obtained. Drilling fluids used during capture and recovery of core samples may comprise a solid particulate loss prevention material having a size range from about 150 microns to about 1,000 microns. The solid particulate loss prevention material prevents fracture initiation and propagation in the subterranean formation to allow the use of higher overpressures than would otherwise be possible. Thus, by circulating drilling fluid in the borehole while drilling a core sample, higher overpressures may be achieved, which have been found to be beneficial during core capture and recovery by maintaining core integrity and avoiding core loss. In this way, core sample integrity is improved, yielding more accurate representations of the subsurface.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: James H. Hedges, David H. Beardmore