Patents by Inventor Michael A. McKee

Michael A. McKee 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: 20110154908
    Abstract: A well access line monitor. The monitor may be employed to directly interface and establish the current yield strength of a plastically deformable line such as coiled tubing or slickline. Such interfacing may take place in advance of, or during an application. Thus, the fitness of the line for the application may be established in real-time. Further, with comparison to a reference log of projected yield strength for the line over the course of multiple bend cycles, the remaining life of the line may also be established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: L. Michael Mckee, Robert Michael Ramsey, Hifzi Ardic
  • Patent number: 7967072
    Abstract: A release mechanism for incorporation into a logging head. The release mechanism may be a tensile release mechanism that employs a plurality of tensile members for interchangeable insertion into a plurality of tensile compartments. As a result, a weakpoint for the logging head may be user defined on location at the oilfield. Furthermore, for potentially deeper wells, a rotatable release mechanism may be alternatively or additionally incorporated into the logging head. The rotatable release mechanism may be employed to effectuate a release of the logging head upon signaling from surface equipment. Additionally, the rotatable release mechanism may be powered to achieve the release solely from a downhole power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: L. Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 7955098
    Abstract: A card edge connector (100) for mating with a memory card (900) includes an elongate insulative housing (1), and a number of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (3); the insulative housing (1) defines a pair of side walls (11), a central slot (12) between the side walls (11), and at least a tower portion (13) at one end thereof; an ejector (3) rotatably attached to the tower portion (13) and has a body portion (31), an operation portion (32) and a lock portion (33) extending from a top end of the body portion (31), and a rotation portion (34) at a lower end of the body portion (31); wherein the rotation portion (34) has at least two adjacent dentations (3411) extending inwardly from an inner side thereof to push the memory card (900) downwardly into the central slot (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael McKee, Robert Colantuono, Richard Lee Malehorn
  • Publication number: 20110124214
    Abstract: A card edge connector (100) for mating with a memory card (900) includes an elongate insulative housing (1), and a number of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (3); the insulative housing (1) defines a pair of side walls (11), a central slot (12) between the side walls (11), and at least a tower portion (13) at one end thereof; an ejector (3) rotatably attached to the tower portion (13) and has a body portion (31), an operation portion (32) and a lock portion (33) extending from a top end of the body portion (31), and a rotation portion (34) at a lower end of the body portion (31); wherein the rotation portion (34) has at least two adjacent dentations (3411) extending inwardly from an inner side thereof to push the memory card (900) downwardly into the central slot (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: MICHAEL MCKEE, ROBERT COLANTUONO, RICHARD LEE MALEHORN
  • Publication number: 20110089685
    Abstract: A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: L. Michael McKee, Bart Thomeer, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Michael Ramsey, Robert Bucher, Michael H. Kenison, Robert Greenaway
  • Patent number: 7922438
    Abstract: A method of operating a working machine which includes a body, a first working arm carrying in use, at its outermost end, a mounting structure (for releasably carrying a first working implement, and the body carrying towards a second end of the body opposite to the first end, a superstructure which is rotatable relative to the body about a first generally upright axis, the superstructure providing a mounting for a second working arm, and the second working arm in use, carrying at an outermost end, a mounting for a second working implement, the machine further including a third implement carried at the second end of the body, on a further mounting structure to provide a further mounting assembly capable of mounting the first working implement, and the method including manipulating the second working arm to move the mounting for the second working implement to the mounting structure carrying the first working implement, releasing the engagement between the mounting structure of the first working arm and the fir
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventor: Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 7891933
    Abstract: A working machine includes a body and a ground engaging structure, the body mounting a prime mover and a first working arm, the first working arm being pivoted for up and down movement about a first generally horizontal axis, and extending beyond a first end of the body and carrying in use, at its outermost end, a first working implement, and the body carrying towards a second end of the body opposite to the first end, a superstructure which is rotatable relative to the body about a first generally upright axis, the superstructure providing a mounting for a second working arm, which mounting permits the second working arm to be pivoted up and down about a second generally horizontal axis and to be rotated about a second generally upright axis, and second working arm in use, carrying at an outermost end, a second working implement, the superstructure mounting an operator's cab which provides an operator position including an operator seat and controls operable by an operator when occupying the seat, and wherei
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventor: Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 7861776
    Abstract: A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. Michael McKee, Bart Thomeer, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Michael Ramsey, Robert Bucher, Michael H. Kenison, Robert Greenaway
  • Publication number: 20100313477
    Abstract: A door assist system for use in a motor vehicle, to aid the user in opening doors by providing a power assist and operative controls. The door assist system can be retrofitted to existing vehicles such as armored motor vehicles used in military operations, to aid the user in opening heavy armored doors. The door assist system includes a programmable central controller coupled to internal and external open and close switches and sensors for activating door movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: CONTROL SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael McKee, Nick Scholtes, John Hayden
  • Patent number: 7827668
    Abstract: A connection between coiled tubing and a connector includes a plurality of dimples formed by a tubing, each dimple is disposed within a respective pocket formed in a connector to form at least two rows of dimple-pocket connections, wherein the fit of the dimples within the pockets of the rows graduates from tighter to looser along the length of the connection. The connection may further include a seal member positioned between the tubing and the connector positioned between at least two of the rows of dimple-pocket connections formed. A method of connecting coiled tubing to a connector includes the steps of graduating the dimple-pocket connections from tighter to looser along the length of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. Michael McKee, Frank F. Espinosa, William D. Eatwell
  • Patent number: 7775289
    Abstract: A technique facilitates joining of coiled tubing sections. A framework has one or more movable stands with features designed to grip and manipulate an end of a coiled tubing section. The ability to hold and selectively move an end of a coiled tubing section or the ends of both coiled tubing sections enables an operator to easily prepare the coiled tubing ends and to couple the coiled tubing ends with a coiled tubing connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. Michael McKee, Matthew E. Wilson, Geoffrey Steel, William D. Eatwell
  • Publication number: 20100181077
    Abstract: A coupling to serve as a logging head or other downhole weakpoint assembly. The coupling is configured with a variety of internal tensile members. The individual members and load bearing capacities of each may be selectively engaged in a variety of combinations so as to provide a host of different load bearing capacities to the weakpoint coupling. Such selectable engagement is achieved through the dialing of a key by the user without the need to add or remove any load bearing features from the coupling. Thus, the user-friendly nature of the coupling is enhanced and the possibility of the user leaving behind supplemental load bearing tensile members for change-out is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: L. Michael McKee
  • Publication number: 20100181078
    Abstract: A handheld tool for straightening coiled tubing in a continuous manner. The tool is configured to straighten coiled tubing that has undergone plastifying deformation, for example, during winding about a coiled tubing reel. The tool is of enhanced mobility and may be employed to provide a straightened portion of coiled tubing without resorting to intermittent reverse kinking or corrugating of the coiled tubing. Rather, the substantially continuous character of the straightened portion of coiled tubing is well suited for stably and reliably accommodating a downhole tool for use within a well during hydrocarbon recovery applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: L. Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 7757755
    Abstract: A technique provides an orientation system combined with downhole equipment used in a well. An orientation device is mounted in the downhole equipment, e.g. a bottom hole assembly, for actuation during angular displacement of the downhole equipment. A sensor is mounted to cooperate with the orientation device in detecting the angular displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Kenison, L. Michael McKee, Robert Bucher, David P. Smith, Sarmad Adnan
  • Patent number: 7744231
    Abstract: An electrical connector including a connector subassembly having a front mating portion and a waveguide disposed around the front mating portion of the connector subassembly. The waveguide may alternatively be disposed near the front mating portion of the connector subassembly and an illumination device is provided at the side portion of the connector subassembly adjacent to the waveguide for coupling light emanating therefrom onto a portion of the waveguide which in turn conducts the light to illuminate at least a front end of the waveguide. The connector subassembly may further cooperate with a bezel having a frame and an opening. The frame retains the connector subassembly in position with the front mating portion of connector subassembly extending to the opening. The waveguide is then configured to have a front portion disposed between a rim portion of the opening and the front mating portion of the connector subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Hutchinson, Robert Colantuono, Michael McKee
  • Publication number: 20100096848
    Abstract: A connection between coiled tubing and a connector includes a plurality of dimples formed by a tubing, each dimple is disposed within a respective pocket formed in a connector to form at least two rows of dimple-pocket connections, wherein the fit of the dimples within the pockets of the rows graduates from tighter to looser along the length of the connection. The connection may further include a seal member positioned between the tubing and the connector positioned between at least two of the rows of dimple-pocket connections formed. A method of connecting coiled tubing to a connector includes the steps of graduating the dimple-pocket connections from tighter to looser along the length of the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: L. Michael McKee, Frank F. Espinosa, William D. Eatwell
  • Publication number: 20100049410
    Abstract: A method is described of operating an apparatus which has at least two alternative operational modes, and a plurality of controllable operating devices and a controller to which demand signals to operate the controllable operating devices are input by the operator from a main operating control structure, and from which command signals are issued to the controllable operating device, to change the operating states of the devices, and the apparatus further including a warning device, and an auxiliary control structure for the operator to input an auxiliary signal to the controller, the auxiliary control structure being operationally separate from the main operating control structure, at least one of the operating devices having an expected operating state appropriate for an operational mode, the method including determining the selected operational mode in which the apparatus is being operated or is about to be operated, and determining the operating state of the at least one operating device, comparing the det
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: J.C. BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael McKee
  • Publication number: 20100018692
    Abstract: A release mechanism for incorporation into a logging head. The release mechanism may be a tensile release mechanism that employs a plurality of tensile members for interchangeable insertion into a plurality of tensile compartments. As a result, a weakpoint for the logging head may be user defined on location at the oilfield. Furthermore, for potentially deeper wells, a rotatable release mechanism may be alternatively or additionally incorporated into the logging head. The rotatable release mechanism may be employed to effectuate a release of the logging head upon signaling from surface equipment. Additionally, the rotatable release mechanism may be powered to achieve the release solely from a downhole power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: L. Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 7637539
    Abstract: A connection between coiled tubing and a connector includes a plurality of dimples formed by a tubing, each dimple is disposed within a respective pocket formed in a connector to form at least two rows of dimple-pocket connections, wherein the fit of the dimples within the pockets of the rows graduates from tighter to looser along the length of the connection. The connection may further include a seal member positioned between the tubing and the connector positioned between at least two of the rows of dimple-pocket connections formed. A method of connecting coiled tubing to a connector includes the steps of graduating the dimple-pocket connections from tighter to looser along the length of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. Michael McKee, Frank F. Espinosa, William D. Eatwell
  • Publication number: 20090090513
    Abstract: A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Harold Steven Bissonnette, Hubertus V. Thomeer, L. Michael McKee, Robert Michael Ramsey