Patents by Inventor James T. Matte

James T. Matte 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: 6364017
    Abstract: An improved single trip perforating and gravel pack system is provided which includes a tubing conveyed perforating assembly, a gravel pack completion assembly, and a retrievable service assembly. The retrievable service assembly includes a hydraulic setting tool and a crossover tool assembly. The hydraulic setting tool is less sensitive to hydraulic pressures generated by the detonation of the perforating guns. The hydraulic setting tool includes an annulus release mechanism, a preset lock assembly and a rotational lock assembly, all of which are mechanically actuated. The retrievable service assembly also includes a concentric check valve which improves well control and allows for reversing out excess slurry in the service assembly following completion of a gravel packing or frac packing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Gregg W. Stout, James T. Matte
  • Patent number: 6167970
    Abstract: A release mechanism for use with setting wellbore isolation tools, such as packers or bridge plugs. The release mechanism typically includes a release piston which selectively isolates equalization ports extending from the interior to the exterior of a setting tool body. The release piston may be activated to allow equalization of pressure across the sealing elements of a set isolation tool, typically by applying pressure to the annular space above the isolation tool. The release mechanism may be used to allow a tool body (such as a setting or retrieving tool) to be removed from a set isolation tool under conditions in which high pressure differential exists across the isolation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: B J Services Company
    Inventors: Gregg W. Stout, James T. Matte
  • Patent number: 5931229
    Abstract: A through tubing gravel pack assembly which is capable of being run on a coiled tubing string inside existing tubing for repairing a preexisting gravel pack. The through tubing gravel pack system comprises a hydraulically releasable running tool and service assembly, a hydraulically set through tubing packer assembly and a crossover sleeve and sliding sleeve valve assembly. The gravel pack assembly is adapted to be shiftable between a circulating mode and a squeeze mode for conducting a circulating gravel pack and/or a squeeze gravel pack without the necessity of having to trip the assembly out of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Lehr, James T. Matte
  • Patent number: 5641019
    Abstract: A swab-resistant packer is disclosed which prevents the packing element from expanding outwardly to cause swabbing during tripping of the apparatus in a subterranean well. Preferably, a metallic or other cable or cord is placed immediate and circumferentially around the exterior of the first and second ends of the packing element to prevent the packing element from moving outwardly away from the first, pre-set retracted position to thereby abate any tendency to swab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Gregg W. Stout, James T. Matte
  • Patent number: 5597040
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for fracing and gravel packing a subterranean well. The apparatus includes a packer and a liner assembly with a setting tool and crossover assembly. Abrasive wear in the wall of the crossover assembly is abated by providing for conversion of turbulent fluid flow of the fracing or gravel packing fluid into laminar flow immediate the opening within the crossover tool between the interior of the crossover tool and the exterior thereof. An isolator is also provided within the crossover such that when it is opened, a valve head is completely shielded and carried within the device whereby further cutting of the crossover tool wall by fluid flow is greatly abated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Western Company of North America
    Inventors: Gregg W. Stout, James T. Matte
  • Patent number: 5180010
    Abstract: A multiple acting lock is provided which prevents premature setting of the packer of a gravel pack tool by the setting piston of a setting tool. The lock comprises a locking cylinder which when in the locked position rotationally locks the setting tool with the gravel pack tool thereby allowing rotation of the tool during tripping to facilitate working the tool past tight spots. The lock also longitudinally locks the setting sleeve of the gravel pack tool to prevent premature setting of the packer of the gravel pack tool. The locking mechanism of the setting sleeve comprises keys located in keyholes and a sleeve inside the setting sleeve which protrude and engage with the setting sleeve. The locking cylinder when in a locked position covers the inside of the keyholes retaining the keys in engagement with the setting sleeve. When the locking cylinder is hydraulically moved to the unlocked position the keys slide inward out of the keyholes and out of engagement with the setting sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: The Western Company of North America
    Inventors: Gregg W. Stout, James T. Matte