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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Publication number: 20140006227Abstract: 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: June 10, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, 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: 8567512Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A tubular handling system having a tubular gripping apparatus having a gripping mechanism and a sensor adapted to track movement of the gripping mechanism, wherein the sensor sends a signal to a controller when the gripping apparatus is in a position that corresponds to the gripping apparatus being engaged with the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes
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Patent number: 8534379Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley
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Patent number: 8463664Abstract: 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 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, 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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Publication number: 20130048386Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Tuong Thanh Le, Michael Dean Rossing
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Publication number: 20120168228Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
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Publication number: 20120138298Abstract: 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: November 29, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
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Patent number: 8127868Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
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Patent number: 8066069Abstract: 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: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
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Patent number: 8042616Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
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Publication number: 20110174483Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, JR., Michael Hayes, Bernd-Georg Pietras
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Patent number: 7874352Abstract: Methods and apparatus for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A gripping apparatus is activated with an actuator having a primary actuator and a redundant safety feature. The redundant safety feature may include one or more redundant fluid operated pistons. The gripping apparatus may include an integrated safety system adapted to prevent damage to the tubulars while making and breaking out connections between the tubulars and the tubular string.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes, Bernd-Georg Pietras
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Publication number: 20110011646Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhalib, Mike Wardley
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Patent number: 7823660Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
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Patent number: 7730968Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communicating between surface equipment and downhole equipment. One embodiment of the invention provides a wellhead assembly that allows electrical power and signals to pass into and out of the well during drilling operations, without removing the valve structure above the wellhead. Another embodiment of the invention provides an electromagnetic casing antenna system for two-way communication with downhole tools. Another embodiment of the invention provides an antenna module for a resistivity sub that effectively controls and seals the primary/secondary interface gap.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David G. Hosie, Michael J. Lynch, Jack Allen, David Pavel, Joe Noske, Allen R. Young, Kenneth M. Nero, Ram Kumar Bansal, Tuong Thanh Le, Kenneth Edmund Rozek
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Publication number: 20100126776Abstract: 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: November 17, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Eric M. Twardowski, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
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Patent number: 7503397Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system for drilling with casing is provided with an access tool to retrieve a downhole tool. The top drive system for drilling with casing comprises a top drive; a top drive adapter for gripping the casing, the top drive adapter operatively coupled to the top drive; and an access tool coupled to the top drive and adapted for accessing a fluid passage of the top drive system. In another embodiment, a method for retrieving a downhole tool through a tubular coupled to a top drive adapter of a top drive system is provided. The method comprises coupling an access tool to the top drive system, the access tool adapted to provide access to a fluid path in the top drive system and inserting a conveying member into the fluid path through the access tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Albert C. Odell, II, Gary Thompson, David Haugen, Tuong Thanh Le, Robert Dugal, Karsten Heidecke, David Shahin
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Publication number: 20080302524Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communicating between surface equipment and downhole equipment. One embodiment of the invention provides a wellhead assembly that allows electrical power and signals to pass into and out of the well during drilling operations, without removing the valve structure above the wellhead. Another embodiment of the invention provides an electromagnetic casing antenna system for two-way communication with downhole tools. Another embodiment of the invention provides an antenna module for a resistivity sub that effectively controls and seals the primary/secondary interface gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: David G. Hosie, Michael J. Lynch, Jack Allen, David Pavel, Joe Noske, Allen R. Young, Kenneth M. Nero, Ram Kumar Bansal, Tuong Thanh Le, Kenneth Edmund Rozek
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Patent number: 7413018Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communicating between surface equipment and downhole equipment. One embodiment of the invention provides a wellhead assembly that allows electrical power and signals to pass into and out of the well during drilling operations, without removing the valve structure above the wellhead. Another embodiment of the invention provides an electromagnetic casing antenna system for two-way communication with downhole tools. Another embodiment of the invention provides an antenna module for a resistivity sub that effectively controls and seals the primary/secondary interface gap.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David G. Hosie, Michael J. Lynch, Jack Allen, David Pavel, Joe Noske, Allen R. Young, Kenneth M. Nero, Ram Kumar Bansal, Tuong Thanh Le, Kenneth Edmund Rozek
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Patent number: 7409758Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing drilling vibration during drilling with casing. In one embodiment, an apparatus for reducing vibration of a rotating casing includes a tubular body disposed concentrically around the casing, wherein tubular body is movable relative to the casing. Preferably, a portion of the tubular body comprises a friction reducing material. In operation, the tubular body comes into contact with the existing casing or the wellbore instead of the rotating casing. Because the tubular body is freely movable relative to the rotating casing, the rotating casing may continuously rotate even though the tubular body is frictionally in contact with the existing casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Tuong Thanh Le, Richard L. Giroux, Albert C. Odell, Gary Thompson, Deborah L. Banta, Robert P. Badrak, Gregory G. Galloway, Mark S. Fuller