Patent US4874045A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4874045A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Straight hole drilling method and assembly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1988-12-27
•
Granted: 1989-10-17
•
Expires: 2008-12-27
Abstract
Abstract A drilling assembly comprises a matched bit and stabilizer in which the maximum outer diameter of the bit and stabilizer have been measured and machined to be within predetermined tolerances. The maximum stabilizer diameter is in the range of 0.003-0.025 inches in diameter less than the measured bit O.D. Preferably, the maximum stabilizer diameter is in the range of 0.005-0.010 inches in diameter less than the measured bit O.D. A series of stabilizer assemblies are provided, including a single stabilizer assembly, a double stabilizer assembly, a hole straightening assembly, a large bit O.D. drilling assembly and a small bit O.D. drilling assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles H. Clayton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 09:16
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B17/00; E21B17/10; E21B17/1078; E21B17/22; E21B7/00; E21B7/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of drilling a well comprising matching a particular bit with a particular stabilizer including measuring a first maximum outer diameter of a bit; selecting a stabilizer having a maximum outer diameter; and machining the bit and removing material from the outer surface thereof to a second maximum diameter less than the first diameter and greater than the maximum outer diameter of the stabilizer.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of drilling a well comprising matching a particular bit with a particular stabilizer including measuring a first maximum outer diameter of a bit; selecting a stabilizer having a maximum outer diameter; and machining the bit and removing material from the outer surface thereof to a second maximum diameter less than the first diameter and greater than the maximum outer diameter of the stabilizer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising connecting the bit and the stabilizer in an assembly; and drilling a hole in the earth with the assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the maximum outer diameter of the stabilizer is in the range of 0.003-0.025 inches less than the second maximum bit diameter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the maximum outer diameter of the stabilizer is in the range of 0.005-0.010 inches less than the second maximum bit diameter.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of drilling a well comprising drilling a bore hole in the earth to a depth and determining the angle of departure of the bore hole relative to a vertical axis; reducing the angle of departure of the bore hole relative to the vertical axis including matching a particular bit with a particular stabilizer including measuring a maximum outer diameter of a bit; selecting a stabilizer having an outer surface providing a first maximum outer diameter; and machining the stabilizer and removing material from the outer surface thereof to a second maximum diameter less than the first diameter and less than the maximum outer diameter of the bit; and drilling a continuation of the bore hole with the matched bit and stabilizer.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of drilling a well comprising drilling a bore hole in the earth to a depth and determining the angle of departure of the bore hole relative to a vertical axis; reducing the angle of departure of the bore hole relative to the vertical axis including matching a particular bit with a particular stabilizer including measuring a maximum outer diameter of a bit; selecting a stabilizer having an outer surface providing a first maximum outer diameter; and machining the stabilizer and removing material from the outer surface thereof to a second maximum diameter less than the first diameter and less than the maximum outer diameter of the bit; and drilling a continuation of the bore hole with the matched bit and stabilizer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the second maximum outer diameter of the stabilizer is in the range of 0.003-0.025 inches less than the maximum bit diameter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the second maximum outer diameter of the stabilizer is in the range of 0.005-0.010 inches less than the maximum bit diameter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
146 words
A well drilling assembly comprising a bit having a passage therethrough, predetermined outer diameter to drill a hole of the predetermined size and an upper end; a bottom hole assembly having a passage therethrough communicating with the bit passage and including a lower stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the bit upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a washoverable spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-1/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer; an upper stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of inclined flutes and an upper end; and a fishable neck connected to the upper end of the upper stabilizer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
146 words
A well drilling assembly comprising a bit having a passage therethrough, predetermined outer diameter to drill a hole of the predetermined size and an upper end; a bottom hole assembly having a passage therethrough communicating with the bit passage and including a lower stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the bit upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a washoverable spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-1/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer; an upper stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of inclined flutes and an upper end; and a fishable neck connected to the upper end of the upper stabilizer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The well drilling assembly of claim 8 wherein the fishing neck has an outer diameter the same as the spacer conduit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The well drilling assembly of claim 8 wherein the fishing neck has an outer diameter smaller than the spacer conduit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
53 words
The well drilling assembly of claim 8 wherein the stabilizer crown comprises a generally cylindrical exterior and the flutes comprise passages opening through the cylindrical exterior having an internal diameter and an external diameter the same as the crown, the flute internal diameter being smaller than the outer diameter of the spacer conduit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The well drilling assembly of claim 8 wherein the bit diameter is 57/8-63/4" diameter and the passage through the bottom hole assembly has an internal diameter of 11/2".
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The well drilling assembly of claim 8 wherein the bit diameter is 83/8-121/4" diameter and the passage through the bottom hole assembly has an internal diameter of 2".
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The well drilling assembly of claim 8 wherein the stabilizers are 0.005-0.010 inches smaller in diameter than the bit diameter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
268 words
A well drilling assembly for straightening crooked holes, comprising a bit having a passage therethrough, a predetermined outer diameter to drill a hole of the predetermined size and an upper end; a bottom hole assembly having a passage therethrough communicating with the bit passage and including a lower stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the bit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a spacer joint having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter, a lower end connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer and an upper end; a pipe section having a lower end connected to the upper end of the spacer joint and an upper end, the spacer joint and pipe section being at least 30' long; a second stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the pipe section upper end, a crown having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the lowermost stabilizer and being 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter, a lower end connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer; an upper stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the lowermost stabilizer and being 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes and an upper end; and a fishing neck connected to the upper end of the upper stabilizer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
268 words
A well drilling assembly for straightening crooked holes, comprising a bit having a passage therethrough, a predetermined outer diameter to drill a hole of the predetermined size and an upper end; a bottom hole assembly having a passage therethrough communicating with the bit passage and including a lower stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the bit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a spacer joint having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter, a lower end connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer and an upper end; a pipe section having a lower end connected to the upper end of the spacer joint and an upper end, the spacer joint and pipe section being at least 30' long; a second stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the pipe section upper end, a crown having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the lowermost stabilizer and being 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter, a lower end connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer; an upper stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the lowermost stabilizer and being 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes and an upper end; and a fishing neck connected to the upper end of the upper stabilizer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The well drilling assembly of claim 15 wherein the stabilizers are 0.005-0.010 inches smaller in diameter than the bit diameter.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
288 words
A well drilling assembly comprising a bit having a passage therethrough, a predetermined outer diameter greater than 63/4" to drill a hole of the predetermined size greater than 63/4" diameter and an upper end; a bottom hole assembly having a passage therethrough communicating with the bit passage and including a first lowermost stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the bit upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a first spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer; a second stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of inclined flutes and an upper end; a fishing neck connected to the upper end of the upper stabilizer; a spacer joint having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter, a lower end connected to the upper end of the second stabilizer and an upper end; a third stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the spacer joint upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 1/8-1/2" smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of inclined flutes, and an upper end; a second spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the third stabilizer; a fourth stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 1/8-1/2" smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of inclined flutes and an upper end; and a fishing neck connected to the upper end of the fourth stabilizer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
288 words
A well drilling assembly comprising a bit having a passage therethrough, a predetermined outer diameter greater than 63/4" to drill a hole of the predetermined size greater than 63/4" diameter and an upper end; a bottom hole assembly having a passage therethrough communicating with the bit passage and including a first lowermost stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the bit upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a first spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer; a second stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of inclined flutes and an upper end; a fishing neck connected to the upper end of the upper stabilizer; a spacer joint having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter, a lower end connected to the upper end of the second stabilizer and an upper end; a third stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the spacer joint upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 1/8-1/2" smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of inclined flutes, and an upper end; a second spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the third stabilizer; a fourth stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 1/8-1/2" smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of inclined flutes and an upper end; and a fishing neck connected to the upper end of the fourth stabilizer.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The well drilling assembly of claim 17 wherein the stabilizers are 0.005-0.010 inches smaller in diameter than the bit diameter.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
327 words
A well drilling assembly comprising a bit having a passage therethrough, a predetermined outer diameter less than 63/4" to drill a hole of the predetermined size less than 63/4" diameter and an upper end; a bottom hole assembly having a passage therethrough communicating with the bit passage and including a first lowermost stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the bit upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a first spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer; a second stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes and an upper end; a first fishing neck connected to the upper end of the upper stabilizer; a third stabilizer having a lower end connected to the first fishing neck, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes and an upper end; a second spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the third stabilizer; a fourth stabilizer having a lower end connected to the second spacer conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes and an upper end; a second fishing neck connected to the upper end of the fourth stabilizer; a spacer joint having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter, a lower end connected to the upper end of the second fishing neck and an upper end; and a fifth stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the spacer joint upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
327 words
A well drilling assembly comprising a bit having a passage therethrough, a predetermined outer diameter less than 63/4" to drill a hole of the predetermined size less than 63/4" diameter and an upper end; a bottom hole assembly having a passage therethrough communicating with the bit passage and including a first lowermost stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the bit upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end; a first spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the lower stabilizer; a second stabilizer having a lower end connected to the conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes and an upper end; a first fishing neck connected to the upper end of the upper stabilizer; a third stabilizer having a lower end connected to the first fishing neck, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes and an upper end; a second spacer conduit having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter connected to the upper end of the third stabilizer; a fourth stabilizer having a lower end connected to the second spacer conduit, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes and an upper end; a second fishing neck connected to the upper end of the fourth stabilizer; a spacer joint having an outer diameter 7/8-11/4" smaller than the bit diameter, a lower end connected to the upper end of the second fishing neck and an upper end; and a fifth stabilizer having a lower end coupled to the spacer joint upper end, a crown having an outer diameter 0.003-0.025 inches smaller than the bit diameter and a plurality of flutes, and an upper end.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The well drilling assembly of claim 19 wherein the stabilizers are 0.005-0.010 inches smaller in diameter than the bit diameter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-10-16 | 1993-04-17 | 1993-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-10-16 | 1997-04-17 | 1997-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-10-16 | 2001-04-17 | 2001-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |