Patents Examined by Kenneth L. Thompson
-
Patent number: 10577906Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery system may include an RF source, and an RF antenna assembly coupled to the RF source and within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly may include first and second tubular conductors, a dielectric isolator, and first and second electrical contact sleeves respectively coupled between the first and second tubular conductors and the dielectric isolator so that the first and second tubular conductors define a dipole antenna. The RF antenna assembly may include a thermal expansion accommodation device configured to provide a sliding arrangement between the second tubular conductor and the second electrical contact sleeve when a compressive force therebetween exceeds a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Brian N. Wright, Raymond C. Hewit, Angelo Bersani, John M. Wassman
-
Patent number: 10570686Abstract: A downhole tool including a mandrel, at least one moveable component mounted to the mandrel, and a locking ring mounted to the mandrel. The locking ring includes a plurality of locking ring segments that enable relative movement between the mandrel and the at least one moveable component. A plurality of circumferential spaces is arranged between corresponding ones of the locking ring segments. At least one load bar is arranged in at least one of the plurality of circumferential spaces. The at least one load bar is mechanically connected to the at least one moveable component.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Charles M. Meador, Matthew J. Krueger, Mark E. Ramey
-
Patent number: 10570677Abstract: Apparatus for use in subsurface drilling permits coupling and uncoupling of drill string sections while continuously moving the drill string. Tripping times can be reduced while maintaining low speeds of the drill string. In one embodiment coupling units operable to make or break couplings between drill string sections are arranged to circulate around a closed path. Each of the coupling units includes an elevator. Drill string sections may be passed off to a pipe handling system on a back side of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Warrior Rig Technologies LimitedInventors: Allan Stewart Richardson, Peter Ernest James Root
-
Patent number: 10563471Abstract: A casing plug assembly and method for performing an operation in a well pipe includes a running tool for connection to a drill pipe, an equalizing module, a seal module, and an anchor module. A continuous fluid channel is formed through the casing plug assembly. The anchor module is set in the well pipe by pumping fluid through the continuous fluid channel. The anchor module is, in the set state, providing a support in the well pipe used by the running tool to operate the seal module.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Interwell Technology ASInventors: Steinar Georgsen, Markus Morland, Stian Marius Hansen
-
Patent number: 10563477Abstract: Methods and systems for cementing casing in a wellbore are described. The methods include introducing a modified biopolymer into an inner diameter of the casing, reverse-circulating a cement composition in the wellbore, permitting the modified biopolymer to contact the cement composition, and terminating the reverse-circulation upon detection of an increase in pressure in pumping the cement composition. The modified biopolymer includes a reaction product of a biopolymer and an organic carbonate, and the cement composition has a pH greater than 11.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Sandip Prabhakar Patil, Siva Rama Krishna Jandhyala, Shreya Mohan, Rahul Chandrakant Patil
-
Patent number: 10550665Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for a fluid injection system is provided. The pressure relief valve system comprises one or more pressure transducers configured to sense fluid pressure within the fluid injection system. The transducers then generate electrical signals representative of fluid pressure readings within the fluid injection system in real time. Signals are received by a controller which compares pressure readings with a stored pressure threshold. An actuation signal is sent upon detecting a signal representative of a pressure that exceeds the stored pressure threshold, causing an electraulically-actuated valve to rotatably move to an open position. A method for providing pressure relief for a fluid injection system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Telos Industries Inc.Inventors: Jason A. Golden, Dustin J. Adams, Terry G. Wilcox
-
Patent number: 10550654Abstract: A well tool for sensing seismic activity at a downhole location has an anchoring mechanism for mechanically coupling the tool to a formation by contact engagement with a wall of a subterranean cavity in which the well tool is located. The anchoring mechanism is deployable by a pressure-triggered hydraulic actuator incorporated in the tool. The actuator is configured for pressure-triggered activation and for hydraulic actuation by agency of borehole fluids (e.g., drilling mud). The actuator can provide a persistent contacting force urging the anchoring mechanism into contact with the cavity wall, to promote firm coupling with the formation for seismic sensoring purposes.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Mikko Jaaskelainen
-
Patent number: 10544352Abstract: Methods including mixing a treatment fluid slurry in a storage tank, the treatment fluid slurry comprising an insulative base fluid, an ambient-reactive subterranean formation additive (ARA), wherein the ARA reacts at an ambient temperature, the reaction resulting in surface modification of the ARA, degradation of the ARA, or a combination of surface modification and degradation of the ARA, and wherein the insulative base fluid maintains the treatment fluid slurry at a temperature different from the ambient temperature to prevent the ARA from reacting; and introducing the treatment fluid slurry into a subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Chad Adam Fisher
-
Patent number: 10544647Abstract: An inflatable packer assembly can include an inflatable seal element having an internal inflation chamber, a flow passage extending longitudinally through the inflatable packer assembly, a flow restrictor between sections of the flow passage, and a flow controller that selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between the inflation chamber and each of the flow passage sections. The flow controller changes from a deflate configuration to an inflate configuration in response to an increase in flow rate through the flow passage. A method can include connecting an inflatable packer assembly in a tubular string, so that a longitudinal flow passage of the tubular string extends through the inflatable packer assembly, and a flow restrictor restricts flow between sections of the flow passage, and inflating an inflatable seal element of the inflatable packer assembly while fluid flows between the flow passage sections via the flow restrictor.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Justin R. Scruggs
-
Patent number: 10538984Abstract: A “mini-severing and back-off” tool includes a tubular magazine for a column of explosive pellets that are sized in diameter to provide a predetermined weight of explosive per unit column length. The tubular wall is vented at prescribed intervals for fluid pressure equalization between the internal bore of the tubular and the fluid pressure around the outside of the tubular. A fluid barrier is positioned between one end of the explosive pellet tubular and a detonator or an explosive booster provided to detonate the explosive pellet tubular. The explosive pellet tubular is positioned within the flow bore of a pipe string and adjacent to an intended pipe joint, and the explosive pellet tubular is detonated simultaneously with an application of torque on the pipe string, wherein the torque is applied in the thread release direction to disassemble the intended pipe joint.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: W.T. BELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: William T. Bell, James G. Rairigh
-
Patent number: 10538994Abstract: A method includes conveying a junction isolation tool, a junction support tool, a lateral completion assembly, and a completion deflector into a parent wellbore lined with casing. The completion deflector is coupled to the casing and the lateral completion assembly is detached and advanced into a lateral wellbore. After fracturing the lateral wellbore, the junction isolation tool is detached from the junction support tool, retracted back into the parent wellbore, and coupled to the completion deflector by advancing a stinger into an inner bore of the completion deflector. After hydraulically fracturing a lower wellbore portion of the parent wellbore, the junction isolation tool removes the completion deflector from the parent wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Franklin Charles Rodriguez, Homero De Jesus Maldonado
-
Patent number: 10526882Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation includes a power generation system, a transmission section, and an equipment load section. The power generation system includes a turbine generator that generates electricity that is used to power equipment in the equipment load section. The equipment in the equipment load section conditions and pressurizes fluid that is injected into a wellbore for fracturing the formation. The power generation and equipment load sections are distal from one another are separated by a long distance. The transmission section connects the power generation and equipment load sections, and thus spans the long distance between these sections.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLCInventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon Neil Hinderliter
-
Patent number: 10527104Abstract: In one embodiment, a coupler system for coupling a top drive and a tool, including a drive member of the top drive configured to transfer torque. The drive member having a housing with a bore therethrough and a window formed substantially laterally through the housing. An adapter of the tool is configured to be inserted through the window of the housing. In another embodiment, a method for coupling a top drive to a tool includes moving, the tool adjacent to the top drive, the tool including an adapter and the top drive including a housing having a window formed therethrough. The method also includes aligning the adapter with the window and inserting the adapter substantially laterally into the window of the housing, thereby longitudinally and torsionally coupling the top drive and the tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: Martin Liess
-
Patent number: 10519746Abstract: A downhole tool that comprises an outer housing with an uphole end, a downhole end and an inner surface therebetween. The inner surface defines an interior space with a first inner-diameter and a recess with a larger second inner-diameter. The downhole tool also comprises a sleeve that is positionable within the recess of the outer housing. The sleeve comprises a ramp with a larger inner diameter towards an uphole end. The tool also comprises a seat that is positionable within the sleeve. The seat defines at least one plateau section that is configured to receive and support an equatorial portion of a ball, wherein when a pressure force is applied to the ball and seat, the ball and the seat slide along the ramp and a compressive force is applied to the equatorial portion of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Integrity Well Completions Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Charles Collie Hollan, Iain Dolphe Collie Hollan
-
Patent number: 10513902Abstract: A method can include deploying a plugging device into a well, the plugging device including a body, and an outer material enveloping the body and having a greater flexibility than a material of the body, and conveying the plugging device by fluid flow into engagement with the opening, the body preventing the plugging device from extruding through the opening, and the outer material blocking the fluid flow between the body and the opening. In another method, the plugging device can include at least two bodies, and a washer element connected between the bodies, the washer element being generally disk-shaped and comprising a hole, a line extending through the hole and connected to the bodies on respective opposite sides of the washer element, the washer element preventing the plugging device from being conveyed through the opening, and the washer element blocking the fluid flow through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Jenna N. Robertson, Roger L. Schultz
-
Patent number: 10502018Abstract: A linear selective profile actuation system including a traveling actuation member having a selective profile, the selective profile being resilient or rigid and possessed of a shoulder, a resource recovery tool having a tool profile, the tool profile being resilient or rigid, providing at least one of the selective profile or the tool profile is resilient, the tool profile being possessed of a seat, the tool profile and selective profile being configured to engage the shoulder and seat without resilient action from either the tool profile or selective profile if the selective profile is complementary to the tool profile or to resiliently pass the traveling actuation member if the selective profile is not complementary to the tool profile. A method for actuating a resource recovery tool. A resource recovery system including a borehole, a tubular string in the borehole, a resource recovery tool having a tool profile.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Wilfred Provost, Daniel Napier
-
Patent number: 10502041Abstract: A method is for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The method may include positioning an RF antenna assembly within a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the RF antenna assembly having first and second tubular conductors and a dielectric isolator defining a dipole antenna, and a dielectric coating surrounding the dielectric isolator and extending along a predetermined portion of the first and second tubular conductors. The method may include operating an RF source coupled to the RF antenna assembly during a start-up phase to desiccate water adjacent the RF antenna assembly, and operating the RF source coupled to the RF antenna assembly during a sustainment phase to recover hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Brian N. Wright, Murray T. Hann, Verlin A. Hibner, Mark Alan Trautman
-
Patent number: 10502043Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for performing surveys are provided. A first set of surveys may be performed during a drilling operation on a drilling rig. A tubular may be removed from a drill string, and a second set of surveys may be performed during a tripping out operation on the drilling rig, such that the first set of surveys is offset from the second set of surveys. A tubular may be added to the drill string, and a third set of surveys may be performed during a tripping in operation on the drilling rig, such that the third set of surveys is offset from the first set of surveys and the second set of surveys.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.Inventor: Bosko Gajic
-
Patent number: 10502019Abstract: There is disclosed a tie back float collar for use with a working string to create an extension of a well liner. The tie back float collar consists of a cylindrical housing having upper and lower cylindrical plugs threaded therein, the upper cylindrical plug having a conical left hand threaded receiver coaxially formed thereon with opposite upper and lower openings, the upper opening being larger than the lower opening. The lower cylindrical plug has a conical opening coaxially formed therein with a conical plug coaxially positioned within the conical opening. A biasing spring is coupled to the conical plug and the lower cylindrical plug for biasing the conical plug towards a closed position, the biasing spring positioned above the conical plug.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Inventor: Riaz Ahmed Sahi
-
Patent number: 10487604Abstract: An unbalanced sub-assembly is located within the wellbore casing shoe. The unbalanced sub-assembly includes a turbine and a shaft coupled to the turbine at a first end of the shaft. The unbalanced sub-assembly is configured to rotate and to impart a vibration to the casing in response to a fluid being passed through the casing. A rupture disc is positioned on one end of the unbalanced sub assembly. The rupture disc is configured to rupture above a specified differential pressure threshold caused by fluid flowing through the vibration assembly. The rupture disc is configured to allow the fluid to bypass the unbalanced sub assembly when the rupture disc is in a ruptured state. The rupture disc is configured to direct fluid through the unbalanced sub assembly when the rupture disc is in an un-ruptured state.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Victor Carlos Costa de Oliveira, Dean S. Porter, Khaled K. Abouelnaaj