Patents by Inventor Jeffrey J. Lembcke
Jeffrey J. Lembcke 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: 10883349Abstract: A wellbore completion is configured for multiple forms of artificial lift. A downhole assembly on production tubing defines a production port communicating a throughbore with the wellbore annulus. A bypass, such as a snorkel or riser tube, on the assembly also communicates the throughbore between the packer and the production port with the annulus. A packer on the assembly seals in the annulus downhole of the production port and bypass. The assembly can then be configured for any selected artificial lift. To do this, at least one isolation (a sleeve insert, a sliding sleeve, a check valve, or a rupture disk) selectively prevents/allows communication via one or both of the production port and the bypass as needed. Additionally, removable lift equipment, including jet pump, gas lift valve, plunger assembly, rod pump, piston pump, or standing valve, is selectively inserted into the assembly's throughbore as needed.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Thomas Scott Campbell, Manish Agarwal, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Michael C. Knoeller, Toby S. Pugh, William C. Lane
-
Patent number: 10619464Abstract: A pumping method can include displacing a rod string with pressure applied to an actuator by a pressure source including an accumulator and a separate gas volume in communication with the accumulator. A sensor indicates whether a fluid is in the gas volume. A pumping system can include an actuator, a pump connected between the actuator and an accumulator, a hydraulic fluid contacting a gas in the accumulator, a separate gas volume in communication with the accumulator, and a sensor that detects the hydraulic fluid in the gas volume. Another pumping system can include an actuator, a pump connected between the actuator and an accumulator that receives nitrogen gas from a nitrogen concentrator assembly while a hydraulic fluid flows between the pump and the actuator, a separate gas volume in communication with the accumulator, and a sensor that detects a presence of the hydraulic fluid in the gas volume.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Clark E. Robison, Kenneth J. Schmitt
-
Publication number: 20190093461Abstract: A wellbore completion is configured for multiple forms of artificial lift. A downhole assembly on production tubing defines a production port communicating a throughbore with the wellbore annulus. A bypass, such as a snorkel or riser tube, on the assembly also communicates the throughbore between the packer and the production port with the annulus. A packer on the assembly seals in the annulus downhole of the production port and bypass. The assembly can then be configured for any selected artificial lift. To do this, at least one isolation, such as a sleeve insert, a sliding sleeve, a check valve, or a rupture disk, selectively prevents/allows communication via one or both of the production port and the bypass as needed. Additionally, removable lift equipment, including jet pump, gas lift valve, plunger assembly, rod pump, piston pump, or standing valve, is selectively inserted into the assembly's throughbore as needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2017Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Thomas Scott Campbell, Manish Agarwal, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Michael C. Knoeller, Toby S. Pugh, William C. Lane
-
Patent number: 10167865Abstract: A system can include an actuator with a piston rod that displaces in response to pressure in the actuator, a seal assembly that seals about the piston rod and includes seal cartridges, each including a dynamic seal sealingly engaging the rod, and each including a static seal sealingly engaging a seal assembly housing, and a port providing communication between a housing exterior and a housing interior between adjacent static seals. A method can include preventing leakage from a well with a seal assembly about a piston rod of a hydraulic actuator, the seal assembly including seal cartridges, each including a dynamic seal that sealingly engages the rod, and each including a static seal that sealingly engages a seal assembly housing, enabling communication through a housing sidewall to a housing interior between adjacent static seals, and reciprocably displacing the rod in response to pressure variations in the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Clark E. Robison, Jeffrey J. Lembcke
-
Patent number: 10167707Abstract: A well pumping system can include an actuator that reciprocates a rod string, and a rod rotator including at least one helical profile and at least one engagement device. The rod string may rotate in response to longitudinal displacement of the rod string while the engagement device is engaged with the helical profile. A method of rotating a rod string in a well can include rotating a rod in a rotary direction, in response to displacement of the rod in a longitudinal direction, and preventing rotation of the rod in an opposite rotary direction, in response to displacement of the rod in an opposite longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: James S. Trapani, Clark E. Robison, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Benson Thomas, Kyle C. Brosch
-
Publication number: 20170167236Abstract: A well pumping system can include an actuator that reciprocates a rod string, and a rod rotator including at least one helical profile and at least one engagement device. The rod string may rotate in response to longitudinal displacement of the rod string while the engagement device is engaged with the helical profile. A method of rotating a rod string in a well can include rotating a rod in a rotary direction, in response to displacement of the rod in a longitudinal direction, and preventing rotation of the rod in an opposite rotary direction, in response to displacement of the rod in an opposite longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: James S. TRAPANI, Clark E. ROBISON, Jeffrey J. LEMBCKE, Benson THOMAS, Kyle C. BROSCH
-
Publication number: 20170037715Abstract: A pumping method can include displacing a rod string with pressure applied to an actuator by a pressure source including an accumulator and a separate gas volume in communication with the accumulator. A sensor indicates whether a fluid is in the gas volume. A pumping system can include an actuator, a pump connected between the actuator and an accumulator, a hydraulic fluid contacting a gas in the accumulator, a separate gas volume in communication with the accumulator, and a sensor that detects the hydraulic fluid in the gas volume. Another pumping system can include an actuator, a pump connected between the actuator and an accumulator that receives nitrogen gas from a nitrogen concentrator assembly while a hydraulic fluid flows between the pump and the actuator, a separate gas volume in communication with the accumulator, and a sensor that detects a presence of the hydraulic fluid in the gas volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2015Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey J. LEMBCKE, Clark E. ROBISON, Kenneth J. SCHMITT
-
Publication number: 20170037848Abstract: A system can include an actuator with a piston rod that displaces in response to pressure in the actuator, a seal assembly that seals about the piston rod and includes seal cartridges, each including a dynamic seal sealingly engaging the rod, and each including a static seal sealingly engaging a seal assembly housing, and a port providing communication between a housing exterior and a housing interior between adjacent static seals. A method can include preventing leakage from a well with a seal assembly about a piston rod of a hydraulic actuator, the seal assembly including seal cartridges, each including a dynamic seal that sealingly engages the rod, and each including a static seal that sealingly engages a seal assembly housing, enabling communication through a housing sidewall to a housing interior between adjacent static seals, and reciprocably displacing the rod in response to pressure variations in the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2016Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: Clark E. ROBISON, Jeffrey J. LEMBCKE
-
Patent number: 9212533Abstract: A downhole tool with a swellable mantle is configured for insertion of a cable into a longitudinal slit in the mantle. An arcuate groove is formed in an outer surface of the mantle corresponding to a displacement caused by the inserted cable, so that the displacement is counteracted and the outer surface of the mantle remains smooth.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke
-
Patent number: 9140113Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring the rotation of a member in a reciprocating rod lift system. In this manner, rod and tubing wear of the system may be minimized.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Gregg W. Hurst, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Bryan A. Paulet
-
Patent number: 8997854Abstract: Anchor areas are provided that are engaged by swelling of a swellable element of a downhole tool. When engaged with an open hole or casing, the anchor areas provide additional holding power for the swellable element. The anchor areas may be formed as separate elements disposed about the swellable element or may be formed into the surface of the swellable element.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke
-
Patent number: 8960279Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a cable for use in a wellbore is described herein. The cable has one or more optical fibers adapted to monitor and/or control a condition in the wellbore. The cable includes a layer of elastomeric material at least partially located on an outer surface of the cable. The elastomeric material is adapted to absorb energy due to the impact of particles in production fluid or wellbore fluid against the cable.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Francis Bostick, III
-
Publication number: 20140262352Abstract: A downhole tool with a swellable mantle is configured for insertion of a cable into a longitudinal slit in the mantle. An arcuate groove is formed in an outer surface of the mantle corresponding to a displacement caused by the inserted cable, so that the displacement is counteracted and the outer surface of the mantle remains smooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke
-
Patent number: 8800670Abstract: A swellable packer with an enhanced sealing ability comprises a tubular body, a swellable element, and a filler ring disposed about the tubular body between the tubular body and the swellable element. The filler ring is formed of a material harder than the swellable element. The filler ring enhances the sealing ability of the swellable packer. Any number of filler rings may be used. The filler ring or rings may be fixed to the tubular body or may be unfixed.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward
-
Patent number: 8763706Abstract: A check valve for gas lift applications can be attached externally to a side pocket mandrel or can be a gas lift valve used in the mandrel. The valve has a seat with a non-elastomeric element and a metal element. A biasing element resiliently biases the non-elastomeric element to provide resiliency to the seal produced. A metal dart moves in the bore relative to the seat and allows or prevents flow through the valve body. When exposed to a first differential pressure, the dart engages the non-elastomeric element resiliently biased by the biasing element. When exposed to a greater differential pressure, the dart engages the metal element, which can be part of the valve in the bore. In one arrangement, the non-elastomeric element can be a thermoplastic component with a metal spring energized seal as the biasing element. Alternatively, the non-elastomeric element can be the jacket of metal spring energized seal with a coil spring as the biasing element.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke
-
Publication number: 20130277041Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a cable for use in a wellbore is described herein. The cable has one or more optical fibers adapted to monitor and/or control a condition in the wellbore. The cable includes a layer of elastomeric material at least partially located on an outer surface of the cable. The elastomeric material is adapted to absorb energy due to the impact of particles in production fluid or wellbore fluid against the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Francis Bostick, III
-
Patent number: 8496053Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a cable for use in a wellbore is described herein. The cable has one or more optical fibers adapted to monitor and/or control a condition in the wellbore. The cable includes a layer of elastomeric material at least partially located on an outer surface of the cable. The elastomeric material is adapted to absorb energy due to the impact of particles in production fluid or wellbore fluid against the cable.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Francis X. Bostick, III
-
Patent number: 8485263Abstract: A plunger lift system has a plunger with main and ancillary sleeves that dispose in tubing. The sleeves can move in the tubing between a bumper and a lubricator. Both sleeves have a passage for fluid to pass therethrough, and the sleeves can fall independently of one another from the surface to the bumper. When disposed on the bumper, the sleeves mate together. Building gas pressure downhole can then lift the mated sleeves, which push a column of liquid along with them to the surface. The main sleeve has a narrow stem on its distal end with openings that communicate with the sleeve's passage. A nodule also extends from the distal end. The ancillary sleeve fits at least partially on the narrow stem, and an orifice in the sleeve's opening engages on the nodule. Thus, the mated sleeves close off fluid communication through the main sleeve's passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke
-
Patent number: 8397802Abstract: A packer having a swellable element is configured for axial expansion of the swellable element. The axial expansion causes the slip mechanism to deploy and engage a sidewall of a tubular or casing. The axial expansion may directly cause activation of the slip mechanism, or may trigger a triggering mechanism to activate a spring-loaded slip mechanism. The swellable element may be the same element used for sealing the packer to the sidewall, or may be a sleeve dedicated for deployment of the slip mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke
-
Publication number: 20120204977Abstract: A check valve for gas lift applications can be attached externally to a side pocket mandrel or can be a gas lift valve used in the mandrel. The valve has a seat with a non-elastomeric element and a metal element. A biasing element resiliently biases the non-elastomeric element to provide resiliency to the seal produced. A metal dart moves in the bore relative to the seat and allows or prevents flow through the valve body. When exposed to a first differential pressure, the dart engages the non-elastomeric element resiliently biased by the biasing element. When exposed to a greater differential pressure, the dart engages the metal element, which can be part of the valve in the bore. In one arrangement, the non-elastomeric element can be a thermoplatistic component with a metal spring energized seal as the biasing element. Alternatively, the non-elastomeric element can be the jacket of metal spring energized seal with a coil spring as the biasing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke