Patents by Inventor Terry D. Watts
Terry D. Watts 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: 8172008Abstract: A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jr., Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Publication number: 20120024609Abstract: A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, JR., Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Patent number: 8066084Abstract: A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jr., Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Patent number: 7954380Abstract: A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jeffrey B. Lund, Nicholas J. Lyons, Eric C. Sullivan, Terry D. Watts
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Publication number: 20110114392Abstract: A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, JR., Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Patent number: 7814990Abstract: A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jr., Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Publication number: 20090320584Abstract: A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Jeffrey B. Lund, Nicholas J. Lyons, Eric C. Sullivan, Terry D. Watts
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Patent number: 7631560Abstract: A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jeffrey B. Lund, Nicholas J. Lyons, Eric C. Sullivan, Terry D. Watts
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Patent number: 7096978Abstract: A rotary drag bit and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a bit body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the bit and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the bit preferably includes a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the bit against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jr., Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Patent number: 6935441Abstract: A rotary drag bit and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a bit body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the bit and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the bit preferably includes a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the bit against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jr., Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Publication number: 20040216926Abstract: A rotary drag bit and method for drilling subterranean formations including a bit body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the bit and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit. The exterior of the bit preferably includes a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the bit against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Patent number: 6779613Abstract: A rotary drag bit and method for drilling subterranean formations including a bit body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the bit and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit. The exterior of the bit preferably includes a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the bit against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jr., Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Publication number: 20030029642Abstract: A rotary drag bit and method for drilling subterranean formations including a bit body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the bit and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit. The exterior of the bit preferably includes a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the bit against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Patent number: 6460631Abstract: A rotary drag bit and method for drilling subterranean formations including a bit body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the bit and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit. The exterior of the bit preferably includes a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute the weight of the bit against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jr., Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen
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Publication number: 20010030063Abstract: A rotary drag bit and method for drilling subterranean formations including a bit body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the bit and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit. The exterior of the bit preferably includes a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute the weight of the bit against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Mark W. Dykstra, William Heuser, Michael L. Doster, Theodore E. Zaleski, Jack T. Oldham, Terry D. Watts, Daniel E. Ruff, Rodney B. Walzel, Christopher C. Beuershausen