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).

  • Patent number: 11293269
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
  • 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: 11118429
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
  • Patent number: 11085253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Heidi N. Cline, John D. Hooker, II, Karsten Heidecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Michael Wiedecke
  • Publication number: 20210032944
    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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin HELMS, Karsten HEIDECKE, Rainer RUEHMANN, Bjoern THIEMANN, Michael WIEDECKE
  • Publication number: 20210010336
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Frank WERN, Bjoern THIEMANN, Thomas KOTSCHY, Michael WIEDECKE
  • 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: 10787869
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Wern, Bjoern Thiemann, Thomas Kotschy, Michael Wiedecke
  • Publication number: 20200291751
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Carlo HOELTERLING, Frank WERN
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20200199952
    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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Martin HELMS, Karsten HEIDECKE, Rainer RUEHMANN, Bjoern THIEMANN, Michael WIEDECKE
  • Publication number: 20200141198
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Heidi N. CLINE, John D. HOOKER, II, Karsten HEIDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Michael WIEDECKE
  • Publication number: 20200024931
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Michael WIEDECKE, Bjoern THIEMANN, Carlo HOELTERLING, Frank WERN
  • Patent number: 10480291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20190137964
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
  • Publication number: 20190136669
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Carlo Hoelterling, Frank Wern
  • Publication number: 20190119997
    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: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Martin HELMS, Bjoern THIEMANN, Michael WIEDECKE, Rainer RUEHMANN, David GEISSLER, Benjamin SACHTLEBEN