Patents Represented by Attorney Rodney Warfford
  • Patent number: 7475486
    Abstract: A method for determining an amount of creep for a tool on a cable and positioned in a well at an oilfield. The method includes moving a winch at a surface of the oilfield to effect movement of the tool below the surface in the well. The winch may then be stopped with the tool still in the well, but frequently the tool will continue to move, or “creep”, for some time after the winch is stopped. After the winch is stopped, data may be recorded indicative of movement of the tool. This data may then be used for the determining of the amount of creep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Fitzgerald, Torbjørn Tellnes
  • Patent number: 7458423
    Abstract: A method of forming a seal circumferentially about a liner having pre-formed openings that is positioned in a wellbore includes the steps of running a perforating device and a seal applicator into the slotted liner, the seal applicator carrying a sealing fluid and a pumping mechanism, creating an aperture through the slotted liner at the region by activating the perforating device and pumping the sealing fluid from the seal applicator through the aperture and circumferentially about the liner to form a sealing plug in the annulus between the slotted liner and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Claude Joseph Vercaemer, Hubertus V. Thomeer, Charles Woodburn
  • Patent number: 7448448
    Abstract: A fluid injection system is used in a well. Fluid stages are arranged in repeating series within a tubing of the fluid injection system to facilitate control over effects of injection. A sensor system can be used to detect one or more parameters related to the fluids moved downhole through the tubing to further enhance injection procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Lovell, Teoman Altinkopru, Robert Bucher, Shunfeng Zheng
  • Patent number: 7424176
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for terminating and anchoring fiber optic connections are disclosed. One apparatus includes a sealed body enclosing a passage for one or more optical fibers terminating in connections proximate a first end of the sealed body, the sealed body having a diameter less than an internal diameter of an oilfield tubular, the sealed body having a second end adapted to sealingly engage and anchor an end of a fiber optic carrier conduit, the second end connecting the sealed body to the fiber optic carrier conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Kension, Michael G. Gay, Robert Bucher, Mahmuda Afroz
  • Patent number: 7407005
    Abstract: A cable release apparatus includes a housing and latch mounted at one end of the housing. The latch has a central opening and a plurality of projecting members extending into the housing. A releasable connector is mounted inside the housing. An actuator has one end disposed in the central opening in the latch and another end in contact with the releasable connector. The actuator is movable between a first position prior to activation of the releaseable connector and a second position wherein the releasable connector is activated. Prior to activation of the releasable connector, the latch is held in place by an interference fit between the projecting members and the housing. When the releasable connector is activated, the projecting members are deflected by applying tension to the latch, thereby releasing the latch from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Zanca, Ryan Daniel, Todor K. Sheiretov, Pete Howard
  • Patent number: 7404443
    Abstract: An offshore oil well platform assembly is provided that includes a jacking frame, which supports a coiled tubing injector, which in turn is connected to a wellhead during a coiled tubing operation; and a compensation system. The compensation system includes a force measurement system which measures forces applied to the wellhead; a force delivery system, which provides a compensating force to counteract at least a portion of the measured forces on the wellhead; and a control system which receives signals from the force measurement system indicative of the measured forces, and operates the force delivery system based on the measured forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bart Patton, Yarom Polsky
  • Patent number: 7401500
    Abstract: A positive displacement pump monitor. The monitor includes a sensor coupled to a housing of a pump for obtaining acoustic data therefrom. A proximity switch may be simultaneously used to keep real time timing information relative to the cycling of the pump. A data processor of the monitor may then be employed to analyze acoustic data and timing information to distinguish acceptable noise from leak information. An operator thereby may be warned of the presence of a leak in the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimichi Wago, Jean-Louis Pessin, Nathan St. Michel
  • Patent number: 7385523
    Abstract: A method for operating a downhole tool. The method includes moving an instrument through a wellbore, and the instrument includes a first non-acoustic transponder that is adapted to detect identification codes. An identification code detected from at least one second non-acoustic transponder is compared to a reference code. The at least one second non-acoustic transponder is attached to an emplaced structure in the wellbore, and the comparison is performed when the instrument moves by the at least one second non-acoustic transponder. The downhole tool is then operated if the identification code matches the reference code. A downhole tool operation system including at least one first non-acoustic transponder emplaced in a wellbore and adapted to communicate an identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hubertus V. Thomeer, Sarmad Adnan
  • Patent number: 7363970
    Abstract: An integral bodied composite packer is constructed entirely of a composite material. It can include an expandable middle portion with an elastomeric cover to engage an exterior surface of a well bore. The expandable portion can include continuous strands of polymeric fibers to reinforce the body and prevent extrusion. The packer body can have longitudinal cuts or slats to provide rigidity of the body after expansion. The slats can overlap. The packer can include an elastomeric cover or layer therein to engage the well bore. The expandable portion can include a reinforcement member in a laminar portion of the body made from high strength alloys, fiber-reinforced polymers and/or elastomers, nanofiber, nanoparticle, and nanotube reinforced polymers and/or elastomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Gilles Carree
  • Patent number: 7357179
    Abstract: Methods for generating geometric databases of coiled tubing inspection data and using the data in job design, real time monitoring and automated feedback control of operations are described. One method includes creating a grid of spatial positions on a length of coiled tubing as it traverses through an inspection apparatus having a plurality of sensors for detecting defects in the coiled tubing. Real time data may be compared to historical or nominal data for the coiled tubing. Another method includes monitoring, in real time or near real time, the status of tubing dimension (thickness, diameter, ovality, shape) during a coiled tubing operation, such as acidizing, fracturing, high pressure operations, drilling, and wellbore cleanouts. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shunfeng Zheng, Sarmad Adnan, John R. Lovell, Aude Faugere
  • Patent number: 7357184
    Abstract: A jacking frame for an oil well offshore platform is provided that includes a support structure; a coiled tubing injector supported by the support structure and having a longitudinal axis; and a centralizer attached to the support structure, which moves a wellhead of the platform into alignment with the longitudinal axis of the coiled tubing injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bart Patton, Yarom Polsky
  • Patent number: 7334642
    Abstract: A radially expandable tool is provided that includes a tool body and a radially moveable member coupled to the tool body and in force receiving relation to a constant force actuator. The radially moveable member is movable by the constant force actuator from an closed position to a plurality of radially expanded open positions, which includes a fully open position. The constant force actuator includes an opening arm having a force transmission member; and a movement control guide in force reacting engagement with the force transmission member. The tool also includes a linear force generator; which applies a linear force to the constant force actuator, which the actuator transfers to a radial force perpendicular to the linear force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Falk W. Doering, Carl J. Roy
  • Patent number: 7311153
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes providing a sequencing valve to in a first state to communicate a first flow through a first port of the valve and in a second state close fluid communication through the first port. The technique includes communicating a second flow through an orifice of the sequencing valve during the second state of the valve and using a pressure drop across the orifice to bias the sequencing valve to remain in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. Michael McKee, Avel Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7285931
    Abstract: A commutation apparatus drives a brushless motor having a stator equipped with a plurality of coils and a rotor. The commutation apparatus comprises a rotatable commutator shaft, two or more conducting rings carried discretely about the shaft, and two or more conducting segments carried discretely about the shaft at staggered positions along or near a plane perpendicularly intersecting the shaft. Each conducting segment is electrically connected to one of the conducting rings. Two or more electrical source contacts are provided for rotatably connecting a power supply across pairs of the conducting rings. A plurality of electrical load contacts is further provided for sequentially, rotatably connecting the conducting segments to discrete coils of the brushless motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Shehab Ahmed
  • Patent number: 7284613
    Abstract: A method for assembling a stackable perforating gun system inside a well bore is provided that includes attaching a first gun section of the stackable perforating gun system to a tracking assembly, and transporting the first gun section within the well bore using the tracking assembly. The method also includes disengaging the first gun section from the tracking assembly; retrieving the tracking assembly to the surface; attaching a second gun section of the stackable perforating gun system to the tracking assembly; transporting the second gun section within the well bore using the tracking assembly; and coupling the second gun section with the first gun section using the tracking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Billingham, Robert Algie
  • Patent number: 7281588
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for moving tubulars into and out of a well bore, and particularly, a tubular injector with two or more gripping members which bind the outer surface of the tubular, two or more actuators which cause the gripping members to bind or release the tubular, and at least one reciprocator for translating a gripping member to move the tubular, or for repositioning the gripping member. A method of translating a tubular is also provided which includes the steps of binding the outer surface of a tubular with at least one gripping members by engagement with an actuator, and translating a gripping member by reciprocator to move the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rod W. Shampine, Lawrence J. Leising, Yarom Polsky, Hubertus V. Thomeer, Sarmad Adnan
  • Patent number: 7281585
    Abstract: An offshore oil well assembly is provided that includes a floating vessel and a coiled tubing injector supported on the floating vessel. A coiled tubing string is movable by the injector into and out of a wellbore. The assembly also includes at least one measurement device which, either directly or indirectly, measures a heave induced acceleration of the injector; and a control system which receives a signal from the measurement device indicating the heave induced acceleration of the injector, and transmits a command signal which causes a counteracting acceleration to be applied to the coiled tubing, wherein the counteracting acceleration is opposite to the heave induced acceleration experienced by the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Shunfeng Zheng
  • Patent number: 7258522
    Abstract: A frac blender mounted on a transport vehicle and adapted for movement along a vertical, linear path between a raised stowed position and a lowered operating position. The frac blender is moved between positions by a drive system that is slip connected to the frac blender for minimizing binding stress. The frac blender is supported by a support member that is slip connected to the transport vehicle via a support frame for minimizing bending stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp
    Inventors: Hau Pham, Guillermo Guerrero, Edward Leugemors, Jean-Louis Pessin
  • Patent number: 7222682
    Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that includes a motor, at least one rotatable screw powered by the motor, and a chain engageable with the at least one rotatable screw, whereby rotation of the at least one rotatable screw moves the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Falk W. Doering, Wade D. DuPree
  • Patent number: 7219726
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis and a mechanism having one or more impact elements adapted to move along the longitudinal axis in an oscillating manner to impart a back and forth force on the housing to vibrate the housing. In another arrangement, an apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a housing and at least one impact element rotatably mounted in the housing. The at least one impact element is rotatable to oscillate back and forth to impart a vibration force to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Shunfeng Zheng, Benjamin P. Jeffryes, Hubertus V. Thomeer, Lawrence J. Leising