Patents by Inventor Robert C. Henschel

Robert C. Henschel 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: 10724332
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve system for a wellbore is described. The system can include a tubular housing disposed within the wellbore having a cavity running in a longitudinal direction therethrough. The system can also include an electromagnetic device configured to receive electric power to create a magnetic field, and a flapper operative to open and close the cavity in response to the electric power received by the electromagnetic device. The flapper may open in response to the electric power exceeding a first electric power value and remain open in response to the electric power exceeding a second electric power value which is lower than the first electric power value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Henschel, Jr., Samuel E. Herod, Paul R. Boriack, Shane W. Pfaff, Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Jason C. Mailand
  • Patent number: 10378312
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel, Rory L. Hodge, Shane W. Pfaff
  • Publication number: 20190203564
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve system for a wellbore is described. The system can include a tubular housing disposed within the wellbore having a cavity running in a longitudinal direction therethrough. The system can also include an electromagnetic device configured to receive electric power to create a magnetic field, and a flapper operative to open and close the cavity in response to the electric power received by the electromagnetic device. The flapper may open in response to the electric power exceeding a first electric power value and remain open in response to the electric power exceeding a second electric power value which is lower than the first electric power value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Henschel, JR., Samuel E. Herod, Paul R. Boriack, Shane W. Pfaff, Thomas G. Hill, JR., Jason C. Mailand
  • Publication number: 20180313189
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicant: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Robert C. Henschel, Rory L. Hodge, Shane W. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 10100611
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is operable to close a fluid flow path by virtue of an axially movable flow sleeve. The valve includes a recockable actuator and a latch mechanism so that the valve can be moved to a closed position without overcoming the pressure head and frictional forces currently encountered in conventional safety valves. The latch mechanism includes one or more micro pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
  • Patent number: 10030476
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Robert C. Henschel, Rory L. Hodge, Shane W. Pfaff
  • Publication number: 20180010423
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Robert C. Henschel, Rory L. Hodge, Shane W. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 9771777
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
  • Patent number: 9638006
    Abstract: A safety system for a well having a cable deployed electronic submersible pump includes a barrier valve having a control line for opening and closing the valve, a first flapper safety valve assembly, and a second flapper safety valve assembly. The second flapper safety valve allows the cable for the pump to pass through the second flapper safety valve when the valve is in a closed position. An integral flapper safety valve assembly incorporates the first and second flapper safety valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Henschel, Thomas G. Hill
  • Patent number: 9624755
    Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, thereby damaging the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
  • Publication number: 20160356121
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is operable to close a fluid flow path by virtue of an axially movable flow sleeve. The valve includes a recockable actuator and a latch mechanism so that the valve can be moved to a closed position without overcoming the pressure head and frictional forces currently encountered in conventional safety valves. The latch mechanism includes one or more micro pistons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Robert C. Henschel
  • Patent number: 9441456
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is operable to close a fluid flow path by virtue of an axially movable flow sleeve. The valve includes a recockable actuator and a latch mechanism so that the valve can be moved to a closed position without overcoming the pressure head and frictional forces currently encountered in conventional safety valves. The latch mechanism includes one or more micro pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Tejas Research + Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
  • Publication number: 20160230506
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Robert C. Henschel
  • Patent number: 9334709
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel, Rory L. Hodge, Shane W. Pfaff
  • Publication number: 20160069156
    Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, thereby damaging the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Robert C. Henschel
  • Patent number: 9217312
    Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, thereby damaging the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
  • Patent number: 9103184
    Abstract: A valve and valve assembly are provided to allow opening of flow channels through the wall of a tubular by increasing and then decreasing pressure in the tubular. Slidable seals having different areas are used to apply an axial force to a shuttle in the valve in response to differential pressure across the valve when in the closed position. The axial force shears a pin, releasing the shuttle. A decrease of pressure in the tubular can allow the valve to open in response to a spring force. Multiple valves may be placed along a tubular string and the valves may be opened all at substantially the same time or at time intervals determined by pressures applied inside the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
  • Publication number: 20150204163
    Abstract: A valve to act as a barrier to fluid movement in a tubular is provided. A flapper in the valve may be opened by application of a selected pressure differential across the flapper. The flapper opens to allow a cylinder to shift and cover the open flapper. A method of placing a tubular string within a well using the valve as an isolation valve to form gas filled chambers for floating the tubular string into the well is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Robert C. Henschel, JR., Shane W. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 8960298
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is operable to close a fluid flow path by virtue of an axially movable flow sleeve. The valve includes a recockable linear actuator and a latch mechanism so that the valve can be moved from an open to a closed position as a result of axial movement of the flow sleeve without overcoming the pressure head and frictional forces currently encountered in conventional safety valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Robert C. Henschel
  • Publication number: 20140251613
    Abstract: A valve and valve assembly are provided to allow opening of flow channels through the wall of a tubular by increasing and then decreasing pressure in the tubular. Slidable seals having different areas are used to apply an axial force to a shuttle in the valve in response to differential pressure across the valve when in the closed position. The axial force shears a pin, releasing the shuttle. A decrease of pressure in the tubular can allow the valve to open in response to a spring force. Multiple valves may be placed along a tubular string and the valves may be opened all at substantially the same time or at time intervals determined by pressures applied inside the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: TEJAS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Robert C. Henschel