Patents by Inventor Tuong Thanh Le
Tuong Thanh Le 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: 10825008Abstract: Methods and apparatus identify downhole equipment and correlate input data with the equipment to improve planning and/or inventory operations. For some embodiments, oilfield equipment or tubular goods such as drill pipe include a shaped recess along an outer circumference for receiving a tag cartridge by shrink fitting. Once tagged, detector system configurations at pipe yards may facilitate logging the presence and location of each drill pipe and correlating specific data, such as inspection data, to each drill pipe. Further, this correlation populates a database utilized to achieve other business functions such as forecasting number of additional drill pipe needed to purchase, invoicing customers according to actual tracked wear/use of the drill pipe being returned, and providing well or job specific drill string population using known history pipe joints.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Paul Steven Griggs, Patrick M. Ljungdahl, Stephen Sarradet, Larry Williams, Matthew G. Miller, Simon John Harrall, Tuong Thanh Le
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Patent number: 10590733Abstract: A valve arrangement in a tubular having a first one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a first direction; and a second one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a second, opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le
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Patent number: 10138690Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a tubular for use with a top drive includes a connector at one end for rotationally fixing the apparatus relative to the top drive; one or more gripping members at a second end for gripping the tubular; an actuator configured to move and hold the gripping members in contact with the tubular; and a lock coupled to the connector for preventing the apparatus and the top drive from rotating independently of one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes
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Publication number: 20180089657Abstract: Methods and apparatus identify downhole equipment and correlate input data with the equipment to improve planning and/or inventory operations. For some embodiments, oilfield equipment or tubular goods such as drill pipe include a shaped recess along an outer circumference for receiving a tag cartridge by shrink fitting. Once tagged, detector system configurations at pipe yards may facilitate logging the presence and location of each drill pipe and correlating specific data, such as inspection data, to each drill pipe. Further, this correlation populates a database utilized to achieve other business functions such as forecasting number of additional drill pipe needed to purchase, invoicing customers according to actual tracked wear/use of the drill pipe being returned, and providing well or job specific drill string population using known history pipe joints.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Paul Steven Griggs, Patrick M. Ljungdahl, Stephen Sarradet, Larry Williams, Matthew G. Miller, Simon John Harrall, Tuong Thanh Le
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Publication number: 20180038194Abstract: A valve arrangement in a tubular having a first one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a first direction; and a second one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a second, opposite direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE
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Patent number: 9824347Abstract: Methods and apparatus identify downhole equipment and correlate input data with the equipment to improve planning and/or inventory operations. For some embodiments, oilfield equipment or tubular goods such as drill pipe include a shaped recess along an outer circumference for receiving a tag cartridge by shrink fitting. Once tagged, detector system configurations at pipe yards may facilitate logging the presence and location of each drill pipe and correlating specific data, such as inspection data, to each drill pipe. Further, this correlation populates a database utilized to achieve other business functions such as forecasting number of additional drill pipe needed to purchase, invoicing customers according to actual tracked wear/use of the drill pipe being returned, and providing well or job specific drill string population using known history pipe joints.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Paul Steven Griggs, Patrick M. Ljungdahl, Stephen Sarradet, Larry Williams, Matthew G. Miller, Tuong Thanh Le
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Patent number: 9816331Abstract: In one embodiment, the first casing string is releasably coupled to a second casing string using a latch assembly. The second casing string is released from the conductor after the first casing string is properly positioned in the wellbore. The latch assembly is configured to release the coupling by manipulating the second casing string relative to the first casing string.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: Tuong Thanh Le
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Patent number: 9745821Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow between two tubulars includes disposing a sealing member in an annular area between two tubulars, wherein the two tubulars partially overlap; moving the sealing member to a lower position where it is not in contact with one of the tubulars, thereby allowing fluid flow through the annular area; and moving the sealing member to an upper position where it is in contact with both of the tubulars, thereby preventing fluid flow through the annular area.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le
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Patent number: 9719303Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
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Patent number: 9637977Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, David J. Brunnert
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Publication number: 20170044850Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a tubular for use with a top drive includes a connector at one end for rotationally fixing the apparatus relative to the top drive; one or more gripping members at a second end for gripping the tubular; an actuator configured to move and hold the gripping members in contact with the tubular; and a lock coupled to the connector for preventing the apparatus and the top drive from rotating independently of one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Albert C. ODELL, II, Richard Lee GIROUX, Tuong Thanh LE, Gary THOMPSON, Karsten HEIDECKE, Joerg LORENZ, Doyle Fredric BOUTWELL, JR., Michael HAYES
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Patent number: 9493989Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
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Patent number: 9382760Abstract: A pulsing tool for use with a tubular string having a motor unit and a pulsing unit coupled to the motor unit. In one embodiment, the pulsing unit includes a mandrel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a flow control bushing, wherein rotation of the mandrel relative to the flow control bushing creates a pressure oscillation which causes movement of the tubular string.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Tuong Thanh Le, Michael Dean Rossing
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Publication number: 20150184461Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Jose A. TREVINO, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE, Wei Jake XU, Guy F. FEASEY
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Publication number: 20150060078Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Jose A. TREVINO, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE, Wei Jake XU, Guy F. FEASEY
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Publication number: 20140326454Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Richard L. GIROUX, Gregory G. GALLOWAY, Patrick G. MAGUIRE, Tuong Thanh LE, Albert C. ODELL, II, David M. HAUGEN, Frederick T. TILTON, Brent J. LIRETTE, David J. BRUNNERT
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Patent number: 8839880Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Eric M. Twardowski, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
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Publication number: 20140196900Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow between two tubulars includes disposing a sealing member in an annular area between two tubulars, wherein the two tubulars partially overlap; moving the sealing member to a lower position where it is not in contact with one of the tubulars, thereby allowing fluid flow through the annular area; and moving the sealing member to an upper position where it is in contact with both of the tubulars, thereby preventing fluid flow through the annular area.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE
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Publication number: 20140196910Abstract: In one embodiment, the first casing string is releasably coupled to a second casing string using a latch assembly. The second casing string is released from the conductor after the first casing string is properly positioned in the wellbore. The latch assembly is configured to release the coupling by manipulating the second casing string relative to the first casing string.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, inc.Inventor: Tuong Thanh LE
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Publication number: 20140116686Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, JR., Michael Hayes