Patents Examined by Robert E. Fuller
  • Fluid coupling drive system for a drill rig air compressor
    Patent number: 11441369
    Abstract: A drill rig includes a base, a drill tower coupled to and extending from the base, a drill pipe coupled to and supported by the drill tower, an air compressor coupled to the base, a prime mover coupled to the air compressor, and a fluid coupling disposed between and coupled to both the prime mover and the air compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventors: Arnold Law, Owen J. Warr
  • Method and system for monitoring well operations
    Patent number: 11434752
    Abstract: A method for monitoring well operations comprises sensing oscillations occurring in the well during a well operation and generating a signal indicative of the oscillations. The signal is processed into sensed data indicative of the oscillations sensed in the well, and the sensed data is then compared with reference data associated with previously detected well operations, to identify the well operation that generated the sensed oscillations. The system that performs the well monitoring, comprises one or more transducers configured to sense the oscillations, and a processing system in communication with the transducer which identifies the well operation and the device that caused the oscillations, based on comparisons of data indicative of the oscillations, with reference data associated with previously detected well operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Jon Themig
  • Downhole tool assembly advancement through wellbore
    Patent number: 11434693
    Abstract: A rotary actuator assembly can include a fluid motor with a rotor that displaces with hypocyclic precessional motion within a stator in response to fluid flow through the fluid motor, and a gear reducer section including an input gear that is fixed relative to the rotor and displaces with the hypocyclic precessional motion relative to an output gear. Another rotary actuator assembly can include a fluid motor with a rotor having a central longitudinal axis that rotates about a central longitudinal axis of a stator, and a gear reducer section including an input gear that rotates with the rotor and displaces relative to an output gear, and the input gear having the same central longitudinal axis as the rotor. A well system can include at least two fluid motors, and fluid flow through one fluid motor causes rotation of the other fluid motor in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Brett Fears
  • Downhole wireline intervention tool
    Patent number: 11428066
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole wireline intervention tool for performing intervention in a well, comprising a wireline, a motor powered by the wireline, a positive displacement pump driven directly or indirectly by the motor for delivering a flow of fluid, an expandable bladder expanded by fluid delivered by the positive displacement pump, and a flow control device comprising an inlet, a piston and a venting port fluidly connected to the well, the piston being movable between a first position in which the venting port is fluidly connected to the expandable bladder and a second position in which the venting port is fluidly isolated from the expandable bladder for expanding the expandable bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Welltec Oilfield Solutions AG
    Inventor: Tomas Sune Andersen
  • Borehole wall resistance increasing apparatus for improving energy utilization rate of injection gas
    Patent number: 11428065
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for oil production by increasing resistance of borehole wall for improving an energy utilization rate of injection gas includes injecting gas into an oil reservoir so that a gas pressure in the oil reservoir reaches an initial oil reservoir pressure. The initial oil seepage pressure is present at a position where the inside of the production well is in communication with the oil reservoir. The initial oil seepage pressure is less than the initial oil reservoir pressure. The method also includes monitoring gas production and oil production of the production well and increasing the initial oil seepage pressure to an increased oil seepage pressure when a ratio of the gas production to the oil production is higher than a predetermined ratio. The increased oil seepage pressure is smaller than the initial oil reservoir pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Petrochina Company Limited
    Inventors: Xinglong Chen, Qingxin Song, Zhidong Yang, Shanyan Zhang, Zemin Ji, Yulong Pu
  • Methods and systems for a temporary seal within a wellbore
    Patent number: 11428068
    Abstract: A temporary seal may be configured to be initially positioned on a seal seat within casing, and be configured to be broken or disengaged by increasing the pressure within the inner diameter of the casing past a pressure threshold. Subsequent to the temporary seal being broken, a first portion of the temporary seal may remain on the seal seat while a second portion of the temporary seal may travel downhole through a landing collar. Then, cement may be pumped within the casing, followed by a wiper plug. The wiper plug may pass the seal seat, and be locked in place on the landing collar. The cement may cure and remaining portions of the temporary seal may dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Vertice Oil Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed Ibrahim Saraya
  • Adjustable containment envelope
    Patent number: 11421490
    Abstract: A covering for a rig structure has plural segments separably connected together to form a loop to enclose a portion of a rig structure. Segments can be added or removed to adjust the size of the covering. A lower edge of the covering is connected around a containment basin suspended from the rig structure to contain fluids captured by the covering. An upper edge of the covering is connected to an adjustable frame suspended from the rig structure. The frame can be raised after the covering is attached to it to tauten the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Katch Kan Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Quinn A. J. Holtby
  • System and method of drilling a wellbore to a target
    Patent number: 11421525
    Abstract: A system and method of drilling a wellbore to a target may include measuring attitudes at two adjacent survey stations along a wellbore using a downhole surveying tool. An actual change in wellbore position over a survey leg linking the two survey stations may be determined. Corrections may be applied to the measured attitude at one or both of the survey stations such that an estimated well path joining the survey stations indicates the determined actual change in wellbore position between the two survey stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Magnetic Variation Services, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Maus, Marc Ernest Willerth, Jarrod Shawn Deverse
  • Method and apparatus of smart landing nipple system
    Patent number: 11421492
    Abstract: A method includes running a lock mandrel into a subterranean wellbore, setting the lock mandrel in a landing nipple located at a specified depth in the subterranean wellbore, acquiring data within a control unit, the data including information regarding a position of the lock mandrel in the landing nipple, transmitting the data in real time from the control unit to a surface of the wellbore, and determining a position of the lock mandrel in the landing nipple based on the transmitted data. An apparatus includes a landing nipple having an internal locking profile, a lock mandrel having an external locking profile configured to engage the internal locking profile of the landing nipple, a sensor coupled to the landing nipple, and a control unit coupled to the landing nipple and configured to receive data from the sensor and transmit the received data to a surface of the wellbore in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Mario Augusto Rivas Martinez, Monty B. Gilleland
  • Completion and production apparatus and methods employing pressure and/or temperature tracers
    Patent number: 11421526
    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: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: EOG Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar A. Bustos, Shashank Raizada, Christopher James, Tyler Thomason, Shawn Cox, Leonardo Maschio, Randy L. Rose
  • Slide-on inductive coupler system
    Patent number: 11417460
    Abstract: A technique facilitates use of an inductive coupler assembly with casing, e.g. well casing. An inductive coupler is formed as a female inductive coupler with an inductive coil. The inductive coupler is constructed for sliding movement along an exterior of the casing so that it may ultimately be positioned and secured at a suitable location along the casing. The inductive coupler is designed for connection with an electrical device, e.g. a sensor. The inductive coupler facilitates the transfer of sensor data and/or power signals across the casing. Signal transfer across the casing is further enabled by a male inductive coupler positioned within the casing at a location which allows it to cooperate with the exterior, female inductive coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benoit Deville, Yann Dufour
  • Dissolvable bridge plug assembly
    Patent number: 11408245
    Abstract: A bridge plug assembly includes a tee bushing including a base and a stem, a coned bushing having a conical section and defining a bore that is configured to receive the stem, a molded assembly that is moveable over the conical section from an initial position to a set position, and a seal. The conical section is configured as a wedge such that when the stem is forced into the conical section during a setting process, the molded assembly and the seal move over the conical section from the initial position to the set position and expand radially outward by a wedge action of the conical section against a well casing. The molded assembly includes a slip assembly having a plurality of slip segments, over-molded with an elastomer. All components are made of dissolvable materials so as to reopen the well casing over time to its original inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Dudzinski, Daniel J. Funke, Kenneth W. Cornett
  • Well testing and monitoring
    Patent number: 11408270
    Abstract: A technique facilitates testing and monitoring of a well. An artificial lift system is operated to produce a well fluid, and data is collected as the artificial lift system is operated at different flow rates. The data collected at the different, e.g. varying, flow rates is used in estimating flow performance and to enable continued monitoring of the well. In some applications, the data may be obtained by utilizing a virtual flow metering technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Sensia LLC
    Inventors: Yves-Marie Clet Robert Subervie, Dudi Abdullah Rendusara, Roderick Ian MacKay
  • Diverter for drilling operation
    Patent number: 11396781
    Abstract: A diverter assembly may include a diverter body assembly. The diverter body assembly may also include a diverter body, the diverter body fluidly coupled to the annulus of a wellbore via a casing or riser, and the diverter body including one or more diverter outlet ports fluidly coupled to the annulus of the wellbore. The diverter body assembly may also include an upper packer assembly. The upper packer assembly may include a packer sleeve, the packer sleeve mechanically coupled to the diverter body. The packer sleeve may include one or more breach lock slots. The upper packer assembly may also include an upper packer body having one or more packer breach lock tabs engaged with the breach lock slots of the packer sleeve. The diverter assembly may also include a diverter support housing, the diverter support housing coupled to the diverter body assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Equipment Resources International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Webb, Richard Romero
  • Downhole tool with ball-in-place setting assembly and asymmetric sleeve
    Patent number: 11396787
    Abstract: A downhole tool system includes a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a body having a bore formed axially-therethrough. An inner surface of the body defines an asymmetric shoulder. The downhole tool also includes an upper cone configured to be received within the bore of the body from an upper axial end of the body. The upper cone is configured to move within the body in a first direction from the upper axial end toward the shoulder in response to actuation by a setting assembly, which forces at least a portion of the body radially-outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Kellner, Nick Tonti
  • Solubility-based wellbore removal operations
    Patent number: 11396796
    Abstract: A soluble abrasive cutting tool is configured to perform a cutting operation in a wellbore. The cutting operation comprising directing a pressurized stream of an abrasive fluid containing abrasive particles at a surface in the wellbore. For example, a stream of abrasive particles can be directed via a nozzle on the cutting tool at casing in the wellbore to perforate the casing. The abrasive particles are selected to dissolve in the wellbore fluid after the cutting operations have been completed. Once dissolved, the wellbore fluid can be removed from the area of the cutting operations without clogging tubing or pumps used to remove the wellbore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Garry Martin Howitt
  • Annular casing packer collar stage tool for cementing operations
    Patent number: 11391117
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multiple stage operations, and more particularly to systems and methods for performing second stage cementing operations with a stage tool. A stage tool comprises: a mandrel; an opening seat; a closing seat; a plurality of ports; a closing sleeve; and a packer element, wherein the opening seat is attached to an interior surface of the mandrel, wherein the closing seat is attached to the interior surface of the mandrel, wherein the plurality of ports is configured to allow fluid communication between the interior surface of the mandrel and an exterior surface of the mandrel, wherein the closing sleeve is disposed on the exterior surface of the mandrel and coupled to the closing seat, wherein the packer element is disposed on the exterior surface of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Acosta, Ben E. Dawsey
  • Multi-string section mill
    Patent number: 11384616
    Abstract: A multi-string section milling tool has a longitudinally extending tubular body with mill carriers carrying hardened cutters that pivotally extend from a mill window in the tubular body by upward movement of a drive plunger. A downwardly biased piston mounted to the upper end of a flow tube is slidably inserted through a stationary thimble below the piston. The lower end of the flow tube is attached to a drive plunger which is pivotally attached to drive yoke links pivotally attached the mill carriers. The piston and thimble creates a pressure chamber in the milling tool. Fluid pressure in the pressure chamber moves the piston, flow tube and drive plunger upward to pivotally extend the drive yoke links and mill carriers radially outward through the mill window. Cessation of fluid pressure in the pressure chamber retracts the mill carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Dynasty Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Ruttley, Gerald J. Cronley
  • Tubing condition monitoring
    Patent number: 11384631
    Abstract: A method of condition monitoring of tubing (10) in an injection well (12). A baseline measurement of friction loss in the tubing is taken by obtaining pressure responses at the wellhead (34) and downhole for a number of injection rates. After a period of time, pressure responses at the wellhead and downhole are taken when the well is shut-in. Analysis of the Instantaneous Shut-In Pressure (ISIP) at the wellhead and downhole on shut-in provide the friction loss in the tubing for the last injection rate before shut-in. A comparison can be made with the baseline measurement of friction loss to indicate deterioration of the inner surface of the tubing if the friction loss has increased. The baseline measurement may be made using a step rate test or by analysis of the combined ISIP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: GEOMEC ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Frederic Joseph Santarelli
  • Rotational vibration absorber with tangential dampers cap
    Patent number: 11384603
    Abstract: A vibration damping device for use with a downhole tool having a tool axis may comprise a body coupled to a drill string component. The body may include a longitudinal bore therethrough and at least one lateral bore, the lateral bore having a bore opening and an end wall; an inertial mass slidably disposed in the lateral bore; and a cap mechanically coupled to the lateral bore. The lateral bore may be orthogonal to a radius of the body and may lie in a plane normal to the tool axis. The body may include a plurality of lateral bores, which may be in a co-planar arrangement. Each lateral bore may be blind hole positioned in the body so that it does not intersect the longitudinal bore or another lateral bore. A cap may enclose a lateral bore and fluid may be contained in the bore by the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: SCIENTIFIC DRILLING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mario Simanowski