Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Hill
Thomas G. Hill 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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Publication number: 20170292347Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a well that includes a subsurface barrier valve utilizes an injection valve which includes a variable orifice insert. The injection valve includes a mechanism for sensing pressure cycles that are employed during various well completion operations including pressure testing. The mechanism includes an indexing sleeve which will disable pressure functionality. Once this occurs, pressure cycling to open the barrier valve can proceed. Once the barrier valve opens, flow alone controls the injection valve during normal operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Applicant: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Jason C. Mailand, Thomas G. Hill, JR.
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Patent number: 9771777Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
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Patent number: 9638006Abstract: A safety system for a well having a cable deployed electronic submersible pump includes a barrier valve having a control line for opening and closing the valve, a first flapper safety valve assembly, and a second flapper safety valve assembly. The second flapper safety valve allows the cable for the pump to pass through the second flapper safety valve when the valve is in a closed position. An integral flapper safety valve assembly incorporates the first and second flapper safety valves.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Robert C. Henschel, Thomas G. Hill
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Patent number: 9624755Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, thereby damaging the seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
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Publication number: 20170067315Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, which may damage the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2016Publication date: March 9, 2017Applicant: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Jason Charles Mailand, Thomas G. Hill
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Patent number: 9527643Abstract: A package includes a box and an insert. The box includes a front wall and defines a compartment therein. The front wall defines an open window between a top window edge and a bottom window edge of the front wall. The open window provides direct access to the compartment. The insert is maintained within the compartment and defines a top chamber panel adjacent the top window edge, a rear chamber panel, and a bottom chamber panel adjacent the bottom window edge. The insert is maintained within the compartment such that the bottom chamber panel divides the compartment into at least an open chamber and a closed chamber. The open chamber is defined immediately adjacent the open window between the top chamber panel and the bottom chamber panel. The closed chamber is defined on a side of the bottom chamber panel opposite the open chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Jacob Streich, Matthew M. Culver, Wade A. Ledin, Thomas G. Hill
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Patent number: 9523260Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, which may damage the seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Jason Charles Mailand, Thomas G. Hill, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160356121Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is operable to close a fluid flow path by virtue of an axially movable flow sleeve. The valve includes a recockable actuator and a latch mechanism so that the valve can be moved to a closed position without overcoming the pressure head and frictional forces currently encountered in conventional safety valves. The latch mechanism includes one or more micro pistons.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Robert C. Henschel
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Publication number: 20160305228Abstract: An injection sleeve and apparatus for injecting fluid into a well includes a flow tube having a piston which upon fluid flow opens one or more outlet ports. The injection sleeve is adapted to include a variable orifice insert which prevents flow through the tool at a first selected pressure level until the outlet ports are in an open position, thereby protecting packing seals on either side of the outlet ports from undue wear and tear, and prolonging the life of the tool. At a second pressure level, the variable orifice insert permits flow through injection sleeve to the formation injection zones. A plurality of the sleeves may be used for sequentially injecting fluid into a plurality of injection formation zones surrounding a well. When injection fluid flow is terminated, the injection sleeves act as a dual barrier valve for preventing flow from the injection formation zones back to the well head.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Applicant: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Jason C. Mailand, Thomas G. Hill, JR.
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Patent number: 9441456Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is operable to close a fluid flow path by virtue of an axially movable flow sleeve. The valve includes a recockable actuator and a latch mechanism so that the valve can be moved to a closed position without overcoming the pressure head and frictional forces currently encountered in conventional safety valves. The latch mechanism includes one or more micro pistons.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Tejas Research + Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
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Publication number: 20160230506Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Applicant: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Robert C. Henschel
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Publication number: 20160207680Abstract: A package includes a box and an insert. The box includes a front wall and defines a compartment therein. The front wall defines an open window between a top window edge and a bottom window edge of the front wall. The open window provides direct access to the compartment. The insert is maintained within the compartment and defines a top chamber panel adjacent the top window edge, a rear chamber panel, and a bottom chamber panel adjacent the bottom window edge. The insert is maintained within the compartment such that the bottom chamber panel divides the compartment into at least an open chamber and a closed chamber. The open chamber is defined immediately adjacent the open window between the top chamber panel and the bottom chamber panel. The closed chamber is defined on a side of the bottom chamber panel opposite the open chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2015Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.Inventors: Jacob STREICH, Matthew M. CULVER, Wade A. LEDIN, Thomas G. HILL
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Patent number: 9334709Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel, Rory L. Hodge, Shane W. Pfaff
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Publication number: 20160084026Abstract: Apparatus and method for limiting the expansion and contraction of a production tubular within a pumpjack oil well includes an anchor having a hydraulic dampening chamber and an expansion joint. A piston is attached to the tubular and position within the hydraulic dampening chamber so that axial expansion and contraction of the tubular caused by thermal and loading forces is resisted by the constrained movement of the piston within the hydraulic chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Sam Herod, Robert Herschel, Thomas G. Hill, JR.
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Publication number: 20160069156Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, thereby damaging the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Applicant: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Robert C. Henschel
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Patent number: 9217312Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, thereby damaging the seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
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Publication number: 20150361763Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, which may damage the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Applicant: Tejas Research And Engineering, LLCInventors: Jason Charles Mailand, Thomas G. Hill, JR.
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Publication number: 20150300124Abstract: Apparatus for the activation of a deep set surface controlled subsurface valve such as a SCSSV or a gas vent valve by means of hydraulic pressure applied to an externally mounted control line includes the use of supplemental forces to assist the normal closing force to close the valve. The valve comprises a valve body with a longitudinal bore for fluid flow through, a bore closure member such as a flapper or sleeve, a hydraulic piston to provide for valve opening when pressure is applied to the control line and a plurality of spring assemblies to provide for valve closure when applied hydraulic pressure is removed. This spring closure mechanism can be configured in order to enable the valve to be set and safely operate at very deep setting depths. Another approach is the use of magnets of opposite polarity positioned in the valve, one of which is attached to an axially movable flow tube located within the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2015Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Jason C. Mailand, Thomas G. Hill, JR.
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Patent number: 9133688Abstract: An integral multistage safety valve is designed to provide a second level of protection should a first stage fail. The valve may be used in oil and/or gas wells. The interior portion of the multiphase safety valve is designed so as to reduce turbulence and pressure loss through the valve when the valve is in an open position. The valves may be independently operable, or operable with a single control line. The multi-stage valve reduces the number of body joints required to construct two identical valves thereby reducing cost and potential leak paths and increasing reliability of the system.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Robert A. Jancha, Thomas G. Hill, Jr.
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Patent number: 9103184Abstract: A valve and valve assembly are provided to allow opening of flow channels through the wall of a tubular by increasing and then decreasing pressure in the tubular. Slidable seals having different areas are used to apply an axial force to a shuttle in the valve in response to differential pressure across the valve when in the closed position. The axial force shears a pin, releasing the shuttle. A decrease of pressure in the tubular can allow the valve to open in response to a spring force. Multiple valves may be placed along a tubular string and the valves may be opened all at substantially the same time or at time intervals determined by pressures applied inside the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel