Patents by Inventor Patrick W. Bixenman

Patrick W. Bixenman 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: 6817410
    Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Sudhir Pai, David R. Smith, Peter V. Howard, Craig D. Johnson, Michael Langlais, Jake A. Danos, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6808020
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One aspect of the invention comprises a housing member with a longitudinal bore and a valve member located within the housing member that is movable between open and closed positions. A sliding sleeve having a longitudinal bore is disposed within the housing member and can move between an upper position and a lower position. Attached to the sliding sleeve is a seating element where the valve member can seat. When the sliding sleeve is in the lower position, the valve member is held in the open position and communication is established between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member. When the sliding sleeve is in the upper position, the valve member is held in the closed position and communication between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christian D. Garcia, Stephane J. Virally, Steven L. Anyan, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6799637
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Publication number: 20040182581
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Publication number: 20040177959
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6789621
    Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Sudhir Pai, David R. Smith, Peter V. Howard, Craig D. Johnson, Jake A. Danos, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Publication number: 20040173350
    Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Sudhir Pai, David R. Smith, Peter V. Howard, Craig D. Johnson, Jake A. Danos, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Publication number: 20040163819
    Abstract: A particulate screen suitable for use in a wellbore. The particulate screen is expandable and may be at least partially formed of a bistable tubular. Also, a filter media may be combined with the bistable tubular to limit influx of particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6772836
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6766857
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention may be a well completion including a production tubing, an upper packer connected to a lower end of the production tubing, an intelligent device disposed below the upper packer, a continuous control cable running from the intelligent device to a connection point, and a sand screen disposed below the packer. The completion may be installed in a well in a single trip, instead of multiple. Sand-control operations may be performed by a service tool that is deployed through the production tubing. The completion may include the ability to washdown the well as the completion is being run into place. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Bixenman, James A. Pramann, II
  • Patent number: 6758272
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for achieving proper space-out of well components. One aspect of the invention utilizes a dummy production string with a sliding measurement device to measure the proper space-out distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Bixenman, Ezio Toffanin
  • Patent number: 6749024
    Abstract: This invention is a sand screen comprising a base pipe with openings cut directly thereon. The size, shape, and configuration of the openings may be varied depending on the filtration, inflow, and strength characteristics desired by the operator. The openings may be cut directly on the base pipe by use of water jet, laser, or saw cutting techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Publication number: 20040089454
    Abstract: A technique for connecting expandable tubulars. The technique comprises an expandable connector system that facilitates the connection of tubular components, such as tubulars used in wellbore environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew R. Hackworth, Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6732803
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One aspect of the invention comprises a housing member with a longitudinal bore and a valve member located within the housing member that is movable between open and closed positions. A sliding sleeve having a longitudinal bore is disposed within the housing member and can move between an upper position and a lower position. Attached to the sliding sleeve is a seating element where the valve member can seat. When the sliding sleeve is in the lower position, the valve member is held in the open position and communication is established between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member. When the sliding sleeve is in the upper position, the valve member is held in the closed position and communication between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Christian D. Garcia, Stephane J. Virally, Steven L. Anyan, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Publication number: 20040084176
    Abstract: A technique for connecting expandable tubulars. The technique comprises an expandable connector system that facilitates the connection of tubular components, such as tubulars used in wellbore environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew R. Hackworth, Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Publication number: 20040074642
    Abstract: A well completion has an expanded tubing portion and an unexpanded tubing portion. In another embodiment, an expandable tubing is provided and a gravel pack operation is performed. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Colin J. Price-Smith, Patrick W. Bixenman, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Garry Sinclair
  • Patent number: 6719064
    Abstract: A well completion has an expanded tubing portion and an unexpanded tubing portion. A seal is provided on the unexpanded portion. In another embodiment, an expandable tubing is provided and a gravel pack operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Colin J. Price-Smith, Patrick W. Bixenman, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Garry Sinclair
  • Patent number: 6695054
    Abstract: A particulate screen suitable for use in a wellbore. The particulate screen is expandable and may be at least partially formed of a bistable tubular. Also, a filter media may be combined with the bistable tubular to limit influx of particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6695067
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device having an expandable component. The expandable component comprises a layer of bistable cells that can be expanded from a contracted stable state towards an expanded stable state. A seal material may be placed along the expandable cells to facilitate inhibition of fluid flow along a region of a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6679334
    Abstract: A system that is useable in a subterranean well includes conveying an elongated strip from a surface of the well downhole into the well; and spirally wrapping the strip to form a tubular structure in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman, Thomas H. Zimmerman