Patents by Inventor Robert Pipkin

Robert Pipkin 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: 10989188
    Abstract: A valve module comprising: a cylindrical canister containing a valve assembly for a high pressure pump, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve body and a valve seat, wherein the valve module provides a fluid flow path from an inlet to an outlet of the valve module from one side of the valve seat along a central axis of the valve module to the other side of the valve seat along the central axis and between the valve body and the valve seat when the valve assembly is in an open configuration, and does not provide the fluid flow path when the valve assembly is in a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja, Timothy H. Hunter, Robert Pipkin, Thomas M. Logan
  • Publication number: 20210025385
    Abstract: A valve module comprising: a cylindrical canister containing a valve assembly for a high pressure pump, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve body and a valve seat, wherein the valve module provides a fluid flow path from an inlet to an outlet of the valve module from one side of the valve seat along a central axis of the valve module to the other side of the valve seat along the central axis and between the valve body and the valve seat when the valve assembly is in an open configuration, and does not provide the fluid flow path when the valve assembly is in a closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Jim Basuki SURJAATMADJA, Timothy H. HUNTER, Robert PIPKIN, Thomas M. LOGAN
  • Publication number: 20190360307
    Abstract: Slow-rotating tools may operate within a tubular structure such as casing or tubing strings in a wellbore, e.g., to clean an interior surface of the tubular structure or to support other wellbore applications. A slow-rotating tool may include a nozzle assembly that rotates with respect to an end of a coiled tubing strand or other conveyance, and a working fluid delivered through the conveyance may operate to drive rotation of the nozzle assembly. A motor component of the tool may include a coiled conduit that winds and un-winds in response to pressure fluctuations in the working fluid. The coiled conduit may be operably coupled to a pair of directional clutches that harness the rotational motion induced by the winding and unwinding, and impart the rotational motion to the rotatable housing in a single direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Pipkin, Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Tim Holiman Hunter
  • Patent number: 8863835
    Abstract: A well tool can include a first oscillator which varies a flow rate of fluid, and a second oscillator which discharges the fluid received from the first oscillator at a variable frequency. A method can include flowing a fluid through a first oscillator, thereby repeatedly varying a flow rate of fluid discharged from the first oscillator, and receiving the fluid from the first oscillator into a second oscillator. A well tool can include a first oscillator including a vortex chamber, and a second oscillator which receives fluid flowed through the vortex chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin, Tim Hunter
  • Patent number: 8733401
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic oscillator insert for use in a subterranean well can include forming the insert with a conical housing engagement surface thereon, and forming at least one fluidic oscillator on a substantially planar surface of the insert. A well tool can include a housing assembly, at least one insert received in the housing assembly, the insert having a fluidic oscillator formed on a first surface thereof, the insert being at least partially secured in the housing assembly by engagement of conical second and third surfaces formed on the insert and housing assembly, and a cover which closes off the first surface on the insert. An insert for use in a well tool can include a conical housing engagement surface, and at least one fluidic oscillator formed on a substantially planar surface. The fluidic oscillator produces oscillations in response to fluid flow through the fluidic oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8646483
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator can include an input, first and second outputs on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the oscillator, whereby a majority of fluid which flows through the oscillator exits the oscillator alternately via the first and second outputs, first and second paths from the input to the respective first and second outputs, and wherein the first and second paths cross each other between the input and the respective first and second outputs. Another oscillator can include an input, first and second outputs, whereby a majority of fluid flowing through the fluidic oscillator exits the oscillator alternately via the first and second outputs, first and second paths from the input to the respective first and second outputs, and a feedback path which intersects the first path, whereby reduced pressure in the feedback path influences the majority of fluid to flow via the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8607874
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow in a subterranean well can include a working fluid and a closure member which rotates in response to phase change in the working fluid. A well system can include a valve which controls flow between a wellbore and a tubular string, with the valve including a working fluid and a closure member which rotates in response to phase change in the working fluid. Rotation of the closure member can displace a seat relative to a plug of a check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 8474530
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the orientation of a structure which includes an orienting sub releasably connected at an outer case. The orienting sub is at a preselected orientation relative to the structure. A change in fluid pressure of a predetermined magnitude of flow rate through the orienting sub will indicate that the structure is at a desired orientation in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, David Szarka, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8418725
    Abstract: A well tool can comprise a fluid input, a fluid output and a fluidic oscillator which produces oscillations in a fluid which flows from the input to the output. The fluidic oscillator can include a vortex chamber with inlets, whereby fluid enters the vortex chamber alternately via the inlets, the inlets being configured so that the fluid enters the vortex chamber in different directions via the respective inlets, and a fluid switch which directs the fluid alternately toward different flow paths in response to pressure differentials between feedback fluid paths. The feedback fluid paths may be connected to the vortex chamber. The flow paths may cross each other between the fluid switch and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin, Travis Cavender
  • Publication number: 20130048274
    Abstract: A well tool can include an oscillator which varies a flow rate of fluid through the oscillator, and another oscillator which varies a frequency of discharge of the fluid received from the first oscillator. A method can include flowing a fluid through an oscillator, thereby repeatedly varying a flow rate of fluid discharged from the oscillator, and receiving the fluid from the first oscillator into a second oscillator. A well tool can include an oscillator including a vortex chamber, and another oscillator which receives fluid flowed through the vortex chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Robert PIPKIN, Tim HUNTER
  • Publication number: 20120168015
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic oscillator insert for use in a subterranean well can include forming the insert with a conical housing engagement surface thereon, and forming at least one fluidic oscillator on a substantially planar surface of the insert. A well tool can include a housing assembly, at least one insert received in the housing assembly, the insert having a fluidic oscillator formed on a first surface thereof, the insert being at least partially secured in the housing assembly by engagement of conical second and third surfaces formed on the insert and housing assembly, and a cover which closes off the first surface on the insert. An insert for use in a well tool can include a conical housing engagement surface, and at least one fluidic oscillator formed on a substantially planar surface. The fluidic oscillator produces oscillations in response to fluid flow through the fluidic oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Robert PIPKIN
  • Publication number: 20120168013
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic oscillator insert for use in a subterranean well can include forming the insert with a conical surface thereon, and forming at least one fluidic oscillator on the conical surface. A well tool can include a housing assembly, at least one insert received in the housing assembly, the insert having multiple fluidic oscillators formed therein, and wherein the fluidic oscillators produce oscillations in response to fluid flow through the fluidic oscillators. An insert for use in a well tool can include an exterior conical surface, at least one fluidic oscillator formed on the conical surface, and wherein the fluidic oscillator produces oscillations in response to fluid flow through the fluidic oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Robert PIPKIN
  • Publication number: 20120168014
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator can include an input, first and second outputs on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the oscillator, whereby a majority of fluid which flows through the oscillator exits the oscillator alternately via the first and second outputs, first and second paths from the input to the respective first and second outputs, and wherein the first and second paths cross each other between the input and the respective first and second outputs. Another oscillator can include an input, first and second outputs, whereby a majority of fluid flowing through the fluidic oscillator exits the oscillator alternately via the first and second outputs, first and second paths from the input to the respective first and second outputs, and a feedback path which intersects the first path, whereby reduced pressure in the feedback path influences the majority of fluid to flow via the second path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Robert PIPKIN
  • Publication number: 20120145404
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow in a subterranean well can include a working fluid and a closure member which rotates in response to phase change in the working fluid. A well system can include a valve which controls flow between a wellbore and a tubular string, with the valve including a working fluid and a closure member which rotates in response to phase change in the working fluid. Rotation of the closure member can displace a seat relative to a plug of a check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 8162054
    Abstract: One apparatus for releasing a chemical in a well bore includes a casing collar configured to couple to a casing string. A chemical container is disposed within the casing collar, and the casing collar is configured to release the chemical from the chemical reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Gary P. Funkhouser, Robert Pipkin
  • Publication number: 20120090856
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the orientation of a structure which includes an orienting sub releasably connected at an outer case. The orienting sub is at a preselected orientation relative to the structure. A change in fluid pressure of a predetermined magnitude of flow rate through the orienting sub will indicate that the structure is at a desired orientation in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, David Szarka, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8024962
    Abstract: A method of determining one or more bulk rheological properties of a particle laden fluid comprising providing a system comprising a vessel, a pump coupled to the vessel, and a flow-through apparatus coupled to the pump and the vessel, wherein the flow-through apparatus comprises a flow chamber, a bob rotatably disposed within the chamber, wherein the bob comprises an outer geometry adapted for continuous laminar flow in an axial direction, and a gap between the chamber and the bob, pumping the particle laden fluid into the flow-through apparatus, shearing the particle laden fluid within the gap of the flow-through apparatus, and collecting data from the bob and observing the particle laden fluid to determine one or more bulk rheological properties of the particle laden fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Jeff Morris, Jason Bryant, Malcolm Talbot, Roger Schultz, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7992427
    Abstract: Methods and devices for testing friction reduction systems are described herein. Embodiments of the disclosed devices allow direct measurement of fluid or rheological properties of friction reduction systems in a “one pot” or integrated device while maintaining the particles in suspension. In an embodiment, a device for testing a friction reduction system comprises an outer chamber. The device also comprises an impeller disposed at the bottom of the outer chamber for mixing the friction reduction system. In addition, the device comprises an inner chamber fixedly disposed within the outer chamber. The inner chamber has an inlet and an outlet such that the inner chamber is in fluid communication with the outer chamber. The device further comprises a bob rotatably disposed within the inner chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.,
    Inventors: Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Jason Bryant, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7950456
    Abstract: Casing deformation and control for inclusion propagation in earth formations. A method of forming at least one inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a liner within a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; and expanding the liner and the casing section, thereby applying an increased compressive stress to the formation. Another method of forming the inclusion includes the steps of: installing an expansion control device on a casing section, the device including at least one latch member; expanding the casing section radially outward in a wellbore, the expanding step including widening at least one opening in a sidewall of the casing section, and displacing the latch member in one direction; and preventing a narrowing of the opening after the expanding step, the latch member resisting displacement thereof in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Grant Hocking, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7886842
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising a first mandrel movable longitudinally along a central axis and rotatable about the central axis, an orienting member configured to selectively interfere with movement of the first mandrel along the central axis, and a second mandrel connected to the first mandrel and configured to rotate about the central axis when the first mandrel rotates about the central axis. A method of orienting a wellbore servicing tool, comprising connecting an orienting tool to the wellbore servicing tool, identifying a predetermined direction, increasing a pressure within the orienting tool, rotating a portion of the orienting tool in response to the increase in pressure within the orienting tool, and rotating the wellbore servicing tool in response to the rotating of the portion of the orienting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Howard, Robert Pipkin, Iosif Hriscu