Patents Assigned to Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
  • Split Foldback Rings with Anti-Hooping Band
    Publication number: 20140262351
    Abstract: A device and method prevent damage to an anti-extrusion device on a tool, such as a plug or a packer, prior to and during setting of the tool. Typically, the upper or outer edges of the anti-extrusion device are relatively delicate. A reinforcing band on the device's sheath strengthens or armors the upper or outer edge of the anti-extrusion device so the anti-extrusion device may be protected while running the tool into the well or casing. Longitudinal slots on the sheath allow the sheath to expand at least partially with the expansion of the sealing element, while the reinforcing band resists expansion of the distal edge of the sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Derby
  • TUBULAR HANDLING APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20140262526
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; and an actuation assembly for actuating the gripping assembly, wherein the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the actuation assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor STANKOVIC, Martin LIESS, Karsten HEIDECKE
  • CONTROLLER FOR DOWNHOLE TOOL
    Publication number: 20140262211
    Abstract: A controller for operating a downhole tool includes a tubular body; a seat disposed in the body for receiving first and second pump-down plugs, at least a portion of one of the seat and the plugs being radially displaceable to pass through or allow passage of the other at a first threshold pressure differential; a catcher located below the seat for receiving the plugs after passing through the seat; a toggle linked to the seat to alternate between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to seating of the plugs; and a control mandrel for engaging a piston of the downhole tool and linked to the toggle: to be longitudinally movable between a first position and a second position when the toggle is unlocked, and to be prevented from movement from the first position to the second position when the toggle is locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Wei Jake XU, Albert C. ODELL, II
  • BARRIER FOR A DOWNHOLE TOOL
    Publication number: 20140262206
    Abstract: A barrier assembly for use with a downhole pump includes a first tubular adapter; a second tubular adapter; a braided sleeve disposed between the first tubular adapter and the second tubular adapter, wherein the sleeve is configured to block passage of a particulate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick David FERGUSON, Mark Gerald MILLER, John Edward STACHOWIAK, JR.
  • Resettable Ball Seat for Hydraulically Actuating Tools
    Publication number: 20140262325
    Abstract: A downhole tool has a housing, mandrel, and ball seat. The housing defines a first bore, and the mandrel defines a second bore. The mandrel is disposed in the first bore of the housing and defines an annular space with the housing. The ball seat is rotatably disposed in the second bore of the mandrel and defines an interior passage with a seat profile. First and second pistons are disposed in the annular space on opposing sides of the ball seat. These first and second pistons are movable along an axis of the tool in the annular space in opposing directions and are adapted to rotate the ball seat. Additionally, first and second biasing members are disposed in the annular space and bias the first and second pistons toward one another to reset the ball seat in the absence of pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Candido Castro
  • Fill up tool
    Patent number: 8833471
    Abstract: A fill up tool includes a mandrel; a primary sealing member disposed around the mandrel; and a selectively operable secondary sealing member activated by rotation of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the selectively operable secondary sealing member is activated using hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Duane Wiens, Yury P. Gutsu, Benson Thomas, Karsten Heidecke, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, Jr., Rodney Stephens, Russell W. Thompson, Patrick James Zimmerman
  • Pipe handling system
    Patent number: 8833470
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pipe handling system for use with a tubular joining system. In one aspect, a method of forming a string of pipe using a joining assembly at a wellbore is provided. The joining assembly includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool. The method includes the step of picking up the pipe joint using an elevator. The method further includes the step of positioning a lower end of the pipe joint adjacent an end of a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool. The method also includes the step of moving the internal joining tool from a first position to a second position relative to the elevator, wherein the second position is between the pipe joint and the string of pipe. The method further includes the step of forming a connection between the pipe joint and the string of pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Karsten Heidecke, Michael Hayes, Frederick T. Tilton, Doyle F. Boutwell, Jr., Robert Badrak, Joseph Ross Rials, David J. Havens
  • Extended Length Packer with Timed Setting
    Publication number: 20140251640
    Abstract: A device and method to control the rate of radial expansion of a compressible sealing element on a packer over the longitudinal length of the sealing element. By varying the rate of compression of the element, the rate of radial expansion of the corresponding portions of the element may also be controlled. Additionally, the rate of radial expansion may also be controlled by controlling the direction and amount of radial expansion along the length of the sealing by reinforcing certain portions of the sealing element while decreasing the rigidity of the reinforcement for other portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael C. Derby, Brandon C. Goodman, Paul L. Smith, Simon J. Harrall
  • Millable Fracture Balls Composed of Metal
    Publication number: 20140251594
    Abstract: A ball is used for engaging in a downhole seat and can be milled out after use. The ball has a spherical body with an outer surface. An interior of the spherical body is composed of a metallic material, such as aluminum. The spherical body has a plurality of holes formed therein. The holes extend from at least one common vertex point on the outer surface of the spherical body and extend at angles partially into the interior of the spherical body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar G. Garcia, Michael Rossing
  • Assembly for Toe-to-Heel Gravel Packing and Reverse Circulating Excess Slurry
    Publication number: 20140251609
    Abstract: A treatment assembly treats zones of a horizontal borehole. For example, the assembly can gravel pack a zone by delivering slurry down a workstring. The slurry exits the workstring's outlet and pass to the borehole annulus of the zone through a flow port in the assembly. The gravel in the slurry can pack the borehole in an alpha-beta wave from toe to heel, and the fluid returns from the borehole flow through a screen back into the assembly. After gravel packing, operators remove excess slurry from the workstring by reverse circulating down the assembly to carry the excess slurry uphole through the workstring. Closures on the assembly prevent the reverse circulation from communicating through the screens to the borehole annulus. Additionally, flow valves can be used on the flow ports to selectively open and close them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: John P. Broussard, Christopher A. Hall
  • CEMENT PLUG LOCATION
    Publication number: 20140251603
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a system and a method for locating a cement plug within a wellbore. The system includes a signal transmitter mounted to the cement plug, a receiver at the opening to the wellbore, one clock positioned on the cement plug and in communication with the transmitter, a second clock which is synchronized to the first clock and in communication with the receiver, and a controller for triggering the transmittal of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Marius Raducanu, Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Sorin Gabriel Teodorescu
  • CONSUMABLE DOWNHOLE PACKER OR PLUG
    Publication number: 20140251612
    Abstract: A packer or plug for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular mandrel made from a composite material including a pyrotechnic composition; an expandable seal disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel; and an igniter operable to initiate combustion of the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey POWERS
  • Latch position indicator system and method
    Patent number: 8826988
    Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
  • ARRAY TEMPERATURE SENSING METHOD AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140245588
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring conditions in a well-bore using multiple cane-based sensors. The apparatus includes an array of cane-based Bragg grating sensors located in a single conduit for use in the well-bore. For some embodiments, each sensor is located at a different linear location along the conduit allowing for increased monitoring locations along the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor MACDOUGALL, John J. GRUNBECK, James R. DUNPHY, Domino TAVERNER, Guy A. DAIGLE, Richard T. JONES, Milton E. IVES, JR.
  • Apparatus and method for measuring the acoustic impedance of wellbore fluids
    Patent number: 8824240
    Abstract: An ultrasonic scanner tool employs a transducer that excites a target plate at a known distance from the transducer. One side of the target plate forms a chamber that in operation is filled with wellbore fluid. On the other side of the target plate, a chamber is formed containing a vacuum or a fluid with a significantly lower acoustic impedance than the wellbore fluid and the target plate, allowing an improved measurement of the acoustic impedance of the wellbore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin K. Roberts, Lucio Nelson Tello
  • Erosion Ports for Shunt Tubes
    Publication number: 20140238657
    Abstract: A gravel pack apparatus for a wellbore has a shunt tube disposed along the apparatus near a wellscreen. The shunt tube is typically composed of stainless steel and has an internal passage for conducting slurry. Along its length, the tube has flow ports for passing the conducted slurry into the wellbore. The exit ports can use erosion inserts composed of erodible material, barrier inserts having breakable barriers, flow nozzles with external sheaths or caps, erosion-resistant bushings disposed on the flow nozzles, etc. The tube can also include a tube body having the exit ports and flow nozzles integrally formed thereon. The tube body can couple end-to-end with sections of shunt tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Sladic, Stephen McNamee, John Broussard, Christopher A. Hall, Floyd R. Simonds
  • MONOLITHIC MULTI-OPTICAL-WAVEGUIDE PENETRATOR OR CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20140241693
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a monolithic multi-optical-waveguide penetrator or connector. One example apparatus generally includes a plurality of large diameter optical waveguides, each having a core and a cladding, and a body having a plurality of bores with the optical waveguides disposed therein, wherein at least a portion of the cladding of each of the optical waveguides is fused with the body, such that the apparatus is a monolithic structure. Such an apparatus provides for a cost- and space-efficient technique for feedthrough of multiple optical waveguides. Also, the body may have a large outer diameter which can be shaped into features of interest, such as connection alignment or feedthrough sealing features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas W. F. Engel
  • CAPILLARY HANGER ARRANGEMENT FOR DEPLOYING CONTROL LINE IN EXISTING WELLHEAD
    Publication number: 20140238698
    Abstract: To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Richard C. Jones, Jean-Luc Jacob, Todd Travis, Brandon Cain, Eric Calzoncinth, Paul Perez
  • ACOUSTIC BOREHOLE IMAGING TOOL
    Publication number: 20140241111
    Abstract: A logging system for producing borehole images of acoustic properties of formations penetrated by the borehole. Images of formation compressional wave and shear wave velocities are generated in real time. The system can be a LWD system with a source section that comprises a unipole, dipole, quadrupole or other acoustic source. The receiver section comprises multiple receiver stations disposed at different axial spacings from the acoustic source. The system requires that the source and receiver sections rotate synchronously as the logging tool is conveyed along the borehole. Receiver responses are measured in a plurality of azimuthal angle segments and processed as a function of rotation angle of the tool. Acoustic parameters of interest are obtained from the azimuthal receiver responses at annotated depths along the borehole and used to produce borehole images of the parameters of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
  • MULTI-CORE OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE FOR MULTI-PARAMETER SENSING
    Publication number: 20140241681
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting light along multiple pathways using a multi-core optical device. One example apparatus generally includes a plurality of large diameter optical waveguides, each having a core and a cladding, and a body having a plurality of bores with the optical waveguides disposed therein, wherein at least a portion of the cladding of each of the optical waveguides is fused with the body, such that the apparatus is a monolithic structure. Such an apparatus provides for a cost- and space-efficient technique for feedthrough of multiple optical waveguides. Also, the body may have a large outer diameter which can be shaped into features of interest, such as connection alignment or feedthrough sealing features. For some embodiments, at least some of the cores may have different structural parameters (e.g., size and/or shape).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher S. BALDWIN, Thomas W. F. ENGEL