Michael L Smith

Title: Michael L. Smith: Innovator in Downhole Technology

Introduction

Michael L. Smith is a notable inventor based in Missouri City, Texas, with a remarkable portfolio of seven patents. His work primarily focuses on advancements in downhole technology, contributing significantly to the oil and gas industry.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations is a downhole valve designed for well service. This valve features a rotary indexer that carries an elastically-loaded valve element on a valve seat surface within a flow passage. The valve element is engineered to obstruct one or more flow passages when aligned with the valve seat surface. Additionally, the valve may include an elastically-loaded valve element mounted in one or more flow passages, which also obstructs the flow passage when urged into contact with the valve seat surface. The indexer is equipped with a protrusion that engages the valve element, forcing it out of contact with the valve seat surface. This innovative valve can be actuated from the surface by sending telemetry commands to a downhole telemetry data detector. Another significant patent involves a system for generating and transmitting downhole fluid pressure signals. This system includes a flow diverter that selectively directs fluid flow between two paths within a housing, along with an initiator that operates the flow diverter in response to specific events.

Career Highlights

Michael has had a distinguished career, working with prominent companies such as Schlumberger Technology Corporation and Halliburton Company