Patents by Inventor John Birckhead

John Birckhead 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: 20060249285
    Abstract: A one-shot thermally activated release mechanism, the release mechanism including a spiral or helically wound spring wrapped around a set of jaws in a manner that prevents the jaws from expanding; held in this tightened position by two wires, with one wire fixed to the body of a member of the jaws and the second wire attached to the spring, the wires bonded together by a solder or other fusible material. The jaws restrict the movement of a plunger. Heating the solder causes release of the spring and enables expansion of the jaws, allowing movement of the plunger. A bias force on the plunger assists in movement of the plunger past the expanding jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: John Birckhead, Christopher Mayeu
  • Patent number: 6419011
    Abstract: An interrupted annular solenoid activator for use in well or subsea tools is provided. An interrupted annular armature member of a ferromagnetic material has a wire coil wound about it. A separate curved annular segment of the generally toroidally shaped armature is mounted for axial motion in the direction of the axis of revolution of the annular toroidally shaped member. Passage of electrical current through the coil causes axial motion (reciprocal) of the separate annular curved segment. This motion is coupled to a hydraulic pump piston in a preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: BEI Technology
    Inventor: John Birckhead
  • Patent number: 6382234
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to remotely operated well borehole or sub-sea tools for oilfield use, and more particularly, for a one shot valve useful for activating such well tools or sub-sea devices in a safe and reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: John Birckhead, Harry Ehlert