Patents by Inventor Karsten Heidecke
Karsten Heidecke 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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Publication number: 20250101816Abstract: A tong positioning system includes a positioning device configured to move a tong assembly. The positioning device includes a first actuator, a second actuator, and a control attachment attachable to the positioning device. The control attachment includes a shutoff valve fluidly coupled to a hydraulic supply, a control valve block, and a control device. The control valve block includes a hydraulic input fluidly coupled to the shutoff valve, a hydraulic output fluidly coupled to a hydraulic return, a first valve fluidly coupled to the first actuator, the first valve configured to actuate the first actuator, and a second valve fluidly coupled to the second actuator, the second valve configured to actuate the second actuator. The control device is configured to control the first valve and to control the second valve to actuate the first and second actuators to move the tong assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Inventors: Alexander MIGUTIN, Karsten HEIDECKE, Martin HELMS
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Patent number: 12188311Abstract: A tong positioning system includes a positioning device configured to move a tong assembly. The positioning device includes a first actuator, a second actuator, and a control attachment attachable to the positioning device. The control attachment includes a shutoff valve fluidly coupled to a hydraulic supply, a control valve block, and a control device. The control valve block includes a hydraulic input fluidly coupled to the shutoff valve, a hydraulic output fluidly coupled to a hydraulic return, a first valve fluidly coupled to the first actuator, the first valve configured to actuate the first actuator, and a second valve fluidly coupled to the second actuator, the second valve configured to actuate the second actuator. The control device is configured to control the first valve and to control the second valve to actuate the first and second actuators to move the tong assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2021Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Alexander Migutin, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Helms
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Patent number: 11441412Abstract: Equipment and methods for coupling a top drive to one or more tools to facilitate data and/or signal transfer therebetween include a receiver assembly connectable to a top drive; a tool adapter connectable to a tool string, wherein a coupling between the receiver assembly and the tool adapter transfers at least one of torque and load therebetween; and a stationary data uplink comprising at least one of: a data swivel coupled to the receiver assembly; a wireless module coupled to the tool adapter; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the tool adapter. Equipment and methods include coupling a receiver assembly to a tool adapter to transfer at least one of torque and load therebetween, the tool adapter being connected to the tool string; collecting data at one or more points proximal the tool string; and communicating the data to a stationary computer while rotating the tool adapter.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Federico Amezaga, Karsten Heidecke, Ernst Fuehring, Bjoern Thiemann
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Publication number: 20220282583Abstract: A tong positioning system includes a positioning device configured to move a tong assembly. The positioning device includes a first actuator, a second actuator, and a control attachment attachable to the positioning device. The control attachment includes a shutoff valve fluidly coupled to a hydraulic supply, a control valve block, and a control device. The control valve block includes a hydraulic input fluidly coupled to the shutoff valve, a hydraulic output fluidly coupled to a hydraulic return, a first valve fluidly coupled to the first actuator, the first valve configured to actuate the first actuator, and a second valve fluidly coupled to the second actuator, the second valve configured to actuate the second actuator. The control device is configured to control the first valve and to control the second valve to actuate the first and second actuators to move the tong assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2021Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: Alexander MIGUTIN, Karsten HEIDECKE, Martin HELMS
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Patent number: 11162310Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for making up and evaluating tubular threaded connections. A tong assembly may be used for making up threaded connections. A threaded connection may be made up automatically by controlling the rotation speed of the tong assembly according to measurements of torque, turns, and/or time. After a threaded connection is made up, measurements of time, torque, and/or turns may be corrected based on operating parameters. The corrected measurements may be evaluated for indications of failure, such as discontinuity, torque spikes, and torque drops. The threaded connection is then accepted or rejected based on the evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Martin Helms, Karsten Heidecke, Rainer Ruehmann, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke
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Patent number: 11085253Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Heidi N. Cline, John D. Hooker, II, Karsten Heidecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke
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Publication number: 20210032944Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for making up and evaluating tubular threaded connections. A tong assembly may be used for making up threaded connections. A threaded connection may be made up automatically by controlling the rotation speed of the tong assembly according to measurements of torque, turns, and/or time. After a threaded connection is made up, measurements of time, torque, and/or turns may be corrected based on operating parameters. The corrected measurements may be evaluated for indications of failure, such as discontinuity, torque spikes, and torque drops. The threaded connection is then accepted or rejected based on the evaluation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Martin HELMS, Karsten HEIDECKE, Rainer RUEHMANN, Bjoern THIEMANN, Michael WIEDECKE
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Patent number: 10844675Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for making up and evaluating tubular threaded connections. A tong assembly may be used for making up threaded connections. A threaded connection may be made up automatically by controlling the rotation speed of the tong assembly according to measurements of torque, turns, and/or time. After a threaded connection is made up, measurements of time, torque, and/or turns may be corrected based on operating parameters. The corrected measurements may be evaluated for indications of failure, such as discontinuity, torque spikes, and torque drops. The threaded connection is then accepted or rejected based on the evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Martin Helms, Karsten Heidecke, Rainer Ruehmann, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke
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Patent number: 10801277Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II
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Patent number: 10697256Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II
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Publication number: 20200199952Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for making up and evaluating tubular threaded connections. A tong assembly may be used for making up threaded connections. A threaded connection may be made up automatically by controlling the rotation speed of the tong assembly according to measurements of torque, turns, and/or time. After a threaded connection is made up, measurements of time, torque, and/or turns may be corrected based on operating parameters. The corrected measurements may be evaluated for indications of failure, such as discontinuity, torque spikes, and torque drops. The threaded connection is then accepted or rejected based on the evaluation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Martin HELMS, Karsten HEIDECKE, Rainer RUEHMANN, Bjoern THIEMANN, Michael WIEDECKE
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Patent number: 10648255Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tubular stabbing guides are presented. One example tubular stabbing guide includes a frame, a clamping assembly mounted to the frame, the clamping assembly including a plurality of guide members configured to receive a tubular and movable between an open position and a closed position, and a support plate configured to support a weight of the tubular, the support plate movable between an extended position and a retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Bjoern Thiemann, Martin Liess, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Helms
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Publication number: 20200141198Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Heidi N. CLINE, John D. HOOKER, II, Karsten HEIDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Michael WIEDECKE
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Patent number: 10626690Abstract: A fill up tool includes a mandrel; a primary sealing member disposed around the mandrel; and a selectively operable secondary sealing member activated by rotation of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the selectively operable secondary sealing member is activated using hydraulic pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Jimmy Duane Wiens, Yury P. Gutsu, Benson Thomas, Karsten Heidecke, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, Jr., Rodney Stephens, Russell W. Thompson, Patrick James Zimmerman
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Patent number: 10422216Abstract: A method of hanging an inner tubular string from an outer tubular string cemented in a wellbore includes running the inner tubular string and a deployment assembly into the wellbore using a deployment string, wherein a running tool of the deployment assembly longitudinally and torsionally fastens the liner string to the deployment string; plugging a bore of the deployment assembly; hanging the inner tubular string from the outer tubular string by pressurizing the plugged bore; and after hanging the inner tubular string, sending a command signal to the running tool, thereby unlocking or releasing the running tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Rocky A. Turley, Robin L. Campbell, Karsten Heidecke, George Givens
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Publication number: 20190277100Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tubular stabbing guides are presented. One example tubular stabbing guide includes a frame, a clamping assembly mounted to the frame, the clamping assembly including a plurality of guide members configured to receive a tubular and movable between an open position and a closed position, and a support plate configured to support a weight of the tubular, the support plate movable between an extended position and a retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2018Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Bjoern THIEMANN, Martin LIESS, Karsten HEIDECKE, Martin HELMS
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Patent number: 10400512Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system includes a quill; a motor operable to rotate the quill; a gripper operable to engage a joint of casing; a connector bi-directionally rotationally coupled to the quill and the gripper and longitudinally coupled to the gripper; and a compensator longitudinally coupled to the quill and the connector. The compensator is operable to allow relative longitudinal movement between the connector and the quill.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Karsten Heidecke, Joseph Ross Rials, Raleigh Fisher, Delaney Michael Olstad
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Patent number: 10337263Abstract: A method of running tubulars includes attaching a load collar to a first tubular; landing the load collar on a load support member; connecting a second tubular to the first tubular; removing the load collar from the first tubular; and lowering the first tubular and the second tubular. In one embodiment, at least one of the first tubular and the second tubular is a screen.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Brittan S. Pratt, Karsten Heidecke, Scott McIntire, Aaron Sinnott
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Publication number: 20190106977Abstract: Equipment and methods for coupling a top drive to one or more tools to facilitate data and/or signal transfer therebetween include a receiver assembly connectable to a top drive; a tool adapter connectable to a tool string, wherein a coupling between the receiver assembly and the tool adapter transfers at least one of torque and load therebetween; and a stationary data uplink comprising at least one of: a data swivel coupled to the receiver assembly; a wireless module coupled to the tool adapter; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the tool adapter. Equipment and methods include coupling a receiver assembly to a tool adapter to transfer at least one of torque and load therebetween, the tool adapter being connected to the tool string; collecting data at one or more points proximal the tool string; and communicating the data to a stationary computer while rotating the tool adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2017Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventors: Federico AMEZAGA, Karsten HEIDECKE, Ernst FUEHRING, Bjoern THIEMANN
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Patent number: 10253581Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II