Patents by Inventor Neil Hepburn

Neil Hepburn 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: 20250137356
    Abstract: Provided is a multilateral junction, a well system, and a method. The multilateral junction, in one aspect, includes a lateral branch template having a lateral window for positioning proximate a junction between a lateral wellbore and a main wellbore, and a lateral branch connector adapted to be sealably engaged to the lateral branch template, a portion of the lateral branch connector extending through the lateral window. The multilateral junction, according to this aspect, further includes one or more sealing elements configured to expand in volume located proximate a joint between the lateral branch template and the lateral branch connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Mark Christopher Glaser, Justin Roberts, David Joe Steele, Eulalio De Jesus Rosas Fermin
  • Publication number: 20240318504
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a downhole system having a millable joint with a first portion shaped to extend into a main wellbore and a second portion shaped to extend into a lateral wellbore, a cutting guide at least partially disposable within the millable joint; and a cutting assembly configured to move alongside the guide until engaging with a sidewall of the millable joint. Further disclosed are various embodiments for methods of operating a downhole system having a millable joint. Further disclosed are various embodiments for a downhole deflector assembly, having a deflector securable within a main wellbore wherein an uphole end of the deflector comprises an angled face configured to direct one or more tubulars from the main bore to a lateral bore and a whipstock insert attachment detachably securable to the deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Stuart Telfer, Morten Falnes
  • Patent number: 11506025
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation system is disclosed. The wellbore isolation system includes a junction positioned at an intersection of a first wellbore and a second wellbore, and a deflector disposed in the junction such that a path into the first leg of the junction is obstructed and engaged with the first leg of the junction to form a fluid and pressure tight seal. The junction includes a first leg extending downhole into the first wellbore, and a second leg extending downhole into the second wellbore. The deflector includes a channel extending axially through the deflector, and a degradable plug disposed in the channel and engaged with the channel to prevent fluid flow through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Stuart Alexander Telfer, Ben Luke Butler, David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 11466544
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a lateral locating assembly. The lateral locating assembly may include, in one aspect, a housing, as well as a piston positioned within the housing. The lateral locating assembly according to this aspect may further include a mandrel extending from a distal end of the housing, the mandrel configured to rotate and translate angularly in response to the piston moving from a first position to a second position, and a deflection tip coupled with a distal end of the mandrel, the deflection tip configured to rotate and angularly translate with the mandrel relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin Charles Rodriguez, Neil Hepburn
  • Patent number: 11448041
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a drillable window assembly. The drillable window assembly, in this aspect, includes a first precut casing joint, the first precut casing joint including a first casing tubular having two or more radially offset slots along an interior surface thereof, and a second precut casing joint coupled to the first precut casing joint, the second precut casing joint including a second casing tubular having a sidewall opening formed therein. The drillable window assembly, as contained within this aspect, further includes an outer sleeve surrounding the sidewall opening in the second casing tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Werner Kuhlman, Neil Hepburn, Franklin Charles Rodriguez, Stuart Alexander Telfer
  • Publication number: 20220259949
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a lateral locating assembly. The lateral locating assembly may include, in one aspect, a housing, as well as a piston positioned within the housing. The lateral locating assembly according to this aspect may further include a mandrel extending from a distal end of the housing, the mandrel configured to rotate and translate angularly in response to the piston moving from a first position to a second position, and a deflection tip coupled with a distal end of the mandrel, the deflection tip configured to rotate and angularly translate with the mandrel relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Franklin Charles Rodriguez, Neil Hepburn
  • Patent number: 11352849
    Abstract: A deflector assembly for an object in a well. The deflector assembly may include a tubular housing and a core plug. The tubular housing may include a window through a wall of the tubular housing, a deflector below the window. The deflector may include a cavity extending through an axial length of the deflector and a deflector angled surface that is shaped to direct the object toward the window. The core plug may be removably coupleable within the cavity and include a receptacle and a second angled surface that is shaped to direct the object toward the window. The second angled surface is aligned with the deflector angled surface. The core plug may be coupleable with the deflector so as to rotate with the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Stuart A. Telfer
  • Patent number: 11313205
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation system includes a junction positioned at an intersection of a first wellbore and a second wellbore, and a deflector disposed in the junction such that a path into the first leg of the junction is obstructed and engaged with the first leg of the junction to form a fluid and pressure tight seal. The junction includes a first leg extending downhole into the first wellbore, and a second leg extending downhole into the second wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Joe Steele, Neil Hepburn, Stuart Alexander Telfer
  • Patent number: 11293243
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing a deflector in a primary wellbore and confirming lateral wellbore access. The hydraulic retrieving tool is coupled to the interior of the deflector and introduced into the primary wellbore. The hydraulic retrieving tool comprises a bullnose, a plurality of retractable deflective pads, and a retractable dog. The deflector comprises a deflection surface. The hydraulic retrieving tool is decoupled from the interior of the deflector at a depth in the primary wellbore by retracting the dog and the plurality of deflective pads. The hydraulic retrieving tool is removed from the interior of the deflector. The dog and the plurality of deflective pads on the hydraulic retrieving tool are expanded when the hydraulic retrieving tool is removed from the interior of the deflector. The hydraulic retrieving tool drifts at least a portion of the deflection surface to determine if there is lateral wellbore access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin Charles Rodriguez, Morten Falnes, Neil Hepburn
  • Patent number: 11286721
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a windowed deflector assembly. The windowed deflector assembly according to this aspect includes a tubular housing, the tubular housing having a window there through, a wrap covering the window, and a deflector coupled to or formed integrally as part of the tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Stuart Alexander Telfer
  • Publication number: 20210404275
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing a deflector in a primary wellbore and confirming lateral wellbore access. The hydraulic retrieving tool is coupled to the interior of the deflector and introduced into the primary wellbore. The hydraulic retrieving tool comprises a bullnose, a plurality of retractable deflective pads, and a retractable dog. The deflector comprises a deflection surface. The hydraulic retrieving tool is decoupled from the interior of the deflector at a depth in the primary wellbore by retracting the dog and the plurality of deflective pads. The hydraulic retrieving tool is removed from the interior of the deflector. The dog and the plurality of deflective pads on the hydraulic retrieving tool are expanded when the hydraulic retrieving tool is removed from the interior of the deflector. The hydraulic retrieving tool drifts at least a portion of the deflection surface to determine if there is lateral wellbore access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Franklin Charles Rodriguez, Morten Falnes, Neil Hepburn
  • Publication number: 20210332658
    Abstract: A deflector assembly for an object in a well. The deflector assembly may include a tubular housing and a core plug. The tubular housing may include a window through a wall of the tubular housing, a deflector below the window. The deflector may include a cavity extending through an axial length of the deflector and a deflector angled surface that is shaped to direct the object toward the window. The core plug may be removably coupleable within the cavity and include a receptacle and a second angled surface that is shaped to direct the object toward the window. The second angled surface is aligned with the deflector angled surface. The core plug may be coupleable with the deflector so as to rotate with the deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGCY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Stuart A. Telfer
  • Patent number: 10989001
    Abstract: A plug deflector includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a tool receptacle provided at the first end and defining an internal bore having a first coupling mechanism defined on the internal bore, at least one plug provided at the second end, and a deflector surface provided at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. A system includes a Y-block positioned within a multi-lateral wellbore at a junction of a first wellbore and a second wellbore extending from the first wellbore, the Y-block having a first leg fluidly coupled to the first wellbore and a second leg fluidly coupled to the second wellbore, and a plug deflector coupled to the Y-block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Joe Steele, Benjamin Luke Butler, Stuart Alexander Telfer, Neil Hepburn
  • Patent number: 10927630
    Abstract: A casing exit joint with guiding profiles and methods for use are provided. In one embodiment, a casing exit joint comprises: a substantially tubular casing joint comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein at least a circumferential portion of the inner surface comprises a plurality of axial inner grooves. In certain embodiments, at least a circumferential portion of the outer surface may comprise a plurality of axial outer grooves. The casing exit joint may be disposed in a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, and a cutting tool may cut a window through at least a portion of the casing exit joint. In certain embodiments, the axial inner grooves and/or outer grooves may reduce the amount of milling debris, prevent lateral displacement of the cutting tool, and/or eliminate the need to pre-orient the casing exit joint to achieve the desired exit window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steffen Helgesen Van der Veen, Espen Dahl, Morten Falnes, Stuart Alexander Telfer, Neil Hepburn
  • Publication number: 20210047901
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a drillable window assembly. The drillable window assembly, in this aspect, includes a first precut casing joint, the first precut casing joint including a first casing tubular having two or more radially offset slots along an interior surface thereof, and a second precut casing joint coupled to the first precut casing joint, the second precut casing joint including a second casing tubular having a sidewall opening formed therein. The drillable window assembly, as contained within this aspect, further includes an outer sleeve surrounding the sidewall opening in the second casing tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Werner Kuhlman, Neil Hepburn, Franklin Charles Rodriguez, Stuart Alexander Telfer
  • Publication number: 20200270970
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation system is disclosed. The wellbore isolation system includes a junction positioned at an intersection of a first wellbore and a second wellbore, and a deflector disposed in the junction such that a path into the first leg of the junction is obstructed and engaged with the first leg of the junction to form a fluid and pressure tight seal. The junction includes a first leg extending downhole into the first wellbore, and a second leg extending downhole into the second wellbore. The deflector includes a channel extending axially through the deflector, and a degradable plug disposed in the channel and engaged with the channel to prevent fluid flow through the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Stuart Alexander Telfer, Ben Luke Butler, David Joe Steele
  • Publication number: 20200173238
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a windowed deflector assembly. The windowed deflector assembly according to this aspect includes a tubular housing, the tubular housing having a window there through, a wrap covering the window, and a deflector coupled to or formed integrally as part of the tubular housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Stuart Alexander Telfer
  • Patent number: 10655433
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation system includes a junction positioned at an intersection of a first wellbore and a second wellbore, and a deflector disposed in the junction such that a path into the first leg of the junction is obstructed and engaged with the first leg of the junction to form a fluid and pressure tight seal. The junction includes a first leg extending downhole into the first wellbore, and a second leg extending downhole into the second wellbore. The deflector includes a channel extending axially through the deflector, and a degradable plug disposed in the channel and engaged with the channel to prevent fluid flow through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Stuart Alexander Telfer, Ben Luke Butler, David Joe Steele
  • Publication number: 20190186222
    Abstract: A plug deflector includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a tool receptacle provided at the first end and defining an internal bore having a first coupling mechanism defined on the internal bore, at least one plug provided at the second end, and a deflector surface provided at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. A system includes a Y-block positioned within a multi-lateral wellbore at a junction of a first wellbore and a second wellbore extending from the first wellbore, the Y-block having a first leg fluidly coupled to the first wellbore and a second leg fluidly coupled to the second wellbore, and a plug deflector coupled to the Y-block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Joe Steele, Benjamin Luke Butler, Stuart Alexander Telfer, Neil Hepburn
  • Publication number: 20190085662
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation system is disclosed. The wellbore isolation system includes a junction positioned at an intersection of a first wellbore and a second wellbore, and a deflector disposed in the junction such that a path into the first leg of the junction is obstructed and engaged with the first leg of the junction to form a fluid and pressure tight seal. The junction includes a first leg extending downhole into the first wellbore, and a second leg extending downhole into the second wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: David Joe Steele, Neil Hepburn, Stuart Alexander Telfer