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).

  • Patent number: 11592346
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Wern, Christina Karin Hebebrand
  • Patent number: 11486210
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Rothe, Heidi N. Cline, Frank Wern
  • Patent number: 11293269
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
  • Publication number: 20210348457
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Jan ROTHE, Heidi N. CLINE, Frank WERN
  • Patent number: 11118429
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
  • Publication number: 20210262881
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Frank WERN, Christina Karin HEBEBRAND
  • Patent number: 11078733
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Rothe, Heidi N. Cline, Frank Wern
  • Publication number: 20210010336
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Frank WERN, Bjoern THIEMANN, Thomas KOTSCHY, Michael WIEDECKE
  • Patent number: 10787869
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Wern, Bjoern Thiemann, Thomas Kotschy, Michael Wiedecke
  • Publication number: 20200291751
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Carlo HOELTERLING, Frank WERN
  • Patent number: 10738535
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Wern, Federico Amezaga
  • Patent number: 10626683
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Christina Karin Hebebrand, Bjoern Thiemann, Martin Liess, Frank Wern, Aicam Zouhair, John Fielding Ownby
  • Publication number: 20200063509
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Jan ROTHE, Heidi N. CLINE, Frank WERN
  • Publication number: 20200024931
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Carlo HOELTERLING, Frank WERN
  • Patent number: 10480291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
  • Patent number: 10465457
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Christina Karin Hebebrand, Bjoern Thiemann, Martin Liess, Frank Wern, Aicam Zouhair, John Fielding Ownby
  • Patent number: 10428602
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Wern, Bjoern Thiemann, Aicam Zouhair, Martin Liess, Christina Karin Hebebrand
  • Patent number: 10366507
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Federico Amezaga, Christina Karin Hebebrand, Frank Wern
  • Patent number: 10309166
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Bjoern Thiemann, Frank Wern, John Fielding Ownby, Aicam Zouhair, Martin Liess, Christina Karin Hebebrand
  • Publication number: 20190137964
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern