Patents by Inventor Vern A. Hult
Vern A. Hult has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240018841Abstract: A wellhead assembly and a tubing hanger comprising: an outer hanger body for supporting the tubing hanger in a tubing head, the outer hanger body including: an upper end and a lower end; an outer surface having a downwardly tapering shape; an inner bore extending from the upper end to the lower end; a lockdown shoulder; an annular extension between the lockdown shoulder and the upper end of the outer hanger body; and an annular seal extending around an outer diameter of the annular extension, the annular seal configured to seal against debris passing therepast down along the outer surface from the upper end toward the lockdown shoulder when the tubing hanger is supported in a tubing head.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2023Publication date: January 18, 2024Inventors: VERN HULT, BERNARD LUMORI, CHRIS PATTON, EMERY STOESSER
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Patent number: 11732541Abstract: An apparatus for hanging a production string and a coil tubing within a well, the apparatus comprising: a main body with a lower end defining an annular mounting flange; a production string tubing hanger bowl in the interior open area configured for accommodating the production tubing string suspended therein, the production string tubing hanger bowl having a center axis non-concentrically positioned relative to the annular mounting flange; and a coil tubing access port extending from the outer surface of the main body to an inner opening, the coil tubing access port configured for accommodating the coil tubing passing therethrough and having an angular orientation downwardly and being on an angle off vertical and directed away from a center point of the annular mounting flange.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: EVOLUTION OIL TOOLS INC.Inventors: Emery Stoesser, Vern Hult, Chris Patton
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Publication number: 20230193717Abstract: A drive assembly for a tubing rotator comprising: a linear force to motive force convertor including an input for receiving a linear motion drive force and an output for outputting a rotary motion drive force, an arm for receiving a linear drive force and inputting it to the linear force to motive force convertor and an actuator couplable to a polish rod and configured for transmitting a linear drive from the polish rod to the arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2022Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: VERN HULT, BENJAMIN J GAGNON, EMERY STOESSER, BERNARD LUMORI
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Publication number: 20230121136Abstract: A tubing hanger includes: a mandrel for connection to a tubing string; an outer hanger body for supporting the mandrel in the well, the mandrel supported in a main bore of the outer hanger body by J-lock mechanisms. The outer hanger body can be supported in the tubing head or in bowl of a tubing rotator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: VERN HULT, BERNARD LUMORI, CHRIS PATTON, EMERY STOESSER
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Publication number: 20220282589Abstract: The dual string hanger assembly includes an insert and an adaptor. The insert is installed within the inner diameter of the tubing head and the adaptor is coupled over the top of the tubing head. The insert therefore becomes sealed within the interior space between the tubing head and the adaptor. In use, the production string is supported in a tubing hanger profile built into the adaptor above the existing tubing head. The auxiliary line is supported in a second, smaller diameter hanger profile that is on the insert, which is installed within the tubing head. The assembly may include a hanging apparatus, such as slips, to secure the auxiliary line in the hanger profile of the insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: EMERY STOESSER, VERN HULT
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Publication number: 20220251919Abstract: An apparatus for hanging a production string and a coil tubing within a well, the apparatus comprising: a main body with a lower end defining an annular mounting flange; a production string tubing hanger bowl in the interior open area configured for accommodating the production tubing string suspended therein, the production string tubing hanger bowl having a center axis non-concentrically positioned relative to the annular mounting flange; and a coil tubing access port extending from the outer surface of the main body to an inner opening, the coil tubing access port configured for accommodating the coil tubing passing therethrough and having an angular orientation downwardly and being on an angle off vertical and directed away from a center point of the annular mounting flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Emery Stoesser, Vern Hult, Chris Patton
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Publication number: 20180363403Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: Oil Lift Technology Inc.Inventor: Vern A. Hult
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Patent number: 10087696Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Oil Lift Technology Inc.Inventor: Vern A. Hult
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Publication number: 20160201418Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventor: Vern A. Hult
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Patent number: 9322238Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Oil Lift Technology Inc.Inventor: Vern A. Hult
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Patent number: 9074727Abstract: Embodiments of a safety guard, fit concentrically over a rotating member, such as a rod assembly, which extends outwardly from apparatus, such as a drive head. The guard may be restrained during normal operation for preventing entanglement of personnel or other apparatus with the rod assembly which continues to rotate within the tubular guard, or may be unrestrained during normal operation. When unrestrained, the guard is free to co-rotate with the rod assembly, but has a low moment of inertia such that the guard decelerates rapidly when restrained so as to prevent entanglement. An anti-friction interface between the guard and the rod assembly is formed by the material of manufacture of the guard itself or by bearings or bushings supported in an annulus between the guard and the rod assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: OIL LIFT TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Vern Hult, Anne Steghaus, Scott Rutherford, Kevin Harty, Max Romansky
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Publication number: 20150184484Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventor: Vern A. Hult
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Patent number: 9027717Abstract: A cam assisted centrifugal brake or clutch system provides increased mechanical advantage to improve the output torque relative to prior art devices such as leading brake shoes. The brake or clutch engagement is cammed radially outwardly to engage a brake housing in one direction and guided to a disengaged position in the other direction. Centrifugal forces retain the brake in the disengaged position. Embodiments of the present invention are applied as a backspin braking system that is incorporated into a drive head for a progressing cavity pump drive system.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Oil Lift Technology Inc.Inventor: Vern A Hult
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Patent number: 9016362Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Oil Lift Technology Inc.Inventor: Vern A. Hult
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Publication number: 20140031135Abstract: Embodiments of a safety guard, fit concentrically over a rotating member, such as a rod assembly, which extends outwardly from apparatus, such as a drive head. The guard may be restrained during normal operation for preventing entanglement of personnel or other apparatus with the rod assembly which continues to rotate within the tubular guard, or may be unrestrained during normal operation. When unrestrained, the guard is free to co-rotate with the rod assembly, but has a low moment of inertia such that the guard decelerates rapidly when restrained so as to prevent entanglement. An anti-friction interface between the guard and the rod assembly is formed by the material of manufacture of the guard itself or by bearings or bushings supported in an annulus between the guard and the rod assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: OIL LIFT TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Vern HULT, Anne STEGHAUS, Scott RUTHERFORD, Kevin HARTY, Max ROMANSKY
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Publication number: 20130062048Abstract: A pulling clamp is provided for releasable connection to a blunt, uphole string end of a continuous string. A main clamp body has clamp bore therethrough and having a string-receiving opening at the pulling end for receiving the string end, an actuating bore at the pulled end and a tapered bore therebetween. A taper insert having a radially compressible gripping bore is locatable in the tapered bore and axially actuable between a passive first receiving position, for receiving the string end, and the active second gripping position for radially compressing the taper insert about the string end for actively gripping the string end therein. The taper insert can be axially actuated using a threaded main body and threaded top cap for sandwiching the taper insert therebetween, the top cap being threaded axially into and out of the pulled end of the main body between the passive and active positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: OIL LIFT TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventors: Vern HULT, Kevin Michael HARTY, Ross SENGER
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Publication number: 20110266005Abstract: In a downhole rod-driven pump, continuous rod is used to drive the pump. The continuous rod is connected directly to the drive eliminating the need for a polish rod and an uphole coupling. A coupling is used to connect the continuous rod to the pump reducing restrictions in the production annulus and wear on the production tubing. Further, clean out tubing can be inserted into the production tubing beside the continuous rod and can extend therein to the pump without restriction. When the coupling is a threaded coupling, the continuous rod can be rotated in an appropriate direction to release the continuous rod from the pump when the pump is stuck. When the coupling is a shear coupling, the shear coupling can be sheared for releasing the pump from the continuous rod. When the pump is a progressing cavity pump and the coupling is a shear coupling, the continuous rod can be reverse rotated for changing the direction of pumping and if the rotor thereafter remains stuck, the shear coupling can be sheared.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: OIL LIFT TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventors: VERN HULT, MARK WIDNEY
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Publication number: 20080296011Abstract: A cam assisted centrifugal brake or clutch system provides increased mechanical advantage to improve the output torque relative to prior art devices such as leading brake shoes. The brake or clutch engagement is cammed radially outwardly to engage a brake housing in one direction and guided to a disengaged position in the other direction. Centrifugal forces retain the brake in the disengaged position. Embodiments of the present invention are applied as a backspin braking system that is incorporated into a drive head for a progressing cavity pump drive system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: OIL LIFT TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventor: Vern A Hult
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Publication number: 20050045323Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2004Publication date: March 3, 2005Applicant: Oil Lift Technology Inc.Inventor: Vern Hult
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Publication number: 20050011642Abstract: Progressive cavity (PC) pump drive heads require a stuffing box to seal crude oil from leaking onto the ground where the polish rod passes from the crude oil passage in the wellhead to the drive head. Because crude oil typically contains fine sand particles, alignment between the stuffing box and the polished rod is imperfect, and PC drive heads run continuously, it is very difficult make stuffing boxes that last as long as desirable by oil production companies. By using a flexibly mounted standpipe in various configurations, around which is a bearing supported shaft carrying the sealing means, long term durability of the stuffing box can be achieved. By using a pressurization system such that the pressure output exceeds the pressure at the wellhead, stuffing box seal life can be extended and external leakage from the stuffing box can be eliminated. A double wall standpipe may be provided in some applications as part of the pressurization system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2003Publication date: January 20, 2005Applicant: Oil Lift Technology Inc.Inventor: Vern Hult