Lug In Branched Slot, E.g., "j" Slot Patents (Class 166/331)
  • Patent number: 11454074
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in a wellbore includes a housing defining a bore that extends axially therethrough, a valve seat positioned in the housing, and a valve element movably positioned in the housing. The valve seat and the valve element are concentric to one another, but non-concentric with the housing, such that a centerline defined through the valve seat and the valve element is offset from a central axis of the housing. The valve element is linearly actuatable relative to the housing between a closed position in which the valve element engages the valve seat and blocks the bore and an open position in which the valve element permits flow of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Kellner, Jason Voss
  • Patent number: 10961818
    Abstract: A ball valve can include a housing that contains a flow path and a ball positioned in the flow path. The ball can be configured to seal a first portion of the flow path from a second portion of the flow path in a closed position, and at least a portion of the ball can be dissolvable and the ball can include a bore formed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D W Inglis, Katherine Ann Davies
  • Patent number: 9822608
    Abstract: An opposed ramp assembly is configured with a load bearing lug. The lug has angled ends that match the opposed profile shapes that rotate as the lug reciprocates with each piston stroke. One side of the opposed profiles of the opposed ramp pattern has no axial travel grooves for the lug. On the other side there can be one or more open slots for the lug to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the lug to the operating location or to accommodate one or more needed positions for the tool depending on the application. As a result the opposed pattern peaks have increased spacing for the same stroke length of the piston. This allows for more reaction time in a partial stroke to avoid jamming because the potential position for jamming is far later so that reversal of movement can occur without jamming, if it occurs in the early part of the stroke. Peak to peak axial separation of the opposed pattern profiles is increased by a factor of at least 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Marcus A. Avant
  • Patent number: 9181770
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a jar including the following: a mandrel; an outer housing slidably disposed about the mandrel; a ball stop housing disposed below the outer housing; a lower sub disposed below the ball stop housing; and a ball stop assembly disposed in the ball stop housing. The ball stop assembly includes a ball stop pivotally disposed in the ball stop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vishal Saheta, Richard David Peer, Brian Mohon
  • Patent number: 9004180
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods used for actuating downhole tools in which a ball is dropped from a surface of a wellbore until it contacts a ball seat of a downhole tool. The ball seat moves axially downward within the downhole tool and an expandable ball seating surface of the ball seat radially expands to pass the ball. The ball seat then moves axially upward within the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools, L.P.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8936099
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a cam housing disposed in a central bore of a sub; a cam piston having a cam track disposed in the cam housing; a rotary piston having a rotary valve and an auxiliary track disposed in the cam housing; a guide pin extending through the cam housing into the cam track having at least two return paths; and a position pin disposed on a cam flange and extending into the auxiliary track. Also, a method of actuating a downhole tool, the method including disposing the downhole tool in a wellbore, wherein the downhole tool comprises a cam piston and a rotary piston; providing a flow of fluid through a central bore of the downhole tool at a working flow rate; changing the flow of fluid through the central bore of the downhole tool to a trigger range, and rotating a rotary valve of the rotary piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianbing Hu
  • Patent number: 8931557
    Abstract: An apparatus for servicing a wellbore comprising a housing, high-pressure ports, high-volume ports, and a mandrel slidably positioned within the housing. The housing defines an axial flowbore and the mandrel defines a mandrel axial flowbore. The mandrel is alternatingly movable from a first position to a second position and to a third position. When the mandrel is in the second position, a route of fluid communication via the high-pressure ports is provided and a route of fluid communication via the high-volume ports is obstructed. When the mandrel is in the third position, a route of fluid communication via the high-volume ports is provided. The apparatus is transitionable from the second position to the third position without communicating an obturating member to the apparatus, without removing an obturating member from the apparatus, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Brice Patterson, William Colt Ables, Jon Jacob Giles
  • Patent number: 8893805
    Abstract: Bypass valve comprising a ported housing (1) and concentrical ported sleeve (2). Ported piston (3) is slidably arranged within the sleeve. Between sleeve and piston is a control system consisting of control element (5) fixed to sleeve (2) by means of plugs (7) passing through apertures (49) and holes (68). Noses (35) protrude into recesses (34) of drive element (4). Saw teeth (31) on drive element (4) interact with teeth (29) on rotatable timing element (6). Key (27) on element (6) interacts with teeth (32) on control element (5). Lower end (70) of key is abutting against ridge (67) formed on inner surface of sleeve (2). when key (27) is engaged to teeth (32), teeth (31, 29) on elements (4, 6) are misaligned. Pressure increase results in piston (3) and drive element (4) moving downward freeing key (27) from engagement with teeth (32). Teeth (31, 29) are forced into alignment with subsequent rotation of timing element (6). In this position, ports on piston and sleeve are partially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 8893798
    Abstract: A housing can be mounted adjacent an isolation valve and after a fixed number of on and off pressure cycles allow a spring to push an actuator to operate the valve to an open position. The actuator, can be reset with a tool run into the module to move the actuator back against a power spring and hold that spring force until the pressure cycling begins again. The preferred application is for a formation isolation ball valve but other valves, such as sliding sleeves, or other types of downhole tools can be actuated with the module that permits a retrofit of a hydraulic operation to a heretofore purely mechanically actuated tool. The actuation force to initially open is boosted by a secondary potential energy source that is unlocked to give an initial boost force to the indexing spring that is part of a j-slot actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Hayter, Brad R. Pickle, Antonio D. Lazo
  • Patent number: 8881824
    Abstract: A tool string carrying an external tool, such as a liner hanger, on a release mechanism is lowered into the wellbore. Interlocking lugs and J-slot profile, defined between the exterior surface of the mandrel and interior surface of the release mechanism, allow relative movement of release mechanism and mandrel without releasing the release mechanism. The relative movement allows mechanical operation of a valve or other tool positioned below the release mechanism. Weight-down and rotation of the tool string and mandrel actuates the lower valve assembly by turning a sleeve into alignment with cooperating members of the mandrel. The sleeve, no longer constrained, moves longitudinally in response to a biasing mechanism. Movement of the sleeve allows closure of the valve. After actuation of the valve tool, further weight-down releases the release mechanism from the carried tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Stautzenberger
  • Patent number: 8844634
    Abstract: A downhole circulation sub or valve includes a tubular housing with an outer port and a valve piston slidably disposed in the housing. A primary fluid flow path extends through an inner flow bore of the housing and valve piston. In a first position, the valve piston isolates the outer port to prevent fluid communication between the inner flow bore and a well bore annulus. In a second position, the valve piston is moved to obstruct the inner flow bore and expose the outer port to the inner flow bore and allow fluid communication between the inner flow bore and the well bore annulus. An indexing mechanism is coupled between the housing and the valve piston to guide the valve piston between the first and second positions. The indexing mechanism may include a rotatable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffery Ronald Clausen, Nicholas Ryan Marchand
  • Patent number: 8739864
    Abstract: A tool for use in a wellbore which includes a housing having an axial flow bore and a piston sleeve moveably disposed within the flow bore. The tool is moveable between first and second operating positions by an actuation mechanism having a piston with a ball seat. The tool can be moved between first and second operating positions with the use of actuating balls of different sizes that can be landed upon the ball seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James Alan Crider, Gregory L. Hern, Charles W. Pleasants
  • Patent number: 8672036
    Abstract: A circulation valve includes: an outer tubular sleeve telescopically mounted at its end over a tubular mandrel; a fluid passage between sleeve and the mandrel, the fluid passage providing fluid communication between the inner bore of the valve and its outer surface; a dual knife seal assembly to control flow out of the fluid flow path through the fluid passage, the dual knife seal assembly including a first annular knife seal edge and land that seal up when the sleeve and mandrel are in a fully axially compressed position and a second annular knife seal edge and land that seal up when the sleeve and mandrel are pulled into a fully in tension position; and, a J-slot position indexing mechanism including a slot and a key to guide movement of the sleeve and the mandrel between the fully in tension position and the fully compressed position. The circulation valve is employed in a wellbore treatment assembly and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Resource Well Completion Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: John Hughes, Ryan Dwaine Rasmussen, Delton Andrew Campbell
  • Patent number: 8672035
    Abstract: A pressurization tool comprises a body for connection to a tubular by box, and pin, and providing for flow of fluid by way of a throughbore of varying cross-section to form chambers. A lower chamber accommodates a spring that contacts a shoulder providing a reaction surface for compression of the spring under applied force. The chamber merges into intermediate chamber that accommodates a movable index sleeve that cooperates with an index pin inserted through the wall of the tool body. Associated with the upper part of the index sleeve is a valve seat assembly, positioned to abut the index sleeve and moveable therewith, said valve seat assembly being configured to receive a plug or ball, and in one unpressurised configuration, is located in a wider chamber that permits fluid flow around the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: George Telfer
  • Patent number: 8668013
    Abstract: A plug counter includes a seat receptive of a plug in a first position and capable of passing the plug in a second position. A first sleeve is in operable communication with the seat and is longitudinally movable in response to movement of the seat between the first position and the second position. A second sleeve is in operable communication with at least one of the first sleeve and the seat and is configured to index upon passage of the plug. A key is in operable communication with the seat and is configured to prevent movement of the seat to the second position after a selected number of plugs have passed the seat. A third sleeve is in operable communication with the first sleeve, and a release member is in operable communication with the third sleeve and is configured to move the third sleeve after it is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Maria M. O'Connell, Yang Xu, Hector H. Mireles, Lale Korkmaz
  • Publication number: 20140008080
    Abstract: A downhole oilfield tool assembly comprises a mandrel, a ball valve oriented to block downwards flow through the mandrel in a closed position, a first piston located above the ball valve and at least partly around an outside of the mandrel. The first piston is configured to develop motive force from a pressure differential between an interior of the mandrel and an exterior of the downhole oilfield tool assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Daniel Moeller, Kevin J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8616281
    Abstract: A well bore servicing apparatus comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and a through bore, and a movable member disposed in the housing, the movable member having a through bore and a fluid aperture therein, wherein the movable member is movable between a first stop position and a second stop position relative to the housing, wherein the fluid aperture is in fluid communication with the housing through bore and the movable member through bore to provide a fluid stream to the well bore in the first and second axially spaced stop positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Billy W. McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20130327519
    Abstract: A technique facilitates preparation of a tubing string, such as a tubing string located in a well. For example, a ball seat member may be mounted in a tubular of a tubing string. A system is coupled to the ball seat member to enable rotation of the ball seat member between cycles. Additionally, a cycle control system is employed in cooperation with the system coupled to the ball seat member to provide control over the number of cycles. Multiple tubing integrity tests may be performed while the system ball seat member is run in hole. Additionally, the system may be used to set a hydraulic packer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vismar Ibarra, Shivam Kumar Singh
  • Patent number: 8596365
    Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying one or more pressure cycles to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby resetting a pressure cycle-responsive actuator of each valve. A pressure cycle-operated valve for use in a well can include a closure member, a piston which displaces in response to pressure applied to the valve, and a ratchet mechanism which controls relative displacement between the piston and the closure member. The ratchet mechanism may permit relative displacement while one or more pressure cycles are applied to the valve, and the ratchet mechanism may prevent relative displacement in response to a pressure sequence of: a) a reduction in pressure applied to the valve, b) a predetermined number of pressure cycles applied to the valve, and c) an increase in pressure applied to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Frosell
  • Patent number: 8596368
    Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying one or more pressure cycles to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby resetting a pressure cycle-responsive actuator of each valve. A pressure cycle-operated valve for use in a well can include a closure member, a piston which displaces in response to pressure applied to the valve, and a ratchet mechanism which controls relative displacement between the piston and the closure member. The ratchet mechanism may permit relative displacement while one or more pressure cycles are applied to the valve, and the ratchet mechanism may prevent relative displacement in response to a pressure sequence of: a) a reduction in pressure applied to the valve, b) a predetermined number of pressure cycles applied to the valve, and c) an increase in pressure applied to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Frosell
  • Patent number: 8479823
    Abstract: A plug counter including a j-slot sleeve; a helix sleeve in operable communication with the j-slot sleeve such that axial movement of the j-slot sleeve causes rotational movement of the helix sleeve; an anti-rotation sleeve disposed about the helix sleeve and having a keyway therein; and a key disposed in the keyway and responsive to movement of the helix sleeve and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Hector H. Mireles
  • Patent number: 8403054
    Abstract: A torque limiter for use in an actuating drive stem of a subsea wellhead having a collar with an axial bore and a slot through its side. The slot includes a projection directed towards a lower end of the collar and has an edge oriented oblique to the collar axis. A driven shaft inserts in the bore, and a pin mounted in the driven shaft engages the slot. A spring assembly coupled to the driven shaft pushes the collar to retain the pin in the end of the projection. A driveshaft with a drive pin inserts into the bore on an upper side of the collar. The upper end of the collar includes a shoulder that contacts the drive pin when the collar rotates. The spring compresses when excessive torque is in the driven shaft moving the pin up the projection and disengaging the drive pin and shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesha Udipi, David Daniel Comeaux
  • Patent number: 8365832
    Abstract: To operate a device for use in a well, a counter mechanism is provided that is actuatable by pressure cycles to an active position that allows actuation of the device to a target state. A position retention mechanism is coupled to the counter mechanism to maintain the counter mechanism in the active position once the counter mechanism has been incremented by the pressure cycles to the active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lauren M. Martin, Seth Conaway, Steven L. Anyan, Joseph O. Glasofer, Alexander R. Barnett, Anthony Villarreal, Brad Swenson
  • Publication number: 20130014956
    Abstract: A circulation valve includes: an outer tubular sleeve telescopically mounted at its end over a tubular mandrel; a fluid passage between sleeve and the mandrel, the fluid passage providing fluid communication between the inner bore of the valve and its outer surface; a dual knife seal assembly to control flow out of the fluid flow path through the fluid passage, the dual knife seal assembly including a first annular knife seal edge and land that seal up when the sleeve and mandrel are in a fully axially compressed position and a second annular knife seal edge and land that seal up when the sleeve and mandrel are pulled into a fully in tension position; and, a J-slot position indexing mechanism including a slot and a key to guide movement of the sleeve and the mandrel between the fully in tension position and the fully compressed position. The circulation valve is employed in a wellbore treatment assembly and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: RESOURCE WELL COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: JOHN HUGHES, RYAN DWAINE RASMUSSEN, DELTON ANDREW CAMPBELL
  • Patent number: 8353353
    Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface safety valve assembly includes primary and secondary valves, such as an upper and lower flapper valve. Only one of the valves is in service at a time. In the event that the primary valve is compromised, and therefore leaks, the SCSSV is shifted to position the primary valve out of service and the secondary valve in service. The SCSSV may have more than two flappers, thereby providing multiple secondary valves, with only one valve in operation at any one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: James Reaux
  • Patent number: 8316953
    Abstract: A well tubing valve including a substantially tubular body connected in a tubular string and a rotational valve member having at least one aperture. The valve member is a sleeve having a part spherical surface, is rotationally moveable relative to the body to align and misalign the at least one aperture in the valve member with a port in the body. The valve member is actuable to rotate relative to the body in a single direction, and moves from the open position to a closed position and back by rotation in the same sense. The valve also includes a sealing arrangement adapted to provide a metal seal that is biased to seal against the part spherical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Red Spider Technology Limited
    Inventors: Michael A. Reid, Irvine C. Brown
  • Patent number: 8307902
    Abstract: A downhole flow control tool 1, includes a flow control member in the form of a sleeve 8, and comprises a main body 2 having a longitudinal internal bore 3 extending therethrough, an upper end 4 having a box section 6, and a lower end 5 with a pin section 7, which enable connection of the tool 1 into a work string. The flow control sleeve 8 is mounted for movement relative to the bore 3 between at least a closed and one of several open positions. The tool body 2 includes several flow ports extending through a wall of the body 2 and spaced around a circumference of the body 2. The tool provides multiple fluid flow control options for directing and splitting fluid flow for example during a drilling operation to clear settled cuttings by suitable location of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: George Telfer
  • Publication number: 20120261131
    Abstract: A valve seat assembly for actuating a connected downhole tool. The connected downhole tool may be mechanically connected, such as a sleeve positionable between flow ports through a housing, or hydraulically connected, such as through establishing a fluid communication path to the tool to cause actuation thereof. The valve seat assembly generally has a seating element with an having an inlet and an outlet; and a counting element configured to keep a tally of the number times a first pressure at the inlet exceeds a second pressure at the outlet by at least a pre-determined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Peak Completion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft
  • Patent number: 8272445
    Abstract: A tubular valve system including a tubular having a plurality of ports therethrough; a plurality of strokable sleeves disposed at the tubular being configured to stroke in response to a same external input; and a plurality of motion translating details disposed at at least one of the tubular and the plurality of strokable sleeves configured to alter a stroke of the plurality of strokable sleeves after a selected number of strokes to thereby open at least one of the plurality of ports and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Fay
  • Patent number: 8261817
    Abstract: A modular pressure operated actuator can be coupled with a downhole tool to selectively operate it at least once. In the preferred embodiment the module can be mounted adjacent an isolation valve and after a fixed number of on and off pressure cycles allow a spring to push an actuator to operate the valve to an open position. The actuator, in another embodiment, can be reset with a tool run into the module to move the actuator back against a power spring and hold that spring force until the pressure cycling begins again. The preferred application is for a formation isolation ball valve but other valves, such as sliding sleeves, or other types of downhole tools can be actuated with the module that permits a retrofit of a hydraulic operation to a heretofore purely mechanically actuated tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven Hayter, William N. Triplett
  • Patent number: 8256518
    Abstract: A technique enables failsafe control over actuators used to actuate downhole tools. The technique may utilize a well system having a tool with an adjustable member. An actuation mechanism serves as a fail-as-is mechanism and works in cooperation with the adjustable member. The actuation member is shiftable upon receiving a predetermined input; however the actuation member does not move the adjustable member upon each shift. Once the actuation member has been shifted the requisite number of times to move the adjustable member to another position, at least one subsequent shift of the actuation member is not able to cause movement of the adjustable member. The result is a fail-as-is technique for ensuring the tool is not inadvertently actuated to another operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Oguzhan Guven, Seth Conaway, Ricardo Martinez, Frank Coss
  • Publication number: 20120199363
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a cam housing disposed in a central bore of a sub; a cam piston having a cam track disposed in the cam housing; a rotary piston having a rotary value and an auxiliary track disposed in the cam housing; a guide pin extending through the cam housing into the cam track; and a position pin extending through a cam flange into the auxiliary track. Also, a method of actuating a downhole tool, the method including disposing the downhole tool in a wellbore, wherein the downhole tool comprises a cam piston and a rotary piston; providing a flow of fluid through a central bore of the downhole tool at a working flow rate; changing the flow of fluid through the central bore of the downhole tool to a trigger range, thereby rotating a rotary valve of the rotary piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jianbing Hu
  • Patent number: 8215403
    Abstract: A downhole circulating tool including a sleeve with a cam slot having continuous and symmetrical wishbone patterns through which a cam pin moves. The cam pin moves simultaneously through symmetrical portions of the cam slot to alternate the opening and closing of first and second fluid port openings. A first port opening is operable to communicate fluid to a drill bit when open. A second port opening is operable to communicate fluid directly into the borehole or casing wall of a wellbore when open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Wellbore Specialties, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis J. Penisson
  • Publication number: 20120152550
    Abstract: A formation servicing system comprising a casing string, a first sleeve system and a second sleeve system, each of the first and second sleeve system being incorporated within the casing string and each comprising a body defining an axial flowbore and comprising one or more ports, a sliding sleeve being movable between (a) a first position in which the sliding sleeve obstructs fluid communication via the one or more ports and (b) a second position in which the sliding sleeve does not obstruct fluid communication via the one or more ports, and a shifting tool operable to shift the first or second sliding sleeves between their first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Loyd E. EAST, JR.
  • Patent number: 8186439
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system can be used on a downhole choke and has the feature of moving a travel stop for a sliding sleeve using discrete j-slot mechanisms for selectively moving the stop in either one of two opposed directions. The valve can be incrementally opened further with pressure cycling on an opening chamber. The valve can be immediately put to the closed position with pressure on a closing chamber. After closing, the valve can assume its former open position or other selected less open positions by reconfiguring the travel stop while the valve stays in the closed position In order to achieve a higher open percent after closing, one or more pressure cycles must be applied to the open chamber after the valve is reopened to the position it was in before it was closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald P. Lauderdale
  • Publication number: 20120097397
    Abstract: A system and method for fracturing a stage of a multiple stage hydrocarbon production well. One embodiment of the system comprises at least one ported sleeve assembly and a flapper assembly positioned downwell of the ported sleeve assembly. Each ported sleeve assembly comprises a ported housing having a plurality of ports disposed radially therethrough; a first sleeve at least partially within the ported housing and moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first sleeve is radially positioned between the plurality of ports and the flowpath. The first sleeve has an exterior surface, a first slot formed in the first exterior surface, and a first engagement surface having a first inner diameter. A first guiding member is fixed relative to the ported housing and positionable within the first slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, Steve Jackson, Daniel Jesus Rojas, William Sloane Muscroft
  • Patent number: 8146673
    Abstract: A downhole tool assembly has a sleeve with a continuous j-slot, a lug rotator ring configured to move axially relative to the sleeve and having a lug configured to move within the continuous j-slot, and a rupture disk configured to prevent the lug from moving within the continuous j-slot during run-in. A method of activating the downhole tool assembly includes lowering the downhole tool assembly into a well bore on a tool string, rupturing the rupture disk, allowing the lug to move within the continuous j-slot, and setting the downhole tool assembly by lifting upward and pushing downward on the tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Howell, Kevin Manke
  • Patent number: 8077058
    Abstract: A load control system is operable to control the amount of power delivered to a plurality of electrical loads from an AC power source. The load control system includes a plurality of keypads, which each may include a different button assembly having a different button configuration or multiple button configurations. Each keypad is operable to determine the button configuration of the button assembly installed on the keypad in response to simultaneous actuations of the top button and the bottom button of the button assembly for a predetermined amount of time. Each keypad is further operable to store in a memory of the keypad data representing the button configuration. Therefore, after the keypad is installed in the field and the button assembly is replaced, the keypad can be easily configured to operate with the new button assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph Swatsky, Galen Edgar Knode
  • Publication number: 20110114324
    Abstract: A modular pressure operated actuator can be coupled with a downhole tool to selectively operate it at least once. In the preferred embodiment the module can be mounted adjacent an isolation valve and after a fixed number of on and off pressure cycles allow a spring to push an actuator to operate the valve to an open position. The actuator, in another embodiment, can be reset with a tool run into the module to move the actuator back against a power spring and hold that spring force until the pressure cycling begins again. The preferred application is for a formation isolation ball valve but other valves, such as sliding sleeves, or other types of downhole tools can be actuated with the module that permits a retrofit of a hydraulic operation to a heretofore purely mechanically actuated tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven Hayter, William N. Triplett
  • Patent number: 7926574
    Abstract: A downhole device used to divert fluid flow out of a work string into an annulus. The downhole device is activated by the movement of a plurality of pistons within the downhole device. Fluid flow through a restriction of the downhole device creates an increase in fluid pressure causing the movement of the pistons. The pistons move a flow tube between various locations within the device. In one location, the flow tube prevents fluid flow to the annulus while in another location the flow tube allows fluid flow to be diverted into the annulus. The downhole device may include a locating sleeve having a continuous j-track allowing the flow tube to be selectively retained at the various locations within the downhole device. Fluid flow through the downhole is used to cycle the device between diverting fluid flow to the annulus and forcing fluid flow down the work string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Maximiliano Mondelli, George Krieg, David Hebert, David Robinson
  • Publication number: 20110048725
    Abstract: A valve on an inner string can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed directions that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time. Holding the force against resistance eventually allows movement that arms the valve. A set down and pickup force will then close the valve. The surrounding string has a constriction that interacts with a j-slot to rotate a wedge with a first peak into alignment with a peak on a second wedge that can only translate against a spring bias. The second wedge is eccentrically linked to a ball that rotates between and open and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Kitzman
  • Patent number: 7878255
    Abstract: The downhole tool assembly has a sleeve with a continuous j-slot, a lug rotator ring configured to move axially relative to the sleeve and having a lug configured to move within the continuous j-slot, and a rupture disk configured to prevent the lug from moving within the continuous j-slot during run-in. The method includes lowering the downhole tool assembly into a well bore on a tool string, rupturing the rupture disk, allowing the lug to move within the continuous j-slot, and setting the downhole tool assembly by lifting upward and pushing downward on the tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Howell, Kevin Manke
  • Publication number: 20110011597
    Abstract: A tubular valve system including a tubular having a plurality of ports therethrough; a plurality of strokable sleeves disposed at the tubular being configured to stroke in response to a same external input; and a plurality of motion translating details disposed at at least one of the tubular and the plurality of strokable sleeves configured to alter a stroke of the plurality of strokable sleeves after a selected number of strokes to thereby open at least one of the plurality of ports and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Fay
  • Patent number: 7870908
    Abstract: A valve that is usable with a well includes an indexer and a closing mechanism. The indexer includes a profile to establish a sequence of open settings for the valve, and the indexer is adapted to respond to first control stimuli to transition the valve through the settings according to the sequence. The closing mechanism is adapted to operate independently of the sequence in response to a second control stimulus to close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Laure Mandrou
  • Publication number: 20100243268
    Abstract: A snubbing plug is configured to enable pressure equalization above and below the plug before it is removed from a mineral extraction well. The pressure may be equalized via fluid pathways through the snubbing plug. While the snubbing operations are ongoing, the fluid pathways are closed and sealed by a valve. Upon completion of the snubbing operations, the valve is opened to enable fluid flow through the pathways. The valve includes a piston disposed within a body of the snubbing plug. The piston may be coupled to pins disposed within L slots in the body. While the valve is closed, the pins are disposed in a horizontal portion of the L slot, blocking vertical movement of the piston. To open the valve, the piston is rotated until the pins reach a vertical portion of the L slot, whereupon a spring biases the piston upward to open the fluid pathways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20100206579
    Abstract: A technique enables failsafe control over actuators used to actuate downhole tools. The technique may utilize a well system having a tool with an adjustable member. An actuation mechanism serves as a fail-as-is mechanism and works in cooperation with the adjustable member. The actuation member is shiftable upon receiving a predetermined input; however the actuation member does not move the adjustable member upon each shift. Once the actuation member has been shifted the requisite number of times to move the adjustable member to another position, at least one subsequent shift of the actuation member is not able to cause movement of the adjustable member. The result is a fail-as-is technique for ensuring the tool is not inadvertently actuated to another operational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oguzhan Guven, Seth Conaway, Ricardo Martinez, Frank Coss
  • Patent number: 7766086
    Abstract: A downhole device used to divert fluid flow out of a work string into an annulus. The downhole device is activated by the movement of a plurality of pistons within the downhole device. Fluid flow through a restriction of the downhole device creates an increase in fluid pressure causing the movement of the pistons. The pistons move a flow tube between various locations within the device. In one location, the flow tube prevents fluid flow to the annulus while in another location the flow tube allows fluid flow to be diverted into the annulus. The downhole device may include a locating sleeve having a continuous j-track allowing the flow tube to be selectively retained at the various locations within the downhole device. Fluid flow through the downhole is used to cycle the device between diverting fluid flow to the annulus and forcing fluid flow down the work string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company LLC
    Inventors: Maximiliano Mondelli, George Krieg, David Hebert, David Robinson
  • Patent number: 7762324
    Abstract: Fracturing tools for fracturing multiple zones of a wellbore are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the fracturing tools comprise two or more crossover subs coupled together and having a crossover sub window alignment assembly operatively associated with either an isolation sleeve disposed within the bores of the crossover sub-assemblies or with the crossover sub assemblies themselves. Actuation of the crossover sub window alignment assembly opens and closes the windows of each of the crossover sub-assemblies so that different crossover sub-assemblies can be activated to fracture various wellbore locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Clem
  • Patent number: 7703533
    Abstract: A tool and associated method allows a liner top to be dressed. Then while maintaining a lateral port closed the tool can be used to circulate while being rotated and reciprocated. The tool features discrete j-slot mechanisms. The upper j-slot allows the lateral port to initially open while the lower j-slot keeps the lateral port open despite movement of the tool in opposed directions in the hole due to a barrier to the pin in the lower j-slot. When enough weight is set or the barrier is otherwise removed, the lateral port can be closed and the test packer set by set down weight with the lateral port closed. After the packer is unset the lateral ports can be reopened and circulation and swiveling on a bearing can occur even if the packer is temporarily actuated from the setting down motion that reopened the lateral ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas M. Ashy, Gregory L. Hern
  • Patent number: 7607487
    Abstract: Packers and methods of using same are described. The packer includes a packer body, a slip to engage a casing of the well and a sealing element to seal an annulus of the well, a fluid bypass chamber adapted to allow fluid passage through the packer body during run in hole and in release position, and a re-settable mandrel slideably engaged with guide pins attached to the packer body and adapted to selectively open and close circulation paths upon actuation. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Lucas, Oscar Rodriguez