Patents by Inventor John D. Hooker, II

John D. Hooker, II 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: 11085253
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tong assembly having position sensors for controlling door opening and closing sequence. The tong assembly includes a back section, an outer door section movably coupled to the back section, a first actuator configured to move the outer door section between an open position and a closed position, an inner door section movably coupled to the back section, a second actuator configured to move the inner door section between an open position and a closed position, a first sensor positioned to measure a position of the outer door section; and a second sensor positioned to measure a position of the inner door section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Heidi N. Cline, John D. Hooker, II, Karsten Heidecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke
  • Patent number: 10801277
    Abstract: An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II
  • Patent number: 10697256
    Abstract: An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II
  • Publication number: 20200141198
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tong assembly having position sensors for controlling door opening and closing sequence. The tong assembly includes a back section, an outer door section movably coupled to the back section, a first actuator configured to move the outer door section between an open position and a closed position, an inner door section movably coupled to the back section, a second actuator configured to move the inner door section between an open position and a closed position, a first sensor positioned to measure a position of the outer door section; and a second sensor positioned to measure a position of the inner door section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Heidi N. CLINE, John D. HOOKER, II, Karsten HEIDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Michael WIEDECKE
  • Patent number: 10253581
    Abstract: An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II
  • Publication number: 20190063165
    Abstract: An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Karsten HEIDECKE, Martin LIESS, Martin HELMS, John D. HOOKER, II
  • Publication number: 20160376853
    Abstract: An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Karsten HEIDECKE, Martin LIESS, Martin HELMS, John D. HOOKER, II
  • Publication number: 20160376856
    Abstract: An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Karsten HEIDECKE, Martin LIESS, Martin HELMS, John D. HOOKER, II
  • Patent number: 9404322
    Abstract: An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II
  • Patent number: 8752636
    Abstract: A tubular gripping assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular includes a tubular gripping tool having a mandrel and gripping elements operatively coupled to the mandrel; and a link assembly attached to the mandrel, wherein a load of the link assembly is transferred to the mandrel. The tubular gripping assembly may also include one or more of a swivel having selectively actuatable seals, a thread compensator to facilitate tubular make-up, or a wedge lock release apparatus to facilitate the release of gripping elements from the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Liess, John D. Hooker, II, Reinhard Grosch, Thomas Kotschy, Andreas Carlsson
  • Patent number: 8365834
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular gripping assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular includes a tubular gripping tool having a mandrel and gripping elements operatively coupled to the mandrel; and a link assembly attached to the mandrel, wherein a load of the link assembly is transferred to the mandrel. In another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a swivel having selectively actuatable seals. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a thread compensator to facilitate tubular make-up. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a wedge lock release apparatus to facilitate the release of gripping elements from the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Liess, John D. Hooker, II, Reinhard Grosch, Thomas Kotschy, Andreas Carlsson
  • Publication number: 20120247786
    Abstract: A remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular is provided. The single joint elevator including a housing having an access opening configured to receive the tubular. The single joint elevator further including at least one closure member connected to the housing via a hinge pin. Additionally, the single joint elevator including a power assembly configured to rotate at least one closure member around the hinge pin to selectively open and close the access opening. In another aspect, a method of handling a tubular using a remotely operated joint elevator is provided. In yet a further aspect, a remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Kevin Wood, Karsten Heidecke, John D. Hooker, II, Martin Helms, Martin Liess
  • Patent number: 8215687
    Abstract: A remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular is provided. The single joint elevator including a housing having an access opening configured to receive the tubular. The single joint elevator further including at least one closure member connected to the housing via a hinge pin. Additionally, the single joint elevator including a power assembly configured to rotate at least one closure member around the hinge pin to selectively open and close the access opening. In another aspect, a method of handling a tubular using a remotely operated joint elevator is provided. In yet a further aspect, a remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Kevin Wood, Karsten Heidecke, John D. Hooker, II, Martin Helms, Martin Liess
  • Publication number: 20120152530
    Abstract: An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II
  • Patent number: 8141642
    Abstract: A fill-up and circulation tool includes a mandrel; a packer assembly is disposed around the mandrel; and a valve assembly connected to the mandrel, wherein the valve assembly is configured to selectively control fluid flow into the tool and out of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Delaney Michael Olstad, Russell W. Thompson, Russell Lee Morgan, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes, Martin Liess, John D. Hooker, II
  • Publication number: 20100032162
    Abstract: A fill-up and circulation tool includes a mandrel; a packer assembly is disposed around the mandrel; and a valve assembly connected to the mandrel, wherein the valve assembly is configured to selectively control fluid flow into the tool and out of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Delaney Michael Olstad, Russell W. Thompson, Russell Lee Morgan, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, JR., Michael Hayes, Martin Liess, John D. Hooker, II
  • Publication number: 20090274545
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular gripping assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular includes a tubular gripping tool having a mandrel and gripping elements operatively coupled to the mandrel; and a link assembly attached to the mandrel, wherein a load of the link assembly is transferred to the mandrel. In another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a swivel having selectively actuatable seals. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a thread compensator to facilitate tubular make-up. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a wedge lock release apparatus to facilitate the release of gripping elements from the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Martin Liess, John D. Hooker, II, Reinhard Grosch, Thomas Kotschy, Andreas Carlsson
  • Publication number: 20090110535
    Abstract: A remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular is provided. The single joint elevator including a housing having an access opening configured to receive the tubular. The single joint elevator further including at least one closure member connected to the housing via a hinge pin. Additionally, the single joint elevator including a power assembly configured to rotate at least one closure member around the hinge pin to selectively open and close the access opening. In another aspect, a method of handling a tubular using a remotely operated joint elevator is provided. In yet a further aspect, a remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Kevin Wood, Karsten Heidecke, John D. Hooker, II, Martin Helms, Martin Liess