Patents by Inventor Michael Wiedecke
Michael Wiedecke 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: 11293269Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
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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: 11118429Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
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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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Publication number: 20210010336Abstract: A method and apparatus for local hydraulic power generation on an electric tong, including a power tong for spinning tubulars; a first electric motor functionally connected to the power tong; a plurality of hydraulic power consumers including a backup tong for clamping a tubular string; a second electric motor functionally connected to the plurality of hydraulic power consumers; electronics to drive the first electric motor and the second electric motor; and a switchbox providing at least two configurations of the system. A method includes arranging a tong system in a hydraulic power configuration; supplying hydraulic power with an onboard electric motor to at least one of a plurality of hydraulic power consumers to position a tubular for make-up; arranging the tong system in a rotary drive configuration; supplying at least one of torque and rotation with the onboard electric motor to a power tong.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Frank WERN, Bjoern THIEMANN, Thomas KOTSCHY, 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: 10808472Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Martin Helms, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke, Rainer Ruehmann, David Geissler, Benjamin Sachtleben
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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: 10787869Abstract: A method and apparatus for local hydraulic power generation on an electric tong, including a power tong for spinning tubulars; a first electric motor functionally connected to the power tong; a plurality of hydraulic power consumers including a backup tong for clamping a tubular string; a second electric motor functionally connected to the plurality of hydraulic power consumers; electronics to drive the first electric motor and the second electric motor; and a switchbox providing at least two configurations of the system. A method includes arranging a tong system in a hydraulic power configuration; supplying hydraulic power with an onboard electric motor to at least one of a plurality of hydraulic power consumers to position a tubular for make-up; arranging the tong system in a rotary drive configuration; supplying at least one of torque and rotation with the onboard electric motor to a power tong.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Frank Wern, Bjoern Thiemann, Thomas Kotschy, Michael Wiedecke
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Publication number: 20200291751Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Carlo HOELTERLING, Frank WERN
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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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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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Publication number: 20200024931Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Carlo HOELTERLING, Frank WERN
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Patent number: 10480291Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
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Patent number: 10465494Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Klaus Krems, Michael Wiedecke, Martin Helms, Benson Thomas
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Publication number: 20190137964Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a remote controller, a first tool, and a first control device mounted on the first tool. The remote controller is communicatively coupled to the first control device. The first control device is generally configured to receive a command to operate the first tool from the remote controller. Based on the command, the first control device generates one or more instructions executable by the first control device. The first control device executes the one or more instructions to operate the first tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
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Publication number: 20190136669Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a first tool and a first control device mounted on the first tool and configured to operate the first tool. The first control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing. The system further includes a second tool and a second control device mounted on the second tool and configured to operate the second tool. The second control device includes an explosion-proof housing and a processor disposed in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
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Publication number: 20190119997Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Martin HELMS, Bjoern THIEMANN, Michael WIEDECKE, Rainer RUEHMANN, David GEISSLER, Benjamin SACHTLEBEN