Patents by Inventor Steven R. Merrill

Steven R. Merrill 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: 10519745
    Abstract: A valve for a plug passage features opposed perforated magnetic discs that repel each other to stay apart allowing flow through the openings of the spaced discs. When a predetermined flow rate is exceeded, the magnetic repelling force is overcome and one disc moves toward the other to shut off flow as contact between the discs closed the openings between them. One way is to offset the openings and guide the moving disc axially while rotationally locking the moving disc. Another way is to spirally guide the moving disc so that openings initially aligned rotate out of alignment. One or more edge slots can be provided in each disc to sweep out debris that can settle between the discs that would otherwise impede the moving disc from contacting the stationary disc for passage closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Merrill, Yash Parekh, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 10246971
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a plug to close off a zone in the well for further treatment above the plug features a valve member initially pinned in an open position where flow up to a predetermined level can move through without dislodging the valve plug to move to its associated seat. If the perforating gun misfires a replacement gun can be run in with flow as the plug is still retained in the position for flow through the plug. On the other hand flow around the plug above a predetermined level will shear retainers for the plug and let the plug land on its seat closing flow in a downhole direction for treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Ronnie D. Russell, Barbara A. Pratt, Erwin D. Hernaez, Juan C. Flores Perez, Elias Pena, Tristan R. Wise, Steven R. Merrill
  • Publication number: 20180298724
    Abstract: A valve for a plug passage features opposed perforated magnetic discs that repel each other to stay apart allowing flow through the openings of the spaced discs. When a predetermined flow rate is exceeded, the magnetic repelling force is overcome and one disc moves toward the other to shut off flow as contact between the discs closed the openings between them. One way is to offset the openings and guide the moving disc axially while rotationally locking the moving disc. Another way is to spirally guide the moving disc so that openings initially aligned rotate out of alignment. One or more edge slots can be provided in each disc to sweep out debris that can settle between the discs that would otherwise impede the moving disc from contacting the stationary disc for passage closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven R. Merrill, Yash Parekh, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20170089175
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a plug to close off a zone in the well for further treatment above the plug features a valve member initially pinned in an open position where flow up to a predetermined level can move through without dislodging the valve plug to move to its associated seat. If the perforating gun misfires a replacement gun can be run in with flow as the plug is still retained in the position for flow through the plug. On the other hand flow around the plug above a predetermined level will shear retainers for the plug and let the plug land on its seat closing flow in a downhole direction for treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Ronnie D. Russell, Barbara A. Pratt, Erwin D. Hernaez, Juan C. Flores Perez, Elias Pena, Tristan R. Wise, Steven R. Merrill
  • Patent number: 7270469
    Abstract: A pigmentation dispenser utilizes a hopper having two rotors therein, a first rotor above a second rotor. The second rotor moves the pigmentation material through an outlet opening and deposits it on a conveyor containing a concrete mix. The concrete mix and pigmentation material are then moved to a mixer which mixes them together. A cleanout is also in communication with the hopper and the second rotor can be reversed to move the pigmentation toward the cleanout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Cemen-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Leland Goode, Brian D. Lowe, Steven R. Merrill, John C. Eiland