Frederick J Pittard, Jr

Title: Frederick J. Pittard, Jr.: Inventor in Directional Drilling

Introduction

Frederick J. Pittard, Jr. is an inventor based in Richmond, Texas, whose work focuses on specialized drilling equipment. His listed inventions address directional and flexible drilling, including systems designed to guide drill bits along curved paths. Pittard is associated with Slimdril International, Inc., and holds 2 patents.

Latest Patents

Pittard’s patent for “Apparatus for Arcuate Drilling” describes a system that steers a drill bit along a curved wellbore path. A fluid-operated motor rotates the bit independently of the drill string, while an angled motor housing directs the bit away from the string’s axis. The design uses non-magnetic components, including a Beta-C titanium alloy housing, and incorporates a survey tool and surface-connected controls. The components are designed to work together to enable drilling through a radius of curvature as short as 20 feet.

His patent for “Steering Sub for Flexible Drilling” describes a flexible assembly for applications such as horizontal and geothermal drilling, earth-science monitoring, environmental cleanup, and coring. The assembly contains interconnected housing sections and an electronics package with directional guidance sensors. Selected sections have reduced outside diameters so they bend preferentially, allowing the steering sub to flex along a short radius while protecting the electronics assembly.

Career Highlights

Pittard’s patented work centers on equipment that combines directional control, flexible structures, and protected sensing components. These designs address the practical challenge of steering drilling tools through curved paths while maintaining the function of their motors and electronics.

Collaborations

Pittard is associated with Slimdril International, Inc. His listed coworkers include Roger C. Leaf and Albert E. Roos, Jr.

Conclusion

Frederick J. Pittard, Jr.’s patents document contributions to directional and flexible drilling technology, with designs intended to improve steering capability across a range of drilling and subsurface applications.