Patents by Inventor S. Barrett Peterson
S. Barrett Peterson 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).
-
Publication number: 20150144404Abstract: Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2015Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Patent number: 9022657Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat distribution from and/or heat dissipation for bearing element, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard material including a superhard surface. Additionally, a support ring structure that includes a support ring that supports the plurality of superhard bearing elements and a thermally-conductive structure in thermal communication with the superhard table of each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The thermally-conductive structure has a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring of the support ring structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Jair Jahaziel Gonzalez, S. Barrett Peterson
-
Patent number: 9004768Abstract: Cooling-enhanced bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may have a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The support ring may include at least an upper surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface. A plurality of cooling features may be arranged on at least one of the upper surface, the inner surface, or the outer surface of the support ring.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Publication number: 20150093064Abstract: In an embodiment, a roller bearing apparatus may include a rotor having first superhard raceway elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each first superhard raceway element includes a raceway surface positioned/configured to form a first portion of a raceway. The apparatus includes a stator including second superhard raceway elements generally opposed to the first superhard raceway elements. Each second superhard raceway element includes a raceway surface positioned/configured to form a second portion of the raceway. The apparatus includes rolling elements interposed between the rotor and stator and positioned and configured to roll on the raceway. One or more of the rolling elements may be configured to elastically deform on the raceway during use. At least a portion of the raceway exhibits a first modulus of elasticity greater than a second modulus of elasticity of at least a portion of the one or more of the rolling elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Craig H. Cooley, David P. Miess
-
Patent number: 8967872Abstract: Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Patent number: 8967871Abstract: Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Publication number: 20150043849Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, the bearing assembly may include a support ring extending circumferentially about a central axis and a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about the central axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may be mounted to the support ring and may include a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include one or more thermal management elements including at least one of one or more thermally conductive structures or at least one of the superhard tables exhibiting a non-uniform thickness structured to promote cooling thereof during use. The one or more thermal management elements are in thermal communication one or more bearing surfaces and are configured to promote heat transfer away from the one or more of the bearing surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Jair J. Gonzalez, Timothy N. Sexton, Brigham J. Kindell
-
Patent number: 8939652Abstract: In an embodiment, a roller bearing apparatus may include a rotor having first superhard raceway elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each first superhard raceway element includes a raceway surface positioned/configured to form a first portion of a raceway. The apparatus includes a stator including second superhard raceway elements generally opposed to the first superhard raceway elements. Each second superhard raceway element includes a raceway surface positioned/configured to form a second portion of the raceway. The apparatus includes rolling elements interposed between the rotor and stator and positioned and configured to roll on the raceway. One or more of the rolling elements may be configured to elastically deform on the raceway during use. At least a portion of the raceway exhibits a first modulus of elasticity greater than a second modulus of elasticity of at least a portion of the one or more of the rolling elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Craig H Cooley, David P Miess
-
Patent number: 8931582Abstract: A subterranean drilling system may include a drill string and a rotary drill bit coupled to the drill string. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body and a cutting element coupled to the bit body, with the cutting element being structured to rotate in response to torque applied to the cutting element. The system also may include a cam assembly coupled to the drill string, a cam follower assembly in contact with a cam surface of the cam assembly, and a torque-applying structure coupled to the cam follower assembly. The torque-applying structure may be configured to apply torque to the cutting element in response to relative rotation between the cam assembly and the cam follower assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton, S. Barrett Peterson, Jeffrey Lund, Christopher F. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20140345141Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat distribution from and/or heat dissipation for bearing element, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard material including a superhard surface. Additionally, a support ring structure that includes a support ring that supports the plurality of superhard bearing elements and a thermally-conductive structure in thermal communication with the superhard table of each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The thermally-conductive structure has a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring of the support ring structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Jair Jahaziel Gonzalez, S. Barrett Peterson
-
Patent number: 8888371Abstract: Cooling-enhanced bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may have a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The support ring may include at least an upper surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface. A plurality of cooling features may be arranged on at least one of the upper surface, the inner surface, or the outer surface of the support ring.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Patent number: 8833635Abstract: Methods of screening a polycrystalline diamond element for suitability for electrical discharge machining (“EDM”). The method includes providing a PCD element including a plurality of bonded diamond grains, determining at least one characteristic of the PCD table correlated to electrical conductivity of the PCD element, and EDM the PCD element if the value of the at least one characteristic correlates to an electrical conductivity above a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventor: S. Barrett Peterson
-
Patent number: 8807837Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat distribution from and/or heat dissipation for bearing element, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard material including a superhard surface. Additionally, a support ring structure that includes a support ring that supports the plurality of superhard bearing elements and a thermally-conductive structure in thermal communication with the superhard table of each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The thermally-conductive structure has a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring of the support ring structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Jair Jahaziel Gonzalez, S. Barrett Peterson
-
Publication number: 20140105739Abstract: Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Publication number: 20140102810Abstract: Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Patent number: 8672550Abstract: Cooling-enhanced bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may have a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The support ring may include at least an upper surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface. A plurality of cooling features may be arranged on at least one of the upper surface, the inner surface, or the outer surface of the support ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Patent number: 8668388Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies including one or more superhard bearing elements having one or more grooves formed in a bearing surface thereof, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements includes one or more grooves formed in the bearing surface thereof. The bearing assembly also includes a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventor: S. Barrett Peterson
-
Patent number: 8651743Abstract: Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Patent number: 8646981Abstract: Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
-
Publication number: 20140020956Abstract: A subterranean drilling system may include a drill string and a rotary drill bit coupled to the drill string. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body and a cutting element coupled to the bit body, with the cutting element being structured to rotate in response to torque applied to the cutting element. The system also may include a cam assembly coupled to the drill string, a cam follower assembly in contact with a cam surface of the cam assembly, and a torque-applying structure coupled to the cam follower assembly. The torque-applying structure may be configured to apply torque to the cutting element in response to relative rotation between the cam assembly and the cam follower assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: US SYNTHETHIC CORPORATIONInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton, S. Barrett Peterson, Jeffrey Lund, Christopher F. Johnson