Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-03-12)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1\. A system locatable in a wellbore for use with an object, comprising: a window joint comprising: an interior cavity with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first opening defined at the first end; and a lateral opening through a wall of the window joint and into the interior cavity between the first end and the second end; a deflector integral to the window joint wherein: in a first state, the deflector is configured to permit access between the first end and the second end; and in a second state, the deflector is configured to block access between the first end and the second end, and permit access between the first end and the lateral opening by deflecting the object travelling through the lateral opening; and an access control system disposed within the window joint, configured to transition the deflector between the first state and the second state.
2\. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller located outside of the wellbore and in communication with the access control system, the controller comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to signal the access control system to transition the deflector between the first state and the second state.
3\. The system of claim 1, wherein the deflector transitions between the first state and the second state by pivoting about a pivot pin.
4\. The system of claim 1, wherein the deflector comprises a spring that is relaxed when the deflector is in the first state.
5\. The system of claim 1, wherein the access control system comprises a piston operable to drive a ramp between a first position, to place the deflector in the first state, and a second position, to place the deflector in the second state, wherein the piston is extended and retracted via at least one of a hydraulic fluid, a pneumatic fluid, a solenoid, or an electrical motor.
6\. The system of claim 1, wherein the access control system comprises a bar linkage connected to the deflector, wherein the bar linkage is driven between a first extension, to place the deflector in the first state, and a second extension, to place the deflector in the second state.
7\. The system of claim 1, wherein the access control system comprises an electromagnetic track and a ramp that, when the electromagnetic track is energized, is driven between a first station on the electromagnetic track, to place the deflector in the first state, and a second station on the electromagnetic track, to place the deflector in the second state.
8\. The system of claim 1, further comprising a return spring connected between the deflector and a cavity defined in the interior cavity in which the deflector is retracted when in the first state, wherein the return spring is placed under tension when the deflector is in the second state.
9\. The system of claim 1, wherein the access control system is positioned downhole in the window joint.
10\. The system of claim 1, wherein: the deflector is disposed in a first side of the window joint and the lateral opening is formed in a second side of the window joint, opposite to the first side; and in the second state, the deflector contacts the second side.
11\. A system locatable in a wellbore and for use with an object, comprising: an access control system disposed within a window joint inserted into the wellbore having a main pathway and a lateral pathway; a deflector integral to the window joint at a junction of the wellbore between the main pathway and the lateral pathway and that operates in a first state and a second state; and a controller, including a processor and a memory including instructions executable by the processor, located outside of the wellbore and in communication with the access control system located in the wellbore; wherein: in response to a first command from the controller, the access control system transitions the deflector to the first state; in response to a second command from the controller, the access control system transitions the deflector to the second state; in the first state the deflector permits access at the junction between a first opening of the bore and a downhole end of the bore; and in the second state the deflector blocks access at the junction between the first opening of the wellbore and guides the object at the junction into the lateral pathway.
12\. The system of claim 11, wherein the access control system includes at least one of: a piston that drives a ramp between a first position, to place the deflector in the first state, and a second position, to place the deflector in the second state; a bar linkage to a free end of the deflector, opposite to a connected end of the deflector, wherein the bar linkage is driven between a first extension, to place the deflector in the first state, and a second extension, to place the deflector in the second state; or an electromagnetic track and the ramp that, when the electromagnetic track is energized, is driven between a first station on the electromagnetic track, to place the deflector in the first state, and a second station on the electromagnetic track, to place the deflector in the second state.
13\. The system of claim 11, further comprising a spring configured to be under tension when the deflector is in the second state and to release tension to return the deflector to the first state from the second state.
14\. A method, comprising: inserting an object into a first opening of a window joint inserted into a wellbore from a surface towards an opposing end of the window joint, wherein the wellbore includes main pathway and a lateral pathway extending from the main pathway; making a determination for a destination to direct the object to from a junction in the wellbore between the main pathway and the lateral pathway, the destination being downhole from the junction to one of the main pathway or the lateral pathway; sending, from a controller located outside of the wellbore to an access control system located in the window joint, a control signal to transition a deflector integral to the window joint from a first state to a second state based on the determination; and directing the object to the destination based on the deflector being in the first state or the second state.
15\. The method of claim 14, wherein the destination is downhole through a lateral opening in the window joint, and transitioning the deflector from the first state to the second state includes blocking the main pathway at the junction and guiding the object through the lateral opening.
16\. The method of claim 14, wherein the destination is downhole along the main pathway, and transitioning the deflector from the first state to the second state includes opening access at the junction to the main pathway that is blocked by the deflector when in the first state.
17\. The method of claim 14, further comprising: retracting the object from the destination back into the window joint uphole relative to the deflector; sending, from the controller to the access control system, a second control signal to transition the deflector to the second state from the first state; and directing the object downhole to a new destination via the deflector in the second state.
18\. The method of claim 14, wherein control signal is transmitted via an applied pressure of a hydraulic fluid or a pneumatic fluid.
19\. The method of claim 14, wherein the deflector is biased to return to the first state when the control signal is removed, the method further comprising removing the control signal from the deflector.
20\. The method of claim 14, wherein the object is a downhole tool and the downhole tool is directed to the destination to perform a downhole operation.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-6 and 8-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Steele (U.S. Publication No. 20190120021).
Regarding claim 1, Steele teaches a system (114; Figs. 2, 3A, B, 4A, B, 5, 6A, B)  locatable in a wellbore (The completion sleeve 114 may be arranged within the parent wellbore 102; pp[0017]) for use with an object (downhole tools ; pp[0018], [0056]), comprising:
a window joint (deflector assembly 306) comprising:
an interior cavity (312) with a first end (uphole end adjacent numeral 114; Fig. 3A, B, 5, 6A, B) and a second end (downhole end adjacent numeral 310) opposite to the first end;
a first opening defined at the first end (there is a first opening at the uphole end which allows entry of tool 504; Fig. 5); and
a lateral opening (window 120; fig. 2) through a wall of the window joint (306) and into the interior cavity (312) between the first end and the second end (Fig. 6A);
a deflector (308) integral to the window joint (306; pp[0048]) wherein:
in a first state (308 in stowed position; Fig. 6A) the deflector is configured to permit access between the first end and the second end (in its stowed position, the deflector 308 may allow full-bore access through the inner passage 302 for downhole tools required to pass through the completion sleeve 114; pp[0025]); and
in a second state (308 in deployed position; Fig. 6A), the deflector is configured to block access between the first end and the second end, and permit access between the first end and the lateral opening by deflecting the object travelling through the lateral opening (With the deflector 308 in the deployed position, downhole tools introduced into the completion sleeve 114 may be deflected laterally out of the completion sleeve 114 through the window 120; pp[0038]); and
an access control system (310) disposed within the window joint (306), configured to transition the deflector between the first state and the second state (The actuator 310 may be remotely actuated to move the deflector 308 between the stowed and deployed positions; pp[0027]).
Regarding claim 2, Steele teaches the system of claim 1, further comprising a controller located outside of the wellbore (a computer system at the surface; pp[0027]) and in communication with the access control system (the computer system can send an automated signal to the actuator 310), the controller comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to signal the access control system to transition the deflector between the first state and the second state (This is implicit because the computer system (which contains a processor) is automated  to send a signal from the computer system located at the well surface location at a predetermined or designed time to the actuator 310 such that the actuator moves the deflector 308 between a stowed position and deployed position; pp[0027]).
Regarding claim 3, Steele teaches the system of claim 1, wherein the deflector (308) transitions between the first state (stowed; Fig. 6A and the second state (deployed; Fig. 6B) by pivoting about a pivot pin (hinge pin 426 (labeled in Fig. 4A) which is shown in Fig. 6A, 6B).
Regarding claim 4, Steele teaches the system of claim 1, wherein the deflector (308) comprises a spring (spring 602b) that is relaxed when the deflector is in the first state (spring 602b is relaxed (compressed); Fig. 6A, pp[0049]).
Regarding claim 5, Steele teaches the system of claim 1, wherein the access control system (310) comprises a piston (piston head 418; pp[0050]) operable to drive a ramp (piston 404);  between a first position (Fig. 6A), to place the deflector (308) in the first state (Fig. 6A), and a second position (Fig. 6B), to place the deflector (308) in the second state (Fig. 6B), wherein the piston (piston head 418) is extended and retracted via at least one of a hydraulic fluid, a pneumatic fluid, a solenoid, or an electrical motor (The actuator 310 (which comprises the piston head 418) may comprise any type of actuation device including, but not limited to, a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or any combination thereof; pp[0026]).
Regarding claim 6, Steele teaches the system of claim 1, wherein the access control system (310) comprises a bar linkage (409; Figs. 4A-6B) connected to the deflector (308), wherein the bar linkage is driven between a first extension (first extension 414a; Fig. 4A), to place the deflector in the first state (Figs. 4A, 6A), and a second extension (409 extends to 414b; Fig. 4B, 6B), to place the deflector (308) in the second state (Fig. 4B, 6B).
Regarding claim 8, Steele teaches the system of claim 1, further comprising a return spring (602b) connected between the deflector (308) and a cavity (604; Fig. 6A) defined in the interior cavity (602b may be received within a cavity 604; pp[0049])  in which the deflector (308) is retracted when in the first state (Fig. 6A), wherein the return spring is placed under tension (Fig. 6B) when the deflector (308) is in the second state (the biasing device 602b may comprise a coil spring that helps pull the deflector 308 back into the pocket 312 and to the stowed position; pp[0049]).
Regarding claim 9, Steele teaches the system of claim 1, wherein the access control system (310)  is positioned downhole in the window joint (306; Fig. 6A).
Regarding claim 10, Steele teaches the system of claim 1, wherein: the deflector (308) is disposed in a first side (304; Fig. 4A, 6A) of the window joint  (306) and the lateral opening (120; Fig. 4A, 6A) is formed in a second side (opposite side of 306) of the window joint (306), opposite to the first side (304); and in the second state, the deflector (308) contacts the second side (308 contacts the second side opposite to 304; Fig. 4B, 6B).
Regarding claim 11, Steele teaches a system (114; Figs. 2, 3A, B, $A, B,5, 6A, B)  locatable in a wellbore (The completion sleeve 114 may be arranged within the parent wellbore 102; pp[0017]) and for use with an object (downhole tools ; pp[0018], [0056]), comprising:
an access control system (actuator 310 for actuating 308) disposed within a window joint (deflector assembly 306) inserted into the wellbore having a main pathway (parent wellbore 102; Fig. 1, pp[0056]) and a lateral pathway (lateral wellbore; pp[0056]);
a deflector integral (308) to the window joint (306) at a junction of the wellbore between the main pathway and the lateral pathway (114 is disposed between a junction between the parent and lateral wellbore for lateral wellbore access; pp[0016], [0017]) and that operates in a first state (Fig. 6A) and a second state (Fig. 6B); and
a controller, including a processor and a memory including instructions executable by the processor, located outside of the wellbore and in communication with the access control system located in the wellbore (the computer system (which contains a processor) is automated  to send a signal from the computer system located at the well surface location at a predetermined or designed time to the actuator 310 such that the actuator moves the deflector 308 between a stowed position and deployed position; pp[0027]);
wherein: in response to a first command from the controller, the access control system transitions the deflector to the first state; in response to a second command from the controller, the access control system transitions the deflector to the second state (actuator 310 used to move the deflector 308 between a stowed (retracted) position, as shown in FIG. 3A, and a deployed (extended) position; similarly Fig. 6A, B, pp[0025],[0026]);
in the first state the deflector permits access at the junction between a first opening of the bore and a downhole end of the bore (in its stowed position, the deflector 308 may allow full-bore access through the inner passage 302 for downhole tools required to pass through the completion sleeve 114; pp[0025]); and
in the second state the deflector blocks access at the junction between the first opening of the wellbore and guides the object at the junction into the lateral pathway (With the deflector 308 in the deployed position, downhole tools introduced into the completion sleeve 114 may be deflected laterally out of the completion sleeve 114 through the window 120; pp[0038], [0056]).
Regarding claim 12, Steele teaches the system of claim 11, wherein the access control system includes: a piston (piston head 418; pp[0050]) that drives a ramp (piston 404) between a first position (Fig. 6A), to place the deflector (308) in the first state (Fig. 6A), and a second position (Fig. 6B), to place the deflector (308) in the second state (Fig. 6B).
Regarding claim 13, Steele teaches the system of claim 11, further comprising a spring (602b; Fig. 6A,B) configured to be under tension when the deflector (308) is in the second state (308 in deployed state; Fig. 6B) and to release tension to return the deflector (308) to the first state (Fig. 6A) from the second state (the biasing device 602b may comprise a coil spring that helps pull the deflector 308 back into the pocket 312 and to the stowed position; pp[0049]).
Regarding claim 14, Steele teaches a method, comprising:
inserting an object (downhole tools; pp[0036]) into a first opening (uphole opening (not labeled) adjacent to numeral 114; Figs. 4A, 6A) of a window joint (306) inserted into a wellbore (102; Fig. 1, pp[0056]) from a surface towards an opposing end (downhole end (not labeled) adjacent numeral 310) of the window joint (where the deflector 308 is received within the pocket 312 defined in the sidewall 304 such that full-bore access through the inner passage 302 is allowed for downhole tools required to pass through the completion sleeve 114; pp[0036]), wherein the wellbore includes main pathway (302; Figs. 4A, 6A) and a lateral pathway (along 120) extending from the main pathway (302; Fig. 4A, 6A);
making a determination for a destination to direct the object to from a junction in the wellbore between the main pathway and the lateral pathway, the destination being downhole from the junction to one of the main pathway or the lateral pathway; sending, from a controller located outside of the wellbore to an access control system located in the window joint, a control signal to transition a deflector integral to the window joint from a first state to a second state based on the determination (The computer system (which contains a processor) is automated  to send a signal from the computer system located at the well surface location at a predetermined or designed time to the actuator 310 such that the actuator moves the deflector 308 between a stowed position and deployed position. Therefore, “a determination for a destination to direct the object” has been made because the deflector is signaled to be deployed for lateral access at a predetermined time; pp[0027]); and
directing the object to the destination based on the deflector being in the first state or the second state (a first control signal may be communicated to the actuator 310 to move the deflector 308 to the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 3B (similarly 6B). With the deflector 308 in the deployed position, a downhole tool introduced into the inner passage 302 may engage the deflector 308, which deflects the downhole tool laterally out of the completion sleeve 114 via the window 120; pp[0029]).
Regarding claim 15, Steele teaches the method of claim 14, wherein the destination is downhole through a lateral opening (window 120) in the window joint (306; Figs. 4A, 6A), and transitioning the deflector from the first state (Fig. 4A, 6A) to the second state (Figs. 4B, 6B) includes blocking the main pathway (308 blocks the main pathway 302; Fig. 4B,6B) at the junction (junction between main wellbore 102 and lateral wellbore 104; pp[0016], [0017]) and guiding the object through the lateral opening (a downhole tool introduced into the inner passage 302 may engage the deflector 308, which deflects the downhole tool laterally out of the completion sleeve 114 via the window 120; pp[0029]).
Regarding claim 16, Steele teaches the method of claim 14, wherein the destination is downhole along the main pathway, and transitioning the deflector from the first state to the second state includes opening access at the junction to the main pathway that is blocked by the deflector when in the first state (A second signal can be transmitted to move the deflector 308 from the deployed position to the stowed position which will unblock/open the main pathway 302; pp[0029], [0040]).
Regarding claim 17, Steele teaches the method of claim 14, further comprising: retracting the object from the destination back into the window joint uphole relative to the deflector; sending, from the controller to the access control system, a second control signal to transition the deflector to the second state from the first state; and directing the object downhole to a new destination via the deflector in the second state (Following operations in the lower lateral wellbore, the downhole tool may be retracted back into the parent wellbore, and the deflector may be actuated to the stowed position (first position) to allow the downhole tool to advance even further downhole within the parent wellbore, if desired, to perform additional operations on other branches or lateral wellbores; pp[0056]. A second signal can be transmitted to move the deflector 308 from the deployed position to the stowed position; pp[0029], [0040]).
Regarding claim 18, Steele teaches the method of claim 14, wherein control signal is transmitted via an applied pressure of a hydraulic fluid or a pneumatic fluid (The actuator 310 may comprise any type of actuation device including, but not limited to, a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or any combination thereof; pp[0026]).
Regarding claim 19, Steele teaches the method of claim 14, wherein the deflector is biased to return to the first state when the control signal is removed, the method further comprising removing the control signal from the deflector (the actuator 310 may pump a hydraulic fluid from a fluid source (not shown) into the piston chamber 406 to act on the piston head 418 and thereby move the piston 404;pp[0036]. Therefore, once the hydraulic fluid source has been removed, the deflector 308 will return to stowed state (first state)).
Regarding claim 20, Steele teaches the method of claim 14, wherein the object is a downhole tool and the downhole tool is directed to the destination to perform a downhole operation (The downhole tool may then be advanced downhole through the upper completion sleeve and to the lower completion sleeve where the deflector 308 of the lower completion sleeve is actuated to the deployed position to allow the downhole tool to enter the lower lateral wellbore. Following operations in the lower lateral wellbore, the downhole tool may be retracted back into the parent wellbore; pp[0056]).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 7 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Conclusion


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: EXAMINER'S AMENDMENT
Notice of AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
Authorization for this examiner’s amendment was given in an interview with Collin Rose on 8/16/2024.
The application has been amended as follows:
In the Claims:
1. (Currently Amended) A system locatable in a wellbore for use with an object, comprising:
a window joint comprising: an interior cavity with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;
a first opening defined at the first end; and
a lateral opening through a wall of the window joint and into the interior cavity between the first end and the second end;
a deflector integral to the window joint wherein:
in a first state, the deflector is configured to permit access between the first end and the second end; and
in a second state, the deflector is configured to block access between the first end and the second end, and permit access between the first end and the lateral opening by deflecting the object travelling through the lateral opening,
wherein the deflector comprises a bendable spring that is relaxed when the deflector is in the first state, the bendable spring comprising a bow spring or a cantilever spring; and
an access control system disposed within the window joint, configured to transition the
deflector between the first state and the second state.
11. (Currently Amended) A system locatable in a wellbore and for use with an object, comprising:
an access control system disposed within a window joint inserted into the wellbore having a
main pathway and a lateral pathway;
a deflector integral to the window joint at a junction of the wellbore between the main
pathway and the lateral pathway and that operates in a first state and a second state, wherein the deflector comprises a bendable spring that is relaxed when the deflector is in the first state, the bendable spring comprising a bow spring or a cantilever spring; and
a controller, including a processor and a memory including instructions executable by the
processor, located outside of the wellbore and in communication with the access control system located in the wellbore;
wherein:
in response to a first command from the controller, the access control system transitions
the deflector to the first state;
in response to a second command from the controller, the access control system
transitions the deflector to the second state;
in the first state the deflector permits access at the junction between a first opening of the
bore and a downhole end of the bore; and
in the second state the deflector blocks access at the junction between the first opening of
the wellbore and guides the object at the junction into the lateral pathway.
14. (Currently Amended) A method, comprising:
inserting an object into a first opening of a window joint inserted into a wellbore
from a surface towards an opposing end of the window joint, wherein the wellbore includes a main pathway and a lateral pathway extending from the main pathway;
making a determination for a destination to direct the object to from a junction in the
wellbore between the main pathway and the lateral pathway, the destination being downhole from the junction to one of the main pathway or the lateral pathway;
sending, from a controller located outside of the wellbore to an access control system
located in the window joint, a control signal to transition a deflector, the deflector integral to the window joint and comprising a bendable spring that is relaxed in the first state, the bendable spring comprising a bow spring or a cantilever spring; and
directing the object to the destination based on the deflector being in the first state or
the second state.
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 1-2,5,7,9-12 and 14-23 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The closest prior art to claims 1, 11 and 14 is Steele (U.S. Publication No. 20190120021).
The above amendments to claims 1, 11 and 14 overcome Steele because Steele does not teach “the bendable spring comprising a bow spring or a cantilever spring”.
It would not be obvious to modify Steele with either spring structures. The coiled spring 602b of Steele is attached to the cavity 604 at one end and collapses into cavity 604 to stow the deflector 308. A bow spring or cantilever spring will not collapse in the same manner as the coiled spring 602b and will prevent the deflector 308 of Steele to operate as intended.
As such, claims 1, 11 and 14 are allowable over Steele.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20190120021A1: Claims:
A completion sleeve, comprising: a body that defines an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage; a deflector positioned within the inner passage and pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the body, and a deployed position to deflect downhole tools laterally through the window; and an actuator positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector, the actuator being actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
a body that defines an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage;
a deflector positioned within the inner passage and pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the body, and a deployed position to deflect downhole tools laterally through the window; and
an actuator positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector, the actuator being actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
The completion sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the deflector in the stowed position allows full-bore access through the inner passage.
The completion sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises an actuation device selected from the group consisting of a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and any combination thereof.
The completion sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator including a piston operatively coupled to the deflector, and wherein actuating the actuator moves the piston within a piston chamber and correspondingly moves the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
The completion sleeve of claim 4 , wherein the piston includes a pin received within a slot defined in the deflector, and moving the piston within the piston chamber correspondingly moves the pin within the slot to pivot the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
The completion sleeve of claim 4 , further comprising a biasing device positioned in the piston chamber and interposing the piston and the actuator.
The completion sleeve of claim 1 , further comprising one or more sensors coupled to the body to detect a position of the deflector.
The completion sleeve of claim 1 , further comprising a biasing device positioned within the pocket and coupled to an underside of the deflector.
A well system, comprising: a parent wellbore lined with casing that defines a casing exit; a lateral wellbore extending from the casing exit; a completion sleeve installed within the parent wellbore and defining an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage; and a deflector assembly positioned within the inner passage and including: a deflector pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the completion sleeve, and a deployed position to deflect a downhole tool laterally through the window; and an actuator positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector, the actuator being actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
a parent wellbore lined with casing that defines a casing exit;
a lateral wellbore extending from the casing exit;
a completion sleeve installed within the parent wellbore and defining an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage; and
a deflector assembly positioned within the inner passage and including: a deflector pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the completion sleeve, and a deployed position to deflect a downhole tool laterally through the window; and an actuator positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector, the actuator being actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
a deflector pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the completion sleeve, and a deployed position to deflect a downhole tool laterally through the window; and
The well system of claim 10 , further comprising a communications line extended from a well surface location and communicably coupled to the actuator to remotely actuate the actuator.
The well system of claim 12 , wherein the communications line is communicably coupled to a control module of the actuator and the deflector assembly further includes one or more sensors coupled to the completion sleeve and communicably coupled to the control module, the one or more sensors being configured to detect a position of the deflector.
The well system of claim 10 , wherein the downhole tool includes a wireless transmitter that emits a wireless signal receivable by the actuator to actuate the actuator.
The well system of claim 10 , further comprising: a shifting sleeve movably positioned within the inner passage and providing first profile and a second profile; and a shifting tool conveyable into the completion sleeve and providing a shifting tool profile matable with the first and second profiles, wherein mating the shifting tool profile with the first profile and providing an axial load in a first direction results in a first hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the deployed position, and wherein mating the shifting tool profile with the second profile and providing an axial load in a second direction opposite the first direction results in a second hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the stowed position.
a shifting sleeve movably positioned within the inner passage and providing first profile and a second profile; and
a shifting tool conveyable into the completion sleeve and providing a shifting tool profile matable with the first and second profiles,
wherein mating the shifting tool profile with the first profile and providing an axial load in a first direction results in a first hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the deployed position, and
wherein mating the shifting tool profile with the second profile and providing an axial load in a second direction opposite the first direction results in a second hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the stowed position.
A method, comprising: advancing a downhole tool into a parent wellbore lined with casing that defines a casing exit and has a lateral wellbore extending from the casing exit; extending the downhole tool into a completion sleeve installed within the parent wellbore and defining an inner passage and a window aligned with the casing exit; actuating an actuator operatively coupled to a deflector and thereby moving the deflector from a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the completion sleeve, and to a deployed position; and deflecting the downhole tool into the lateral wellbore with the deflector.
advancing a downhole tool into a parent wellbore lined with casing that defines a casing exit and has a lateral wellbore extending from the casing exit;
extending the downhole tool into a completion sleeve installed within the parent wellbore and defining an inner passage and a window aligned with the casing exit;
actuating an actuator operatively coupled to a deflector and thereby moving the deflector from a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the completion sleeve, and to a deployed position; and
deflecting the downhole tool into the lateral wellbore with the deflector.
The method of claim 16 , wherein actuating the actuator comprises transmitting a control signal to the actuator via a communications line extended from a well surface location and communicably coupled to the actuator.
The method of claim 16 , wherein actuating the actuator comprises: emitting a wireless signal from a wireless transmitter included in the downhole tool; and receiving the wireless signal with the actuator to actuate the actuator.
emitting a wireless signal from a wireless transmitter included in the downhole tool; and
receiving the wireless signal with the actuator to actuate the actuator.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising applying an axial load to the deflector with the downhole tool to move the deflector back to the stowed position.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising ejecting a fluid out of the downhole tool to clear debris accumulated in the pocket.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising actuating the actuator to move the actuator back to the stowed position.
The method of claim 16 , wherein the downhole tool comprises a shifting tool that provides a shifting tool profile, wherein advancing the downhole tool into the parent wellbore further comprises: locating and mating the shifting tool profile on a first profile of a shifting sleeve movably positioned within the inner passage; applying an axial load on the shifting sleeve in a first direction via the shifting tool and thereby providing a first hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the deployed position; locating and mating the shifting tool profile on a second profile of the shifting sleeve; and applying an axial load on the shifting sleeve in a second direction opposite the first direction via the shifting tool and thereby providing a second hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the stowed position.
locating and mating the shifting tool profile on a first profile of a shifting sleeve movably positioned within the inner passage;
applying an axial load on the shifting sleeve in a first direction via the shifting tool and thereby providing a first hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the deployed position;
locating and mating the shifting tool profile on a second profile of the shifting sleeve; and
applying an axial load on the shifting sleeve in a second direction opposite the first direction via the shifting tool and thereby providing a second hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the stowed position.
Ref US20190120021: Claims:
A completion sleeve, comprising: a body that defines an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage; a deflector positioned within the inner passage and pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the body, and a deployed position to deflect downhole tools laterally through the window; and an actuator positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector, the actuator being actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions. 2. The completion sleeve of claim 1, wherein the deflector in the stowed position allows full-bore access through the inner passage. 3. The completion sleeve of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises an actuation device selected from the group consisting of a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and any combination thereof. 4. The completion sleeve of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator including a piston operatively coupled to the deflector, and wherein actuating the actuator moves the piston within a piston chamber and correspondingly moves the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions. 5. The completion sleeve of claim 4, wherein the piston includes a pin received within a slot defined in the deflector, and moving the piston within the piston chamber correspondingly moves the pin within the slot to pivot the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions. 6. The completion sleeve of claim 4, further comprising a biasing device positioned in the piston chamber and interposing the piston and the actuator. 7. The completion sleeve of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors coupled to the body to detect a position of the deflector. 8. The completion sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a biasing device positioned within the pocket and coupled to an underside of the deflector. 9. (canceled) 10. A well system, comprising: a parent wellbore lined with casing that defines a casing exit; a lateral wellbore extending from the casing exit; a completion sleeve installed within the parent wellbore and defining an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage; and a deflector assembly positioned within the inner passage and including: a deflector pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the completion sleeve, and a deployed position to deflect a downhole tool laterally through the window; and an actuator positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector, the actuator being actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions. 11. (canceled) 12. The well system of claim 10, further comprising a communications line extended from a well surface location and communicably coupled to the actuator to remotely actuate the actuator. 13. The well system of claim 12, wherein the communications line is communicably coupled to a control module of the actuator and the deflector assembly further includes one or more sensors coupled to the completion sleeve and communicably coupled to the control module, the one or more sensors being configured to detect a position of the deflector. 14. The well system of claim 10, wherein the downhole tool includes a wireless transmitter that emits a wireless signal receivable by the actuator to actuate the actuator. 15. The well system of claim 10, further comprising: a shifting sleeve movably positioned within the inner passage and providing first profile and a second profile; and a shifting tool conveyable into the completion sleeve and providing a shifting tool profile matable with the first and second profiles, wherein mating the shifting tool profile with the first profile and providing an axial load in a first direction results in a first hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the deployed position, and wherein mating the shifting tool profile with the second profile and providing an axial load in a second direction opposite the first direction results in a second hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the stowed position. 16. A method, comprising: advancing a downhole tool into a parent wellbore lined with casing that defines a casing exit and has a lateral wellbore extending from the casing exit; extending the downhole tool into a completion sleeve installed within the parent wellbore and defining an inner passage and a window aligned with the casing exit; actuating an actuator operatively coupled to a deflector and thereby moving the deflector from a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the completion sleeve, and to a deployed position; and deflecting the downhole tool into the lateral wellbore with the deflector. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein actuating the actuator comprises transmitting a control signal to the actuator via a communications line extended from a well surface location and communicably coupled to the actuator. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein actuating the actuator comprises: emitting a wireless signal from a wireless transmitter included in the downhole tool; and receiving the wireless signal with the actuator to actuate the actuator. 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising applying an axial load to the deflector with the downhole tool to move the deflector back to the stowed position. 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising ejecting a fluid out of the downhole tool to clear debris accumulated in the pocket. 21. The method of claim 16, further comprising actuating the actuator to move the actuator back to the stowed position. 22. The method of claim 16, wherein the downhole tool comprises a shifting tool that provides a shifting tool profile, wherein advancing the downhole tool into the parent wellbore further comprises: locating and mating the shifting tool profile on a first profile of a shifting sleeve movably positioned within the inner passage; applying an axial load on the shifting sleeve in a first direction via the shifting tool and thereby providing a first hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the deployed position; locating and mating the shifting tool profile on a second profile of the shifting sleeve; and applying an axial load on the shifting sleeve in a second direction opposite the first direction via the shifting tool and thereby providing a second hydraulic signal that actuates the actuator to move the deflector to the stowed position.
A completion sleeve, comprising: a body that defines an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage; a deflector positioned within the inner passage and pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the body, and a deployed position to deflect downhole tools laterally through the window; and an actuator positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector, the actuator being actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
The completion sleeve of claim 1, wherein the deflector in the stowed position allows full-bore access through the inner passage.
The completion sleeve of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises an actuation device selected from the group consisting of a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and any combination thereof.
The completion sleeve of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator including a piston operatively coupled to the deflector, and wherein actuating the actuator moves the piston within a piston chamber and correspondingly moves the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
The completion sleeve of claim 4, wherein the piston includes a pin received within a slot defined in the deflector, and moving the piston within the piston chamber correspondingly moves the pin within the slot to pivot the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
The completion sleeve of claim 4, further comprising a biasing device positioned in the piston chamber and interposing the piston and the actuator.
The completion sleeve of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors coupled to the body to detect a position of the deflector.
The completion sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a biasing device positioned within the pocket and coupled to an underside of the deflector.
A well system, comprising: a parent wellbore lined with casing that defines a casing exit; a lateral wellbore extending from the casing exit; a completion sleeve installed within the parent wellbore and defining an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage; and a deflector assembly positioned within the inner passage and including: a deflector pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the completion sleeve, and a deployed position to deflect a downhole tool laterally through the window; and an actuator positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector, the actuator being actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
The well system of claim 10, further comprising a communications line extended from a well surface location and communicably coupled to th
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