Patents by Inventor John R. Whitsitt

John R. Whitsitt 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: 20100139930
    Abstract: The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Y. Gil Hilsman, III, Herve Ohmer, Stephane Hiron, Philippe Gambier, Jonathan K.C. Whitehead, Randolph J. Sheffield, Rodney J. Wetzel, John R. Whitsitt, Thomas D. MacDougall, Nitin Y. Vaidya, James D. Hendrickson, John E. Edwards, Donald W. Ross, Rashmi B. Bhavsar
  • Patent number: 7730949
    Abstract: A technique is provided for performing a well treatment operation. A completion assembly is constructed with a tubular member designed to maintain pressure integrity above a given well treatment zone. The completion assembly and a service tool can be moved downhole for well treatment operations in one or more well zones. A converter tool is utilized to selectively form openings through a wall of the tubular member to enable flow following completion of the well treatment in a lower zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thibaut Guignard, John R. Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 7665537
    Abstract: The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumbeger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Y. Gil Hilsman, III, Herve Ohmer, Stephane Hiron, Philippe Gambier, Jonathan K. C. Whitehead, Randolph J. Sheffield, Rodney J. Wetzel, John R. Whitsitt, Thomas D. MacDougall, Nitin Y. Vaidya, James D. Hendrickson, John E. Edwards, Donald W. Ross, Rashmi B. Bhavsar
  • Patent number: 7631695
    Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore includes the steps of connecting an isolation tool to a conveyance, the isolation tool including a tubular base member having an internal bore and an outer housing forming a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a wall; the first chamber having a first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a first outlet port formed through the housing; the second chamber having first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a second outlet port formed through the housing; a first material disposed in the first chamber; and a second material disposed in the second chamber; running the conveyance into the wellbore, an annulus formed between the isolation tool and sidewall of the wellbore; and activating the isolation tool to form a barrier to fluid flow in the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laura Schafer, John R. Whitsitt
  • Publication number: 20090242199
    Abstract: A tool that is usable in a well and may include an operator, a switch, a resilient device and an indexer. The switch may be configured to selectively communicate a first force to the operator, thereby actuating the tool. The resilient device may exert a second force. The indexer may cycle through a sequence of positions in response to alternating between the second force and a third force. The sequence includes a predetermined position configured to actuate the switch, thereby communicating the first force to the operator to actuate the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arin Basmajian, Brad Swenson, John R. Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 7591321
    Abstract: Zonal isolation tools and methods of using same are described. The zonal isolation tools include a wellbore sealing member expandable by fluid pressure to contact a wellbore over an initial contact area, an inflation valve open during expansion of the sealing member to the initial contact area and closed upon the fluid pressure reaching a predetermined setting, a vent between the sealing member and a wellbore annulus adapted to open after the inflation valve is closed, and a compressive load imparted to the sealing member via a linear piston to achieve a sealing point at the leading edge of the sealing member. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Whitsitt, Carlos Araque, David M. Eslinger, Philippe Gambier, Dinesh R. Patel, Chad Hardwick, Jason K. Jonas, Robert Divis, Randolph J. Sheffield, Bryan L. White, Chad Lucas
  • Patent number: 7562712
    Abstract: A tool is actuated in a well based on one or more issued commands being interpreted and implemented by the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a power generation module that multiplies pressure delivered downhole to enable actuation of the tool without requiring delivery of the higher actuation pressure along the entire wellbore. An actuation module may be used in combination with the power generation module to control operation of the power generation module in response to command signals sent downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian W. Cho, Philippe Gambier, John R. Whitsitt, Arin Basmajian, Jose F. Garcia, Youel G. Hilsman, III
  • Publication number: 20090101364
    Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore includes the steps of connecting an isolation tool to a conveyance, the isolation tool including a tubular base member having an internal bore and an outer housing forming a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a wall; the first chamber having a first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a first outlet port formed through the housing; the second chamber having first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a second outlet port formed through the housing; a first material disposed in the first chamber; and a second material disposed in the second chamber; running the conveyance into the wellbore, an annulus formed between the isolation tool and sidewall of the wellbore; and activating the isolation tool to form a barrier to fluid flow in the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Laura Schafer, John R. Whitsitt
  • Publication number: 20090084553
    Abstract: A system and method for completing a well with multiple zones of production is provided, including a casing having a plurality of valves integrated therein for isolating each well zone, establishing communication between each underlying formation and the interior of the casing, delivering a treatment fluid to each of the multiple well zones, and filtering produced fluids from each underlying formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Hugo Morales, Balkrishna Gadiyar, John Lassek, John R. Whitsitt, Jorge Lopez de Cardenas, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Publication number: 20090078421
    Abstract: A technique is provided for performing a well treatment operation. A completion assembly is constructed with a tubular member designed to maintain pressure integrity above a given well treatment zone. The completion assembly and a service tool can be moved downhole for well treatment operations in one or more well zones. A converter tool is utilized to selectively form openings through a wall of the tubular member to enable flow following completion of the well treatment in a lower zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thibaut Guignard, John R. Whitsitt
  • Publication number: 20080314589
    Abstract: A technique is provided for forming a gravel pack at a well zone. A completion assembly is positioned in a wellbore and cooperates with a service tool engaging the completion assembly. The completion assembly comprises a completion assembly central bore. A return is located radially outward of the central bore at a specific well zone or zones and comprises a flow path for returning a carrier fluid. The location of the return allows flow of the returning carrier fluid to remain outside of the completion assembly central bore at a specific well zone or zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thibaut Guignard, John R. Whitsitt
  • Publication number: 20080283252
    Abstract: A technique is provided for treating a plurality of well zones with a service tool during a single trip downhole. The service tool is run downhole to a selected well zone that is isolated for treatment. Following treatment of the well zone, the service tool is moved to a subsequent well zone isolated for treatment. When the lengths of the well zones to be treated are dissimilar, the active length of the service tool can be adjusted to correspond with the well zone length to optimize the well treatment operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thibaut Guignard, John R. Whitsitt
  • Publication number: 20080128130
    Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate use of a service tool at a downhole location. The service tool has different operational configurations that can be selected and used without moving the service string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. Whitsitt, Jason K. Jonas, Gary L. Rytlewski, Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 7284607
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well that has a first string that lines a borehole includes running a second string into the well and engaging a deflecting face of a deflector to deflect the second string into a window of the first string. The technique includes performing at least one of positioning the second string and orienting the second string using a profile on the deflector downhole of the deflecting face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Araque, John R. Whitsitt, Martin Prado, Robert Scott Neves, Christine L. Cano
  • Patent number: 6651750
    Abstract: A shear release packer that includes at least one sealing element, at least one slip, and at least a lower shear nut. In order to release the packer, the lower shear nut is sheared enabling the at least one sealing element to de-energize and the at least one slip to disengage the casing. When set, the packer is constructed to that the lower shear nut is isolated from the load path generated by the forces acting on the at least one sealing element. The load path travels from the at least one sealing element to the at least one slip without having to travel through the lower shear nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 6516890
    Abstract: A protective member that is disposed within the longitudinal bore of a well tool, the well tool including an actuating mechanism adapted to be mechanically activated from the longitudinal bore. The actuating mechanism includes an engagement section, preferably a profile. The protective member, preferably a sleeve, substantially covers the actuating mechanism while leaving the engagement section exposed to the longitudinal bore. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore between a first position and a second position. A biasing mechanism biases the sleeve into the first position, in which a sleeve first end is proximate the profile. Operation of the apparatus enables a method for preventing the inadvertent mechanical activation of the actuating mechanism of a well tool as peripheral equipment is passed through the longitudinal bore of the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Jackson, John R. Whitsitt, David R. Mandeville
  • Patent number: 6487893
    Abstract: A system for pressure testing the seals and fittings associated with at least one communication line passing through a well tool mandrel, each communication line housed within a communication line conduit defined through the well tool and sealingly engaged to each end of its corresponding communication line conduit by way of a fitting and the fittings also sealingly engaged to the communication line conduit. The system generally comprises a testing conduit, a testing passageway system, and a testing plug. The testing conduit is defined in the well tool mandrel. The testing passageway system is defined in the well tool mandrel and provides fluid communication between the testing conduit and the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. The testing plug provides fluid communication between a pressure testing source and the testing passageway system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Jackson, John R. Whitsitt
  • Publication number: 20020070034
    Abstract: A shear release packer that includes at least one sealing element, at least one slip, and at least a lower shear nut. In order to release the packer, the lower shear nut is sheared enabling the at least one sealing element to de-energize and the at least one slip to disengage the casing. When set, the packer is constructed to that the lower shear nut is isolated from the load path generated by the forces acting on the at least one sealing element. The load path travels from the at least one sealing element to the at least one slip without having to travel through the lower shear nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: John R. Whitsitt
  • Publication number: 20010017052
    Abstract: A system for pressure testing the seals and fittings associated with at least one communication line passing through a well tool mandrel, each communication line housed within a communication line conduit defined through the well tool and sealingly engaged to each end of its corresponding communication line conduit by way of a fitting and the fittings also sealingly engaged to the communication line conduit. The system generally comprises a testing conduit, a testing passageway system, and a testing plug. The testing conduit is defined in the well tool mandrel. The testing passageway system is defined in the well tool mandrel and provides fluid communication between the testing conduit and the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. The testing plug provides fluid communication between a pressure testing source and the testing passageway system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Stephen L. Jackson, John R. Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 5240077
    Abstract: A setting tool for setting in a bore hole a downhole device such as plugs and packers is actuated by supplying a voltage signal to direct current motor that drives a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump delivers high pressure fluid to a setting chamber to displace a piston received therein. Relative movement of the piston to the chamber imparts a setting force to the downhole device with a shearing action between an outer setting sleeve and an internal mandrel. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is located on the backside of the setting piston, such that displacement of the setting piston during setting forces fluid toward the pump. An accumulator located between the reservoir and the pump accommodates thermal expansion of the fluid. A relief valve at the outlet of the pump provides back pressure to ensure that a minimum positive pressure is maintained at the intake of the pump. A second setting stage provides additional setting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Whitsitt