Patents by Inventor Michael L. Walker

Michael L. Walker 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: 20030099299
    Abstract: A method of data transmission according to one embodiment of the invention includes encoding a set of data values to produce a corresponding series of ordered n-tuples. The method also includes transmitting, according to the series of ordered n-tuples, a plurality of bursts over a plurality n of frequency bands. Specifically, for each of the plurality of bursts, a frequency band occupied by the burst is indicated by the order within its n-tuple of an element corresponding to the burst. A bandwidth of at least one of the plurality of bursts is at least two percent of the center frequency of the burst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald D. Rogerson, Jason L. Ellis, David S. Furuno, Michael L. Walker, Stephan W. Gehring
  • Patent number: 6558619
    Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor comprising a quantity of a phosphorylated oxyalkylated polyol at a pH of 5.0 or higher which produces a first level of corrosion loss in an oxygenated corrosive system under given conditions, and an amount of a passivating agent effective to decrease the corrosion loss under said given conditions to a second level which is less than the first level. The passivating agent minimizes the impact of the corrosion inhibitor on the rheology of drilling system fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, David J. Poelker, Rich Lloyd Martin
  • Publication number: 20030020047
    Abstract: It has been discovered that carbonate powders and bicarbonate powders are useful to increase the pH and corrosion resistance of high-density brines, such as zinc bromide brines, without significantly reducing their densities. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates should be water-soluble and may be sodium, potassium, magnesium and/or ammonium carbonates and/or bicarbonates and the like. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates are easily added in powder or other finely divided solid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6490797
    Abstract: A knife blade is locked by selectively moving a blade locking mechanism into and out of alignment with the end surface of the blade. The blade locking mechanism is replaceably mounted on the free end of a spring formed as a part of one of the side panels. The blade locking mechanism is preferably a disc which seats into a conical recess in the end of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Imperial Schrade Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Lake, Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6448311
    Abstract: A novel method for making improved cement fluid loss additives comprising copolymers of acrylamide having desirable viscosity and fluid loss control properties. The method combines (1) the use of oxygenated make-up water to dissolve acrylamide monomers, derivatives or mixtures thereof to form a reaction mixture for polymerization of the monomers with (2) a second “condition” or set of conditions. The second “condition” or set of conditions is either (a) using of two heating stages to induce polymerization, or (b) adding a small amount of acrylic acid to the reaction mixture before exposing the reaction mixture to a temperature sufficient to polymerize the monomers. The two heating stages of (a) involve (i) an initial, lower temperature stage followed by (ii) a higher temperature stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Publication number: 20020038863
    Abstract: It has been discovered that ammonia and amines are useful to increase the pH and corrosion resistance of high density brines, such as zinc bromide brines, without significantly reducing their densities. The ammonia or amine additive is preferably incorporated by contacting the brine with the additive which is in the vapor phase. Optionally, a substituted carboxylic acid, such as hydroxy carboxylic acid, may be used to increase the amount of ammonia or amine that can be included in the high density brine without precipitation of salts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 5759964
    Abstract: Improved high viscosity well treating fluids for use at temperatures above about 200.degree. F., gel breaking additives for the treating fluids and methods of using the treating fluids are provided by the present invention. The high viscosity well treating fluids are basically comprised of an aqueous liquid, a polysaccharide gelling agent to increase the viscosity of the aqueous liquid and a gel breaker comprised of a bromate ion releasing compound to reduce the viscosity of the aqueous liquid after a desired period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Shuchart, Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 5669446
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of breaking an aqueous based viscosified fluid having potassium ions present therein with a breaker comprising an alkali metal chlorite or hypochlorite through use of a breaker activator comprising a source of ammonium ion in the aqueous fluid. The method is particularly effective in providing a controlled break in a treatment fluid introduced into a subterranean formation having a static temperature in the range of from about 100.degree. F. to about 300.degree. F. In some instances, a second breaker activator comprising a source of thioglycolate ion also may be admixed with the viscosified fluid to further accelerate breaker activation at temperatures below about 200.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, Chris E. Shuchart, John M. Terracina, Billy F. Slabaugh, Michael A. McCabe
  • Patent number: 5669447
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of breaking an aqueous based viscosified fluid containing a breaker comprising an alkali metal chlorite or hypochlorite through use of a breaker activator comprising thioglycolate ion or a compound capable of producing thioglycolate ion in the aqueous fluid. The method is particularly effective in providing a controlled break in a treatment fluid introduced into a subterranean formation having a static temperature in the range of from about 100.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, Chris E. Shuchart, John M. Terracina
  • Patent number: 5596808
    Abstract: A knife has a folding blade, a blade lock in the form of a leaf spring, and a safety for preventing unlocking of the lock. One form of safety has a carrier in the form of an elongate arm mounted on the knife handle. A stud is positioned on an inside surface of one end of the arm. A contact surface is formed on an outside surface of the arm opposite from the stud. The other end of the arm is pivotably attached to the handle of the knife. The arm may be swung from a release position, unobstructive of the lock, to a safety position in which the presence of the stud prevents unlocking the lock. The carrier may be spring biased toward the release position, and may have limited travel away from the handle to the release position. The carrier may also be a slide or a rotating disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventors: Ronald W. Lake, Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 5591381
    Abstract: The present invention provides corrosion inhibiting compositions and methods whereby protective coatings are formed on metal surfaces. The compositions are basically comprised of a corrosion inhibiting condensation reaction product enhanced by the presence of antimony or bismuth compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 5441929
    Abstract: A hydrochloric acid acidizing composition for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore to increase the production of desired materials (e.g., hydrocarbons) therefrom that includes a corrosion inhibitor for protecting both ferrous based alloy surfaces (e.g., low alloy steel surfaces) and titanium based alloy surfaces associated with the treatment from corrosion by the acid. The corrosion inhibitor includes an effective amount of a first inhibitor component for inhibiting corrosion of ferrous based alloys, the first inhibitor component including at least one chemical reducing compound, and an effective amount of a second inhibitor component for inhibiting corrosion of titanium based alloys, the second inhibitor component including at least one source of molybdate ions such as sodium molybdate. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore to increase the production of desired materials therefrom is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 5413178
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controllably breaking an aqueous based viscosified fluid containing a gel stabilizer such as sodium thiosulfate, when the fluid is within a subterranean formation having a temperature above about 175.degree. F. The method is accomplished by the incorporation of a particular selected breaker comprising an alkali metal chlorite or hypochlorite in the viscosified fluid containing the gel stabilizer. The method is particularly effective in providing a controlled break in a treatment fluid introduced into a subterranean formation having a static temperature in the range of from about 200.degree. F. to about 300.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, Chris E. Shuchart
  • Patent number: 5411670
    Abstract: A method and coating composition for producing protective coatings on metal surfaces of tubular goods, equipment and so forth used in processes associated with oxidative environments to inhibit corrosive effects of the oxidative environments thereon. The coating composition includes an aqueous liquid carrier and a corrosion inhibiting combination of a specific condensation product and an antimony compound. The antimony compound is activated by the condensation product and enhances the degree of protection achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 5366643
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and composition for acidizing a subterranean formation employing an acidic solution comprising hydrochloric acid solution containing a corrosion inhibitor present in a corrosion-reducing effective amount. The corrosion inhibitor comprises the product of the reaction of (i) a compound having at least one reactive hydrogen atom and having no groups reactive under the conditions of reaction other than hydrogen, (ii) a carbonyl compound having at least one hydrogen atom on the carbon atom adjacent to the carbonyl group, (iii) an aldehyde, (iv) a fatty compound and an acid source which is admixed with a source of antimony ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4979301
    Abstract: A folding blade knife constructed so that the knife blade can be opened or closed with one hand. The knife includes a handle composed of two side members that are assembled in a spaced relation to provide space for a blade. A blade is pivotally mounted in one end of the handle for movement to an open or closed position. The blade has an elongated slot cut therein and the slot is located in the end of the blade mounted in the handle. A locking lever is pivotally mounted in the elongated slot in the blade. The lever has a release button formed on one end and a locking button formed on the other end. A pair of locking recesses are formed in the interior surface of one of the handle sides members. These recesses are located adjacent to the end of the handle where the blade is mounted. The elongated slot in the blade, and thus the locking lever, are positioned so that the locking button of the locking lever will engage the locking recesses in the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4949790
    Abstract: A precipitation control additive composition, an acidizing composition for treating a sour well and a method of treating a sour well are provided. An iron sequestering agent and a sulfide modifier are added to a treating solution. The iron sequestering agent combines with iron present in the solution while the sulfide modifier combines with sulfides present in the solution. By combining with both iron and sulfides present in the solution, the combination of an iron sequestering agent and a sulfide modifier effectively inhibits precipitation of ferric hydroxide, ferrous sulfide and free sulfur from the solution. As a result, formation and other serious damage is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Walter R. Dill, Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4896424
    Abstract: A new composite cutting blade for a knife or other cutting instrument and a novel method of making the blade. The blade is formed from a body section made of a strong tough material formed with a dovetail configuration along one edge thereof and a cutting edge section made of a hard durable material that has a matching dovetail configuraion along one edge. The body and cutting edge sections are joined by press fitting the two dovetail edges together and then peening the joint. The blade is provided with a recess so that when the blade is rotated into the handle that includes a unique locking means, the blade is retained in a closed position. The handle includes a liner that has a spring finger which engages the tang of the blade to lock the blade in an open position. The spring finger also has a ball detent mounted thereon that engages the recess in the blade when the blade is in a closed position so as to retain the blade in a tightly closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4888121
    Abstract: A precipitation control additive composition, an acidizing composition for treating a sour well and a method of treating a sour well are provided. An iron sequestering agent, such as aminopolycarboxylic acids, hydroxycarboxylic acids, cyclic polyethers, and derivatives thereof and a sulfide modifier, such as aldehyde, acetal, hemiacetal, and many other compounds capable of forming aldehydes in solution are added to a treating solution. The iron sequestering agent cobines with iron present in the solution while the sulfide modifier combines with sulfides present in the solution. By combining with both iron and sulfides present in the solution, the combination of an iron sequestering agent and a sulfide modifier effectively inhibits precipitation of ferric hydroxide, ferrous sulfide and free sulfur from the solution. As a result, formation and other serious damage is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Walter R. Dill, Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4683954
    Abstract: A method and composition for stimulating subterranean formations containing iron deposits. The composition comprises an admixture of (i) at least one member selected from the group consisting of hydroxylamine hydrochloride, hydroxylamine hydrobromide, hydroxylamine sulfate, hydrazine monohydrochloride, hydrazine dihydrochloride, hydrazine sulfate, hydrazine monobromide, hydrazine dibromide, hydrazine monoiodide, hydrazine diiodide and hydroquinone together with (ii) at least one member selected from the group consisting of gluconodeltalactone, citric acid, salts of citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, salts of ethylenediamianetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, and salts of hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid and (iii) a catalytic amount of a solubilized salt of a compound capable of providing cupric, cuprous, nickel, zinc ions or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, William G. F. Ford, Walter R. Dill, Ricky D. Gdanski