Patents Examined by David Andrews
  • Independent dual actuated subsurface safety valve
    Patent number: 9206670
    Abstract: A downhole valve for use in a well has a closure device that is biased closed to seal against flow through the central bore of the valve. A plurality of pistons are each coupled to a respective hydraulic control line into the valve. Each piston is adapted to reside in an actuated position, supporting the closure open, when at least a specified hydraulic pressure is supplied through its control line, and to reside in an unactuated position, not supporting the closure open, when at least the specified hydraulic pressure is not present in its control line. The valve has a chamber containing a hydraulic fluid hydraulically coupling the pistons to support any piston not receiving the specified hydraulic pressure in an unactuated position. In certain aspects, when the piston is in the unactuated position, it seals against communication of fluid with its respective control line using a static-type seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew John Webber, Frank David Kalb
  • Systems and methods for cleaning a well face during formation testing operations
    Patent number: 9200503
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a well face during formation testing at a drill site is disclosed. A collection chamber disposed in a formation tester tool may be at least partially filled with cleansing fluid. The formation tester tool may be introduced into a wellbore and the cleansing fluid may be ejected through a probe coupled to the formation tester tool. The collection chamber may then be at least partially filled with a formation fluid sample. A face of the probe may be contacted by a retractable cleaning mechanism coupled to the formation tester tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Clive D. Menezes
  • Flow control hanger and polished bore receptacle
    Patent number: 9200498
    Abstract: A completion system is provided for completing downhole wells, comprising an upper polished bore receptacle incorporated into an intermediate casing of the downhole well and formed with a honed inner bore. A bottom packer for supporting a completion string within the intermediate casing has a first sealing assembly for sealing engagement against the inner bore of the upper polished bore receptacle. A lower polished bore receptacle is further incorporated into the intermediate casing and formed with a honed inner bore. A flow control hanger in the form of a hollow mandrel hangs a production liner in the intermediate casing and has a second sealing assembly for sealing engagement against an inner bore of the lower polished bore receptacle. A further completion system is provided comprising a polished bore receptacle (PBR) and a latch down packer having a lower end to which the PBR is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: KLIMACK HOLDINS INC.
    Inventor: Brian K. Klimack
  • Downhole power delivery tool powered by hydrostatic pressure
    Patent number: 9194210
    Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to downhole power delivery tools using hydrostatic pressure within the wellbore. In one aspect, a downhole power delivery tool is provided that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The downhole power delivery tool includes a body defining an inlet proximate to a chamber in the body, an actuation mechanism in the body and adjacent to the inlet, and a piston proximate to the chamber. The actuation mechanism can allow communication of hydrostatic pressure via the inlet to the chamber from an annulus external to the body in response to an actuation force being applied to the actuation mechanism. The hydrostatic pressure communicated to the chamber applies a first force to the piston. The piston applies a second force to a rod movable relative to the body in response to the first force being applied to the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie Robert Williamson, Jr.
  • Systems, assemblies and processes for controlling tools in a wellbore
    Patent number: 9194227
    Abstract: A dedicated hydraulic line for transmission of a signal device capable of generating one or more unique signals to one or more tools within a subterranean well. Each tool can be equipped with a reader device for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to the signal device. Each reader device can control operation of the tool associated therewith if the reader device is programmed to respond to signals received from the control device. Hydraulic fluid used to operate the tool can be conveyed via the dedicated hydraulic line or a separate hydraulic line. A separate hydraulic line can be used to reset the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventors: Philip M. Snider, Daniel G. Purkis
  • Systems and methods of a clamp for a sample bottle assembly
    Patent number: 9187998
    Abstract: A method and apparatus according to which one or more zones of interest within a hydrocarbon wellbore are tested. In several exemplary embodiments, the apparatus includes a drill collar section including an outer surface, a pocket accessible through an aperture in the outer surface, a bottle assembly disposed within the pocket, and an intermediate clamp coupled to the outer surface and spanning the pocket. In several exemplary embodiments, the intermediate clamp has an axial length less than an axial length of the bottle assembly. The intermediate clamp is adapted to at least partially retain a sample bottle assembly within the pocket when the sample bottle drill collar section is disposed within the hydrocarbon wellbore. In several exemplary embodiments, the drill collar section further includes at least one of: one or more spacers disposed within the pocket and an epoxy disposed within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher V. Sherrill, Clive D. Menezes
  • Parking and automatic handling equipment of drilling rods and associated drilling machine
    Patent number: 9181765
    Abstract: Parking and automatic handling equipment of drilling rods (10) includes a carousel (20) of containers (30) of drilling rods (40); and a rod handling system (100), positioned on a drilling machine. A handling arm (101) transfers the drilling rods (40) out of the carousel (20). The carousel (20) defines a closed path around which are arranged the containers (30) of drilling rods (40); the carousel (20) includes an internal structure (22) for supporting the containers (30) movable on a closed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: DRILLMEC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Ferrari
  • Downhole supercapacitor device
    Patent number: 9169719
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Laser material processing tool
    Patent number: 9168612
    Abstract: An apparatus for laser drilling including a laser beam emitter disposed within a housing having at least one laser beam outlet and at least one purge fluid outlet. At least one actuated nozzle is disposed within the housing for providing a purge fluid through the purge fluid outlet and having functional control for synchronized programmable activation patterns. Laser beam control is provided for directing a laser beam over a target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: Gas Technology Institute, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Wilkiel, Neal Gregory Skinner, Timothy Holiman Hunter
  • Extendable and elongating mechanism for centralizing a downhole tool within a subterranean wellbore
    Patent number: 9163500
    Abstract: An apparatus including a downhole tool for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a feature to physically interface a sidewall of the wellbore, and first and second setting pistons each extendable from the downhole tool opposite the feature. The downhole tool also includes a rigid member spanning and extendable with the first and second setting pistons, wherein a length of the rigid member is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chen Tao, Thomas W. Meyer
  • Method for drilling a borehole
    Patent number: 9157314
    Abstract: In a method for drilling a borehole real time geosteering data, including natural gamma ray data is obtained for a plurality of borehole positions for drilling a borehole along a projected trajectory. A formation layer having a thickness equal to or greater than the natural gamma ray sphere of influence and having a first lithology is identified. Data is processed for subsequent borehole positions. Upon location of the boundary of a formation layer of different lithology within the natural gamma ray sphere of influence, at least two points of the different formation layer boundary are determined by using the inverse problem methods, and an extrapolation ahead of the drill bit of at least two points is made utilizing the boundary to determine whether to change the borehole trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Pogrebinsky
  • Downhole gas release apparatus
    Patent number: 9151145
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus for use with a traveling valve assembly of a downhole pump for releasing gas and thereby breaking gas locks. The apparatus comprises a piston slidably disposed within a cylindrical housing, the piston being driven by an attached plunger element. On the down stroke of the pump, the piston protrudes through end of the cylindrical housing engaging and opening the adjacent valve. On the up stroke of the pump, the piston retracts into the cylindrical housing, disengaging from the valve allowing it to close. Fluid flows along the outer surface of the apparatus by means of fluid ports connected by defined fluid passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBAL OIL AND GAS SUPPLIES INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Scott
  • Sacrificial plug for use with a well screen assembly
    Patent number: 9151143
    Abstract: A well screen assembly for use downhole comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restrictor disposed in the fluid pathway, and a plug disposed in series with the flow restrictor in the fluid pathway. The plug substantially prevents a fluid flow through the fluid pathway. The plug is configured to be at least partially dissolvable when contacted by a fluid, and the fluid comprises a chemical configured to dissolve the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke William Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Casing manipulation assembly with hydraulic torque locking mechanism
    Patent number: 9145734
    Abstract: Devices and method for engaging a casing member for manipulation. A hydraulic torque locking mechanism is incorporated into a casing manipulation assembly. The hydraulic torque locking mechanism includes a clutch mechanism that is actuated using surface pump pressure from tool circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Daniel R. Hart
  • Fluid velocity-driven circulation tool
    Patent number: 9145748
    Abstract: Apparatus for diverting fluid flow out of a working string, having a primary sub housing defining an axial bore and one or more primary sub housing circulation ports; a valve within the housing and defining one or more valve circulation ports. The valve ports are in fluid communication with the housing ports when the valve is in an open circulation position. One or more fluid-impinged surfaces are included and disposed within the primary sub housing and in operative connection with the valve. Fluid flowing through the primary sub housing impinges upon the fluid-impinged surfaces and, at a sufficient flow rate, causes the valve to move so as to actuate the valve in opposition to a biasing force operating on the valve and into open circulation position to cause flow of fluid out of the valve and primary sub housing through the aligned valve and primary housing ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: C&J Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle R. Meier, Christopher R. Arnold
  • Stabilizing members for fixed cutter drill bit
    Patent number: 9145740
    Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation includes a first blade having a cutter-supporting surface. The cutting profiles of cutting faces of primary cutter elements mounted to the cutter-supporting surface define an outermost cutting profile Po in rotated profile view. A stabilizing member may be included, having an end distal the cutter-supporting surface including a tip. The tip may be offset from the outermost cutting profile Po in rotated profile view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bala Durairajan, Dwayne P. Terracina
  • Method and apparatus for forming a borehole
    Patent number: 9145738
    Abstract: A jetting nozzle for forming boreholes or for cleaning out other tubular formations has a vibration-inducing mechanism that maximizing penetration rates and expands the diameter of the boreholes. The vibration-inducing mechanism can be an internal turbine responsive to the flow of pressurized jetting fluid through the nozzle. The nozzle has forward openings defining a voraxial spray pattern for the forward-directed jetting portion of the fluid exiting the nozzle. The nozzle can also have a pointed end that is adapted to penetrate the formation. The vibration also reduces friction between the fluid supply hose and the borehole being jetted through the formation by the nozzle. A system for forming boreholes with the jetting nozzle and a method of forming boreholes is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin Mazarac
  • Downhole supercapacitor device
    Patent number: 9145760
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Hydrocarbon resource heating device including superconductive material RF antenna and related methods
    Patent number: 9140099
    Abstract: A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna positioned within the wellbore. The RF antenna may include a superconductive material. The device may include an RF source configured to supply RF power to the RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Francis E. Parsche
  • Acoustic triggering devices for multiple fluid samplers
    Patent number: 9140116
    Abstract: A method for capturing a sample from a wellbore, comprising the steps of introducing a first message and a second message into a tubing positioned within the wellbore. The first message is directed to a first modem connected to a first sampler device to cause the first sampler device to collect a first sample. The second message is directed to a second modem connected to a second sampler device to cause the second sampler device to collect a second sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Malcolm Atkinson, John Stevens, Adeel Khan, Susanna Fragoso, Laurent Alteirac, Jim Filas