Patents by Inventor Alan Shem

Alan Shem has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8127836
    Abstract: A top drive for engagement with a travelling block with a hook can include an airlift thread compensator connected to a bail. An enclosure can be connected to the bail with an airbag disposed therein. A bail pin can be engaged through the enclosure, and can be connected to the airbag. The airbag can support weight of the top drive. Upper links can be connected to the enclosure and to a top drive housing. The top drive housing can support a stem connected to a motor, and a bearing can be disposed about the stem. Lower links can be connected to the top drive housing and to an elevator for moving tubulars. An inside blow out preventer can be connected to the stem and to a saver sub. A torque wrench assembly can be connected to the top drive housing for gripping tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Larry G. Keast, James Strickland, Alan Shem
  • Patent number: 7984757
    Abstract: A drilling rig with a top drive for engagement with a travelling block with a hook comprising an airlift thread compensator with an airlift box connected to a bail. The airlift box can have an airbag disposed therein. A bail pin can be engaged through the airlift box, and can be connected to the airbag. The airbag can support the top drive. Upper links can be connected to the airlift box and to a bearing housing. The bearing housing can support a stem connected to a motor, and a bearing can be disposed about the stem. Lower links can be connected to the bearing housing and to an elevator for moving tubulars. An inside blow out preventer can be connected to the stem and to a saver sub. A torque wrench can be connected to the bearing housing for gripping tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: Larry G. Keast, James Strickland, Alan Shem
  • Patent number: 7921939
    Abstract: A method for using a top drive is disclosed herein. The method can include: actuating a motor to provide power to the top drive, thereby rotating a stem with a saver sub mounted to a top drive housing having a bearing disposed about the rotatable stem; grabbing, lifting, and positioning tubulars using an elevator; and suspending weight of the top drive to prevent damage to threads of the tubulars during threadable engagement and disengagement of the tubulars using an airbag of an airlift thread compensator. The method can further include: positioning a torque wrench assembly along the tubulars for connecting the tubulars using a hydraulic cylinder disposed inside a torque supporting telescoping tubes; and movably positioning a single hollow cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder to extend into a first and second protected area, thereby preventing axial movement of a flexible hose during operation of the torque wrench assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Larry G. Keast, James Strickland, Alan Shem