Patents by Inventor Matthew D. Solfronk

Matthew D. Solfronk 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).

  • Publication number: 20240301769
    Abstract: An actuator, including a housing having a flow conduit therethrough, a pressure balanced poppet disposed in the housing, initially preventing flow through the housing, and a heat evolving composition disposed to move the poppet by fluid heating to cease preventing flow through the housing upon ignition of the heat evolving composition. A method for actuating a tool, including igniting the heat evolution composition, heating a fluid located between the poppet and the housing, driving the poppet to move with the heated fluid, and flowing fluid through the housing. A borehole tool, including the actuator, a tool member disposed in the tool and movable by the fluid flowing through the housing, the movement of the tool member changing an operational condition of the tool. A borehole system, including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, the actuator disposed within or as a part of the string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Zhihui Zhang, Matthew D. Solfronk, Todd Christopher Jackson
  • Patent number: 12000243
    Abstract: An object including a housing, a cone movably received in the housing, a piston body attached to the cone, a valve disposed as a part of the object and separating hydrostatic pressure from pressure at an interface between the housing and the piston body, and a trigger configured to open the valve at a selected circumstance. A method for moving a selected downhole tool including running an object into a borehole, counting features in the borehole using a sensor in the object, opening the valve at a selected count, flooding the interface with hydrostatic pressure, driving the piston body away from the housing, and moving a radially expandable shoulder member toward a larger diameter end of the cone. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, and an object disposed within or as a part of the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Todd C. Jackson, Eugene Stolboushkin, Matthew D. Solfronk
  • Patent number: 11761303
    Abstract: An object includes a housing, a cone received in the housing, a piston body attached to the cone, a gas evolution compound disposed in the object, an interface between the housing and the piston body, an interface feed fluidly connecting the gas evolution compound with the interface, and a trigger to evolve gas from the compound at a selected circumstance. A method for moving a tool including running an object into a borehole, counting features in the borehole using a sensor in the object, evolving gas from the gas evolution compound at a selected count, pressurizing the interface with the evolved gas, driving the piston body, and moving a shoulder member toward a larger diameter end of the cone. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, and an object disposed within or as a part of the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Todd C. Jackson, Eugene Stolboushkin, Matthew D. Solfronk
  • Publication number: 20230137410
    Abstract: An object including a housing, a cone movably received in the housing, a piston body attached to the cone, a valve disposed as a part of the object and separating hydrostatic pressure from pressure at an interface between the housing and the piston body, and a trigger configured to open the valve at a selected circumstance. A method for moving a selected downhole tool including running an object into a borehole, counting features in the borehole using a sensor in the object, opening the valve at a selected count, flooding the interface with hydrostatic pressure, driving the piston body away from the housing, and moving a radially expandable shoulder member toward a larger diameter end of the cone. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, and an object disposed within or as a part of the string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Todd C. Jackson, Eugene Stolboushkin, Matthew D. Solfronk
  • Publication number: 20230138158
    Abstract: An object includes a housing, a cone received in the housing, a piston body attached to the cone, a gas evolution compound disposed in the object, an interface between the housing and the piston body, an interface feed fluidly connecting the gas evolution compound with the interface, and a trigger to evolve gas from the compound at a selected circumstance. A method for moving a tool including running an object into a borehole, counting features in the borehole using a sensor in the object, evolving gas from the gas evolution compound at a selected count, pressurizing the interface with the evolved gas, driving the piston body, and moving a shoulder member toward a larger diameter end of the cone. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, and an object disposed within or as a part of the string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Todd C. Jackson, Eugene Stolboushkin, Matthew D. Solfronk
  • Patent number: 11634969
    Abstract: A multi-stage object drop frac assembly that includes a fracture subassembly is configured for disposal in a well zone. The assembly includes a plurality of filtration media stages configured for disposal in the same well zone. A plurality of valves, one of the plurality of valves being associated with each of the plurality of filtration media stages is a part of the assembly and the plurality of valves are openable simultaneously in response to the same event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Stolboushkin, Todd Christopher Jackson, Matthew D. Solfronk, James Scott Sanchez, Ricardo Arturo Gomez Barker
  • Patent number: 11629567
    Abstract: A frac dart includes a body having an outer surface and an end including at least one opening. A cutter support is mounted at the end adjacent the at least one opening. A cutter is moveably mounted at the cutter support. A counter support is slideably mounted on the outer surface, and a counter is arranged between the counter support and the cutter support. The cutter is operable to sever a portion of the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Todd Christopher Jackson, Matthew D. Solfronk, James Scott Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20220389779
    Abstract: A frac dart includes a body having an outer surface and an end including at least one opening. A cutter support is mounted at the end adjacent the at least one opening. A cutter is moveably mounted at the cutter support. A counter support is slideably mounted on the outer surface, and a counter is arranged between the counter support and the cutter support. The cutter is operable to sever a portion of the counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Todd Christopher Jackson, Matthew D. Solfronk, James Scott Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20220290530
    Abstract: A multi-stage object drop frac assembly including a fracture subassembly configured for disposal in a well zone, a plurality of filtration media stages configured for disposal in the same well zone, and a plurality of valves, one of the plurality of valves being associated with each of the plurality of filtration media stages the plurality of valves openable simultaneously in response to a same event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Stolboushkin, Todd Christopher Jackson, Matthew D. Solfronk, James Scott Sanchez, Ricardo Arturo Gomez Barker
  • Patent number: 10301909
    Abstract: An actuation system and method, the system including a tubular having a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular. The assembly includes a degradable restriction, the restriction only partially blocking the passage prior to being degraded. The assembly is configured to receive and prevent further movement of a restrictor through the tubular prior to the restriction being degraded. The assembly is further configured to release the restrictor when the restriction is degraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew T. McCoy, Matthew D. Solfronk, Jack D. Farmer, William A. Burton, James G. King, Jason J. Barnard, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 9279311
    Abstract: A port control system including a group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug; and at least one second group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug. A method is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATION
    Inventors: Justin Kellner, Matthew D. Solfronk, John Travis Harris, Paul Madero
  • Patent number: 9033055
    Abstract: An actuation system and method includes a tubular defining a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular. The assembly includes a restriction operatively arranged to receive a restrictor for enabling actuation of the assembly. The restriction includes a degradable material with a protective layer thereon, the degradable material degrading upon exposure to a fluid in the passage and the protective layer isolating the degradable material from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew T. Mccoy, Matthew D. Solfronk, Jack D. Farmer, William A. Burton, James G. King, Jason J. Barnard, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20140345877
    Abstract: An actuation system and method, the system including a tubular having a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular. The assembly includes a degradable restriction, the restriction only partially blocking the passage prior to being degraded. The assembly is configured to receive and prevent further movement of a restrictor through the tubular prior to the restriction being degraded. The assembly is further configured to release the restrictor when the restriction is degraded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew T. McCoy, Matthew D. Solfronk, Jack D. Farmer, William A. Burton, James G. King, Jason J. Barnard, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8584759
    Abstract: An apparatus positionable along a downhole string. The apparatus includes a flexible structure retained on a surface of the string in a first condition. The flexible structure movable by a flow to substantially fill an annular space between the string and a radially positioned structure in a second condition. A method of diverting fracturing treatments in a wellbore is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Matthew D. Solfronk
  • Publication number: 20130140479
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a tubular member, a seat, a plug element, and a seal interface element comprising a seal interface material. The seal interface material resists or retards corrosion by a corroding fluid of the portion of the sealing interface between the plug element and the seat. The seal interface material may be acid-resistant, hydrogen sulfide resistant, and/or the like depending on the type of corroding fluid that is present in the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew D. Solfronk, Jack Farmer
  • Publication number: 20130043041
    Abstract: An actuation system and method, the system including a tubular defining a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular, the assembly including a restriction operatively arranged to receive a restrictor for enabling actuation of the assembly, the restriction including a degradable material with a protective layer thereon, the degradable material degrading upon exposure to a fluid in the passage and the protective layer isolating the degradable material from the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Matthew T. McCoy, Matthew D. Solfronk, Jack D. Farmer, William A. Burton, James G. King, Jason J. Barnard, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20120234547
    Abstract: An apparatus positionable along a downhole string. The apparatus includes a flexible structure retained on a surface of the string in a first condition. The flexible structure movable by a flow to substantially fill an annular space between the string and a radially positioned structure in a second condition. A method of diverting fracturing treatments in a wellbore is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Matthew D. Solfronk
  • Publication number: 20110232915
    Abstract: A port control system including a group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug; and at least one second group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug. A method is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Justin Kellner, John Neil Buffington, Matthew D. Solfronk, John Travis Harris
  • Patent number: 7644772
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a seat disposed within the bore. The seat has a first position when the apparatus is in the run-in position and a second position when the apparatus is in the set position. The seat comprises an arcuate member comprising a plurality of slits defining a plurality of segment members having a gap there-between. Each of the gaps are variable such that movement of segment members inwardly causes the gaps to be narrowed or closed off completely when a plug element is disposed into the bore and landed on the arcuate member to move the arcuate member from the first position to the second position, causing restriction of fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus A. Avant, Charles C. Johnson, James G. King, David B. Ruddock, Matthew D. Solfronk, Justin Kellner
  • Publication number: 20090159289
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a seat disposed within the bore. The seat has a first position when the apparatus is in the run-in position and a second position when the apparatus is in the set position. The seat comprises an arcuate member comprising a plurality of slits defining a plurality of segment members having a gap there-between. Each of the gaps are variable such that movement of segment members inwardly causes the gaps to be narrowed or closed off completely when a plug element is disposed into the bore and landed on the arcuate member to move the arcuate member from the first position to the second position, causing restriction of fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Marcus A. Avant, Charles C. Johnson, James G. King, David B. Ruddock, Matthew D. Solfronk, Justin Kellner