Patents by Inventor Stephen L. Crow

Stephen L. Crow 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: 8881818
    Abstract: A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Marcelle H. Hedrick, Erik V. Nordenstam, Christopher W. Guidry
  • Patent number: 8881819
    Abstract: A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Marcelle H. Hedrick, Erik V. Nordenstam, Christopher W. Guidry
  • Patent number: 8869896
    Abstract: A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Marcelle H. Hedrick, Erik V. Nordenstam, Christopher W. Guidry
  • Patent number: 8839849
    Abstract: A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes configuring a body to at least partially fill with a selected fluid; and actuating a flow restriction element using the body. The selected fluid may be water. An apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular may include a selectively buoyant body, and a flow restriction element responsive to a movement of the selectively buoyant body. The selectively buoyant body includes a membrane configured to block a flow of hydrocarbons into the selectively buoyant body. The flow restriction element may include a flapper, a sliding sleeve, and a poppet valve. The body may be at least partially filled with a permeable material, which includes, but is not limited to, open-cell foam, reticulated metal foam, shaped sintered powder and capillary tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Randall V. Guest, Stephen L. Crow, Martin P. Coronado
  • Publication number: 20130048273
    Abstract: A lock can hold a movable member in position to a stationary member for holding the set position of the tool while being configured to release and still be capable of being reset in the same trip to lock a set position of the tool in the same or a new location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Christopher W. Guidry, William A. Hered
  • Publication number: 20130048268
    Abstract: A cut-and-pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut in tension. A lock feature holds the set position of the slips and seal. The lock can be defeated with an axial force that retracts a spring-loaded dog, and the lock can be reset to the run-in position, with the slips and seal retracted, so that the assembly can be repositioned in the same trip for another cut. A cam surface prevents setting the slips and seal until the spear is relocated to the next desired cut location or removed from the wellbore. The lock can be defeated with picking up or with a pressuring up on a dropped ball for an emergency release. A surface signal of the release is provided by a stack of disc springs that have to be compressed to release the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Christopher W. Guidry, William A. Hered
  • Publication number: 20120292027
    Abstract: A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Marcelle H. Hedrick, Erik V. Nordenstam, Christopher W. Guidry
  • Publication number: 20120292028
    Abstract: A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Marcelle H. Hedrick, Erik V. Nordenstam, Christopher W. Guidry
  • Publication number: 20120285684
    Abstract: A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Marcelle H. Hedrick, Erik V. Nordenstam, Christopher W. Guidry
  • Patent number: 8186428
    Abstract: A fiber support arrangement for a downhole tool includes a tubular; at least one end ring positioning the tubular spaced radially from a downhole tool and lacking contact therewith; and a fiber supported at the tubular and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Stephen L. Crow, Vinay Varma
  • Patent number: 7913765
    Abstract: A device or system for controlling fluid flow in a well includes a flow restriction member that transitions from a first effective density to a second effective density in response to a change in composition of the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may increase in effective density as the water cut of the flowing fluid increases and/or disintegrate when exposed to a selected fluid in the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may be formed of a water-absorbing material and/or a porous material. The pores may be water permeable but not oil permeable. A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes controlling a flow of fluid into a wellbore tubular with a flow restriction member. The method may include reducing a flow of water into the wellbore tubular when a percentage of water in the flowing fluid reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Martin P. Coronado
  • Publication number: 20100294514
    Abstract: A selective plug including a body; and an incrementing configuration in operable communication with the body capable of causing the plug to selectively pass a number of borehole restrictions to reach and engage a target restriction and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Richard Y. Xu
  • Patent number: 7644758
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a valve that operates in association with a downhole screen is threaded into the wall of a base pipe after being inserted through a saddle. When the valve body is threaded in, the engagement into the wall threads in the base pipe acts as a sealing force on a ring seal between the saddle and the base pipe and between the valve body and the saddle. The valve itself can be outfitted with a cover with openings that can be integral or removable and disposed at the end of the valve that is innermost to the base pipe. Preferably a series of elongated slots are used that can catch slurry if the well is to be killed while allowing subsequent production to drive the accumulated solids from well killing back into the base pipe. Another feature places the valve in a base pipe opening under a cylindrical screen section to reduce assembly time and cost of constructing an adjacent housing to one side of the cylindrical screen section to accommodate the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Stephen L. Crow, Knut Herman Henriksen
  • Patent number: 7628214
    Abstract: A system for inserting control lines to a control line receptacle at an alternate path structure including an upper guide having a path structure engagement roller, a control line insertion wheel and a control line bypass space. The system further includes a lower guide separate from the upper guide and having a path structure engagement roller and a control line insertion wheel. The path structure engagement roller and control line insertion wheel are resiliently biased to a position to cause control line insertion to the alternate flow path structure when in an engaged position. A method for inserting control lines is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl W. Stoesz, Stephen L. Crow
  • Publication number: 20090236102
    Abstract: A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes configuring a body to at least partially fill with a selected fluid; and actuating a flow restriction element using the body. The selected fluid may be water. An apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular may include a selectively buoyant body, and a flow restriction element responsive to a movement of the selectively buoyant body. The selectively buoyant body includes a membrane configured to block a flow of hydrocarbons into the selectively buoyant body. The flow restriction element may include a flapper, a sliding sleeve, and a poppet valve. The body may be at least partially filled with a permeable material, which includes, but is not limited to, open-cell foam, reticulated metal foam, shaped sintered powder and capillary tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Randall V. Guest, Stephen L. Crow, Martin P. Coronado
  • Publication number: 20090142024
    Abstract: A conductor mounting configuration includes a conductor having a signal carrying portion, and insulative portion radially outwardly disposed of the signal carrying portion and a jacket radially outwardly disposed of the insulative portion; an intermediary material having a thickness selected to accommodate a heat based fusion to the jacket while requiring a heat load of less than that associated with damage to the conductor; and a heat fusion affixing the conductor to the intermediate material and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vinay Varma, Stephen L. Crow, Martin P. Coronado
  • Publication number: 20090139733
    Abstract: A method for securing a signal propagating line to a downhole component includes configuring the downhole component in a final form prior to securing the line thereto; positioning the line at an outside dimension of the component; and fusing the line to the component with a heat based fusion method and apparatus therefore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vinay Varma, Stephen L. Crow, Martin P. Coronado
  • Publication number: 20090101344
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling fluid flow into a wellbore tubular includes an in-flow control device, an element co-acting with the in-flow control device, and a disintegrating medium at least partially surrounding the element. The medium may be configured to release the element upon disintegration of the medium. The disintegrating medium may be configured to disintegrate when exposed to a selected fluid. The element may be configured to at least partially restrict flow across a flow path associated with the in-flow control device when released. The flow path may convey the fluid from the formation to a flow bore of the wellbore tubular and the element may be positioned along the flow path. The element may be: a liquid, a solid, a particle and/or particles. The selected fluid may be water, a hydrocarbon, an engineered fluid, and/or a naturally occurring fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Martin P. Coronado, Michael H. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090101354
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a wellbore includes a reactive element that reacts when exposed to a fluid and a flow control device configured to control a flow of the fluid. The flow control device may be actuated by a reaction of the reactive element to the fluid. In embodiments, the reactive element reacts by exhibiting a change in a material property. The reaction of the reactive element may be reversible. In embodiments, the reactive element may be a shape memory polymer. The flow control device may include an actuating element operably coupled to the reactive element. The reaction of the reactive element to a given fluid releases the actuating element to actuate the flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kevin C. Holmes, Priyesh Ranjan, Steven R. Hayter, Stephen L. Crow
  • Publication number: 20090101353
    Abstract: A device or system for controlling fluid flow in a well includes a flow restriction member that transitions from a first effective density to a second effective density in response to a change in composition of the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may increase in effective density as the water cut of the flowing fluid increases and/or disintegrate when exposed to a selected fluid in the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may be formed of a water-absorbing material and/or a porous material. The pores may be water permeable but not oil permeable. A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes controlling a flow of fluid into a wellbore tubular with a flow restriction member. The method may include reducing a flow of water into the wellbore tubular when a percentage of water in the flowing fluid reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, Martin P. Coronado