Patents by Inventor R. Williamson

R. Williamson 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: 8662179
    Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying a pressure cycle to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then simultaneously reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. Another method can include releasing a locking device of each valve which prevents actuation, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. A valve can include a port which provides for fluid communication between an exterior and an interior of the valve, a closure member which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through the port, the closure member permits flow through the port in response to a decrease in a pressure differential from the interior to the exterior of the valve, and a locking device which prevents displacement of the closure member, the locking device being released in response to mechanical force applied to the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., James D. Vick, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140020887
    Abstract: A safety valve for use in a subterranean well can include a housing assembly having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the housing assembly. An outer diameter of the housing assembly is eccentric relative to the flow passage. A well tool can include a magnetic coupling between magnet devices. One magnet device includes a series of magnets which are unequally spaced circumferentially about the other magnet device. Another safety valve can include a longitudinally extending flow passage, a closure device which selectively permits and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an outer diameter which is eccentric relative to the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James D. VICK, JR., Jimmie R. Williamson, JR., Bruce E. SCOTT
  • Patent number: 8573304
    Abstract: A safety valve for use in a subterranean well can include a housing assembly having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the housing assembly. An outer diameter of the housing assembly is eccentric relative to the flow passage. A well tool can include a magnetic coupling between magnet devices. One magnet device includes a series of magnets which are unequally spaced circumferentially about the other magnet device. Another safety valve can include a longitudinally extending flow passage, a closure device which selectively permits and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an outer diameter which is eccentric relative to the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Bruce E. Scott
  • Patent number: 8577607
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing an inertial navigation system (INS), includes the steps of: receiving data from an inertial navigation system; and receiving a finite number of carrier phase observables using at least one GPS receiver from a plurality of GPS satellites; calculating a phase wind up correction; correcting at least one of the finite number of carrier phase observables using the phase wind up correction; and calculating a corrected IMU attitude or velocity or position using the corrected at least one of the finite number of carrier phase observables; and performing a step selected from the steps consisting of recording, reporting, or providing the corrected IMU attitude or velocity or position to another process that uses the corrected IMU attitude or velocity or position. A GPS stabilized inertial navigation system apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Walton R. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20130290252
    Abstract: Data is synchronized between a mobile device and a computing device over a wireless link. Synchronization operations are scheduled according to a synchronization schedule that is based on a current time of day. In one embodiment, the day can be divided into different time periods by the user. The user can also specify the frequency with which synchronization operations are to be performed during each specified period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Sandra I. Vargas, David R. Williamson, Gary W. Hall, Michael A. Foster, Juan V. Esteve Balducci
  • Patent number: 8567506
    Abstract: A fluid isolating pressure equalization in a subterranean well. A well system includes a well tool including a chamber therein containing an electrical assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having opposite ends. One end is connected to the chamber, and the other end is connected to a source of another fluid. The flowpath extends alternately upward and downward between the opposite ends. A pressure equalization apparatus for use with a well tool in a subterranean well includes multiple spiral wraps of a tube. A flowpath in the tube extends in opposite directions in respective successive wraps of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8509830
    Abstract: Data is synchronized between a mobile device and a computing device over a wireless link. Synchronization operations are scheduled according to a synchronization schedule that is based on a current time of day. In one embodiment, the day can be divided into different time periods by the user. The user can also specify the frequency with which synchronization operations are to be performed during each specified period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sandra L. Vargas, David R. Williamson, Gary W. Hall, Michael A. Foster, Juan V. Esteve Balducci
  • Patent number: 8474993
    Abstract: Certain people may at times find that life events cause absences from their residence. Due to the configuration of a residence entrance there are times of darkness when there is low or no ambient light to illuminate the entrance door hardware. Some people would not leave their porch light on for several hours. Some people may be uncomfortable with leaving the standard porch light on during their absence to avoid the expense of the utility power used by the lighting. A situation for the need to illuminate the hardware may include the unexpected prolonged time of being away from home. The present invention is a sustainable option to illuminate the storm door and exterior entrance door of a residence. This invention provides illumination of the doors hardware on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: John R Williamson
  • Patent number: 8453748
    Abstract: A method of actuating a valve in a well can include storing energy as a result of a differential pressure across a closed closure device of the valve, and releasing at least a portion of the stored energy while opening the closure device. A valve for use in a well can include a closure device, a biasing device, and an actuator which stores energy in the biasing device in response to a pressure differential across the closure device. A well system can include a tubular string, and a valve which controls fluid flow through the tubular string. The valve may include a closure device and an actuator which actuates the valve at least partially in response to a pressure differential across the closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8453749
    Abstract: A control system for an annulus balanced subsurface safety valve. A system for operating a safety valve in a well includes a piston of the safety valve being responsive to displace due to a pressure differential between chambers exposed to the piston; and a valve controller which alternately exposes at least one of the chambers to pressure in an annulus surrounding the safety valve, and to pressure greater than that in the annulus. A method of operating a safety valve in a well includes the steps of: opening the safety valve by biasing a piston of the safety valve to displace in response to a pressure differential between a chamber exposed to pressure greater than well pressure, and another chamber exposed to well pressure; and closing the safety valve by exposing both of the chambers to the well pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Jimmie R. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20130017095
    Abstract: In a gas turbine engine, a flow directing member includes a platform supported on a rotor and includes a radially facing endwall and at least one axially facing axial surface extending radially inwardly from a junction with the endwall. The flow directing member further includes an airfoil extending radially outwardly from the endwall and a fluid flow directing feature. The fluid flow directing feature includes a groove extending axially into the axial surface. The groove has a radially inner groove end and a radially outer groove end, wherein the outer groove end defines an axially extending notch in the junction between the axial surface and the endwall and forms an opening in the endwall for directing a cooling fluid to the endwall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Kok-Mun Tham, Paul H. Vitt, Stephen R. Williamson, Matthew D. Montgomery, Chander Prakash, Melissa Harris
  • Patent number: 8342247
    Abstract: A safety valve having a mono spring closure mechanism. The closure mechanism may be free of any spiral wound spring. The closure mechanism may include a spring having a beam which bends along its length to apply a biasing force to the closure member at its fully closed position and at its fully open position. The closure mechanism may include only a single spring, with the spring having at least two legs, the legs being joined to each other at an end of each leg, and each leg including at least one beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Jimmie R. Williamson, Leo G. Collins, Glenn R. Davis
  • Publication number: 20120261139
    Abstract: A pressure equalization apparatus can include separate longitudinal bores which form a continuous flowpath, the flowpath alternating direction between the bores, and the bores being interconnected at opposite ends thereof. A well system can include a well tool with a chamber therein containing an assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having one end connected to the chamber, and the other end connected to a source of a another fluid, the flowpath extending in opposite directions between the flowpath ends through multiple separate bores. A method of installing a well tool can include attaching a mandrel to the well tool, then lowering the well tool at least partially into the well suspended from the mandrel, and then securing a pressure equalization apparatus to the mandrel, a flowpath of the apparatus being connected to a chamber of the well tool containing an assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jimmie R. WILLIAMSON, JR., James D. VICK, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120241143
    Abstract: Well tools including valves operable by low electrical input. One well tool includes a valve which controls fluid communication between pressure regions in a well, the valve including a rotatable member which is biased to rotate, and a brake or clutch which prevents rotation of the member. Another valve includes a barrier which separates reactants, with the valve being operable in response to the barrier being opened and the reactants thereby reacting with each other. Yet another valve includes a barrier which separates the pressure regions, and a control circuit which heats the barrier to a weakened state. Another valve includes a member displaceable between open and closed positions, a restraining device which resists displacement of the member, and a control device which degrades or deactivates the restraining device and thereby permits the member to displace between its open and closed positions, in response to receipt of a predetermined signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Michael L. Fripp, Kevin D. Fink, Donald Perkins, Jimmie R. Williamson, Mark D. Kalman
  • Publication number: 20120246344
    Abstract: Data is synchronized between a mobile device and a computing device over a wireless link. Synchronization operations are scheduled according to a synchronization schedule that is based on a current time of day. In one embodiment, the day can be divided into different time periods by the user. The user can also specify the frequency with which synchronization operations are to be performed during each specified period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sandra I. Vargas, David R. Williamson, Gary W. Hall, Michael A. Foster, Juan V. Esteve Balducci
  • Publication number: 20120232992
    Abstract: A method of generating and distributing promotional offers by businesses, or on behalf of businesses to consumers, through a network, which includes collecting consumer coupon parameters regarding coupons which the consumer would be interested in and business coupon parameters regarding the terms of coupons, and matching businesses to interested consumers, and transmitting coupons to interested consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Robert R. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20120211241
    Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying a pressure cycle to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then simultaneously reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. Another method can include releasing a locking device of each valve which prevents actuation, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. A valve can include a port which provides for fluid communication between an exterior and an interior of the valve, a closure member which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through the port, the closure member permits flow through the port in response to a decrease in a pressure differential from the interior to the exterior of the valve, and a locking device which prevents displacement of the closure member, the locking device being released in response to mechanical force applied to the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jimmie R. WILLIAMSON, JR., James D. Vick, JR.
  • Patent number: 8235103
    Abstract: Well tools including valves operable by low electrical input. One well tool includes a valve which controls fluid communication between pressure regions in a well, the valve including a rotatable member which is biased to rotate, and a brake or clutch which prevents rotation of the member. Another valve includes a barrier which separates reactants, with the valve being operable in response to the barrier being opened and the reactants thereby reacting with each other. Yet another valve includes a barrier which separates the pressure regions, and a control circuit which heats the barrier to a weakened state. Another valve includes a member displaceable between open and closed positions, a restraining device which resists displacement of the member, and a control device which degrades or deactivates the restraining device and thereby permits the member to displace between its open and closed positions, in response to receipt of a predetermined signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Michael L. Fripp, Kevin D. Fink, Donald Perkins, Jimmie R. Williamson, Mark D. Kalman
  • Publication number: 20120141962
    Abstract: Systems and methods to match a user to a mental health care provider. Answers to user and provider assessment questionnaires are used to generate a bond index score. The bond index score indicates the strength of a potential therapeutic bond formed between the user and the provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Gabrielle R. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20120125597
    Abstract: A safety valve for use in a subterranean well can include a housing assembly having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the housing assembly. An outer diameter of the housing assembly is eccentric relative to the flow passage. A well tool can include a magnetic coupling between magnet devices. One magnet device includes a series of magnets which are unequally spaced circumferentially about the other magnet device. Another safety valve can include a longitudinally extending flow passage, a closure device which selectively permits and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an outer diameter which is eccentric relative to the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James D. VICK, JR., Jimmie R. WILLIAMSON, JR., Bruce E. SCOTT