Patents Examined by George S Gray
  • Patent number: 11002084
    Abstract: A maneuvering member for selectively attaching an actuating rotary member to a head portion of a drilling assembly. The maneuvering member includes a frame having an axial-symmetrical tubular portion internally delimited by a cylindrical mantle. The frame includes a first end that selectively interfaces with the actuating rotary member, and a second end provided with an alignment member for interfacing with a corresponding alignment member of the head portion of the drilling assembly. Hydraulically actuated blocking means is positioned at the second end and includes a pin that is actuated by a hydraulic fluid in a radially movable manner with respect to the frame at the second end. The pin is actuated between a back position in which the pin is arranged flush with the cylindrical mantle, and a forward position in which the pin projects inside the cylindrical mantel to selectively release/secure the head portion of the drilling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: M.E.C. SRL MECCANICA ALFONSINE
    Inventor: Roberto Pirazzini
  • Patent number: 10995257
    Abstract: A two-step process to produce oil or gas from a subterranean formation wherein in a first step the subterranean formation is treated with an aqueous composition containing a chelating agent selected from the group of glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a salt thereof (GLDA), aspartic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a salt thereof (ASDA), methylglycine N,N-diacetic acid or a salt thereof (MGDA), and N-hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine N,N?,N?-triacetic acid or a salt thereof (HEDTA) and wherein, in a next step, in the outlet streams from the subterranean formation the aqueous phase is separated from the non-aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: NOURYON CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelia Adriana De Wolf, Hisham Nasr-El-Din, Estevao De Oliveira Barra, Edwin Rudolf Antony Bang, Theodor Johannes Stanitzek
  • Patent number: 10995584
    Abstract: A valve-type electric tool for downhole flow control using a holo-shaft motor. Said valve comprises: a housing provided with an infinitely variable choke where in seals work as gaskets both the outside and inside of the valve; a hollow-shaft servomotor inside said housing attached to a nut, and, additionally, when said motor is activated, the motor directly moves a sliding sleeve provided with an infinitely variable choke axis-wise said valve; and in which the movement of said motor is generated by of a spindle, created on the very same said sliding sleeve, and in which said valve is operated from the surface by a single electric cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: OURO NEGRO TECNOLOGIAS EM EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS S/A
    Inventor: Felipe Gherren Noel
  • Patent number: 10995972
    Abstract: A geo-energy production system and method extracts thermal energy from a reservoir formation, and stores either thermal waste heat or excess heat in a storage zone of the reservoir formation. A compressed fluid injection injects an unheated, compressed working fluid into the storage zone. A fluid injection well injects a working fluid laden with thermal waste heat or excess heat into the storage zone. The storage zone is located below a caprock layer and above a native brine zone of the reservoir formation and is partially circumscribed by a hot brine storage zone. The compressed working fluid assists with a withdrawal of pressurized brine residing below and/or to the sides of the storage zone. A compressed CO2, N2, or air production well helps to remove compressed working fluid from the storage zone for use in power production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Buscheck
  • Patent number: 10975682
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the resistance of a power cable of an ESP. The nameplate resistance of the motor is determined prior to installation of the ESP in the well, and the temperature is determined for a point in the well at which the motor will be positioned. The downhole temperature and nameplate resistance are used to calculate an initial downhole resistance of the motor. After the ESP is installed, but before operation of the ESP is initiated, the electric drive for the system generates a measurement voltage and applies the measurement voltage to the power cable and motor. The corresponding current is then measured and is used to calculate the resistance of the string (the combined power cable and motor). The calculated initial downhole resistance of the motor is then subtracted from the resistance of the string to obtain the resistance of the power cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan A Etter
  • Patent number: 10961782
    Abstract: A electrocrushing drill bit may include a bit body; an electrode coupled to a power source and the bit body, the electrode having a distal portion for engaging with a surface of a wellbore; a ground ring coupled to the bit body proximate to the electrode and having a distal portion for engaging with the surface of the wellbore, the electrode and the ground ring positioned in relation to each other such that an electric field produced by a voltage applied between the ground ring and the electrode is enhanced at a portion of the electrode proximate to the distal portion of the electrode and at a portion of the ground ring proximate to the distal portion of the ground ring; and an insulator coupled to the bit body between the electrode and the ground ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Chevron U.S.A. Inc., SDG LLC
    Inventor: William M. Moeny
  • Patent number: 10961828
    Abstract: Electrically ignitable and electrically controllable explosive material (EIECEM) may be disposed within a shaped charge for deployment downhole. An explosion of the EIECEM is controlled by limiting the duration of excitation at the EIECEM, for example, the duration that an electrical source provides an electrical charge, electrical current or electrical signal. The shaped charge may be insulated from an electrical source to prevent explosion of the EIECEM and coupled to the electrical source to create ignite or explode the EIECEM. A plurality of shaped charges may be disposed downhole and may be ignited or exploded in any suitable order. The EIECEM may be ignited multiple times such that multiple explosions are created. The explosion of the EIECEM creates or extends a perforation or fracture in a formation. The perforation or fracture (or cavity) may be filled by a fluid to repair or plug and abandon a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja, Stanley V. Stephenson, Bryan John Lewis, Tim H. Hunter
  • Patent number: 10954738
    Abstract: An intervention package for servicing a subsea well has an emergency disconnect package mountable to a riser and a lower riser package connectable to the subsea well. One or more compact cutting devices are utilized on the lower riser package. The intervention package can be used without a BOP. The compact cutting device has a throughbore going through the body that is connectable to the wellbore. Mounted in the body are two gates that are continuously in contact with each other. Each gate has a blank portion and an opening. For each gate, a piston and piston chamber are on the opposite side of gate from the bore that goes through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Reddi Udaya Bhaskara Rao
  • Patent number: 10947799
    Abstract: Downhole setting systems and methods for setting downhole tools in subterranean formations. An example downhole setting system comprises a downhole setting assembly and a downhole tool configured to be set by the downhole setting assembly. The downhole setting assembly comprises a setting piston, and a mating element that physically constrains the setting piston from translating; the mating element configured to release and permit the setting piston to translate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Eddie Eddieberto Perez, Christopher Robert Delzell
  • Patent number: 10941626
    Abstract: The inner barrel system includes a coring inner barrel. The system also includes a connector sub coupled to the coring inner barrel. The connector sub includes a tubular wall defining a central axis and a shear zone extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the tubular wall. The shear zone severs with less force than the coring inner barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Olivier Mageren
  • Patent number: 10941618
    Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore that traverses a formation, the method comprising the steps of inserting a one-stage drilling tool into the wellbore. The one-stage drilling tool comprising a laser head configured to produce a drilling beam, a completion sheath configured to line the wellbore, and a centralizer configured to support the completion sheath within the wellbore. Operating the laser head to produce the drilling beam that comprises a laser. The drilling beam has a divergent shape comprising a base at a distance from a front end of the laser head and an apex proximate to the front end of the laser head, wherein a diameter of the base of the drilling beam is greater than a diameter of the one-stage drilling tool. And drilling the formation with the drilling beam, wherein the laser of the drilling beam is operable to sublimate the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Sameeh Issa Batarseh
  • Patent number: 10941656
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing downhole testing. Example apparatus include a downhole tool string for conveying within a wellbore, the downhole tool string comprising an anchor device, a testing device, and a linear or rotary actuator. The anchor device maintains a portion of the downhole tool string in a predetermined position within the wellbore. The testing device is operable to receive a downhole sample from or test a subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore. The linear actuator is connected between the anchor device and testing device, and moves the testing device relative to the anchor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: German Garcia, Hadrien Dumont, Christopher Albert Babin, Li Chen, Vinay K. Mishra
  • Patent number: 10920518
    Abstract: A method of removing a liner of a well, the liner comprising a liner material. The method comprises providing a seal in the well for defining an upper and/or lower boundary of a removal space, the space being delimited by at least the seal and the liner and providing oxygen or an oxygen releasing compound in the space. The method further comprises providing an ignition module for igniting the liner material near a lower boundary of the space and activating the ignition for igniting the liner material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: CALLIDUS CAPITAL B.V.
    Inventors: Sven IJme van der Werf, Michel Stuiver, Feitze Veenstra
  • Patent number: 10920557
    Abstract: Electrically ignitable and electrically controllable explosive material (EIECEM) may be disposed within a shaped charge for deployment downhole. An explosion of the EIECEM is controlled by limiting the duration of excitation at the EIECEM, for example, the duration that an electrical source provides an electrical charge, electrical current or electrical signal. The shaped charge may be insulated from an electrical source to prevent explosion of the EIECEM and coupled to the electrical source to create ignite or explode the EIECEM. A plurality of shaped charges may be disposed downhole and may be ignited or exploded in any suitable order. The EIECEM may be ignited multiple times such that multiple explosions are created. The explosion of the EIECEM creates or extends a perforation or fracture in a formation. The shaped charges may be arranged to create a shaped perforation or fracture, such as a slot-shaped fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja, Stanley V. Stephenson, Bryan John Lewis, Tim H. Hunter, James Marshall Barker
  • Patent number: 10920511
    Abstract: A positioning device for adjusting an axial position of a tool within a wellbore includes an anchor configured for attachment to the wellbore at a fixed axial location within the wellbore, a shaft coupled to the anchor, and a coupling member to which the tool is rigidly attached. The coupling member is configured to be translated along the shaft to adjust the axial position of the tool with respect to the fixed axial location of the anchor within the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Clovis Satyro Bonavides, Vladislav Torlov
  • Patent number: 10907427
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, via a battery controller of a battery system, a timer value. The method also includes enabling, via the battery controller, the battery system to provide power to a release device in a wellbore upon receiving the timer value. Moreover, the method includes receiving, via the battery controller, an updated timer value, and the updated timer value changes the timer value, and the battery system continues to provide power to the release device at least until the updated timer value expires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Claire Bellicard, Stephanie Elstrop, Caroline Stephan Rivas, Todor Sheiretov, Adebayo Taiwo
  • Patent number: 10900288
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for drilling. The method includes receiving a drilling model of a drilling system including a drill string, selecting a frequency and amplitude for axial vibration of the drill string based on the drilling model, and generating the axial vibration substantially at the frequency and the amplitude selected by modulating a hookload or axial movement at a surface of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Yuelin Shen, Sujian Huang, Cesar Pena, Oney Erge
  • Patent number: 10900351
    Abstract: An untethered apparatus for measuring properties along a subterranean well. According to at least one embodiment, the untethered apparatus includes a housing, and one or more sensors configured to measure data along the subterranean well. The data includes one or more physical, chemical, geological or structural properties in the subterranean well. The untethered apparatus further includes a processor configured to control the one or more sensors measuring the data and to store the measured data, and a transmitter configured to transmit the measured data to a receiver arranged external to the subterranean well. Further, the untethered apparatus includes a controller configured to control the buoyancy or the drag of the untethered apparatus to control a position of the untethered apparatus in the subterranean well. The processor includes instructions defining measurement parameters for the one or more sensors of the untethered apparatus within the subterranean well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventors: Max Deffenbaugh, Gregory D. Ham, Jose Oliverio Alvarez, Gregory Bernero, Sunder Ramachandran, Miguel Gonzalez, Sebastian Csutak, Christopher Powell, Huseyin Seren
  • Patent number: 10890052
    Abstract: A downhole power generation device and a separate-zone waterflooding device, which relate to the field of oil and gas development technologies. The downhole power generation device comprises a housing extended axially and a rotating wheel, a striking mechanism and a piezoelectric bimorph provided in the housing. The piezoelectric bimorph is axially extended and circumferentially distributed around an axis of the housing, with one end of the piezoelectric bimorph being fixed. The rotating wheel is in transmission connection with the striking mechanism and can be rotated by fluid to drive the striking mechanism to rotate. The striking mechanism can touch the other end of the piezoelectric bimorph during rotation so that the piezoelectric bimorph vibrates back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: PETROCHINA COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiaohan Pei, Qinghai Yang, Dongbai Shan, Tao Li, Eryang Ming, Ming Li
  • Patent number: 10883349
    Abstract: A wellbore completion is configured for multiple forms of artificial lift. A downhole assembly on production tubing defines a production port communicating a throughbore with the wellbore annulus. A bypass, such as a snorkel or riser tube, on the assembly also communicates the throughbore between the packer and the production port with the annulus. A packer on the assembly seals in the annulus downhole of the production port and bypass. The assembly can then be configured for any selected artificial lift. To do this, at least one isolation (a sleeve insert, a sliding sleeve, a check valve, or a rupture disk) selectively prevents/allows communication via one or both of the production port and the bypass as needed. Additionally, removable lift equipment, including jet pump, gas lift valve, plunger assembly, rod pump, piston pump, or standing valve, is selectively inserted into the assembly's throughbore as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Campbell, Manish Agarwal, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Michael C. Knoeller, Toby S. Pugh, William C. Lane