Patents by Inventor L. Michael McKee
L. Michael McKee 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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Publication number: 20100018692Abstract: A release mechanism for incorporation into a logging head. The release mechanism may be a tensile release mechanism that employs a plurality of tensile members for interchangeable insertion into a plurality of tensile compartments. As a result, a weakpoint for the logging head may be user defined on location at the oilfield. Furthermore, for potentially deeper wells, a rotatable release mechanism may be alternatively or additionally incorporated into the logging head. The rotatable release mechanism may be employed to effectuate a release of the logging head upon signaling from surface equipment. Additionally, the rotatable release mechanism may be powered to achieve the release solely from a downhole power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventor: L. Michael McKee
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Patent number: 7637539Abstract: A connection between coiled tubing and a connector includes a plurality of dimples formed by a tubing, each dimple is disposed within a respective pocket formed in a connector to form at least two rows of dimple-pocket connections, wherein the fit of the dimples within the pockets of the rows graduates from tighter to looser along the length of the connection. The connection may further include a seal member positioned between the tubing and the connector positioned between at least two of the rows of dimple-pocket connections formed. A method of connecting coiled tubing to a connector includes the steps of graduating the dimple-pocket connections from tighter to looser along the length of the connection.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: L. Michael McKee, Frank F. Espinosa, William D. Eatwell
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Publication number: 20090090513Abstract: A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Harold Steven Bissonnette, Hubertus V. Thomeer, L. Michael McKee, Robert Michael Ramsey
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Publication number: 20090084536Abstract: A technique provides an orientation system combined with downhole equipment used in a well. An orientation device is mounted in the downhole equipment, e.g. a bottom hole assembly, for actuation during angular displacement of the downhole equipment. A sensor is mounted to cooperate with the orientation device in detecting the angular displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventors: Michael H. Kenison, L. Michael McKee, Robert Bucher, David P. Smith, Sarmad Adnan
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Publication number: 20080216554Abstract: A downhole load cell calibrated for enhanced accuracy. The load cell may be a dry load cell calibrated by storage of pre-determined temperature and pressure data relative to the load cell based on known loads applied thereto. Thus, surface equipment employed with the load cell may include a computer program that takes advantage of the stored pre-determined information. The computer program may then be employed for calibration of downhole load cell data based on readings from the load cell along with downhole temperature and pressure information.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventor: L. Michael McKee
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Publication number: 20080047716Abstract: A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventors: L. Michael McKee, Bart Thomeer, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Michael Ramsey, Robert Bucher, Michael H. Kenison, Robert Greenaway
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Patent number: 7311153Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes providing a sequencing valve to in a first state to communicate a first flow through a first port of the valve and in a second state close fluid communication through the first port. The technique includes communicating a second flow through an orifice of the sequencing valve during the second state of the valve and using a pressure drop across the orifice to bias the sequencing valve to remain in the second state.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: L. Michael McKee, Avel Ortiz
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Patent number: 7114574Abstract: A by-pass valve mechanism for a well treatment tool having at least one flow sensitive element, permitting by-pass of well fluid past the flow sensitive element of the well treatment tool during conveyance of the well treatment tool to treatment depth within a well. A valve housing adapted for connection with a well tool defines an internal flow passage and has at least one by-pass port communicating well fluid between the flow passage of the service tool and the annulus between the well casing and the service tool. A sliding sleeve valve element is normally secured at its open position by shear elements permitting flow of well fluid through the and is moveable between an open position diverting fluid flow from within the service tool to the annulus and a closed position blocking the flow of well fluid through the by-pass port. The sleeve valve element is released and automatically closed by predetermined hydrostatic tubing or casing pressure or pump pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: H. Steven Bissonnette, Keith A. Ryder, L. Michael McKee
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Patent number: 7090020Abstract: A flow responsive dump valve mechanism for a straddle packer tool and has a valve controlled flow passage from which underflushed fluid, typically well treatment slurry, in a conveyance and fluid supplying tubing string can be dumped into a well casing. The dump valve mechanism incorporates a ratcheting power piston, an indexing mechanism and high and low load energy storage systems to accomplish open, closed and intermediate dump valve positions. The intermediate position increases the functionality of the tool by preventing accidental closure either due to the free fall of fluid through the coiled tubing or during flushing of the tool and permits the flow rate to be increased for thorough cleaning of the straddle tool and coiled tubing. For energy storage, a light compression spring provides power to cycle the indexing mechanism. Heavier load disc springs (Bellville Washers) are used to provide power for the ratcheting power piston to open the valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: Stephen D. Hill, Robert Bucher, L. Michael McKee, Mark C. Oettli, Michael G. Gay
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Patent number: 7066264Abstract: A service/completion liner having a plurality of downhole selectable indicating tools and being used in sand control (gravel pack) placement systems in conjunction with a straddle packer service tools or with conventional crossover type service tools. Each indicating collar has a downhole selectable indicating collar providing a robust, landing profile for precisely locating and maintaining service tool position during well treatment operations. The landing collars accommodate hydraulic and/or thermal effects commonly referred to as tubing move effects which are the principle cause of tool position error and excessive seal wear. The landing collar is downhole convertible between a pass through (Go) and non pass through (No-go) condition by simple upward and downward cycling via the tool running and treatment fluid tubing and a shifting tool, which may also be referred to as a set down collet.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: H. Steven Bissonnette, L. Michael McKee, Ezio Toffanin
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Patent number: 7051812Abstract: A formation treatment tool assembly is conveyed within a well casing by a tubing string and has a housing defining treatment fluid supply and discharge passages and a fluid injection port through which treatment fluid is directed from the supply passage into a packer isolated casing interval and a fluid inlet port permitting flow from the isolated casing interval to the fluid discharge passage. Spaced straddle packer elements of the tool are energized to establish sealing engagement with the well casing and define an isolated casing interval and are de-energized to retract from sealing engagement with the well casing and permit tubing conveyance. A dump valve connected with the tool housing is opened to permit flow of treatment fluid from the isolated casing interval through the treatment fluid discharge passage and is closed to confine treatment fluid to the isolated casing interval.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: L. Michael McKee, David M. Eslinger, Keith A. Ryder
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Patent number: 7011157Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid treatment of a selected interval of a well and then cleaning the selected interval and the apparatus of treatment residue. An straddle tool is run into the well to treatment depth on fluid supplying tubing and has upper and lower packers that establish sealing with the casing and define an annular interval between the packers and between the tool and casing. Fluid, such as fracturing fluid, is pumped through the tubing to the tool and is diverted through an outlet port of the tool into an upper portion of the annular interval. Fluid then flows from a lower portion of the annular interval through an inlet port below the outlet port and at low flow rate is dumped into the casing through a pressure responsive dump valve. The outlet port and inlet port are located to accomplish cleaning of residue from the packers.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: James M. Costley, David M. Eslinger, Randolph J. Sheffield, L. Michael McKee
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Patent number: 6840328Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method useful for discouraging the extrusion of at least one deformable member of a device into a space adjacent to the deformable member when the device is disposed within a borehole and the deformable member extends from the device to the borehole wall involves at least one expandable member disposed upon the device. The expandable member is expandable into the annulus to reduce the width thereof and retractable therefrom to allow movement of the device within and out of the borehole and redeployment of the expandable member. The apparatus, system, and method are particularly suited for limiting the extrusion of packer elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: L. Michael McKee, David M. Eslinger, Stephen D. Hill
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Publication number: 20040238173Abstract: A service/completion liner having a plurality of downhole selectable indicating tools and being used in sand control (gravel pack) placement systems in conjunction with a straddle packer service tools or with conventional crossover type service tools. Each indicating collar has a downhole selectable indicating collar providing a robust, landing profile for precisely locating and maintaining service tool position during well treatment operations. The landing collars accommodate hydraulic and/or thermal effects commonly referred to as tubing move effects which are the principle cause of tool position error and excessive seal wear. The landing collar is downhole convertible between a pass through (Go) and non pass through (No-go) condition by simple upward and downward cycling via the tool running and treatment fluid tubing and a shifting tool, which may also be referred to as a set down collet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: H. Steven Bissonnette, L. Michael McKee, Ezio Toffanin
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Publication number: 20040163811Abstract: A formation treatment tool assembly is conveyed within a well casing by a tubing string and has a housing defining treatment fluid supply and discharge passages and a fluid injection port through which treatment fluid is directed from the supply passage into a packer isolated casing interval and a fluid inlet port permitting flow from the isolated casing interval to the fluid discharge passage. Spaced straddle packer elements of the tool are energized to establish sealing engagement with the well casing and define an isolated casing interval and are de-energized to retract from sealing engagement with the well casing and permit tubing conveyance. A dump valve connected with the tool housing is opened to permit flow of treatment fluid from the isolated casing interval through the treatment fluid discharge passage and is closed to confine treatment fluid to the isolated casing interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: L. Michael McKee, David M. Eslinger, Keith A. Ryder
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Publication number: 20040159447Abstract: A by-pass valve mechanism for a well treatment tool having at least one flow sensitive element, permitting by-pass of well fluid past the flow sensitive element of the well treatment tool during conveyance of the well treatment tool to treatment depth within a well. A valve housing adapted for connection with a well tool defines an internal flow passage and has at least one by-pass port communicating well fluid between the flow passage of the service tool and the annulus between the well casing and the service tool. A sliding sleeve valve element is normally secured at its open position by shear elements permitting flow of well fluid through the and is moveable between an open position diverting fluid flow from within the service tool to the annulus and a closed position blocking the flow of well fluid through the by-pass port. The sleeve valve element is released and automatically closed by predetermined hydrostatic tubing or casing pressure or pump pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventors: H. Steven Bissonnette, Keith A. Ryder, L. Michael McKee
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Publication number: 20040084187Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid treatment of a selected interval of a well and then cleaning the selected interval and the apparatus of treatment residue. An Out/In straddle tool is run into the well to treatment depth on fluid supplying tubing and has upper and lower packers that establish sealing with the casing and define an annular interval between the packers and between the tool and casing. Fluid, such as fracturing fluid, is pumped through the tubing to the tool and is diverted through an Out port of the tool into an upper portion of the annular interval. Fluid then flows from a lower portion of the annular interval through an In port below the Out port and at low flow rate is dumped into the casing through a pressure responsive dump valve. The Out port and In port are located to accomplish cleaning of residue from the packers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: James M. Costley, David M. Eslinger, Randolph J. Sheffield, L. Michael McKee
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Publication number: 20040084190Abstract: A flow responsive dump valve mechanism for a straddle packer tool and has a valve controlled flow passage from which underflushed fluid, typically well treatment slurry, in a conveyance and fluid supplying tubing string can be dumped into a well casing. The dump valve mechanism incorporates a ratcheting power piston, an indexing mechanism and high and low load energy storage systems to accomplish open, closed and intermediate dump valve positions. The intermediate position increases the functionality of the tool by preventing accidental closure either due to the free fall of fluid through the coiled tubing or during flushing of the tool and permits the flow rate to be increased for thorough cleaning of the straddle tool and coiled tubing. For energy storage, a light compression spring provides power to cycle the indexing mechanism. Heavier load disc springs (Bellville Washers) are used to provide power for the ratcheting power piston to open the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Stephen D. Hill, Robert Bucher, L. Michael McKee, Mark C. Oettli, Michael G. Gay
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Publication number: 20040007366Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method useful for discouraging the extrusion of at least one deformable member of a device into a space adjacent to the deformable member when the device is disposed within a borehole and the deformable member extends from the device to the borehole wall involves at least one expandable member disposed upon the device. The expandable member is expandable into the annulus to reduce the width thereof and retractable therefrom to allow movement of the device within and out of the borehole and redeployment of the expandable member. The apparatus, system, and method are particularly suited for limiting the extrusion of packer elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: L. Michael McKee, David M. Eslinger, Stephen D. Hill
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Patent number: 6264128Abstract: A levelwind system for a coiled tubing reel (26) including an arcuate guide arm (48) extending over the upper surface of the reel (26). A universal joint (50) mounts the lower end of the arm (48) for pivotal movement both vertically and horizontally. A guide member (52) is supported on the free end of the guide arm (48) for guiding the coiled tubing T on and off reel (26). A lift cylinder (54) is effective to raise and lower guide arm (48). A balancing cylinder (60) is effective for moving guide arm ME (48) laterally. A hydraulic fluid circuit responsive to a position sensor (111) and a microprocessor (112) as shown in FIG. 12 is effective for controlling the movement of the coiled tubing guide arm (48).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Rod W. Shampine, L. Michael McKee, Joseph K. Flowers, Larry D. Welch, Terry L. McCafferty