Patents by Inventor Robert L. Thibodeaux
Robert L. Thibodeaux 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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Publication number: 20240062639Abstract: A portable catwalk sensing device includes a proximity detector configured to detect a proximity of a conveyor portion of a catwalk tubular transport machine, a tubular carried by the catwalk tubular transport machine, or both, to a predetermined location relative to the rig floor. The device also includes a module having a processor, and configured to communicate with the proximity detector and receive data representing proximity of the catwalk tubular transport machine, the tubular, or both from the proximity detector, a rig floor, or a combination thereof. The module includes a housing and is configured to be portable. The device also includes an alarm coupled to or integral with the module. The alarm is configured to communicate with the processor, such that the processor is configured to cause the alarm to provide an indication to a user of the proximity of the catwalk tubular transport machine, the tubular, or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Justin Ardeneaux, Matthew Weber, Keith Lutgring, Tanner Boudreaux, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Benjamin Latour, Jeremy R. Angelle
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Patent number: 11480044Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for mitigating collision occurrences on a drilling rig, of which an example of the method includes associating ultra wide band (UWB) tags with pieces of rig equipment and rig personnel. The tags are configured to communicate with one or more anchors. The method also includes determining interlock rules associated with each of the pieces of rig equipment, monitoring positions of the pieces of rig equipment and the rig personnel using the tags, in real-time, determining that one or more of the interlock rules are violated by a position of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment, rig personnel, or both, and, in response to determining that the one or more of the interlock rules are violated, at least partially disabling operation of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: Seth Menard, Marcus Savini, Jeremy R. Angelle, Logan Smith, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Brennan Domec
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Patent number: 10801280Abstract: A tubular handling system and method, of which the system includes a power tong configured to engage and rotate an add-on tubular by applying a torque thereto, the power tong defining a central opening configured to receive the add-on tubular therethrough, a spider disposed at a rig floor, the spider being configured to support a tubular string, a lifting assembly coupled with the power tong and configured to move the power tong vertically with respect to the tubular string and the spider, and a control line guide coupled to the power tong. The control line guide is movable between an extended position in which the control line guide is configured to guide a control line into close proximity to the add-on tubular, and a retracted position in which the control line guide is configured to maintain a lateral control line clearance gap between the control line and the add-on tubular.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: Vernon Bouligny, Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Travis Lambert, Timothy Bernard
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Patent number: 10689925Abstract: A pipe wrench for making-up or breaking-out a threaded connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member includes an upper wrench assembly with a pair of upper jaw assemblies configured to grip the first tubular member and a lower wrench assembly with a pair of lower jaw assemblies configured to grip the second tubular member. The upper and lower wrench assemblies are concentrically constrained, axially overlap, and radially engage with one another. Each of the upper and lower wrench assemblies independently includes a frame with a curved segment containing an arc at an angle of about 160° to about 200°. The upper and lower wrench assemblies are configured to rotate the first tubular member relative to the second tubular member and can have an angle of rotation in a range from about 75° to about 180°.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Joshua J. Hebert, John E. Stelly, Logan E. Smith
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Publication number: 20190249538Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for mitigating collision occurrences on a drilling rig, of which an example of the method includes associating ultra wide band (UWB) tags with pieces of rig equipment and rig personnel. The tags are configured to communicate with one or more anchors. The method also includes determining interlock rules associated with each of the pieces of rig equipment, monitoring positions of the pieces of rig equipment and the rig personnel using the tags, in real-time, determining that one or more of the interlock rules are violated by a position of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment, rig personnel, or both, and, in response to determining that the one or more of the interlock rules are violated, at least partially disabling operation of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Seth Menard, Marcus Savini, Jeremy R. Angelle, Logan Smith, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Brennan Domec
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Publication number: 20190153793Abstract: A tubular handling system and method, of which the system includes a power tong configured to engage and rotate an add-on tubular by applying a torque thereto, the power tong defining a central opening configured to receive the add-on tubular therethrough, a spider disposed at a rig floor, the spider being configured to support a tubular string, a lifting assembly coupled with the power tong and configured to move the power tong vertically with respect to the tubular string and the spider, and a control line guide coupled to the power tong. The control line guide is movable between an extended position in which the control line guide is configured to guide a control line into close proximity to the add-on tubular, and a retracted position in which the control line guide is configured to maintain a lateral control line clearance gap between the control line and the add-on tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Vernon Bouligny, Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Travis Lambert, Timothy Bernard
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Patent number: 10233704Abstract: A tubular handling system and method, of which the tubular handling system includes a power tong configured to engage and rotate an add-on tubular by applying a torque thereto, the power tong defining a central opening configured to receive the add-on tubular therethrough, a spider disposed at a rig floor, the spider being configured to support a tubular string, a lifting assembly coupled with the power tong and configured to move the power tong vertically with respect to the tubular string and the spider, and a torque-measuring device configured to measure a reactionary torque transmitted from the power tong to the lifting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: Vernon Bouligny, Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Travis Lambert, Timothy Bernard
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Patent number: 9932785Abstract: Methods and apparatus for running a tubular into a wellbore. The method includes attaching a first member of a lifting coupling to a first tubular, and attaching a second member of the lifting coupling to a second tubular. The second tubular extends downward through an opening of a rotary station. The method also includes connecting together the first and second members of the lifting coupling, such that a weight of the second tubular is transmitted via the lifting coupling to the first tubular. The method further includes lowering the lifting coupling, the second tubular, and at least a portion of the first tubular through the opening, and disconnecting the second member from the first member. The method additionally includes moving the second member of the lifting coupling and the second tubular laterally, away from the opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: Benjamin Frith, Neil Alleman, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Jeremy R. Angelle
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Publication number: 20180087333Abstract: A tubular handling system and method, of which the tubular handling system includes a power tong configured to engage and rotate an add-on tubular by applying a torque thereto, the power tong defining a central opening configured to receive the add-on tubular therethrough, a spider disposed at a rig floor, the spider being configured to support a tubular string, a lifting assembly coupled with the power tong and configured to move the power tong vertically with respect to the tubular string and the spider, and a torque-measuring device configured to measure a reactionary torque transmitted from the power tong to the lifting assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2016Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Vernon Bouligny, Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Travis Lambert, Timothy Bernard
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Publication number: 20170370166Abstract: A pipe wrench for making-up or breaking-out a threaded connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member includes an upper wrench assembly with a pair of upper jaw assemblies configured to grip the first tubular member and a lower wrench assembly with a pair of lower jaw assemblies configured to grip the second tubular member. The upper and lower wrench assemblies are concentrically constrained, axially overlap, and radially engage with one another. Each of the upper and lower wrench assemblies independently includes a frame with a curved segment containing an arc at an angle of about 160° to about 200°. The upper and lower wrench assemblies are configured to rotate the first tubular member relative to the second tubular member and can have an angle of rotation in a range from about 75° to about 180°.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Applicant: Frank's International, LLCInventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Joshua J. Hebert, John E. Stelly, Logan E. Smith
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Patent number: 9765581Abstract: A tubular gripping apparatus includes a main bowl including a bore formed therethrough about an axis, and a movable bowl movably receivable within the main bowl. The movable bowl includes a bore formed therethrough about an axis with a tapered surface extending along the bore of the movable bowl, in which the tubular gripping apparatus further includes a plurality of slip assemblies movably receivable within the movable bowl, the plurality of slip assemblies configured to engage an outer surface of a tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.Inventors: Logan Essex Smith, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Jeremy Richard Angelle
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Patent number: 9605497Abstract: An apparatus for handling one or more tubulars includes a body defining at least a portion of a tapered bowl. A plurality of slips may be disposed at least partially within the bowl and configured to slide along a surface of the bowl. Each of the slips includes a radial engaging surface and a tapered engaging surface. The radial engaging surface may have a plurality of gripping structures extending inwardly therefrom that are configured to engage an outer surface of a first tubular having a substantially constant outer diameter. The tapered engaging surface may be configured to engage a tapered outer surface of a second tubular.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Thibodeaux, James Fontenot, Jacob Chu
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Patent number: 9422778Abstract: An elevator, apparatus, and method for handling a tubular, of which the apparatus includes a body defining at least a portion of a tapered bowl. The apparatus also includes a plurality of slips disposed at least partially within the bowl and configured to slide along a surface of the bowl. Each of the slips includes a radial engaging surface configured to engage an outer diameter of a tubular, and a tapered engaging surface configured to engage a tapered section of the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Logan E. Smith, Robert L. Thibodeaux, John E. Stelly
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Publication number: 20160153251Abstract: Methods and apparatus for running a tubular into a wellbore. The method includes attaching a first member of a lifting coupling to a first tubular, and attaching a second member of the lifting coupling to a second tubular. The second tubular extends downward through an opening of a rotary station. The method also includes connecting together the first and second members of the lifting coupling, such that a weight of the second tubular is transmitted via the lifting coupling to the first tubular. The method further includes lowering the lifting coupling, the second tubular, and at least a portion of the first tubular through the opening, and disconnecting the second member from the first member. The method additionally includes moving the second member of the lifting coupling and the second tubular laterally, away from the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2014Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Benjamin Frith, Neil Alleman, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Jeremy R. Angelle
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Publication number: 20150247367Abstract: An elevator, apparatus, and method for handling a tubular. The apparatus includes a body defining at least a portion of a tapered bowl. The apparatus also includes a plurality of slips disposed at least partially within the bowl and configured to slide along a surface of the bowl. Each of the slips includes a radial engaging surface configured to engage an outer diameter of a tubular, and a tapered engaging surface configured to engage a tapered section of the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2014Publication date: September 3, 2015Applicant: Frank's International, LLCInventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Logan E. Smith, Robert L. Thibodeaux, John E. Stelly
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Publication number: 20150240575Abstract: An apparatus for handling one or more tubulars. The apparatus may include a body defining at least a portion of a tapered bowl. A plurality of slips may be disposed at least partially within the bowl and configured to slide along a surface of the bowl. Each of the slips may include a radial engaging surface and a tapered engaging surface. The radial engaging surface may have a plurality of gripping structures extending inwardly therefrom that are configured to engage an outer surface of a first tubular having a substantially constant outer diameter. The tapered engaging surface may be configured to engage a tapered outer surface of a second tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2014Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: Frank's International, LLCInventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Thibodeaux, James Fontenot, Jacob Chu
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Publication number: 20150159445Abstract: A tubular gripping apparatus includes a main bowl including a bore formed therethrough about an axis, and a movable bowl movably receivable within the main bowl. The movable bowl includes a bore formed therethrough about an axis with a tapered surface extending along the bore of the movable bowl, in which the tubular gripping apparatus further includes a plurality of slip assemblies movably receivable within the movable bowl, the plurality of slip assemblies configured to engage an outer surface of a tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2014Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Logan Essex Smith, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Jeremy Richard Angelle
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Patent number: 8689863Abstract: A method for running a tubular string in wellbore operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a tubular running tool comprising gripping assembly rotationally connected to a carrier, the gripping assembly comprising a body and slips; connecting the carrier to a quill of a top drive of a drilling rig; positioning an end of a tubular for gripping with the slips; actuating the slips into gripping engagement with the tubular; and rotating the tubular with the slips in gripping engagement therewith.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Richard Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130062074Abstract: A method for running a tubular string in wellbore operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a tubular running tool comprising gripping assembly rotationally connected to a carrier, the gripping assembly comprising a body and slips; connecting the carrier to a quill of a top drive of a drilling rig; positioning an end of a tubular for gripping with the slips; actuating the slips into gripping engagement with the tubular; and rotating the tubular with the slips in gripping engagement therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Robert L. Thibodeaux, JR.
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Patent number: 8327928Abstract: A method for running a tubular string in wellbore operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a tubular running tool comprising gripping assembly rotationally connected to a carrier, the gripping assembly comprising a body and slips; connecting the carrier to a quill of a top drive of a drilling rig; positioning an end of a tubular for gripping with the slips; actuating the slips into gripping engagement with the tubular; and rotating the tubular with the slips in gripping engagement therewith.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Jr.