Patents Examined by Giovanna C Wright
  • Patent number: 10337320
    Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to capturing data regarding physical states associated with a perforating string. In one aspect, a sensing tool is provided. The sensing tool includes at least one sensor and a processor positioned in an isolated chamber of the sensing tool. The processor samples data from the sensor at a first sampling rate associated with the deployment of a perforating string. The data is associated with at least one parameter with respect to the perforating string. The processor detects a trigger condition associated with a perforation operation of the perforating string. The processor switches to a second sampling rate in response to detecting the trigger condition. The second sampling rate is greater than the first sampling rate and is associated with the perforation operation. The processor samples data at the second sampling rate for a period of time in which the perforation operation is at least partially performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg Bondarenko, Wei Zhang, Timothy S. Glenn, John D. Burleson, John Patrick Rodgers
  • Patent number: 10337319
    Abstract: A bottomhole assembly may include a downhole motor and bearing assembly. The downhole motor may include a rotor and stator. The bearing assembly may include a bearing mandrel. The bearing mandrel may be coupled to the rotor by a transmission shaft. The bottomhole assembly may include one or more sensors positioned in the bearing mandrel, transmission shaft, or rotor. The bottomhole assembly may include a conductor that passes through one or more of the bearing mandrel, transmission shaft, and the rotor from the sensor to a communications package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SANVEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Jones, Junichi Sugiura
  • Patent number: 10337279
    Abstract: A degradable downhole isolation tool for use in hydrocarbon well completion. The tool sets and isolates zones for fracking, and then degrades without leaving residual parts and without milling or introducing a new degrading fluid. The plug's mandrel and other parts are a solid polymer which hydrolyzes in aqueous downhole fluid to produce an acid which degrades degradable metal slips and other metal parts. The plug's seal may be degradable metal pedals or split rings. The plug is delivered to the well site as an interchangeable parts kit for adaption to the well's requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 10329877
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a body, a mandrel slidably disposed in the body, a piston for moving the mandrel relative to the body, and a lock having a first configuration which permits movement of the mandrel by the piston and a second configuration which provides a fluid lock across the mandrel which prevents movement of the mandrel by the piston. The lock includes first and second fluid chambers filled with a substantially incompressible fluid and a control valve configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the control valve in the closed configuration providing the fluid lock preventing movement of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Hydralock Systems Limited
    Inventors: Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson, Michael Wardley
  • Patent number: 10330157
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include an annular seal, and a latch including a rotary cam and an engagement member which releasably secures the seal and/or a bearing relative to the housing, such that rotation of the cam relative to the housing displaces the member. A method of latching an annular seal relative to an outer housing of a rotating control device can include rotating a rotary cam, thereby linearly displacing an engagement member that releasably secures the seal relative to the housing while permitting rotation of the seal relative to the housing. Another rotating control device can include an outer housing, an annular seal, and a latch including a rotary cam and multiple separate engagement members disposed in the housing, and in which rotation of the cam relative to the housing displaces the members in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Anton K. Arnt, Owen R. Clark
  • Patent number: 10329895
    Abstract: A housing defines a through passage along its length and is configured to support a group of electrical isolators surrounding the through passage to form an electrically isolating break in a drill string such that each isolator of the group of isolators is subject to no more than a compressive force responsive to extension and retraction of the drill string. The housing defines a housing cavity to receive an electronics package having a signal port and is configured for electrical connection of the signal port across the electrically isolating break. A housing lid can cooperate with a main housing body to define elongated slots for purposes of enhancing the emanation of a locating signal. A housing arrangement can support electrical connections from an electronics package to bridge an electrically isolating gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Kenneth J. Theimer
  • Patent number: 10329863
    Abstract: An automatic drilling apparatus having a tool body, a motive device connected to the tool body, and a drill bit connected to the tool body. The apparatus also includes a setting tool connected to the body, at least one sensor disposed on the tool body, and a computer disposed in the tool body, wherein the computer is configured to actuate the motive device, the drill bit, the setting tool, and the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: A&O TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Alejandro Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10323487
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to generate electrical power in a downhole environment. In one embodiment, the system includes a thermoelectric generator operable to convert a temperature gradient across a section of the thermoelectric generator into electrical energy and deployed in a wellbore. The system also includes a pressure control device positioned proximate the thermoelectric generator and having a fluid flow path for a fluid flowing through the pressure control device and across the thermoelectric generator such that an absolute pressure of the fluid decreases when the fluid flow out of the pressure control device and across the thermoelectric generator. A temperature of the fluid changes as the fluid flows out of the thermoelectric generator and across the thermoelectric generator due to a change in the absolute pressure of the fluid. The temperature gradient across the thermoelectric generator is due to change in the temperature of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jules Frosell, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 10323486
    Abstract: Energy may be stored, converted, and generated during a drilling operation. An example method includes receiving fluid energy from a flow of drilling fluid (115) in a borehole (105). The received fluid energy may be stored as mechanical energy in an energy storage device (205) in the borehole (105). Additionally, electrical energy may be generated from the mechanical energy using a generator mechanically or magnetically coupled to the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Cobb, Paul Rodney
  • Patent number: 10323469
    Abstract: A collet device with an adjustable snap value can have a tubular body and beams. The tubular body can have a main body, an inner member in an inner area of the main body, and an outer member in an area external to the main body. The inner member and the outer member can each be axially moveable relative to the main body. The beams can be axially coupled to the main body, and a portion of the beams may extend axially from the tubular body. A length of the portion of the beams that extend axially from the tubular body can be adjustable by moving the inner member or the outer member for changing a snap value of the collet. The snap value corresponding to a magnitude of force exertable by the beams in a direction of a mating body that can be positioned radially adjacent to the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Martinez, Eddie Eddieberto Perez
  • Patent number: 10316594
    Abstract: A drill string element for use in the drilling of a borehole, the drill string element comprising: a main body; and a flow control mechanism, wherein the drill string element defines a first aperture, another aperture and a passage configured to provide a fluid flow path between the first aperture and the other aperture, the first and other apertures provide fluid communication between a volume around the drill string element and the passage, and the flow control mechanism is configured to inhibit the flow of fluid through the passage in a first operating mode and to permit the flow of fluid through the passage in a second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: David Shearer
  • Patent number: 10316895
    Abstract: A universal joint assembled to a drill string transfers torque and axial force between two components where the shafts of the components are not completely aligned. The universal joint includes end members connected to opposite ends of a cable for connecting to components of the drill string. As the joint rotates the cable flexes to accommodate misalignment between the connected drill string components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Ulterra Drilling Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: Justin S. McMillan, Christopher M. Casad, Beau J. St. Pierre, Carl Aron Deen
  • Patent number: 10309166
    Abstract: A system includes an accessory tool selected from a group consisting of a casing unit, a cementing unit, and a drilling unit; and a genset mounted to the accessory tool and comprising: a fluid driven motor having an inlet and an outlet for connection to a control swivel of the system; an electric generator connected to the fluid driven motor; a manifold having an inlet for connection to the control swivel and an outlet connected an accessory tool actuator; and a control unit in communication with the electric generator and the manifold and comprising a wireless data link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Bjoern Thiemann, Frank Wern, John Fielding Ownby, Aicam Zouhair, Martin Liess, Christina Karin Hebebrand
  • Patent number: 10301915
    Abstract: An electric submersible pumping system is configured to pump fluids from a wellbore. The electric submersible pumping system includes a motor filled with dielectric motor lubricant and a pump driven by the motor. The electric submersible pumping system further includes an upper seal section connected to the motor and filled with seal section oil. The electric submersible pumping system also includes a lower seal section connected to the motor. In preferred embodiments, the lower seal section includes an expansible bladder that isolates the dielectric motor lubricant from wellbore fluids. The upper seal section is in fluid isolation from the motor. The lower seal section is in fluid communication with the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Esp, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Collins
  • Patent number: 10301877
    Abstract: A method for directionally drilling a portion of a borehole, comprising utilizing a drilling system associated with a drill string and a drill bit; rotating the drill string and placing an axial load on the drill string causing the drill string to move into compression; and stopping rotation of the drill string and with the drill string in compression, drilling a portion of the portion of the borehole while actively managing a toolface angle of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: C&J Spec-Rent Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Schaaf, Marcus D. Wernig
  • Patent number: 10294731
    Abstract: A method of completing a well which has a longitudinal axis along a direction with a horizontal component, the method comprising rotating a first string and moving the first string into the well along the longitudinal axis of the well, providing a swivel joint rotatably connecting the first string to a second string, moving the second string along the longitudinal axis of the well into the well, wherein the second string comprises completion equipment, moving the completion equipment into the well along the longitudinal axis of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Morten Eidem, Stein Børre Torp, Torgeir Wenn
  • Patent number: 10294762
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include an assembly comprising a base pipe having at least one flow port defined therein; a well screen arranged about the base pipe and in fluid communication with the at least one flow port, the well screen having an end disposed at or near the at least one flow port; a shroud arranged about the end of the well screen and extending axially along a length of the well screen; and an annular gap defined between the well screen and the shroud and configured to receive a flow of a fluid, wherein the shroud increases a flow resistance of the fluid by channeling the fluid across the annular gap to distribute a flow energy of the fluid over the length of the well screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Jean-Marc Lopez, Michael Fripp, John Charles Gano
  • Patent number: 10287828
    Abstract: A stabilizer device is provided for a mud motor drilling assembly. The stabilizer device may be mounted to a motor housing having one or more grooves or ridges. The stabilizer device may include a stabilizer body, a threader portion, and a clamp. The threaded portion may be positioned between the one or more grooves or ridges and the clamp. The threaded portion may include an external surface having threads. The threads on the external surface of the threaded portion of the stabilizer device may correspond to threads on an internal surface of a clamp. The threaded coupling of the clamp to the stabilizer device may couple the stabilizer device to the motor housing at the one or more grooves or ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Keith Savage, Steven Graham Bell
  • Patent number: 10287846
    Abstract: A packer assembly for use in a subterranean well can include a seal element which swells in the well, a reinforcement in the seal element, and an extrusion barrier which displaces outward in response to swelling of an end portion of the seal element, the reinforcement being longitudinally spaced apart from the end portion of the seal element. A method of constructing a packer assembly can include positioning a reinforcement in a seal element which swells in response to contact with a fluid, the positioning including longitudinally spacing opposite ends of the reinforcement away from opposite end portions of the seal element, and installing extrusion barriers which radially outwardly overlie the seal element end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristian Andersen
  • Patent number: 10287853
    Abstract: A well tool assembly, system, and method for handling well debris is described. The assembly includes an electric submersible pump (ESP) configured to be positioned within a wellbore and a well debris cutting tool configured to be positioned downhole relative to the ESP within the wellbore. The ESP is configured to rotate in a first direction to pump well fluid in an uphole direction. The well debris cutting tool is configured to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction and to grind debris carried by the well fluid in the uphole direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Chidirim Enoch Ejim, Jinjiang Xiao