Patents by Inventor James William Weir
James William Weir 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: 11598640Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing information using a navigation apparatus to guide a user in a vehicle along a determined route to a destination through a road network. The method comprises generating data indicative of a navigation map for display on a display device of a navigation apparatus showing the roads in a portion of the road network. The method further comprises generating data indicative of a first route line for display on the navigation map showing the one or more roads to be taken from a current position of the navigation apparatus to follow the determined route through the road network, and then providing the data indicative of the navigation map and the first route line to the display device for display thereon.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2018Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignees: TomTom International B.V., TomTom Navigation B.V.Inventors: Bram Jan Jacobus van der Vlist, Hendrik Sebastian Ziezold, Gino Johannes Apolonia van den Bergen, Anatoliy Samara, James William Weir, Maarten Wim Gribnau, Jan Hendrik Hammink
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Publication number: 20230059338Abstract: A system includes a wellbore that extends from a surface into a subterranean formation. In addition, the system includes a power generation assembly including a fluid circuit that is in fluid communication with the wellbore wherein the power generation assembly is configured to generate electricity in response to a flow of a working fluid through the fluid circuit. Further, the system includes a bubble pump positioned within the wellbore that is configured to circulate the working fluid between the fluid circuit of the power generation assembly and the wellbore via a thermosiphon effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Travis James Miller, Paul Sanghyun Park, James William Weir
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Patent number: 11293462Abstract: A valve for use in a hydraulic circuit to drive a piston is fluidly connected to a first actuating chamber of the hydraulic piston. The valve is piloted to close when the first chamber is pressurized. The valve vents the fluid in the first actuating chamber when the first chamber is not pressurized. The valve permits several fluid supplies connected to the chamber via check valves to be used to drive the piston. The hydraulic piston and hydraulic circuit may be implemented in a blowout preventer operating in a subsea environment to ensure safe drilling of deepwater wells.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Inventors: Travis James Miller, Frank Benjamin Springett, James William Weir, James Landrith
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Publication number: 20220059747Abstract: Power generation assemblies and methods relating thereto are disclosed. In an embodiment, the power generation assembly includes a thermoelectric generator, and a conductor configured to conduct electricity generated by the thermoelectric generator to the surface of a subterranean wellbore. The power generation assembly is to circulate a working fluid through a closed loop in the power generation assembly in response to the receipt of geothermal energy within a subterranean formation, to cause the thermoelectric generator to generate electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: February 24, 2022Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William Weir, Travis James Miller, Frank Benjamin Springett
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Publication number: 20210372803Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing information using a navigation apparatus to guide a user in a vehicle along a determined route to a destination through a road network. The method comprises generating data indicative of a navigation map for display on a display device of a navigation apparatus showing the roads in a portion of the road network. The method further comprises generating data indicative of a first route line for display on the navigation map showing the one or more roads to be taken from a current position of the navigation apparatus to follow the determined route through the road network, and then providing the data indicative of the navigation map and the first route line to the display device for display thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2018Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Bram Jan Jacobus van der Vlist, Hendrik Sebastian Ziezold, Gino Johannes Apolonia van den Bergen, Anatoliy Samara, James William Weir, Maarten Wim Gribnau, Jan Hendrik Hammink
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Publication number: 20200362885Abstract: A valve for use in a hydraulic circuit to drive a piston is fluidly connected to a first actuating chamber of the hydraulic piston. The valve is piloted to close when the first chamber is pressurized. The valve vents the fluid in the first actuating chamber when the first chamber is not pressurized. The valve permits several fluid supplies connected to the chamber via check valves to be used to drive the piston. The hydraulic piston and hydraulic circuit may be implemented in a blowout preventer operating in a subsea environment to ensure safe drilling of deepwater wells.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2017Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Travis James Miller, Frank Benjamin Springett, James William Weir, James Landrith
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Publication number: 20200088008Abstract: A circulation sub including a tubular and a diverter valve are configured to continuously circulate fluid into a drill string. The tubular has a first end connectable to the drill string, a second end connectable to a pipe segment, and a port. The tubular has a fluid path for allowing the fluid to flow from the pipe segment to the drill string and a circulation path for allowing the fluid to flow from the port to the drill string. The diverter valve has a channel in selective fluid communication with the fluid path. The diverter valve is positionable between a flow through position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the fluid path and a diversion position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the circulation path whereby the fluid may continuously flow through the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William Weir, Andrew Shelton
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Patent number: 10508663Abstract: Hydraulic circuits for controlling a movable component use one or more of a plurality of fluid supplies. Pressurized fluid flowing from one supply is routed toward the component and is not inadvertently vented into another fluid supply, or into an exit port. A backflow path is provided for fluid returning from the hydraulic component when the component is actuated in a reversed direction. The hydraulic circuits can be used, for example, on blowout preventers in a subsea environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Richard W. Cowan, Frank Benjamin Springett, James William Weir, Travis James Miller, James Landrith
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Patent number: 10487623Abstract: A circulation sub including a tubular and a diverter valve are configured to continuously circulate fluid into a drill string. The tubular has a first end connectable to the drill string, a second end connectable to a pipe segment, and a port. The tubular has a fluid path for allowing the fluid to flow from the pipe segment to the drill string and a circulation path for allowing the fluid to flow from the port to the drill string. The diverter valve has a channel in selective fluid communication with the fluid path. The diverter valve is positionable between a flow through position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the fluid path and a diversion position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the circulation path whereby the fluid may continuously flow through the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William Weir, Andrew Shelton
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Publication number: 20190315602Abstract: Cranes and crane systems with high capacity lifting capabilities, as well as versatility and relatively large operational areas. A crane of the present disclosure may have main boom pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis and a luffing assembly configured for luffing the boom about the axis. The main boom may be pivotable in both a forward luffing operation and a reverse or rearward luffing operation. In this way, the main boom may be operable within a range extending up to 180 degrees. Various adjustment mechanisms may be used to shift the main boom from a forward luffing operation to a reverse luffing operation. Additionally, a crane of the present disclosure may have a utility boom rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. The utility boom may allow for added lateral reach of the crane, thus further increasing the operational area of the crane.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: James William Weir, Frank Benjamin Springett, Travis James Miller
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Publication number: 20190055963Abstract: Hydraulic circuits for controlling a movable component use one or more of a plurality of fluid supplies. Pressurized fluid flowing from one supply is routed toward the component and is not inadvertently vented into another fluid supply, or into an exit port. A backflow path is provided for fluid returning from the hydraulic component when the component is actuated in a reversed direction. The hydraulic circuits can be used, for example, on blowout preventers in a subsea environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2017Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Richard W. Cowan, Frank Benjamin Springett, James William Weir, Travis James Miller, James Landrith
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Publication number: 20170198582Abstract: In at least one aspect, this disclosure relates to a wellsite pump for a well site having a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The well site has a conduit to pass a wellsite fluid about the wellsite. The wellsite pump includes a housing having an intake and an outtake, at least one hydraulic motor to pump the wellsite fluid from the intake and through the outtake, at least one driver coupled to the hydraulic motor and movable therewith, and a power source. The intake is in fluid communication with the conduit, and the outtake is positioned a distance upstream of the intake. The hydraulic motor includes a rotor and a stator. The power source drives the driver and the hydraulic motor coupled thereto whereby the wellsite fluid is advance from the conduit to a location upstream therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2015Publication date: July 13, 2017Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William WEIR, Frank Benjamin SPRINGETT
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Patent number: 9657536Abstract: A tubular and tubular connection for joining adjacent tubulars of a tubular string for passage of fluid therethrough is provided. The tubular connection includes a pin end at an end of a first of adjacent tubulars and a box end at an end of a second of the adjacent tubulars. The pin end has an outer locking surface. The box end has a plurality of fingers at an end thereof with slots therebetween. The fingers are selectively extendable for placement about the pin end of the first of the adjacent tubulars. The fingers having an inner locking surface for interlocking engagement with the outer locking surface of the pin end whereby loads are distributed between the adjacent tubulars.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William Weir, Frank Benjamin Springett
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Patent number: 9493985Abstract: A top drive includes a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with first inlet for a supply of pressurized drilling fluid. A drill string adapter is mechanically coupled to the hydraulic motor and is in fluid communication with the first inlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William Weir, Dean A. Bennett
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Publication number: 20160265311Abstract: Techniques for continuously circulating fluid into a drill string are disclosed. These techniques involve a circulation sub (108) including a tubular and a diverter valve (200A). The tubular has a first end connectable to the drill string, a second end connectable to a pipe segment, and a port (220) therein. The tubular has a fluid path (202) for allowing the fluid to flow from the pipe segment to the drill string and a circulation path (204) for allowing the fluid to flow from the port to the drill string. The diverter valve has a channel therethrough in selective fluid communication with the fluid path. The diverter valve is positionable between a flow through position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the fluid path and a diversion position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the circulation path whereby the fluid may continuously flow through the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: James William Weir, Andrew Shelton
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Patent number: 9371708Abstract: Techniques for continuously circulating fluid into a drill string are disclosed. These techniques involve a circulation sub (108) including a tubular and a diverter valve (200A). The tubular has a first end connectable to the drill string, a second end connectable to a pipe segment, and a port (220) therein. The tubular has a fluid path (202) for allowing the fluid to flow from the pipe segment to the drill string and a circulation path (204) for allowing the fluid to flow from the port to the drill string. The diverter valve has a channel therethrough in selective fluid communication with the fluid path. The diverter valve is positionable between a flow through position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the fluid path and a diversion position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the circulation path whereby the fluid may continuously flow through the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William Weir, Andrew Shelton
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Patent number: 9260932Abstract: The techniques herein relate to a ram assembly for a blowout preventer for receiving a tubular of a wellbore. The ram assembly includes a ram block for engagement with the tubular, a ram shaft for selectively extending and retracting the ram block, and a ram connector for operatively connecting the ram shaft to the ram block. The ram block has at least one block groove. The ram shaft has a ram head with at least one shaft groove. The ram connector includes at least one shear connector correspondingly disposable in the block groove and the shaft groove whereby the ram shaft is releasably securable to the ram block.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William Weir, Eric Trevor Ensley
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Patent number: 9074450Abstract: The techniques herein relate to a blowout preventer a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The blowout preventer includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a segment carrier positionable in the housing, and a piston. The segment carrier includes a carrier ring for receiving the tubular and a plurality of segments pivotally movable radially thereabout. The piston is operatively connectable to the plurality of segments and actuatable for moving the plurality of segments between a disengaged and an engaged position about the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William Weir, Dean Allen Bennett
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Patent number: 9068423Abstract: The techniques herein relate to a blowout preventer a wellhead of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The blowout preventer includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a segment carrier positionable in the housing, and a piston. The segment carrier includes a carrier ring for receiving the mandrel and a plurality of segments pivotally movable radially thereabout. The piston is operatively connectable to the plurality of segments and actuatable for moving the plurality of segments between a disengaged and an engaged position about the mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Christopher Dale Johnson, James William Weir, Dean Allen Bennett
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Patent number: 9022125Abstract: A marine riser includes a plurality of central pipes assembled end to end to form a main conduit. A plurality of tension members runs the length of the main conduit. The tension members are coupled to the main conduit to support and constrain an axial motion of the main conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James William Weir, Dean Allen Bennett