Patents Examined by Cathleen R Hutchins
  • Patent number: 11821263
    Abstract: A reversible polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit. The reversible PDC bit includes at least one blade, at least one front cutter disposed on a first side of the at least one blade, and at least one rear cutter disposed on a second side of the at least one blade, wherein the first side is opposite to the second side along a circumferential direction of the reversible PDC bit, wherein rotating the reversible PDC bit in a clockwise direction engages the at least one front cutter to cut into a subterranean formation, and wherein rotating the reversible PDC bit in a counter-clockwise direction engages the at least one rear cutter to cut into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianhui Xu, Guodong (David) Zhan, Timothy Eric Moellendick, Amjad O. Shaarawi, Abdulwahab S. Al-Johar
  • Patent number: 11808089
    Abstract: Methods of preventing or reducing cutter loss in a steel body PDC drilling tool may include applying a hardfacing layer on a surface of a PDC cutter pocket to form a covered PDC cutter pocket, the hardfacing layer comprising a metal binder and coated tungsten carbide particles; and bonding a PDC cutter into the covered PDC cutter pocket with a brazing material. Steel body PDC drilling tools may include a steel body, a PDC cutter, a PDC cutter pocket, and a hardfacing layer. Methods of preventing or reducing cutter loss in a steel body PDC drilling tool may include applying a hardfacing layer on a surface of a PDC cutter pocket of the steel body PDC drilling tool; applying a coated buffering layer on the hardfacing layer to form a coated PDC cutter pocket; and bonding the PDC cutter into the coated PDC cutter pocket with a brazing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianhui Xu, Guodong (David) Zhan
  • Patent number: 11795781
    Abstract: A tool, e.g. a downhole tool, utilizes at least one actuator which may be actuated rapidly between positions during operation of the tool. The actuator is moved via flow of an actuating fluid controlled by a main valve which, in turn, is controlled via a pilot valve. The pilot valve is operated to selectively control flow of the actuating fluid to the main valve so as to shift the main valve between desired operational positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward George Parkin, Michael Pearce, Julien Steimetz, Jonathan D. Marshall, D. Peter Johnson, Clint William Philbrick
  • Patent number: 11788360
    Abstract: A wellbore roller-reamer comprises a mandrel rotatable about a mandrel axis, and a first roller mounted around the mandrel and having an outer reaming surface for engaging a wall of a wellbore. The first roller is rotatable relative to the mandrel about a first roller axis which is offset from the mandrel axis such that, during use, rotation of the mandrel with the outer reaming surface engaged with a wall of the wellbore causes the first roller to be driven to rotate relative to the mandrel and ream the wall of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: ENGINEERING INNOVATION & DESIGN LIMITED
    Inventor: Alexander Craig MacKay
  • Patent number: 11788365
    Abstract: A technique facilitates utilization of a packer (34) in a borehole (32) or within other tubular structures. The packer may be constructed for mounting about a generally tubular base pipe (36). The packer generally comprises a metal sleeve (40) combined with extremities (44) located at each axial end of the metal sleeve. The metal sleeve (40) maintains a seal once expanded to a surrounding wellbore wall, e.g. a casing wall. For example, the metal sleeve (40) may be combined with an elastomer along its exterior, the elastomer sealing against the surrounding wellbore wall when the metal sleeve is radially expanded. Additionally, a device, e.g. a valve (62), is employed to control the pressures acting on the metal sleeve. For example, the device may be in the form of a valve operable (62) to control pressures acting on the metal sleeve (40) while miming-in-hole, during expansion of the metal sleeve, and after setting of the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SALTEL INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Samuel Roselier, Romain Neveu
  • Patent number: 11781396
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dis-connectable wellhead hanger arrangement permitting a pig tail set of electrical conductors to be inserted within the wellhead hanger arrangement which seals against the wellhead hanger upon separation of an electrical power cable; or alternatively, through an exterior pressure-preserving housing. If the power cable separates from the production tubing for any reason, the compressively fit plugs disconnect the power cable from the pathway leaving the electrical mandrel sealed within the wellhead hanger or housing, thereby sealing the wellhead hanger from loss of fluid after separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: QUICK CONNECTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Sneed, Gary Firth
  • Patent number: 11781381
    Abstract: A drill bore protection device and method for protecting a drill bore are provided. The drill bore protection device includes an elongated member. The elongated member is defined by a front end and a rear end. A first sleeve is placed on the elongated member next to the front end of the elongated member. Additionally, a second sleeve is placed on the elongated member next to the rear end of the elongated member. The first sleeve and the second sleeve each have an open end and a closed end. The closed ends of the first sleeve and the second sleeve face the front end of the elongated member, while the open ends of the first sleeve and the second sleeve face the rear end of the elongated member. The first sleeve defines a first interior cavity. A liner is disposed in the first interior cavity of the first sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Wyatt, David R Wyatt
  • Patent number: 11773701
    Abstract: A gas pump system for producing a well has production tubing, a chamber to collect liquid from the well, a check valve to allow well liquids to flow into the chamber and to check flow out of the chamber, a dip tube in communication with the production tubing and the chamber, a check valve to allow liquid to flow up the dip tube into the production tubing and to check liquid flowing down the dip tube, a gas supply line to convey gas into the chamber, a hydraulic valve controlling flow through the gas supply line, a gas vent line to vent gas from the chamber, a hydraulic valve controlling flow through the gas vent line, a control line communicating with one or both of the gas supply valve and the gas vent valve, and a shut-off valve in the well controlling flow through the control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KHOLLE Magnolia 2015, LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Juenke, Stephen W. Turk, E. Lee Colley, III
  • Patent number: 11773663
    Abstract: A drill cuttings processing system including a breaker mill. The breaker mill operates to pulverize drill cuttings. The breaker mill includes an outer housing, a drum operatively positioned in the outer housing, hammers operatively positioned in the drum, and a screen configured for discharge of pulverized drill cuttings. A method includes feeding drill cuttings to the breaker mill. The breaker mill is located at a drilling rig site or is attached to a drilling rig. The method includes pulverizing the drill cuttings within the breaker mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventors: Douglas Mallonee, Bruce Harris
  • Patent number: 11773668
    Abstract: A technique facilitates utilization of a running tool system for use with a tubing hanger deployed at a wellhead. The running tool system may comprise a running tool which may be coupled to a hanger. The running tool may include a first sleeve which may be coupled to the hanger for moving the hanger in an axial direction. According to an embodiment, the running tool also may include a second sleeve which may be coupled to an adjustable landing ring disposed about the hanger. The second sleeve may be used to rotate the adjustable landing ring so as to lock the hanger in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haw Keat Lim, Choon Keat Lai, Yoon Keat Yong, Boon Hao Hee, Ping Cheng Lai
  • Patent number: 11773688
    Abstract: A downhole packer apparatus for establishing a seal in an annulus between the apparatus and a wall of a bore or bore-lining tubing. The apparatus comprises a body and a plurality of sealing elements configured for mounting on the body, each sealing element engages the wall of the bore or bore-lining tubing dividing the annulus into a plurality of annulus portions. A bypass arrangement operatively associated with each of the sealing elements communicates fluid between the respective plurality of annulus portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: RUBBERATKINS LIMITED
    Inventors: Stuart Rothnie, Nicola Yeats
  • Patent number: 11767740
    Abstract: A gas lift system for oil and gas wells has a gas pump. The gas pump comprises production tubing, a chamber, a dip tube, check valves, a gas supply line and control valve, a gas vent line and control valve, and a fluid control line. Liquid is pumped to the surface by allowing it to collect in the chamber and then forcing it out of the chamber with high-pressure gas. The gas supply and vent valves preferably are controlled by a single pressure control line. The system preferably included retrievable valves that may be installed through the production tubing to provide a life-of-the-well gas lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: KHOLLE Magnolia 2015, LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Juenke, Stephen W. Turk, E. Lee Colley, III
  • Patent number: 11767717
    Abstract: Rotary drill bits may include on or more cutting element assemblies which include a cutter and a mounting system. In one embodiment, the mounting system includes a housing, a first bearing component disposed within the housing, and a second bearing component associated with the cutting element. In certain embodiments, the bearing components may comprise a table of superhard material bonded with a substrate. In one or more embodiments, the bearing components may include bearing surfaces that are arcuate. For example, the bearing surfaces may be substantially spherical (a portion of a sphere). The bearing components may be arranged to act as a radial bearing as well as a thrust bearing for the cutting element, enabling the cutting element to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the cutter, relative to the housing, while also enabling the longitudinal axis of the cutter to be displaced (change angles) relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Craig H. Cooley, Keith Baskett
  • Patent number: 11761277
    Abstract: A method of activating an anchor with an anchor activation system including a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an internal chamber includes introducing a first activation force to a trigger comprising a piston arranged in a piston cylinder extending radially through the outer surface to the internal chamber, sensing that the first activation force did not activate the anchor, and introducing a second activation force to the trigger without reconfiguring the anchor activation system to break a shear element retaining the piston with the first activation to release the piston and activate the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Tuan Nguyen, Philip M. Gregurek
  • Patent number: 11761270
    Abstract: An operating tool for an artificial lift system includes a housing having a key slot. The operating tool further includes at least one biasing member disposed in the housing. The operating tool further includes a key including a key head having a key profile, wherein the key head is remove from the slot when aligned with the key slot. The operating tool further includes a cam including a cam profile, wherein the cam is disposed in the housing and biased toward the slot by the at least one biasing member, wherein the cam profile is configured to engage the key profile to align the key head with the key slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: John Edward Stachowiak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11761278
    Abstract: A modular tool anchor includes an anchor body positionable about a tubular. The anchor includes an anchor wedge for gripping against the tubular. A wedge drive screw engages a piston that biases the wedge into contact with the tubular as the wedge drive screw is tightened. The anchor also includes a compression seal positioned within the anchor body. A sealing flange abuts the compression seal. As seal compression screws are tightened, the sealing flange engages the compression seal and forces it against the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: TAM INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Luis Garcia
  • Patent number: 11753873
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table having a structure for enhancing at least one of abrasion resistance, thermal stability, or impact resistance. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD table. The PCD table includes a lower region including a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting a lower average grain size and at least an upper region adjacent to the lower region and including a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting an upper average grain size. The lower average grain size may be at least two times greater than that of the upper average grain size. The PDC includes a substrate having an interfacial surface that is bonded to the lower region of the PCD table. Other embodiments are directed methods of forming PDCs, and various applications for such PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Greg Carlos Topham, Renato Ventura
  • Patent number: 11753874
    Abstract: An insert for installation on an inner pipe member of a dual-pipe member assembly. The insert is interposed between an external shoulder formed on the inner pipe member and an internal shoulder formed in an outer pipe member. Shoulder-to-shoulder impacts between pipe members results in wear to the insert, rather than to either pipe member. The insert has the shape of an unclosed loop and is positioned within an endless external groove formed in the inner pipe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg L. Slaughter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11746622
    Abstract: A tool for suspending in a well retrieves various metal debris from the well, and includes an elongated tool body with a plurality of magnets included in a plurality longitudinal ridges which are circumferentially spaced. In the method a plurality of magnets can be positioned within openings, recesses, or pockets in each ridge, and held in place by one or more retaining plates, the tool being connected to a drill string and lowered into a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Odfjell Well Services Norway AS
    Inventors: Simon Leiper, Kevin Robertson
  • Patent number: 11732549
    Abstract: A method includes deploying a cementing assembly within a wellbore. The wellbore includes a loss circulation zone. The cementing assembly includes a work string and a liner assembly coupled to the work string. The liner assembly includes a polished bore receptacle, a liner hanger attached to a downhole end of the polished bore receptacle, a liner, and a cementing sub disposed between the liner hanger and the liner. The method includes anchoring the liner hanger on the casing of the wellbore, cementing an open hole annulus of the wellbore, and setting an annulus packer of the cementing sub on the. The method also includes cementing a casing annulus of the wellbore defined between an external surface of the cementing sub and a wall of wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Peter Ido Egbe