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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Patent number: 8727021Abstract: 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: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Karsten Heidecke, Joseph Ross Rials, Raleigh Fisher, Delaney Michael Olstad
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Publication number: 20140131051Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Brittan S. PRATT, Karsten HEIDECKE, Scott MCINTIRE, Aaron SINNOTT
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Publication number: 20140116686Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, JR., Michael Hayes
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Publication number: 20140090856Abstract: A pipe handler for assembling and deploying a string of threaded tubulars into a wellbore includes a pair of compensating bails and an elevator pivotally connected to the compensating bails. Each compensating bail includes: a first bail segment; a second bail segment; and a compensator connecting the respective first and second bail segments. Each compensator includes a load cylinder connected to the respective first bail segment and a linear actuator disposed in the respective load cylinder and operable to retract the respective second bail segment from a hoisting position to a ready position. Each second bail segment is engaged with the respective load cylinder in the hoisting position. The compensating bails are capable of supporting string weight in the hoisting position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Brittan S. PRATT, Karsten HEIDECKE
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Publication number: 20140048248Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Doyle Fredric BOUTWELL, JR., Karsten HEIDECKE, Kevin WOOD, Bernd-Georg PIETRAS
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Patent number: 8567512Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A tubular handling system having a tubular gripping apparatus having a gripping mechanism and a sensor adapted to track movement of the gripping mechanism, wherein the sensor sends a signal to a controller when the gripping apparatus is in a position that corresponds to the gripping apparatus being engaged with the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes
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Patent number: 8485269Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood, Bernd-Georg Pietras
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Patent number: 8281856Abstract: A torque sub for use with a top drive is disclosed. A method of connecting threaded tubular members for use in a wellbore includes operating a top drive. The top drive rotates a first threaded tubular member relative to a second threaded tubular member. The method further includes measuring a torque exerted on the first tubular member by the top drive. The torque is measured using a torque shaft rotationally coupled to the top drive and the first tubular. The torque shaft has a strain gage disposed thereon. The method further includes wirelessly transmitting the measured torque from the torque shaft to a stationary interface; measuring rotation of the first tubular member; compensating the rotation measurement by subtracting a deflection of the top drive and/or the first tubular member; determining acceptability of the threaded connection; and stopping rotation of the first threaded member when the threaded connection is complete or if the threaded connection is unacceptable.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Michael Jahn, Bernd-Georg Pietras, Karsten Heidecke
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Publication number: 20120247786Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Kevin Wood, Karsten Heidecke, John D. Hooker, II, Martin Helms, Martin Liess
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Publication number: 20120211244Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Karsten Heidecke, Joseph Ross Rials, Raleigh Fisher, Delaney Michael Olstad
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Publication number: 20120211217Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Doyle Frederic Boutwell, JR., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood, Bernd-Georg Pietras
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Patent number: 8215687Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Kevin Wood, Karsten Heidecke, John D. Hooker, II, Martin Helms, Martin Liess
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Patent number: 8210268Abstract: 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: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Karsten Heidecke, Joseph Ross Rials, Raleigh Fisher, Delaney Michael Olstad
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Publication number: 20120152530Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II
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Patent number: 8191641Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood, Bernd-Georg Pietras
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Patent number: 8162045Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting a tubular to a tubular string are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus suitable for engaging, compensating, and connecting a tubular includes one or more compensating pistons, an engaging assembly for engaging a tubular, and a connector for connecting the engaging assembly to the one or more compensating pistons while allowing for rotation of the tubular relative to the compensation pistons.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood
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Publication number: 20120048574Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: 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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Publication number: 20120031628Abstract: A torque sub for use with a top drive is disclosed. A method of connecting threaded tubular members for use in a wellbore includes operating a top drive. The top drive rotates a first threaded tubular member relative to a second threaded tubular member. The method further includes measuring a torque exerted on the first tubular member by the top drive. The torque is measured using a torque shaft rotationally coupled to the top drive and the first tubular. The torque shaft has a strain gage disposed thereon. The method further includes wirelessly transmitting the measured torque from the torque shaft to a stationary interface; measuring rotation of the first tubular member; compensating the rotation measurement by subtracting a deflection of the top drive and/or the first tubular member; determining acceptability of the threaded connection; and stopping rotation of the first threaded member when the threaded connection is complete or if the threaded connection is unacceptable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: Michael Jahn, Bernd-Georg Pietras, Karsten Heidecke
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Publication number: 20110290499Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing deepwater completions and performing well intervention from a vessel that can perform other duties while not running completions or performing interventions. The system for installing deepwater completions and performing well intervention may comprise a surface pipe handling and deployment package including a horizontally operated rig that may also be operated in a slanted mode. Deepwater completions may be deployed from the vessel via a buoyant horizontal riser (BHR), which may be supported by a submerged buoyant tensioning system (BTS). In this manner, the cost of performing completion or intervention operations may be significantly reduced compared to such operations run from a drilling rig.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Ronald Van Petegem, Kevin Quick, Egill Abrahamsen, Brian Michael Carline, Karsten Heidecke, Doyle Frederick Boutwell, JR.
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Patent number: 8047283Abstract: A torque sub for use with a top drive is disclosed. A method of connecting threaded tubular members for use in a wellbore includes operating a top drive. The top drive rotates a first threaded tubular member relative to a second threaded tubular member. The method further includes measuring a torque exerted on the first tubular member by the top drive. The torque is measured using a torque shaft rotationally coupled to the top drive and the first tubular. The torque shaft has a strain gage disposed thereon. The method further includes wirelessly transmitting the measured torque from the torque shaft to a stationary interface; measuring rotation of the first tubular member; compensating the rotation measurement by subtracting a deflection of the top drive and/or the first tubular member; determining acceptability of the threaded connection; and stopping rotation of the first threaded member when the threaded connection is complete or if the threaded connection is unacceptable.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Michael Jahn, Bernd-Georg Pietras, Karsten Heidecke