Patents Examined by Robert E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 10858914
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a silty marine natural gas hydrate gravel stimulation mining method and a mining device. The mining method appropriately relaxes the sand retention accuracy of a wellbore, so that the fine sand and muddy components of the stratum can flow into the wellbore, and after a certain period of production, the coarse gravels are injected into the extra-pipe stratum of the production well to fill the deficit caused by the production of the fine components of the stratum and the hydrates, and then the well is opened for production. The method achieves the triple objectives of improving the productivity of the silty reservoir, preventing the large-area deficit in the stratum and extending the effective period of the sand retention of the wellbore, by way of the alternation of the rounds of the gravel injection and the hydrate reservoir fluid extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: QINGDAO INSTITUTE OF MARINE GEOLOGY
    Inventors: Nengyou Wu, Yanlong Li, Qiang Chen, Changling Liu, Jianye Sun, Chengfeng Li, Gaowei Hu
  • Patent number: 10858916
    Abstract: Provided is a well screen assembly, and method of use therefore. The well screen assembly, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of fluid collecting elements, wherein the fluid collecting elements have collection troughs extending along a length thereof. The well screen assembly, of this embodiment, further includes filter elements positioned over the collection troughs, and flexure mechanisms connecting proximate pairs of the fluid collecting elements, the flexure mechanisms allowing the plurality of fluid collecting elements to radially extend from a compact state to a radially extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 10858905
    Abstract: A device, system and method are provided for using a seal sub to isolate a well. The seal sub generally has a primary channel extending through the seal sub and seat positioned within the primary channel. As a ball setting tool passes through the seal sub and the seat, a ball connected to the setting tool with a shear pin contacts the seat and selectively connects to the seal sub. A predetermined force can be applied to the ball setting tool to break the shear pin, which leaves the seal ball in place, and the seal sub and the seal ball isolate the downhole pressures and contents from the uphole pressures and contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: CAJUN SERVICES UNLIMITED, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce Elliott Randle, Patrick Francis Campbell
  • Patent number: 10844699
    Abstract: A system for providing artificial lift to wellbore fluids has a pump located within a wellbore and a motor located within the wellbore uphole of the pump. A seal assembly has a first side connected to the motor and a second side connected to the pump. The pump, motor, and seal assembly together form a submersible pump string. An uphole packer circumscribes the production tubular uphole of the motor. A downhole packer is located downhole of the pump. An uphole y-tool has an uphole y-tool first end in fluid communication with the production tubular and an uphole y-tool second end with a first uphole y-tool branch that is mechanically connected to the submersible pump string and a second uphole y-tool branch in fluid communication with a bypass tubular. The bypass tubular is positioned adjacent to the submersible pump string and extends between the uphole y-tool and the downhole packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jinjiang Xiao, Rafael Adolfo Lastra
  • Patent number: 10837269
    Abstract: A multi-stage fracturing sliding sleeve is provided, which comprises a fracturing pipe, a shear slip device, a fracturing sleeve, a ball seat support, a first sliding sleeve and a limiting sleeve, the fracturing sleeve seals fracturing ports, the ball seat support and the fracturing pipe are connected through at least one first shear pin, a first spring is arranged between the first sliding sleeve and the limiting sleeve, a second sliding sleeve is arranged below a multi-segment ball seat and connected with the first sliding sleeve, an outer wall of the first sliding sleeve comprises a downward facing annular shoulder, an inner wall of the limiting ring comprises an upward facing annular shoulder, the first spring is located between the downward facing annular shoulder and the upward facing annular shoulder, and an upper end face of the limiting ring limits the axial travel of the first sliding sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignees: Yangtze University, China University of Petroleum-Beijing
    Inventors: Yongcun Feng, Fucheng Deng, Jingen Deng
  • Patent number: 10822913
    Abstract: A plugging and wall reinforcing device and a method of using thereof. The nesting plugging and wall reinforcing device comprises an external slotted metal pipe and an internal nested blasting tool, wherein the slotted metal pipe has spiral slits or straight slits cut on a pipe wall thereof; the nested blasting tool is a mandrel having a surface provided with a plurality of explosive grooves in which explosives are placed; the slotted metal pipe is disposed around the mandrel, with a movable fit therebetween. The present invention can effectively improve the plugging success rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: China University of Petroleum-Beijing
    Inventors: Yiqun Zhang, Ya Liu, Gensheng Li, Zhongwei Huang, Huaizhong Shi, Xianzhi Song, Mao Sheng, Lu Ji
  • Patent number: 10815745
    Abstract: A milling tool includes a cutting block in a recess in a tool body. The cutting block is configured to extend radially outward from and retract radially inward toward the tool body. The milling tool further includes a milling blade in a recess or cut-out in the cutting block. The milling blade is configured to extend radially outward from and inwards toward the cutting block. One or more links may couple the milling blade to the tool body to cause the milling blade to move radially relative to the cutting block when the cutting block moves radially relative to the tool body. The milling tool may be used as a dual string section mill to remove any of an inner casing, an outer casing, or cement between the inner and outer casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Wellbore Integrity Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Charles H. Dewey, Mahesha Kumar
  • Patent number: 10815755
    Abstract: A frac sleeve includes an expandable ball seat configured to allow a single frac-ball to treat a plurality of zones associated with a plurality of frac sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Vertice Oil Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed Ibrahim Saraya
  • Patent number: 10808480
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a setting tool having an outer surface, an inner surface defining a passage and a terminal end. An actuator mechanism is arranged in the passage. A setting member is arranged at the terminal end in the passage. The setting member includes a side portion that is angled radially inwardly from a first end portion to a second end portion. A collet member extends over the setting member, and a seal member is operatively connected to the collet member at the second end portion of the setting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Hern, YingQing Xu
  • Patent number: 10808490
    Abstract: In one embodiment, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Lee Giroux
  • Patent number: 10808476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drill rod (2) for a fluid-operated apparatus, particularly a percussion drill tool (1). The drill rod (2) comprises a first connection interface (100) at a first end (101) and a second connection interface (102) at a second end (103). The first connection interface (100) is for connection of the drill rod (2) to a second connection interface (102) of a like drill rod (3) or to the apparatus (1). The second connection interface (102) is for connection of the drill rod (2) to a first connection interface of a like drill rod (3) or to a fluid transfer device. The drill rod also comprises a plurality of discrete fluid flow channels (4, 6, 8) through the drill rod, a first member (23) moveably mounted in the first connection interface (100) and a second member (22) moveably mounted in the second connection interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: MINCON INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Joseph Purcell, John Kosovich, Hongbin Wang
  • Patent number: 10801315
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include methods to obtain measurements of a wellbore and data logging devices. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring, by a sensor of a wellbore isolation device, at least one condition of the wellbore proximate to the sensor. The wellbore isolation device has a dissolvable portion, and the sensor is releasable from the wellbore isolation device upon dissolution of the dissolvable portion. The method also includes storing measurements of the at least one condition of the wellbore in a machine-readable medium. The method further includes providing the stored measurements of the sensor to a controller following dissolution of the dissolvable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, John Todd Broome, Zachary William Walton
  • Patent number: 10794137
    Abstract: A remote operator interface and control unit configured to monitor status of, and control over, fluid connections at wellheads. Independent and concurrent status monitoring and control communication with fluid connections is provided at each of a plurality of wells. The operator interface and control unit allows a remote operator to lock and unlock fluid connection assemblies on wellheads, while at the same time viewing wellhead conditions accompanying such actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke, Steven M. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 10794121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting assembly to be plugged into a mating receptacle in a wellbore, comprising a first sleeve including a second sleeve and having a top connecting end and a bottom connecting end, characterized in that: —the first sleeve comprises the bottom end and has a top end opposite to said bottom connecting end, said bottom connecting end being provided with an end cap for preventing entrance of materials and capable of being opened; —said second sleeve comprises said top connecting end located outside of the first sleeve and has a bottom end opposed to said top connecting end; —said connecting assembly comprises a locking mechanism adapted to lock said second sleeve in a position relative to said first sleeve such that the bottom end of the second sleeve is inside said first sleeve, and —the dimensions of the first sleeve and second sleeve are adapted such that when said locking mechanism is unlocked, said second sleeve is allowed to move relative to said first sleeve to impinge and o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: TERCEL IP LIMITED
    Inventors: John Hanton, Jeffrey B. Lasater, Thomas Marr Graeme, Jayson Alexander Byrd
  • Patent number: 10794124
    Abstract: A centralizer for downhole OCTG having a storage space capable of housing downhole electronics and other downhole devices, compositions and elements is disclosed. The storage space is located within an inner cavity formed in one or more of the blades making up the centralizer. A capsule is provided for protecting the contents of the items being stored within the inner cavity. The capsule may be hermetically sealed to protect the contents from the damaging effects of downhole fluids. Ports may be provided within the capsule to allow downhole electronics to be connected to sensors and other devices and components residing outside of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Roberson, Scott Goodwin, Henry Rogers, Nicholas Frederick Budler, Krishna Ravi, Neal Skinner, Kevin Henry
  • Patent number: 10787897
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for downhole operations. Embodiments include downhole tools comprising an outer member configured for conveyance in the borehole; a pressure barrel positioned inside the outer member; a substantially cylindrical pod positioned inside the pressure barrel; and at least one downhole electronic component mounted between the exterior surface and the frame. The pod comprises at least one rigid outer surface forming an exterior surface of the pod and supported by a central frame extending across a diameter of the pod, such as a plurality of outer rigid surfaces. The pod may include a plurality of coupled rigid elongated semicircular metallic shells, wherein each shell of the plurality comprises a rigid outer surface of the plurality of outer rigid surfaces. Each of the at least one downhole electronic component may be sealingly enclosed within a corresponding shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Joachim Treviranus, Stephan Wink, Olaf Gaertner, Daniel Porzig, Tim Mueller, Andreas Peter
  • Patent number: 10781667
    Abstract: A workstation system for monitoring and controlling subsystems on a drilling rig, the system comprising: first and second workstation alcoves positioned near a drill rig floor so as to provide operators with direct lines of sight while sitting or standing in the alcoves to control drill rig subsystems, wherein each of the first and second workstation alcoves comprise: an operator chair; a plurality of controls for controlling the at least one first drill rig subsystem; at least one display of a graphical representation of the at least one first drill rig subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joe Rodney Berry, Robert Metz
  • Patent number: 10781646
    Abstract: A wellbore cleaning system provides a relockable shearing swivel tool that can be used in tandem with a lockable weight set circulation tool. Suspended from an upper drill string is an assembly consisting of a landing sub, the lockable weight set circulation tool and relockable shearing swivel tool are located immediately above a liner top and from which is suspended a lower drills string. The lower drill string and production liner are both significantly smaller in diameter than the upper drill string and production casing such than when fluid is pumped at high rates through the entire drill string and reduced cross sectional area of the lower drills string and production liner causes a large pressure drop characterized at surface by a high pump pressure. As part of the method, an operator makes up a drill string assembly that includes an upper drill string, a lower drill string, a landing sub or device, the lockable weight set circulation tool, and the relockable shearing swivel tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: ODFJELL WELL SERVICES NORWAY AS
    Inventors: Simon Leiper, Nikolas Tzallas, Raymond Cain
  • Patent number: 10781650
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a tool body and an anchoring device integrated with the tool body. The anchoring device includes a contact pad that is at least partially external to the tool body, the contact pad having multiple stages with different thicknesses. The anchoring tool also includes a first linear actuator and a second linear actuator. The first linear actuator is configured to move the contact pad axially with respect to the tool body to align one of the multiple stages with the second linear actuator. The second linear actuator is configured to apply a radial force to the contact pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adan Hernandez Herrera, Nikhil Manmadhan Kartha
  • Patent number: 10774637
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide highly accurate and controllable measurements of rock formation properties in a wellbore. The systems and methods utilize a prescribed input signal to mechanically perturb a drill string in contact with a rock formation in order to elicit a mechanical response. Based on the input signal and the mechanical response, a transfer function is computed and analyzed, wherein the analysis uses estimates of the drill string resonances to identify rock formation resonances, which are used, in turn, to determine the rock formation properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Carlos Torres-Verdin, Roman Shor, Eric van Oort