Patents by Inventor Winfield M. Sides

Winfield M. Sides 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: 10808478
    Abstract: To perform an aligned operation downhole, a tubular disposed downhole has an internal bore with a first inner circumference and has a target at a first radial orientation. A locator profile is defined about the internal bore at a first location, and an internal nipple is defined about the internal bore at a second location. The internal nipple has a second inner circumference less than the first of the internal bore. An orientation slot is defined longitudinally across the internal nipple and is disposed at a second radial orientation configured relative to the first radial orientation of the target. A tool is deployable into the internal bore. The tool has a locator to engage in the locator profile and has an orientation key to engage in the slot and align an operational component for the aligned operation with the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Goodell, Winfield M. Sides
  • Publication number: 20190249506
    Abstract: To perform an aligned operation downhole, a tubular disposed downhole has an internal bore with a first inner circumference and has a target at a first radial orientation. A locator profile is defined about the internal bore at a first location, and an internal nipple is defined about the internal bore at a second location. The internal nipple has a second inner circumference less than the first of the internal bore. An orientation slot is defined longitudinally across the internal nipple and is disposed at a second radial orientation configured relative to the first radial orientation of the target. A tool is deployable into the internal bore. The tool has a locator to engage in the locator profile and has an orientation key to engage in the slot and align an operational component for the aligned operation with the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Eric W. Goodell, Winfield M. Sides
  • Publication number: 20160237792
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus and methods for controlling injection profile. One embodiment provides an injection distribution device. The injection distribution device includes a shield portion and a baffle portion. The baffle portion comprises a first baffle having a plurality of first openings formed therethrough, and a second baffle having a plurality of second openings formed therethrough. At least a portion of the first baffle overlaps with the second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Winfield M. SIDES, III
  • Publication number: 20150285021
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of cutting an object in a wellbore including a downhole cutting tool having a source of abrasive material; a source of high pressure fluid mixable with the abrasive material; a rotatable nozzle section, the nozzle section rotatable due to a source of low pressure fluid acting on a piston surface formed on a sleeve, the sleeve rotationally and axially movable in a body of the tool; whereby the sources of high and low pressure fluid and the abrasive material are housed in the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Winfield M. SIDES, III, Luis BARRIENTOS
  • Publication number: 20140262303
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a deepset wireline retrievable safety valve for controlling fluid flow through a production tubing string. In one aspect, a valve for use in a wellbore is provided. The valve includes a housing having a bore. The valve further includes an actuator sleeve movable within the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuator sleeve in the retracted position allows a flapper member to obstruct the bore in the housing. Additionally, the valve includes a first piston member attached to a first side of the actuator sleeve and a second piston member attached to a second side of the actuator sleeve, wherein wellbore fluid pressure acts on the first piston member, which results in a first force, and acts on the second piston, which results in a second force, and the first force and the second force are applied to the actuator sleeve in an opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Roddie R. SMITH, Winfield M. SIDES, III
  • Patent number: 7980303
    Abstract: Apparatus if provided for use in wells, particularly wells that have high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in the well. The shells of completion equipment that is required to withstand the rigorous conditions in such wells are increased in strength by laminate layers that are formed of materials having higher yield strength than the yield strength of materials that can be used in well fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Cecil G. McGavern, III, Winfield M. Sides, III, Jason Mailand
  • Patent number: 7963334
    Abstract: A kit for converting an existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (170, 270, 370) into a bypass passageway apparatus (100) allowing the injection of production-enhancing fluid into a wellbore while maintaining the operation of the closure member (374). Bypass passageway (280) can extend between upper (260) and lower (275) adapters external to the existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (270) to allow fluid injection bypass thereof. Conversion kit can include a tubing string hanger to suspend a velocity tubing string (407, 507), a gas lift valve (475) for gas lift operations, a locking mandrel (220), and/or a spacer tube (240).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jason C. Mailand, Cecil G. McGavern, III, Winfield M. Sides, III, Jeffrey L. Bolding
  • Publication number: 20100186968
    Abstract: A kit for converting an existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (170, 270, 370) into a bypass passageway apparatus (100) allowing the injection of production-enhancing fluid into a wellbore while maintaining the operation of the closure member (374). Bypass passageway (280) can extend between upper (260) and lower (275) adapters external to the existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (270) to allow fluid injection bypass thereof. Conversion kit can include a tubing string hanger to suspend a velocity tubing string (407, 507), a gas lift valve (475) for gas lift operations, a locking mandrel (220), and/or a spacer tube (240).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jason C. Mailand, Cecil G. McGavern, III, Winfield M. Sides, III, Jeffrey L. Bolding
  • Patent number: 7712537
    Abstract: A kit for converting an existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (170, 270, 370) into a bypass passageway apparatus (100) allowing the injection of production-enhancing fluid into a wellbore while maintaining the operation of the closure member (374). Bypass passageway (280) can extend between upper (260) and lower (275) adapters external to the existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (270) to allow fluid injection bypass thereof. Conversion kit can include a tubing string hanger to suspend a velocity tubing string (407, 507), a gas lift valve (475) for gas lift operations, a locking mandrel (220), and/or a spacer tube (240).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company U.S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jason C. Mailand, Cecil G. McGavern, Winfield M. Sides, Jeffrey L. Bolding
  • Publication number: 20100018700
    Abstract: Apparatus if provided for use in wells, particularly wells that have high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in the well. The shells of completion equipment that is required to withstand the rigorous conditions in such wells are increased in strength by laminate layers that are formed of materials having higher yield strength than the yield strength of materials that can be used in well fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: TEJAS ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Cecil G. McGavern, III, Winfield M. Sides, III, Jason Mailand
  • Patent number: 7571773
    Abstract: Multiple ball launch assemblies comprise a plurality of ball launch pods disposed around an outer wall surface of a housing. The ball launch pods are operatively associated with a flow tube disposed within the housing. An actuator assembly rotates the flow tube to align a first opening in the flow tube with a first ball launch pod so that a first ball is launched into the wellbore. Further rotation of the flow tube aligns subsequent openings in the flow tube with subsequent corresponding ball launch pods so that subsequent balls are launched into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lonnie C. West, Jason C. Mailand, Winfield M. Sides, III, Glenn A. Bahr
  • Publication number: 20080271893
    Abstract: A kit for converting an existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (170, 270, 370) into a bypass passageway apparatus (100) allowing the injection of production-enhancing fluid into a wellbore while maintaining the operation of the closure member (374). Bypass passageway (280) can extend between upper (260) and lower (275) adapters external to the existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (270) to allow fluid injection bypass thereof. Conversion kit can include a tubing string hanger to suspend a velocity tubing string (407, 507), a gas lift valve (475) for gas lift operations, a locking mandrel (220), and/or a spacer tube (240).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jason C. Mailand, Cecil G. McGavern, Winfield M. Sides, Jeffrey L. Bolding
  • Patent number: 7373983
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a pathway for fluid communication through a tubing-retrievable subsurface safety valve (TRSSV). The method and apparatus are designed to be deployed within a hydrocarbon wellbore after the TRSSV has failed. The apparatus is a milling tool that is run into the wellbore and landed within the TRSSV. The milling tool comprises a housing system, a cutting system, a drive system, and an actuating system. In operation, the milling tool is landed within the housing of the TRSSV. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one arrangement, the cutting system includes blades for shaving the pressure containing body of the TRSSV, thereby forming a pathway for fluid communication between a hydraulic fluid line and a bore of the safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Cecil G. McGavern, III, Adrian V. Saran, Winfield M. Sides, III
  • Publication number: 20080035328
    Abstract: Apparatus if provided for use in wells, particularly wells that have high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in the well. The shells of completion equipment that is required to withstand the rigorous conditions in such wells are increased in strength by laminate layers that are formed of materials having higher yield strength than the yield strength of materials that can be used in well fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Cecil G. McGavern, Winfield M. Sides, Jason Mailand
  • Patent number: 7188674
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a pathway for fluid communication through a tubing-retrievable subsurface safety valve (TRSSV). The method and apparatus are designed to be deployed within a hydrocarbon wellbore after the TRSSV has failed. The apparatus is a milling tool that is run into the wellbore and landed within the TRSSV. The milling tool comprises a housing system, a cutting system, a drive system, and an actuating system. In operation, the milling tool is landed within the housing of the TRSSV. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one arrangement, the cutting system includes blades for shaving the pressure containing body of the TRSSV, thereby forming a pathway for fluid communication between a hydraulic fluid line and a bore of the safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Cecil G. McGavern, III, Adrian V. Saran, Winfield M. Sides, III
  • Patent number: 6854519
    Abstract: A valve for use in a wellbore, the valve having a compensating secondary sealing system for misalignments that inevitably occur in sealing subsurface valves, particularly subsurface safety valves. A sealing system can include a dynamic sealing system and a static sealing system, where the static sealing system establishes one or more line contact surfaces. The line contact surfaces can be leading, in that the forward edge of the seal faces a corresponding engagement portion of the actuator. The actuator can include at least two spherical engagement portions where one of the spherical engagement portions engages resilient and non-resilient seals with line contact surfaces on a downstroke and the other spherical engagement portion engages resilient and non-resilient seals with line contact surfaces on an upstroke. Further, a bearing disposed above seals on a piston of the actuator assists in keeping contaminants out of the seal area of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Deaton, Winfield M. Sides, III, Robert A. Jancha, Roddie R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040045714
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a pathway for fluid communication through a tubing-retrievable subsurface safety valve (TRSSV). The method and apparatus are designed to be deployed within a hydrocarbon wellbore after the TRSSV has failed. The apparatus is a milling tool that is run into the wellbore and landed within the TRSSV. The milling tool comprises a housing system, a cutting system, a drive system, and an actuating system. In operation, the milling tool is landed within the housing of the tubing-retrievable safety valve. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one aspect, the drive system is a rotary motor and shaft system that is connected to the cutting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb Inc.
    Inventors: Cecil G. McGavern, Adrian V. Saran, Winfield M. Sides
  • Publication number: 20030205389
    Abstract: The present invention provides a more compensating secondary sealing system for misalignments that inevitably occur in sealing subsurface valves, particularly subsurface safety valves. A sealing system can include a dynamic sealing system and a static sealing system, where the static sealing system establishes one or more line contact surfaces. The line contact surfaces can be leading, in that the forward edge of the seal faces a corresponding engagement portion of the actuator. The actuator can include at least two spherical engagement portions where one of the spherical engagement portions engages resilient and non-resilient seals with line contact surfaces on a downstroke and the other spherical engagement portion engages resilient and non-resilient seals with line contact surfaces on an upstroke. Further, a bearing disposed above seals on a piston of the actuator assists in keeping contaminants out of the seal area of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Deaton, Winfield M. Sides, Robert A. Jancha, Roddie R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5564675
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve of minimized length comprises a tubular valve housing with a valve closure member therein movable between an open and a closed position, an axially shiftable flow tube for opening the valve closure member, a plurality of longitudinally disposed springs radially spaced about the housing for biasing the flow tube to a closed position, and a piston and cylinder assembly to move the flow tube to an open position, with a portion of the assembly longitudinally overlapping at least one of the springs. The safety valve includes simple mechanisms to lock out the safety valve, and to establish secondary hydraulic communication with a wireline set secondary valve set within the locked out safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Winfield M. Sides, III, Billy R. Newman
  • Patent number: 5542472
    Abstract: A combination of a metal coiled tubing and a signal transmitting passageway for transmitting and/or receiving signals to well tools positioned in the coiled tubing. The signal transmitting passageway is positioned in the wall of the coiled tubing and may transmit and receive hydraulic, electrical or light signals and the signals may be used for transmitting power signals for actuating well tools, control signals for controlling well tools, and/or data signals for transmitting or receiving information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Camco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Winfield M. Sides, III, David N. Folsom, Cecil G. McGavern, III