Patents by Inventor Mark Carmichael
Mark Carmichael 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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Patent number: 7322419Abstract: A control sub for use with a hydraulically operated downhole tool. In an embodiment, the sub comprises an outer sleeve connected to a work string and an inner sleeve slidably engaged to the outer sleeve by matching hex profiles, connected to the downhole tool. Radial ports in the outer sleeve provide selective circulation of fluid from the tool and by closing these ports with the sleeve fluid pressure in to the downhole tool can be controlled. Closure is effected by setting down weight on the sub against the tool. An indexing mechanism is also described to keep the tool in a configuration, which maintains pressure on the tool. The sub is suitable for use with an expander tool.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Ltd.Inventor: Mark Carmichael
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Publication number: 20050217864Abstract: A control sub for use with a hydraulically operated downhole tool. In an embodiment, the sub comprises an outer sleeve connected to a work string and an inner sleeve slidably engaged to the outer sleeve by matching hex profiles, connected to the downhole tool. Radial ports in the outer sleeve provide selective circulation of fluid from the tool and by closing these ports with the sleeve fluid pressure in to the downhole tool can be controlled. Closure is effected by setting down weight on the sub against the tool. An indexing mechanism is also described to keep the tool in a configuration, which maintains pressure on the tool. The sub is suitable for use with an expander tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2003Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventor: Mark Carmichael
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Patent number: 6655462Abstract: Apparatus which can collect loose debris, particularly ferrous debris, has a body 2 with upper 3 and lower 4 stabiliser sleeve. The body 2 has a one or more integral magnets or magnetic areas 5. In one embodiment the magnets are located in a first and second row on a split sleeve 6 and are covered by a protective stainless steel sleeve7. The apparatus may alternatively comprise magnetic scraper blades or a magnetic sub. The magnets are selectively activated. There is also described a method of trapping or retaining debris in a well bore.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: SPS-AFOS International LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6497295Abstract: A down-hole tool comprises a generally tubular body for connection in a drill string, the body typically having an upper tubular member and a lower tubular member interconnected to be axially secured and relatively rotatable, and a frangible element securing the upper and lower members together rotationally and adapted to rupture at a predetermined loadType: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6453996Abstract: A cleanup tool is described for use in a wellbore, the tool having a body which defines flow passages which communicate with the venturi chamber, the venturi chamber itself communicating with a discharge passage for radially or near radially discharging jetted fluid for cleaning a well head or the like. The tool may further include or be associated with filtration devices, including a junk basket or filter screen.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: SPS-AFOS Group LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett, George Telfer
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Patent number: 6454009Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a well riser. In particular, the method comprises the steps of suspending in a drill pipe from the surface a circulating tool in the well riser, and causing the circulating tool to axially collapse so as to open one or more radial outlets in the tool and allow cleaning fluid to be expelled out of the tool and impact on the inside of the well riser.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul David Howlett
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Patent number: 6401813Abstract: A down-hole tool 1 has a body of varying cross-sectional diameter to correspond with a stepped profile of a well bore, such as at the well head. The tool is provided with cleaning members, such as bristles, and fluid circulation paths terminating in radial outlets 11 for cleaning otherwise difficult formations or profiles.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: SPS-AFOS Group LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6347667Abstract: Well cleaning apparatus comprises a tubular body member attached to a work string which supports one or more resilient and pliable cleaning members. Each cleaning member is provided with a means for allowing bypass as sized and adapted to wipe the well casing. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be used to plunge the well with the cleaning members providing the sealing relationship with the well casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Specialized Petroleum Services Ltd.Inventors: Paul David Howlett, Mark Carmichael
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Patent number: 6343648Abstract: A down-hole tool for use in an oil or gas well is provided with detachable components that are held to a body or tool housing by longitudinal mechanical fasteners disposed in a generally radial orientation. The mechanical fasteners allow for the components to be quickly removed and refurbished or replaced, while also permitting radial movement or floating of the components during operation of the tool. A spring may be incorporated to bias the components in a radial outward direction during operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6302214Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for setting inflatable packers in a well bore which includes the transporting of settable fluid from the surface with a work string or liner as it is run in the well. The invention therefore negates the requirement of having to pump cement or the like to precise locations down hole to the vicinity of the packers to be set.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Publication number: 20010018976Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a well riser. In particular, the method comprises the steps of suspending in a drill pipe from the surface a circulating tool in the well riser, and causing the circulating tool to axially collapse so as to open one or more radial outlets in the tool and allow cleaning fluid to be expelled out of the tool and impact on the inside of the well riser.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul David Howlett
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Patent number: 6279657Abstract: A circulating tool for circulating fluid in a borehole comprising a tubular assembly having an axial through passage between an inlet and a first outlet, a second outlet extending generally transversely of the tubular assembly, and an obturating member moveable relative to the tubular assembly between a first position closing the second outlet and a second position at which the second outlet is open, wherein the obturating member is also moveable between an engaging position at which it is engaged with the tubular assembly and a non-engaging position at which it is not so engaged with the tubular assembly, and wherein when the obturating member is in the first position it may be in either the engaging position or the non-engaging position.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6253861Abstract: A tool or sub for use in a well bore is adapted to manipulate the circulation path of fluid through a drill string or work string in which the tool is connected. The apparatus has a body member defining an axial flow path with one or more radial outlets that may be opened or closed by respective valve members in use.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6250387Abstract: A down-hole tool is described for collecting loose debris particles in a well bore. The tool has a body connectable in a work string for actively diverting well fluid through the tool body with at least some of the diverted well fluid being filtered as it passes through the tool by a filter. In a preferred embodiment the tool also comprises a cleaning member, such as a wiper for wiping the casing or liner wall of the well and a trap for trapping filtered debris up stream of the filter.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: SPS-AFOS Group LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6227291Abstract: A well cleaning tool for cleaning the inside walls of a well casing has at least two types of cleaning members; for example it may have a row of scraper blades and a row of brushes. The tool may also include one or more rotatable stabilizers that serve to maintain contact of the tool with the internal casing walls. The tool provides for obtaining the benefits of different types of cleaning members from a single trip into a well bore.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6220357Abstract: A downhole tool having selectively openable ports therein, the tool being actuable between a closed configuration in which the ports are closed, a primed configuration in which the ports are primed for opening, and an open configuration in which the ports are opened.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Ltd.Inventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6152221Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the inside walls of a pipeline, well casing or other tubing, comprises a supporting structure upon which are supported one or more cleaning members, and retraction means for controllably retracting the cleaning members so as to avoid their contact with the aforesaid tubing when desired. The apparatus is also provided with a sleeve to effect contact between the retractable cleaning members and the pipeline, well casing or other tubing. Typically, the apparatus is provided in the form of a well cleanup tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6152220Abstract: A tool for use in a well bore has a housing attachable to a work string or drill string wherein the housing supports a floating component that is free to move in the lateral or radial members relative to the housing within predetermined limits. The floating component is suitable for supporting active tool components such as wire bristles, scraper blades or other functional apparatus. Typically, the floating component is provided as a sleeve around the housing held within axial limits, while enabling radial movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6152228Abstract: An apparatus and method for circulating fluid in a borehole is described. The apparatus comprises a tubular assembly (1; 40; 60) which has an axial through passage (21, 18; 47; 19) between a fluid inlet (21) and first fluid outlet (19). The fluid inlet (21) and the first fluid outlet (19) are connected (13, 20) in a work string which is supported from the surface above the borehole. There is a second outlet (16; 42, 48) which extends generally transversely of the assembly (1; 40; 60). An obturating member (9) is moveable between a first position in which the second fluid outlet (16; 42, 48) is closed and a second position which permits fluid flow through the second outlet (16; 42, 48). An engagement mechanism (12, 6, 7; 68, 69) is moveable between an engaged configuration in which the obturating member (9) is maintained in one of the first and second positions, and a disengaged configuration in which the obturating member (9) is in the other of the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services LimitedInventor: Mark Carmichael
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Patent number: 6102060Abstract: A valve device for use downhole is described as comprising a body member and a channel through the body member through which fluid can flow. A moveable member is mounted within the body member, and comprises an obturating member for selectively obturating the channel. The moveable member is moveable between a first position in which the channel is not obturated and fluid flow through the channel is permitted, and a second position in which the channel is obturated and fluid flow through the channel is substantially prevented.A method of preventing the fluid flow downhole is also described as comprising the steps of inserting a downhole tool comprising a valve device according to the present invention downhole and moving the moveable member from the first to the second position such that the obturating member obturates the channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Ltd.Inventors: Paul David Howlett, Mark Carmichael