Patents by Inventor James W. Chambers

James W. Chambers 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).

  • Publication number: 20160273297
    Abstract: An annular seal having a sealing member and method for use is provided for sealing an item of oilfield equipment. The annular seal has an inner diameter for receiving the item of oilfield equipment and a frame. The seal member is contiguous with the frame. The annular seal is configured for durability, in that it resists wear, inversion, increases lubricity, enables tightness, and/or otherwise generally increases endurance, toughness, and/or permanence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Don M. HANNEGAN, James W. CHAMBERS, Melvin T. JACOBS
  • Patent number: 9404346
    Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
  • Patent number: 9341043
    Abstract: A pressure control apparatus and methodology related to a drilling operation has a housing such as, for example, a bearing assembly configured to engage an item of oilfield equipment being delivered through the oilfield pressure control apparatus. The housing has an upper and/or a lower portion with a seal element coupled to the upper and/or lower portion and configured to seal around the item of oilfield equipment. A guide is coupled proximate the seal element. The guide is configured to support and/or limit lateral deflection of the seal element during the lateral deflection of the seal element created by movement of the item of oilfield equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20150345237
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments relate to apparatus and methods for increasing the longevity of an RCD at a wellbore, including a bearing assembly configured for operating in the RCD. The bearing assembly is configured for reducing pressure proximate the bearing assembly including reducing pressure in a radial seal. Top and bottom seals are mounted against a wear sleeve adjacent to an inner member housed within the bearing assembly. The wear sleeve is configured to be sealed by the top seal and the bottom seal as the inner member rotates in the RCD. A pressure reduction system mounted with the RCD is configured to apply pressure via a wellbore pressure between the top seal and the bottom seal, which is lower relative to a pressure above the top seal, and which is higher relative to a pressure below the bottom seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventor: James W. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20150345236
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments relate to misalignment correction devices and methods for mitigating misalignment of a piece of oilfield equipment in or proximate an RCD. A rounded shoulder appears on a first surface within or proximate the RCD, and a socket profile appears on a second surface within or proximate the RCD. The second surface is configured to abut the rounded shoulder. The rounded shoulder is configured to rotate within the socket profile. Further, a floating joint may be implemented into or proximate the RCD and combined with the foregoing rotation mitigation features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner, Andrew Harrison
  • Publication number: 20150315845
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing against a piece of oilfield equipment in a wellbore. The sealing assembly has a support housing and the support housing defines an inner wall and a port configured for fluid communication with the wellbore. Such inner wall defines a stop shoulder, and the support housing has a limit structure proximate one or both end(s). A sealing element is contained within the support housing. A ring is connected to the sealing element at one or both end(s). Each ring is configured for slidable movement along the inner wall of the support housing and further configured to float between the stop shoulder and the limit structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: James W. Chambers, Richard D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20150315874
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for cooling a RCD at a wellbore including a bearing assembly configured for operating in the RCD. A fixed latch with a heat exchanger system and a volume of a cooling medium is configured for reducing heat proximate the bearing assembly, an inner member, and one or more seals between the bearing assembly and the inner member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventor: James W. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20150226025
    Abstract: A latch and method for use is provided for latching an item of oilfield equipment. The latch has a housing containing a latch member, and the latch member is movable between a radially engaged position in which it is engaged with the item of oilfield equipment, and a radially retracted position in which it is disengaged from the item of oilfield equipment. An actuator is configured to drive the latch member into the radially engaged position. Further, the actuator is configured to drive the latch member toward the radially retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20150211319
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. HANNEGAN, Thomas F. BAILEY, James W. CHAMBERS, David R. WOODRUFF, Simon J. HARRALL
  • Publication number: 20150136407
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. BAILEY, Don M. Hannegan, James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner
  • Patent number: 9010433
    Abstract: A latch and method for use is provided for latching an item of oilfield equipment. The latch has a housing containing a latch member, and the latch member is movable between a radially engaged position in which it is engaged with the item of oilfield equipment, and a radially retracted position in which it is disengaged from the item of oilfield equipment. An actuator is configured to drive the latch member into the radially engaged position. Further, the actuator is configured to drive the latch member toward the radially retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 9004181
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a law profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20150096766
    Abstract: A running tool and delivery and/or retrieving apparatus, and method for use, are designed for optionally delivering and optionally retrieving an oilfield device down a borehole. A kelly extends into the borehole. The tool has a journal configured for slidable movement along the kelly, an engagement disk mounted around the journal configured for engaging the device, and a plurality of fins attached perpendicular to an outer circumference of the journal. The proximal fins extend radially from the outer circumference of the journal toward the engagement disk, are butted against the engagement disk and extend to a diameter complementary to an outer diameter of the engagement disk. The plurality of proximal fins surround and are arranged concentric with the journal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Nicky A. White, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20150027688
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Danny W. Wagoner, Thomas F. Bailey, Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 8939235
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner
  • Publication number: 20140367114
    Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
  • Patent number: 8844652
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Danny W. Wagoner, Thomas F. Bailey, Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Publication number: 20140262326
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to purging a RCD including a bearing of contaminants with a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit having at least one housing adjacent to the RCD, a first plurality of valves within the bearing, a second plurality of valves within the housing, at least one inlet port located on the RCD, each inlet port being connected to the housing, at least one outlet port located on the RCD, each outlet port being connected to the housing, and a purge outlet in fluid communication with the fluid circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 8826988
    Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
  • Publication number: 20140166273
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner