Spring Moves Anchor Slip Relative To Wedge Or Cam Patents (Class 166/137)
  • Patent number: 11125035
    Abstract: This disclosure presents methods and systems for positioning a magnetic fluid conditioner in a well. One or more magnetic fluid conditioners are attached to a coupling mandrel operable to engage with the tubing of a well, either with an existing completion component or directly with the tubing. The coupling mandrel includes a locking mechanism, such as keys or dogs, for setting the mandrel to the profile nipple. The coupling mandrel further includes a packing stack or an expandable element that seals with the completion component or the tubing. The seal directs oil through the mandrel and thus, through the magnetic fluid conditioners. In some embodiments, multiple magnetic fluid conditioners are attached in tandem for more effective conditioning operations. The magnetic fluid conditioners can condition the oil to inhibit the formation of paraffin therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Flo-Rite Fluids, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. White
  • Patent number: 10920515
    Abstract: A setting tool (402) for setting a plug in a well, the setting tool (402) including a body (404) extending along a longitudinal axis X; a rod (408) extending along the longitudinal axis of the body (404), from an upstream end (402B) to a downstream end (402A) of the body (404); a chamber (406) formed at the downstream end (402A) of the body; and a restriction element (450) located in the chamber (406). The rod (408) extends through the entire chamber (406) and the restriction element (450) is located between the rod (408) and a wall (404A) of the chamber (406).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis Roessler, John Hardesty, Kevin George, Michael Wroblicky
  • Patent number: 9725969
    Abstract: A system including a positive lock system, including a lock ring system, including a load ring configured to engage a tubular, and a lock ring configured to radially energize the load ring by moving only in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Maria R. Contreras
  • Patent number: 9238952
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first casing string comprising one or more profiled seats furrowed into the first casing string's inner casing wall, a second casing string comprising an upper casing joint, a lower casing joint, and a tension-set external mechanical casing (EMC) packer positioned between the upper casing joint and the lower casing joint, wherein the tension-set EMC packer comprises a mandrel that is attached to the upper casing joint and to the lower casing joint, wherein the second casing string is disposed within the first casing string such that a casing casing annulus (CCA) is formed between the first casing string's inside diameter (ID) and the second casing string's outside diameter (OD), and wherein the recessed seats are positioned below the tension-set EMC packer prior to any engagement of the tension-set EMC packer with the first casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Eugene Rogers, Steven Lee Holden, Frank V. Acosta
  • Patent number: 8347505
    Abstract: A spring for use in downhole tools delivers a high force over a long deflection in a relatively uniform fashion. The spring is a tubular shape that is preferably metallic and is preferably plastically deformed into an undulating walled tube either before assembly into a downhole tool or downhole after assembly to the downhole tool. Alternatively the shape can be machined. Spacer rings are used inside and outside the tube as it is compressed to obtain the desired corrugated wall pattern and to prevent localized buckling that can cause wall failure. The spring can conduct pressurized fluids and be rotationally locked to transmit torque and to facilitate milling out. Some machining internally and/or externally can assist in forming the desired corrugated wall shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry J. Urban, Edward J. O'Malley, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20120325479
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA), adapted to be positioned in a casing and to isolate a portion of a wellbore, which includes a packer assembly with a first sealing element extending between first and second portions of the packer assembly. A method of setting a BHA in a casing which includes increasing a BHA pressure to activate an anchor assembly, applying a mechanical force to mechanically deform a first sealing element to thereby establish an initial seal between the first sealing element and an interior surface of the casing, and increasing a pressure in a space between the BHA and the casing and in a cavity within the BHA to increase a differential pressure across the first sealing element and thereby establish a pressure-energized seal between the first sealing element and the interior surface of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: JOHN E. RAVENSBERGEN
  • Patent number: 7876198
    Abstract: An adaptive intelligent electronic horn (100) comprises a mechanical soniferous apparatus (112), an electromagnetic coil (106), a driver circuit (104) and an oscillating circuit (102). A sensor (110) is provided between the mechanical soniferous apparatus (112) and the oscillating circuit (102). An on-off ratio adjusting circuit (108) is provided at the input end of the oscillating circuit (102). The sensor (110) measures the oscillation frequency of the mechanical soniferous apparatus (112) and feedbacks the measured oscillation frequency signal to the oscillating circuit (102). The on-off ratio adjusting circuit (108) controls a pulse width of an oscillation signal from the oscillating circuit (102) based on a voltage of power supply and/or an ambient temperature. The oscillating circuit (102) outputs corresponding oscillation signal to the driver circuit (104) based on the oscillation frequency signal received from the sensor (110) and/or the control signal from the on-off ratio adjusting circuit (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Hongwei Zhao
  • Patent number: 7392841
    Abstract: A packer assembly features one or more elements that preferably swell when in contact with well fluids and have a feature in them that responds to an applied load in a given direction by retaining such a boost force with a locking mechanism. A single element can have two such mechanisms that respond to applied forces from opposed directions. Friction force for adhering the element to the mandrel is enhanced with surface treatments between them that still allow the locking mechanisms to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas J. Murray, Vel Berzin
  • Patent number: 6691788
    Abstract: A retrievable packer (50) for establishing a sealing and gripping engagement between a tubing string and a well casing (34) disposed in a wellbore is disclosed. The retrievable packer (50) comprises a collet member (64) that is slidably disposed about a packer mandrel (52). The collet member (64) has a first operating position wherein the collet member (64) applies an axial force on a support ring (76) to positively position the support ring (76) at least partially between a first slip wedge (90) and the packer mandrel (52) to set a seal assembly (96, 98, 100). In addition, the collet member (64) has a second operating position wherein the collet member (64) applies an axial force on a slip assembly (80) to set the slip assembly (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Dearing
  • Patent number: 6325148
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and tools to be used with tubular expansion apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, tools are actuated or operated within a well by selectively expanding the tool wall. To actuate the tool, the tool wall is urged outward past its elastic limits. The expanding wall physically unlocks a locking ring which then unlocks a piston. Thereafter, hydraulic pressure differences are employed to move the piston to operate the downhole tool. In another aspect of the invention, a first piece of casing is joined to a second, larger diameter casing. By expanding the diameter of the first piece of casing into contact with the second piece of casing, the two are joined together. The joint is formed with helical formations in a manner that provides flow paths around the intersection of the two members for the passage of cement or other fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin O. Trahan, David M. Haugen
  • Patent number: 6241017
    Abstract: An improved cage slip system is disclosed. The cage is constructed so that the cones which actuate the slips extend into the cage openings. The radial extension of the slips is limited so as to retain them if they are extended in an unsupported situation. The cones have a maximum outside dimension equal to the outside dimension of the cage so as to increase the rating of the slips by increasing the bearing area of the cones on the slips. The beneficial features of the cage design are retained while a greater degree of radial expansion of the slips is possible allowing minimization of tool inventory for situations where a lighter wall casing requires further slip extension. The release system allows the lower cones to be driven out from under the lower slips, thus facilitating release of the grip of the lower slips from the casing for extraction of the packer. The mechanical release is functional through the mandrel, whether tension or compression is placed on the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Henry Joe Jordan, Jr., Hector H. Mireles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6152233
    Abstract: The present invention is a surge anchor mechanism which includes a main body, lower unit slidable in relation to the main body, and slip members. The slip members have at least one inclined end surface. The lower unit has an inclined surface forming a frustoconical shape wherein the slope of the surface complements the inclined end surface of the slip member. The lower unit is aligned along the axis of the main body and movable in relation to the main body along this axis. The slip members are biased towards the lower unit and movable transversely in relation to the axis of the lower unit. As a surge occurs in the well, the lower unit and the main body are forced towards each other. This causes the inclined surface of the lower unit to cooperate with and move along the corresponding inclined surface of the slip member forcing the slip member outward from the lower unit and into engagement with the well casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: William Jani, Roy Hansen
  • Patent number: 6119774
    Abstract: An improved cage slip system is disclosed. The cage is constructed so that the cones which actuate the slips extend into the cage openings. The radial extension of the slips is limited so as to retain them if they are extended in an unsupported situation. The cones have a maximum outside dimension equal to the outside dimension of the cage so as to increase the rating of the slips by increasing the bearing area of the cones on the slips. The beneficial features of the cage design are retained while a greater degree of radial expansion of the slips is possible allowing minimization of tool inventory for situations where a lighter wall casing requires further slip extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Henry Joe Jordan, Jr., Hector H. Mireles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5458196
    Abstract: A gun hanger for emplacement through a tubing string into a casing string, comprising an inner mandrel, a setting means slidably received on said mandrel, said setting means including a plurality of spaced apart, extendable slips mounted thereon such that operation of said setting means causes said slips to extend and engage the casing string, a slip release means slidably received on said mandrel such that operation of said slip release means causes said slips to retract and disengage from the casing string, said setting means and said release means having diameters less than the inside diameter of the tubing string when said slips are retracted, a centralizer mounted on and extending axially from the hanger, said centralizer comprising a stem and a plurality of evenly circumferentially spaced longitudinal bow springs flexibly mounted thereon, said bow springs being longitudinally spaced along said stem such that each spring longitudinally clears its preceding and succeeding springs when said springs are com
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Flint R. George, John D. Burleson
  • Patent number: 5449040
    Abstract: A tool, known as FM/WL Tool, utilized with a wireline adaptor kit would be secured to the lower end of a wireline setting tool. The adaptor kit would release from the tool when sufficient setting force is applied, and is retrieved with the wireline setting tool. The wireline setting tool provides for a telescoping action and sufficient force in order to push the outer parts down from the top as the inner mandrel of the tool and the stinger, top sub and bottom sub are pulled upward. The upward pull is transferred to a sleeve by a plurality of lugs on bottom sub assembly. This action causes the packer tool to set by compressing rubber elements and holding the elements compressed by a first upper set of slips and a second lower set of slips wedged between the casing and the upper cone and the lower cone. During the setting action, the pickup sleeve and parts attached will move down until the top slips are wedged against the top cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventors: John E. Milner, David L. Farley
  • Patent number: 4765402
    Abstract: A self-locating seal assembly is shown for sealing between a well string and the bore of a surrounding well conduit, the surrounding conduit being provided with an internal recess for engagement by the seal assembly. A mandrel has an internal bore, an exterior, and a lower end. A seal body is carried about the mandrel and has an external seal region for engaging the interior bore of the surrounding well conduit and an internal seal region for engaging the mandrel exterior. The seal body provided with a plurality of window openings, each opening having an upper and lower tapered ramp surface. An upper and a lower sleeve circumscribe the seal body about the window openings and are spaced to define a circumferential opening with respect to the exterior of the seal body. A plurality of latch elements are carried in the annular circumferential opening and have camming surfaces which cooperate with the ramp surfaces of the window openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company
    Inventor: Sydney K. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4554972
    Abstract: A latch for releasably anchoring well tools such as gas lift valves, or the like, in receptacles in well conduits, the latch becoming automatically locked in the receptacle upon reaching its proper position therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Merritt
  • Patent number: 4444252
    Abstract: A well packer having a radially extendable and retractable resilient annular sealing element and slip assembly includes a slack adjusting mechanism for maintaining the cooperating slip cones and slip members in an axially adjusted position to reduce radial play in the slip members when the slip assembly is in the retracted condition. The slack adjusting mechanism includes an internal threaded sleeve threadedly engaged with an integral tubular portion of the upper slip cone. The sleeve is disposed between the slip assembly and the sealing element and includes an annular seal urging shoulder formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Baker International Corporation
    Inventor: Hiram H. Fisher, Jr., deceased
  • Patent number: 4436150
    Abstract: An inner mandrel extends the full length of the bridge plug, and carries a top sub at its upper end for latching engagement with a conventional overshot to retrieve the plug. A tubular outer mandrel is slidably mounted on the inner mandrel for limited axial sliding movement. A partial central bore in the inner mandrel and coacting ports adjacent the upper ends of the two mandrels provide a valved bypass passage bridging the seal element. External slips are carried in a slip carrier axially fixed to the inner mandrel by shear screws. A tubular setting assembly consisting of a lower top wedge for expanding the external slips, an upper compression member, and an annular elastic seal element disposed for compression between the wedge and compression member, is yieldably secured to the outer mandrel by means of shear pins. Second yieldable shear pins couple the top wedge and compression member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Barker
  • Patent number: 4427063
    Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug of the type having upper and lower anchors and an elastomeric packer for sealing a well casing. Drill string manipulation of the plug body effects packer compression and sealing. A ratchet maintains packer compression when engaged and permits packer expansion when disengaged. A cam surface on the plug body engages and disengages the ratchet responsive to longitudinal movement of the plug body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Neal G. Skinner
  • Patent number: 4379488
    Abstract: An improved latch device for releasably locking in a recess in a well flow conductor. The latch is attachable to a well tool which may be positioned and operated to latch and lock in and later be retrieved from the flow conductor using wireline or TFL pumpdown tools and methods. An expandable c-ring is utilized as the latching element for the latch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Eddie J. Hamm
  • Patent number: 4349071
    Abstract: A well tool assembly comprising a drillable cement retainer and setting tool includes a connection between a setting-tool mandrel and a retainer mandrel allowing for opening and closing of a cement valve in the retainer without disconnecting the setting tool from the retainer. A releasable locking mechanism in the connection keeps a tubular connector between the setting-tool mandrel and the retainer mandrel locked against sliding relative to one of the mandrels prior to deploying an upper slip set of the cement retainer. Additionally, a carrier in the setting tool includes radially resilient lugs connected between the setting-tool mandrel and a retaining sleeve for the upper slip set for sliding upwardly on the setting-tool mandrel to carry the sleeve into an upper position releasing the upper slip set for deployment. A set lock in the retainer holds the retainer mandrel against movement downwardly once the retainer is anchored in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Fish
  • Patent number: 4284137
    Abstract: An instrument hanger for use in tubing is disclosed with an anti-kick, anti-fall running tool. In one embodiment, the tool includes an internal mandrel, an external sleeve, with the mandrel being tapered wherein the external sleeve supports upwardly pointed detents and downwardly pointed detents against the taper which detents prevent untimely fall of the tool and untimley upward movement thereof.The tool combination includes a packer element including a set of expandable slips or collet fingers functioning in conjunction with the packer to expand and plug the tubing string. Further tool combination may support an instrument package such as a downhole pressure measuring mechanism used to obtain downhole pressure readings after isolating above a particular zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Inventor: William T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4164977
    Abstract: Disclosed is a well latch for locking well tools in a well flow conductor. The latch housing has a pressure equalizing passage extending through its wall. A valve controls flow through the equalizing passage. Keys, carried by the latch housing, are expanded outwardly into a locking groove of a well flow conductor to lock the well latch therein. A fishing neck, associated with the latch, permits retrieval of the latch. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Henry P. Arendt, Thomas M. Deaton, Donald L. Dooley
  • Patent number: 4018275
    Abstract: An improved anchoring device for well tools including installing and actuating apparatus for providing visual indication at the ground surface verifying proper latching and locking of the device in a casing string. The anchoring device includes a tubular housing assembly, a packer cup assembly secured to the lower portion of the housing assembly, an expansion sleeve slidably disposed within the housing assembly for forcing latching dogs radially outwardly from the housing assembly to engage an annular recess in the casing string, a setting sleeve longitudinally slidably disposed within the housing assembly telescopically related to the expansion sleeve and a lock sleeve releasably secured to the setting sleeve and telescopically related to the expansion sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1977
    Inventor: Robert T. Gaut