Patents Examined by Kenneth Thompson
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Patent number: 7798253Abstract: Drilling apparatuses and methods for limiting precession are provided. According to one embodiment, a drilling apparatus includes a non-rotating stabilizer. The non-rotating stabilizer includes a first blade and a second blade, the first blade being arranged opposite the second blade. The first blade is biased radially outwardly by a force of a first value. The second blade is not biased radially outwardly by a force corresponding to the first value. The second blade may be a blade which is slidable along the non-rotating stabilizer in an axial direction and allow free sliding axial contact with the formation.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: ValidusInventor: Frank J. Schuh
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Patent number: 7793717Abstract: A rod guide is provided for use in a rotating rod string (12) for powering a progressive cavity pump (14) for pumping downhole fluids through tubing (16) to the surface. The rod guide includes a rotor sleeve (20) secured to the rod string and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced exterior surfaces (22) each positioned substantially along an exterior of a cylinder. The rotor sleeve also includes one or more stop surfaces (24) for limiting axial movement of a stator sleeve (40) with respect to the rotor sleeve, and two or more axially extending cavities (26) each extending from a bottommost surface to an opposing uppermost surface of the rotor sleeve and passing through the one or more stop surfaces. Stator sleeve (40) surrounds the rotor sleeve and has an interior surface (42) for engaging the plurality of circumferentially spaced exterior surfaces of the rotor sleeve, and a plurality of ribs (44) extending outward from two or more outer cylindrical surface portions (44) of the stator sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems L.P.Inventor: Matthew S. Davison
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Patent number: 7793718Abstract: A completion system for use in the well includes a liner for lining the well, where the liner has a first inductive coupler portion. An electric cable extends outside an inner passage of the liner. The completion system further includes a second inductive coupler portion and an electrical device inside the liner and electrically connected to the second inductive coupler portion. The first and second inductive coupler portions enable power to be provided from the electric cable outside the inner passage of the liner to the electrical device inside the liner.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Donald W. Ross
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Patent number: 7789156Abstract: A downhole valve comprises a body defining a through bore and a valve member for location in the body and movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve has a first configuration in which the valve member is normally closed, and will hold a pressure differential in a first direction, and a second configuration in which the valve member is closed and will maintain a pressure differential in the first direction and also in an opposite second direction and a third configuration in which the valve member is locked in the open position until it is deliberately closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Renovus LimitedInventor: Giancarlo Pietro Tomasso Pia
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Patent number: 7789141Abstract: The current invention provides an improved method of increasing well yield and enhancing oil production. The method comprises the steps of lowering a vibroacoustic downhole emitter into a well down to a production layer depth and performing acoustic impact on the formation. The impact is implemented by a multiple frequency signal containing at least two simple harmonic components whose frequencies and amplitudes meet the resonance overlapping condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Oleg Nikolaevich Zhuravlev, Dmitry Anatolevich Koroteev, Konstantin Igorevich Popov
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Patent number: 7784532Abstract: Shunt tube flowpaths extending through swellable packers. A well system includes a packer assembly including a base pipe and an annular seal element which is swellable in response to contact with a selected fluid, and a shunt tube flowpath extending through the seal element for delivery of a slurry in a gravel packing operation. A swellable packer assembly includes a base pipe; a swellable annular seal element having a shunt tube flowpath extending through a swellable material; and a valve connected to the flowpath and positioned within the swellable material. Another well system comprises a packer assembly including a base pipe and an annular seal element which is swellable in response to contact with a selected fluid; a shunt tube flowpath extending through a swellable material of the seal element; and a connection between the flowpath and a shunt tube assembly, the connection being positioned within the swellable material.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Alf K. Sevre, Tom R. Koloy, Allen Wilkins, Rutger Evers
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Patent number: 7784548Abstract: A system for extracting a gas and a liquid from a well broadly includes tubing strings that collect well liquid and a gas lift system that removes the collected liquid. A standing valve connects the strings and permits liquid to enter the strings from the subsurface formation. The gas lift system includes a compressor that uses pressurized gas to remove the collected liquid and discharge the liquid into a separator. The system permits liquid to be collected and removed while simultaneously producing gas from the well casing. The system includes an accumulator that stores compressed gas for removing the collected liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Dennis L. Wilson, James L. Schlabaugh
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Patent number: 7779926Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an adapter kit for use between a setting tool and a wellbore plug. In one embodiment, a method for setting a plug in a cased wellbore is provided. The method includes deploying a tool string in the wellbore using a run-in string, the tool string comprising: a setting tool coupled to the run-in string, an adapter kit, comprising an adapter sleeve, and a plug comprising a sealing member. The method further includes actuating the setting tool, wherein the setting tool exerts a force on the adapter sleeve which transfers the force to the plug, thereby expanding the sealing member into engagement with an inner surface of the casing. The method further includes separating the setting tool from the plug, wherein the adapter sleeve remains with the plug.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, W. John McKeachnie
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Patent number: 7779910Abstract: An expandable liner hanger system includes an expandable liner hanger and an expansion cone having a first outer diameter when driven through the expandable liner hanger in a first direction to expand the expandable tubing. The expandable liner hanger system also includes a polished bore receptacle having a lower end coupled to an upper end of the expandable liner hanger by a coupling, the coupling having an inner diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. In the run in condition, the expansion cone is positioned below the coupling.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Brock Watson
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Patent number: 7775284Abstract: A flow control apparatus (800) includes a tubular member (818) having a plurality of openings (820, 822, 824, 826) that allow fluid flow between an exterior and an interior flow path (828) of the tubular member (818) and a multi-stage flow restricting section (804) operably positioned in a fluid flow path between a fluid source disposed exteriorly of the tubular member (818) and the interior flow path (828). The flow restricting section (804) including a plurality of flow restricting devices (838, 844, 850) each operable to create a pressure drop. Actuatable devices (830, 832, 834, 836) operably associated with the openings (820, 822, 824, 826) are sequentially actuatable to allow fluid flow through the associated openings (820, 822, 824, 826), thereby sequentially reducing the pressure drop experienced by fluids flowing from the fluid source to the interior flow path (828).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: William Mark Richards, Jean Marc Lopez
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Patent number: 7775300Abstract: An earth drilling device includes an auger, an encasing tube that surrounds the auger, a rotary drive for driving at least the auger in a rotating manner about a drilling axis, and an ejecting device for discharging drill spoil from the auger. The ejecting device has a discharge duct for the drill spoil, and a mast element along which the auger can be moved together with the ejecting device. A device for changing the length of the discharge duct is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbHInventor: Karl Johannes Krollmann
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Patent number: 7775290Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLCInventors: David Paul Brisco, Brock Wayne Watson, Harold Otis Treece
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Patent number: 7775274Abstract: A method for the detection of a carbon dioxide leak from a plugged well extending from a surface of the earth to penetrate a subterranean formation which contains carbon dioxide by logging a collection chamber positioned in the plugged well.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Ray Wydrinski, Charles A. Christopher
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Patent number: 7775289Abstract: A technique facilitates joining of coiled tubing sections. A framework has one or more movable stands with features designed to grip and manipulate an end of a coiled tubing section. The ability to hold and selectively move an end of a coiled tubing section or the ends of both coiled tubing sections enables an operator to easily prepare the coiled tubing ends and to couple the coiled tubing ends with a coiled tubing connector.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: L. Michael McKee, Matthew E. Wilson, Geoffrey Steel, William D. Eatwell
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Patent number: 7762344Abstract: A swellable packer construction for continuous or segmented tubing. A method of constructing a swellable packer on a continuous tubular string includes the steps of: attaching a swellable seal material to the tubular string to thereby form the packer; and then wrapping the tubular string with the packer on a spool. A swellable packer includes a tubular body portion for incorporation into a tubular string, and a seal material wrapped about the body portion, the seal material being swellable in response to contact with a fluid. A method of constructing a swellable packer for a tubular string includes the steps of: wrapping a seal material about a tubular body portion to thereby form the packer; and then swelling the seal material in response to contact with a fluid. A continuous tubular string includes a seal material attached to a body portion of the tubular string to thereby form a swellable packer; and the packer wrapped with the tubular string on a spool.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Perry W. Courville, Mark Kalman
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Patent number: 7762331Abstract: A process is disclosed for assembling a loading tube for a perforating gun for use in a perforating system. At a first location, e.g., a shop, which is not the location at which perforating operations will be conducted, the loading tube is completely assembled. The completely assembled loading tubing is then transported to a second location where perforating operations are to be conducted. In one embodiment, an RF-safe initiator, wiring, a detonating cord and a plurality of shaped charges are installed into the loading tube at a first location. The RF-safe initiators may comprise an exploding foil initiator or an exploding bridge wire. A process for assembling a loading tube for a single-shot perforating gun is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kenneth Goodman, Michael Bertoja, Luis Ochoa
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Patent number: 7762321Abstract: A hydraulic oil well pumping arrangement employs a compensating type hydraulic pump, a directional valving arrangement and a proportioning valving arrangement. When the directional valve is energized, oil is directed to the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder. The rod or piston part of the hydraulic cylinder will then elevate until a first limit switch is actuated which then will de-energize the directional valve and send a current signal to the proportional valve. This current signal to the proportional valve forces it to open to a point at which the cylinder rod would extend at the desired velocity until it reaches a second limit switch. The second limit switch is near the bottom (for example, 1 foot, or 0.30 meters) of travel of the rod or piston. The current signal to the proportional valve is then decreased, creating a choking arrangement that forces the cylinder rod to decelerate. The cylinder rod then reaches another limit switch.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Petro Hydraulic Lift System, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael A. Fesi, Willard J. Lapeyrouse, Kenneth H. Vincent
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Patent number: 7762336Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and an apparatus for selectively isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one aspect, an apparatus for isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a bore. The apparatus further includes a first flapper member and a second flapper member, each flapper member selectively rotatable between an open position and a closed position. Additionally, the apparatus includes a flapper latch assembly disposed in the bore, the flapper latch assembly movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the flapper latch assembly is configured to hold the first flapper member in the closed position when the flapper latch assembly is in the locked position. In another aspect, a method for selectively isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. In yet a further aspect, a flapper latch assembly for use with a flapper valve is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Johnson, John Lee Emerson, Michael Foster
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Patent number: 7753127Abstract: A bottomhole tool and a method for optimizing oil production rate from an oil well with high gas-to-oil ratio and stabilizing thereof in case of occurrence of a gas cone or gas skin conditions are disclosed. The resistance of the adjustable multi-stage flow resistor is determined by a position of a telescoping needle, which in turn is defined by a driving means including a motor and a gearbox. The motor is driven via a cable from a surface by a control means adapted to receive information about the bottomhole parameters from local sensors via a sensor cable. Methodology explaining the principles of maintaining well stability is also disclosed. Automatic adjustment of the bottomhole pressure is maintained over a wide range of operating parameters throughout the life of the well to maximize its oil output.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Tseytlin Software Consulting, Inc.Inventor: Simon Tseytlin
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Patent number: 7753142Abstract: A drilling unit, comprising a chassis (3, 4) and a drilling machine (1, 2) arranged in front of the same, the chassis encasing an engine-house (8), in which an engine (9) is arranged as well as at least one cooler (14) and at least one fan (15), the drilling unit comprising at least one partition wall (17) that divides the engine house (8) into a first part (18), which accommodates the engine (9), and a second part, which accommodates said cooler (14) and fan (15), and that the partition wall (17) extends transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chassis and divides the engine house (8) into a front part (18) and a rear part (19). The first part (18) of the engine house (8) forms the front part and the second part (19) of the engine house (8) forms the rear part.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills ABInventor: Henrik Jacobsson