The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 16, 2008
Filed:
Nov. 09, 2006
Stephen Jones, Cypress, TX (US);
Junichi Sugiura, Houston, TX (US);
Stephen Jones, Cypress, TX (US);
Junichi Sugiura, Houston, TX (US);
PathFinder Energy Services, Inc., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
Aspects of this invention include a steering tool having a controller configured to provide closed-loop control of hydraulic fluid pressure. In one exemplary embodiment, closed-loop control of a system (reservoir) pressure may be provided. In another embodiment, closed-loop control of a blade pressure may be provided while the blade remains substantially locked at a predetermined position. Other exemplary embodiments may incorporate rule-based-intelligence such that pressure control thresholds may be determined based on various measured and/or predetermined downhole parameters. The invention tends to reduce the friction (drag) between the blades and the borehole wall and thereby also tends to improve drilling rates. Moreover, the invention also tends to improve the service life and reliability of downhole steering tools.