James Edwin Vick

US Patent:

20030127224, Jul 10, 2003

Filed:

Jan 8, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/041278

Inventors:

James Vick - Dallas TX, US
Robert Guyden - Parker TX, US

International Classification:

E21B033/13

US Classification:

166/285000, 166/386000, 166/135000, 166/192000

Abstract:

A plug is provided for use in well plugging applications. In a described embodiment, the plug has a metal to metal seal on a hollow spherical structure. A change in contact pressure between the seal and a bore due to a change in differential pressure across the plug is regulated by changing characteristics of the plug structure.

US Patent:

20030155131, Aug 21, 2003

Filed:

Feb 19, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/078839

Inventors:

James Vick - Dallas TX, US

International Classification:

E21B034/10
E21B034/14

US Classification:

166/375000, 166/386000, 166/332800

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

US Patent:

20050039922, Feb 24, 2005

Filed:

Aug 18, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/642801

Inventors:

James Vick - Dallas TX, US
Leo Collins - Farmers Branch TX, US

International Classification:

E21B034/12

US Classification:

166332800, 166332100

Abstract:

A safety valve having an extension spring closure mechanism. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well is provided which includes a biasing device and a closure member having open and closed positions. The biasing device has a length which decreases as the closure member displaces toward the closed position. The biasing device may be an extension spring.

US Patent:

20050087335, Apr 28, 2005

Filed:

Nov 17, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/990748

Inventors:

James Vick - Dallas TX, US

International Classification:

E21B001/00
E21B023/00

US Classification:

166066500, 166066700, 166332800

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

US Patent:

20050269103, Dec 8, 2005

Filed:

Aug 1, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/194197

Inventors:

James Vick - Dallas TX, US

International Classification:

E21B034/00
E21B033/00
E21B043/00

US Classification:

166375000, 166332800

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

US Patent:

20060118307, Jun 8, 2006

Filed:

Dec 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/004471

Inventors:

Jimmie Williamson - Carrollton TX, US
James Vick - Dallas TX, US
Abram Galindo - Dallas TX, US

International Classification:

E21B 34/10

US Classification:

166321000

Abstract:

A safety valve with extension springs. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well includes a closure member having open and closed positions. A structure displaces to cause the closure member to displace between the open and closed positions. A biasing device has a length which decreases as the structure displaces to cause the closure member to displace toward the closed position.

US Patent:

20060162939, Jul 27, 2006

Filed:

Jan 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/041393

Inventors:

James Vick - Dallas TX, US
Michael Vinzant - Carrollton TX, US
James Williams - Grand Prairie TX, US

International Classification:

E21B 33/12
E21B 34/00

US Classification:

166386000, 166332800

Abstract:

A valve system for use in a subterranean well, the valve having multiple closure devices, or a closure device and a device for protecting the closure device. A valve system includes a valve with a closure assembly. The closure assembly has a closure device and a protective device which alters fluid flow through a flow passage of the valve prior to closure of the closure device to thereby protect the closure device. A safety valve system includes a safety valve with a closure assembly having at least two closure devices arranged in series for controlling flow through a flow passage of the safety valve. Another safety valve system includes a safety valve assembly including multiple safety valves arranged in parallel. One portion of fluid from a fluid source flows through one of the safety valves, while another portion of fluid from the fluid source flows through another safety valve.

US Patent:

20070012457, Jan 18, 2007

Filed:

Jul 13, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/180140

Inventors:

Fredrick Curtis - Stafford TX, US
Ronald Hyden - Spring TX, US
Michael Harvey - Granite Shoals TX, US
Jimmie Williamson - Carrollton TX, US
James Vick - Dallas TX, US

International Classification:

E21B 31/06

US Classification:

166386000, 166066500

Abstract:

A formation isolation valve for underbalanced drilling applications. A system for operating a formation isolation valve includes the valve interconnected in a casing string. An assembly displaces through the casing string, thereby causing the valve to open prior to the assembly reaching the valve. An operating system includes a well tool with an actuator positioned downhole. A device for causing the actuator to operate the well tool is also positioned downhole remote from the actuator. A method of operating a well tool includes the steps of: positioning the well tool in a well, the well tool including an actuator; positioning a power source for the actuator in the well; and at a downhole position remote from the actuator, causing the actuator to operate the well tool.

Author:

James W. Vick

ISBN #:

0127212507

Author:

James W. Vick

ISBN #:

0387941266

Author:

James W. Vick

ISBN #:

3540941266