Patents Examined by Kipp Wallace
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Patent number: 9624728Abstract: This invention relates to a controllable deflection tool. The controllable deflection tool is likely to have its greatest utility as part of a downhole assembly to steer a drill bit during drilling for oil and gas. There is provided a controllable deflection tool having a first end and a second end, the tool having: a conduit for a working fluid; a rotary element adapted for rotation within the tool; a deflection member; a vane motor configured to rotate the deflection member relative to the rotary element; and a valve for controlling the flow of working fluid to the vane motor. There is also provided a downhole steering assembly and a method of steering a downhole drilling assembly incorporating the controllable deflection tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Smart Stabilizer Systems LimitedInventors: Daniel Brendan Crowley, Colin Walker
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Patent number: 9611732Abstract: A locator device and methods of use are disclosed. The locator device includes a first locating system configured to generate to sense an electromagnetic field emanating from a sonde associated with a drill head, and a second locating system including a global positioning system. The locator device includes a display on the locating system configured to display a map of the area in which the locator device resides based on a location detected by the global positioning system. The locator device also includes control electronics configured to, upon receipt of an input from a user, record location data in a memory associated with the locator device for use by a horizontal directional drilling control system.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Scott Alan Rempe, Tony Briggs, David Hanson, Keith Sjostrom, Nathan Copeland, Hans Kelpe, Tod Michael, Chad Van Soelen
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Patent number: 9605672Abstract: A reciprocating-rod seal (10) comprising a one-piece rigid support (20) and a one-piece elastomeric body (30) bonded to the rigid support (20). A notch (40) separates an ID fluidside portion (41) of the elastomeric body (30) from an OD fluidside portion (42) of the elastomeric body (30), and the ID fluidside portion (41) forms a sealing lip (43). A groove (50) separates an ID airside portion (51) of the elastomeric body (30) from an OD airside portion (52) of the elastomeric body (30), and the ID airside portion (51) forms a wiping lip (53). The sealing lip (43) prevents fluid escape during forward and return strokes of a reciprocating rod, and the wiping lip (53) removes dirt, dust, or other debris from the rod during return strokes. The seal (10) can serve as the primary seal for a mudpump pony rod and/or a mudpump plunger rod.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Lee L. Harvey, Kenneth R. Albertson, Gary W. Schroeder
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Patent number: 9605485Abstract: A hammer bit includes a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face, a first circumferential row of cutting elements mounted to the bit face, the first circumferential row located at an outermost radius of the bit face and extending around the bit axis, and a second circumferential row of cutting elements mounted to the bit face, the second circumferential row located radially inwardly adjacent the first circumferential row, wherein each of the cutting elements of the second circumferential row is a semi-round top insert. The ratio of the radial overlap distance to the radial span distance between the cutting profiles of cutting elements of the first and second circumferential rows is between 0.1 and 0.5. The ratio of the radial overlap distance to the radial span distance between the cutting profiles of the first and second circumferential rows is greater than 0.25.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Shantanu Swadi, Angelo Spedale, Charles Dewey, Alan J. Marshall
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Patent number: 9599155Abstract: In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring to which one or more superhard bearing elements may be mounted. The support ring may include one or more relief features configured to reduce residual stresses in the superhard bearing elements that are induced by brazing the superhard bearing elements to the support ring, operational loads, other processes, or combinations of the foregoing. Reducing the residual stresses in the superhard bearing elements may help prevent damage to the superhard bearing elements. The bearing assembly may be used in subterranean drilling systems and/or other types of systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton
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Patent number: 9598930Abstract: A flow control system for use with a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a closure device which is biased toward a closed position in which the closure device prevents flow through the flow chamber. The closure device can be displaced to the closed position in response to an increase in a ratio of undesired fluid to desired fluid in the fluid composition. A structure can prevent the closure device from being displaced to the closed position. The fluid composition can flow through the structure to an outlet of the flow chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Stephen M. Greci
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Patent number: 9598923Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a housing having a longitudinal bore and an agitator assembly disposed within the longitudinal bore of the housing. A removable component is disposed within the longitudinal bore and can be removed from the housing so as to at least partially open the longitudinal bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Russell Gilleylen, Haresh Ghansyam, James R. Streater, Jr., Deepthi Setlur, Alan H. Kitching, Shiran Waas, Murray Gilbertson
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Patent number: 9598931Abstract: A multi-acting downhole tool arrangement (100), (400), (500) includes a tubular (102) and an actuatable sliding member (104), (404), (504) radially disposed relative to the tubular (102) in a radial sealing relationship. The tubular (102) and the member (104), (404), (504) are arranged relative to one another in a non-slidable first configuration. The sliding member (104), (404), (504) and the tubular (102) cooperate to define a chamber 116 therebetween. At least a pair of seals (108), (110), (410), (446) delimits the chamber (116). A first one (110), (446) of the pair of seals is a degradable seal. Upon actuation of the sliding member (104), (404), (504), the sliding member (104), (404), (504) slides in a first direction relative to the tubular (102) to a second configuration where the degradable seal (110), (446) is exposed to a condition that degrades the degradable seal (110), (446).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC.Inventors: Zachary Ryan Murphree, Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary William Walton
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Patent number: 9593574Abstract: A well completion system includes tubing, and packers that seal the annulus of the well outside the tubing. The packers are spaced to define voids in the annulus that are substantially free from hydrostatic pressure. Also included are hollow sleeve valves having upper and lower sealing elements, and that have closed and open positions. Each sleeve valve is positioned within the tubing at a depth corresponding to a void in the annulus. Ports extend through the sleeve valve and tubing, so that when the sleeve valve is closed, the port is closed, and when the sleeve valve is open, the port is open. Also included is a sampling tool having top and bottom sealing elements, the bottom sealing element for engaging the lower sealing element of a sleeve valve, and the top sealing element for engaging the upper sealing element of the sleeve valve when the sleeve valve is open.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: AlWaleed Abdullah AlGouhi
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Patent number: 9593538Abstract: The Smart ReamerĀ® Tool, Apparatus or Method is used to underream an oil or natural gas well and deliver a desired wellbore diameter without the need to unnecessarily stop drilling or trip out of the hole.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Inventor: Wajid Rasheed
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Patent number: 9595999Abstract: A method for data transmission between a pump assembly (2) and a control device (8) is provided, wherein the pump assembly (2) for the energy supply is connected via at least one electrical supply lead (10) to a frequency converter (14). The data transmission is effected via the electrical supply lead (10), and an evaluation of a data transmission signal (34) received by the pump assembly (2) or the control device (8) is only effected in low-disturbance regions of a carrier signal (22) formed by a supply current. A pump system designed for carrying out this method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Grundfos Management a/sInventors: Peter Jungklas Nybo, Jorgen Jensen
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Patent number: 9593573Abstract: A fiber optic slickline. The slickline includes fiber optic communication means without full downhole power transmitting capability. Nevertheless, the slickline is configured to accommodate an axial load up to, and in excess of 2,000 lbs. Downhole tools and tool assemblies are configured with opto-electronic interfacing features so as to remain electronically compatible while also taking advantage of fiber optic communications afforded over the slickline. The slickline and tools may be employed in logging and other downhole operations in a manner that provides real time communication with substantially reduced surface equipment expense in terms of footprint and power requirements.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Kalim Ullah
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Patent number: 9587450Abstract: A tilt mechanism for manipulating an injector head mounted on a tiltable platform attached at one end to a pivot mount on a base structure includes an articulated member attached between the tiltable platform and the base structure, the articulated member having a joint and a cylinder attached between the base structure and the articulated member, wherein an arm of the cylinder is extended to push the joint of the articulated member to an over-center position, thereby locking the articulated member.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Premier Coil Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Randall Dean Behrens
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Patent number: 9580999Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus is provided, including first and second joints, each including a sand control screen assembly including a base pipe and a filter medium positioned exteriorly of the base pipe; and a slurry delivery subassembly positioned exteriorly of the sand control screen assembly, the slurry delivery subassembly including a ring assembly positioned around the base pipe; and a transport tube extending through the ring assembly and longitudinally along the sand control screen assembly; a jumper tube coupled to, and extending between, the transport tube of the first joint and the transport tube of the second joint; and a cage assembly extending circumferentially about respective portions of the first and second joints and positioned exteriorly of the jumper tube, the cage assembly comprising a plurality of cage sections that are each independently connected to the respective ring assemblies of the first and second joints. A method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Gregory Scott Cunningham, Brandon Thomas Least
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Patent number: 9580967Abstract: A method of increasing near-wellbore rock strength so as to mitigate or remediate lost circulation events through increased hoop stress in the near-wellbore in a subsurface formation comprises a) cooling a near-wellbore region of the formation, b) allowing a lost circulation material to enter the cooled near-wellbore region; and c) heating the near-wellbore region.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANYInventors: Robert Loran Galey, Lisa Shave Grant, Jeffrey Robert Scheibal, James Brett Wieseneck, Arthur Herman Hale, Mary Elizabeth Egan, Nor Janiah Japar, Arno Laurentius Michael Van Den Haak
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Patent number: 9574423Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Bruce E. Scott
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Patent number: 9573633Abstract: A cabin unit mounted on a horizontal platform includes a mechanism for locking the cabin unit when in a raised position above the horizontal platform. The locking mechanism includes an articulated member attached between the cabin unit and the horizontal platform, the articulated member including an upper support arm and a lower support arm coupled at a joint and a cylinder attached between the horizontal support and the articulated member. A cylinder arm is retracted to move the joint of the articulated member to a locked position while the cabin is in a raised position.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Premier Coil Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Randall Dean Behrens
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Patent number: 9574407Abstract: A drill bit assembly that includes a shank including a shank axis, first and second ends, a drill bit seat at the second end and a central flow bore extending axially from the first end. Additionally, the assembly includes a sleeve disposed about and translatable axially relative to the shank and a drill bit rotatably coupled to the sleeve. The drill bit includes a first bit face having a first cutting structure configured to engage an earthen formation, and a second bit face having a second cutting structure configured to engage the earthen formation. The drill bit is configured to rotate about the about the shank axis in a cutting direction, and to rotate about an axis of rotation being orthogonal to the shank axis to selectively expose the first or second cutting surface to the earthen formation. The seat is configured to receive the first or second bit face.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL DHT, L.P.Inventors: Kevin W. Clark, Chinedu I. Nduka
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Patent number: 9566688Abstract: The invention relates to an insert for an attack tool, the insert comprising a super-hard cap having a volume and bonded to a substrate at an interface, the super-hard cap having an average Young's modulus of greater than 900 GPa and the substrate characterized in that it comprises a reinforcing bolster portion as a means for stiffening a region of the substrate proximate the interface, the reinforcing bolster portion having an aggregate volume that is greater than that of the super-hard cap and an average Young's modulus at least 60% that of the super-hard cap. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such an insert and a method for using such an insert.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignees: Baker Hughes Incorporated, Element Six LimitedInventors: Cornelis Roelof Jonker, Roger William Nigel Nilen, Anthony Albert DiGiovanni
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Patent number: 9540892Abstract: A setting tool for an expandable liner hanger. A method includes the steps of: releasably securing the setting tool to the hanger, the setting tool including an expansion cone for displacing through the hanger; and conveying the setting tool and hanger into the well on a generally tubular work string while no portion of the hanger extends longitudinally between the expansion cone and the work string. A setting tool includes an expansion cone, which is displaceable through the liner hanger to expand the hanger; at least one piston positioned on one side of the expansion cone; and an anchoring device for releasably securing the setting tool to the liner hanger, the anchoring device being positioned on an opposite side of the expansion cone. The expansion cone is pressure balanced between its two sides when the expansion cone is displaced through the liner hanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Brock W. Watson