Patents Examined by Giovanna Wright
  • Method and apparatus for dropping a pump down plug or ball
    Patent number: 11459845
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Wireless integrated data recorder
    Patent number: 11459875
    Abstract: An integrated data recorder may be positioned within a slot in a tool. The integrated data recorder includes a sensor package that includes one or more drilling dynamics sensors, a processor in data communication with the one or more drilling dynamics sensors, a memory module in data communication with the one or more drilling dynamics sensors, a wireless communications module in data communication with the processor, and an electrical energy source in electrical communication with the memory module, the one or more drilling dynamics sensors, and the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: SANVEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Junichi Sugiura, Stephen Jones
  • Tubing hanger running tool systems and methods
    Patent number: 11459840
    Abstract: A hanger running tool configured to set a hanger assembly within a wellhead includes a rotatable tool configured to couple to the hanger assembly via a first threaded interface having a first orientation. The hanger running tool also includes an outer sleeve coupled to the rotatable tool, and the outer sleeve includes one or more slots configured to engage a drive ring coupled to the hanger assembly via a second threaded interface having a second orientation opposite the first orientation. Rotation of the rotatable tool in a first direction is configured to loosen the rotatable tool from the hanger assembly while causing the one or more slots of the outer sleeve to drive the drive ring in the first direction, thereby tightening the drive ring about the hanger assembly and causing the drive ring to drive a lock ring radially-outwardly to engage a corresponding recess of the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Full-metal dynamic-sealed concentrically-centered downhole displacement motor
    Patent number: 11459827
    Abstract: A full-metal dynamic-sealed concentrically-centered downhole displacement motor includes an outer tube, a stator fixed in the outer tube, a rotor rotatably connected in the stator, and a flow distribution shaft suspended in the rotor. When the rotor rotates, the plurality of circulation ports is alternately communicated with the flow distribution holes, and an accommodation space for flowing the drilling fluid is formed among the plurality of rotor copper rods; each of the circulation ports has a notch on the side of the rotor copper rod that is in communication with the accommodation space; the stator is provided with pressure relief ports for allowing the annular chamber and the accommodation space to communicate with each other, and the flow distribution hole and the pressure relief port are circumferentially arranged in a staggered manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF GEOSCIENCES (BEIJING)
    Inventors: Yu Wang, Jiaxing Lu, Lingrong Kong, Baolin Liu, Kai Zhang
  • Rotational power slips
    Patent number: 11454070
    Abstract: A rotational power slips system includes a static base comprising at least one circular opening; a rotating ring disposed within the static base and including a circular outer surface interfacing with the static base; at least one slips wedge disposed within the rotating ring and including a radially inner grip surface for gripping at least one component of a drilling string; and at least one wedge actuator disposed on the rotating ring and rotatably coupled to both the rotating ring and the slips wedge, thereby causing the slips wedge to move while the component of a drilling string is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Amjad Alshaarawi, Haytham H. Alhamed, Meshari M. Alshalan, Abdulwahab Al-Johar, Mohammad Saud Al-Badran, Chinthaka P. Gooneratne
  • System and method for monitoring and maintaining hydrostatic pressure during tripping operations, stripping operations, and axial pipe operations
    Patent number: 11454073
    Abstract: The trip system closely monitors and ensures that the hydrostatic pressure of the wellbore stays consistent throughout the tripping process, stripping process, and axial pipe operations. The core components of the system include, but are not limited to, an advanced automation system that controls a back-pressure device, including but not limited to a choke, a rotary ball valve, or other flow control devices. The automation system also monitors upstream and downstream flow measurement components. The trip system also provides a pump system to circulate drilling fluid from the trip tank across the top of the wellhead and/or at a lower portion below the RCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: PRUITT TOOL & SUPPLY CO.
    Inventors: Jason Finley, Don Hannegan, Tom Stites, Benjamin Micah Spahn
  • System and method for handling a tubular member
    Patent number: 11454069
    Abstract: A system for handling a tubular member includes a gripping assembly configured to grip the tubular member. The system also includes a horizontal actuator configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member horizontally between a rack and alignment with a wellbore while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly. The system also includes a vertical actuator coupled to the gripping assembly, the horizontal actuator, or both. The vertical actuator is configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member vertically while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore. The system also includes a rotating assembly coupled to the gripping assembly and configured to rotate the tubular member while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Erling Tambs, Zhijun Zhou, Thomas Vatne
  • Milling packers below restrictions in a wellbore casing
    Patent number: 11448028
    Abstract: Tools and methods are described for removing a packer beyond a restriction in a casing of a wellbore. A packer milling tool includes: a milling body with an outer diameter; milling blocks positioned at intervals around a circumference of the milling body, each milling block pivotably attached to the milling body and pivotable between a running position and a milling position; and a wash pipe extending from a downhole end of the milling body. The milling blocks have a rotational circumference with a rotational diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the milling body when in the running position and the rotational diameter is more than the outer diameter of the milling body and less than the inner diameter of the casing when in the milling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmed Al-Mousa, Enrique Avila Faull, Ahmed A. Al-Ramadhan
  • Intelligent completion of a multilateral wellbore with a wired smart well in the main bore and with a wireless electronic flow control node in a lateral wellbore
    Patent number: 11441392
    Abstract: A completion assembly to aid in fluid control in a multi-lateral wellbore includes a plurality of sand screen assemblies, each sand screen assembly having a wireless adjustable electronic flow control node disposed along a sand screen base pipe to control fluid flow between the sand screen assembly and the wellbore annulus. Each electronic flow control node includes a valve that can be adjusted by an electric actuator powered by a power harvesting mechanism disposed in a flow path of the completion assembly. A wireless transmitter receives a control signal to control the electric actuator, opening or closing the valve to control flow in the lateral wellbore. A wired controller in the main wellbore is disposed for transmitting wireless signals across a junction assembly in the wellbore to the sand screen assembly electronic flow control nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Stephen Michael Greci, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Underground coal gasification and associated systems and methods
    Patent number: 11441408
    Abstract: Methods and systems for gasifying coal are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a representative coal gasification system can comprise (i) an injection well extending from a ground surface to an underground coal gasification (UCG) reaction region of a coal seam; (ii) a production well spaced apart from the injection well and extending from the ground surface to the UCG reaction region, and (iii) conduits each extending from the ground surface to areas of the coal seam. End portions of the conduits within the coal can be laterally peripheral to the UCG reaction region. The conduits are configured to deliver a primary fluid from the ground surface to the primary region, the injection well is configured to deliver an oxidant gas to the UCG reaction region, and the production well is configured to deliver the product gas from the UCG reaction region to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Blinderman, Ivan Saptykov, Semyon Maev, Brett Eugene Wilcox
  • Cutter bit
    Patent number: 11441361
    Abstract: A casing-tube cutter bit applicable to both-directional rotation and having high excavation performance is provided. A casing-tube cutter bit includes a mounting part constituted by two members facing each other at a predetermined interval, and an excavation part formed continuously with the mounting part and having a leading end at which a plurality of ultrahard chips are disposed at a predetermined interval, the excavation part includes a central part, and first and second tilt parts tilted on both sides of the central part, the first tilt part is formed in a first length at a first tilt angle, the second tilt part is formed in a second length at a second tilt angle, the first tilt angle is equal to the second tilt angle, and the first length is shorter than the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventors: Takemi Ishizuka, Yohei Iwanaga
  • Deck wrench disengage with pipe unscrewed interlock
    Patent number: 11428057
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclose, an interlock system for a mobile drilling machine. The interlock system has a sensor assembly used to determine a drill string status, an operator interface for receiving a deck wrench disengagement input, and a control module. The control module may be used to receive the deck wrench disengagement input from the operator interface, receive the drill string status from the sensor assembly, determine from the drill string status that a drill string component engaged by the deck wrench is connected to a drill string or a drill head, and disengage the deck wrench from the drill string component engaged by the deck wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventors: Carl J. Moberg, Ross L. Hoult
  • Downhole investigation tool
    Patent number: 11428093
    Abstract: A downhole investigation tool for a borehole is disclosed. The downhole investigation tool includes a number of ultrasonic probes configured to generate an ultrasonic image of a forward portion of the borehole ahead of the downhole investigation tool and a rear/side portion of the borehole behind or beside the downhole investigation tool, at least one magneto-vision probe configured to generate a magneto-vision image of the forward portion and the rear/side portion of the borehole, and a mechanical attachment configured to attach the downhole investigation tool to a wireline or a steel pipe in the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Bander S. Al-Malki, Apostolos Chomatas, Oscar D. Bautista
  • Mechanical locking system to eliminate movement between downhole components
    Patent number: 11421488
    Abstract: A drilling tool system includes a drilling tool collar having at least one recess and a sleeve disposed around the drilling tool collar, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one slot configured to align with the at least one recess. The drilling tool system further includes an inner key disposed within the at least one recess, an outer key secured within the at least one slot and at least partially disposed within the at least one recess, and at least one fastener configured to drive the inner key in a first lateral direction and the outer key in a second lateral direction to secure the inner key against a first lateral surface and the outer key against a second lateral surface, and wherein securing the inner key and the outer key restrains rotational movement of the sleeve with respect to the tool collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian David Breaux, James Howell Cobb, Michael Dewayne Finke
  • Deflector assembly and efficient method for multi-stage fracturing a multilateral well using the same
    Patent number: 11414930
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a deflector assembly. The deflector assembly, in one embodiment, includes a deflector body having a deflector window located therein, and a deflector ramp positioned at least partially across the deflector window, the deflector ramp configured to move between first ({circle around (1)}), second ({circle around (2)}) and third ({circle around (3)}) different positions when a downhole tool moves back and forth within the deflector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Williams Cho, Matthew James Kelsey, Loc Phuc Lang, Stefano Cappiello
  • Methods and devices for stress, wear and submergence monitoring in mechanically pumped deviated oil wells
    Patent number: 11408269
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring and diagnosing the operation of a deviated oil well pumping system comprising sucker rod string driven by a polished rod, as well as devices for carrying out such methods, are described. The methods employ mathematical models incorporating phenomena not contemplated in the methods of the prior art, providing advantageous results for the adequate operation of a non-vertical oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: YPF TECNOLOGÍA S.A.
    Inventors: Gustavo Ariel Moreno, Abel Esteban Garriz
  • Hydraulic fracturing plan and execution of same
    Patent number: 11401779
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing plan executable by a hydraulic fracturing system to hydraulically fracture a plurality of oil and gas wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: DOWNING WELLHEAD EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Kuehn, Austin Johnson, Ronnie B. Beason, Nicholas J. Cannon
  • Riser surge protection system
    Patent number: 11391140
    Abstract: A system for surge protection of a riser adapted to transport gas from a hydrocarbon production well or for surge protection in a well, the system comprising: a flexible tubing, wherein a portion of the flexible tubing extends into the riser or into the well and wherein the tubing terminates inside the riser or inside the well; a pressure control system arranged to create a pressure differential within the flexible tubing such that liquid is drawn from the riser or the well into the flexible tubing if liquid is present in the riser or the well; wherein the length of said portion of the flexible tubing is variable depending on the amount of liquid drawn into the flexible tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: EQUINOR ENERGY AS
    Inventors: Magnus Nordsveen, Tor Kindsbekken Kjeldby, Håvard Eidsmoen, Arne Valle
  • Pipe storage box
    Patent number: 11391100
    Abstract: A sensor assembly supported on a horizontal directional drilling machine adjacent a magazine. The magazine includes a plurality of vertical columns configured to store a plurality of pipe sections. The sensor assembly comprises an elongate tower that suspends a rigid support structure above the plurality of columns. The rigid support structure includes a sensor housing that carries a plurality of proximity sensors. The proximity sensors correspond with the columns in one-to-one relationship. The proximity sensors measure values indicative of the number of pipe sections contained within each column and transmit the measured values to a processor included in the drilling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Max A. Metcalf, Taylor C. Culpepper
  • Hole opener for horizontal directional drilling
    Patent number: 11384601
    Abstract: A hole opener comprising a shaft, a key, a first blade, and a second blade. The shaft includes a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal axis that extends through the front end and the rear end, the shaft configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis by the horizontal directional drilling rig. The key is coupled to the shaft for rotation with the shaft. The first blade is removably coupled to the key, and is spaced a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis and spaced a first longitudinal distance from the front end. The second blade is removably coupled to the key and is spaced a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis that is greater than the first radial distance. The second blade is spaced a second longitudinal distance from the front end that is greater than the first longitudinal distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Precise Drilling Components Ltd
    Inventors: Cody D. Graham, Jeffrey S. Mueller