Patents Examined by Michael Wills, III
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Patent number: 9273523Abstract: A method and apparatus for running tubular(s) into a well bore for use with a top drive or power swivel comprising a make-up assembly with inner and outer members, one of which has an array of ramped or inclined surface(s) while the other is an inner or outer cage with rolling support(s) with or without a central spindle and openings which may also be referred to as tubular engagement apparatus wherein relative movement of the members urges the rolling support(s) to protrude radially through the openings to engage a tubular internally or externally. Also provided is an elevator assembly with elevator links and transfer elevators to position tubular for engagement by the make-up assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: 2M-TEK, Inc.Inventors: Richard McIntosh, Toby Scott Baudoin
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Patent number: 9273538Abstract: A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Kuo, Gregory S. Cunningham, Caleb T. Warren, Brandon T. Least, Michael L. Fripp, Matthew E. Franklin, Stephen M. Greci, Aaron J. Bonner
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Patent number: 9260928Abstract: A drill rig 10 has a drill tower 12, rotation head 14 and drill table 16. The rotation head 14 is supported on and linearly traversable along drill tower 12. A drill rig traverse system 20 provides pull back and pull down force to the rotation head 14 enabling the rotation head 14 to traverse along drill tower 12 and controlling contact force between a drill bit and toe of a hole being drilled. The system 20 is formed as a combination of a hydraulic ram traverse system 22 providing both pull back and pull down force; and a winch pull back system 24 providing pull back only. Both hydraulic ram traverse system 22 and winch pull back system 24 can traverse the rotation head for the full length of the tower 12 when simultaneously applying pull back to the rotation head 14.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Strada Design LimitedInventor: Warren Strange
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Patent number: 9255466Abstract: A downhole fluid diverter tool includes a tool body having a central bore therethrough and a bypass port formed in an outer diameter thereof, a spring-biased piston disposed within the tool body, a piston port in the spring-biased piston configured to axially align with the bypass port to control fluid flow outward from the central bore, and a rotatable ball valve aligned within the central bore of the tool body and configured to control fluid flow through the central bore, wherein the bypass port and the ball valve are configured to be cycled multiple times between open and closed positions while in a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Asif Javed
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Patent number: 9234421Abstract: A sample bottle assembly is installed in a bore drilled into a drill collar section, wherein the bore may be drilled into a side wall of a pocket in the drill collar. The sample bottle assembly may be passed through the pocket and inserted into the bore. Drill collar material between the bore and the outer surface of the drill collar retains the sample bottle assembly in a radially inward direction, and a retention member in the pocket may retain the sample bottle assembly in an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Kristopher V. Sherrill
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Patent number: 9217312Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, thereby damaging the seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
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Patent number: 9217322Abstract: A method for installing an apparatus for monitoring physical parameters in an annulus of an oil and/or gas well having a well head. The apparatus comprises a sensor plug including a sensor and a flange assembly arranged with a bore holding a signal processing unit for communication with the sensor. The method comprises installing the sensor plug in a passage in the well head, connecting a cable connector to the sensor plug, positioning the bore of the flange assembly essentially coinciding with the passage of the well head. The invention also comprises a method for retrieving an apparatus for monitoring physical parameters in an annulus of an oil and/or gas well having a well head.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Petroleum Technology Company ASInventor: Erling Kleppa
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Patent number: 9200482Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector, and opening a flow control device in response to the inserting. A well system can include a deflector positioned at an intersection between at least three wellbore sections, and a tubular string connector having at least two tubular strings connected to an end thereof, one tubular string being received in the deflector and engaged with a flow control device positioned in a wellbore section, and another tubular string being received in another wellbore section. Another method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector positioned at a wellbore intersection, then sealingly engaging the tubular string, and then opening a flow control device in response to the inserting.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: David J. Steele
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Patent number: 9200483Abstract: Earth-boring drill bits may include a bit body including blades extending radially over a face of the earth-boring drill bit and cutting elements attached to each blade. Only cutting elements including planar cutting faces may be attached to at least one of the blades. Only cutting elements including nonplanar cutting faces may be attached to at least another of the blades. Only cutting elements including planar cutting faces or only cutting elements including nonplanar cutting faces may be attached to each of the blades. Only cutting elements including nonplanar cutting faces may be attached to a number of the blades that may be unequal to a number of the blades to which only cutting elements comprising planar cutting faces may be attached.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: David Gavia, Nicholas J. Lyons, Juan Miguel Bilen, Danny E. Scott, Rudolf Carl Pessier
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Patent number: 9200494Abstract: A downhole vibration tool for connection with a pipe string, including a housing, an unbalanced turbine assembly contained within the housing, an inlet for introducing a fluid into the unbalanced turbine assembly, and an outlet for discharging the fluid from the unbalanced turbine assembly. The unbalanced turbine assembly includes a sleeve and at least one annular turbine which is located in an annular bore defined between the housing and the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Inventor: Gary James Bakken
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Patent number: 9200499Abstract: A dual wiper plug system having a first wiper including a first body having a first bore therethrough, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, a second wiper disposed axially above the first wiper, the second wiper including a second body having a second bore therethrough and a first shoulder formed on the inner surface of the second body, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, and a first collet ring coupled to the first wiper and including at least one collet finger extending axially upward, and a collet head disposed on an upper end of the collet finger and configured to engage the first shoulder of the second body.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: James Hall, Cem Monur
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Patent number: 9194212Abstract: A downhole actuator or valve for inclusion in a downhole drill string used in a well includes an obstructing member, such as a piston, moveable between: a first position and a second position; and a retaining member, such as a ball, moveable between: a retaining position which retains the obstructing member in the first position; and, a release position which does not retain the obstructing member in the first position and/or allows or causes the obstructing member to move to the second position. The retaining member is moved in use between the retaining position and release position at least in part by centrifugal forces caused by rotation of the entire drill string within which the downhole actuator/valve is included. Thus, at least some control of the actuation of the downhole actuator/valve may be afforded by rotation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: CFF Technologies LimitedInventors: Keith Gaskin, George Clark, Darren Chapman
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Patent number: 9194191Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method to secure a link in a drilling rig. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to removably secure at least a portion of the link therein, in which the carrier is configured to have a first end of the link accessible outside of the carrier. Further, the system includes a tool having a link ear and suspended within the drilling rig, the link ear configured to attach a first end of the link thereupon, and a carrier configured to removably secure at least a portion of the link, in which the first end of the link is accessible to attach to the link ear.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Frank's International, LLCInventors: Logan Essex Smith, Jeremy Richard Angelle, Robert Thibodeaux, Jr.
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Patent number: 9194211Abstract: The pulse-tool is used when injecting liquid into a borehole in the ground. When a pulse-valve of the tool opens, liquid passes through from an accumulator to the ground formation, whereby the accumulator pressure falls and the formation pressure rises. When the pulse-valve closes, the accumulator pressure rises and the formation pressure falls. The pulse-valve is driven to open when the pressure differential (PDAF) reaches a high-threshold, at which the PDAF overcomes a biasing force acting to hold the pulse-valve closed. The biasing force is provided by a pair of magnets, in attraction mode. When the PDAF reaches its high-threshold, and the magnets separate, the magnetic attraction force decreases rapidly. This characteristic helps the pulse-valve to open very rapidly, e.g explosively, creating an energetic penetrative shock-wave out into the formation.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: WAVEFRONT RESERVOIR TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventor: Lance Leo Lefebvre
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Patent number: 9187988Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a cone system having a cone segment capable of deflecting in response to a restriction or obstruction encountered while expanding a tubular. In one aspect, an expansion cone system is provided. The expansion cone system includes a mandrel and two or more pockets disposed circumferentially around the mandrel. Each pocket is at least partially defined by a fin member. The expansion cone system further includes a cone segment coupled to each pocket. Additionally, the expansion cone system includes a biasing member disposed between the mandrel and the respective cone segment. In another aspect, a method of expanding a wellbore tubular is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Nader Elias Abedrabbo, Varadaraju Gandikota, Lev Ring
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Patent number: 9181775Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a plug in a passageway, comprises a carrier which in use is lowered into the passageway, the carrier comprising an elongate body of material resistant to creep which supports first and second spaced apart portions and a body of material supported on the carrier, the material having a melting point which is higher than the temperature within the passageway and which expands as it solidifies. The carrier may comprise a skirt that extends axially from a lower end of the carrier, the skirt being dimensioned to define a clearance between the skirt and the passageway; and a heater for melting the body of material such that melted material fills a space defined between the first and second portions, and flows into the clearance defined between the skirt and the passageway. The heater may be a removable heater.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: RAWWATER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Robert D. Eden
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Patent number: 9174151Abstract: Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to a porous medium screen that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The porous medium screen can include a porous medium and a retaining structure. The porous medium can be a material having one or more pores. The pores can be adapted to allow a fluid to flow through the porous medium and to prevent particles from flowing through the porous medium. The retaining structure can be adapted to retain the porous medium in a position circumferentially surrounding a section of a tubing string and to prevent expansion of the porous medium. The retaining structure can include a shroud and one or more stoppers. The shroud can be adapted to circumferentially surround the porous medium. Each stopper can be adapted to circumferentially surround the section of a tubing string at an edge of the porous medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Marc Lopez, Liang Zhao, Luke William Holderman
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Patent number: 9175533Abstract: This invention particularly relates to improving the engagement of the slip elements within a casing or tubing. Particularly, the invention is directed to improving the penetration of anchors on slip elements to better set downhole tools. Generally, in one aspect, the invention relies on decreasing the contact surface of the cutting edge of the anchor during the initial penetration of the anchor into the casing.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: William Ellis Standridge
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Patent number: 9169634Abstract: An actuator is provided for reconfiguring a reversibly expandable structure, also referred to as a deployable structure. The deployable structure includes an enclosed mechanical linkage capable of transformation between expanded and collapsed configurations while maintaining its shape. An actuator coupled to the deployable structure provides a load, force or torque for actuating a transformation. The actuated deployable structure transfers the actuation force to an external body substances, or element in contact with the deployable structure. The force can be directed inwardly or outwardly depending upon direction of the transformation (i.e., expanding or contracting). The force provided by the deployable structure can be used to perform work by its application over at least a portion of the distance traveled by a perimeter of the deployable structure during its transformation. In some embodiments, the actuatable deployable structure is lockable structure supporting a static load.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Julio C. Guerrero, Logan Munro
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Patent number: 9169716Abstract: Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to a liquid valve assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The liquid valve assembly can include a housing and a liquid valve. The housing can define an inner chamber and an opening adapted to allow fluid to flow between the inner chamber and a passageway. The liquid valve can be disposed in the inner chamber. The liquid valve can include a yield stress fluid. The yield stress fluid can prevent fluid from flowing between the inner chamber and the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Luke William Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez, Liang Zhao