Patents Examined by Robert E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 10920533
    Abstract: The cleaning of a wellbore which has a casing in its upper part and a reservoir liner at its lower end by running only one string into the wellbore to cement the liner in place and to clean both the liner and the upper part of the well. Thus, the entire well is made ready for completion in a single trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Rune Woie
  • Patent number: 10914131
    Abstract: A remotely and mechanically actuated RCD control tool adjusts at least one component of an RCD latch assembly between at least two settings. The mechanical RCD control tool comprises a rotational cylinder and a guide cylinder, the rotational cylinder configured to rotate in a rotational direction to adjust the RCD latch assembly from a first setting to a second setting and from the second setting to the first setting based on movement of the drive cylinder in a selected direction. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Chau, Christopher Allen Grace
  • Patent number: 10914159
    Abstract: A method that includes deploying a casing with a multi-electrode configuration over a dielectric layer in a downhole environment. The method also includes collecting electromagnetic (EM) measurements using the multi-electrode configuration, and processing the EM measurements to obtain a characterization of fluids in an annulus between the casing and a borehole wall. A related system includes a casing deployed downhole, the casing having a multi-electrode configuration and a dielectric layer between the casing and the multi-electrode configuration. The system also includes a controller for directing collection of EM measurements using the multi-electrode configuration, and a processor that processes the EM measurements to obtain a characterization of fluids in an annulus between the casing and a borehole wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Roberson, Scott Goodwin
  • Patent number: 10914163
    Abstract: A frac plug includes a body having an outer surface, a first pocket in the outer surface, and a second pocket in the outer surface. In addition, the frac plug includes a first sensor removably disposed in the first pocket. The first sensor is configured to measure and record a plurality of pressures. The frac plug also includes a second sensor removably disposed in the second pocket. The second sensor is configured to measure and record a plurality of pressures. Further, the frac plug includes a first cap releasably coupled to the body and closing the first pocket. Moreover, the frac plug includes a second cap releasably coupled to the body and closing the second pocket. The first cap includes a port and the second cap includes a port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: EOG Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar A. Bustos, Shashank Raizada, Christopher James, Tyler Thomason, Shawn Cox, Leonardo Maschio, Randy L. Rose
  • Patent number: 10914138
    Abstract: A downhole communications system comprises a power generator disposed proximate a predetermined portion of a side pocket mandrel in such a way as to not impede fluid flow within a wellbore into which the side pocket mandrel is disposed and a wireless communications transmitter operatively in communication with the power generator. Placed at least partially within a side pocket mandrel, the system allows fluid flowing proximate the side pocket mandrel to engage the power generator to create electric energy which may be used to power the wireless communications transmitter and allow data interchange between the wireless communications transmitter and a predetermined well device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Tubel LLC
    Inventors: Paulo Tubel, Clark Bergeron, Forest Dickson
  • Patent number: 10907468
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, or computer-program product configured to performing automated wellbore trajectory control for correcting between an actual wellbore trajectory path and a planned wellbore trajectory path. For example, in one embodiment, a controller is configured to obtain real-time data gathered during the drilling operation, determine whether the actual wellbore trajectory path deviates from the planned wellbore trajectory path, and automatically initiate the wellbore trajectory control to change the actual wellbore trajectory path to a minimum-incremental wellbore energy correction path using provided correction constraints. The correction path may optionally include spline, catenary, circular arc, or clothoid curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robello Samuel
  • Patent number: 10907422
    Abstract: The support tool described includes a body with a lower narrow portion dimensioned to fit within the interior cavity of a tubing string inlet or an upper wellhead extension thereof. The body has an upper wide diameter portion defining a landing surface substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support tool. The landing surface is dimensioned to rest upon the top edge of the tubing string inlet or the upper wellhead extension thereof. The body includes a central interior longitudinal cavity spanning the length of the tool which is continuous with a longitudinal slot in the outer sidewall of the tool spanning the length of the tool. A sucker rod is held within the longitudinal cavity when the tool is supported on the top edge of the tubing string inlet or an upper wellhead extension thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: 1904296 ALBERTA LTD.
    Inventors: Kenneth Nicholas Gordey, Leslie Joan Kohnen, Dennis Francis Ranks, Jeffery Errol Dickie, William G. Groves
  • Patent number: 10907417
    Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond drill bit for percussion drilling, in small hole high silica ground is disclosed which has a cutting face having an inner flat face and an outer beveled peripheral surface, a number of first polycrystalline diamond tipped inserts having a first diameter inserted into the inner flat face and the outer beveled peripheral surface, and a number of second polycrystalline diamond tipped inserts having a second diameter inserted into the inner flat face, with the second diameter being different than the first diameter. The cutting angle and the radius of the tip of each insert in addition to the diameter of the inserts, provide for use of a machine thrust pressure and machine torque pressure at low ranges when the PCD bits are used in percussion drilling. The percussion drilling, with larger bits, may be used for rotary oil drilling, and operating at a machine thrust and torque of less than 20 Bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: William J Brady
  • Patent number: 10907465
    Abstract: An example method for control of a drilling assembly includes receiving measurement data from at least one sensor coupled to an element of the drilling assembly positioned in a formation. An operating constraint for at least a portion of the drilling assembly may be determined based, at least in part, on a model of the formation and a set of offset data. A control signal may be generated to alter one or more drilling parameters of the drilling assembly based, at least in part, on the measurement data and the operating constraint. The control signal may be transmitted to a controllable element of the drilling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Thomas Hay, Daniel Winslow, Neelesh Deolalikar, Michael Strachan
  • Patent number: 10900297
    Abstract: Modular stabilizer tools may be used to reduce unwanted deflection of a wellbore and in effecting a desired change in direction of a wellbore in an efficient and inexpensive manner. As the diameter of a wellbore changes, the modular stabilizers plates may be configured to expand or decrease the outer diameter of a modular stabilizer tool without requiring removal of an entire section of the drill string. Each modular stabilizer plate of a modular stabilizer tool may be configured to align and affix to any one or more other modular stabilizer plates and may be of any size or shape. A site need only maintain a small inventory of modular stabilizer plates instead of entire collars, tools, or sections of a drill string. When any modular stabilizer plate, especially an outer spacer stabilizer plate, experiences wear or damage, it may be replaced without the requirement of replacing an entire collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, inc.
    Inventors: Shijie Ong, Alston Wong, Yamone Wai Zun, Gabriel Yun Chong Chang, Han Yeou Ng
  • Patent number: 10895129
    Abstract: Apparatus, and methods of use, where the apparatus includes a cylindrical tool main body defining an axial centerline, the main body having a first bladed magnet section having at least one blade extending substantially perpendicular from the axial centerline at a first angle, a second bladed magnet section having at least one blade extending substantially perpendicular from the axial centerline at a second angle, and a hardfaced cylindrical section disposed between the first bladed magnet section and the second bladed magnet section, wherein the outer circumference of the hardfaced cylindrical section defines the outer circumference of the tool main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: M-l DRILLING FLUIDS UK LTD
    Inventors: James Linklater, James Edward Atkins, George Telfer
  • Patent number: 10890045
    Abstract: A plug includes a tubular conduit having a first end and a second end. The plug also includes a cap disposed over the first end of the tubular conduit and coupled thereto. The cap is configured to mate with a wireline adapter kit of a perforating string. The plug additionally includes a guide shoe disposed over the second end of the tubular conduit and coupled thereto. The guide shoe is configured to move along the tubular conduit from an unset position, away from cap, to a set position, toward the cap. A gripping assembly is disposed around the tubular conduit between the cap and the guide shoe and coupled to the guide shoe. A sealing assembly is disposed between the cap and the gripping assembly. The sealing assembly includes a first sealing band and a second sealing band. The first sealing band is disposed around the tubular conduit and has an annular lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Cerca Downhole Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Graham Chenault, Kelly Kykkanen, Anthony Honke, Tanner Ingram-Johnson, Kenneth Stokley
  • Patent number: 10890047
    Abstract: A stage tool comprises a body with a tubular wall, defining an outer surface and an inner surface. Fluid ports, such as cement circulation ports, extend through the tubular wall. The stage tool further comprises a primary closing sleeve. The primary closing sleeve may be movable along the outer surface of the tubular wall for closing the ports when the treatment of the wellbore stage ends. A secondary closing sleeve may be movable along the inner surface of the tubular wall for closing the port in case of failure of the primary closing sleeve or for redundancy. The primary closing sleeve may be actuated by an internal member joined to the primary closing sleeve by a crosslink and movable on the inner surface. The internal member and the secondary closing sleeve may move along different surfaces on the internal wall to avoid interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Daniel Jon Themig
  • Patent number: 10883325
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a deployment system including an actuator. The deployment system also includes an actuator arm coupled to the actuator. The deployment system further includes a crank rotatably coupled at a pivot point. The deployment system also includes a first link arm coupled to the actuator arm at a first end and the crank at a second end. The deployment system includes a second link arm coupled to the crank at a first end and a deployment arm at a second end, the second link arm transmitting rotational movement of the crank to the deployment arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Sondex Wireline Limited
    Inventors: James David Ratcliffe, Timothy Michael Gill
  • Patent number: 10883316
    Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure includes systems and methods for rotatably coupling a bottom-hole assembly to a drilling shaft for use in subterranean drilling operations. In one embodiment, the methods of the present disclosure are suitable for underreaming a portion of a wellbore. The methods may comprise rotating a drilling shaft coupled to a drill bit about its axis to form a wellbore; engaging a first locking mechanism rotatably coupled to the drilling shaft with a second locking mechanism coupled to a housing to rotatably couple the drilling shaft and the housing; expanding an expandable reamer attached to the housing; and rotating the housing to widen at least a portion of the wellbore uphole from the drill bit. The bottom-hole may comprise one or more actuators that are selectively operable to engage the first and second locking mechanisms and expand the expandable reamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Andrew Samuel, Alben D'Silva
  • Patent number: 10883320
    Abstract: A ground wellhole dedicated protective pipe, disposed inside a ground wellhole for gas extraction of a mining-induced area, includes a casing, and a chain inside the casing and slidable relative to the casing. The chain includes a chain formed by a plurality of chain drums through serial connection, and a detachable connecting piece connecting between chains. A plurality of air holes is opened in the chain drum along an axial direction of the chain drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: SHANDONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Wei Lu, Qianting Hu, Guansheng Qi, Weimin Cheng, Jinliang Li, Dong Wang, Zhen Liu
  • Patent number: 10883333
    Abstract: A sealing device includes a tubular body having a bore; a collet seat having a plurality of collets; a frangible sealing element disposed in the collet seat and blocking fluid communication through the bore; and a releasable sleeve releasably attached to the tubular body and retaining the collet seat against the tubular body. In one embodiment, the plurality of the collets includes threads mated with threads on the tubular body. In another embodiment, the plurality of the collets is attached to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Jobby T. Jacob, Jeffery Morrison, Joshua Vernon Symms, Luis A. Urdaneta
  • Patent number: 10871057
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a housing and a body. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid flow is communicated between the inlet and outlet. The body disposed inside the housing to form a fluid restriction for the fluid flow. The body includes an opening therethrough to divert a first portion of the fluid flow into a first fluid flow path; and a first surface to at least partially define the first fluid flow path. The body is adapted to move to control fluid communication through the first flow path based at least in part on at least one fluid property of the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gocha Chochua, Aleksandar Rudic, Ke Ken Li, Terje Moen, Carlos Alberto Araque, Barbara J. A. Zielinska
  • Patent number: 10871040
    Abstract: A penetrator connector assembly is suitable for connecting two parts of an electrical conductor across a pressure barrier in an oil or gas well. The assembly includes a body with a bore for an electrical conductor, a sealing boot that seals an annular space between the conductor and the bore, and a port that transmits a pressure differential between the exterior of the body and the annular space, so that the pressure differential acts on one side of the sealing boot to apply a compressive force and enhance the seal. The assembly also has a spring that can be resiliently energised to apply a compressive force to the sealing boot independently of fluid pressure differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: RMSPUMPTOOLS LTD
    Inventors: Nigel Ames, Matthew Pape
  • Patent number: 10865618
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling and sealing a chamber with fluid at a predetermined pressure in a well bore. In a downhole assembly (10) comprising a tubular body (14) having a cylindrical throughbore (18) and a chamber (16) to be filled on an outer surface (26) of the body, a fill mechanism is provided to control fluid flow between the throughbore and the chamber. The fill mechanism includes a sliding seal (72) arrangement at the outer surface which is operated by the fluid flow in the throughbore to allow fluid flow into the chamber and then seal the chamber. Embodiments are described where the chamber is between a morphable sleeve (64) and the outer surface of the tubular, filling of the chamber morphs the sleeve and sealing the chamber at a predetermined fluid pressure secures the tubular within a borehole, creates an annular seal across an annulus or centralizes the tubing within a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Duncan James Meikle