Patents by Inventor Richard Lee Giroux

Richard Lee Giroux 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: 8522885
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable expanding tubing in a borehole of a hydrocarbon well. According to some embodiments, an expander device includes a collapsible swage formed of collets, at least one slip arrangement and a hydraulic jack to stroke the swage through tubing to be expanded. In operation, expanding tubing may include securing an expansion tool to the tubing, lowering the tool and tubing into a borehole, actuating a collapsible expander of the expansion tool to an extended configuration, and supplying fluid pressure to a jack coupled to the expander thereby moving the expander through the tubing which is held by at least one of first and second tubing holding devices disposed respectively ahead of the expander and behind the expander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke
  • Publication number: 20120273237
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for expanding an expandable tubular assembly in a borehole. In one aspect, a system for expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided. The system includes a running tool configured to position the tubular in the borehole. The running tool including a first expander configured to activate the anchor portion by expanding the tubular to a first diameter. The system further includes a second expander configured to expand the tubular to a second larger diameter, wherein the second expander is movable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In another aspect, a method of expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Varadaraju Gandikota, Nader E. Abedrabbo, Larry A. Kendziora, Lev Ring
  • Publication number: 20120273236
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for expanding an anchoring device in a borehole. In one aspect, an anchoring device is provided. The anchoring device includes an expandable tubular. The anchoring device further includes a plurality of bands disposed on an outer surface of the expandable tubular. Each band is attached to the tubular at a first connection point and a second connection point, wherein each band is configured to bow radially outward as the expandable tubular shortens in length in response to the expansion of the tubular. In a further aspect, a method of attaching an anchoring device in a borehole is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Varadaraju Gandikota, Larry A. Kendziora, Richard Lee Giroux
  • Publication number: 20120055683
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable expanding tubing in a borehole of a hydrocarbon well. According to some embodiments, an expander device includes a collapsible swage formed of collets, at least one slip arrangement and a hydraulic jack to stroke the swage through tubing to be expanded. In operation, expanding tubing may include securing an expansion tool to the tubing, lowering the tool and tubing into a borehole, actuating a collapsible expander of the expansion tool to an extended configuration, and supplying fluid pressure to a jack coupled to the expander thereby moving the expander through the tubing which is held by at least one of first and second tubing holding devices disposed respectively ahead of the expander and behind the expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke
  • Publication number: 20120037381
    Abstract: A method of lining a wellbore includes deploying a BHA into the wellbore using a conveyance. The BHA includes setting tool, an anchor, and an expandable tubular. The method further includes pressurizing a bore of the setting tool, thereby releasing the anchor from the setting tool. The method further includes pulling the conveyance, thereby: extending the anchor into engagement with a casing of the wellbore, pulling an expander of the setting tool through the expandable tubular, and expanding the tubular into engagement with an open and/or cased portion of the wellbore and retracting the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Larry A. Kendziora, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 8069916
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable expanding tubing in a borehole of a hydrocarbon well. According to some embodiments, an expander device includes a collapsible swage formed of collets, at least one slip arrangement and a hydraulic jack to stroke the swage through tubing to be expanded. In operation, expanding tubing may include securing an expansion tool to the tubing, lowering the tool and tubing into a borehole, actuating a collapsible expander of the expansion tool to an extended configuration, and supplying fluid pressure to a jack coupled to the expander thereby moving the expander through the tubing which is held by at least one of first and second tubing holding devices disposed respectively ahead of the expander and behind the expander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke
  • Patent number: 7992644
    Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged portion of a casing in a wellbore includes running a bottom hole assembly (BHA) into the wellbore on a conveyance and locating the BHA proximate the damaged portion. The method further includes engaging an inner wall of the casing with a friction member, rotating the conveyance thereby rotating a portion of the BHA, maintaining a portion of the BHA stationary with the friction member. The method further includes pulling the inner string, thereby engaging the inner wall of the casing with an anchor of the BHA and disconnecting a frangible connection with the anchor. An inner string is coupled to an expansion member and pulling the inner string and thereby the expansion member through an expandable tubular expands the expandable tubular into engagement with the inner wall of the casing thereby repairing the damaged portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Lee Giroux
  • Publication number: 20110174483
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, JR., Michael Hayes, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Patent number: 7874352
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A gripping apparatus is activated with an actuator having a primary actuator and a redundant safety feature. The redundant safety feature may include one or more redundant fluid operated pistons. The gripping apparatus may include an integrated safety system adapted to prevent damage to the tubulars while making and breaking out connections between the tubulars and the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Patent number: 7857052
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a cementing operation for use with a drilling with casing application. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for stage cementing using a full opening stage tool. In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for reverse cementing of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Steven M. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7798225
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing an expedited shoe test using an expandable casing portion as an annular fluid barrier. Further provided are methods and apparatus for successfully recovering from a failed expansion so that a shoe test can be completed without replacement of the expandable casing portion. In one recovery method, a selectively actuatable fluid circulation tool is provided to further expand the expandable portion or perform a cementing operation. Additionally, methods and apparatus are provided to drill a wellbore and form an annular fluid barrier in a single trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Lev Ring
  • Publication number: 20090151930
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable expanding a tubular in a wellbore. The method and apparatus include running a bottom hole assembly (BHA) into a wellbore. The BHA is anchored to the wellbore and a portion of the BHA is released from the anchor. An expansion member is then pulled by a work string through the tubular thereby engaging the tubular with the wellbore. The work string is reconnected to the anchor and used to release the anchor. The BHA is then removed from the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Lee Giroux
  • Patent number: 7503397
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system for drilling with casing is provided with an access tool to retrieve a downhole tool. The top drive system for drilling with casing comprises a top drive; a top drive adapter for gripping the casing, the top drive adapter operatively coupled to the top drive; and an access tool coupled to the top drive and adapted for accessing a fluid passage of the top drive system. In another embodiment, a method for retrieving a downhole tool through a tubular coupled to a top drive adapter of a top drive system is provided. The method comprises coupling an access tool to the top drive system, the access tool adapted to provide access to a fluid path in the top drive system and inserting a conveying member into the fluid path through the access tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Albert C. Odell, II, Gary Thompson, David Haugen, Tuong Thanh Le, Robert Dugal, Karsten Heidecke, David Shahin
  • Patent number: 7487831
    Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Stanley Pluchek, Gerald Dean Pedersen, Richard Lee Giroux, Thad Joseph Scott, David Michael Haugen
  • Publication number: 20080156499
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable expanding tubing in a borehole of a hydrocarbon well. According to some embodiments, an expander device includes a collapsible swage formed of collets, at least one slip arrangement and a hydraulic jack to stroke the swage through tubing to be expanded. In operation, expanding tubing may include securing an expansion tool to the tubing, lowering the tool and tubing into a borehole, actuating a collapsible expander of the expansion tool to an extended configuration, and supplying fluid pressure to a jack coupled to the expander thereby moving the expander through the tubing which is held by at least one of first and second tubing holding devices disposed respectively ahead of the expander and behind the expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke
  • Patent number: 7270181
    Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Stanley Pluchek, Gerald Dean Pedersen, Richard Lee Giroux, Thad Joseph Scott, David Michael Haugen
  • Patent number: 6978841
    Abstract: A simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for utilizing the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey E. Hoffman, Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke, Stephen J. Norris
  • Patent number: 6966375
    Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Stanley Pluchek, Gerald Dean Pedersen, Richard Lee Giroux, Thad Joseph Scott, David Michael Haugen
  • Publication number: 20040251023
    Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Stanley Pluchek, Gerald Dean Pedersen, Richard Lee Giroux, Thad Joseph Scott, David Michael Haugen
  • Publication number: 20040177951
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for utilizing the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey E. Hoffman, Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke, Stephen J. Norris