Drive Point Detached From Shaft To Form Cased Bore Or With Installation Of Casing Patents (Class 175/22)
  • Patent number: 11905769
    Abstract: A drive of a ground drilling device for pushing or pulling introduction of a drill string with a frame and a slide that can be moved back and forth relative to the frame, wherein there is at least one hydraulic cylinder between the frame and the slide for moving the slide, and wherein the hydraulic cylinder can be arranged in a removable manner in two different working directions between the frame and the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TRACTO-TECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Schauerte, Christian Löher, Manuel Pohl, Florian Gies
  • Patent number: 11359438
    Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore that traverses a formation, the method comprising the steps of inserting a one-stage drilling tool into the wellbore, the one-stage drilling tool comprising a laser head configured to produce a drilling beam, a completion sheath configured to line the wellbore, and a centralizer configured to support the completion sheath within the wellbore, operating the laser head to produce the drilling beam, wherein the drilling beam comprises a laser, wherein the drilling beam has a divergent shape comprising a base at a distance from a front end of the laser head and an apex proximate to the front end of the laser head, wherein a diameter of the base of the drilling beam is greater than a diameter of the one-stage drilling tool, and drilling the formation with the drilling beam, wherein the laser of the drilling beam is operable to sublimate the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Sameeh Issa Batarseh
  • Patent number: 11022249
    Abstract: Pipe replacement devices, and systems are shown. Devices and systems may include jointed cutters and floating cutters to navigate difficult pipe replacement conditions. Devices and systems may also include replacement pipe with pre-installed supply hoses, such as lubricant supply and/or pneumatic supply hoses. Methods of pipe replacement are also described, including splitting old pipe and pulling in new pipe behind the equipment as splitting progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 10941618
    Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore that traverses a formation, the method comprising the steps of inserting a one-stage drilling tool into the wellbore. The one-stage drilling tool comprising a laser head configured to produce a drilling beam, a completion sheath configured to line the wellbore, and a centralizer configured to support the completion sheath within the wellbore. Operating the laser head to produce the drilling beam that comprises a laser. The drilling beam has a divergent shape comprising a base at a distance from a front end of the laser head and an apex proximate to the front end of the laser head, wherein a diameter of the base of the drilling beam is greater than a diameter of the one-stage drilling tool. And drilling the formation with the drilling beam, wherein the laser of the drilling beam is operable to sublimate the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Sameeh Issa Batarseh
  • Patent number: 10828763
    Abstract: A percussion drilling device for drilling in earth includes at least one housing section for a main piston, and a ring insert arranged in the housing section in front of the main piston so that the ring insert transmits at least part of the energy of the main piston onto the housing. The ring insert is attached to the housing by a shrink-fit connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Püttmann, Sadri Samadraxha
  • Patent number: 10704993
    Abstract: A Sampler and process for collecting, growing, inoculating and evaluating microbes in-situ. The Sampler may be loaded with an active or inert media to assist with the collection of microbes. It is closed and lowered to a desired depth. Sampler is opened to initiate sampling. Materials are added to the sampler to stimulate growth or change the environment. To collect and grow in situ microbes, the sampler is left open for a period of time, a trigger closes and seals the sampler capturing contents specific to that location. The sampler is lifted preserving the in-situ conditions from the collection location. The contents of the sampler can be interrogated through sealed ports at the field site or at a remote location. The sampler can also be utilized as a biologic reactor allowing researchers to connect laboratory equipment to analyze, modify, or cultivate the collected sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior
    Inventors: Elliott Barnhart, Robert Hyatt, Mathew Fields, Alfred B Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10598306
    Abstract: A pipe bursting system and method are described wherein a bursting head pulled by a cable employs a relatively small pneumatic hammer and a relatively large cable tension to impose a cyclical hoop stress on the pipe being burst to cause fatigue failure of the pipe, resulting in lower size and power requirements, and higher efficiency for a given set of job requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Ward Carter, David B Crafts, Maxwell Frank Darrow
  • Patent number: 10113378
    Abstract: A pressure management device of a drilling system is disclosed. The device includes a housing, a primary bearing package coupled to the housing such that the primary bearing package is not removable from the housing. The primary bearing package is further configured to rotate with respect to the housing. The device also includes a sealing package configured to automatically seal between a drill pipe and the primary bearing package in response to an insertion of the drill pipe through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Gregory Skinner
  • Patent number: 9932773
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for driving a drill rod having a drive means with a rotary drive and a vibration drive for driving an output shaft in a rotating and axially vibrating manner and an adapter means which is coupled with the output shaft and comprises an outer adapter for connecting an outer rod and an inner adapter for connecting an inner rod. The outer adapter is adapted to transmit the rotational movement and the axially vibrating movement of the output shaft to the outer rod. The inner adapter is supported in an axially displaceable and spring-mounted manner in the outer adapter. The invention further relates to a method for operating a drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: EURODRILL GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Pikowski
  • Patent number: 8857537
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling. The drilling is carried out by a drilling device including a casing and a drilling unit. The drilling head includes a first drill for drilling a center hole, a second drill for reaming the center hole and a flushing flow arrangement including a first flusher for leading a flushing medium onto a drilling surface and a second flusher for returning of the flushing medium and drilling waste inside the casing. The first drill is removably coupled with the second drill to enable removal thereof from the hole. The casing is arranged to be drawn into a hole to be drilled by the drilling unit. The flushing medium is brought onto the drilling surface and returned therefrom by axially directed flow arrangements disposed in a cross-section view on an outer periphery of the first drill and/or in an inner periphery of the second drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Oy Atlas Copco Rotex Ab
    Inventor: Jukka Ahonen
  • Patent number: 8820007
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation assembly includes: an elastomeric sleeve core shaped to form a post sleeve when positioned in uncured concrete, a removable stiffener inside the core, an aperture extending lengthwise in the stiffener, a locking element positioned within the core, and an assembly plate coupled to the stiffener. The assembly plate clamps to a prefabricated sleeve element, with the core and stiffener positioned within a post cavity of the sleeve element. an installation stake is positioned in the aperture and prevented from sliding upwards by the locking element. A release point on the assembly plate permits an operator to release the locking element for removal of the stake. To install a post sleeve, the operator positions the installation assembly, clamped to a prefabricated sleeve element, in a post hole with the stake resting on the bottom, then fills the hole with concrete, manipulating the stake to position the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8579048
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling device and a drilling method for drilling inside a casing tube with a drilling apparatus, which has a supporting frame with a fastening means for fixation with respect to the casing tube and a drilling tool, which is driven in a rotating manner via a telescopic rod by means of a drill drive arranged on the supporting frame. At the upper end of the casing tube a receiving part is arranged in accordance with the invention, onto which the supporting frame can be fastened. The receiving part is adjustably supported between a drilling position and an offset position, in which the receiving part is laterally offset with respect to the casing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Leonhard Weixler, Stefan Michael Finkenzeller
  • Patent number: 8434561
    Abstract: A method of drilling and completing a well can include drilling a section of a wellbore, positioning a perforated shroud in the section of the wellbore, securing the perforated shroud by setting a hanger, and isolating the section of the wellbore from a remainder of the wellbore vertically above the section of the wellbore. The drilling, positioning, securing and isolating steps can be performed while the section of the wellbore is not exposed to a liquid column extending to a surface location. The drilling, positioning, securing and isolating steps can be performed in a single trip of a drill string into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Bullock, Andrew D. Penno
  • Patent number: 8347983
    Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressured Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the facture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Carel W. Hoyer, Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White
  • Patent number: 8235141
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for recovering fossil fuel from a carbon deposit site, the method comprising (a) driving several boreholes through the earth's crust to depths below the surface at which supercritical conditions predominate, so that they are spaced from one another in a lower borehole region, and connected there to one another through to form a geo-heat exchanger resulting in creation of a supercritical geo-steam system; (b) injecting fluid into at least one of the boreholes, to convert the injected fluid into a supercritical fluid, and extracting the supercritical fluid through other of the boreholes; and (c) injecting the extracted supercritical fluid into the carbon deposit site to dissolve hydrocarbons contained therein, and transporting the supercritical fluid containing the hydrocarbons to the surface for recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Werner Foppe
  • Patent number: 8011446
    Abstract: An assembly and methods for constructing a MONOWELL include a monodiameter casing disposed in a monodiameter wellbore having diametric efficiency with a monobore production delivery system disposed within the monodiameter casing. An assembly for constructing a monodiameter wellbore includes a bottomhole assembly having a overgauge hole drilling member, a directional steering assembly, a measurement while drilling tool, and a logging while drilling tool; a work string attached to the bottomhole assembly and extending to the surface; drilling fluids flowing through the work string and bottomhole assembly; chemical casing casing the borehole; expandable casing disposed in the wellbore; and a sealing composition disposed between the expandable casing and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenda Wylie, Frank Zamora, Beegamudre N. Murali, James B. Terry, Lance Everett Brothers, Anthony Vann Palmer, Baireddy R. Reddy, Larry S. Eoff, Jimmie D. Weaver, John M. Wilson, Denise Berryhill, Russell M. Fitsgerald, Anne M. Culotta, M. Vikram Rao, Roger Boulton, Chen-Kang David Chen, Thomas M. Gaynor, John Hardin, Dan Gleitman, Colin Walker
  • Patent number: 7823659
    Abstract: A method of drilling and lining a wellbore includes operably coupling a support member to a drilling device, an expansion cone configured to expand a tubular member, an actuator configured to pull the expansion cone through the tubular member, a releasable locking device configured to limit displacement of the tubular member relative to the actuator during actuation. The drilling device is disposed below the expansion cone and the expansion cone is disposed at a lower end of the tubular member. The method further includes locking the locking device. After locking the locking device, a wellbore is drilled to have a diameter greater than an outside diameter of the tubular member. After the drilling, the actuator is actuated to pull the expansion cone towards the locking device to expand at least a portion of the tubular member into contact with the drilled wellbore. The method further includes releasing the locking device and removing the drilling device through the expanded tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Scott Costa, Kevin K. Waddell, Edwin A. Zwald, Jr., Charles Butterfield, Mark Holland, Akindele Olufowoshe, Gregory M. Noel, Donald B. Campo
  • Patent number: 7789162
    Abstract: Methods for installing tubulars into a highly deviated wellbore may include a) drilling the well to the planned total depth of the interval, b) placing a first fluid into the wellbore below a prescribed measured depth in the high-angle portion of the wellbore, c) placing a second fluid into the wellbore above the prescribed measured depth, d) plugging the distal port ion of the tubular with a lower plug and an upper plug, e) as the tubular is run into the wellbore, placing a lightweight fluid into the plugged section of tubular and a heavy fluid above the plugged section of tubular, and f) running the tubular into the wellbore to the planned total depth. The first fluid has a density that causes the portion of the tubular that extends into the first fluid to become substantially neutrally buoyant, and the second fluid has a density less than the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Stuart R. Keller, John K. Montgomery, Paul M. Spiecker, Bruce A. Dale
  • Patent number: 7571777
    Abstract: An assembly and methods for constructing a MONOWELL includes a monodiameter casing disposed in a monodiameter wellbore having diametric efficiency with a monobore production delivery system disposed within the monodiameter casing. An assembly for constructing a monodiameter wellbore includes a bottomhole assembly having a overgauge hole drilling member, a directional steering assembly, a measurement while drilling tool, and a logging while drilling tool; a work string attached to the bottomhole assembly and extending to the surface; drilling fluids flowing through the work string and bottomhole assembly; chemical casing casing the borehole; expandable casing disposed in the wellbore; and a sealing composition disposed between the expandable casing and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenda Wylie, Frank Zamora, Beegamudre N. Murali, James B. Terry, Lance Everett Brothers, Anthony Vann Palmer, Baireddy R. Reddy, Larry S. Eoff, Jimmie D. Weaver, John M. Wilson, Denise Berryhill, Russell M. Fitsgerald, Anne M. Culotta, M. Vikram Rao, Roger Boulton, Chen-Kang David Chen, Thomas M. Gaynor, John Hardin, Dan Gleitman, Colin Walker
  • Patent number: 7465124
    Abstract: A ground piercing pipe tool for carrying and depositing pipes of different inner diameter under a ground surface, comprising a ground piercing tip and impact-receiving end cap respectively connected to forward and rear ends of a rod and characterized by at least one of the tip and end cap being releasably connected to the rod so as to allow the pipes to receive the rod and further characterized by the tip and end cap having radially spaced outer supports dimensioned to engage inner surfaces of different ones of the pipes at tip and end cap ends thereof and to longitudinally support the pipes on the rod for selective deposit under the ground surface upon removal of one of the tip or end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen J. LaFontaine
  • Patent number: 7428933
    Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting liner drilling and subsequent completion of the drilled section by cementing and anchoring the liner into place. The methods and systems prevent the liner from being cemented in in a bent or corkscrewed configuration. Additionally, there are no exterior components associated with the liner during drilling so as to allow relatively unrestricted return of drilling mud and cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Troy A. Miller, George Givens, Morten Myhre
  • Patent number: 7347282
    Abstract: A steerable soil penetration system having a steerable penetration head, which compacts and does not cut away the surrounding soil and which is connected to an elongate flexible tubing such that the orientation of the penetration head can be varied relative to the tubing. The elongate tubing and/or a downhole hammer or tractor pushes the penetration head through the subsurface formation. Preferably the tubing is surrounded by a narrow annulus so that buckling of the tubing is inhibited and the tubing protects the pierced hole against caving in. Optionally the tubing is circumferentially expanded after completion of the piercing process thereby increasing the width of the pierced hole and providing a permanent hole lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Michael John Betts, Josef Guillaume Christoffel Coenen, Pieter Karel Anton Kapteijn, Peter Oosterling, Paul Dirk Schilte, Pleun Marinus Van Der Sman, Gustaaf Louis Van Wechem
  • Patent number: 7334649
    Abstract: A borehole may be drilled utilizing the bottom hole assembly 10, 50 with a downhole motor 14, 110, which may offset at a selected bend angle. A bend for directional drilling may be provided by a PDM, or by a RSD. A gauge section 36 secured to the pilot bit 18 has a uniform diameter bearing surface along an axial length of at least 60% of the pilot bit diameter. The bit or reamer 16 has a bit face defining the cutting diameter of the drilled hole. The axial spacing between the bend and the bit face is controlled to less than fifteen times the bit diameter. The downhole motor, pilot bit and bit may be retrieved from the well while leaving the casing string in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen-Kang D. Chen, M. Vikram Rao
  • Patent number: 7258174
    Abstract: A method for pressure- and flow-prevetive fixing of well pipes, preferably liners and casings (14, 54, 60, 66) in a well when drilling the well, wherein the method also may be used in a completed well in order to place a pressure- and flow-preventive barrier in an annulus (16) surrounded by at least one leaking well pipe. The method comprises the use of granular particles of unconsolidated matter which, by means of their particle sorting, are arranged with a suitably small permeability, and wherein the particles of unconsolidated matter thereafter are mixed with water and potential other additives to become a fluidised mixture of unconsolidated matter (22) subsequently being placed, preferably by pumping, as a pressure- and flow-preventive barrier of unconsolidated matter (38, 56, 62, 68) in the pertinent annulus (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Sandamix AS
    Inventor: Torulf Gjedrem
  • Patent number: 7255181
    Abstract: In a method and device for drilling, in particular percussion drilling or rotary percussion drilling, holes in soil or rock material, wherein a borehole is formed by a percussive and/or rotational movement carried out by a drill bit (1) mounted on a drill rod assembly (4) and an envelope tube and/or a jacket tube (15, 18) is introduced into the borehole, it is provided that the impact energy introduced by the drill rod assembly (4) is transmitted partially, particularly centrally, by the drill rod assembly (4) onto the drill bit (1) and partially via an impact shoe (10) cooperating with the drill rod assembly (4) onto the envelope and/or jacket tubes (15, 18), thus enabling the reliable introduction of the excavation or impact energy into the drill bit (1) as well as into the envelope and/or jacket tubes (15, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: “Alwag” Tunnelausbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Mocivnik, Renè Egger-Mocivnik
  • Patent number: 7131505
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for setting concentric casing strings within a wellbore in one run-in of a casing working string. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a drilling system comprising concentric casing strings, with each casing string having a drill bit piece disposed at the lower end thereof. The drill bit pieces of adjacent casing strings are releasably connected to one another. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for setting concentric casing strings within a wellbore with the drilling system. In another aspect of the invention, the releasably connected drill bit pieces comprise a drill bit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert
  • Patent number: 7080697
    Abstract: A method and a device for the drilling, in particular the percussive or percussive rotary drilling of a hole in earth or rock and for securing an anchorage in the hole. A bore hole is created by a drill bit mounted on a drill pipe and a sliding sleeve that surrounds the drill pipe at a distance is simultaneously introduced. A sliding sleeve configured with a longitudinal slit is introduced at least partially and rests substantially against the bore hole during the drilling, whereby a reliable anchorage can be achieved with a simple construction by the sliding sleeve with a longitudinal slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: “ALWAG” Tunnelausbau Gesellschaft m.b.H
    Inventor: Josef Mocivnik
  • Patent number: 7040420
    Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation of a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. A stabilizer is attached to the drill string that is used to centralize the drill string in the well during cementing operations. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambient hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: William Banning Vail, III
  • Patent number: 6953092
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pre-installation of a petroleum wellhead on the seabed. The apparatus includes two principal components: a wellhead (1) and a ballast tube (9). The wellhead includes a tube in which are fixed guide fins (3) and structural fins (8). The ballast tube (9) includes a tube with a holding member (12) for its recovery after the wellhead (1) has been fixed on the seabed. The ballast tube (9) is placed inside the wellhead (1) and the assembly is launched towards the seabed, being embedded in it by the inherent weight of the assembly. After the wellhead (1) has been fixed, the ballast tube (9) is raised to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventor: Cipriano José De Medeiros, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6892819
    Abstract: An apparatus including a support member, the support member including a first fluid passage, a mandrel coupled to the support member, the mandrel including: a second fluid passage, a tubular member coupled to the mandrel, and shoe coupled to the tubular liner, the shoe including a third fluid passage, and a drilling assembly coupled to the shoe, wherein the first, second and third fluid passages and the drilling assembly are operably coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Lev Ring, Andrei Filippov, Alan B. Duell
  • Patent number: 6877570
    Abstract: A borehole may be drilled utilizing the bottom hole assembly 10, 50 with a downhole motor 14, which may offset at a selected bend angle. The motor housing is preferably run slick, and a gauge section 36 secured to the pilot bit 18 has a uniform diameter bearing surface along an axial length of at least 60% of the pilot bit diameter. The bit or reamer 16 has a bit face defining the cutting diameter of the drilled hole. The axial spacing between the bend and the bit face is controlled to less than fifteen times the bit diameter. The downhole motor, pilot bit and bit may be retrieved from the well while leaving the casing string in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen-Kang D. Chen, M. Vikram Rao
  • Patent number: 6857487
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for setting concentric casing strings within a wellbore in one run-in of a casing working string. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a drilling system comprising concentric casing strings, with each casing string having a drill bit piece disposed at the lower end thereof. The drill bit pieces of adjacent casing strings are releasably connected to one another. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for setting concentric casing strings within a wellbore with the drilling system. In another aspect of the invention, the releasably connected drill bit pieces comprise a drill bit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert
  • Patent number: 6854533
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and an apparatus for drilling with casing. In one aspect, a method of drilling a wellbore with casing is provided, including placing a string of casing with a drill bit at the lower end thereof into a previously formed wellbore and urging the string of casing axially downward to form a new section of wellbore. The method further includes pumping fluid through the string of casing into an annulus formed between the casing string and the new section of wellbore. The method also includes diverting a portion of the fluid into an upper annulus in the previously formed wellbore. In another aspect, a method of drilling with casing to form a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for forming a wellbore is provided. In still another aspect, a method of casing a wellbore while drilling the wellbore is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert
  • Publication number: 20040112639
    Abstract: A borehole may be drilled utilizing the bottom hole assembly 10, 50 with a downhole motor 14, which may offset at a selected bend angle. The motor housing is preferably run slick, and a gauge section 36 secured to the pilot bit 18 has a uniform diameter bearing surface along an axial length of at least 60% of the pilot bit diameter. The bit or reamer 16 has a bit face defining the cutting diameter of the drilled hole. The axial spacing between the bend and the bit face is controlled to less than fifteen times the bit diameter. The downhole motor, pilot bit and-bit may be retrieved from the well while leaving the casing string in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Chen-Kang D. Chen, M. Vikram Rao
  • Publication number: 20040084217
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the drilling, in particular the percussive or percussive rotary drilling of a hole (7) in earth or rock and for securing an anchorage in said hole. According to the invention, a bore hole (7) is created by a drill bit (1) mounted on a drill pipe (5) and a sliding sleeve (4) that surrounds the drill pipe (5) at a distance is simultaneously introduced. The invention is characterised in that a sliding sleeve (4) configured with a longitudinal slit (8) is introduced at least partially and rests substantially against the bore hole (7) during the drilling, whereby a reliable anchorage can be achieved with a simple construction by means of the sliding sleeve (4) with a longitudinal slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Josef Mocivnik
  • Patent number: 6705413
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling directional wellbores using a casing string as a drill stem is taught. A retrievable bit is mounted at an end of the casing string and either a mud motor with a bent housing and/or bent sub or a rotary steerable tool is used to direct the bit to drill directionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Tessari
  • Patent number: 6655874
    Abstract: A method of slitting a flexible conduit in an underground bore, the conduit having entry and exit ends thereof exposed for access, includes: (1) fitting a retainer to flexible underground conduit adjacent to the entry end thereof, the retainer securing the flexible conduit to limit longitudinal movement thereof relative to the bore, (2) passing pulling means through the flexible conduit; (3) connecting the pulling means to a pipe slitter, and (4) pulling the pipe slitter through the retainer and flexible conduit to slit the conduit, the retainer holding the flexible conduit taut as the slitter passes through the conduit. In one embodiment, the retainer is a shoring clamp assembly including a pair of ring clamps that are secured onto a split end of the flexible conduit and transfer the longitudinal forces applied to the conduit during the slitting operation to an adjacent structure such as a pit wall, thereby holding the conduit taut during the slitting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.c.
    Inventors: Robert F. Crane, Steven W. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 6575240
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a wellbore casing. A mandrel is used to position a tubular member within a wellbore. The mandrel is then driven into the bottom of the wellbore. The tubular member is then radially expanded by the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, Richard Carl Haut
  • Publication number: 20020157868
    Abstract: A downhole well drilling apparatus includes an above-ground mast and an axially elongated generally cylindrical pneumatic hammer drill supported by the mast and mounted in an axially vertical above-ground position. An installation and removal adapter mounted on the lower end of the pneumatic hammer drill couples the hammer drill to a pipe string and maintains a movable part of the hammer drill in an operative condition at all times thereby enabling the hammer drill to operate while rotational torque and upward directed force are simultaneously applied to the operating hammer drill by the apparatus during removal of a casing from a downhole position. Hammer operation is controlled by a manually operable air supply valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: John F. Allyn, Walter G. Allyn
  • Patent number: 6318471
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for installing a tubular member, having an upper end and a closed lower end, axially into and through an over-pressured region of the earth by using a mandrel to drive the tubular member from near the bottom, which results in a significant section of the tubular member being pulled through the over-pressured region. In another embodiment, a filler material is inserted into at least a portion of the tubular member, and the tubular member is driven from the upper end, with the filler material assisting the progression of the tubular member through the over-pressured region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.
    Inventor: Richard D. Raines
  • Patent number: 6298925
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a groundwater sampling device into the ground includes a generally cylindrical housing open at top and bottom end portions and defining a recess therein. An expendable tip member is removably connected to the bottom and portion of the housing. A well tubing or casing is positioned generally centrally in the recess and includes top and bottom end portions. An elongated spiral-wound cylinder is slidably positioned in the recess of the housing and in a surrounding relationship to the tubing. The tubing is attached to the tip member at the bottom end portion thereof and includes a lower section having a plurality of perforations about the periphery thereof to allow fluid to enter the interior of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: The United States Army Corps of Engineers as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Landris T. Lee, Stafford S Cooper, Philip G. Malone
  • Patent number: 6283231
    Abstract: Soil-displacing screw auger which contains an auger tube (1); a double displacement body (2) equipped with a hollow shaft (8) fixed to the auger tube (1) and containing an upper part (6) which constitutes a closed screw the radius of which increases towards its lower extremity and a lower part (7) which constitutes a closed screw the radius of which decreases towards its lower extremity, preferably with the same pitch as the upper part (6); a lower tube the diameter of which is smaller than twice the largest radius (R2) of the displacement body and which is situated between the lower part (7) of the displacement body (2) and the lower extremity of the auger; a screw blade (4) welded onto the outer casing of the lower tube, which rotates in the same sense as the lower part (7) of the displacement body (2) and an auger tip (5) connected to the lower extremity of the lower tube, with the special characteristic that the lower tube of the auger is an intermediate tube (3) with an outer diameter (D3) which is small
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Gaspar Jozef Coelus
  • Patent number: 6207114
    Abstract: The invention provides a permeable treatment wall comprising one or more high-permeability columns, as well as a methods for preparing such a permeable treatment wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jacqueline W. Quinn, Christan A. Clausen, Debra R. Reinhart, Manoj B. Chopra
  • Patent number: 6116353
    Abstract: A well assembly device comprises an outer tubular sleeve with a first end and second end. An inner tubular member has a first end and a second end, and the inner tubular member is disposed within the outer tubular sleeve. The inner tubular member includes a screened portion at its second end. A tip is frictionally secured to the second end of the outer tubular sleeve, so that the outer tubular sleeve and the tip may selectively disengage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel Adelbert Leavell, Landris Thomas Lee, Jr., Philip Garcin Malone, George Edward Robitaille
  • Patent number: 6102119
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for installing a tubular member, having an upper end and a closed lower end, axially into and through an over-pressured region of the earth by using a mandrel to drive the tubular member from near the bottom, which results in a significant section of the tubular member being pulled through the over-pressured region. In another embodiment, a filler material is inserted into at least a portion of the tubular member, and the tubular member is driven from the upper end, with the filler material assisting the progression of the tubular member through the over-pressured region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Raines
  • Patent number: 5980157
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a machine for producing or widening ground bores and/or for shattering old pipelines and laying new pipelines, consisting of a push-pull unit and a rod assembly that is connected to and driven by the push-pull unit and extends through the ground bore or the pipeline, with projections and/or recesses being arranged on the rod assembly, and with positive coupling means that engage on the projections or in the recesses arranged on the push-pull unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik Paul Schmidt Spezialmaschinen
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Puttman
  • Patent number: 5876152
    Abstract: Ramming drill for destructive replacement of buried pipelines with a conical tip, a crushing head set onto the conical tip with radial cutters and a traction cable acting on the equipment tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik Paul Schmidt Spezialmaschinen
    Inventor: Alfons Hesse
  • Patent number: 5803184
    Abstract: Method and device for introducing a pipe into the ground. In order to restrict the drive power necessary to the greatest possible extent and to optimize the diameter of the pipe, it is proposed that the soil surrounding the pipe is displaced in the radial direction. To this end the pipe is provided with one or more displacement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Fundamentum B.V.
    Inventor: Adriaan Van der Wouden
  • Patent number: 5669454
    Abstract: Described is a device for driving into the ground which includes a drive point, a fluid passage section, an annular seal and an annular drive rod. The annular seal is the widest member and fits snugly in a borehole formed after the device is driven into the ground to form a seal. Specially configured drive points are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Kent E. Cordry
  • Patent number: 5570747
    Abstract: Described is a device for driving into the ground which includes a drive point, a fluid passage section, an annular seal and an annular drive rod. The annular seal is the widest member and fits snugly in a borehole formed after the device is driven into the ground to form a seal. Specially configured drive points are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Kent E. Cordry