Indicating Patents (Class 166/66)
  • Patent number: 11802788
    Abstract: Systems include a floating device disposed on a top of a column of drilling fluid in an annulus of a wellbore. The floating device includes a capsule. A transmitter or a reflector may be coupled to the capsule. The floating device may transmit signals to a surface region from the annulus or receive signals from the surface region and reflect at least a portion of the received signals. A receiver in the surface region receives transmitted signals or reflected signals from the floating device and determines a distance between the floating device and a reference point in the surface region. The distance indicates a level of the drilling fluid in the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Krzysztof Karol Machocki, Michael Affleck
  • Patent number: 11767743
    Abstract: A downhole fluid injection system comprising: a first fluid line including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, the first end being connected to a fluid source, the first fluid line being extendable along a first portion of a wellbore; and a second fluid line including a first end section, a second end section, and an intermediate section, the second fluid line being extendable along a second portion of the wellbore that extends at an angle relative to the first portion and includes a plurality of fluid injectors arranged along the intermediate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: David Lerohl, Pavel Nazarenko, Kevin Holmes, John Raggio
  • Patent number: 11689231
    Abstract: A measurement device can be provided for a tubular string of a drilling subsystem. The measurement device can include a transmitter and a receiver. A cover can be applied to at least one of the receiver or the transmitter. While at least one of the receiver or the transmitter is covered by the cover, an amount of crosstalk can be measured. The cover can be removed from the measurement device. Subsequent to removing the cover from the measurement device, an air-hang response of the receiver and the transmitter can be measured in an air-hang configuration of the tubular string. A corrected air-hang response of the measurement device can be determined by subtracting the amount of crosstalk from the air-hang response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Ma, Matthew Chase Griffing, Yijing Fan
  • Patent number: 11572747
    Abstract: A method of mitigating lost circulation in a subterranean wellbore for oil and gas includes introducing basaltic particles and a carbonated mixture to the lost circulation zone of the subterranean wellbore, contacting the basaltic particles with the carbonated mixture, dissolving at least a part of the basaltic particles with the carbonated mixture, reacting divalent cations with the carbonate anions in the carbonated mixture to produce carbonate minerals, providing stimulus to the basaltic particles and the carbonated mixture, depositing at least a part of the carbonate minerals to fractures of the lost circulation zone, monitoring the reacting and depositing; and optionally repeating one or more of the aforementioned steps. A drilling system for oil and gas extraction includes basaltic particles, a carbonated mixture, at least one stimulus generator, and a mitigation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdulaziz S. Al-Qasim, Ali A. Al-Yousef
  • Patent number: 11570435
    Abstract: Method for decoding a picture, comprising: decoding information that the picture is partitioned into more than one segment based on one or more syntax elements in a bitstream; decoding information that the spatial segmentation is uniform based on the one or more syntax elements; determining a segment unit size based on the one or more syntax elements or based on a predefined segment unit size; decoding a first value indicating a segment width from one or more code words in the bitstream; decoding a second value indicating a segment height from the one or more code words; deriving segment column widths based on a picture width in number of segment units and the first value; deriving segment row heights based on a picture height in number of segment units and the second value; deriving a spatial location for a current block based on the derived segment column widths and the derived segment heights; and decoding the current block based on the derived spatial location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Mitra Damghanian, Martin Pettersson, Rickard Sjöberg
  • Patent number: 11506024
    Abstract: A unitary junction for deployment in a wellbore, wherein the unitary junction permits electrical power and communications signals to be established in both a lateral wellbore and a main wellbore utilizing. The unitary junction assembly generally includes a conduit having a first upper aperture, a first lower aperture and a second lower aperture where the first lower aperture is defined at the distal end of a primary leg extending from a conduit junction and the second lower aperture is defined at the distal end of a deformable lateral leg extending from the conduit junction. A lower wireless energy transfer mechanism is positioned along at least one of the legs between the distal end of the leg and the junction. The lower wireless energy transfer mechanism is in wired communication an upper energy transfer mechanism permitting electrical communication to be established across the intersection of wellbore branches utilizing the unitary junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Joe Steele, Oivind Godager, Xiaoguang Allan Zhong
  • Patent number: 11274533
    Abstract: A linear actuator for pumping comprising a stator having an inner opening, a shaft having a plurality of permanent magnets spaced linearly in the axial direction, the shaft disposed in the stator opening and configured to reciprocate linearly in the axial direction relative to the stator, the stator comprising a first stator assembly having a plurality of pole sections spaced linearly in the axial direction and a plurality of coils disposed therebetween, a second stator assembly having a plurality of pole sections spaced linearly in the axial direction and a plurality of coils disposed therebetween, a bearing assembly positioned axially between the first stator assembly and the second stator assembly, and the bearing assembly having a width that is a function of the spacing of the plurality of pole sections of the first stator assembly and the second assembly and the spacing of the plurality of permanent magnets of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Harnsberger, Carl Deirmengian, Brian Williams, David P. Cardamone, John C. Layer
  • Patent number: 11137508
    Abstract: The present invention describes a mechanical coupling microseismic monitoring system, which includes at least one microseismic sensor, push rods that are arranged at both ends of the microseismic sensor through a first connection mechanism to send the microseismic sensor into the monitoring hole, introduction mechanisms that are mounted on the push rods for introducing the microseismic sensor into the monitoring hole, and one microseismic monitoring computer that receives signals from the microseismic sensor; the microseismic sensor is a recoverable microseismic sensor; the first connection mechanism is a connection mechanism that can make the push rod swing relative to the microseismic sensor; the introduction mechanism is a three-roller introduction mechanism. The present invention meets the requirement of microseismic monitoring for different parts of deep monitoring hole using multiple microseismic sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT, PETROCHINA COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Dewen Zheng, Zhide Wu, Guosheng Ding, Huayin Zhu, Jianfeng Liu, Lina Ran, Tong Lin
  • Patent number: 10976454
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a microseismic monitoring system, which includes at least a microseismic sensor, a push rod set at both ends of the microseismic sensor through the first connecting mechanism for sending the microseismic sensor into a monitoring hole, a guide mechanism installed on the push rod for guiding the microseismic sensor into the monitoring hole, and a microseismic monitoring computer connecting with the microseismic sensor signal. The microseismic sensor is reusable. The first connecting mechanism can make the push rod swing relative to the microseismic sensor. The guide mechanism is a three-roller guide mechanism. The present invention can satisfy the need of monitoring different locations in monitoring holes with large depths for multiple microseismic sensors, and solve problems of effective contact coupling between the microseismic sensors and monitoring holes, which improves the accuracy of microseismic monitoring and reduces the cost of a microseismic monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SICHUAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jianfeng Liu, Lu Wang, Jianliang Pei, Huining Xu, Wenxi Fu, Xiaozhang Lei, Jianhui Deng
  • Patent number: 10976455
    Abstract: A test system for a microseismic test of rock mass fractures provided by the present invention includes at least one microseismic sensor, a push rod provided at two ends of the microseismic sensor through a connecting mechanism for feeding the microseismic sensor into a monitoring hole , an introducing mechanism mounted on the push rod for introducing the microseismic sensor into the monitoring hole, a hydraulic system providing support hydraulic oil for the microseismic sensor, a microseismic monitoring computer connected with the signal of microseismic sensor through; the microseismic sensor includes a microseismic probe, a holding component holding the microseismic probe, a support plate and a hydraulic support mechanism; the connecting mechanism can make the push rod swing relative to the microseismic sensor, and the introducing mechanism is three-rollers introducing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SICHUAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jianfeng Liu, Jianliang Pei, Lu Wang, Huining Xu, Xiaozhang Lei, Wenxi Fu, Jianhui Deng
  • Patent number: 10927662
    Abstract: A wellbore communication system (1) comprises a downhole tool (2) having a downhole transmitter (40), a sensing element (22, 122, 222, . . . , 1022) located at surface and coupled to a surface receiver (44), and an insulated slickline (6, 106, 206, . . . , 1006) having an electrically conductive core surrounded by an insulating coating. The slickline is attached to the downhole tool and coupled to the downhole transmitter. The sensing element is capacitively coupled to the slickline so as to permit movement of the slickline relative thereto and so as to an electric field to extend from the core of the slickline through the insulating coating to the sensing element for transmission of information from the downhole transmitter to the surface receiver via the slickline and the sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: PARADIGM TECHNOLOGY SERVICES B.V.
    Inventors: Andre Martin van der Ende, Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 10927663
    Abstract: A method of fault detection and recovery in a tubing string located in a hydrocarbon well is described, the tubing string having a plurality of valves, each valve having a control unit, each control unit being connected in series to a power-line providing power and communication, each of the control units being independently controllable. The method includes: detecting a short circuit, fault or failure in one of the control units of the tubing string via an output of the power-line; causing individual control units to be selectively isolated from the power-line via a circuit interrupting device; and determining one or more control units associated with the short circuit, fault or failure via the output of the power-line while individual control units are selectively isolated from the power-line. A method of fault protection in a tubing string, and an apparatus and system for the same are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Williamson, Ramin Tajallipour
  • Patent number: 10927666
    Abstract: Electromagnetic field monitoring methods and systems for obtaining data corresponding to subsurface rock formations. An electromagnetic field monitoring system includes an electromagnetic transmitter located downhole in a well bore and configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation into a subsurface formation; a fiber optic cable coupled with a fiber optic interrogator, the at least one fiber optic cable and the interrogator located at the surface; and an array of electromagnetic sensors integrally formed in the fiber optic cable and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation radiated through the subsurface formation. A method of detecting electromagnetic radiation at the surface of an oil well includes transmitting, from an electromagnetic transmitter, electromagnetic radiation into a subsurface formation; and sensing, from the subsurface formation, electromagnetic radiation at the surface of the oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Neal Gregory Skinner, Etienne Samson, Tasneem Mandviwala
  • Patent number: 10914157
    Abstract: The Mill-Right system is a hydraulic control system that optimizes drilling performance by controlling speed and force at the drill bit. It controls 3 drilling parameters through integrated software. 1) Weight on Bit (WOB); 2) Rate of Penetration (ROP); and 3) Differential Pressure (DP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecil Hassard
  • Patent number: 10844707
    Abstract: A dual telemetric coiled tubing running string for disposing a bottom hole assembly into a wellbore. The dual telemetric coiled tubing running string includes a string of coiled tubing which defines a flowbore along its length, an electrical wire conduit disposed within the flowbore, and an optic fiber disposed within the flowbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Louis D. Garner, Silviu Livescu, Thomas J. Watkins
  • Patent number: 10787897
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for downhole operations. Embodiments include downhole tools comprising an outer member configured for conveyance in the borehole; a pressure barrel positioned inside the outer member; a substantially cylindrical pod positioned inside the pressure barrel; and at least one downhole electronic component mounted between the exterior surface and the frame. The pod comprises at least one rigid outer surface forming an exterior surface of the pod and supported by a central frame extending across a diameter of the pod, such as a plurality of outer rigid surfaces. The pod may include a plurality of coupled rigid elongated semicircular metallic shells, wherein each shell of the plurality comprises a rigid outer surface of the plurality of outer rigid surfaces. Each of the at least one downhole electronic component may be sealingly enclosed within a corresponding shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Joachim Treviranus, Stephan Wink, Olaf Gaertner, Daniel Porzig, Tim Mueller, Andreas Peter
  • Patent number: 10731430
    Abstract: A well tool (60) includes a perforating gun (108), a sealing element (130), at least one pressure sensor (150), a detector (132), a controller (152), and an anchor (134). The perforating gun (108) perforates the wellbore tubular in response to a firing signal. The sealing element (130) is connected to the perforating gun (108) and generates a pressure differential thereacross. The at least one pressure sensor (150) is associated with the sealing element (130) and detects a surface transmitted pressure signal. The detector (132) detects at least one marker (70) positioned along the wellbore (12) and which includes a perforating marker (70) associated with a perforating depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: OWEN OIL TOOLS LP
    Inventors: Timothy E. LaGrange, Ian Morrison, Jeffrey D. Wood, Jeffrey Gartz
  • Patent number: 10704376
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a shank. The shank may include a central bore extending partially through the shank. An end-cap may be disposed within the central bore, and the end-cap may include a first flange, a second flange, and a body portion extending between the first flange and the second flange. An annular chamber may be defined between the body portion of the end-cap and an interior wall of the central bore of the shank. At least one strain gauge may be secured to an outer surface of the body portion of the end-cap. At least one stain gauge may be secured to a cap portion welded over a recess formed in the earth-boring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC, Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Yao, Kenneth R. Evans, Chaitanya K. Vempati, R. Keith Glasgow, Jr., Navish Makkar, Priscila Farias Ronqui, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10702844
    Abstract: This invention is an oil-well pumping unit. It may be used for production of stratum fluids from marginal well stock at large depths. The invention increases reliability and improves power performance by including a fully integrated plunger pump fitted with discharge valves and a gravity gas separator, non-return valves, and a coupling for fastening the oil-well pumping unit to flow tubing. The downhole linear motor is mounted below the plunger pump. A slider upstroke damper and a slider down-stroke damper, as well as a telemetry unit, are mounted below the linear motor. The unit is linked to a ground-based control unit through a neutral wire interconnected with linear motor windings. The ground-based control unit may be designed as a three-phase high-frequency inverting controller and output transformer, and is connected to the downhole linear motor through an insulated three-wire cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventors: Dmytro Khachaturov, Dmytro Nekrasov, Vasyl Kryvonosov, Maksym Pipich
  • Patent number: 10662755
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a shank. The shank may include a central bore extending partially through the shank. An end-cap may be disposed within the central bore, and the end-cap may include a first flange, a second flange, and a body portion extending between the first flange and the second flange. An annular chamber may be defined between the body portion of the end-cap and an interior wall of the central bore of the shank. At least one strain gauge may be secured to an outer surface of the body portion of the end-cap. At least one stain gauge may be secured to a cap portion welded over a recess formed in the earth-boring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignees: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC, Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Yao, Kenneth R. Evans, Chaitanya K. Vempati, R. Keith Glasgow, Jr., Navish Makkar, Priscila Farias Ronqui, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10590754
    Abstract: A sensor system includes interconnected and axially spaced apart sensor devices deployed along an outer surface of a downhole tool string. The sensor devices including a sensor disposed with a protective housing and control electronics located remote from the sensor devices and operationally connected to the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jia Tao, Christian Spring, Jeremy Morrison, Richard Lee Warns, Hikmet Andic, Jose Escudero
  • Patent number: 10578763
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing physical properties of a geological formation are disclosed. The systems and methods may use electrodes that include two conductive portions separated by an isolation gap positioned along a casing in a wellbore in the formation. The electrodes may be sequentially energized to provide excitation stimulus into the formation while the remaining, non-energized electrodes may substantially simultaneously receive excitation responses to the excitation stimulus from the formation. The excitation responses may be assessed to determine one or more physical properties of fractures in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System, E-Spectrum Technologies
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gabelmann, Mark Allen Oerkfitz, Thomas David Hosbach, Mukul M. Sharma, Ali Yilmaz, Carlos Torres-Verdin
  • Patent number: 10573146
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to detecting instances of individuals being in peril within an independent or assisted living environment. According to certain aspects, with an individual's permission or affirmative consent, a hardware controller (such as a smart or interconnected home controller, or even a mobile device) may receive and analyze sensor data detected within the independent or assisted living environment to determine whether an individual may be in peril. In this circumstance, the hardware controller may generate a notification that indicates the situation and may communicate the notification to a proper individual, such as a family member or care giver, who may be in a position to mitigate or alleviate any risks posed by the situation. The foregoing functionality also may be used by an insurance provider to generate, update, or adjust insurance policies, premiums, rates, or discounts, and/or make recommendations to an insured individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Jackie O. Jordan, II, John Donovan, David Turrentine, Torri Wollenschlager, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Deanna Stockweather, Jeffrey W. Stoiber, Kerstin Markwardt, Gail L. Carlson, Kyle C. Schiebel, Troy Winslow, Joseph P. Harr, Ellakate Wagner, Michael Harris, Jr., Jennylind Sun
  • Patent number: 10502860
    Abstract: A method for placement of electrodes includes determining spatial distribution of a signal caused by generating an electromagnetic field in an instrument disposed in drill string used to drill a wellbore. The electromagnetic field comprises encoded measurements from at least one sensor associated with the instrument. Voltages induced by noise are measured across at least one pair of spaced apart electrodes placed at a plurality of positions spaced apart from a surface location of the wellbore. A spatial distribution of noise is estimated using the measured voltages. Positions for placement of at least two electrodes are selected using the spatial distribution of signal and the spatial distribution of noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gaelle Jannin, Jiuping Chen, Andrew G. Brooks, David Kirk Conn, Luis Eduardo DePavia, Liang Sun, Michael W. Schwartz, Richard Hunter
  • Patent number: 10502021
    Abstract: A system includes a first valve removal (VR) plug, a VR plug housing, and a second VR plug. The first VR plug includes a sensor configured to sense a characteristic of a first volume adjacent to the first VR plug and to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of the sensed characteristic, wherein the first VR plug is configured to form a first seal with a flange of a mineral extraction component. The VR plug housing includes a first flange configured to be disposed about the VR plug and to couple to the flange of the mineral extraction component, a second VR plug recess comprising an interior threaded surface, and a second flange disposed about the second VR plug recess. The second VR plug includes a threaded exterior surface configured to engage with the threaded interior surface of the second VR plug recess to form a second seal between the second VR plug and the VR plug housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Healy
  • Patent number: 10400536
    Abstract: A pump-down method includes deploying a tool in a well via a wireline and measuring a tension of the wireline. The method also includes determining a difference between the measured tension and a reference tension. The method also includes updating at least one of a pump rate and a wireline speed used for pump-down of the tool based on the difference and at least one control parameter obtained at least in part from prediction model results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Muralidhar Seshadri, Daniel E. Viassolo, Randy Coles
  • Patent number: 10370907
    Abstract: A downhole tool for incorporation in a drill pipe for selective operation of the tool from surface level when the tool is in a wellbore. The tool comprises a controller electrically powered by a power source separate from surface level, a first sensor of the controller to detect a dynamic variable of the tool in the wellbore and produce an output signal dependent thereon; a second sensor of the controller to detect a mechanical signal transmitted from an operator at surface level; a motor driven by the power source under the control of the controller when said mechanical signal is received; and an actuator driven by the motor to actuate the tool; wherein the controller switches between at least two states in response to changes in said dynamic variable, only in said second state the controller being receptive to said mechanical signal from the operator to drive the motor. The tool may be a disconnect device and/or a circ sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: INTELLIGENT DRILLING TOOLS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Ollerenshaw, James Hardy
  • Patent number: 10352155
    Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) telemetry system with telluric referencing for use with downhole equipment is described. Embodiments of an EM telemetry system with telluric referencing include a downhole transceiver comprising an encoded signal transmitter, a downhole sensor disposed to monitor the downhole equipment, the downhole sensor coupled to the transceiver, an encoded signal receiver, a reference receiver spaced apart from the encoded signal receiver and communicatively coupled to the encoded signal receiver, and a telluric voltage module coupled to one of the encoded signal receiver and the reference receiver. The telluric voltage module is communicatively coupled to the encoded signal receiver and the reference receiver to receive an encoded signal and a reference signal, respectively, which may include telluric noise. The telluric voltage module synchronizes the encoded signal and the reference signal, subtracts the reference signal from the encoded signal, and outputs a signal free from telluric noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Andrew Wilson, Paul Andrew Cooper
  • Patent number: 10337318
    Abstract: Sensor array noise reduction is provided. In one possible implementation a logging and control system includes a sensor array noise reduction manager configured to receive measurements from two or more sensors and apply a selected demixing vector to filter one or more noise sources from the measurements and improve a signal to noise ratio of a telemetry signal in the measurements. In another possible implementation a sensor array noise reduction manager for improving a signal to noise ratio of a signal includes a sensor interface configured to receive the signal, which includes information associated with an operating condition, from two or more sensors. The sensor array noise reduction manager also includes a noise reduction module to simultaneously remove noise associated with one or more noise sources from the received signal through use of a demixing vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Arnaud Jarrot
  • Patent number: 10323496
    Abstract: A well advisor system and console for monitoring and managing installation of casing and tubular goods in a well. The system may be accessed through one or more workstations, or other computing devices, which may be located at a well site or remotely. The system is in communication with and receives input from various sensors. It collects real-time sensor data sampled during operations at the well site. The system processes the data, and provides nearly instantaneous numerical and visual feedback through a variety of graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”), which are presented in the form of an operation-specific console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventors: Fereidoun Abbassian, Per Arild Andresen, Stephen Tean Edwards, Mark Adrian Honey, Thomas Hestenes Jakobsen, Nigel Charles Last, Colin James Mason, Trond Waage, Rune Arnt Skarbo, Sankarrappan Periyasamy, Jan Kare Igland, Kevin Perry Richardson, Sigurd Tjostheim
  • Patent number: 10281270
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first cable clamp and a first apparatus section coupled to the first cable clamp. The apparatus includes a second cable clamp and a second apparatus section coupled to the second cable clamp. The second apparatus section is slidably coupled to the second apparatus section. The apparatus includes a first measuring device portion coupled to the first apparatus section, a second measuring device portion coupled to the second apparatus section, wherein the first measuring device portion and the second measuring device portion are in at least one of mechanical, optical, and electromagnetic communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian E. Smith, Matthew Hay Henderson, Paul Brown
  • Patent number: 10267611
    Abstract: Wireless detonator systems present opportunities for controlled blasting of rock without the encumbrances of physical wired connections at the blast site. Disclosed herein are wireless detonator assemblies, which sense the state of environmental condition(s) of their immediate vicinity, and which are active to receive and/or process a command signal to FIRE only if the environmental condition(s) are deemed suitable or appropriate according to predetermined parameters. Also disclosed are improved methods of blasting involving such wireless detonator assemblies, as well as corresponding wireless electronic primers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ORICA INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Lownds, Walter Hardy Piel
  • Patent number: 10240409
    Abstract: A power tong positioner has one or more eddy current probes mounted in association with a power tong/backup unit. An electric current runs through the probe, and with the probe positioned close to a tubular connection, movement of the probe along the length of the connection, with the electric field encompassing surface features on the tubular, will cause a change in the electrical impedance (conductivity) which enable identification of the connection seam or other defined attributes (the “target” attributes). The power tong/backup unit can be positioned accordingly. A portfolio of profiles of non-connection seam surface features of different tubular connections may be generated, stored in a database, and accessed by the system, which enables identifying the connection seam/face with greater accuracy. Other attributes of the invention include storing profile information on RFID tags, and storing and accessing tubular information from a cloud server or other form of remote database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: ROGERS OIL TOOLS, LLC
    Inventors: Tommie L. Rogers, John William Trahan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10190408
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for monitoring a drilling operation includes receiving a signal via a first pair of antennas positioned on a surface of the earthen formation. The signal received by the first pair of antennas has a first signal characteristic. The method includes receiving the signal via a second pair of antennas positioned on the surface at a different location than that of the first pair of antennas. The signal received by the second pair of antennas has a second signal characteristic. The method includes identifying which of the first signal characteristic and the second signal characteristic of the signal received by the respective first and second pairs of antennas is a preferred signal characteristic. The method can include decoding the signal received by one of the first and second pairs of antennas that has received the signal with the preferred signal characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Roberts
  • Patent number: 10185049
    Abstract: Methods, a system and antennas are provided for transmitting or receiving signals from a hydrocarbon production well. The well comprises a well bore formed in a formation, a production liner/tubing extending axially along the well bore, and an inductive coupling disposed around the liner/tubing. The liner tubing is electrically coupled to the formation at two axially separated locations and is electrically isolated from the formation between the locations. For transmitting, an alternating current signal to the inductive coupling to induce a current in the liner/tubing, the liner tubing forming a dipole antenna that generates an electromagnetic radiation signal propagating through the formation. For receiving, the dipole antenna is exposed to an electromagnetic radiation signal propagated through the formation which induces an alternating current signal in the tubing and the current signal is detected at the inductive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventor: Kjetil Johannessen
  • Patent number: 10103535
    Abstract: An electrical protective arrangement for an electrical installation has a fault current protection apparatus with a detection device for sensing a fault current and an evaluation device for comparing the sensed fault current with a threshold value. A tripping signal is output by the evaluation device if the sensed fault current exceeds the threshold value. A communication module is configured to send fault current data with information pertaining to the sensed fault current and to receive operating data for setting an operating state for the evaluation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mathias Baumann, Michael Strassburger
  • Patent number: 9988894
    Abstract: System and method for installing a power line in a well. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are a powered device engaged with a power line connectable to a power supply by a power connector, and a sensor coupled to the power connector and communicatively coupled to the power line, the sensor is configured to provide data indicative of the environment in the vicinity of the power connector during installation of the power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ACCESSESP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: David Malone, Dwayne Leismer
  • Patent number: 9909407
    Abstract: Methods of monitoring a force applied to a component (28) in a wellbore (12) following drilling and during a subsequent operation. Methods comprising: providing a string of tubing (35) including a tubular member (46) having at least one sensor (48) for measuring the strain in the tubing, and a device (50) for transmitting data to surface and which is operatively associated with the sensor. Running the string of tubing into the wellbore; monitoring the strain in the tubing measured by the sensor and compensating for the strain. Performing an operation in the well employing the tubing, involving the application of a force to the component in the wellbore; monitoring the resultant change in strain in the tubing measured by the sensor; and transmitting data relating to the resultant change in strain to surface using the data transmission device, to facilitate determination of the force applied to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON MANUFACTURING AND SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: William Brown-Kerr, Bruce Hermman Forsyth McGarian
  • Patent number: 9897504
    Abstract: A measurement method includes generating, by a sensor, a response signal in response to an excitation signal. The method also includes generating a sampling clock signal in accordance with a pseudo-random jitter, and sampling the response signal in accordance with the sampling clock signal to determine a plurality of digital samples. The method also includes combining the plurality of digital samples to form a measurement sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Andreas Wiesbauer, Christian Ebner, Ernesto Romani, Stephan Mechnig, Joseph Hufschmitt, Christian Jenkner, Francesco Polo
  • Patent number: 9863198
    Abstract: A sensor transportation apparatus to convey a sensor assembly through a wellbore. The apparatus comprising has an engagement structure to connect the sensor transportation apparatus to the sensor assembly, and one or more wheels arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor assembly when the transportation apparatus is connected to the sensor assembly. An orientation structure defining a form having a transverse outline which has a rotational center, wherein the rotational center is offset from a centroidal axis of the elongate sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PETROMAC IP LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen Peter McCormick
  • Patent number: 9822590
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for testing inductively coupled downhole systems are described. An example inductive coupler assembly for use in a wellbore includes an inductive coupler fixed to a completion in the wellbore, a drill pipe, a portion of which is to be located adjacent to the inductive coupler, and a sleeve surrounding the portion of the drill pipe to reduce a reluctance of a magnetic circuit including the inductive coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benoit Deville, Yann Dufour
  • Patent number: 9632512
    Abstract: A device for containment of fluid escaping from a pipe, comprising a can having a surrounding wall and a bottom: The bottom is formed of bottom segments that combine to form a bottom opening with a bottom inward facing sealing surface for sealing against the pipe. The surrounding wall is formed of wall segments that combine to form an enclosure defining an interior of the can. The drain further comprises a drain opening exposed to the interior of the can. The can may include fluid level sensors that activate a suction pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Katch Kan Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Quinn A. J. Holtby, Dallas L. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 9605506
    Abstract: A stuffing box lubrication system for oilfield pumping units automatically delivers to the stuffing box, at specified time intervals, a precise volume of lubricant. The stuffing box lubrication system has a grease reservoir, a pump, a controller, a high pressure hose and grease fitting, and a stuffing box which receives the grease. In situations where the stuffing box in use is not equipped with a ported inlet for receiving the grease, the present invention may further include a stuffing box adapter, having a ported inlet, where the stuffing box adapter couples with the stuffing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Jameson Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William Jameson, Ryan Utt
  • Patent number: 9556707
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features are directed to an electric subsurface safety valve including an integrated communications system that can be disposed in a wellbore. The electric subsurface safety valve can include a body adapted to be coupled to a cable, a communications system disposed in the body, and a closure mechanism. The body can be disposed within the wellbore. The communications system can include one or more transceiving devices and a processing device. The transceiving devices can communicate signals via the cable to a rig at the surface and can wirelessly communicate signals to target tool in the well system. The processing device can process signals received by the one or more transceiving devices for communication via the cable. The closure mechanism can be positioned in a passageway defined by the wellbore and can control a flow of fluid to through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James Dan Vick, Jr., Bruce Edward Scott, Joseph Steven Grieco
  • Patent number: 9528347
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features are directed to an electric subsurface safety valve including an integrated communications system that can be disposed in a wellbore. The electric subsurface safety valve can include a body adapted to be coupled to a cable, a communications system disposed in the body, and a closure mechanism. The body can be disposed within the wellbore. The communications system can include one or more transceiving devices and a processing device. The transceiving devices can communicate signals via the cable to a rig at the surface and can wirelessly communicate signals to target tool in the well system. The processing device can process signals received by the one or more transceiving devices for communication via the cable. The closure mechanism can be positioned in a passageway defined by the wellbore and can control a flow of fluid to through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James Dan Vick, Jr., Bruce Edward Scott, Joseph Steven Grieco
  • Patent number: 9416653
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore for performing a treatment operation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include an inner string that further includes a first tubular having a first communication link, and a service tool including a cross-over tool having a fluid flow passage therein for supplying a treatment fluid under pressure from an inside of the service tool to an outside of the service tool, and wherein the service tool includes a second communication link operatively coupled to the first communication link and wherein the second communication link runs across or through the fluid flow passage in the cross-over tool that is protected from direct flow of the fluid under pressure from the inside of the service tool to the outside of the service tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9382761
    Abstract: A method for reducing vibration of a drilling tool assembly is disclosed. The method includes modeling the drilling tool assembly based on input parameters, simulating a vibration of a drill string coupled with a vibration of a drill bit, determining an initial total vibration from output parameters generated by the simulation, determining a location for at least one vibrational control device based on the initial total vibration to reduce the initial total vibration, and disposing the at least one vibrational control device on the drill string at the determined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sujian J. Huang, Stuart Oliver, Graham Stronach
  • Patent number: 9347289
    Abstract: Blowout preventer systems are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a blowout preventer, a plurality of position sensing mechanisms, a plurality of pressure sensing mechanisms, and a controller configured to receive position data indicating a position of a piston and pressure data indicating the pressure of hydraulic fluid being applied to the piston, and to determine a current stroking pressure signature or fingerprint during a closing cycle, which when compared to a baseline stroking pressure signature or fingerprint, can provide an indication of the health of one or more components of the operator containing the piston. The controller can also determine a backlash of the ram block, and/or to record a position of the ram block, and/or to calculate an instant when a supplemental closing pressure is desired to be applied, and/or to determine when maintenance of a ram locking mechanism is due, and/or to determine when sealing elements are worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Hydril USA Distribution LLC
    Inventors: Robert Arnold Judge, Eric L. Milne
  • Patent number: 9303506
    Abstract: A measurement system for collecting data. The measurement system includes a tubular suspended downhole, the tubular having an outer surface and a flowbore extending therethrough, the flowbore conveying a fluid, a first recess formed in the outer surface of the tubular, a first detection system mounted in the first recess, a second recess formed in the outer surface of the tubular, and a second detection system mounted in the second recess. The second recess is offset relative to the first recess by at least one of an axial distance and a circumferential distance. The first detection system is operable to measure a portion of the data, and the second detection system operable to measure another portion of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adan Hernandez Herrera, James H. Dudley, Michael Dewayne Finke, Christopher Allen Golla
  • Patent number: 9207352
    Abstract: An apparatus for initializing a tool configured to be moved along a wellbore includes at least one directional reference system configured to provide data indicative of an orientation of the at least one directional reference system with respect to a reference direction. The apparatus further includes a mounting portion configured to be mechanically coupled to the tool such that the tool has a predetermined orientation with respect to the at least one directional reference system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Gyrodata, Incorporated
    Inventors: John Lionel Weston, Roger Ekseth