Patents Examined by Yong-Suk Ro
  • Patent number: 10829997
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool for removing subterranean formation material in a borehole comprises a tool body having a central axis defining an axial center thereof and a leg extending in an axial direction from the tool body. A bearing assembly is removably coupled to the leg and includes a bearing shaft and a base member. The base member encircles a portion of the bearing shaft and abuts against a surface of the leg. A roller cone is rotatably coupled to the bearing assembly and has a rotational axis about which the roller cone rotates on the bearing assembly when the roller cone removes subterranean formation material in the borehole. A method of assembling a rotatable cutting structure assembly including the bearing assembly includes coupling the bearing shaft to the leg by disposing a mechanical fastener through an aperture formed through the leg and into a cavity of the bearing shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: John Morin
  • Patent number: 10822941
    Abstract: A tracking system for communicating a location of a beacon in order to drill a bore path. The beacon is carried by a drill string in a drilling operation. Above-ground trackers are arranged in a path to define an intended underground bore path. The trackers form a multi-node mesh network in communication with a display unit at a drilling rig. A drilling operator guides the drill string in response to tracking data sent from the tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent W. Perteet, Scott B. Cole, Brian K. Bailey, Brian J. Schrock
  • Patent number: 10808486
    Abstract: A hanger system for providing sealed passage for cables, lines, tubes or the like through a wellhead is provided. The hanger has a main seal formed to receive and provide sealed pass-through of power and control cables, lines, conduits, or other threaded components therethrough, while effectively packing off and sealing the well bore. The hanger is provided with hinged side doors formed to engage and support the components. When the hanger with threaded components is positioned to rest in the bowl of the tubing head, the lower string weight is utilized to compress the main seal, providing an effective seal. The present system is suitable for use with permanent as well as temporary applications, and is designed to provide a low to medium pressure seal. Also taught is a bowl cap with compression seal to cover the present system, while providing enhanced, sealed pass-through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: John W Angers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10801300
    Abstract: A composite frac plug has an elastomeric gripper assembly in place of an up-hole set of slips. The elastomeric gripper assembly permits the composite frac plug to be shorter and lighter and more rapidly drilled out after fracking is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Exacta-Frac Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ahmed Mohamed Saeed
  • Patent number: 10801267
    Abstract: A drill has a stationary drive mechanism coupled to a rotating drill, the rotating drill having a serpentine optical fiber positioned on an inner shell having a serpentine groove with fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) coupled to the inner shell and arranged parallel to the central axis of rotation for measurement of axial forces and also positioned circumferentially for measurement of drill torque. The FBGs are arranged on a single optical fiber and coupled to a broadband optical source such that reflected optical energy is directed to an interrogator for estimate of strain at each FBG. The FBG responses may also be examined dynamically to estimate material hardness during a drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Black, Behzad Moslehi
  • Patent number: 10794179
    Abstract: A method for obtaining hydrocarbon from a reservoir in a subterranean formation can include measuring a poromechanic pressure change due to lithostatic load sharing in the subterranean formation. The poromechanic pressure change can then be mapped to one or more locations within the subterranean formation. Once mapped, the method can identify one or more local pressure peaks in the poromechanic pressure change, wherein each of the one or more local pressure peaks are marked by a pressure escalation and subsequent pressure depletion. The method can then determine one or more regions within the reservoir exhibiting single phase hydrocarbon production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Samarth Agrawal, Richard A. Albert
  • Patent number: 10796424
    Abstract: A method for identifying a wellbore condition includes capturing a first image of cuttings on or downstream from a shale shaker using a first camera. A size, shape, texture, or combination thereof of the cuttings in the first image is analyzed. A wellbore condition may be identified based on the size, shape, texture, or combination thereof of the cuttings in the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Vishwanathan Parmeshwar, Jacques Orban, Babak Bob Arefi
  • Patent number: 10787889
    Abstract: For gas lift, gas lift valves install on a completion in a wellbore. The gas lift valve has a pressure-sensitive valve and a check valve configured to control communication in the valve. A piston is held closed with a first connection relative to the valve's outlet exposed to tubing pressure, while the check valve is held open in the valve with a second connection. Pressure testing can be performed on the integrity of the tubing and casing by increasing the tubing and annulus pressures while the piston stays closed. The gas lift valve is then actuated for operation by increasing the tubing or annulus pressure beyond a predetermined limit of the first connection to release the piston to move open relative to the outlet. The movement of the piston releases the hold of the second connection on the check valve so the check valve can function normally as a one-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Zlatko Salihbegovic, Stephen D. Long, Lance W. Racca, Brian M. Sternaman
  • Patent number: 10781642
    Abstract: A multi-layer downhole drilling tool designed for drilling a wellbore including a plurality of formations is disclosed. The drilling tool includes a bit body and a plurality of primary blades and secondary blades with respective leading surfaces on exterior portions of the bit body. The drilling tool further includes a plurality of first layer cutting elements and second layer cutting elements located on the leading surfaces of the primary blades and secondary blades, respectively. Each second layer cutting element is under-exposed with respect to the corresponding first layer cutting element. The amount of under-exposure is selected according to each second layer cutting element having an initial critical depth of cut greater than an actual depth of cut for a first drilling distance and a critical depth of cut equal to zero at a target drilling depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Shilin Chen
  • Patent number: 10781643
    Abstract: A cutting element has an ultrahard layer on a substrate, the ultrahard layer having a non-planar working surface. The non-planar working surface is formed from a first region and a second region, where the first region encompasses at least a cutting edge or tip of the cutting element and has a differing composition than the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Yahua Bao, Yi Fang, Haibo Zhang, John Daniel Belnap, Youhe Zhang
  • Patent number: 10767472
    Abstract: A downhole acquisition tool having a formation testing module is provided. The formation testing module includes a fluid chamber comprising a piston and configured to store a fluid and to receive a flowback fluid from a geological formation, wherein the fluid is substantially free of solids. Additionally, the formation testing tool has a first conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber and extending from a flowback conduit and a first outlet of the formation testing module, wherein the flowback conduit is configured fluidly coupled to the geological formation. and configured to receive the flowback fluid from the geological formation, and wherein the first conduit is configured to receive the flowback fluid from the flowback conduit. Further, the formation testing module has a first flow control device positioned downstream from the fluid chamber, wherein the first flow control device is configured to control a flow of the fluid exiting the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Pfeiffer, Adriaan Gisolf, Vladislav Achourov, Geir Thomas Glattetre, Kathryn Briggs, Jan Erik Tvedten
  • Patent number: 10760376
    Abstract: A pressure control valve for downhole treatment operations includes a valve body including an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat. A valve assembly is arranged in the valve body. The valve assembly includes a valve member selectively positionable on the valve seat to control fluid flow through the valve body. A piston assembly including a piston and a control fluid inlet is arranged in the valve body. The piston is operatively connected to the valve assembly. The piston is operable to bias the valve member toward a closed configuration upon exposure to a control fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Yuh Loh, Fahmi Bahrini, Gerald Whitley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10760345
    Abstract: Cutting elements and hardfacing materials are in the form of a milled tooth having an uppermost first surface or crest and remaining surfaces such as flank surfaces and end surfaces extending downwardly away from crest. The crest has a hardfaced layer disposed thereon formed from a premium hardfacing material, and one or more of the remaining cutting element surfaces has a hardfaced layer formed from a hardfacing material different than the premium hardfacing material, wherein the hardfaced layer on the crest has a wear resistance at least 10% greater than that of the remaining cutting element hardfaced surfaces. The hardfaced layer on the crest may extend along a partial portion of one or more of the adjacent remaining cutting element surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Cary A. Roth, Mingdong Cai
  • Patent number: 10753156
    Abstract: A cutting tool has a tool body and at least one non-planar cutting element oriented at a forward rake angle on the top surface of the cutting tool. The at least one non-planar cutting element of the cutting tool has a grip region and a non-planar cutting end. A support of the cutting tool extends around at least a portion of a circumference of the grip region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Michael G. Azar
  • Patent number: 10738554
    Abstract: A fishing tool used for fishing a metal object from a subterranean well has a housing. The housing is an elongated member having an internal bore. A first electromagnetic assembly is located within the internal bore of the housing and a second electromagnetic assembly is located at an outer diameter surface of the housing. The second electromagnetic assembly moves between a contracted position and an extended position. The second electromagnetic assembly extends outward from the housing. The first electromagnetic assembly generates a first magnetic force with an adjustable magnitude. The second electromagnetic assembly generates a second magnetic force with an adjustable magnitude. The first magnetic force and the second magnetic force have the same magnetic polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Ali Radi Alssafwany
  • Patent number: 10724312
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for assembling and positioning a bottom hole assembly (BHA) or tool string within a wellbore. The tool string is run via coiled tubing. The apparatus includes a deployment unit operable at a wellsite to make up and run the downhole tool string into the wellbore. In an example, the deployment unit includes a reel of the coiled tubing, a snubbing unit operable to run downhole tools into the wellbore, an injector head operable to run the coiled tubing with the tool string connected with the coiled tubing, and a support structure operable to support the snubbing unit and the injector head above the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Liam Thomas Fairburn Zsolt
  • Patent number: 10724308
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing torque in a drill string, in which the apparatus includes a first clamp assembly including a plurality of arcuate clamp segments that are pivotally connected together, the plurality of arcuate clamp segments being configured to be positioned around and secured to an oilfield tubular so as to be rotationally fixed to the oilfield tubular, and an outer sleeve positioned around the first clamp assembly. The outer sleeve includes at least two sleeve segments assembled together to form a generally cylindrical sleeve around the first clamp assembly, and the first clamp assembly is configured to rotate with the oilfield tubular and with respect to the outer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Logan Smith, Jarret Daigle, Keith Lutgring, Matthew Weber
  • Patent number: 10711542
    Abstract: A sucker rod tong assembly for fastening together sucker rods to a rod coupling, where the assembly can include a two-stage mechanical drive mechanism. The first stage can connect an upper sucker rod to a lower sucker rod via a rod coupling. The first stage can be limited in mechanical ability to tighten the connection to a pre-set shoulder torque value. The second stage can then be hydraulically and mechanically sequenced, using a linear gear drive mechanism, to rotate a main tong pinion gear that can further rotate the sucker rod connection through a fixed circumferential displacement to a mechanical stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Automated Rig Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Monte Neil Wright, Donald Nicholas Carmelo, Andrew David Richard, Harold James Miller, David Luis Richard
  • Patent number: 10711553
    Abstract: A casing segmentation device and system, and a method for selectively providing a fluid flow passage through a casing segmentation device disposed within a well casing segment is provided. The casing segmentation device includes a body and a fracture mechanism. The body has a forward end, an aft end, a plug seat, and an internal passage. The plug seat is configured to receive a mating plug. The internal passage extends between the forward end and the aft end and through the plug seat. The fracture mechanism includes an amount of energetic material and a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is configured to selectively cause a detonation of the amount of energetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kochanek, Kurt Nelson, Jared Holtman, Scott Gammons, James Danyluk, Alan Garvey, Marc Morris, Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 10711574
    Abstract: A combined multicoupler for connecting a tool to a top drive is disclosed. The combined multicoupler includes a load frame comprising a frame body having a load shoulder, and a side door coupled to the frame body. The side door opens from the frame body to allow a tool sliding horizontally into the load shoulder, and the side door closes to lock the tool in the load frame. The combined multicoupler further comprises a drive stem movably coupled to the load frame, wherein the drive stem moves vertically to connect and disconnect with the tool in the load frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Bell