Patents by Inventor Jason K. Wiggins
Jason K. Wiggins 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: 10173899Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a leached polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) body is disclosed. The PCD body includes bonded diamond grains defining interstitial regions at least a portion of which include at least one interstitial constituent disposed therein. The method includes leaching the PCD body with a leaching agent to remove at least a portion of the at least one interstitial constituent therefrom. The leaching agent includes a mixture having hydrofluoric acid in a first concentration of about 10 weight % to about 50 weight %, nitric acid in a second concentration of about 5 weight % to about 25 weight %, and water in a third concentration of about 25 weight % to about 85 weight %. Further embodiments relate to different leaching methods and different leaching agent compositions.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Julie Ann Kidd, Heather Marie Schaefer, Chengkun Xu, Jason K. Wiggins, Matthew Brown, Cody Frisby
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Patent number: 10101263Abstract: Embodiments of methods are disclosed for characterizing a tested superabrasive element, such as a polycrystalline diamond element. In an embodiment, a method of characterizing the relative strength of a superabrasive element is disclosed. A first superabrasive element and a second superabrasive element are positioned upper surface to upper surface, including an area of overlap between the upper surfaces. A load is applied while the first and second superabrasive elements are overlapped until failure of one or both of the first or second superabrasive elements fail. A relative strength is determined using at least the load during failure as a parameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jason K. Wiggins
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Publication number: 20170210081Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to cell assemblies for fabricating superhard materials (e.g., used in a high-pressure cubic press) and methods of using the same. The disclosed cell assemblies include a plurality of internal anvils, at least some of which are positioned internally relative to a cell pressure medium of the cell assembly. Such a configuration for the cell assemblies may enable one or more of intensifying cell pressure, reducing processing time, or reducing costs for fabricating such superhard materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2017Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Michael A. Vail, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Mark P. Chapman, Arnold D. Cooper, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Amy Leigh Rodriguez, Steven Rudger Adams
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Publication number: 20160207169Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDC”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to a substrate. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of interstitial regions includes a metal-solvent catalyst. The plurality of diamond grains exhibit an average grain size of about 30 ?m or less. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit an average electrical conductivity of less than about 1200 S/m. Other embodiments are directed to PCD, employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Brandon P. Linford
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Publication number: 20160158918Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a preformed polycrystalline diamond table bonded to the substrate. The table includes bonded diamond grains defining interstitial regions. The table includes an upper surface, a back surface bonded to the substrate, and at least one lateral surface extending therebetween. The table includes a first region extending inwardly from the upper surface and the lateral surface. The first region exhibits a first interstitial region concentration and includes at least one interstitial constituent disposed therein, which may be present in at least a residual amount and includes at least one metal carbonate and/or at least one metal oxide. The table includes a second bonding region adjacent to the substrate that extends inwardly from the back surface. The second bonding region exhibits a second interstitial region concentration that is greater than the first interstitial region concentration and includes a metallic infiltrant therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: Jiang Qian, C. Eugene McMurray, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli
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Patent number: 9315881Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDC”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to a substrate. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of interstitial regions includes a metal-solvent catalyst. The plurality of diamond grains exhibit an average grain size of about 30 ?m or less. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit an average electrical conductivity of less than about 1200 S/m. Other embodiments are directed to PCD, employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Brandon P. Linford
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Patent number: 9273381Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a preformed polycrystalline diamond table bonded to the substrate. The table includes bonded diamond grains defining interstitial regions. The table includes an upper surface, a back surface bonded to the substrate, and at least one lateral surface extending therebetween. The table includes a first region extending inwardly from the upper surface and the lateral surface. The first region exhibits a first interstitial region concentration and includes at least one interstitial constituent disposed therein, which may be present in at least a residual amount and includes at least one metal carbonate and/or at least one metal oxide. The table includes a second bonding region adjacent to the substrate that extends inwardly from the back surface. The second bonding region exhibits a second interstitial region concentration that is greater than the first interstitial region concentration and includes a metallic infiltrant therein.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Jiang Qian, C. Eugene McMurray, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli
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Patent number: 9075024Abstract: Embodiments of methods are disclosed for characterizing a tested polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) element, such as a PDC cutting element. In an embodiment, a method for characterizing a tested PCD element is disclosed. An initial volume of a PCD element is measured using a coordinate measuring machine (“CMM”). A workpiece is cut with the PCD element so that the PCD element develops a wear flat. A post-cut volume of the PCD element is measured after cutting the workpiece using the CMM. A wear volume of the PCD element is determined at least partially based on the post-cut volume and the initial volume of the PCD element.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Jason K. Wiggins, Richard B. Smith, Bryan H. Jansen
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Patent number: 9037430Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to electrical impedance tomography testing systems and methods for non-destructively testing a polycrystalline diamond element (e.g., a polycrystalline diamond table of a polycrystalline diamond compact or a freestanding polycrystalline diamond table) using electrical impedance tomography to locate one or more high-electrical-conductivity regions (e.g., one or more regions of poorly sintered diamond crystals and/or high-metal-solvent catalyst content) and/or one or more low-electrical-conductivity regions (e.g., porosity and/or cracks) in the tested polycrystalline diamond element. Further embodiments relate to a rotary drill bit including at least one polycrystalline diamond compact that has been selectively positioned so that one or more high-electrical-conductivity regions of a polycrystalline diamond table thereof identified using the non-destructive testing systems and methods disclosed herein are not positioned to engage a subterranean formation during drilling.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Jason K. Wiggins, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Gene Bogdanov, Reinhold Ludwig
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Patent number: 8760668Abstract: Embodiments of methods are disclosed for characterizing a tested polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) element, such as a PDC cutting element. In an embodiment, a method for characterizing a tested PCD element is disclosed. An initial volume of a PCD element is measured using a coordinate measuring machine (“CMM”). A workpiece is cut with the PCD element so that the PCD element develops a wear flat. A post-cut volume of the PCD element is measured after cutting the workpiece using the CMM. A wear volume of the PCD element is determined at least partially based on the post-cut volume and the initial volume of the PCD element.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Jason K. Wiggins, Richard B. Smith, Bryan H. Jansen
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Patent number: 8616306Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a polycrystalline diamond compact. In an embodiment, the polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a polycrystalline diamond table including a first polycrystalline diamond layer bonded to the substrate and at least a second polycrystalline diamond layer. At least an un-leached portion of the polycrystalline diamond table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions and a metal-solvent catalyst occupying at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oe or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 G·cm3/g or less. The second polycrystalline diamond layer exhibits a second average diamond grain size that is less than a first average diamond grain size of the first polycrystalline diamond layer and/or the first polycrystalline diamond layer includes a tungsten-containing material therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Michael A. Vail, Jason K. Wiggins, Jiang Qian, David P. Miess, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
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Publication number: 20130043078Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a preformed polycrystalline diamond table bonded to the substrate. The table includes bonded diamond grains defining interstitial regions. The table includes an upper surface, a back surface bonded to the substrate, and at least one lateral surface extending therebetween. The table includes a first region extending inwardly from the upper surface and the lateral surface. The first region exhibits a first interstitial region concentration and includes at least one interstitial constituent disposed therein, which may be present in at least a residual amount and includes at least one metal carbonate and/or at least one metal oxide. The table includes a second bonding region adjacent to the substrate that extends inwardly from the back surface. The second bonding region exhibits a second interstitial region concentration that is greater than the first interstitial region concentration and includes a metallic infiltrant therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Jiang Qian, C. Eugene McMurray, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli
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Patent number: 8297382Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) includes a PCD table having a maximum thickness. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. The PDC includes a substrate having an interfacial surface that is bonded to the PCD table. The interfacial surface exhibits a substantially planar topography. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, David P. Miess, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
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Publication number: 20120241226Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDC”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to a substrate. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of interstitial regions includes a metal-solvent catalyst. The plurality of diamond grains exhibit an average grain size of about 30 ?m or less. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit an average electrical conductivity of less than about 1200 S/m. Other embodiments are directed to PCD, employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Brandon P. Linford
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Publication number: 20110017519Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) includes a PCD table having a maximum thickness. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. The PDC includes a substrate having an interfacial surface that is bonded to the PCD table. The interfacial surface exhibits a substantially planar topography. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, David P. Miess, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay