Patents Examined by Michael Wills, III
  • Method and system for lining a section of a wellbore with an expandable tubular element
    Patent number: 9366117
    Abstract: A system and method for lining a section of a wellbore with an expandable tubular element. The system comprises an elongate drill string having a force multiplier near a lower end thereof, which is housed within the expandable tubular element. An expander for expanding the tubular element is arranged at a lower end of the force multiplier. Anchoring means are provided at the exterior of the tubular element for anchoring the tubular element in the wellbore. Pulling the expander through the expandable tubular using the force multiplier may be combined with pulling the drill string upwards. A sudden drop of the hydraulic pressure in the force multiplier drops will confirm fixation of the anchoring means in the wellbore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Egbert Jan Van Riet, Feitze Veenstra, Jan Harm Van Der Wal, Antonius Leonardus Maria Wubben, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Artificial lift tool
    Patent number: 9359875
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial lift tool for being introduced in a wellbore or a casing and submerged in well fluid. The artificial lift tool extends in a longitudinal direction from a top end adapted to be connected to a wireline to a bottom end. The tool comprises a motor unit and a pump unit. Furthermore, invention relates to a production well wherein the artificial lift tool is submerged in a well fluid; to the use of the artificial lift tool for providing artificial lift in a well; and to a method for providing artificial lift in a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Distributing a wellbore fluid through a wellbore
    Patent number: 9353613
    Abstract: A method includes preparing a hydraulic fracturing fluid that includes a proppant mixture; adjusting the hydraulic fracturing fluid to a flow pattern operable to distribute a substantially equal distribution of an amount of proppant from the proppant mixture into a plurality of fracture clusters formed in a subterranean zone; and distributing the hydraulic fracturing fluid in the substantially equal distribution of the amount of proppant from the proppant mixture into the plurality of fracture clusters, each of the plurality of fracture clusters formed in the subterranean zone at a unique depth from the terranean surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Y. Soliman, Freddy E. Crespo
  • Device and method for protecting the rock drilling machine from corrosion
    Patent number: 9352461
    Abstract: An arrangement intended to be part of a rock drilling machine for percussive drilling. The arrangement includes a casing part with at least one plane end plane. The end plane includes at least a first region and a second region. The first region includes at least a part of the outer contour of the end plane and includes of a material that resists corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventors: Jörgen Rodert, Kurt Andersson
  • Apparatus and method for modifying the sidewalls of a borehole
    Patent number: 9341026
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for modifying sidewalls of a borehole. The apparatus includes a longitudinal housing adapted to fit inside the borehole. The housing includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion between said end portions, adapted to face the sidewalls of the borehole. Means are provides on the side of the housing for removing material from said borehole sidewall. The housing is adapted to be rotated with a controlled rotational speed in relation to said borehole sidewalls and to be fed in a controlled rate of longitudinal motion in relation to said borehole. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for making a borehole with internal, helical grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SINVENT AS
    Inventors: Mohammad Ali Taghipour Khadrbeik, Inge Manfred Carlsen
  • Tubing retrievable injection valve assembly
    Patent number: 9334709
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel, Rory L. Hodge, Shane W. Pfaff
  • Downhole tool having an anti-rotation configuration and method for using the same
    Patent number: 9334703
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to an anti-rotation assembly for a downhole tool, the anti-rotation assembly having an anti-rotation device; and a lock ring engaged with the anti-rotation device, wherein the anti-rotation device is selected from a group consisting of a spring, a mechanically spring-energized member, and composite tubular piece. Other embodiments pertain to a method of operating a downhole tool that includes an anti-rotation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Downhole Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Duke VanLue
  • Centralizer connector
    Patent number: 9322228
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a wedge segment. In certain embodiment, the wedge segment includes an arcuate body having a tapered profile sized to engage with a tubular element, a first surface of the arcuate body comprising a first surface treatment configured to grip an outer surface of the tubular element, and a second surface comprising a second surface treatment configured to grip an inner surface of an annular member disposed about the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juan Francisco Davila, Colin Joseph Lewis, Michael Everett Leman
  • RF antenna assembly with dielectric isolator and related methods
    Patent number: 9322256
    Abstract: An RF antenna assembly is positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly includes first and second tubular conductors and a dielectric isolator therebetween. The dielectric isolator includes a dielectric tube having opposing first and second open ends, a first tubular connector having a first slotted recess receiving therein the first open end of the dielectric tube, and a second tubular connector having a second slotted recess receiving therein the second open end of the dielectric tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Wright, Murray Hann, Raymond Hewit, Verlin Hibner
  • Radially expandable stabilizer
    Patent number: 9322227
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a radial expansion assembly deployed about, and configured to rotate substantially freely with respect to, a tool mandrel. The expansion assembly includes at least one stabilizer block configured to extend radially outward from the mandrel into contact with a wellbore casing string. When deployed between uphole and downhole cones, the stabilizer block includes a plurality of angled splines configured to engage corresponding splines on the cones. Relative axial motion between the stabilizer block and the cones causes a corresponding radial extension or retraction of the stabilizer block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Simpson, Ronald G. Schmidt, Charles H. Dewey
  • Adjustable mud motor housing assembly
    Patent number: 9309721
    Abstract: An adjustable housing assembly is provided, which includes a splined housing and an adjusting ring which contain a splined mandrel. The splined mandrel is moveable axially within the housing assembly when disengaged from upstream and downstream portions of a drill string to disengage the mandrel from the splined housing. The splined mandrel is rotatable with the adjusting ring to alter angled interfaces between the components to change the bend angle in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Mostar Directional Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: John Petrovic, Victor Petrovic
  • Enclosed coiled tubing boat and methods
    Patent number: 9309730
    Abstract: An apparatus including a coiled tubing unit coupled to a drilling rig, and an enclosure surrounding the coiled tubing unit. The coiled tubing unit may include a coiled tubing reel and a coiled tubing injector, wherein the injector may move relative to the coiled tubing reel. The coiled tubing unit is configured to move relative to the drilling rig in both longitudinal and lateral directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: NABORS ALASKA DRILLING, INC.
    Inventors: Donovan Korach, Drew Byers
  • Multilateral junction system and method thereof
    Patent number: 9303490
    Abstract: A multilateral junction system includes a multilateral junction device including a first bore leg; a second bore leg; a joint section having a first opening connected to the first bore leg and a second opening connected to the second bore leg. A main body extending from the joint section and including a third opening; and, a tube connected to the third opening. The tube configured to enable an upper completion to be run into a borehole together with the multilateral junction device. Also included is a method of improving multilateral operations in a borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Bryan P. Pendleton
  • Heat treatment for removal of bauschinger effect or to accelerate cement curing
    Patent number: 9303487
    Abstract: Materials are delivered within an expanded string before the string is subsequently compressively loaded such that the heat given off by the reaction of the delivered materials raises the fluid temperature in the recently expanded string to temperatures in a range of about 150-300 degrees Centigrade. The materials can be separated for delivery and then allowed to contact to initiate the reaction. Alternatively the materials can be delivered in separate conveyances for more immediate start of the exothermic reaction at the needed location or locations. To the extent there is curing cement about the expanded tubular, then the heat generated also reduces curing time to full setup of the sealing material. The applied heat counteracts or eliminates the Bauschinger effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Elisabeth Wilamowitz, Joerg Lehr
  • Landing collar
    Patent number: 9303482
    Abstract: A landing collar having a housing, a first sleeve configured to receive a lead wiper plug, and a latching mechanism configured to couple the first sleeve to an inner wall of the housing. The latching mechanism including a c-ring coupled to the housing and a landing insert disposed within the c-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hall, Cem Monur
  • Apparatus and methods for separating sand from well fracturing return water
    Patent number: 9297246
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing sand or other particulate from well fracturing return water are disclosed. In a sand separator box, a barrier element divides the tank into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Particulate-laden return water flows through a gas separator and then into the upper compartment of the box. The barrier element allows the water in the upper compartment to pass into the lower compartment while keeping the sand or particulate in the upper compartment. As water accumulates in the lower compartment, it is pumped out to storage tanks or back to the well for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventors: Cooper Smartt, Billy Smartt
  • Reclosable multi zone isolation tool and method for use thereof
    Patent number: 9297232
    Abstract: An apparatus for isolating a first zone from a second zone in a subterranean wellbore. The apparatus includes an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming an annular flow path therebetween that is in fluid communication with the first zone. The inner tubular defines a central flow path that is in fluid communication with the second zone. A sleeve having at least one seal is positioned in the annular flow path and is axially movable relative to the inner and outer tubulars between a closed position wherein the seal engages the inner tubular and an open position wherein the seal engages the outer tubular. A mandrel is slidably disposed within the inner tubular and is coupled to the sleeve. The mandrel is operable to shift the sleeve between the open position and the closed position responsive to changes in pressure within the central flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Wayne Scott, William David Henderson, Douglas Allen Schafer
  • Method for drilling through nuisance hydrocarbon bearing formations
    Patent number: 9284799
    Abstract: A method for controlling entry of hydrocarbon into a wellbore from a subsurface formation includes determining whether hydrocarbon is entering the wellbore. Whether a rate of hydrocarbon entry into the wellbore is slowing is then determined Control of discharge from the wellbore is then switched from maintaining a selected wellbore pressure to controlling a rate of discharge of fluid from the wellbore to be substantially constant if the hydrocarbon entry rate is slowing. Control of discharge from the wellbore is returned to maintaining the selected wellbore pressure when the hydrocarbon stops entering the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Reitsma, Ossama R. Sehsah, Yawan Couturier
  • Drilling apparatus
    Patent number: 9284779
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a housing, a drill bit having a head end, a connection end, and a bearing mandrel between the head end and the connection end, a bearing pack associated with the bearing mandrel and the housing for transmitting forces between the drill bit and the housing, the bearing pack including at least one bearing interposed between the bearing mandrel and the housing, and a drive mechanism connected with the connection end of the drill bit, for driving the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DRILFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Sean Gillis
  • Split ring shift control for hydraulic pulse valve
    Patent number: 9279300
    Abstract: A hydraulic pulse valve for use in downhole tools includes a split ring seal to limit the fluid flow available to shift a poppet in the valve from an open position to a closed position. The split ring seal provides relatively long and repeatable pressure pulses, which improve the effectiveness of the hydraulic pulse valve for borehole applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack J. Kolle, Kenneth J. Theimer