Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2024-08-28)

CLAIMS:
Listing of Claims:

Response to Office Action dated March 12, 2024 Amendments to the ClaimsThe listing of claims replaces all prior versions and listings of claims in the application.

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; and an access control system disposed within the window joint, configured to transition the deflector between the first state and the second state.
2\. (Original) 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\. (Cancelled)

4\. (Cancelled)
5\. (Original) 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\. (Cancelled)
7\. (Original) 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\. (Cancelled)
9\. (Original) The system of claim 1, wherein the access control system is positioned downhole in the window joint.

10\. (Original) 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\. (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; 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\. (Currently Amended) 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;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\. (Cancelled)

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 integral to the window joint and comprising a bendable spring by bending the spring from a first state in which the spring is relaxed 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\. (Original) 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\. (Original) 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\. (Original) 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\. (Original) The method of claim 14, wherein control signal is transmitted via an applied pressure of a hydraulic fluid or a pneumatic fluid.

19\. (Original) 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\. (Original) 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.

21\. (New) The method of claim 15, wherein in the second state there is a gap between a downhole edge of the deflector and an opposing side of the window joint from where the deflector is connected.

22\. (New) The system of claim 1, wherein in the second state there is a gap between a downhole edge of the deflector and an opposing side of the window joint from where the deflector is connected.

23\. (New) The system of claim 11, wherein in the second state there is a gap between a downhole edge of the deflector and an opposing side of the window joint from where the deflector is connected.

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

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Claims 1, 2, 5, 7, 9-12, and 14-23 are pending this application. No claims are withdrawn. Claims 3, 4, 6, 8, and 13 are cancelled. Claims 21-23 are new.
1.    Interview
An interview was conducted with Examiner Quaim on April 3, 2024. In addition to Examiner Quaim, present during the interview was Collin Rose, representative for Applicant. Differences between the application and the cited references as well as potential claim amendments were discussed. No final decision as to the allowability of the claims was made. Applicant thanks Examiner Quaim for the time and consideration in conducting the interview.
2.    Allowable subject matter
Claim 7 is objected to as depending from a non-allowed claim but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form.
Applicant respectfully submits that amended claim 1, from which claim 7 depends, is allowable and that therefore claim 7 is allowable in present form.
Claims 1, 2, 5, 9-12, and 14-20 are allowable over Steele under 35 U.S.C. §
Claims 1-6 and 8-20 are considered taught or suggested by U.S. Publication No. 2019/0120021 (Steele) under 35 U.S.C. § 102.
Claims 3, 4, 6, 8, and 13 are cancelled.
Amended claims 1, 11, and 14 each recite subject matter related to a window joint that includes a deflector that includes a bendable spring. The spring is bendable between a first state, in which the spring is relaxed, and a second state. Support for the amendment can be found in the filed application, paragraphs [0023]-[0025], [0033]-[0035], and [0041]-[0044], as well as the originally-filed claim 4 and FIGs. 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B.
Steele discloses in FIGs. 6A and 6B a deflector assembly 306 that includes a deflector 308 and one or more devices or mechanisms that aid in moving the deflector 308 either to the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 6B, or to the stowed position, as shown in FIG. 6A. More specifically, the deflector assembly 306 may include a first biasing device 602a comprising a compression spring to help move the deflector 308 to the deployed position or a coil spring to help move the deflector 308 to the stowed position. Alternatively, or in addition to the first biasing device 602a, the deflector assembly 306 may include a second biasing device 602b comprising a spring to help move the deflector 308 to the deployed position or to help pull the deflector 308 back into the pocket 312 and to the stowed position. Thus, Steele fails to teach that the deflector is a bendable spring as claimed.
Applicant respectfully submits that the claims are thus allowable over Steele under 35 U.S.C. § 102.
Conclusion


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: 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 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 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.
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.
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.