Patents Examined by Elizabeth Gitlin
  • Patent number: 9127531
    Abstract: Fiber optic enabled casing collar locator systems and methods including a wireline sonde or a coil tubing sonde apparatus configured to be conveyed through a casing string by a fiber optic cable. The sonde includes at least one permanent magnet producing a magnetic field that changes in response to passing a collar in the casing string. Such magnetic field changes induce voltages changes within associated pick-up electrical coil conductors. Some embodiments include a cylinder configured to change its diameter in response to the changes in the magnetic field and/or impressed voltage, and an optical fiber wound around the cylinder to convert the cylinder diameter change into an optical path length change for light being communicated along the fiber optic cable. The cylinder may include a magnetostrictive material or a piezoelectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Maida, Etienne M. Samson
  • Patent number: 9127539
    Abstract: A downhole packer assembly for steam injection and casing pressure testing. The downhole packer assembly includes a housing assembly having intake and discharge ports. A seal assembly is positioned around the housing assembly between the intake and discharge ports and is operable to provide a fluid seal with a casing string. A mandrel is positioned within the housing assembly forming a micro annulus therewith and providing an internal pathway for fluid production therethrough. A valve assembly is disposed between the housing assembly and the mandrel and is operable between closed and open positions by a piston assembly such that the intake and discharge ports and the micro annulus provide a bypass passageway for steam injection around the seal assembly when the valve assembly is open and the seal assembly provides a downhole surface for pressure testing of the casing string uphole thereof when the valve assembly is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Allan Maier, Tanner Allan Rathwell
  • Patent number: 9127532
    Abstract: Fiber optic enabled casing collar locator systems and methods include a wireline sonde or a coil tubing sonde apparatus configured to be conveyed through a casing string by a fiber optic cable. The sonde includes at least one permanent magnet producing a magnetic field that changes in response to passing a collar in the casing string, a coil that receives at least a portion of the magnetic field and provides an electrical signal in response to the changes in the magnetic field, and a light source that responds to the electrical signal to communicate light along an optical fiber to indicate passing collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Maida, Etienne M. Samson, David P. Sharp
  • Patent number: 9127520
    Abstract: A downhole latch assembly has a plurality of latch keys including a primary latch key. A window joint is interconnected in a casing string positioned in a wellbore. A latch coupling having a latch profile is interconnected in the casing string downhole of the window joint. An orienting subassembly interconnected in the casing string has an orienting profile positioned uphole of the latch profile such that after operable engagement of the primary latch key with the orienting profile, axial alignment of the latch assembly with the latch coupling causes operable engagement of the latch keys with the latch profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 9127528
    Abstract: A technique facilitates control over a multi-position well tool. A hydraulic control module may be engaged with a multi-position well tool for controlling actuation of the multi-position well tool through a plurality of actuation positions. The multi-position well tool is moved through the plurality of actuation positions by applying pressurized fluid through a first control line. A metering piston is uniquely arranged within the hydraulic control module to control actuation of the multi-position well tool from an initial actuation position through a plurality of incremental actuation positions. Additionally, a single pressurization of actuation fluid delivered through a second control line may be used to return the multi-position well tool back to the initial actuation position from any incremental position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Tyler D. Panian
  • Patent number: 9127521
    Abstract: A downhole tool actuation system has a fluid path defined by a bore formed within a tubular body of a tool. A reciprocating sleeve is located within the bore and the sleeve has a segmented seat with a fluid by-pass. At least one seat segment is positioned by an outer diameter of the sleeve to complete the seat, and a relief is formed in a wall adjacent the outer diameter of the sleeve. When the seat is occupied by an obstruction, only a portion of the fluid path is obstructed and fluid impinging the obstruction causes the sleeve to move in the direction of flow until the at least one segment is relieved by the relief thereby releasing the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 9127547
    Abstract: A chemical distribution device includes mixing manifold that receives well treatment chemicals and solvent that are to be mixed. A siphon is positioned within the mixing manifold to control the fluid level. The mixture is not delivered from the chemical distribution device until the fluid level of the mixture is above a crest of the siphon. The mixture is delivered in a batch to the well via a flowline until the fluid level of the mixture is below the inlet of the siphon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: Gabriel Prukop
  • Patent number: 9127522
    Abstract: A well system (100) includes a production string (130) adapted to extend from a wellhead (120) to a subterranean zone (110). The production string (130) includes one or more joints of tubing comprising a bore; a seal (150) actuable by a specified pressure in the bore to substantially prevent fluid communication in an annulus (140) between a first portion of a wellbore (115) and a second portion of the wellbore (115), and an intervention sub (200) comprising a body (210) and a plurality of ports (228, 230) adapted to allow fluid communication between the bore and the annulus (140). The annulus is disposed between an exterior surface of the production string (130) and the wellbore (115). The intervention sub (200) further includes a seat (226) adapted to receive a plug (224) from the terranean surface (105) and seal the bore to substantially prevent fluid communication through the ports (228, 230).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian K. Kent, Stewart R. Hollett
  • Patent number: 9033066
    Abstract: Nozzles for drilling tools, such as rotary-type drag bits and roller cone bits, a drilling tool and drilling assembly comprising nozzles, and methods of conveying drilling fluid through a nozzle for use in drilling subterranean formations are provided. A nozzle may include a substantially cylindrical nozzle body having an axis and an inlet port with a primary passage extending therethrough, and at least one secondary passage that diverges from the primary passage at an exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: David Gavia
  • Patent number: 9022117
    Abstract: A method for milling a tubular cemented in a wellbore includes deploying a bottomhole assembly (BHA) into the wellbore through the tubular, the BHA comprising a window mill; and extending arms of the window mill and radially cutting through the tubular, thereby forming a window through the tubular, wherein a body portion of each window mill arm engages and stabilizes from an inner surface of the tubular after a blade portion of each window mill arm cuts through the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Segura, Thomas Bailey, David J. Brunnert, Ram K. Bansal, Andrew Antoine
  • Patent number: 9010419
    Abstract: A method and system for use in association with a subterranean reservoir containing reservoir material, for separating the reservoir material into components and for producing one or more of the reservoir material components at a surface production location. The reservoir material components include one or more liquid components and a solid component. The system includes a subterranean cavern located below the reservoir. A drain extends between the reservoir and the cavern for draining the reservoir material from the reservoir into the cavern so that the reservoir material may be collected and separated into the reservoir material components in the cavern. A production well extends between the cavern and the surface production location for producing one or more of the reservoir material components at the surface production location. Preferably, one or more of the liquid components are produced at the surface production location while retaining the solid component in the cavern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: C-Fer Technologies (1999) Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Wagg, Cameron M. Matthews, Damien Clapa, Christopher Michael John Timms
  • Patent number: 9004182
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole actuator. The actuator includes, a discontinuous tubular being configured to restrict longitudinal expansion while longitudinally contracting in response to radial expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Keven O'Connor, Mark K. Adam, Jeffrey C. Williams
  • Patent number: 8991489
    Abstract: A mud motor for use in a wellbore includes: a stator; a rotor, the stator and rotor operable to rotate the rotor in response to fluid pumped between the rotor and the stator; and a lock. The lock is operable to: rotationally couple the rotor to the stator in a locked position, receive an instruction signal from the surface, release the rotor in an unlocked position, and actuate from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to receiving the instruction signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Redlinger, Thomas Koithan, Christopher M. Vreeland, Wesley Don Heiskell, Andrew Antoine, Scott McIntire
  • Patent number: 8991488
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting geothermal energy from a subterranean thermal reservoir through a wellbore where the heat exchange fluid is introduced at a slower velocity than the velocity at which the fluid is extracted. The method and apparatus further comprises a gas zone near the top of the wellbore to maintain the thermal energy of the heat exchange fluid. In one embodiment, a portion of the casing of the wellbore can directly contact the subterranean environment. Alternatively, a thermally conductive wall comprising a thermally conductive material can surround a portion of the casing of the wellbore. Further, the inner and/or outer surface of the pipes and conduits of the disclosed method and apparatus can include modified surface features that influence the flow and/or thermal conductivity of the heat exchange fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: InnerGeo LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Loveday, J. Paul Mueller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8967256
    Abstract: A perforation tool comprises an explosive charge comprising an explosive focal axis, a tool body containing the explosive charge, and a flowable material carried with the tool and disposed along the explosive focal axis. The flowable material is configured to be released by detonation of the explosive charge and flow to create at least a partial barrier to flow through the aperture in response to the perforation of the tool body by the explosive charge to form an aperture in the tool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Walker, John H. Hales
  • Patent number: 8955599
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing fluids from a subterranean well. An example embodiment includes a system having a well casing surrounding at least one inner tubing string, where the inner tubing string has a distal section and a proximal section, an apparatus for removing a first fluid within the distal section of the inner tubing string, and an apparatus for removing a second fluid within the proximal section of the inner tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fiberspar Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan
  • Patent number: 8936097
    Abstract: A method for downhole injecting treatment fluids, and for providing in an annular space between a well tubular and the surrounding formation or between pipes of a wellbore system, includes loading the treatment fluids into separate fluid containers that are arranged in an injection tool. Each container includes container walls that surround the fluid in the fluid container, and an outlet opening. The method also includes lowering the injection tool body into the wellbore or the well tubular to a predetermined position, and then pumping the fluids from each fluid container into the wellbore or the well tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Maersk Olie OG Gas A/S
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Patent number: 8925653
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for injecting high pressure abrasive fluid into an abrasive jet tool. The method and system comprise a slurry tank connected to an abrasive hopper and a low pressure abrasive pump for circulating abrasive slurry and transferring the slurry to a high pressure vessel. The method and system also contain a high pressure non-abrasive pump connected to a high pressure valve for pressurizing the high pressure vessel prior to injecting abrasive fluid into the abrasive jet tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TD Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Dotson, Henry Wohltjen
  • Patent number: 8919459
    Abstract: A system for controlling a first module, a second module, and a third module. The system includes: an inlet configured to receive fluid from a fluid source; a first double-stage valve; and a second double-stage valve. The first double-stage valve is actuatable to a first position wherein fluid from the inlet flows through the first double-stage valve to the second double-stage valve and a second position wherein fluid from the inlet flows through the first double-stage valve to the third module. The second double-stage valve is actuatable to a first position wherein fluid flows from the first double-stage valve to the first module and a second position wherein fluid flows from the first double-stage valve to the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Oleg Polyntsev
  • Patent number: 8905160
    Abstract: An assembly for handling drill pipes includes a basket for drill pipes arranged in rows and columns, and a support table that has a drill pipe receiver. The support table moves laterally with respect to the drill pipe basket between a plurality of column alignment positions and an external position which locates the drill pipe receiver laterally outside of the basket. The support table also moves between the plurality of column alignment positions and the external position. The drill pipe handling assembly also includes a drill pipe elevator assembly and a loader arm assembly comprising a loader arm having a pipe gripper. The loader arm moves between a table alignment position in which the pipe gripper may grab or release a drill pipe when the support table is in the external position and a drilling alignment position in which the pipe gripper may grab or release a drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Verzilli, Justin Wheeler, Tim Smith