Patents Assigned to Weatherford Technologies Holdings, LLC
  • Patent number: 11359445
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method for making up a tubular joint. The method includes rotating a first tubular relative to a second tubular to engage the first and second tubulars while measuring a torque between the first and second tubulars, calculating a set point of a relative rotational speed between the first and second tubulars using the measured torque, and using the calculated set point with a closed-loop controller to control the relative rotational speed between the first and second tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Ruehmann, Christina Karin Hebebrand
  • Patent number: 11339643
    Abstract: A sensor assembly can include a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a housing assembly containing the gyroscope and the accelerometer. An axis of the gyroscope can be collinear with an axis of the accelerometer. A method of inspecting a well pumping unit can include attaching a sensor assembly to the pumping unit, recording acceleration versus time data, and in response to an amplitude of the acceleration versus time data exceeding a predetermined threshold, transforming the data to acceleration versus frequency data. A method of balancing a well pumping unit can include comparing peaks of acceleration versus rotational orientation data to peaks of acceleration due to circular motion, and adjusting a position of a counterweight, thereby reducing a difference between the peaks of acceleration due to circular motion and the peaks of the acceleration versus rotational orientation data for subsequent operation of the pumping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Clark E. Robison, Bryan A. Paulet
  • Patent number: 11339635
    Abstract: An artificial lift system can include an actuator operable to reciprocate a rod string in the well, the actuator including a piston reciprocably disposed in a cylinder, and a piston rod connected to the piston, and a rod rotator that continuously rotates the piston rod relative to the cylinder as the piston displaces in a longitudinal direction relative to the cylinder. A method of rotating a rod string can include connecting the rod string to a piston rod of an actuator, longitudinally reciprocating the piston rod relative to a cylinder of the actuator and a mandrel of a rod rotator, and rotating the piston rod relative to the mandrel in response to the reciprocating, the mandrel being disposed at least partially within the piston rod during the rotating. A rod rotator can include a mandrel having a helical external profile configured to attach to a cylinder of a hydraulic actuator, an internal profile complementarily shaped relative to the external profile, and a one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 11333004
    Abstract: A piston initiator is used on an assembly having a milling tool and a whipstock for creating a sidetrack in a wellbore. A piston disposed in an uphole position in a bore of the milling tool seals the bore from communicating with the port. A line from the port can communicate pressure to components on the whipstock for initiating their activation. The piston is movable from the uphole position, but is held by a releasable connection configured to release the piston in response to a predetermined force from fluid flow in a downhole direction against an exposed surface area of the piston. An uphole shoulder in the milling tool prevents movement of the piston in an uphole direction so the piston does not stress the releasable connection in response to reverse fluid flow through the milling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Taylor, Jr., Ronald G. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11326403
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Danny W. Wagoner, Tuong T. Le
  • Publication number: 20220136354
    Abstract: A magnet assembly for a debris collection tool includes first and second annular end bands, between which is disposed an annular arrangement of magnets. The magnet assembly includes a plurality of bridges, each bridge disposed between the first and second annular end bands and between circumferentially adjacent magnets of the annular arrangement of magnets. The first and second annular end bands are substantially of a non-magnetic material, and the bridges are substantially of a magnetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Daniel GARCIA
  • Patent number: 11319770
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a downhole tool including a retained object. The downhole tool includes a longitudinal axis, a cone including a seat having an opening, and a shoe member. The downhole tool further includes a slip assembly disposed between the cone and the shoe member. The downhole tool further includes a mandrel disposed in the opening of the seat. The downhole tool further includes an attachment member attaching the mandrel to the shoe member, wherein the attachment member is eccentric to the longitudinal axis. The downhole tool further includes a setting sleeve abutting the cone. The downhole tool further includes the object, wherein the object configured to engage with the seat, and wherein the object is disposed between the mandrel and the setting sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jorge Reyes Villegas, Nauman H. Mhaskar
  • Patent number: 11306562
    Abstract: A stage tool used in a wellbore has a housing consisting of two sub-housings that couple together. A first sleeve is movably disposed in the housing bore and is held closed with a temporary connection relative to a side port of the housing. The first sleeve has a first seat of millable material. A second sleeve is also movably disposed in the housing bore and is held opened with a temporary connection relative to the side port. The second sleeve has a second seat of millable material. An opening plug is landed on the first seat so pressure can break the connection and shift the first sleeve open relative to the side port. After pumping cement out of the tool, a closing plug is pumped to the second seat so pressure can break the connection and shift the second sleeve closed relative to the side port. The first sleeve includes a bypass that allows for fluid to pass beyond the seated plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Eric R. Evans, Joshua V. Symms, Yidara Wolf
  • Patent number: 11306561
    Abstract: A completion assembly defines a throughbore and comprises an isolation valve configurable between an open state (permitting fluid to flow through the throughbore) and a closed state (preventing fluid from flowing through the throughbore). A method for use in installing the assembly into a wellbore in a single trip comprises running the assembly into the wellbore with the valve in the open state until a downhole end of the assembly reaches a target position; injecting a fluid through the throughbore and the valve when the valve is in the open state; configuring the valve into the closed state; and performing a pressure integrity test of the throughbore above the valve. The valve is configurable between the open and closed states without any requirement for the valve to be mechanically engaged by an activation member or a tool whilst the valve receives power from a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Franklin, Euan Murdoch, Christopher Munro
  • Patent number: 11293256
    Abstract: A downhole tool with a radially expandable sealing element, such as a packer or plug. The sealing element employs metallic support rings disposed on the sealing element outer surface for preventing extrusion during run-in and for clamping the sealing element to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Goodman, Cesar Garcia, James Rochen
  • Patent number: 11293244
    Abstract: A downhole tool for engaging a downhole tubular includes a slip assembly. The slip assembly may include a slip body; a slip insert disposed in the slip body, the slip insert comprising a dissolvable metal alloy; and a plurality of gripping elements coupled to the slip insert, the gripping element configured to engage the downhole tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Nauman H. Mhaskar, Jorge Reyes Villegas, James A. Rochen, Jose L. Arredondo
  • Patent number: 11293269
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
  • Patent number: 11286750
    Abstract: A stop collar assembly includes a collar having inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface includes a taper. The outer surface includes a slope such that an outer diameter at a start of the slope is greater than an outer diameter at an end of the slope. The stop collar assembly further includes a slip having a bottom end and a taper adjoining the bottom end. The slip taper is configured to contact the collar taper. When the collar taper is in contact with the slip taper, a distance from a central radial axis of the collar to the start of the slope is less than a distance from the central radial axis to the slip bottom end, and the distance from the central radial axis to the slip bottom end is less than a distance from the central radial axis to the end of the slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery Morrison, Jobby T. Jacob
  • Patent number: 11280140
    Abstract: A gripper assembly for handling continuous rod. The gripper assembly may include a gripper face with a gripper profile forming a surface in the gripper face and a texture on a portion of the surface. The texture has a plurality of ridges having a yield strength sufficient to transfer a shear force to the gripper assembly at least as large as a weight of a continuous rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Hermann Basler
  • Patent number: 11274514
    Abstract: A mill for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing having a bore therethrough, a plurality of pockets formed in a wall thereof, and a blade disposed in each pocket. Each blade includes a body having a first side opposite a second side, wherein the first side faces in a direction of rotation of the mill. The blade also includes a blade portion disposed on the first side of the body, wherein the blade portion has a first cutting face stepped relative to a second cutting face. Each blade is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein a portion of the first side and the second side protrude from the housing in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Segura, Thomas F. Bailey, David J. Brunnert, Ram K. Bansal, Andrew Antoine
  • Patent number: 11268332
    Abstract: A riser extending from a floating rig includes one or more flow control devices having at least one flow connection and having at least one control connection. A riser manifold is disposed on the riser above the one or more flow control devices and has a first mechanical connector, a first flow coupling, and a first control coupling. A rig manifold can be manipulated by an arm to couple in an automated manner to the riser manifold when running the riser from the rig. The rig manifold has a second mechanical connector that mechanically connects to the first mechanical connector of the riser manifold. Additionally, the rig manifold has a second flow coupling mating with the first flow coupling of the riser manifold for conducting flow, and has a second control coupling mating with the first control coupling of the riser manifold for conducting control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Ziegler, Julmar Shaun S. Toralde, Gordon Thomson, Edvin Andersen, Øystein Christensen, Anthony James Reid
  • Patent number: 11261672
    Abstract: A centralizer assembly replaces an existing centralizer of a wireline tool so the tool can be used with smaller casing, such as casing smaller than 6-in. The assembly includes first and second centralizer units that replace the existing centralizer on a mandrel. Each unit has a sleeve that fits in a recess of the mandrel, and each unit has slider blocks disposed together in the recess on opposing sides of a divider on the sleeve. Arms hingedly connected to the blocks on each unit connect together at a joint having a roller for engaging in the casing. On each unit, a common pin is disposed through the slider blocks, and biasing elements on the common pin bias the blocks toward one another with different amounts of bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Brian A. Mohon, Bruce E. Dennis, Jess V. Ford
  • Patent number: 11261701
    Abstract: A shifting tool can include a flow restrictor outwardly extendable in a well. A method can include flowing a fluid through a flow restriction, thereby creating a pressure differential and, in response, shifting a closure member while the fluid flows through the flow restriction. Another method can include positioning a shifting tool in a tubular string, then outwardly extending keys from the shifting tool in response to fluid pressure applied to the shifting tool, then engaging the keys with a profile formed in a closure member, and then shifting the closure member between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Corey M. Kshyk, Todd A. Weirmeir, Andrew J. Hanson
  • Patent number: 11255171
    Abstract: A pump can include a plunger and a barrel, at one stroke extent flow being substantially restricted between the plunger and the barrel at spaced apart positions and a plunger interior passage in filtered communication with a fluid chamber between the positions, and at an opposite stroke extent the fluid chamber being in communication with the standing valve. A method can include displacing a plunger in one direction, thereby receiving filtered liquid into a fluid chamber, and b) displacing the plunger in an opposite direction, thereby transferring the liquid to a barrel interior passage. A system can include an actuator that reciprocates a rod string, and a pump including a plunger with a traveling valve, a barrel with a standing valve, and a filter that filters liquid which flows from a tubing string to a compression chamber disposed between the traveling valve and the standing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: William C. Lane, Douglas Hebert, John Stachowiak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11255157
    Abstract: A chemical injection valve can include a valve stem, flow between sections of a flow passage being prevented and permitted in respective closed and open positions of the valve stem, a resilient primary seal that prevents flow through an annular gap surrounding the valve stem in the closed position, and a bypass passage in communication with the annular gap and a flow passage section, and in communication with another flow passage section in the open position. A chemical injection system can include a chemical treatment pumped through a chemical injection valve and into an interior of a tubular string, and the chemical injection valve including a valve stem and a bypass passage extending between a flow passage section and an annulus surrounding the valve stem, the annulus being positioned longitudinally between a resilient primary seal and a metal secondary seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Zlatko X. Salihbegovic, Lance Racca, Donald M. King