Patents Examined by Ronald Runyan
  • Patent number: 9506330
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for conducting multiple successive same-location firings of a number of shaped charges carried by a perforating gun that is lowered into the wellbore and precisely positioned to align its charges with the penetration created by the first fired-charges in order to produce deeper and larger diameter penetrations that result in enhanced hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir and increased gas production from the completed well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sauda Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Al-Waleed Abdullah Al-Gouhi
  • Patent number: 9506307
    Abstract: A wireline or drill pipe retrievable coring tool with an inner barrel to receive a core, a bottom coring tool valve operable to seal off a bottom of the inner barrel and at least one pressure canister operable to receive fluid from the core in the inner barrel. The pressure canister is operable to significantly reduce the pressure inside the inner barrel utilizing an expandable chamber to receive fluid from the core as the tool is removed from the wellbore. In one embodiment, a bottom valve mechanism moves the cored formation materials out of the way of the bottom valve before the bottom valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Corpro Technologies Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas Kinsella
  • Patent number: 9500065
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly including a nozzle. The nozzle has an elongated body. The elongated body has a nozzle end at one end and a connection portion at another end. A joint section is connected with the connection portion. The joint section allows the nozzle to move axially and radially when an axial force is applied to the nozzle end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Jensen
  • Patent number: 9494006
    Abstract: Implementations described herein are directed to a pressure pulse well tool, which may include an upper valve assembly configured to move between a start position and a stop position in a housing. The pressure pulse well tool may also include an activation valve subassembly disposed within the upper valve assembly. The activation valve subassembly may be configured to restrict a fluid flow through the upper valve assembly and increase a fluid pressure across the upper valve assembly. The pressure pulse well tool may further include a lower valve assembly disposed inside the housing and configured to receive the fluid flow from the upper valve assembly. The lower valve assembly may be configured to separate from the upper valve assembly after the upper valve assembly reaches the stop position, causing the fluid flow to pass through the lower valve assembly and to decrease the fluid pressure across the upper valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mohon, Robert J. Costo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9494010
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a first packing element and a second packing element configured to synchronically set to selectively hydraulically isolate a portion of the wellbore. The movement of a pin along a j-slot track on a second sleeve sets the second packer in compression and the movement of a pin along a j-slot track on a first sleeve the first packer in tension after the second packer has been set. The j-slot track on the first sleeve has six different pin positions and the j-slot track on the second sleeve has four different pin positions. The pin positions and direction of travel of the j-slot tracks are adapted to permit the synchronized setting of the two packing elements to hydraulically isolate a portion of the wellbore. The wellbore may then be treated by flowing fluid out of a ported sub positioned between the packing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Flores
  • Patent number: 9476269
    Abstract: An apparatus for pulling irrigation poly provides a transportable poly reel rig with a reel spool pivotally mounted to the reel rig. A manual primary brake is in hydraulic braking communication with the reel spool to manually control free spooling. A secondary brake, hydraulically integrated in a planetary gear drive connected to the spool, is activated automatically when hydraulic pressure falls below a safe level. A top alignment reel positioned under the reel spool, and a bottom alignment reel positioned under the top alignment reel, facilitate alignment of the reel spool with a well bore. A wire roller operating in concert with the reel spool facilitates attachment to and take-up of wire attached to the poly. Two or more hydraulic stabilizers stabilize the rig, as does a boom assembly mounted to the reel rig. Methods of using the apparatus utilize a smaller crew of operators than with prior apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Peter E Dyck
  • Patent number: 9476277
    Abstract: Magnetic means for managing and stopping leaks in metal pipes such as well bores and pipe risers is provided. A magnetic leak arrestor comprises a spool with magnetic collar disposed thereabout. The spool has a tapered end for inserting into a pipe riser. The magnetic collar creates a seal with the pipe riser, which may be welded in place, if desired. Additionally, a magnet may be positioned proximate a leak in a side wall of a pipe riser to seal the leak. The magnet may be shaped to conform to the shape of the pipe riser, and a seal gasket provided around an edge portion of the magnet. A slurry of magnetically active material may be provide inside the pipe to seal the leak in the side wall or to provide a blockage in the pipe riser so that killing fluids may be pumped into the well bore, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Emanuel Stamatakis
  • Patent number: 9476288
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular expansion tool which includes a plurality of stackable piston/slip/spring assemblies that are used to radially expand a liner against well casing along a longitudinal distance “L.” The pistons are repeatedly stroked a short distance “S” with the application of hydraulic pressure. As the pistons are stroked, they move a mandrel-expansion die sub assembly in successive steps a distance “S” to perform the tubular expansion over a longer distance “L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary Lynn Hazelip
  • Patent number: 9464520
    Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding method for remotely communicating with a device in a wellbore, comprising: an oilfield tubular handling apparatus (200); partial toroidal coil sections (304) integrated with the oilfield tubular handling apparatus, wherein the partial toroidal coil sections form a toroidal coil upon a tubular member (102) with the handling apparatus; and a microcontroller for communicating with the device via at least one of signals transmitted or received through the tubular member using the toroidal coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Sorin Gabriel Teodorescu, Hallvard Svadberg Hatloy, Tarald Gudmestad, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 9464495
    Abstract: The power charge of a wireline pressure setting assembly includes a barrier located adjacent an open upper end of the power charge. The barrier centralizes the power charge in horizontal applications to ensure the associated tool properly sets. The barrier also limits how much of the power charge can flow out of its housing in a horizontal application. The barrier can be porous or impervious to contain as much of the power charge in a small sub-chamber in the pressure chamber defined by the barrier. Once ignition starts in the power charge the barrier can be consumed or otherwise disabled for the normal functioning of the setting device to set a tool and release from the set tool in a normal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Chad H. Picciotti, Kent S. Meyer, Joesph A. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 9453406
    Abstract: An orienting hanger comprises a generally tubular inner hanger, a generally tubular outer collar, and a cylindrical tool adapter. Box and pin connections at the ends of the outer collar enable the orienting hanger assembly to be threadably inserted into a BHA. One end of the tool adapter is disposed to threadably engage the inner hanger, and the other end is disposed to threadably receive an MWD tool. The inner hanger is disposed to be received into the outer collar such that annular shoulders abut, whereupon the MWD tool is suspended from the inner hanger. The inner hanger provides structure to enable the high side of the MWD tool to be aligned with the zero degrees tool face on the BHA and then locked into that position within the outer collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GE Energy Oilfield Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Macdonald, Mark Miller
  • Patent number: 9453372
    Abstract: A fluid-actuated directional percussive impact tool includes a back head for connection to a pressurized fluid source and a tool casing housing a drill bit longitudinally movable with respect thereto. The drill bit has a central axis extending longitudinally therethrough. A sonde housing is coupled between the back head and the tool casing and has a sonde disposed therein. The sonde housing has a central axis extending longitudinally therethrough. A bent sub is integrally formed with the sonde housing and connects the sonde housing to the tool casing such that the central axis of the drill bit intersects the central axis of the sonde housing at a non-zero angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: EASTERN DRILLER MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Stump, Antonio Castrero, William Michael Mulligan
  • Patent number: 9447653
    Abstract: A permanent inflatable packer enabling wellbore isolation in both open hole and cased hole wells expands multiple times its original diameter to conform to borehole irregularities and eccentricities. Cement, water based mud or oil based mud activation fluid under prerequisite fluid pressure causes retainer to slide upon a mandrel causing fracture of shearing screws and compression of Belleville metal ring washers to enable activation fluid to flow around an O-ring and into a recess area to effectuate inflation of ribs sandwiched between rubber layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Elie Robert Abi Aad
  • Patent number: 9441449
    Abstract: A swellable packer enabling wellbore isolation in both open hole and cased hole wells. Longitudinal embodiments and radial embodiments have a plurality of channels that penetrate the elastomeric member and through which hydrocarbon and aqueous fluid flow. The plurality of channels enable extensive distribution of this activating fluid and facilitate maximum swelling of the elastomeric member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Elie Robert Abi Aad
  • Patent number: 9435180
    Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbons may include a production control device positioned along a production flow line. The production control device may include an enclosure having an interior space and an isolation device disposed in the interior space. The isolation device may divide the interior space into an upper interior space and a lower interior space. The production control device may also include a first flow control device positioned in the upper interior space, and a second flow control device positioned in the upper interior space. The first flow control device may be responsive to a control signal transmitted via a control line from a surface location. The second flow control device may reactively block fluid flow from the lower interior section to the upper interior section when a pressure differential between the upper interior space and the lower interior space falls below a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dario Casciaro, Steven Johnstone
  • Patent number: 9435163
    Abstract: A system and method for removing liquid from a horizontal wellbore is disclosed. The system and methods utilize multi-conduit tubing associated with one or more liquid intake port(s) positioned at selected locations along the tubing and positioned within a wellbore. The one or more liquid intake ports are typically placed at liquid accumulation points along the primarily horizontal section of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Scott J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9428977
    Abstract: An actuation tool uses a lock that when released allows a moving magnet to move into position to repel another magnet. Alternatively a magnetic field can be triggered in a stationary magnet such as one delivered on wireline, for example, to accomplish tool actuation. The repelling force on the second magnet moves it away from a locking position to allow another lock to retract and release the stored potential energy, where the release of the potential energy creates kinetic energy to drive an actuation assembly to set the tool. In a preferred application the tool can be a liner hanger. The release device can be a selectively energized electromagnet or a solenoid that shifts at least one magnet into alignment with at least one second magnet so as to defeat the second magnet from effectively supporting dogs that retain the potential energy whose movement can set the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Alasdair R. Tait
  • Patent number: 9422806
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controlling a downhole operation is disclosed. A tool is operated to perform the downhole operation at a selected downhole location using a first value of an operation parameter of the tool. A magnetostrictive probe is used to determine a temperature profile along a section of a wellbore related to the operation being performed using the first value of the operation parameter. At least one temperature of the temperature profile is compared to a selected threshold. The operation parameter is altered to a second value based on the comparison of the temperature profile to the selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ke Wang, Zhiyue Xu, Carlos A. Prieto
  • Patent number: 9416637
    Abstract: A system and method enabling flow control with respect to a well related fluid. The system utilizes a choke manifold with a choke that can serve the function of both a fixed choke and an adjustable choke. The choke comprises components that are selectively adjusted to effectively provide differing calibrated flow paths along which the well related fluid flows when passing through the choke manifold. The choke manifold also may be combined with other system components in an efficient arrangement that facilitates handling of a variety of fluids, including multiphase fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Francis Allouche
  • Patent number: 9404348
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for completing a wellbore including providing a packer having an inner mandrel, alternate flow channels along the inner mandrel, and a sealing element external to the inner mandrel, including connecting packer to tubular body, then running the packer and connected tubular body into the wellbore. In one aspect, the packer and connected tubular body may be placed along an open-hole portion of the wellbore. Tubular body may be a sand screen, with the sand screen comprising a base pipe, a surrounding filter medium, and alternate flow channels. The method includes setting a packer and injecting a gravel slurry into an annular region formed between the tubular body and the surrounding wellbore, and then further injecting the gravel slurry through the alternate flow channels to allow the gravel slurry to at least partially bypass sealing element of the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Tracy J. Moffett, Jon Blacklock, David C. Haeberle, Patrick C. Hyde, Iain M. Macleod, Lee Mercer, Stephen Reid, Andrew J. Elrick