Patents by Inventor Lance D. Underwood

Lance D. Underwood 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: 9187955
    Abstract: A locking clutch to selectively transmit torque from a stator of a downhole tool to a rotor of the downhole tool includes at least one locking pawl disposed upon the rotor, wherein the at least one locking pawl comprises a load path, at least one pivot axis, and a mass center, wherein the at least one locking pawl is biased into an engaged position by a biasing mechanism, wherein the at least one locking pawl transmits force from the stator to the rotor along the load path when in the engaged position, and wherein centrifugal force urges the at least one locking pawl into a disengaged position when the rotor is rotated above a disengagement speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Edmond Beylotte, Lance D. Underwood
  • Patent number: 9027668
    Abstract: A control and monitoring system controls and monitors a high power laser system for performing high power laser operations. The control and monitoring system is configured to perform high power laser operation on, and in, remote and difficult to access locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Siamak Makki, Brian O. Faircloth, Ronald A. DeWitt, Erik C. Allen, Lance D. Underwood
  • Publication number: 20140332275
    Abstract: A moving cavity motor or pump, such as a mud motor, comprising: a rotor, a stator, and one or more apparatus for constraining (i.e., controlling or limiting) the movement of the rotor relative to the stator, where the apparatus for constraining is operable with the rotor catch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: William Murray, Lance D. Underwood, Peter Thomas Cariveau, Brian P. Jarvis, Nigel Wilcox, Brian Williams, Geoffrey Downton, Lawrence Lee, Shun'etsu Onodera, Daniel Alvarado, Maxim Pushkarev, Gokturk Tunc, Andrei Plop
  • Publication number: 20140262677
    Abstract: A locking clutch to selectively transmit torque from a stator of a downhole tool to a rotor of the downhole tool includes at least one locking pawl disposed upon the rotor, wherein the at least one locking pawl comprises a load path, at least one pivot axis, and a mass center, wherein the at least one locking pawl is biased into an engaged position by a biasing mechanism, wherein the at least one locking pawl transmits force from the stator to the rotor along the load path when in the engaged position, and wherein centrifugal force urges the at least one locking pawl into a disengaged position when the rotor is rotated above a disengagement speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: James Edmond Beylotte, Lance D. Underwood
  • Patent number: 8783361
    Abstract: There is provided a high power laser assisted blowout preventer and methods of use. In particular, there are provided systems and assemblies for utilizing high power laser energy within a blowout preventer to cut tubulars that are present within the bore of the blowout prevent, reducing the risk that such tubulars will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Foro Energy, Inc., Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Henry A. Bergeron, Philip V. Clark, Joel F. Moxley, Paul D. Deutch, Lance D. Underwood, Charles C. Rinzler, Ronald A. De Witt, Sharath K. Kolachalam, Daryl L. Grubb
  • Patent number: 8776915
    Abstract: A locking clutch to selectively transmit torque from a stator of a downhole tool to a rotor of the downhole tool includes at least one locking pawl radially between the rotor and the stator and configured to engage at least one recess formed in an outer periphery of the rotor, and a biasing mechanism configured to bias the at least one locking pawl into an engaged position. The at least one locking pawl includes a load path, two pivot axes, and a mass center. The at least one locking pawl transmits force from the stator to the rotor along the load path when in the engaged position, and centrifugal force urges the at least one locking pawl into a disengaged position when the rotor is rotated about one of the two pivot axes above a disengagement speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Edmond Beylotte, Lance D. Underwood
  • Publication number: 20140170011
    Abstract: A moving or progressive cavity motor or pump is disclosed, the motor including a rotor and a stator, the stator having one or more inserts or gearing sections to limit a lateral movement of the rotor relative to the stator. In some embodiments, the motor or pump may include a rotor and a stator, the stator including: a first, helicoidal, section comprising a compliant material having a first compressibility; a second section, helicoidal, non-helicoidal, or combination thereof, having a second compressibility, wherein the second compressibility is less than the first compressibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francois Clouzeau, Maxim Pushkarev, Lance D. Underwood, Bassam Mansour
  • Publication number: 20140116785
    Abstract: A turbodrill using a balance drum. The turbodrill may include a housing having an upper end that is configured to be coupled to a drill string. The turbodrill may also include a rotatable shaft having a lower end configured to be coupled to a drill bit. The turbodrill may further include a balance drum assembly coupled to the shaft within the housing. In addition, the turbodrill may include a compliant mounting disposed between the balance drum assembly and the housing, where the compliant mounting is configured to allow displacement of the balance drum assembly within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Towner, Travis Roberts, Lance D. Underwood
  • Patent number: 8662160
    Abstract: There is provided a mobile high power laser system and conveyance structure for delivering high power laser energy to and for performing high power laser operations in remote and difficult to access locations. There is further provide such systems with high power laser, handling equipment and conveyance equipment that are configured to avoid exceeding the maximum bending radius of high power optical fibers used with the conveyance structures. There are also provided embodiments of the conveyance structures having channels, lines and passages for delivering materials such as fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. DeWitt, Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth, Daryl L. Grubb, Ryan P. McKay, William C. Gray, Joel F. Moxley, Charles C. Rinzler, Lance D. Underwood, Paul D. Deutch
  • Patent number: 8640792
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly to directionally drill a subterranean formation includes a drill bit, a stabilizer assembly located proximate to and behind the drill bit, a drilling assembly comprising a drive mechanism and a directional mechanism, and a flex housing integral with the drilling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance D. Underwood, Charles H. Dewey
  • Patent number: 8627901
    Abstract: There is provided for laser bottom hole assembly for providing a high power laser beam having greater than 5 kW of power for a laser mechanical drilling process to advance a borehole. This assembly utilizes a reverse Moineau motor type power section and provides a self-regulating system that addresses fluid flows relating to motive force, cooling and removal of cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance D. Underwood, Ryan J. Norton, Ryan P. McKay, David R. Mesnard, Jason D. Fraze, Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth
  • Publication number: 20120255774
    Abstract: There is provided a high power laser-mechanical bit for use with a laser drilling system and a method for advancing a borehole. The laser-mechanical bit has a beam path and mechanical removal devices that provide for the removal of laser-affected rock to advance a borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Daryl L. Grubb, Sharath K. Kolachalam, Brian O. Faircloth, Charles C. Rinzler, Erik C. Allen, Lance D. Underwood, Mark S. Zediker
  • Publication number: 20120248078
    Abstract: There is provided a control, monitoring, and control and monitoring system for controlling and monitoring a high power laser system for performing high power laser operations and, in particular, for performing high power laser operation on, and in, remote and difficult to access locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Siamak Makki, Brian O. Faircloth, Ronald A. DeWitt, Erik C. Allen, Lance D. Underwood
  • Publication number: 20120217018
    Abstract: There is provided a high power laser assisted blowout preventer and methods of use. In particular, there are provided systems and assemblies for utilizing high power laser energy within a blowout preventer to cut tubulars that are present within the bore of the blowout prevent, reducing the risk that such tubulars will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal a well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicants: Foro Energy, Inc., Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Henry A. Bergeron, Philip V. Clark, Joel F. Moxley, Paul D. Deutch, Lance D. Underwood, Charles C. Rinzler, Ronald A. De Witt, Sharath K. Kolachalam, Daryl L. Grubb
  • Publication number: 20120068086
    Abstract: There is provided a mobile high power laser system and conveyance structure for delivering high power laser energy to and for performing high power laser operations in remote and difficult to access locations. There is further provide such systems with high power laser, handling equipment and conveyance equipment that are configured to avoid exceeding the maximum bending radius of high power optical fibers used with the conveyance structures. There are also provided embodiments of the conveyance structures having channels, lines and passages for delivering materials such as fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald A. DeWitt, Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth, Daryl L. Grubb, Ryan P. McKay, William C. Gray, Joel F. Moxley, Charles C. Rinzler, Lance D. Underwood, Paul D. Deutch
  • Publication number: 20120067643
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for having multiple movable isolation zones within a borehole, to provide for zones having predetermined properties, such as pressure, flow or optical properties. These movable isolation zones provide advantages in downhole activities, such as, laser cutting and laser drilling to advance a borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Ron A. DeWitt, Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Lance D. Underwood, Mark S. Land, Daryl L. Grubb, Sam N. Schroit
  • Publication number: 20110243774
    Abstract: A Moineau style stator includes a stator tube having a plurality of rigid helical lobes formed on an inner surface thereof. The helical lobes define a major internal tube diameter that is greater than a pass through diameter of the tube such that the major diameter undercuts the pass through diameter of the tube. A major liner diameter may also be less than the pass through diameter so as to provide a suitable interference fit between rotor and stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Lance D. Underwood, William D. Murray, Thomas K. Washburn
  • Publication number: 20110214963
    Abstract: A locking clutch to selectively transmit torque from a stator of a downhole tool to a rotor of the downhole tool includes at least one locking pawl disposed upon the rotor, wherein the at least one locking pawl comprises a load path, at least one pivot axis, and a mass center, wherein the at least one locking pawl is biased into an engaged position by a biasing mechanism, wherein the at least one locking pawl transmits force from the stator to the rotor along the load path when in the engaged position, and wherein centrifugal force urges the at least one locking pawl into a disengaged position when the rotor is rotated above a disengagement speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: James Edmond Beylotte, Lance D. Underwood
  • Publication number: 20110067925
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly to directionally drill a subterranean formation includes a drill bit, a stabilizer assembly located proximate to and behind the drill bit, a drilling assembly comprising a drive mechanism and a directional mechanism, and a flex housing integral with the drilling assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Lance D. Underwood, Charles H. Dewey
  • Patent number: 7861802
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly to directionally drill a subterranean formation includes a drill bit, a stabilizer assembly located proximate to and behind the drill bit, a drilling assembly comprising a drive mechanism and a directional mechanism, and a flex member. Optionally, the flex member may be located between the drilling assembly and the stabilizer assembly or an integral to a housing of the drilling assembly. A method to drill a formation includes positioning a stabilizer assembly behind a drill bit and positioning a flex member between an output shaft of a drilling assembly and the stabilizer assembly. The method preferably includes rotating the drill bit, stabilizer assembly, and flex member with a drilling assembly and directing the trajectory of the drill bit and stabilizer assembly with a directional mechanism of the drilling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance D. Underwood, Charles H. Dewey