Patents by Inventor N. Bruce Moore
N. Bruce Moore 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: 8245796Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: WWT International, Inc.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V, Duane Bloom, N. Bruce Moore, Robert Levay
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Patent number: 8119047Abstract: A non-rotating drill pipe protector sleeve is molded in situ around a drill pipe tubing. The inner surface of the molded protector sleeve can be shaped to form a fluid bearing during use. Fixed stop collars may be molded in situ in the same mold and bonded to the tubing at opposing ends of the molded sleeve. Alternatively, a flexible sleeve liner made from a material having a hardness less than that of the sleeve's molding material can be used as a mold insert around the tubing. The liner can be bonded to the molded sleeve material when the sleeve is molded around the liner. The interior surface of the liner can be shaped to form a fluid bearing for the inside surface of the molded sleeve. Reinforcing inserts and wear pads can be placed in the mold region of the sleeve. Chemical and/or mechanical bonding is provided between the liner reinforcement and the material from which the sleeve is molded. Reinforcing inserts and wear pads also can be placed in the mold regions for the stop collars.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: WWT International, Inc.Inventors: N. Bruce Moore, Eric J. O'Neal, Sarah B. Mitchell
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Patent number: 7954563Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: WWT International, Inc.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, N. Bruce Moore, Duane Bloom
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Publication number: 20100307832Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V, Duane Bloom, N. Bruce Moore, Robert Levay
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Publication number: 20100163251Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Philip W. Mock, N. Bruce Moore, Duane Bloom
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Publication number: 20100038138Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: WESTERN WELL TOOL, INC.Inventors: PHILIP W. MOCK, RUDOLPH ERNST KRUEGER, V, DUANE BLOOM, N. BRUCE MOORE
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Patent number: 7607497Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, N. Bruce Moore, Duane Bloom
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Publication number: 20090008152Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Philip W. Mock, N. Bruce Moore, Duane Bloom
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Publication number: 20080223616Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: WESTERN WELL TOOL, INC.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, Duane Bloom, N. Bruce Moore
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Publication number: 20080217063Abstract: A non-rotating drill pipe protector sleeve is molded in situ around a drill pipe tubing. The inner surface of the molded protector sleeve can be shaped to form a fluid bearing during use. Fixed stop collars may be molded in situ in the same mold and bonded to the tubing at opposing ends of the molded sleeve. Alternatively, a flexible sleeve liner made from a material having a hardness less than that of the sleeve's molding material can be used as a mold insert around the tubing. The liner can be bonded to the molded sleeve material when the sleeve is molded around the liner. The interior surface of the liner can be shaped to form a fluid bearing for the inside surface of the molded sleeve. Reinforcing inserts and wear pads can be placed in the mold region of the sleeve. Chemical and/or mechanical bonding is provided between the liner reinforcement and the material from which the sleeve is molded. Reinforcing inserts and wear pads also can be placed in the mold regions for the stop collars.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: N. Bruce Moore, Eric J. O'Neal, Sarah B. Mitchell
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Patent number: 7392859Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Philip W. Mock, N. Bruce Moore, Duane Bloom
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Patent number: 7343982Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Phil Mock, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, V, Duane Bloom, N. Bruce Moore
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Publication number: 20080047715Abstract: A fluid conduit sheath for a wellbore tractor can provide transportation of a working fluid external to a wellbore tractor in a downhole environment. The fluid conduit sheath can further provide cooling to electrical devices in the wellbore tractor. The fluid conduit sheath can be configured to be disposed around the body of the wellbore tractor, defining a fluid conduit between the sheath and the wellbore tractor. Spacers can be used to maintain the position of the sheath relative to the tractor and also to couple the tractor to the sheath. The fluid conduit sheath can be advantageous in tractors whose internal components substantially preclude the use of an internal fluid conduit, such as tractors with electrically-actuated grippers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventor: N. Bruce Moore
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Patent number: 7121364Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Phil Mock, Ernst R. Krueger, V, Duane Bloom, N. Bruce Moore
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Patent number: 6942044Abstract: A steering tool for extended-reach directional drilling in three dimensions comprises a mud pulse telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft and a deflection actuator for applying hydraulic pressure along the length of the shaft for bending the shaft when making inclination angle adjustments during steering. The rotary section comprises a rotator housing coupled to the deflection housing for rotating the deflection housing for making azimuth angle adjustments during steering. The onboard mud pulse telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals during steering for use in controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section for steering the tool along a desired course.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Western Well Tools, Inc.Inventors: N. Bruce Moore, R. Ernst Krueger, Ronald E. Beaufort
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Publication number: 20040173381Abstract: A steering tool for extended-reach directional drilling in three dimensions comprises a mud pulse telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft and a deflection actuator for applying hydraulic pressure along the length of the shaft for bending the shaft when making inclination angle adjustments during steering. The rotary section comprises a rotator housing coupled to the deflection housing for rotating the deflection housing for making azimuth angle adjustments during steering. The onboard mud pulse telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals during steering for use in controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section for steering the tool along a desired course.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventors: N. Bruce Moore, R. Ernst Krueger, Ronald E. Beaufort
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Publication number: 20040168828Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Philip W. Mock, Rudolph Ernst Krueger, Duane Bloom, N. Bruce Moore
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Publication number: 20040084219Abstract: A steering tool for extended-reach directional drilling in three dimensions comprises a mud pulse telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft and a deflection actuator for applying hydraulic pressure along the length of the shaft for bending the shaft when making inclination angle adjustments during steering. The rotary section comprises a rotator housing coupled to the deflection housing for rotating the deflection housing for making azimuth angle adjustments during steering. The onboard mud pulse telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals during steering for use in controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section for steering the tool along a desired course.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: N. Bruce Moore, R. Ernst Krueger, Ronald E. Beaufort
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Patent number: 6708783Abstract: A steering tool for extended-reach directional drilling in three dimensions comprises a mud pulse telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft and a deflection actuator for applying hydraulic pressure along the length of the shaft for bending the shaft when making inclination angle adjustments during steering. The rotary section comprises a rotator housing coupled to the deflection housing for rotating the deflection housing for making azimuth angle adjustments during steering. The onboard mud pulse telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals during steering for use in controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section for steering the tool along a desired course.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: N. Bruce Moore, R. Ernst Krueger, Ronald E. Beaufort
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Publication number: 20030051919Abstract: A steering tool for extended-reach directional drilling in three dimensions comprises a mud pulse telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft and a deflection actuator for applying hydraulic pressure along the length of the shaft for bending the shaft when making inclination angle adjustments during steering. The rotary section comprises a rotator housing coupled to the deflection housing for rotating the deflection housing for making azimuth angle adjustments during steering. The onboard mud pulse telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals during steering for use in controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section for steering the tool along a desired course.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: N. Bruce Moore, R. Ernst Krueger, Ronald E. Beaufort