Patents Examined by David Andrews
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Patent number: 9605483Abstract: A method and system for directional drilling while conveying a liner, with latching parking capabilities for multiple trips, is disclosed. As the wellbore is drilled, each casing and liner is installed having upper and lower interior latch couplings. A liner to be installed below a parent casing includes an exterior latch assembly dimensioned for connection to the interior latch couplings of the parent casing. A bottom hole assembly may include upper and lower exterior inner string latch assemblies for connection to the upper and lower interior latch couplings of the liner to be installed. Such arrangement allows the liner to be conveyed and installed with the bottom hole assembly while directional drilling and for the liner to be temporarily hung from the parent casing for bottom hole assembly change-out while drilling. Float plugs dimensioned to be landed at lower liner interior latch couplings may be provided for cementing operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Hernando Jerez, Richard T. Hay, John G. Evans
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Patent number: 9605500Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a drilling fluid management device. A containment structure of the drilling fluid management device is capable of engaging and at least partially creating a seal with a drillpipe element or drillpipe handling equipment. Further, a suction port structure of the drilling fluid management device extends from the containment structure and includes an opening into the containment structure, wherein the suction port structure is designed to couple with a drilling fluid transport feature.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: TESCO CORPORATIONInventors: Edgar Fernando Yajure, Ryan Thomas Bowley
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Patent number: 9598917Abstract: A rotary table has a non-circular drive recess in the central opening which carries an assembly of mounting structures and slip carriers that when joined together fit in the non-circular drive recess. The plurality of slip carriers are distributed about the periphery of the drive recess are extended down into the central opening of the rotary table. A slip and die arrangement is situated on each slip carrier. Slip manipulation drive cylinders, are distributed about the assembly periphery and move a synchronizer plate that moves the slips vertically to grip or release pipe extending through the opening of the rotary table.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: DRAWWORKS LPInventors: Albert Augustus Mullins, Matthew J. Hickl
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Patent number: 9593559Abstract: A sand control device for restricting flow of particles from a subsurface formation into a tubular body within a wellbore, the device being divided into compartments along its length, each compartment comprises a base pipe. The base pipe defines an elongated tubular body having a permeable section and an impermeable section within each compartment, also comprising a first filtering conduit and a second filtering conduit. The filtering conduits are arranged so that the first filtering conduit is adjacent to the non-permeable section of the base pipe, while the second filtering conduit is adjacent to the permeable section of the base pipe.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Charles S. Yeh, Tracy J. Moffett, Ted A. Long, Andrey A. Troshko, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, David A. Howell, Annabel Green, Stephen McNamee, Rodney S. Royer, Robert F. Hodge, Peter Olenick, Henry Nguyen, William Barry Fisher
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Patent number: 9587444Abstract: A lubricator for use in a plunger lift system includes a tubular body having an outlet formed through a wall thereof and a bore therethrough. The bore is closed at an end thereof. The lubricator further includes a striker assembly disposed within the bore. The striker assembly includes a dampener housing longitudinally movable relative to the tubular body between a ready position and a stroked position and a choke plate. The choke plate: is disposed in the dampener housing, separates a bore of the housing into an upper hydraulic chamber and a lower hydraulic chamber, and has one or more orifices formed therethrough. The striker assembly further includes a dampener support rod connecting the choke plate to the tubular body. The orifices are sized to dissipate kinetic energy of a plunger striking a lower end of the dampener housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Manish Agarwal
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Patent number: 9587440Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamic point-the-bit rotary steerable drilling tool and a measuring method thereof. The dynamic point-the-bit rotary steerable drilling tool comprises a rotary housing, a stabilized platform assembly, a hollow servo-motor assembly, a drilling fluid passage, an inner eccentric ring, an outer eccentric ring, a drilling bit shaft and a universal joint. The dynamic point-the-bit rotary steerable drilling tool also comprises a stabilized platform communication and power supply system which includes an instrument storehouse fixed at the upper end of the rotary housing, a main circuit board, an auxiliary circuit board mounted on the stabilized platform upper-end cover, an electromagnetic coupler primary-side, an electromagnetic coupler secondary winding and an electromagnetic coupler primary-side mounting plate fixed at the lower end of a coupler.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: China University of PetroleumInventors: Weiliang Wang, Yanfeng Geng, Zhidan Yan
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Patent number: 9581009Abstract: The invention pertains to methods and apparatus for monitoring loads on an arched tubing guide of a coiled tubing injector caused by tension on coiled tubing. The load is sensed by a load sensor, for example, a load cell placed in a strut that supports the arched tubing guide, or in a load pin or load cell placed within the structure arched tubing guide or the connection of the arched tubing guide to a frame for the coiled tubing injector, at a location where the load is representative of the load placed on an arched tubing guide by tension in the coiled tubing. The load sensor generates a feedback signal. The load is monitored, either by an operator or a controller, and torque applied to a reel around which the tubing is wound is adjusted to avoid, or in response to, excessive loads on the arched tubing guide.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Timothy S. Steffenhagen, William Benjamin White, David W. McCulloch
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Patent number: 9581011Abstract: Downhole Camera systems and methods. Certain systems include a high-speed video camera configured with a 360 degree optical field-of-view, a jet-flushing system capable of temporarily displacing debris substantially simultaneously along all azimuths within the optical field-of-view, and optionally a downhole real-time image processing system for reducing the amount of captured video transmitted to surface. Certain methods include capturing a set of images downhole using a high-speed video camera having a 360 degree optical field-of-view, substantially simultaneously temporarily displacing debris in the optical field-of-view for at least a portion of the time the camera is capturing video using a jet-flushing system capable of projecting flushing fluid substantially simultaneously along all azimuths in the borehole. The methods may also involve pre-processing the set of images to reduce the number of images or reduce the amount of information transmitted to surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2013Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Theodorus Tjhang
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Patent number: 9581002Abstract: A method for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include positioning a tubular conductor within a wellbore in the subterranean formation and slidably positioning a radio frequency (RF) transmission line within the tubular conductor so that a distal end of the transmission line is electrically coupled to the tubular conductor. The method may also include supplying RF power, via the RF transmission line, to the tubular conductor so that the tubular conductor serves as an RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATIONInventor: Brian Wright
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Patent number: 9580990Abstract: A downhole tool having a first packing element and a second packing element configured to synchronically set to selectively hydraulically isolate a portion of the wellbore. The lower packing element may be first set against the well with the upper packing element next being set against the well. A slip joint permits a change in distance between the packing elements during the setting of the packing elements. The slip joint may be energized to apply a force to the lower packing element to prevent the unsetting of the lower packing element during the setting of the upper packing element. A resilient member may be used to energize the slip joint or the slip joint could be hydraulically or pneumatically energized. Once both packing elements are set, the wellbore may then be treated by flowing fluid out of a ported sub positioned between the packing elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Juan Carlos Flores, Robert McKitrick
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Patent number: 9567837Abstract: Apparatus and method for connecting tubular members in a wellbore. A host tubular member has reinforcing annular members mounted thereon to provide regions of differing resistance to the radial load. When the host tubular member is expanded radially outwardly, within a second tubular member, each weaker region starts expanding first and seals the host tubular member against the second tubular member prior to the stronger region. Embodiments of host tubular members are described including members of progressive resistance, split rings, gripper elements and sealing elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel O'Brien, Andrew John Joseph Gorrara
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Patent number: 9562396Abstract: A retrievable kinetic penetrator includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a nose coupled to the first end of the tubular body, and a retrieval system. The nose is configured to penetrate a ground surface and subsurface materials of a subterranean ground volume. The retrieval system includes a tether coupled to the tubular body and is configured to facilitate recovery of the tubular body from the subterranean ground volume.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Michael H. Baym, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Conor L. Myhrvold, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Tony S. Pan, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Patent number: 9562394Abstract: A method of steering a drill bit while drilling a wellbore can include periodically delivering an impact to the drill bit as the drill bit is rotated by a drill string. The impact may be delivered to the drill bit when an axis of the drill bit is oriented in a desired azimuthal direction relative to an axis of the drill string. Another method of steering a drill bit while drilling a wellbore may include interconnecting a bend in a drill string between an impact tool and the drill bit, and periodically delivering an impact from the impact tool to the drill bit as the drill bit is rotated by the drill string. A directional drilling system can include a drill string having a bend interconnected therein, an impact tool, and a drill bit, the bend being interconnected in the drill string between the drill bit and the impact tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: John C. Gibb, Malcolm Upshall
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Patent number: 9556695Abstract: A debris barrier is installed and locked to the liner tieback extension. When it is time to check release from the liner before initiating a cement job the inner running string is lifted. The lock stays engaged to the liner tieback extension tube as the inner running string is lifted. In that manner the debris barrier remains in position during the lifting to determine release from the liner before cementing. After cementing, the inner running string is lifted further to eventually undermine the lock and capture the debris barrier to bring the debris barrier to the surface with the inner running string. The lock can be dogs or collets or the like. An inner sleeve or a lift sub with an upset can be the support whose axial movement beyond a predetermined value undermines the lock to release the debris barrier.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Dustin R. Jordy
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Patent number: 9556691Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling machine configuration and related method that avoids drilling mud from contaminating hydraulic fluid that flows through the drive system of the machine. The disclosed system and method provides a drilling mud anti-contamination system that requires infrequent service and a system wherein the service can be quickly and easily performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2012Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Michael D. Van Zee, Clint M. Recker
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Patent number: 9551202Abstract: A sampling assembly has an inner expandable packer, and an outer layer formed by rings may be disposed about and/or may be positioned on the outer surface of the inner expandable packer member. Drains may be positioned between the rings and may be located under ports positioned between the rings. Flowlines may be connected to the drains, may be positioned in the rings and may extend through the rings. For each of the ports, a plate may be positioned between the port and the laterally adjacent port. The flowlines may be connected to a downstream component, such as a fluid analysis module, a fluid containment module and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Kathiravane Tingat Cody, Stephane Metayer, Jean-Louis Pessin
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Patent number: 9546528Abstract: A cable duct device in a swellable packer, in which the swellable packer is provided with at least one opening therethrough which is adapted to constitute a duct for a cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Rune Freyer
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Patent number: 9540909Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates use of a diverter latch assembly in cooperation with a lateral wellbore. The diverter latch assembly comprises an upper latch assembly coupled with a lower latch assembly via a swivel. The upper latch assembly also comprises a releasable latch positioned to engage a tieback receptacle located in the well. The swivel and the releasable latch are designed to enable rotation of the releasable latch relative to a tubing of the lower latch assembly during release of the diverter latch assembly from the tieback receptacle. The rotational release system helps provide controlled release and withdrawal of the diverter latch assembly while reducing risk of damage to the diverter latch assembly or other downhole components.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: John Chysostom Wolf, Luis A. Gonzalez
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Patent number: 9540893Abstract: A cable duct device in a swellable packer, in which the swellable packer is provided with at least one opening therethrough which is adapted to constitute a duct for a cable.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Rune Freyer
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Patent number: 9540887Abstract: In the auger cleaning device (8) according to the invention, in the closed configuration the tool-holder support forms a pass-through opening (82) arranged for allowing the passage of a helical drilling tool (6), the cleaning tool (170) engaging with the screw of the drilling tool (6) and, actuated by the actuation system (12, 12?,12?, 4), is arranged for rotating around the drilling tool (6) following at least one of its threads (60) so as to remove the debris lying on the drilling tool (6). In the open configuration the cleaning tool (170) is disengaged from the drilling tool (6) and preferably farther from it, with respect to when it is in the closed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: SOILMEC S.P.A.Inventors: Alessandro Ditillo, Claudio Benzi