Patents by Inventor Loren C. Swor

Loren C. Swor 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: 8291970
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Halliburton Energy Services Inc., MCR Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Brian K. Wilkinson, Michael C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8291969
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Halliburton Energy Services Inc., MCR Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Phillip M. Starr, Don R. Smith, Brian Keith Wilkinson, Michael C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8272446
    Abstract: A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Phillip M. Starr, Don R. Smith, Brian K. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20120055666
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Brian K. Wilkinson, Michael C. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20110303407
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Phillip M. Starr, Don R. Smith, Brian K. Wilkinson, Michael C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7909108
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a plurality of sleeve systems disposed in a wellbore, each sleeve system comprising a seat and a dart configured to selectively seal against the seat to the exclusion of other seats, the seats each comprising an upper seat landing surface and the darts each comprising a dart landing surface, wherein the darts each comprise a dart landing surface that is configured to complement an upper seat landing surface of the seat to which the dart is configured to selectively seal against.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Donald R. Smith, Robert P. Clayton, Alton L. Branch, Jeffrey A. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20100314127
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, nonexplosive solid, such as thermite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loren C. SWOR, Brian K. WILKINSON
  • Publication number: 20100252280
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a plurality of sleeve systems disposed in a wellbore, each sleeve system comprising a seat and a dart configured to selectively seal against the seat to the exclusion of other seats, the seats each comprising an upper seat landing surface and the darts each comprising a dart landing surface, wherein the darts each comprise a dart landing surface that is configured to complement an upper seat landing surface of the seat to which the dart is configured to selectively seal against.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Donald R. Smith, Robert P. Clayton, Alton L. Branch, Jeffrey A. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20100108327
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Brian K. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20080257549
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Brian K. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7353879
    Abstract: A disposable downhole tool or a component thereof comprises an effective amount of biodegradable material such that the tool or the component thereof desirably decomposes when exposed to a wellbore environment. In an embodiment, the biodegradable material comprises a degradable polymer. The biodegradable material may further comprise a hydrated organic or inorganic solid compound. The biodegradable material may also be selected to achieve a desired decomposition rate when the tool is exposed to the wellbore environment. In an embodiment, the disposable downhole tool further comprises an enclosure for storing a chemical solution that catalyzes decomposition. The tool may also comprise an activation mechanism for releasing the chemical solution from the enclosure. In various embodiments, the disposable downhole tool is a frac plug, a bridge plug, or a packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Phillip M. Starr, Loren C. Swor, Kenneth L. Schwendemann, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7328750
    Abstract: A tool and a method for sealing a casing or a wellbore according to which a device is supported on a mandrel and expands into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. An explosive cutter is also supported on the mandrel and is adapted to explode to cut the mandrel and the device and release the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Donald Smith, David Armstrong, Brian K. Wilkinson, Phillip M Starr, Stephen E. Tilghman
  • Patent number: 7210533
    Abstract: A disposable downhole tool includes an elongated body and a compression element. The compression element is disposed about the elongated body. The compression element includes at least one preconfigured division at disposal of the disposable downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip M. Starr, Loren C. Swor, Kenneth L. Schwendemann
  • Patent number: 7168494
    Abstract: A disposable downhole tool comprises a material that dissolves when exposed to a chemical solution, an ultraviolet light, a nuclear source, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the material comprises an epoxy resin, a fiberglass, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the material comprises a fiberglass and a binding agent. The material may also be customized to achieve a desired dissolution rate of the tool. In an embodiment, the disposable downhole tool further comprises an enclosure for storing the chemical solution. The tool may also comprise an activation mechanism for releasing the chemical solution from the enclosure. In an embodiment, the disposable downhole tool is a frac plug. In another embodiment, the tool is a bridge plug. In yet another embodiment, the tool is a packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Starr, Loren C. Swor, Don S. Folds
  • Patent number: 7093664
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to disposable composite downhole tool formed of a resin-coated fiber. The fiber is formed of a degradable polymer, such as a poly(lactide) or polyanhydride. The resin is formed of the same degradable polymer as the fiber. It chemically bonds to the fiber, thereby making a strong rigid structure once cured. The fiber may be formed into a fabric before being coated with the resin. Alternatively, the fiber is formed of a non-biodegradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Rajesh K. Saini, Loren C. Swor, Phillip M. Starr
  • Patent number: 7044230
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, according to which a tool is fabricated of a material that breaks up or dissolves in the presence of a fluid and is inserted in the wellbore for performing a function in the wellbore. The fluid is then introduced to the tool to break up or dissolve portions of the tool and the remaining portions of the tool fall to the bottom of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip M. Starr, Loren C. Swor, Steven G. Streich
  • Patent number: 6926086
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation surrounding a wellbore, according to which a tool inserted into the wellbore for performing a function in the wellbore is fabricated of a material that breaks up upon detonation of an explosive mounted on the tool, thus allowing the pieces of the tool to fall to the bottom of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Patterson, Loren C. Swor, Phillip M. Starr, Raymund Meijs, Danny D. Delozier, David Armstrong, Steven G. Streich
  • Publication number: 20040221993
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation surrounding a wellbore, according to which a tool inserted into the wellbore for performing a function in the wellbore is fabricated of a material that breaks up upon detonation of an explosive mounted on the tool, thus allowing the pieces of the tool to fall to the bottom of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Michael L. Patterson, Loren C. Swor, Phillip M. Starr, Raymund Meijs, Danny D. Delozier, David Armstrong, Steven G. Streich
  • Patent number: 6666275
    Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug assembly having an internal “pump through” bypass passage and a wedge assembly, slips and seals disposed thereon. A retrieving tool is provided for running, setting, releasing and retrieving the bridge plug assembly. A tubing sensor is included to prevent setting of the bridge plug assembly in improper size tubing. When the bridge plug is properly located, the wedge assembly can actuated by manipulation of the retrieving tool to force the slips radially outward into gripping engagement with the well tubular and to force the seals into sealing engagement with the well tubular. A ball valve on the bridge plug assembly is movable to selectively open and close the bypass passage. The retrieving tool can maintain the valve and passageway open to facilitate circulation during run in and setting and also open during retrieving for pressure equalization. A service packer can be connected to and run with the bridge plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Neal, Kevin T. Berscheidt, Don S. Folds, Ronald L. Hinkie, Loren C. Swor, Brian K. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20030024712
    Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug assembly having an internal “pump through” bypass passage and a wedge assembly, slips and seals disposed thereon. A retrieving tool is provided for running, setting, releasing and retrieving the bridge plug assembly. A tubing sensor is included to prevent setting of the bridge plug assembly in improper size tubing. When the bridge plug is properly located, the wedge assembly can actuated by manipulation of the retrieving tool to force the slips radially outward into gripping engagement with the well tubular and to force the seals into sealing engagement with the well tubular. A ball valve on the bridge plug assembly is movable to selectively open and close the bypass passage. The retrieving tool can maintain the valve and passageway open to facilitate circulation during run in and setting and also open during retrieving for pressure equalization. A service packer can be connected to and run with the bridge plug assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Neal, Kevin T. Berscheidt, Don S. Folds, Ronald L. Hinkie, Loren C. Swor, Brian K. Wilkinson