Patents by Inventor Lonnie Helms

Lonnie Helms 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: 11549323
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for bonding a first downhole tool to a borehole tubular, which include applying solder particles, each particle having an outer shell and a core of liquid metal, to at least one of a surface of the first downhole tool or a surface of the borehole tubular. The methods may also include rupturing the shells of the solder particles to release the liquid metal cores. The methods may further include bonding the first downhole tool to the borehole tubular by allowing the released liquid metal core to solidify.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cecil Pearl, Jr., Sam Lewis, Lonnie Helms, Frank Acosta
  • Patent number: 11255155
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a casing string with a fluid barrier connected therein defining a lower end of a buoyancy chamber. A plug assembly connected in the casing string defines an upper end of the buoyancy chamber. The plug assembly has an outer case with a rupture disc positioned therein configured to block flow and to burst at a predetermined pressure. The rupture disk is removable from a flow path through the outer case upon the flow of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Min Mark Yuan, Frank Vinicio Acosta, Lonnie Helms, Rajesh Parameshwaraiah
  • Publication number: 20210363841
    Abstract: A method for bonding a first downhole tool to a borehole tubular. The method may include applying solder particles, each particle having an outer shell and a core of liquid metal, to at least one of a surface of the first downhole tool or a surface of the borehole tubular. The method may also include rupturing the shells of the solder particles to release the liquid metal cores. The method may further include bonding the first downhole tool to the borehole tubular by allowing the released liquid metal core to solidify.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cecil Pearl, Jr., Sam Lewis, Lonnie Helms, Frank Acosta
  • Patent number: 11118423
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use within a borehole. The downhole tool may include a body including a port that allows fluid flow between a bore of the downhole tool and an area outside of the body and a sleeve slidable from a run-in position to an actuated position. Either the run-in position or the actuated position may prevent flow through the port. Additionally, at least one of an end of the sleeve or a surface of the body may be coated in solder particles having an outer shell and a liquid metal core. Further, the solder particles may be rupturable when the sleeve is shifted to the actuated position into contact with the surface to expose the liquid metal such that the liquid metal solidifies and forms a bond to retain the sleeve in the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonnie Helms, Frank Acosta
  • Publication number: 20210230970
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a casing string with a fluid barrier connected therein defining a lower end of a buoyancy chamber. A plug assembly connected in the casing string defines an upper end of the buoyancy chamber. The plug assembly has an outer case with a rupture disc positioned therein configured to block flow and to burst at a predetermined pressure. The rupture disk is removable from a flow path through the outer case upon the flow of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Min Mark Yuan, Frank Vinicio Acosta, Lonnie Helms, Rajesh Parameshwaraiah
  • Patent number: 10914135
    Abstract: A well tool attachment includes a tubular body with a bore therethrough extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the tubular body is configured to seat in a shoe track of a well casing. A plurality of partitions are suspended from the tubular body, dividing the bore of the tubular body into a plurality of segments extending axially through the tubular body. The partitions are configured to break up cement slurry entering the bore of the tubular body into a plurality of cement segments to facilitate drilling after downhole cement sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonnie Helms, Venkata Gopala Rao Palla
  • Publication number: 20200399978
    Abstract: A well tool attachment includes a tubular body with a bore therethrough extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the tubular body is configured to seat in a shoe track of a well casing. A plurality of partitions are suspended from the tubular body, dividing the bore of the tubular body into a plurality of segments extending axially through the tubular body. The partitions are configured to break up cement slurry entering the bore of the tubular body into a plurality of cement segments to facilitate drilling after downhole cement sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Lonnie Helms, Venkata Gopala Rao Palla
  • Patent number: 10053945
    Abstract: An obturator for actuating a downhole tool having a central bore. The obturator comprising a body of a size and shape to pass through the central bore of the tool and an engagement member releasably attached to the exterior of the tool body, the engagement member being of a size and shape to engage and actuate the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Acosta, Nicholas Frederick Budler, John Key, Lonnie Helms
  • Publication number: 20160265302
    Abstract: An obturator for actuating a downhole tool having a central bore. The obturator comprising a body of a size and shape to pass through the central bore of the tool and an engagement member releasably attached to the exterior of the tool body, the engagement member being of a size and shape to engage and actuate the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Frank ACOSTA, Nicholas Frederick BUDLER, John KEY, Lonnie HELMS
  • Patent number: 8991486
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely setting a down hole device. The system includes a base pipe having inner and outer radial surfaces and defining one or more pressure ports extending between the inner and outer radial surfaces. An internal sleeve is arranged against the inner radial surface and slidable between a closed position, where the internal sleeve covers the one or more pressure ports, and an open position, where the one or more pressure ports are exposed to an interior of the base pipe. A trigger housing is disposed about the base pipe and defines an atmospheric chamber in fluid communication with the one or more pressure ports. A piston port cover is disposed within the atmospheric chamber and moveable between blocking and exposed positions. A wellbore device is used to engage and move the internal sleeve into the open position by applying predetermined axial force to the internal sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank V. Acosta, Lonnie Helms, Nicholas Frederick Budler
  • Patent number: 8708056
    Abstract: A packer that includes a mandrel, primary and secondary opening seats attached to an interior of the mandrel, a landing seat attached to the interior of the mandrel, a packer element attached to an exterior of the mandrel, and a closing seat attached to the interior of the mandrel. The secondary opening seat may be between the primary opening seat and the landing seat, and the primary opening seat may be between the closing seat and the secondary opening seat. The primary opening seat engages an opening plug and moves from a first position covering an opening to a second position not covering the opening, and the secondary opening seat engages the primary opening seat and moves from a first position covering a port to a second position not covering the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonnie Helms, Frank Acosta, Nicholas Frederick Budler, John Key
  • Patent number: 8646537
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element; an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal from a pump tool passing through an interior of the impervious body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Rather Tips, James R. Longbottom, Ricky Layne Covington, Michael Fripp, Lonnie Helms, Frank Acosta, Nicholas Budler, John Key
  • Patent number: 8616276
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element, an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal transmitted through the impervious body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Rather Tips, James R. Longbottom, Ricky Layne Covington, Michael Fripp, Lonnie Helms, Frank Acosta, Nicholas Budler, John Key
  • Publication number: 20130233570
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely setting a down hole device. The system includes a base pipe having inner and outer radial surfaces and defining one or more pressure ports extending between the inner and outer radial surfaces. An internal sleeve is arranged against the inner radial surface and slidable between a closed position, where the internal sleeve covers the one or more pressure ports, and an open position, where the one or more pressure ports are exposed to an interior of the base pipe. A trigger housing is disposed about the base pipe and defines an atmospheric chamber in fluid communication with the one or more pressure ports. A piston port cover is disposed within the atmospheric chamber and moveable between blocking and exposed positions. A wellbore device is used to engage and move the internal sleeve into the open position by applying predetermined axial force to the internal sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank V. Acosta, Lonnie Helms, Nicholas Frederick Budler
  • Publication number: 20130233572
    Abstract: A packer that includes a mandrel, primary and secondary opening seats attached to an interior of the mandrel, a landing seat attached to the interior of the mandrel, a packer element attached to an exterior of the mandrel, and a closing seat attached to the interior of the mandrel. The secondary opening seat may be between the primary opening seat and the landing seat, and the primary opening seat may be between the closing seat and the secondary opening seat. The primary opening seat engages an opening plug and moves from a first position covering an opening to a second position not covering the opening, and the secondary opening seat engages the primary opening seat and moves from a first position covering a port to a second position not covering the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonnie Helms, Frank Acosta, Nicholas Frederick Budler, John Key
  • Publication number: 20130014941
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element; an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal from a pump tool passing through an interior of the impervious body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy Rather Tips, James R. Longbottom, Ricky Layne Covington, Michael Fripp, Lonnie Helms, Frank Acosta, Nicholas Budler, John Key
  • Publication number: 20130014959
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element, an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal transmitted through the impervious body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy Rather Tips, James R. Longbottom, Ricky Layne Covington, Michael Fripp, Lonnie Helms, Frank Acosta, Nicholas Budler, John Key