Patents by Inventor Merle E. Evans
Merle E. Evans 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: 11614184Abstract: A threaded connection includes a first tube having a pin, the pin having pin threads, a circumferential concave outer pin surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end, the concave outer pin surface including a pin seal surface and a continuous extension from the pin seal surface to the pin torque shoulder. A second tube has a box, the box has box threads for interacting with the pin threads, a circumferential inner box surface and a box torque shoulder. The inner box surface has a radially inwardly extending box seal surface, the pin seal surface contacts the box seal surface to define a seal. The seal is spaced from the free end when the pin and box torque shoulders contact, the continuous extension continuing from the seal to the pin torque shoulder. A method for making-up a threaded connection is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL TUBULAR PRODUCTS LUXEMBOURG S.A.Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Jeroen Stijn Juliaan Van Wittenberghe
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Publication number: 20200370682Abstract: A threaded tubular connection is provided. The threaded tubular connection includes a pin having external threads, a pin seal surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end and a box for receiving the pin, the box having internal threads for interacting with the pin threads, a box seal surface for contacting the pin seal surface and a box torque shoulder for contacting the pin torque shoulder. The pin and box define a longitudinal axis. The pin torque shoulder has a first pin shoulder surface and a second pin shoulder surface, the first pin shoulder surface intersects an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a first angle and the second pin shoulder surface intersects the perpendicular axis at a second angle. The box torque shoulder has a first box shoulder surface and a second box shoulder surface. The first box shoulder surface intersects an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a third angle and the second box shoulder surface intersects the perpendicular axis at a fourth angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Jeroen Stijn Juliaan VAN WITTENBERGHE
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Publication number: 20200200303Abstract: A threaded connection includes a first tube having a pin, the pin having pin threads, a circumferential concave outer pin surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end, the concave outer pin surface including a pin seal surface and a continuous extension from the pin seal surface to the pin torque shoulder. A second tube has a box, the box has box threads for interacting with the pin threads, a circumferential inner box surface and a box torque shoulder. The inner box surface has a radially inwardly extending box seal surface, the pin seal surface contacts the box seal surface to define a seal. The seal is spaced from the free end when the pin and box torque shoulders contact, the continuous extension continuing from the seal to the pin torque shoulder. A method for making-up a threaded connection is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Merle E. EVANS, Jeroen Stijn Juliaan VAN WITTENBERGHE
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Patent number: 10612702Abstract: A threaded tubular connection is provided. The threaded tubular connection includes a pin having external threads, a pin seal surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end and a box for receiving the pin, the box having internal threads for interacting with the pin threads, a box seal surface for contacting the pin seal surface and a box torque shoulder for contacting the pin torque shoulder. The pin and box define a longitudinal axis. The pin torque shoulder has a first pin shoulder surface and a second pin shoulder surface, the first pin shoulder surface intersects an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a first angle and the second pin shoulder surface intersects the perpendicular axis at a second angle. The box torque shoulder has a first box shoulder surface and a second box shoulder surface. The first box shoulder surface intersects an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a third angle and the second box shoulder surface intersects the perpendicular axis at a fourth angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL TUBULAR PRODUCTS LUXEMBOURG S.A.Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Jeroen Stijn Juliaan Van Wittenberghe
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Patent number: 10612700Abstract: A threaded connection includes a first tube having a pin, the pin having pin threads, a circumferential concave outer pin surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end, the concave outer pin surface including a pin seal surface and a continuous extension from the pin seal surface to the pin torque shoulder. A second tube has a box, the box has box threads for interacting with the pin threads, a circumferential inner box surface and a box torque shoulder. The inner box surface has a radially inwardly extending box seal surface, the pin seal surface contacts the box seal surface to define a seal. The seal is spaced from the free end when the pin and box torque shoulders contact, the continuous extension continuing from the seal to the pin torque shoulder. A method for making-up a threaded connection is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL TUBULAR PRODUCTS LUXEMBOURG S.A.Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Jeroen Stijn Juliaan Van Wittenberghe
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Publication number: 20180259098Abstract: A threaded connection includes a first tube having a pin, the pin having pin threads, a circumferential concave outer pin surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end, the concave outer pin surface including a pin seal surface and a continuous extension from the pin seal surface to the pin torque shoulder. A second tube has a box, the box has box threads for interacting with the pin threads, a circumferential inner box surface and a box torque shoulder. The inner box surface has a radially inwardly extending box seal surface, the pin seal surface contacts the box seal surface to define a seal. The seal is spaced from the free end when the pin and box torque shoulders contact, the continuous extension continuing from the seal to the pin torque shoulder. A method for making-up a threaded connection is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: Merle E. EVANS, Jeroen Stijn Juliaan VAN WITTENBERGHE
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Publication number: 20180252343Abstract: A threaded tubular connection includes a pin having external threads, a pin seal surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end and a box for receiving the pin, a box seal surface for contacting the pin seal surface and a box torque shoulder for contacting the pin torque shoulder. The pin torque shoulder has a curved pin shoulder surface. The box torque shoulder has a curved box shoulder surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2017Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Jeroen Stijn Juliaan VAN WITTENBERGHE
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Publication number: 20180252342Abstract: A threaded tubular connection is provided. The threaded tubular connection includes a pin having external threads, a pin seal surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end and a box for receiving the pin, the box having internal threads for interacting with the pin threads, a box seal surface for contacting the pin seal surface and a box torque shoulder for contacting the pin torque shoulder. The pin and box define a longitudinal axis. The pin torque shoulder has a first pin shoulder surface and a second pin shoulder surface, the first pin shoulder surface intersects an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a first angle and the second pin shoulder surface intersects the perpendicular axis at a second angle. The box torque shoulder has a first box shoulder surface and a second box shoulder surface. The first box shoulder surface intersects an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a third angle and the second box shoulder surface intersects the perpendicular axis at a fourth angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2017Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Jeroen Stijn Juliaan VAN WITTENBERGHE
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Patent number: 10006569Abstract: A threaded connection includes a first tube having a pin, the pin having pin threads, a circumferential concave outer pin surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end, the concave outer pin surface including a pin seal surface and a continuous extension from the pin seal surface to the pin torque shoulder. A second tube has a box, the box has box threads for interacting with the pin threads, a circumferential inner box surface and a box torque shoulder. The inner box surface has a radially inwardly extending box seal surface, the pin seal surface contacts the box seal surface to define a seal. The seal is spaced from the free end when the pin and box torque shoulders contact, the continuous extension continuing from the seal to the pin torque shoulder. A method for making-up a threaded connection is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: ArcelorMittal Tubular Products Luxembourg S.A.Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Jeroen Stijn Juliaan Van Wittenberghe
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Publication number: 20160245433Abstract: A threaded connection includes a first tube having a pin, the pin having pin threads, a circumferential concave outer pin surface, and a pin torque shoulder at a free end, the concave outer pin surface including a pin seal surface and a continuous extension from the pin seal surface to the pin torque shoulder. A second tube has a box, the box has box threads for interacting with the pin threads, a circumferential inner box surface and a box torque shoulder. The inner box surface has a radially inwardly extending box seal surface, the pin seal surface contacts the box seal surface to define a seal. The seal is spaced from the free end when the pin and box torque shoulders contact, the continuous extension continuing from the seal to the pin torque shoulder. A method for making-up a threaded connection is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2015Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventor: Merle E. EVANS
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Patent number: 9044802Abstract: A method and apparatus for a testing facility for simulating downhole conditions is provided. The testing facility may include a test bench for expanding tubular members having one or more threaded connections. The test bench may also be operable to simulate the expansion of a tubular connection downhole and to produce expanded tubular connection test samples.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Merle E. Evans, Richard W. DeLange, John Richard Setterberg, Jr.
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Patent number: 8181707Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for protecting tubular connections. In one aspect, an expandable tubular connection for use in a wellbore is provided. The tubular connection includes a tubular pin member. The tubular connection also includes a tubular box member having an end portion, wherein the tubular pin member is matable with the tubular box member to form the tubular connection. Additionally, the tubular connection includes a sleeve member disposed on the tubular pin member, wherein the sleeve member is configured to substantially protect the end portion of the tubular box member as the tubular connection is lowered into the wellbore. In yet a further aspect, a method for utilizing a tubular connection in a wellbore is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Merle E. Evans, John Richard Setterberg, Jr., Lev Ring, Ghazi J. Hashem, Richard W. DeLange
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Publication number: 20110232355Abstract: A method and apparatus for a testing facility for simulating downhole conditions is provided. The testing facility may include a test bench for expanding tubular members having one or more threaded connections. The test bench may also be operable to simulate the expansion of a tubular connection downhole and to produce expanded tubular connection test samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Richard W. DeLange, John Richard Setterberg, JR.
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Patent number: 7887103Abstract: A tubular configured to mate with a second tubular so that sealing integrity is maintained between the tubulars before, during, and after expansion of the tubulars is disclosed. In one embodiment, a connector for connecting tubulars is provided. The connector includes a pin portion; a box portion, wherein the pin and the box portions are configured to mate; a sealing surface formed in an inner surface of the box portion; a seal disposed in a groove formed in an outer surface of the pin portion, wherein the seal is configured to engage with a sealing surface of the box portion upon mating of the pin and the box portions; and a bump formed on an inner surface of the pin portion, wherein the bump is substantially radially aligned with the groove and the bump is configured so that the seal remains engaged with the box portion during and after expansion of the pin and the box portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Watherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Ghazi J. Hashem, John Richard Setterberg, Jr., Robert P. Badrak, Patrick G. Maguire
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Publication number: 20110005775Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for protecting tubular connections. In one aspect, an expandable tubular connection for use in a wellbore is provided. The tubular connection includes a tubular pin member. The tubular connection also includes a tubular box member having an end portion, wherein the tubular pin member is matable with the tubular box member to form the tubular connection. Additionally, the tubular connection includes a sleeve member disposed on the tubular pin member, wherein the sleeve member is configured to substantially protect the end portion of the tubular box member as the tubular connection is lowered into the wellbore. In yet a further aspect, a method for utilizing a tubular connection in a wellbore is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Merle E. Evans, John Richard Setterberg, JR., Lev Ring, Ghazi J. Hashem, Richard W. DeLange
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Publication number: 20100320754Abstract: An expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars that provides a high bearing pressure seal at a specific area along the pin and box members is disclosed. The invention utilizes a “groove” in a surface of the box member and a corresponding “rib” on the pin nose. The radial expansion of the tubulars causes the pin to become shorter in length, thereby causing the pin nose to retract from the back of the box member. As the pin nose retracts, the rib on the pin nose moves backward until a portion of the rib contacts a portion of the groove in the box member. The point of contact between the rib and the groove creates a metal-to-metal seal between the pin and box members. Because the point of contact between the rib and the groove is a relatively small area, the force acting on the point of contact generates a high bearing pressure that is equal to or greater than the internal pressure within the expandable tubulars and, thus, generates a high pressure seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Ghazi J. Hashem, Simon J. Harrall, Lev M. Ring, Merle E. Evans
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Patent number: 7798238Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for protecting tubular connections. In one aspect, an expandable tubular connection for use in a wellbore is provided. The tubular connection includes a tubular pin member. The tubular connection also includes a tubular box member having an end portion, wherein the tubular pin member is matable with the tubular box member to form the tubular connection. Additionally, the tubular connection includes a sleeve member disposed on the tubular pin member, wherein the sleeve member is configured to substantially protect the end portion of the tubular box member as the tubular connection is lowered into the wellbore. In yet a further aspect, a method for utilizing a tubular connection in a wellbore is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Merle E. Evans, John Richard Setterberg, Jr., Lev Ring, Ghazi J. Hashem, Richard W. DeLange
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Patent number: 7798536Abstract: An expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars that provides a high bearing pressure seal at a specific area along the pin and box members is disclosed. The invention utilizes a “groove” in a surface of the box member and a corresponding “rib” on the pin nose. The radial expansion of the tubulars causes the pin to become shorter in length, thereby causing the pin nose to retract from the back of the box member. As the pin nose retracts, the rib on the pin nose moves backward until a portion of the rib contacts a portion of the groove in the box member. The point of contact between the rib and the groove creates a metal-to-metal seal between the pin and box members. Because the point of contact between the rib and the groove is a relatively small area, the force acting on the point of contact generates a high bearing pressure that is equal to or greater than the internal pressure within the expandable tubulars and, thus, generates a high pressure seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Ghazi J. Hashem, Simon J. Harrall, Lev M. Ring, Merle E. Evans
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Patent number: 6811189Abstract: The threaded connection between the pin and the box ends of two pipes is sealed externally and internally to protect the threads in the connection from exposure to corrosive fluids. Seals are provided at each axial end of the threads. The external seals may be formed by metal-to-metal engagement between the pin and box or may be provided by an annular, elastomeric ring engaging the pin and box of the connection. A threaded compression ring may be used to compress the elastomeric seal between the pin and box. The seals protect dynamically loaded threaded connections from fatigue-induced failure in corrosive environments.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Grant Prideco, L.P.Inventors: Richard W. DeLange, Merle E. Evans, Richard C. Griffin, William W. Starodub, Gregory K. Otten, Donna S. Anderson
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Patent number: 5092635Abstract: The overall description of this invention is a truncated buttress-type thread form that incorporates a reverse-angle tension load flank with a compression flank and a torque shoulder; the thread does not have any radial interference designed into it, but the hooked tension flank does tend to pull the pin and box together once the torque shoulder is engaged. The mating compression flanks have designed into them a minimum amount of clearance prior to the shouldering action, which then closes to zero or very near zero at the moment the shoulder is engaged. This drawing together is due to the tendency of the hooked threads to pull together at shouldering if there exists no radial interference in the thread body. The thread roots and crests can be tapered, parallel to the taper of the thread body, or flat and parallel to the pipe axis but maintain adequate clearance to allow some closure once the shoulder is engaged so that the compression flanks can draw together.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1990Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Richard W. DeLange, Merle E. Evans, Donna S. Anderson