Patents by Inventor Martin Helm

Martin Helm 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: 12188311
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Migutin, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Helms
  • Publication number: 20240064484
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for calibrating a loudspeaker system in an environment (1). The loudspeaker system comprises an audio device (10) with a first and second loudspeaker arranged with a predetermined horizontal separation. The method comprises the steps of emitting (S2a, S2b) a first and second calibration audio signal from the first and second loudspeaker (11) of the audio device (10), wherein the second calibration audio signal is distinguishable from the first calibration audio signal. The method further comprises receiving (S3a, S3b), with a first external microphone (20) the first and second calibration audio signal, determining (S4) the position of the first external microphone (20) relative to the audio device (10) and calibrating (S8) the loudspeaker system based on the determined position of the first external microphone (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Jonas Martin HELM, Jakob DYREBY
  • Patent number: 11525315
    Abstract: A method of connecting or disconnecting a first tubular to a second tubular includes engaging the first tubular with a power tong; engaging the second tubular with a backup tong; and rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular. The method also includes, while rotating, monitoring a distance between the backup tong and the power tong and comparing the distance to a first threshold value; and stopping rotation of the first tubular when the distance equals to the first threshold value. According to one embodiment, a tong assembly includes a power tong, a backup tong, a sensor configured to measure a distance between the power tong and the backup tong, and a controller configured to compare the distance to a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Helms, Jan Rothe
  • Patent number: 11225854
    Abstract: A modular top drive system for construction of a wellbore includes a motor unit. The motor unit includes: a drive body; a drive motor having a stator connected to the drive body; a trolley for connecting the drive body to a rail of a drilling rig; and a drive ring torsionally connected to a rotor of the drive motor and having a latch profile for selectively connecting one of: a drilling unit, a casing unit, and a cementing unit to the motor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Helms, Martin Liess
  • Patent number: 11162310
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Helms, Karsten Heidecke, Rainer Ruehmann, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke
  • Patent number: 11162308
    Abstract: A tubular handling assembly includes a mandrel; a plurality of gripping elements for gripping a tubular, the plurality of gripping elements coupled to and rotatable with the mandrel; one or more accumulators; a first actuator configured to supply fluid to the one or more accumulators; and a second actuator configured to receive fluid from at least one of the one or more accumulators and to actuate the plurality of gripping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Igor Stankovic, Martin Helms, Michael Schindel, Thomas Kotschy, Christian Kiess
  • Patent number: 11085248
    Abstract: A centralizer sub for cementing a tubular string in a wellbore includes: a tubular body; a centralizer disposed along an outer surface of the body and having a pair of collars and a plurality of bow springs connecting the collars; and a joint longitudinally coupling the centralizer to the body. The joint has a groove formed in and around the body outer surface, and a plurality of protrusions formed integrally with or mounted to one of the collars and configured to mate with the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Maxime R. Rodrigue, Philip E. Dufrene, Beau H. Martin, Christian Kiess, Martin Helms, Adam Kyzar
  • Patent number: 10995569
    Abstract: A method of connecting or disconnecting a first tubular to a second tubular includes engaging the first tubular with a power tong; engaging the second tubular with a backup tong; and rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular. The method also includes, while rotating, monitoring a distance between the backup tong and the power tong and comparing the distance to a first threshold value; and stopping rotation of the first tubular when the distance equals to the first threshold value. According to one embodiment, a tong assembly includes a power tong, a backup tong, a sensor configured to measure a distance between the power tong and the backup tong, and a controller configured to compare the distance to a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Helms, Jan Rothe
  • Patent number: 10844675
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Helms, Karsten Heidecke, Rainer Ruehmann, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke
  • Patent number: 10808472
    Abstract: Methods and systems for connecting threaded tubulars are presented. One example method generally includes monitoring relative rotation between a backup tong and a tubular clamped in the backup tong to determine slippage of the backup tong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Helms, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke, Rainer Ruehmann, David Geissler, Benjamin Sachtleben
  • 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: 10760359
    Abstract: A tong includes a gear ring powered by a motor assembly, the gear ring having a plurality of ramps formed on an inner surface thereof and a brake plate rotationally independent of the gear ring, the brake plate having a gripping assembly for interacting with the ramps to grip a tubular. Also included is a brake assembly for preventing rotation of the brake plate, the brake assembly including an adjustable brake band for applying friction to the brake plate and at least one brake pad made of braking material disposed on an outer surface thereof in the area of contact with the brake band for reducing friction between the brake plate and the brake band. In one embodiment, the braking material is bronze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Ditmar Clasen, Martin Helms, Bjoern Thiemann
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10648255
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Bjoern Thiemann, Martin Liess, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Helms
  • Patent number: 10465494
    Abstract: A system for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery includes a remote controller and a device controller. The remote controller is communicatively coupled to the device controller. The device controller is generally configured to receive a command to operate one of the plurality of tools from the remote controller. Based on the command, the device controller generates one or more instructions executable by a controller associated with the one of the plurality of tools. The device controller transmits the one or more instructions to the one of the plurality of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Klaus Krems, Michael Wiedecke, Martin Helms, Benson Thomas
  • Patent number: 10280695
    Abstract: A centralizer sub for cementing a tubular string in a wellbore includes: a tubular body; a centralizer disposed along an outer surface of the body and having a pair of collars and a plurality of bow springs connecting the collars; and a joint longitudinally linking the centralizer to the body. The joint has: a groove formed in and around the body outer surface, and a plurality of protrusions formed integrally with or mounted to one of the collars and extending into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Maxime R. Rodrigue, Philip E. Dufrene, Beau H. Martin, Christian Kiess, Martin Helms, Adam Kyzar
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10132126
    Abstract: A modular top drive for construction of a wellbore includes a rail for connection to at least one of: a floor and a derrick of a drilling rig; and a motor unit. The motor unit includes: a first body; a drive motor having a stator connected to the first body; a trolley connecting the first body to the rail; and a first latch for selectively connecting either a drilling unit or a casing unit to the motor unit. The top drive further includes a bracket for holding any one of the drilling, casing, and cementing units and movable relative to the rail between a standby position and a connection position. The unit held by the bracket is aligned with the motor unit in the connection position and clear of the motor unit in the standby position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Helms, Benson Thomas, Martin Liess, Christian Kiess
  • Patent number: 10081991
    Abstract: A portable tong system includes: a power tong; a backup tong; and an adapter. The adapter includes: a main frame having a base for mounting the backup tong; a mount for mounting the main frame to a positioning system; a leveling frame for torsional connection to the power tong; a suspension mounted to the leveling frame for supporting the power tong; a linear actuator for raising and lowering the leveling frame relative to the main frame; and a torsional arrestor torsionally connecting the leveling frame to the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Federico Amezaga, Martin Helms, Martin Liess
  • Patent number: 9957794
    Abstract: A detector for use in cementing a tubular string in a wellbore includes: a tubular mandrel; an electronics package fastened to an outer surface of the mandrel; a first transducer: fastened to the mandrel outer surface, in communication with the electronics package, and operable to generate ultrasonic pulses; a second transducer: fastened to the mandrel outer surface, in communication with the electronics package, and operable to receive the ultrasonic pulses; and an antenna fastened to the mandrel outer surface and in communication with the electronics package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Burkhard Zippel, Martin Helms, Mark Chandler, Simon J. Harrall