Patents by Inventor Michael Mire

Michael Mire 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).

  • Patent number: 9890890
    Abstract: A restraint system for use in securing temporary flow lines that include multiple pipe sections, each pair of pipe sections connected together with a fitting or coupling such as a hammer joint coupling. The system includes multiple pluralities of endless loop slings connected end to end with a cow hitch or girth hitch knot. Disconnectable fittings (e.g., shackles) are placed every three or more slings so that easy disassembly is afforded in case of leakage or other failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bond, Jr., Michael Mire
  • Publication number: 20180038189
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Patent number: 9689226
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20160333656
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Patent number: 9341040
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20150369415
    Abstract: A restraint system for use in securing temporary flow lines that include multiple pipe sections, each pair of pipe sections connected together with a fitting or coupling such as a hammer joint coupling. The system includes multiple pluralities of endless loop slings connected end to end with a cow hitch or girth hitch knot. Disconnectable fittings (e.g., shackles) are placed every three or more slings so that easy disassembly is afforded in case of leakage or other failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Bond, JR., Michael Mire
  • Patent number: 9217314
    Abstract: A method of evacuating hydrocarbons from a plurality of nested tubulars of a well pipe that extends from an underwater well tree includes an initial step of attaching a fluid transmission line to the underwater well tree, the fluid transmission line having one end portion forming the attachment to the tree and the other end portion attached to a pump that forces fluid under pressure to the tree and attached nested tubulars. Openings are formed through one or more tubulars of the nested tubulars at a selected location. A specially configured fitting is attached to the tubulars. The fitting seals the openings. The fitting has an expandable seal that is expandable responsive to rotation of a rotating member that rotates upon a saddle, pulling a tapered mandrel against the seal. The saddle surrounds the mandrel and bears against an outer tubular of the nested tubulars. The fitting mandrel has a bore. Hydrocarbons escape from the tubulars via the mandrel bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20150218902
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20150218912
    Abstract: A method of evacuating hydrocarbons from a plurality of nested tubulars of a well pipe that extends from an underwater well tree includes an initial step of attaching a fluid transmission line to the underwater well tree, the fluid transmission line having one end portion forming the attachment to the tree and the other end portion attached to a pump that forces fluid under pressure to the tree and attached nested tubulars. Openings are formed through one or more tubulars of the nested tubulars at a selected location. A specially configured fitting is attached to the tubulars. The fitting seals the openings. The fitting has an expandable seal that is expandable responsive to rotation of a rotating member that rotates upon a saddle, pulling a tapered mandrel against the seal. The saddle surrounds the mandrel and bears against an outer tubular of the nested tubulars. The fitting mandrel has a bore. Hydrocarbons escape from the tubulars via the mandrel bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Patent number: 8997850
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Patent number: 8997874
    Abstract: A method of evacuating hydrocarbons from a plurality of nested tubulars of a well pipe, extending from an underwater well tree, includes attaching a fluid transmission line to the underwater well tree, the fluid transmission line having one end portion forming the attachment to the tree and the other end portion attached to a pump that forces fluid under pressure to the tree and attached nested tubulars. Openings are formed through one or more tubulars at a selected location. A specially configured fitting is attached to the tubulars. The fitting seals the openings. The fitting has an expandable seal that is expandable responsive to rotation of a rotating member that rotates upon a saddle, pulling a tapered mandrel against the seal. The saddle surrounds the mandrel and bears against an outer tubular of the nested tubulars. The fitting mandrel has a bore through which hydrocarbons escape from the tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20140231099
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20140217761
    Abstract: A restraint system for use in securing temporary flow lines that include multiple pipe sections, each pair of pipe sections connected together with a fitting or coupling such as a hammer joint coupling. The system includes multiple pluralities of endless loop slings connected end to end with a cow hitch or girth hitch knot. Disconnectable fittings (e.g., shackles) are placed every three or more slings so that easy disassembly is afforded in case of leakage or other failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Bond, JR., Michael Mire
  • Patent number: 8657006
    Abstract: A method of severing a well string that extends into an oil well from an oil platform with a deck includes supporting upper and lower sections of the well string, the lower section supported at the platform deck with a deck located string support. A shear mechanism cuts the well string at a position that can be above the deck located string support. The upper section is then lifted a selected distance and the deck located string support again supports the string at a position below the cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Mire
  • Patent number: 8651174
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly valves) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a selected valving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20140013571
    Abstract: A web restraint system for use in securing temporary flow lines that include multiple pipe sections, each pair of pipe sections connected together with a coupling such as a hammer joint coupling. The system includes one or more elongated spines, each spine having end portions that are secured to provided anchors. A webbing is sized and shaped to envelope a coupling or hammer joint connection (and preferably each). The webbing or netting has peripheral loops which enable a technician to secure the spine to the webbing loops. A second plurality of loops can be used to secure the webbing to the ends of the pipe sections that are connected together with a said coupling or hammer joint connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert BOND, III, Michael MIRE
  • Publication number: 20140008077
    Abstract: A method of evacuating hydrocarbons from a plurality of nested tubulars of a well pipe that extends from an underwater well tree includes an initial step of attaching a fluid transmission line to the underwater well tree, the fluid transmission line having one end portion forming the attachment to the tree and the other end portion attached to a pump that forces fluid under pressure to the tree and attached nested tubulars. Openings are formed through one or more tubulars of the nested tubulars at a selected location. A specially configured fitting is attached to the tubulars. The fitting seals the openings. The fitting has an expandable seal that is expandable responsive to rotation of a rotating member that rotates upon a saddle, pulling a tapered mandrel against the seal. The saddle surrounds the mandrel and bears against an outer tubular of the nested tubulars. The fitting mandrel has a bore. Hydrocarbons escape from the tubulars via the mandrel bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20120285049
    Abstract: A hydraulic clamshell bucket apparatus employs a frame that includes an upper lifting member that enables the frame to be lifted with a crane or other lifting device. First and second hydraulically powered jaws and jaw pivots are provided on the frame. First and second hydraulic cylinders pivot on the frame above the jaw pivots, each cylinder connected to the frame at an upper cylinder pivot. Each cylinder pivotally attaches to a jaw at a lower cylinder pivot. Each jaw has a concave surface. First and second digging implements are attached to the jaws. Each digging implement has a concave portion. Each digging implement is wider than the jaw to which it is attached so that each implement extends laterally away from the jaw to which it is attached. A pair of side panels is attached to each digging implement at positions spaced away from the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael MIRE, Joey NAQUIN
  • Patent number: 8291977
    Abstract: A method of severing a well string that extends into an oil well from an oil platform with a deck includes supporting upper and lower sections of the well string, the lower section supported at the platform deck with a deck located string support. A shear mechanism cuts the well string at a position that can be above the deck located string support. The upper section is then lifted a selected distance and the deck located string support again supports the string at a position below the cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Mire
  • Publication number: 20120160506
    Abstract: A method of evacuating hydrocarbons from a plurality of nested tubulars of a well pipe, extending from an underwater well tree, includes attaching a fluid transmission line to the underwater well tree, the fluid transmission line having one end portion forming the attachment to the tree and the other end portion attached to a pump that forces fluid under pressure to the tree and attached nested tubulars. Openings are formed through one or more tubulars at a selected location. A specially configured fitting is attached to the tubulars. The fitting seals the openings. The fitting has an expandable seal that is expandable responsive to rotation of a rotating member that rotates upon a saddle, pulling a tapered mandrel against the seal. The saddle surrounds the mandrel and bears against an outer tubular of the nested tubulars. The fitting mandrel has a bore through which hydrocarbons escape from the tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael MIRE, Joey Naquin