Patents by Inventor Lance Underwood
Lance 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).
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Publication number: 20230287756Abstract: A plug with composite reinforced end(s) and a mostly-bismuth-alloy middle section. At least one end comprises a composite material. One end is a composite, with a bismuth alloy and a particulate material of greater strength than the bismuth material. A plug having both ends of the composite material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2021Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Paul Carragher, Andre Levchenko, Billy Clark, Lance Underwood
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Patent number: 11536111Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole tool deployment assembly (1) for use in particular in oil/gas wells. The assembly comprises a heater (2) with a tubular heater body having an internal cavity configured to receive a heat source (6). The assembly also has a tubular heat conducting member (3) configured to surround the tubular heater body leaving an annular clearance, wherein the tubular heat conducting member does not extend along the entire length of the tubular heater body. In addition, a collar (4) is mounted adjacent to the region of the assembly where the tubular heat conducting member ends. The collar is configured to prevent access to the annular clearance between the tubular heat conducting member and the tubular heater body. A eutectic/bismuth based alloy (5) covers the collar and at least a portion of the tubular heater body and the tubular heat conducting member such that the alloy holds the heater and the tubular heat conducting member together until the alloy is melted.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: BiSN Tec. Ltd.Inventors: Paul Carragher, Lance Underwood
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Patent number: 11401776Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sealing a region of a sand screen of an Open Hole Gravel Pack without the need to perforate the sand screen and a tool for use in such. The tool being a eutectic/bismuth based alloy well plugging/sealing tool (1) having a tubular heater body (2) with an internal cavity (4) capable of receiving a chemical heat source (105). The tool is provided with a quantity of eutectic/bismuth based alloy (3) around an outer surface of the heater body (2) such that it can be heated by the chemical heat source (105). In addition the tool (1) has an insulating sleeve (7) provided around an outer surface of the alloy (3), wherein the sleeve (7) is configured to provide a focused egress for the alloy (3) as it is melted by the chemical heat source (105).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: BiSN Tec Ltd.Inventors: Paul Carragher, Lance Underwood, Sylvain Bedouet
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Publication number: 20210164321Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole tool deployment assembly (1) for use in particular in oil/gas wells. The assembly comprises a heater (2) with a tubular heater body having an internal cavity configured to receive a heat source (6). The assembly also has a tubular heat conducting member (3) configured to surround the tubular heater body leaving an annular clearance, wherein the tubular heat conducting member does not extend along the entire length of the tubular heater body. In addition, a collar (4) is mounted adjacent to the region of the assembly where the tubular heat conducting member ends. The collar is configured to prevent access to the annular clearance between the tubular heat conducting member and the tubular heater body. A eutectic/bismuth based alloy (5) covers the collar and at least a portion of the tubular heater body and the tubular heat conducting member such that the alloy holds the heater and the tubular heat conducting member together until the alloy is melted.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: June 3, 2021Applicant: BiSN Tec LtdInventors: Paul Carragher, Lance Underwood
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Publication number: 20200180018Abstract: Provided is a system and method for metering an amount of molten amorphous alloy into a mold cavity of an injection system. A melting chamber in the system is heated to or above a solidus temperature of the alloy to form a hot chamber. Both the chamber and mold are maintained in an inert atmosphere. The molten alloy is metered from the chamber using a valve system and injected into the mold cavity for molding into a part. A feed tube may extend from the hot chamber to the valve system. The valve system may use gravity or pressure from a pump to meter a volume of molten alloy. In another case, the valve system may include a plunger and a shot sleeve for injecting alloy into the mold. In one embodiment, the plunger itself meters a volume of the alloy. The shot sleeve and plunger may optionally be heated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2017Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Lance UNDERWOOD, John KANG, Choongnyun Paul KIM, Bryan P. REIMERS
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Publication number: 20200173250Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole tool deployment assembly (1) for use in particular in oil/gas wells. The assembly comprises a heater (2) with a tubular heater body having an internal cavity configured to receive a heat source (6). The assembly also has a tubular heat conducting member (3) configured to surround the tubular heater body leaving an annular clearance, wherein the tubular heat conducting member does not extend along the entire length of the tubular heater body. In addition, a collar (4) is mounted adjacent to the region of the assembly where the tubular heat conducting member ends. The collar is configured to prevent access to the annular clearance between the tubular heat conducting member and the tubular heater body. A eutectic/bismuth based alloy (5) covers the collar and at least a portion of the tubular heater body and the tubular heat conducting member such that the alloy holds the heater and the tubular heat conducting member together until the alloy is melted.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: June 4, 2020Applicant: BiSN Tec LtdInventors: Paul Carragher, Lance Underwood
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Patent number: 10612542Abstract: Techniques involve a motor assembly including a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a contact surface for contacting an outer surface of the rotor. The contact surface includes a rigid material. The motor assembly also includes at least one constraint disposed along a length of the motor assembly, where the constraint constrains a radial and/or tangential movement of the rotor relative to the stator. The at least one constraint may be disposed at one or more proximate ends of the motor assembly, and/or along the length of the motor assembly. The contact surface of the stator may have a profile including peaks and valleys, and in some embodiments, the contact surface may be treated to reduce friction and/or wear.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Brian P. Jarvis, Nigel Wilcox, Brian Williams, Lance Underwood, William Murray, Peter Thomas Cariveau, Geoffrey Downton, Lawrence Lee, Shunetsu Onodera, Daniel Alvarado, Maxim Pushkarev, Gokturk Tunc, Andrei Plop, Warren Askew
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Publication number: 20200056277Abstract: Provided is a method for increasing anti-galling of parts using a coating material comprising an amorphous alloy. The parts may be a vehicle or machine component, for example, that are subject to frictional and sliding forces. The disclosed coating reduces galling and friction between surfaces, and increases the lift of such parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2017Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Choongnyun Paul KIM, Lance UNDERWOOD, John KANG
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Publication number: 20190186230Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sealing a region of a sand screen of an Open Hole Gravel Pack without the need to perforate the sand screen and a tool for use in such. The tool being a eutectic/bismuth based alloy well plugging/sealing tool (1) having a tubular heater body (2) with an internal cavity (4) capable of receiving a chemical heat source (105). The tool is provided with a quantity of eutectic/bismuth based alloy (3) around an outer surface of the heater body (2) such that it can be heated by the chemical heat source (105). In addition the tool (1) has an insulating sleeve (7) provided around an outer surface of the alloy (3), wherein the sleeve (7) is configured to provide a focused egress for the alloy (3) as it is melted by the chemical heat source (105).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: BiSN Tec LtdInventors: Paul Carragher, Lance Underwood, Sylvain Bedouet
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Publication number: 20170074100Abstract: Techniques involve a motor assembly including a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a contact surface for contacting an outer surface of the rotor. The contact surface includes a rigid material. The motor assembly also includes at least one constraint disposed along a length of the motor assembly, where the constraint constrains a radial and/or tangential movement of the rotor relative to the stator. The at least one constraint may be disposed at one or more proximate ends of the motor assembly, and/or along the length of the motor assembly. The contact surface of the stator may have a profile including peaks and valleys, and in some embodiments, the contact surface may be treated to reduce friction and/or wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Brian P. Jarvis, Nigel Wilcox, Brian Williams, Lance Underwood, William Murray, Peter Thomas Cariveau, Geoffrey Downton, Lawrence Lee, Onodera Shun, Daniel Alvarado, Maxim Pushkarev, Gokturk Tunc, Andrei Plop, Warren Askew
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Patent number: 9482223Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Brian P. Jarvis, Nigel Wilcox, Brian Williams, Lance Underwood, William Murray, Peter Thomas Cariveau, Geoffrey Downton, Lawrence Lee, Shunetsu Onodera, Daniel Alvarado, Maxim Pushkarev, Gokturk Tunc, Andrei Plop, Warren Askew
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Patent number: 9334691Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Brian P. Jarvis, Nigel Wilcox, Brian Williams, Lance Underwood, William Murray, Peter Thomas Cariveau
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Patent number: 8651202Abstract: A percussion drilling assembly for boring into the earth is disclosed. The percussion drilling assembly includes a top sub, a casing coupled to the top sub, and a feed tube assembly disposed within the top sub and the casing. The feed tube assembly includes a non-rigid coupling having a throughbore and a tubular body disposed therein. The tubular body is translatable in the radial position and/or rotatable relative to a longitudinal centerline extending through the non-rigid coupling.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Shantanu Swadi, Lance Underwood, Jack Marshall, Charles Dewey, Kevin Harrington
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Publication number: 20130048384Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Brian P. Jarvis, Nigel Wilcox, Brian Williams, Lance Underwood, William Murray, Peter Thomas Cariveau, Geoffrey Downton, Lawrence Lee, Shunetsu Onodera, Daniel Alvarado, Maxim Pushkarev, Gokturk Tunc, Andrei Plop, Warren Askew
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Publication number: 20120132470Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Brian P. Jarvis, Nigel Wilcox, Brian Williams, Lance Underwood, William Murray, Peter Thomas Cariveau
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Publication number: 20110192650Abstract: A percussion drilling assembly for boring into the earth is disclosed. The percussion drilling assembly includes a top sub, a casing coupled to the top sub, and a feed tube assembly disposed within the top sub and the casing. The feed tube assembly includes a non-rigid coupling having a throughbore and a tubular body disposed therein. The tubular body is translatable in the radial position and/or rotatable relative to a longitudinal centerline extending through the non-rigid coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Shantanu Swadi, Lance Underwood, Jack Marshall, Charles Dewey, Kevin Harrington
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Patent number: 7950475Abstract: A percussion drilling assembly for boring into the earth is disclosed. The percussion drilling assembly includes a top sub, a casing coupled to the top sub, and a feed tube assembly disposed within the top sub and the casing. The feed tube assembly includes a non-rigid coupling having a throughbore and a tubular body disposed therein. The tubular body is translatable in the radial position and/or rotatable relative to a longitudinal centerline extending through the non-rigid coupling.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Shantanu Swadi, Lance Underwood, Jack Marshall, Charles Dewey, Kevin Harrington
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Publication number: 20090294180Abstract: A percussion drilling assembly for boring into the earth is disclosed. The percussion drilling assembly includes a top sub, a casing coupled to the top sub, and a feed tube assembly disposed within the top sub and the casing. The feed tube assembly includes a non-rigid coupling having a throughbore and a tubular body disposed therein. The tubular body is translatable in the radial position and/or rotatable relative to a longitudinal centerline extending through the non-rigid coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Shantanu Swadi, Lance Underwood, Jack Marshall, Charles Dewey, Kevin Harrington
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Publication number: 20080185187Abstract: A bit retainer system includes a bit having a head and a shank, a driver sub disposed around the shank of the bit and adapted to engage a hammer case, a bit retainer disposed around the shank of the bit and abutting an upper end of the driver sub, wherein the bit retainer includes a split ring with a circumferential groove, and a secondary retainer disposed around the bit retainer, wherein the secondary retainer includes a snap ring configured to engage the circumferential groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Justin Scott, Shantanu Swadi, Lance Underwood
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Publication number: 20070267226Abstract: A percussion drill bit includes a bit body having a central axis and a bit face. A plurality of inserts is disposed on the bit face. A plurality of gauge row inserts is disposed on a periphery of the bit face. At least some one of the plurality of gauge row inserts is enhanced with a super hard material and oriented on the periphery of the bit face at an angle between about 36 degrees and about 40 degrees relative to the central axis of the bit body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Lance Underwood, Ronald Schmidt