Patents by Inventor Roger W. Fincher
Roger W. Fincher 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).
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Patent number: 11008809Abstract: A drilling assembly includes a power section with a housing that rotates in a first direction at a drill string rotation rate. An output rotates a drill bit through a transmission shaft in the first direction at a rotor rotation rate relative to the housing. A bent housing between the power section and the drill bit rotates in a second direction at a variable rotation rate relative to the power housing. The transmission shaft extends through the bent housing. A mechanical brake system adjusts the bent housing's variable rotation rate. The bent housing rotates relative to the wellbore in a rotary mode, but not in a sliding mode. The sliding mode maintains the drill bit's direction and inclination while the drill string rotates. In all modes, the drill bit's rotation rate is the sum of the drill string rate and the rotor rate relative to the power housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Rival Downhole Tools, LCInventors: Gunther H H von Gynz-Rekowski, William Christian Herben, Mark Allen Reeves, Donald M. Sawyer, Roger W. Fincher
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Publication number: 20200240212Abstract: A drilling assembly includes a power section with a housing that rotates in a first direction at a drill string rotation rate. An output rotates a drill bit through a transmission shaft in the first direction at a rotor rotation rate relative to the housing. A bent housing between the power section and the drill bit rotates in a second direction at a variable rotation rate relative to the power housing. The transmission shaft extends through the bent housing. A mechanical brake system adjusts the bent housing's variable rotation rate. The bent housing rotates relative to the wellbore in a rotary mode, but not in a sliding mode. The sliding mode maintains the drill bit's direction and inclination while the drill string rotates. In all modes, the drill bit's rotation rate is the sum of the drill string rate and the rotor rate relative to the power housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2019Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Gunther HH von Gynz-Rekowski, William Christian Herben, Mark Allen Reeves, Donald M. Sawyer, Roger W. Fincher
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Patent number: 9721710Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for axially supporting a shaft. In one aspect, a magnetic suspension system for supporting a shaft in a housing is provided. The magnetic suspension system includes an array of magnet members disposed between the shaft and the housing. The array of magnet members comprising a first magnet member, a second magnet member, and a third magnet member, wherein the first magnet member and the second magnet member generate a first force that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft and the second magnet member and the third magnet member generate a second force that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the shaft The first force and the second force are configured to position the shaft axially within the housing. In another aspect, a method of supporting a shaft along a longitudinal axis of a housing is provided. In a further aspect, a suspension system for supporting a shaft in a housing is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventors: Peter S. Aronstam, Roger W. Fincher
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Patent number: 9033045Abstract: A method of fracturing an earth formation is disclosed. The method includes: isolating a section of a borehole in the earth formation; introducing a fluid into the isolated section and pressurizing the isolated section from a first pressure to a second pressure; introducing a stress concentration to a borehole wall at least one location in the isolated section when the fluid is at the selected pressure or during the pressurization; and initiating a hydraulic fracture in the earth formation at the at least one location.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Roger W. Fincher
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Publication number: 20140347152Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for axially supporting a shaft. In one aspect, a magnetic suspension system for supporting a shaft in a housing is provided. The magnetic suspension system includes an array of magnet members disposed between the shaft and the housing. The array of magnet members comprising a first magnet member, a second magnet member, and a third magnet member, wherein the first magnet member and the second magnet member generate a first force that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft and the second magnet member and the third magnet member generate a second force that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the shaft The first force and the second force are configured to position the shaft axially within the housing. In another aspect, a method of supporting a shaft along a longitudinal axis of a housing is provided. In a further aspect, a suspension system for supporting a shaft in a housing is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Peter S. Aronstam, Roger W. Fincher
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Patent number: 8803392Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for axially supporting a shaft. In one aspect, a magnetic suspension system for supporting a shaft in a housing is provided. The magnetic suspension system includes an array of magnet members disposed between the shaft and the housing. The array of magnet members comprising a first magnet member, a second magnet member, and a third magnet member, wherein the first magnet member and the second magnet member generate a first force that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft and the second magnet member and the third magnet member generate a second force that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the shaft The first force and the second force are configured to position the shaft axially within the housing. In another aspect, a method of supporting a shaft along a longitudinal axis of a housing is provided. In a further aspect, a suspension system for supporting a shaft in a housing is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Inventors: Peter S. Aronstam, Roger W. Fincher
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Patent number: 8554482Abstract: Electrical property contrast difference maps of the subsurface formations may be produced using surface and/or near surface array of transmitters and receivers tuned to emit and receive electromagnetic (EM) signals. The electrical property may be resistivity or conductivity. The maps may be time based. A time based trend change may be used to predict the location and movement of fluids within the hydrocarbon bearing or any other subsurface zones where resistivity and/or conductivity values of the fluids within these zones change over time.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Roger W. Fincher, Michael B. Rabinovich, Gregory B. Itskovich
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Patent number: 8535126Abstract: The invention relates to a method and mechanism to control air flow through an air handling system. In one aspect, a flow control device for use in an air handling system is provided. The device includes a flow control member having segmented sliding gates, wherein the flow control member is configured to selectively control an air flow stream by moving the sliding gates into the path of the air flow stream. The device further includes a controller member configured to control the movement of the sliding gates. Furthermore, the device includes a communication member configured to send and receive signals regarding the control of the air flow stream. Additionally, the device includes a power member for supplying power to the flow control member, the controller member and the communication member. In another aspect, a method of controlling an air flow stream in an air handling system is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventors: Roger W. Fincher, Peter S. Aronstam
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Patent number: 8455402Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Larry A. Watkins, Roger W. Fincher
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Patent number: 8453760Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing temperature along a bottomhole assembly during a drilling operation is provided. In one aspect the bottomhole temperature may be reduced by drilling a borehole using a drill string having a bottomhole assembly at an end thereof, circulating a fluid through the drill string and an annulus between the drill string and the borehole, diverting a selected portion of the fluid from the drill string into the annulus at a selected location above the drill bit to reduce pressure drop across at least a portion of the bottomhole assembly to reduce temperature of the bottomhole assembly during the drilling operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Roger W. Fincher, Larry A. Watkins, Donald K. Trichel, Marcus Oesterberg
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Patent number: 8444344Abstract: A containment vessel is moved proximate to and preferably surrounding the wellhead, such that leaking oil enters an interior chamber of the vessel. A fluid pump of the containment system is actuated to flow leaking hydrocarbon fluid through a conduit toward a collection sump. A controller controls the speed or volume of a fluid pump to maintain suction force within the interior chamber, or the pressure at wellhead annulus site (PWAS) at a set point that is based on seabed pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Marcus Oesterberg, Roger W. Fincher
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Publication number: 20130087338Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Larry A. Watkins, Roger W. Fincher
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Patent number: 8348732Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus and a method for controlling an environment in a location. In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling an environmental condition in a location is provided. The apparatus includes a flow control device, wherein the flow control device is connectable to an environmental control unit via a conduit. The flow control device comprising a flow restriction member configured to selectively control an airflow into the location and a controller member configured to autonomously actuate the flow restriction member based upon the environmental condition in the location. In another aspect, a method for controlling an environmental condition in a first location and a second location is provided. In a further aspect, a system for controlling an environmental condition in a first location and a second location is provided. In yet a further aspect, a method for controlling an environmental condition in a location is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Adaptive-AC, Inc.Inventors: Peter S. Aronstam, Roger W. Fincher
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Patent number: 8343894Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Larry A. Watkins, Roger W. Fincher
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Patent number: 8267197Abstract: A method for reducing temperature of a bottomhole assembly during a drilling operation is disclosed, that, in one aspect, may include: drilling a borehole using a drillstring including a bottomhole assembly by circulating a fluid through the drillstring and an annulus between the drillstring and the borehole, pausing drilling, continuing circulating the fluid through the dill string and the annulus. The method further includes diverting a portion of the fluid from the drillstring into the annulus at a selected location above the drill bit to reduce temperature of the bottomhole assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Roger W. Fincher, Larry A. Watkins, Donald K. Trichel, Marcus Oesterberg
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Publication number: 20120087729Abstract: A containment vessel is moved proximate to and preferably surrounding the wellhead, such that leaking oil enters an interior chamber of the vessel. A fluid pump of the containment system is actuated to flow leaking hydrocarbon fluid through a conduit toward a collection sump. A controller controls the speed or volume of a fluid pump to maintain suction force within the interior chamber, or the pressure at wellhead annulus site (PWAS) at a set point that is based on seabed pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Marcus Oesterberg, Roger W. Fincher
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Patent number: 8151878Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting a downhole sample are provided. The method may include conveying a sampling tool in a borehole using a first carrier, conveying a sample container in the borehole using a second carrier, and introducing a downhole sample from the sampling tool to the sample container. An apparatus includes a sampling tool disposed on a first carrier, a sample container disposed on a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are independently conveyable in a borehole, and a coupling connectable to the sampling tool and the sample container.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Daniel T. Georgi, Andrew D. Kirkwood, Roger W. Fincher
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Publication number: 20120067582Abstract: A method of fracturing an earth formation is disclosed. The method includes: isolating a section of a borehole in the earth formation; introducing a fluid into the isolated section and pressurizing the isolated section from a first pressure to a second pressure; introducing a stress concentration to a borehole wall at least one location in the isolated section when the fluid is at the selected pressure or during the pressurization; and initiating a hydraulic fracture in the earth formation at the at least one location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Roger W. Fincher
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Publication number: 20120038232Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for axially supporting a shaft. In one aspect, a magnetic suspension system for supporting a shaft in a housing is provided. The magnetic suspension system includes an array of magnet members disposed between the shaft and the housing. The array of magnet members comprising a first magnet member, a second magnet member, and a third magnet member, wherein the first magnet member and the second magnet member generate a first force that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft and the second magnet member and the third magnet member generate a second force that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the shaft The first force and the second force are configured to position the shaft axially within the housing. In another aspect, a method of supporting a shaft along a longitudinal axis of a housing is provided. In a further aspect, a suspension system for supporting a shaft in a housing is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Peter S. Aronstam, Roger W. Fincher
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Publication number: 20110048806Abstract: A method for reducing temperature of a bottomhole assembly during a drilling operation is disclosed, that, in one aspect, may include: drilling a borehole using a drillstring including a bottomhole assembly by circulating a fluid through the drillstring and an annulus between the drillstring and the borehole, pausing drilling, continuing circulating the fluid through the dill string and the annulus. The method further includes diverting a portion of the fluid from the drillstring into the annulus at a selected location above the drill bit to reduce temperature of the bottomhole assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Roger W. Fincher, Larry A. Watkins, Donald K. Trichel, Marcus Oesterberg