Patents by Inventor Andrew McGregor

Andrew McGregor 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: 11920323
    Abstract: A counterweight assembly for a work machine includes a structure, support studs, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The structure is coupled to a frame of the work machine and defines through holes, a first side end, and a second side end. The support studs are coupled to the frame and correspondingly received into the through holes to support the structure against the frame. The first side wall extends from the first side end and defines a first eyelet. The second side wall extends from the second side end and defines a second eyelet. A work machine guard rail is received between the first side wall and second side wall. One or more of the first eyelet and the second eyelet receive a lifting assembly for lifting the work machine, and the support studs transfer a lifting force from the counterweight assembly to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Allen Matousek, Brian Cole Howson, Scott Andrew McGregor
  • Patent number: 11846183
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of a method, 3D modeling apparatus, and a computer program product for determining parameters of a perforated core sample. In one embodiment, a method for determining parameters of a perforated core sample comprises providing a 3D mapping of a crush zone of a perforated core sample; and determining a permeability value for the crush zone of the perforated core sample based on a permeability of a representative unperforated core sample and the 3D mapping of the crush zone of the perforated core sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Andrew McGregor
  • Publication number: 20230134847
    Abstract: A counterweight assembly for a work machine includes a structure, support studs, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The structure is coupled to a frame of the work machine and defines through holes, a first side end, and a second side end. The support studs are coupled to the frame and correspondingly received into the through holes to support the structure against the frame. The first side wall extends from the first side end and defines a first eyelet. The second side wall extends from the second side end and defines a second eyelet. A work machine guard rail is received between the first side wall and second side wall. One or more of the first eyelet and the second eyelet receive a lifting assembly for lifting the work machine, and the support studs transfer a lifting force from the counterweight assembly to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Allen Matousek, Brian Cole Howson, Scott Andrew McGregor
  • Patent number: 11578953
    Abstract: A perforating tool including a body, a first lid and a second lid, the first lid attachable to one end of the body and the second lid attachable to an opposite end of the body, to define an interior cavity of the body. The interior cavity has an air-tight seal with an exterior environment surrounding the body. In some aspects, one or more plates are disposable within the interior cavity such that the one or more plates are situated apart from an explosive charge when the explosive charge is disposed in the interior cavity, the one or more plates occupying part of a total interior volume of the interior cavity and thereby reducing a free interior volume inside the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Andrew McGregor, John Norris Smith
  • Patent number: 11566508
    Abstract: Aspects and features include a system and method for wellbore perforation analysis and design. The system takes into account geomechanical considerations. In some examples the system determines wellbore parameters associated with a wellbore in a formation, calculates a current effective stress value associated with a hole in the formation, and determines a maximum effective stress value and a minimum wellbore pressure value. The system can then produce perforating job parameters to maximize a perforation while maintaining at least the minimum wellbore pressure value. In some examples, the system makes use of a parts database to determine job parameters that can implemented based on available parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenden Michael Grove, Dennis James Haggerty, Jacob Andrew McGregor
  • Patent number: 11555289
    Abstract: A construction vehicle includes a chassis having a front end and a rear end. The construction vehicle also includes an operator cabin supported by the chassis and a hood proximate to the rear end of the chassis. The construction vehicle further includes a hood structure for supporting the hood. The hood structure includes a first frame member coupled to the chassis proximate to the rear end and a second frame member disposed distal to the rear end and proximal to the operator cabin. The second frame member is coupled to the chassis by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a plate member connected to the second frame member. The mounting assembly also includes a first mounting device connecting a first end of the plate member to the chassis. The mounting assembly further includes a second mounting device connecting a second end of the plate member to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Andrew McGregor, Abraham Lawson, Jose Lujano, Daniel Allen Hatfield
  • Patent number: 11391014
    Abstract: A construction vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a first end and a second end. A construction vehicle also includes a guard assembly disposed proximate to the second end of the vehicle body. A construction vehicle includes a mounting assembly removably coupling the guard assembly with the vehicle body. Further, the mounting assembly includes a first mounting structure including a plurality of side plates defining a cavity and a first mounting plate coupled with the plurality of side plates. The mounting assembly also includes a second mounting structure removably coupled with the first mounting structure, the second mounting structure including a second mounting plate and a third mounting plate angularly disposed relative to the second mounting plate. Moreover, the guard assembly is in alignment with the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate for coupling the guard assembly with the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Andrew McGregor
  • Publication number: 20220064900
    Abstract: A construction vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a first end and a second end. A construction vehicle also includes a guard assembly disposed proximate to the second end of the vehicle body. A construction vehicle includes a mounting assembly removably coupling the guard assembly with the vehicle body. Further, the mounting assembly includes a first mounting structure including a plurality of side plates defining a cavity and a first mounting plate coupled with the plurality of side plates. The mounting assembly also includes a second mounting structure removably coupled with the first mounting structure, the second mounting structure including a second mounting plate and a third mounting plate angularly disposed relative to the second mounting plate. Moreover, the guard assembly is in alignment with the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate for coupling the guard assembly with the mounting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Andrew McGregor
  • Publication number: 20210404143
    Abstract: A construction vehicle includes a chassis having a front end and a rear end. The construction vehicle also includes an operator cabin supported by the chassis and a hood proximate to the rear end of the chassis. The construction vehicle further includes a hood structure for supporting the hood. The hood structure includes a first frame member coupled to the chassis proximate to the rear end and a second frame member disposed distal to the rear end and proximal to the operator cabin. The second frame member is coupled to the chassis by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a plate member connected to the second frame member. The mounting assembly also includes a first mounting device connecting a first end of the plate member to the chassis. The mounting assembly further includes a second mounting device connecting a second end of the plate member to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Andrew McGregor, Abraham Lawson, Jose Lujano, Daniel Allen Hatfield
  • Patent number: 11203928
    Abstract: Wellbore pressure surge simulation systems, methods to perform pressure surge simulations, and methods to configure pressure surge simulation systems are disclosed. A wellbore pressure surge simulation system includes a core chamber configured to store a core sample of a downhole formation inside the core chamber. The wellbore pressure surge simulation system also includes a fluid chamber that is fluidly connected to the core chamber and having a first compartment that is configured to store a first fluid and a second compartment that is configured to store a second fluid. The wellbore pressure surge simulation system further includes a wellbore chamber positioned adjacent to the core chamber and configured to store the first fluid. The wellbore pressure surge simulation system further includes a flow restrictor configured to restrict fluid flow from the wellbore chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Liam Dubs, Jacob Andrew McGregor, Brenden Michael Grove
  • Publication number: 20210348891
    Abstract: A perforating tool including a body, a first lid and a second lid, the first lid attachable to one end of the body and the second lid attachable to an opposite end of the body, to define an interior cavity of the body. The interior cavity has an air-tight seal with an exterior environment surrounding the body. In some aspects, one or more plates disposable within the interior cavity such that the one or more plates are situated apart from an explosive charge when the explosive charge is disposed in the interior cavity, the one or more plates occupying part of a total interior volume of the interior cavity and thereby reducing a free interior volume inside the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Jacob Andrew McGregor, John Norris Smith
  • Patent number: 11119024
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a method and apparatus for measuring permeability of a rock core sample in the direction of pressure gradient. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a rock core sample having an inlet primary face, an outlet primary face and one or more sidewalls having a thickness (T) adjoining the inlet and outlet primary face, wherein the inlet primary face has a surface area (SAIF) and the one or more sidewalls have a surface area (SASW), and further wherein a ratio of the inlet primary face surface area (SAIF) to sidewall surface area (SASW) is at least 0.4; placing the rock core sample, unbounded, between an inlet flow plate and an outlet flow plate; directing a fluid through from the inlet flow plate into the rock core sample; and measuring a flow rate of the fluid exiting the outlet flow plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Andrew McGregor
  • Publication number: 20210246783
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of a method, 3D modeling apparatus, and a computer program product for determining parameters of a perforated core sample. In one embodiment, a method for determining parameters of a perforated core sample comprises providing a 3D mapping of a crush zone of a perforated core sample; and determining a permeability value for the crush zone of the perforated core sample based on a permeability of a representative unperforated core sample and the 3D mapping of the crush zone of the perforated core sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventor: Jacob Andrew McGregor
  • Publication number: 20210102460
    Abstract: Wellbore pressure surge simulation systems, methods to perform pressure surge simulations, and methods to configure pressure surge simulation systems are disclosed. A wellbore pressure surge simulation system includes a core chamber configured to store a core sample of a downhole formation inside the core chamber. The wellbore pressure surge simulation system also includes a fluid chamber that is fluidly connected to the core chamber and having a first compartment that is configured to store a first fluid and a second compartment that is configured to store a second fluid. The wellbore pressure surge simulation system further includes a wellbore chamber positioned adjacent to the core chamber and configured to store the first fluid. The wellbore pressure surge simulation system further includes a flow restrictor configured to restrict fluid flow from the wellbore chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Liam DUBS, Jacob Andrew MCGREGOR, Brenden Michael GROVE
  • Publication number: 20210088434
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a method and apparatus for measuring permeability of a rock core sample in the direction of pressure gradient. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a rock core sample having an inlet primary face, an outlet primary face and one or more sidewalls having a thickness (T) adjoining the inlet and outlet primary face, wherein the inlet primary face has a surface area (SAIF) and the one or more sidewalls have a surface area (SAsw), and further wherein a ratio of the inlet primary face surface area (SAIF) to sidewall surface area (SAsw) is at least 0.4; placing the rock core sample, unbounded, between an inlet flow plate and an outlet flow plate; directing a fluid through from the inlet flow plate into the rock core sample; and measuring a flow rate of the fluid exiting the outlet flow plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventor: Jacob Andrew McGregor
  • Patent number: 10908314
    Abstract: Aspects of a method for mapping a perforation tunnel and crush zone of a perforated core sample. The method may include scanning a perforated core sample having a perforation tunnel containing a permeability-impairing material with a first computerized tomography (CT) scanning apparatus to produce a first 3D model of the perforation tunnel. The method may further include forming a cleared perforation tunnel by removing at least a portion of the permeability-impairing material from within the perforation tunnel without splitting the core sample at the perforation tunnel, and scanning the perforated core sample having the cleared perforation tunnel with a second computerized tomography (CT) scanning apparatus to produce a second 3D model of the cleared perforation tunnel. The method may compare the first 3D model and the second 3D model to obtain a 3D mapping of the perforation tunnel or a crush zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Andrew McGregor
  • Patent number: 10781669
    Abstract: To optimize the efficiency of a perforating tool system, downhole conditions may be simulated to determine the optimal configuration for the perforating tool system. A simulated wellbore is disposed in a simulated wellbore case and coupled to a formation sample. The simulated wellbore comprises the perforating tool system and one or more filler discs that consume a volume of the simulated wellbore. The filler discs are used to control the dynamic underbalance for a given simulation of a perforating tool system. One or more measurements associated with the perforating tool system along with one or more images may be generated after explosive charges of the perforating tool system are detonated. The perforating tool system may be modified based, at least in part, on the one or more measurements and the one or more images for the specific dynamic underbalance of the simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Haggerty, John Douglas Manning, Jacob Andrew McGregor
  • Publication number: 20200284136
    Abstract: Aspects and features include a system and method for wellbore perforation analysis and design. The system takes into account geomechanical considerations. In some examples the system determines wellbore parameters associated with a wellbore in a formation, calculates a current effective stress value associated with a hole in the formation, and determines a maximum effective stress value and a minimum wellbore pressure value. The system can then produce perforating job parameters to maximize a perforation while maintaining at least the minimum wellbore pressure value. In some examples, the system makes use of a parts database to determine job parameters that can implemented based on available parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Brenden Michael GROVE, Dennis James HAGGERTY, Jacob Andrew MCGREGOR
  • Patent number: 10620182
    Abstract: To optimize the efficiency of a perforating tool system, downhole conditions may be simulated to determine the optimal configuration for the perforating tool system. A simulated wellbore is disposed in a pressure vessel and coupled to a target composite core assembly. A perforating tool system is disposed in the simulated wellbore above the target composite core assembly. The target composite core assembly includes an outer shell. The outer shell comprises a material that supports a rubber bladder or flexible jacket that is disposed about the outer shell. The outer shell isolates the overburden fluid and pressure from the inner core during a radial flow test to more accurately simulate conditions downhole. A parameter of a perforating tool system may be altered based, at least in part, on a result from the radial flow test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Andrew McGregor, John Douglas Manning
  • Patent number: 10613239
    Abstract: Simulation of downhole transient pressure effects due to propellant stimulation of a formation provides information that may be utilized to select a type of perforating tool system and other components that contribute to effective stimulation of a formation. A well simulator pressure vessel comprises a perforating tool system that comprises a type of perforating gun assembly that includes one or more shaped charges. A propellant disk assembly adjacent to a sample formation is coupled to the perforating tool system. The propellant disk assembly comprises one or more components for securing the propellant. A transient pressure effect may be measured once the one or more shaped charges are detonated and the propellant is ignited or deflagrated. The measured transient pressure effects may be utilized to alter or change the one or more components of the perforating tool system prior to, during, or after stimulation of the sample formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Manning, Jacob Andrew McGregor, Gerald Graves Craddock, Jr., John Norris Smith