Patents by Inventor Frank WERN
Frank WERN 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).
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Patent number: 11592346Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multiple range load cell capable of automatically switching measuring range and method for operating the multiple range load cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Frank Wern, Christina Karin Hebebrand
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Patent number: 11486210Abstract: A method used to determine an operational mode of a tong. The method includes rotating a first sensor target relative to a first sensor and rotating a second sensor target relative to a second sensor. The method also includes identifying a position of the first sensor target using the first sensor and analyzing the position of the first sensor target to determine the operational mode of the tong.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Jan Rothe, Heidi N. Cline, Frank Wern
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Patent number: 11293269Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
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Publication number: 20210348457Abstract: A method used to determine an operational mode of a tong. The method includes rotating a first sensor target relative to a first sensor and rotating a second sensor target relative to a second sensor. The method also includes identifying a position of the first sensor target using the first sensor and analyzing the position of the first sensor target to determine the operational mode of the tong.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Jan ROTHE, Heidi N. CLINE, Frank WERN
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Patent number: 11118429Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
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Publication number: 20210262881Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multiple range load cell capable of automatically switching measuring range and method for operating the multiple range load cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2020Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Frank WERN, Christina Karin HEBEBRAND
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Patent number: 11078733Abstract: A system for tong assembly operation includes a mode switch for shifting the tong assembly between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the mode switch having a first portion associated with the first mode and a second portion associated with the second mode; a first target coupled to the first portion, the first target movable to a first position corresponding to the first mode of operation; a second target coupled to the second portion, the second target movable to a second position corresponding to the second mode of operation; a first sensor configured to identify the first position of the first target; and a second sensor configured to identify the second position of the second target.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Jan Rothe, Heidi N. Cline, Frank Wern
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Publication number: 20210010336Abstract: A method and apparatus for local hydraulic power generation on an electric tong, including a power tong for spinning tubulars; a first electric motor functionally connected to the power tong; a plurality of hydraulic power consumers including a backup tong for clamping a tubular string; a second electric motor functionally connected to the plurality of hydraulic power consumers; electronics to drive the first electric motor and the second electric motor; and a switchbox providing at least two configurations of the system. A method includes arranging a tong system in a hydraulic power configuration; supplying hydraulic power with an onboard electric motor to at least one of a plurality of hydraulic power consumers to position a tubular for make-up; arranging the tong system in a rotary drive configuration; supplying at least one of torque and rotation with the onboard electric motor to a power tong.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Frank WERN, Bjoern THIEMANN, Thomas KOTSCHY, Michael WIEDECKE
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Patent number: 10787869Abstract: A method and apparatus for local hydraulic power generation on an electric tong, including a power tong for spinning tubulars; a first electric motor functionally connected to the power tong; a plurality of hydraulic power consumers including a backup tong for clamping a tubular string; a second electric motor functionally connected to the plurality of hydraulic power consumers; electronics to drive the first electric motor and the second electric motor; and a switchbox providing at least two configurations of the system. A method includes arranging a tong system in a hydraulic power configuration; supplying hydraulic power with an onboard electric motor to at least one of a plurality of hydraulic power consumers to position a tubular for make-up; arranging the tong system in a rotary drive configuration; supplying at least one of torque and rotation with the onboard electric motor to a power tong.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Frank Wern, Bjoern Thiemann, Thomas Kotschy, Michael Wiedecke
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Publication number: 20200291751Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Carlo HOELTERLING, Frank WERN
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Patent number: 10738535Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying non-hydraulic power to a tool unit during well operation. A top drive supplies power to a power consumer of the tool unit with a non-hydraulic power supply: a mechanical power coupling from the top drive to the tool unit, a wireless power coupling from the top drive to the tool unit, a local power supply on the tool unit, and/or combinations thereof. The non-hydraulic power supply may be capable of supplying at least 2 kW for at least 10 s. The system may include a fixed gear coupled to the top drive, a slewing ring meshed to the fixed gear, and a revolving gear meshed with the slewing ring and coupled to the tool unit. The slewing ring is configured to transfer rotational force from the fixed gear to the revolving gear, and may be rotated by rotating a torque shaft or actuating the fixed gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Frank Wern, Federico Amezaga
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Patent number: 10626683Abstract: A modular top drive system for construction of a wellbore includes an identification reader for automatically identifying tools during operation for rig up and tool exchange. The identification reader may be disposed in one of a tool storage unit, a tool change unit or a top drive unit. Drilling tools, cementing tools and casing tools with one or more identification devices may be used with the modular top drive system. The one or more identification devices may be radio frequency identification devices, barcodes, text tags, micro-controllers, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Christina Karin Hebebrand, Bjoern Thiemann, Martin Liess, Frank Wern, Aicam Zouhair, John Fielding Ownby
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Publication number: 20200063509Abstract: A system for tong assembly operation includes a mode switch for shifting the tong assembly between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the mode switch having a first portion associated with the first mode and a second portion associated with the second mode; a first target coupled to the first portion, the first target movable to a first position corresponding to the first mode of operation; a second target coupled to the second portion, the second target movable to a second position corresponding to the second mode of operation; a first sensor configured to identify the first position of the first target; and a second sensor configured to identify the second position of the second target.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2018Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Jan ROTHE, Heidi N. CLINE, Frank WERN
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Publication number: 20200024931Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Carlo HOELTERLING, Frank WERN
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Patent number: 10480291Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
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Patent number: 10465457Abstract: A modular top drive system for construction of a wellbore includes an alignment assembly configured to align a tool with a top drive unit to facilitate automatic tool installation during rig up.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Christina Karin Hebebrand, Bjoern Thiemann, Martin Liess, Frank Wern, Aicam Zouhair, John Fielding Ownby
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Patent number: 10428602Abstract: A top drive system for use with a tool for handling tubulars on a drilling rig includes a motor unit; a coupling unit that transfers torque to the tool; a torque measurement device (TMD) coupled to at least one of the motor unit, the tool, or the coupling unit, wherein the TMD includes a sensing member coupled to an evaluation unit, wherein the sensing member is configured to measure a magnetostrictive effect and the evaluation unit is configured to calculate a magnitude of the torque reaction force based on the magnetostrictive effect.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Frank Wern, Bjoern Thiemann, Aicam Zouhair, Martin Liess, Christina Karin Hebebrand
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Patent number: 10366507Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical imaging and assessment of tong cassette positioning devices, including identifying a focus area on a tong cassette; optically imaging the focus area with an optical imaging device on a positioning device; and analyzing information from the optical imaging to determine an assessment of the focus area. A system includes: a tong cassette having a focus area; a positioning device having an optical imaging device to image the focus area; and an analyzing device functionally connected to the optical imaging device to receive information therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Federico Amezaga, Christina Karin Hebebrand, Frank Wern
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Patent number: 10309166Abstract: A system includes an accessory tool selected from a group consisting of a casing unit, a cementing unit, and a drilling unit; and a genset mounted to the accessory tool and comprising: a fluid driven motor having an inlet and an outlet for connection to a control swivel of the system; an electric generator connected to the fluid driven motor; a manifold having an inlet for connection to the control swivel and an outlet connected an accessory tool actuator; and a control unit in communication with the electric generator and the manifold and comprising a wireless data link.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Bjoern Thiemann, Frank Wern, John Fielding Ownby, Aicam Zouhair, Martin Liess, Christina Karin Hebebrand
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Publication number: 20190137964Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a remote controller, a first tool, and a first control device mounted on the first tool. The remote controller is communicatively coupled to the first control device. The first control device is generally configured to receive a command to operate the first tool from the remote controller. Based on the command, the first control device generates one or more instructions executable by the first control device. The first control device executes the one or more instructions to operate the first tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern