Thomas W Oothoudt

US Patent:

7828079, Nov 9, 2010

Filed:

Dec 29, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/345329

Inventors:

Thomas J Oothoudt - Little Falls MN, US

Assignee:

Longyear TM, Inc. - South Jordan UT

International Classification:

E21B 31/08
E21B 10/02
E21B 10/36
E21B 12/06

US Classification:

175 20, 175244, 175293, 166 99

Abstract:

Slough removal assemblies and methods for removing slough from boreholes are described. A slough removal assembly containing a slough barrel is lowered into a borehole having excess slough, driven into the slough to cause the slough to enter the slough barrel, and the slough removal assembly is then removed along with the excess slough. The slough removal assembly may contain a shoe coupled to the slough barrel and configured to be driven into the slough, a retainer positioned between the shoe and the slough barrel to retain slough inside of the slough barrel, and a driving mechanism (such as a drop hammer) to drive the slough assembly into the slough. The slough removal assembly may be coupled either to a wireline system or to a drill string for insertion into and removal from the borehole.

US Patent:

7984773, Jul 26, 2011

Filed:

Dec 30, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/346395

Inventors:

Thomas J. Oothoudt - Little Falls MN, US

Assignee:

Longyear TM, Inc. - South Jordan UT

International Classification:

E21B 10/02

US Classification:

175403, 175395, 175405

Abstract:

A drill bit for core sampling includes a body having a central axis and first end having a tapered outer surface and a radius transverse to the central axis, and an insert having a cutting surface on the first end oriented at an axial angle relative to the radius to move material displaced during drilling away from the first end.

US Patent:

8336647, Dec 25, 2012

Filed:

Mar 11, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/046548

Inventors:

Thomas J. Oothoudt - Little Falls MN, US

Assignee:

Longyear TM, Inc. - South Jordan UT

International Classification:

E21B 10/48
E21B 10/44

US Classification:

175405, 175395, 175403

Abstract:

A drill bit for core sampling includes a body having a central axis and first end having a tapered outer surface and a radius transverse to the central axis, and an insert having a cutting surface on the first end oriented at an axial angle relative to the radius to move material displaced during drilling away from the first end.

US Patent:

8474547, Jul 2, 2013

Filed:

Oct 14, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/251120

Inventors:

Thomas J. Oothoudt - Little Falls MN, US
Robert Eugene Able - Bozeman MT, US

Assignee:

Longyear TM, Inc. - South Jordan UT

International Classification:

E21B 4/00

US Classification:

1731621, 1731622

Abstract:

An isolation system includes at least one air bladder assembly including at least one air bladder. The isolation system can also include at least one coupling member coupling the air bladder assembly to a drill head. The air bladder is configured to compress and expand to counter oscillating forces generated by the drill head.

US Patent:

20100101863, Apr 29, 2010

Filed:

Oct 29, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/260800

Inventors:

Thomas J. Oothoudt - Little Falls MN, US

Assignee:

Longyear TM, Inc. - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

E21B 17/22
E21B 7/24
B23P 15/28
E21B 25/00

US Classification:

175 57, 175323, 29592

Abstract:

Drill rods and systems for use in drilling processes, as well as methods for making and using such drill rods and systems. A drill rod configured for sonic drilling operations can include a cylindrical body having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A first connector may be located on a first end of the cylindrical body and a second connector may be located on a second end of the cylindrical body. The first connector and the second connector can be complementary. The drill rod can include a helical feature and a corresponding helical channel on the exterior surface of the cylindrical body. The helical feature and corresponding helical channel can be configured for moving material displaced during a drilling operation in an axial direction away from one end of the drill rod to the other.