Bruce D Swearingen

Title: **Innovations by Bruce D. Swearingen: A Leading Inventor in Milling Technology**

Introduction

Bruce D. Swearingen, an accomplished inventor based in The Woodlands, Texas, has made significant contributions to the field of milling technology. With a total of six patents to his name, his innovative designs have transformed operations within the oil and gas industry, particularly in wellbore preparation and manipulation.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions is a sophisticated One-trip milling system. This system features a side tracking mechanism that incorporates a window mill with both a full diameter cutting surface and a reduced diameter tapered cutting surface. The whipstock utilized in this system is strategically designed with a ramp that engages with the reduced diameter cutting surface. A key aspect of this patent is the interaction between differing cutabilities of the whipstock materials and the casing materials, which allows the milling device to effectively cut the casing instead of the whipstock. The innovative design maintains the product of the cutability ratio and contact stress ratio below one, ensuring optimized performance. Furthermore, the ramp incorporates multiple surfaces with varying angles, thus allowing for precise adjustment of the mill as it is lowered into the borehole.

Another notable invention by Swearingen is the milling and whipstock assembly that includes a ramp portion for guiding the milling assembly to create a secondary borehole in an existing cased borehole. This assembly consists of a shaft comprising both rigid and flexible sections, complete with an under gauge cutting tool at the lower end of the flexible portion, along with a full gauge cutting tool on the rigid section. This design allows for enhanced maneuverability and effectiveness when engaging the casing.

Career Highlights

Bruce D. Swearingen currently works at Smith International, Inc., where his expertise in milling technology has played a vital role in advancing the company's capabilities. His innovative patents have not only showcased his technical skills but have also highlighted his ability to address practical challenges in the industry, leading to more efficient processes and improved outcomes.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Swearingen has collaborated with talented colleagues such as Gregory S. Nairn and Charles H. Dewey. These collaborations have enriched his work and have contributed to the successful development of his groundbreaking inventions.

Conclusion

Bruce D. Swearingen represents a noteworthy figure in the realm of mechanical engineering and invention, particularly in milling technology for the oil and gas sectors. His dedication to innovation is evident in his patented designs, which demonstrate a blend of technical prowess and practical application. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in his field, Swearingen undoubtedly serves as an inspiration to aspiring inventors and engineers alike.