Patents by Inventor Kevin L. Gray
Kevin L. Gray 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: 11608710Abstract: A choke can include a variable flow restrictor, external ports in communication with a flow passage respectively upstream and downstream of the flow restrictor, and sensor(s) in communication with the external ports. A method can include flowing a well fluid through a flow passage in a body of a choke including a variable flow restrictor, measuring a pressure differential between external ports in communication with respective upstream and downstream sides of the flow restrictor, and operating the flow restrictor, thereby varying a restriction to the flow through the flow passage, in response to the measured pressure differential. A well system can include a well fluid pump, a flow choke including a variable flow restrictor operable by an actuator that includes a displaceable stem and a stem seal that isolates the actuator from the well fluid in the flow choke, and a control system that operates the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Gray, Gerald George
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Publication number: 20200399983Abstract: A choke can include a variable flow restrictor, external ports in communication with a flow passage respectively upstream and downstream of the flow restrictor, and sensor(s) in communication with the external ports. A method can include flowing a well fluid through a flow passage in a body of a choke including a variable flow restrictor, measuring a pressure differential between external ports in communication with respective upstream and downstream sides of the flow restrictor, and operating the flow restrictor, thereby varying a restriction to the flow through the flow passage, in response to the measured pressure differential. A well system can include a well fluid pump, a flow choke including a variable flow restrictor operable by an actuator that includes a displaceable stem and a stem seal that isolates the actuator from the well fluid in the flow choke, and a control system that operates the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Inventors: Kevin L. GRAY, Gerald GEORGE
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Patent number: 10801303Abstract: A choke can include a variable flow restrictor, external ports in communication with a flow passage respectively upstream and downstream of the flow restrictor, and sensor(s) in communication with the external ports. A method can include flowing a well fluid through a flow passage in a body of a choke including a variable flow restrictor, measuring a pressure differential between external ports in communication with respective upstream and downstream sides of the flow restrictor, and operating the flow restrictor, thereby varying a restriction to the flow through the flow passage, in response to the measured pressure differential. A well system can include a well fluid pump, a flow choke including a variable flow restrictor operable by an actuator that includes a displaceable stem and a stem seal that isolates the actuator from the well fluid in the flow choke, and a control system that operates the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Gray, Gerald George
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Publication number: 20200190939Abstract: A fault-tolerant system relieves pressure of fluid flow in a drilling system. Redundant pressure relief valves can open to relieve fluid flow from a discharge outlet of a manifold when over pressurization is detected. A hydraulic arrangement operably connected to the redundant relief valves provides hydraulic motive force in redundant hydraulic circuits respectively to the redundant relief valves. The redundant circuits are cross-connected to one another. Pressure transducers distributed in the hydraulic arrangement measures operational pressures of the hydraulic arrangement. Redundant controllers can both control the hydraulic motive force provided in the redundant circuits respectively to the redundant relief valves to open and close the relief valves in response to the pressure level measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2018Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Kevin L Gray, Liviu C Banuta, Gerald Wes Don Buchanan, Earl G. Dietrich, Kurt Wilson, Robert G Pince-Wright
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Publication number: 20190106963Abstract: A choke can include a variable flow restrictor, external ports in communication with a flow passage respectively upstream and downstream of the flow restrictor, and sensor(s) in communication with the external ports. A method can include flowing a well fluid through a flow passage in a body of a choke including a variable flow restrictor, measuring a pressure differential between external ports in communication with respective upstream and downstream sides of the flow restrictor, and operating the flow restrictor, thereby varying a restriction to the flow through the flow passage, in response to the measured pressure differential. A well system can include a well fluid pump, a flow choke including a variable flow restrictor operable by an actuator that includes a displaceable stem and a stem seal that isolates the actuator from the well fluid in the flow choke, and a control system that operates the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2017Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventors: Kevin L. GRAY, Gerald GEORGE
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Patent number: 10024154Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
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Patent number: 9988871Abstract: A rotating control device (RCD) for use with a drilling unit includes a body having a flange formed at an end thereof for coupling to the drilling unit; a seal assembly for receiving and sealing against a tubular; a bearing assembly for supporting rotation of the seal assembly relative to the body; a releasable connection connecting the bearing assembly to the body; a transmitting assembly rotatable with the seal assembly; and a receiving assembly attached to a non-rotating portion of the RCD.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James Chambers
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Publication number: 20170226846Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Kevin L. GRAY, Thomas F. BAILEY, James W. CHAMBERS, Jonathan P. SOKOL, Nicky A. WHITE
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Publication number: 20160348460Abstract: A rotating control device (RCD) for use with a drilling unit includes a body having a flange formed at an end thereof for coupling to the drilling unit; a seal assembly for receiving and sealing against a tubular; a bearing assembly for supporting rotation of the seal assembly relative to the body; a releasable connection connecting the bearing assembly to the body; a transmitting assembly rotatable with the seal assembly; and a receiving assembly attached to a non-rotating portion of the RCD.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Kevin L. GRAY, Thomas F. BAILEY, James CHAMBERS
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Publication number: 20160245037Abstract: An acoustic control system wirelessly operates a subsea latching assembly or other subsea device, such as an active seal. The acoustic control system may control a subsea first accumulator to release its stored hydraulic fluid to operate the latch assembly or other subsea device, such as an active seal. An RCD or other oilfield device may be unlatched or latched with the latching assembly. The acoustic control system may have a surface control unit, a subsea control unit, and two or more acoustic signal devices. A valve may allow switching from an umbilical line system to the acoustic control system accumulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Kevin L. GRAY, Stephanus Wilhelmus Maria NAS, Thomas F. BAILEY, Waybourn J. ANDERSON
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Patent number: 9404346Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
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Patent number: 9371697Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device. In one aspect, a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. The method includes the step of generating data relating to a parameter associated with the rotating control device. The method further includes the step of transmitting the data from a transmitting assembly coupled to the rotating control device to a receiving assembly positioned proximate the transmitting assembly. Additionally, the method includes the step of transmitting the data from the receiving assembly to the offshore drilling unit. In another aspect, a data gathering and transmitting system for use with a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. In a further aspect, a method for transmitting data generated in a rotating control device coupled to a riser is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James Chambers
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Patent number: 9359853Abstract: An acoustic control system wirelessly operates a subsea latching assembly or other subsea device, such as an active seal. The acoustic control system may control a subsea first accumulator to release its stored hydraulic fluid to operate the latch assembly or other subsea device, such as an active seal. An RCD or other oilfield device may be unlatched or latched with the latching assembly. The acoustic control system may have a surface control unit, a subsea control unit, and two or more acoustic signal devices. A valve may allow switching from an umbilical line system to the acoustic control system accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Stephanus Wilhelmus Maria Nas, Waybourn “Bo” J. Anderson, Jr., Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey
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Publication number: 20150315847Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device. In one aspect, a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. The method includes the step of generating data relating to a parameter associated with the rotating control device. The method further includes the step of transmitting the data from a transmitting assembly coupled to the rotating control device to a receiving assembly positioned proximate the transmitting assembly. Additionally, the method includes the step of transmitting the data from the receiving assembly to the offshore drilling unit. In another aspect, a data gathering and transmitting system for use with a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. In a further aspect, a method for transmitting data generated in a rotating control device coupled to a riser is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2015Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Kevin L. GRAY, Thomas F. BAILEY, James CHAMBERS
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Patent number: 9074443Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device. In one aspect, a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. The method includes the step of generating data relating to a parameter associated with the rotating control device. The method further includes the step of transmitting the data from a transmitting assembly coupled to the rotating control device to a receiving assembly positioned proximate the transmitting assembly. Additionally, the method includes the step of transmitting the data from the receiving assembly to the offshore drilling unit. In another aspect, a data gathering and transmitting system for use with a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. In a further aspect, a method for transmitting data generated in a rotating control device coupled to a riser is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James Chambers
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Publication number: 20140367114Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
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Publication number: 20140262326Abstract: The disclosure relates to purging a RCD including a bearing of contaminants with a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit having at least one housing adjacent to the RCD, a first plurality of valves within the bearing, a second plurality of valves within the housing, at least one inlet port located on the RCD, each inlet port being connected to the housing, at least one outlet port located on the RCD, each outlet port being connected to the housing, and a purge outlet in fluid communication with the fluid circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers
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Patent number: 8826988Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
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Publication number: 20140069720Abstract: A rotating control device (RCD) includes: a tubular housing having a flange formed at each end thereof; a stripper seal for receiving and sealing against a tubular; a bearing for supporting rotation of the stripper seal relative to the housing; a retainer for connecting the stripper seal to the bearing; and a tachometer. The tachometer includes a probe connected to the retainer and including: a tilt sensor; an angular speed sensor; an angular acceleration sensor; a first wireless data coupling; and a microcontroller operable to receive measurements from the sensors and to transmit the measurements to a base using the first wireless data coupling. The tachometer further includes the base connected to the housing and including: a second wireless data coupling operable to receive the measurements; and an electronics package in communication with the second wireless data coupling and operable to relay the measurements to an offshore drilling unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Kevin L. GRAY
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Patent number: 8469087Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and/or apparatus for deploying wireline tools with a non-electric string. In one embodiment, a method of determining a free point of a tubular string stuck in a wellbore includes deploying a tool string in the stuck tubular with a non-electric string. The free point assembly includes a battery, a controller, and a free point tool. The method further includes activating the free point tool by the controller. The free point tool contacts an inner surface of the stuck tubular string. The method further includes applying a tensile force and/or torque to the stuck tubular string; and measuring a response of the tubular string with the free point tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Kevin L. Gray