Patents Assigned to Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
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Publication number: 20240247565Abstract: A downhole tool, such an interval control valve, for use in a well has multiple motors and two drive assemblies to displace a yoke. A member, such as a sliding sleeve, of the downhole tool is connected to the yoke and can be actuated in response to the displacement of the yoke. The drive assemblies include first and second rotatable screws, and the yoke is disposed on the screws. Each motor can produce drive to rotate a respective screw. A respective gear is rotatable in association with at least the rotation of its associated screw. An intermediate gear is engaged between these two gears. The intermediate gear interconnects the rotation of the two screws forcing them to rotate at the same speed. Likewise, the intermediate gear balances the drive of the motors forcing the two screws to rotate at the same speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2023Publication date: July 25, 2024Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Nauman H. Mhaskar, Don A. Hopmann, Sebastiaan J. Wolters
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Patent number: 12044097Abstract: A wellbore isolation assembly includes an outer component and an inner component. The outer component is disposed at a first location in a wellbore. The inner component is disposed at a second location in the wellbore. The inner component is moved from the second location into engagement with the outer component at the first location to form a barrier within the wellbore. The wellbore isolation assembly is retrievable from the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2023Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Jeffrey O. Herndon
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Publication number: 20240229598Abstract: A plug for use in a wellbore has a piston that is movable on a body. A control valve is disposed in communication between the wellbore and a piston chamber and can capture wellbore pressure in the piston chamber. A closure on the body can transition from a closed condition to an open condition relative to the port in response to the movement of the piston. A fixture releasably holds the closure in the closed condition on the body. The fixture releases in response an increased pressure differential on the piston above an initial pressure differential between the captured chamber pressure and the wellbore pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2023Publication date: July 11, 2024Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric R. EVANS, Jobby T. JACOB, Joshua V. SYMMS
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Publication number: 20240209731Abstract: A fiber optic cable conducts optical fiber to downhole gauges in a wellbore. Cable connections are used to protect splicing of the optical fiber between cable sections and the gauges. The cable connection includes adjoining tubes, which have passages for the optical fiber. The tubes are nested together and enclose the splicing of the optical fiber. A cable-end tube is affixed to a section of the cable with the passage overlaying a jacket of the cable, and a gauge-end tube is affixed to an end of the downhole gauge with the passage overlaying the end of the downhole gauge. At least one spanning tube has ends that are affixed nested inside the passages of the adjoining ones of the tubes. The cable connections allow the cable and gauges to be wound on a spool or reel for installing into the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2022Publication date: June 27, 2024Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Jason S. Kiddy, Edward M. Dowd, Hongbo Li
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Patent number: 12006800Abstract: A gravel pack assembly for a borehole has first and second joints and a foil. The basepipes of the joints connect end-to-end, and both of the basepipes have filters for filtering fluid passage from a borehole into bores of the basepipes. Transport tubes are disposed along the first and second joint, and a jumper tube expands across the connected ends of the basepipes and connects the transport tubes together. The foil encloses an area across the connected ends. The foil has an external surface defining an annulus thereabout with the borehole. The foil has end rings abutting the filters of the joints. At least a section of the foil leaks fluid from the borehole to the area enclosed by the foil, and at least a filter portion of the assembly filters the leaked fluid from the area to at least one of the first and second bores.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2020Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: John S. Sladic, Stephen McNamee
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Patent number: 12000219Abstract: A method of making-up tubular string components can include inputting to an image processor image data output from at least one camera, the image processor in response detecting positions of a tubular and a mark on another tubular, threading the tubulars with each other while inputting position data from the image processor to a controller, and the controller terminating the threading in response to the position of the mark relative to the position of the first tubular being within a predetermined range. Another method of making-up tubular string components can include, in response to inputting image data to an image processor, the image processor detecting longitudinal positions of two tubulars, threading the tubulars with each other, and a controller terminating the threading in response to the longitudinal position of one tubular relative to the longitudinal position of the other tubular being within a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2022Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Rainer Ruehmann, David Geissler, Benjamin Sachtleben, Christina Hebebrand
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Patent number: 11993999Abstract: A well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup having radially inward and radially outward portions, and a biasing device that exerts a biasing force against the radially outward portion of the anti-extrusion backup. A method of operating a well barrier can include setting the well barrier by decreasing a longitudinal distance between abutments of the well barrier, thereby compressing a seal element between the abutments, and unsetting the well barrier by increasing the longitudinal distance between the abutments and radially inwardly retracting an anti-extrusion backup positioned longitudinally between the seal element and one of the abutments. Another well barrier can include an annular seal element, an anti-extrusion backup, an abutment displaceable relative to the seal element to compress the seal element, a sleeve reciprocable relative to the abutment, and a biasing device that biases the sleeve toward the anti-extrusion backup.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Michael W. Mitchell, Gary D. Ingram
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Publication number: 20240167353Abstract: A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, has a carrier disposed on the tool between the opposing cones. Slips are disposed adjacent to the tool between the carrier and the cones. One arrangement has a proximal end of each slip connected by a linkage configured to articulate the proximal end relative to the carrier, while a distal end of each slip is configured to engage the cone opposed thereto. The linkage can be a linkage hingedly connected between the slip's proximal end and the carrier. Alternatively, the linkage can be a leaf spring flexibly connected between the slip's proximal end and the carrier. Another arrangement has linkages hingedly connected to the carrier and hingedly connected toward opposing ends of each slip. The linkages articulate the slip relative to the carrier while the ends of the slip engage the opposing cones.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2022Publication date: May 23, 2024Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Shawn J. Treadaway
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Patent number: 11988064Abstract: An apparatus can include a choke with a flow restrictor having at least two positions, a flow coefficient Cv of the choke with the flow restrictor in one position being less than with the flow restrictor in the other position, and an operational device that displaces the flow restrictor at a variable actuation rate, the actuation rate with the flow restrictor in one position being less than with the flow restrictor in the other position. A method can include displacing a flow restrictor, thereby decreasing a flow coefficient Cv of a choke, and decreasing a rate of change of the flow coefficient Cv in response to decreasing the flow coefficient Cv. A drilling system can include a choke with a flow restrictor, and a continuously variable transmission which causes an actuation rate to vary based on a position of the flow restrictor.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2021Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Paul R. Northam, Walter S. Dillard
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Patent number: 11970915Abstract: A tubular gripping assembly for handling a tubular includes a housing; a plurality of gripping members for gripping the tubular; a first fluid line for opening the gripping members, the first fluid line having a one-way valve; and second fluid line for closing the gripping members. The tubular gripping assembly also includes an indicator assembly attached to the housing. The indicator assembly has an indicator movable relative to the housing. The indicator assembly also includes a sensor valve configured to open the check valve for fluid communication through the first fluid line in response to relative axial movement between the indicator and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Martin Liess, Georg Zimbelmann
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Patent number: 11959352Abstract: A packer assembly includes a packer mandrel and a packing element disposed about the packer mandrel. An upper recovery sleeve is disposed about the packer mandrel and extending between the packer mandrel and an upper end of the packing element, and a lower recovery sleeve is disposed about the packer mandrel and extending between the packer mandrel and a lower end of the packing element. An upper backup assembly is movably disposed about the upper recovery sleeve and adjacent to the upper end of the packing element. A lower backup assembly is movably disposed about the lower recovery sleeve. The lower backup assembly has a lower backup ring assembly configured to enclose an outer surface of the lower end of the packing element. A retrieval sleeve is selectively movable relative to the lower backup ring assembly and configured to at least partially retract the lower backup ring assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Michael Wilbert Mitchell
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Patent number: 11939824Abstract: A tong for handling a tubular includes a jaw carrier having an active jaw movable from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the jaw carrier; a cam body disposed about the jaw carrier and rotatable relative to the cam body; and a brake assembly including an first brake member for engaging an upper surface coupled to the jaw carrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Kevin Wood, Arne Tjark Becker
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Patent number: 11933117Abstract: A tubular handling assembly includes an elevator and a tubular compensator assembly. The tubular compensator assembly includes a housing; a lift member coupled to the housing; a support member; and an actuator for moving the housing and the lift member relative to the support member and the elevator.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Troy F. Hill, Jimmy L. Hollingsworth
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Patent number: 11933415Abstract: A valve assembly can include a housing having multiple longitudinally spaced apart ports, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and at least one deflector ring configured to block flow through an annular space formed between the housing and an outer surface of the sleeve. The deflector ring is positioned longitudinally between an adjacent pair of the ports. Another valve assembly can include a housing having a port, a sleeve longitudinally displaceable in the housing, and a nozzle having an orifice in communication with the port. The nozzle is secured to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Nauman H. Mhaskar, Don A. Hopmann, Sebastiaan J. Wolters
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Patent number: 11920411Abstract: A drive unit of a top drive system includes a drive stem having a plurality of ports from an exterior thereof to an interior thereof. A plurality of sliding coupling members is disposed in the ports. A coupling collar encircles the drive stem and has actuation surfaces and recessed surfaces on an interior thereof, wherein the recessed surfaces align with the ports when the coupling collar is in a first position, and the actuation surfaces align with the ports when the coupling collar is in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Michael Henke, Michael Kratzert, Thomas Veit, Kevin Wood
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Patent number: 11905825Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrocarbon monitoring are provided. An example method (e.g., performed by a monitoring system) includes receiving one or more first downhole measurements including a first speed of sound (SoS) measurement of a flowing fluid at a first location, wherein a pressure of the flowing fluid at the first location is greater than a bubble-point pressure of the flowing fluid; receiving one or more second downhole measurements including a second SoS measurement of the flowing fluid at a second location, wherein a pressure of the flowing fluid at the second location is less than the bubble-point pressure of the flowing fluid and wherein the flowing fluid is a 3-phase fluid mixture at the second location; and calculating one or more phase flow rates of the 3-phase fluid mixture, based on the first SoS measurement, the second SoS measurement, and a measurement of a bulk velocity of the flowing fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: Omer Haldun Unalmis
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Patent number: 11886024Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: Thomas W. F. Engel
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Patent number: 11880084Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for making armored cables. An example method for making an armored cable includes forming a strip stock into an armor tubing; welding a seam of the armor tubing in a welding zone; inserting at least one of a first optical fiber or a first wire into a first end of a first guide tube, wherein: the first guide tube extends through the welding zone; the first guide tube protects the at least one of the first optical fiber or the first wire during the welding of the seam; and the first guide tube is not part of the armored cable after the making of the armored cable; and supporting the first guide tube within the armor tubing by a plurality of support legs such that the first guide tube does not contact the armor tubing.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2023Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Edward M. Dowd, Domino Taverner, John J. Grunbeck
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Patent number: 11867019Abstract: When cementing tubing in a borehole, a wet shoe track is created, and pressure testing of the tubing is performed. To do this, a wiper plug seats in a seat of an insert disposed in a first position in a flow bore of a tool. The insert is released and moved toward a second position in the flow bore in response to the first pressure applied against the seated wiper plug. A collar disposed on the wiper plug seats on a second seat disposed uphole of the first seat. The tubing is pressure tested by applying pressure down the tubing against the wiper plug with the collar seated in the second seat. Fluid communication is then established through the flow bore downhole of the wiper plug, the first seat, and the second seat by removing the collar from the wiper plug. This can create the wet shoe track.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Craig A. Wright, Zachary S. Trine
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Patent number: 11846277Abstract: A system for supplementing the electric power needed by a pump jack electric motor, thereby reducing the electric power purchased from the local utility or power supplier. The system comprises a solar photovoltaic system, or other forms of renewable energy, and regenerated power from the electric motor or drive. The system can be both “on-grid” and “off-grid.” Battery banks and capacitor banks may be used to store energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: Kavan Graybill