Patents by Inventor Robert L. Cuthbertson

Robert L. Cuthbertson 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: 7686076
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for mitigating trouble zones in a wellbore in a preferred pressure condition and completing the wellbore in the preferred pressure condition. In one aspect, a method of reinforcing a wellbore is provided. The method includes locating a valve member within the wellbore for opening and closing the wellbore. The method further includes establishing a preferred pressure condition within the wellbore and closing the valve member. The method also includes locating a tubular string having an expandable portion in the wellbore and opening the valve member. Additionally, the method includes moving the expandable portion through the opened valve member and expanding the expandable portion in the wellbore at a location below the valve member. In another aspect, a method of forming a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a system for drilling a wellbore is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. York, Robert L. Cuthbertson, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 6732804
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a dynamic mudcap drilling and well control assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises of a tubular body disposable in a well casing forming an outer annulus there between and an inner annulus formable between the body and a drill string disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a sealing member to seal the inner annulus at a location above a lower end of the tubular body and a pressure control member disposable in the inner annulus at a location above the lower end of the tubular body. In another embodiment, the assembly uses two rotating control heads, one at the top of the wellhead assembly in a conventional manner and a specially designed downhole unit. Finally, the assembly provides a method for allowing the well to produce hydrocarbons while tripping the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hosie, Ramkumar K Bansal, Robert L. Cuthbertson
  • Publication number: 20030217849
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for a dynamic mudcap drilling and well control assembly. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises of a tubular body disposable in a well casing forming an outer annulus there between and an inner annulus formable between the body and a drill string disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a sealing member to seal the inner annulus at a location above a lower end of the tubular body and a pressure control member disposable in the inner annulus at a location above the lower end of the tubular body. In another embodiment, the assembly uses two rotating control heads, one at the top of the wellhead assembly in a conventional manner and a specially designed downhole unit. Thus, creating dual barriers preventing any potential leak of produced gases or liquid hydrocarbon on to the rig floor, thereby ensuring the safety of the rig operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: David Hosie, R. K. Bansal, Robert L. Cuthbertson