Patents Issued in January 14, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100006255
    Abstract: An energy recuperation system for storing energy in a process for subsequent supply to an energy demand in the process comprises a recuperation storage system having a phase-change storage material. Recuperation circuitry between the energy loss/availability, the energy demand of the process/processes and the recuperation storage system to allow heat exchanges therebetween. A controller obtains temperature data with respect to the storage material, the energy loss/availability and/or the recuperation circuitry so as to selectively actuate the recuperation circuitry. An energy level calculator determines a storage capacity in the recuperation storage system as a function of temperature data of the storage material. An operation identifier determines when to store energy in the recuperation storage system and when to supply energy to the process as a function of the storage capacity and of process data, whereby the controller actuates the recuperation circuitry to store and supply energy from/to the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Stéphane BILODEAU
  • Publication number: 20100006256
    Abstract: A heat exchanger of the present invention is for cooling a high-pressure gas, and includes: a frame in which a single curved cooling medium flow path is formed by providing a plurality of partitioning plates parallel to one another; a single curved cooling pipe that is provided inside the cooling medium flow path via a space interval, wherein a cooling medium is flowed through the cooling medium flow path, and the high-pressure gas is flowed through the cooling pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kuwano, Kanji Oomori
  • Publication number: 20100006257
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning and/or beating system (1) for vehicles having a housing (3) which is designed to be positioned partially in or entirely on a vehicle roof (5) and comprises at least one component (7) of the air conditioning and/or heating systems (1), wherein the housing (3) is composed at least partially of foamed plastic, and at least one area of the surface of the housing is coated with a material which is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and the housing (3) or housing part which is composed of foamed plastic contains at least a part of at least one insert which is designed to contribute to mounting the housing (3) on a vehicle roof (5) or in a recess in the vehicle roof (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schütz
  • Publication number: 20100006258
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner is disclosed having means to cool and heat air with three air paths, of which, two outer air paths have a common first temperature and an inner air path has a second temperature, wherein a means for controlling the air volume flow through the outer air paths and the inner air path is provided by two control elements which are configured jointly to be able to move in opposing directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Gerald Richter, Jürgen Hoppen, Mario Opiela
  • Publication number: 20100006259
    Abstract: An article having a support base and multiple nodules arranged in an array can be placed under part of a laptop computer to promote cooling of the computer. Nodules may be spaced to hold cords or may contain slots for cords. There may be one or more rows of modules which may be off set and may vary in height. Materials may be selected to conduct heat. Methods include obtaining or providing articles, advertising use under laptop computers, and selling the articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth Mori, Barry Sween
  • Publication number: 20100006260
    Abstract: A heat sink includes a base plate and at least one elastic plate. The base plate is connected to a heat generator such as a semiconductor chip. One end portion of the elastic plate is connected to the base plate and the elastic plate has a zigzag structure to ensure desired elasticity. The elastic plate dissipates the heat generated from the heat generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Jong OH, Chan-Hyung Yun, Dong-Woo Shin, Jin-Kyu Yang, Jae-Chan Lee
  • Publication number: 20100006261
    Abstract: To obtain a moving body cooling apparatus which can improve cooling performance through efficient use of traveling wind produced as a moving body is running. The direction of grooves 4f formed by flat-shaped cooling fins 4c provided integrally with a base portion 4a to which semiconductor devices to be cooled are affixed is inclined from a moving direction of a car body 1 which is an example of a moving body. As the car body 1 runs, traveling wind passes through the grooves 4f as shown by an arrow C. As the length of the grooves 4f becomes shorter, pressure loss due to passage of the wind decreases, flow rate of the wind increases, and the amount of heat to be removed from the flat-shaped cooling fins 4c on both sides of each groove 4f decreases. Therefore, temperature increase in the traveling wind is reduced and cooling performance is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takahito Ishida
  • Publication number: 20100006262
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a motor powering a compressor in a vapor compression system. The cooling system includes a housing enclosing the motor, and a cavity located within the housing. A fluid circuit circulates a cooling fluid in the motor, the fluid circuit having a first connection in the housing to receive cooling fluid, and a second connection in the housing to remove cooling fluid in fluid communication with the loop. The fluid circuit includes a passageway for cooling fluid positioned in an internal chamber formed in a motor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. WELCH, Steven J. ESTES, John C. HANSEN, Steven T. SOMMER, Gregory K. BEAVERSON
  • Publication number: 20100006263
    Abstract: A heat exchanger has a multi-lumen tubing having one end connected to a supply fitting and another end connected to a return fitting. The tubing has a central lumen, a middle lumen that surrounds the central lumen and an outer lumen that surrounds the middle lumen. The supply fitting has an inlet, an outlet and a proximal port wherethrough an infusate is input to the heat exchanger. The supply fitting is configured such that its inlet is connected to the central lumen, its outlet connected to the outer lumen, and its proximal port connected to the middle lumen of the tubing. The return fitting is configured to establish a through passage between the central lumen and the outer lumen of the tubing so that a heating fluid fed through the supply fitting to the central lumen is returned to the supply fitting by way of the outer lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Johnson, Gregory Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100006264
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a motor powering a compressor in a vapor compression system. The cooling system including a housing and a cavity within the housing. A first fluid circuit has a first connection to receive a refrigerant into the cavity, and a second connection to deliver refrigerant from the cavity to a heat exchanger for a heat transfer relationship with a heat-generating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Ivan JADRIC, Steven J. ESTES, John C. HANSEN, Koman B. NAMBIAR, Andrew M. WELCH, Steven T. SOMMER, Gregory K. BEAVERSON
  • Publication number: 20100006265
    Abstract: A cooling system to cool an electronic component is disclosed. The cooling system includes a first connection to receive refrigerant, a region to transfer heat from an electronic component to the refrigerant from the first connection, at least one of a cooling coil, a cooling tube, or a cooling block positioned in the region and in fluid communication with the first connection, and a second connection to return refrigerant from the region to an evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul Marie DE LARMINAT, Ivan JADRIC, Lars Skovlund ANDERSEN, Koman B. NAMBIAR
  • Publication number: 20100006266
    Abstract: A heat pipe includes an evaporation section, a condensation section and a connecting section connecting with the evaporation section and the condensation section. The evaporation section defines a plurality of dents at an outer wall thereof to increase rough degree of the outer wall of the evaporation section. The dents are provided to prevent solder from separation from the evaporation section during soldering process soldering the evaporation section to a heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicants: FU ZHUN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHEN ZHEN) CO., LTD., FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jian YANG
  • Publication number: 20100006267
    Abstract: A compact plate-type heat pipe having a large strength includes a plate-type heat pipe having a vaporized end and a condensed end and a metallic plate-like sleeve. The plate-like sleeve is covered outside the plate-type heat pipe tightly with the vaporized end of the plate-type heat pipe being exposed to the outside. The surface of the vaporized end of the plate-type heat pipe is adhered to the surface of a heat-generating electronic element, so that the heat generated by the heat-generating electronic element can be dissipated quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: George Anthony Meyer, IV, Chien-Hung Sun, Yung-Tai Lu
  • Publication number: 20100006268
    Abstract: A vapor chamber includes a casing, the working fluid, a wick structure and a supporting structure. The casing has a hollow room for allowing the working fluid to be filled therein. The wick structure is distributed in the hollow room. The supporting structure abuts against an inside surface of the wick structure. The supporting structure includes side plates and a plurality of wavelike pieces connected between the side plates. Each of the wavelike pieces is constituted of a plurality of crests and troughs. The crests of any two neighboring wavelike pieces are arranged in an alternating manner. A penetrating hole is provided at the crests and the troughs respectively. The working fluid flows through the separated passages and the penetrating holes. Via the above arrangement, the heat-conducting efficiency of the vapor chamber can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: George Anthony Meyer, IV, Yung-Tai Lu, Chien-Hung Sun, Ming-Kuei Hsieh, I-Ying Lee
  • Publication number: 20100006269
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a heat pipe base covering a heat source; a heat sink with a plurality of heat sink fins; a plurality of heat pipes connecting the heat pipe base and the heat sink; and a magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) pump assembly connected to the heat sink. In a method for cooling a heat source with heat pipes, magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) fluid pipes, and a heat sink, the method includes transmitting heat from evaporating ends of the heat pipes connected to a heat source to condensing ends of the heat pipes connected to the heat sink; and circulating MHD fluid inside the MHD fluid pipes embedded in the heat sink to dissipate heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Chien Ouyang
  • Publication number: 20100006270
    Abstract: An air-cooled condenser for receiving and condensing steam has at least one first, corner module and at least one second, intermediate module. The first module has a four-sided profile in plan view and a respective vertical tube bundle panel located on each of two adjacent sides of the first module. The second module has a four-sided profile in plan view and a vertical tube bundle panel on one of its sides, and an internal tube bundle panel disposed inside of the second module. Steam is supplied to all of the tube bundle panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. (DE Corp.)
    Inventor: Michel Vouche
  • Publication number: 20100006271
    Abstract: A cooling fan includes a stator formed of an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that suspends in the outer sleeve and has a middle part fixedly connected to a middle part of the outer sleeve and a plurality of crevices equiangularly spaced around the top end thereof, a hollow axle bearing inserted into the inner sleeve of the stator and having top and bottom hook blocks respectively hooked on the top and bottom ends of the outer sleeve of the stator and a plurality of crevices equiangularly spaced around the bottom end, a steel ball rotatably supported inside the axle bearing, and a fan blade that has a center axle inserted into the axle bearing and stopped against the steel ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: TEK-CHAIN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chien Wang
  • Publication number: 20100006272
    Abstract: A cooling body for the regulator of an electric machine, especially for a voltage regulator of a DC generator of a vehicle including a heat exchange surface, that is able to have applied to it a cooling air flow during the operation of the electric machine, having an inflow region, in which the cooling air stream impinges on the heat exchange surface, and an outflow region from where the cooling air stream leaves the heat exchange surface. The heat exchange surface is shaped differently in the inflow region and in the outflow region and is able to have flow of the cooling air applied to it in a different manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Horst Braun, Robert Goldschmidt
  • Publication number: 20100006273
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes at least one hot fluid flow channel comprising a first plurality of open cell porous elements having first gaps therebetween for flowing a hot fluid in a flow direction and at least one cold fluid flow channel comprising a second plurality of open cell porous elements having second gaps therebetween for flowing a cold fluid in a countercurrent flow direction relative to the flow direction. The thermal conductivity of the porous elements is at least 10 W/m·K. A separation member is interposed between the hot and cold flow channels for isolating flow paths associated these flow channels. The first and second plurality of porous elements at least partially overlap one another to form a plurality of heat transfer pairs which transfer heat from respective ones of the first porous elements to respective ones of the second porous elements through the separation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: JIAN HUA DU, LOUIS C. CHOW, YEONG-REN LIN, WEI WU, JAYANTA KAPAT, WILLIAM U. NOTARDONATO
  • Publication number: 20100006274
    Abstract: A heat transfer cell includes first and second heat transfer plates which have first and second heat transfer areas, and first and second flanges bent from the first and second heat transfer areas so as to have a height difference with respect to the first and second heat transfer areas. The first and second heat transfer plates are joined into a cell body so as to be opposite to each other in a mirror image, and the cell body having a first fluid passage therein, weld lines formed along the first contacting each other and along the second flanges contacting each other, and external recesses formed outside the heat transfer areas for second fluid passages intersecting with the first fluid passage at a right angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SHIN HAN APEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: MUN-JAE CHO
  • Publication number: 20100006275
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger (100) including a number of heat exchanger plates (1), which are arranged beside each other and connected to each other by means of a braze connection to form a stack of plates (2), wherein the heat exchanger plates are substantially manufactured in stainless steel containing chromium, wherein the plate heat exchanger (100) includes a number of port channels extending through at least some of the heat exchanger plates (1), and wherein the plate heat exchanger (100) further including end plates (3, 5) covering each end of the stack of plates (2) and having port holes associated with the port channels, where at least one end plate (3, 5) has at least one port hole provided with a cover (9, 12) and where said cover includes means (9, 12) for increasing the strength and means (14, 15) for sealing off the at least one end plate (3, 5) against an adjacently arranged heat exchanger plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Camilla Arvidsson
  • Publication number: 20100006276
    Abstract: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided that include multichannel tube and fin configurations designed to promote the release of condensate. The multichannel tubes may have a curved, round, or airfoil shape, and may be used with plate or corrugated fins. In certain embodiments, corrugated fins may be brazed to multichannel tubes and then trimmed to form individual fin structures. Double header configurations also may be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Lorenzo Cremaschi, Daniel E. Fisher, John T. Knight
  • Publication number: 20100006277
    Abstract: Disclosed are an aluminum alloy material and a plate heat exchanger using the aluminum alloy material, both of which have superior corrosion resistance. Specifically, the aluminum alloy material includes an aluminum alloy base material having an anodic oxide layer with an average thickness of 1 to 20 ?m as its surface layer, an organic phosphonic acid primer coating arranged on the surface of the aluminum alloy base material, and a fluorocarbon resin coating arranged on the surface of the organic phosphonic acid primer coating and having an average thickness of to 100 ?m after drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Takeshi OHWAKI, Wataru Urushihara, Junichiro Kinugasa, Koji Noishiki
  • Publication number: 20100006278
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device for a heat generating element includes a fastening layer and a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The fastening layer is formed on the heat generating element. The carbon nanotubes are arranged in an array structure. The carbon nanotubes are arranged in a predetermined pattern. Ends of the carbon nanotubes are connected to the fastening layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicants: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHOU-SHAN FAN, KAI-LI JIANG, CHANG-HONG LIU, LIANG LIU
  • Publication number: 20100006279
    Abstract: An intervention tool for use inside a wellbore is provided that includes an intervention module capable of performing an intervention operation downhole, and a drive electronics module in communication with the intervention module and configured to control the intervention module. The tool also includes one or more sensors which measure at least one operational parameter of the intervention operation during the intervention operation. The intervention operation is optimized based on the measured at least one operational parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Ruben Martinez, Matthew Billingham, Todor Sheiretov, Paul Beguin
  • Publication number: 20100006280
    Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel and an expandable packer element for sealingly engaging the well. A slip assembly is positioned on the mandrel and will anchor the downhole tool in the well. The slip assembly may include a slip ring that moves from an unset to a set position. A retaining ring is disposed about the slip ring and will hold the slip ring in the unset position until sufficient force is applied to break the retaining ring. The retaining ring may comprise a retaining band with a dampener to suppress the spring effect experienced by the retaining band when it breaks upon the application of force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Jesse Porter, Joel Barlow
  • Publication number: 20100006281
    Abstract: A method of extraction of fuels, organic pollutants, and elements from Methane hydrate deposits, shale seams and the soil is described which freezes the zone and heats the center carrying the fuel, chemicals and water in these deposits and seams from where they are found, be it deep in the sea or on land, and carries them into the condensing unit in inert Nitrogen gas. Required drilling on the surface or sea bottom includes a main shaft and with auxiliary narrow drillings widely spaced from the shaft. The extraction zone, which is first cooled to brittle cold using the evaporation of Liquid Nitrogen and fractured with vibrations, is heated to the highest temperature of the hydrocarbon fraction desired to be extracted. The evaporating hydrocarbons are extracted in a Nitrogen gas carrier, a recognized fire suppressant (NFPA Code 2000).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Air Wars Defense lp
    Inventor: Denyse Claire DuBrucq
  • Publication number: 20100006282
    Abstract: Assembly for pressure control when drilling underground to locate or produce hydrocarbons; whereby the drilling is done by means of a drill string with fluid circulation down through the drill string and up through an annulus between the drill string and the open hole or casing, as the underground in the open hole may comprise one or both of: areas with formation strength which is unable to withstand the pressure from the fluid circulation without fracturing and areas with formation pressure which cannot be combined with each other or the fluid circulation pressure without the fluid unintentionally leaking in or out from the above-mentioned areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Rolf Dirdal
  • Publication number: 20100006283
    Abstract: Hydrocarbons are recovered from subterranean formations by waterflooding. The method comprises passing an aqueous displacement fluid via an injection well through a porous and permeable sandstone formation to release oil and recovering said released oil from a production well spaced from said injection well, wherein (a) the sandstone formation comprises at least one mineral having a negative zeta potential under the formation conditions; (b) oil and connate water are present in the pores of the formation; and (c) the fraction of the divalent cation content of the said aqueous displacement fluid to the divalent cation content of said connate water is less than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Ian Ralph Collins, Gary Russell Jerauld
  • Publication number: 20100006284
    Abstract: A fluid analysis tool, and related method, comprising means for selectively varying a temperature of fluid received in a tool from a subterranean formation, means for measuring a temperature and a thermophysical property of the fluid received in the tool, and means for determining a relationship between the measured temperature and the measured thermophysical property of the fluid received in the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Carsten Sonne, Anthony R.H. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20100006285
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of Enhanced Petroleum Recovery (EPR) combining technical, economic, environmental and social effectiveness to increase the recovery factor of onshore or offshore fields having a high degree of exploitation, more precisely through the use of a substance miscible with the diverse types of petroleum of low fluidity found in various regions. More specifically, the present invention refers to the use of solvents such as light liquid fractions of petroleum, for example diesel oil and gas oil, a light petroleum, and the essential oils derived from renewable sources such as for example biodiesel, used pure or mutually admixed in any proportion, for injection into a geological formation through an injection well, there resulting a final mixture (petroleum/injected solvent) presenting much lower viscosity and much greater fluidity than the original petroleum, having an impact throughout the petroleum production chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras
    Inventors: Ivonete Pereira Gonzalez DA SILVA, Maria Aparecida De Melo, Amaury De Azevedo Aguiar, Ana Paula Silva Conceicao De Santana, Andre Luis Mynssen Ferreira, Viviane Rezende Prates
  • Publication number: 20100006286
    Abstract: A composition of a microemulsion including a mixture of a combination of surfactants and co-surfactants, an oil phase and an aqueous phase is described. In addition, a method for the advanced recovery of heavy oils is described which includes the steps of injecting a bank containing a microemulsion composition, injecting a bank of a polymer solution, and injecting water. The microemulsion composition can be applied in arenitic and carbonatic reservoirs, containing oils with API below 22.3° API, in both onshore and offshore fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Marcia Cristina Khalil Oliveira, Gaspar Gonzalez Maldonado
  • Publication number: 20100006287
    Abstract: A method for the thermal stimulation of a geological gas hydrate formation (10) is described in which thermal energy is supplied to the gas hydrate formation (10) so that gas hydrates in the gas hydrate formation (10) are converted and gaseous components are released and the supplied thermal energy is delivered by an exothermal chemical reaction that takes place in a reactor (20) arranged in the gas hydrate formation (10). A device for carrying out the process is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum-GFZ
    Inventor: Judith Maria Schicks
  • Publication number: 20100006288
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising contacting a metal oxide, a soluble chloride or phosphate salt, water, and a liquid retarder to form a cement composition via a continuous process, wherein the liquid retarder is an aqueous solution having a concentration of less than about 25 w/v %, placing the cement composition into the wellbore, and allowing the cement composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising (a) contacting an aqueous solution with a soluble salt to form a salt solution, (b) contacting an aqueous solution with a solid retarder to form a liquid retarder wherein the liquid retarder has concentration of less than about 25 w/v %, (c) contacting water, the salt solution, and the liquid retarder to form a mixture, (d) contacting the mixture with a metal oxide to form a cement slurry, wherein the cement slurry is produced with an output rate of from about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Ashok Santra, Christopher L. Gordon, Daniel L. Bour, Keith D. Pewitt, Dwain King
  • Publication number: 20100006289
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming a solid sealing plug of bismuth-tin alloy material within a well casing for sealing oil or gas wells. Solid alloy material is positioned within a heating tool and lowered to a position within the well casing where the seal is to be formed. The heating tool is heated to liquefy the alloy material and the alloy material then runs out of the heating tool and solidifies on top of a cement plug previously formed within the well casing. A cement slurry or other fluid material may subsequently be deposited on top of the liquefied alloy material to enhance the sealing of the alloy plug, to form a barrier to subsequent creep of the alloy plug when the alloy solidifies and to counteract any pressure acting vertically on the bottom of the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: HOMER L. SPENCER
  • Publication number: 20100006290
    Abstract: Methods of removing casing from a wellbore, the method including disposing a drilling tool assembly in a wellbore, the drilling tool assembly including a cutting device, a spearing device, and a jarring device. The methods further including activating the cutting device, cutting a first casing segment, deactivating the cutting device and activating a spearing device. The method further including engaging the spearing device with the first casing segment, activating the jarring device to free the first casing segment, and removing the first casing segment from the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: James E. Saylor, III, Thomas D. Helbert, Marc Henderson, Joseph V. Hebert, Trygve Berthelsen, Randall Louis Hebert, Malcolm Perschke, A. J. Dach, Harshad Patil, Praful Desai
  • Publication number: 20100006291
    Abstract: A method of cooling a multiphase well effluent stream comprises: separating the multiphase well effluent stream (G+L) into gas enriched and liquid enriched fractions in a gas liquid separator (2, 22); cooling the liquid enriched fraction in a heat exchanger (6,26); reinjecting the cooled liquid enriched fraction into the well effluent stream (G+L) at a location upstream of the gas liquid separator (2, 22), thereby cooling the well effluent stream without requiring a gas-liquid heat exchanger to directly cool the multiphase well effluent stream, which may be ten times larger than the liquid-liquid heat exchanger (6, 26) for cooling the recycled liquid enriched fraction (Lcold).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Edwin Poorte
  • Publication number: 20100006292
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for stimulating a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir, one method comprising contacting the formation with a treating fluid, and monitoring the movement of the treating fluid in the reservoir by providing one or more sensors for measurement of temperature and/or pressure which is disposed on a support adapted to maintain a given spacing between the sensors and the fluid exit. In some embodiments the support is coiled tubing. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Jeanne Boles, Vibhas Pandey, Murtaza Ziauddin
  • Publication number: 20100006293
    Abstract: A method of creating multiple fractures in a well traversing a formation is described using pressurized fluids in a highly deviated or horizontal section of the well at a pressure above the fracturing pressure of the formation, wherein for creating a fracture the pressurized fluid is alternated between an acid fracturing fluid and a proppant loaded fluid, such that the proppant blocks the flow of pressurized fluid into a fracture created during a previous step of the method and the subsequently pressurized acid fracturing fluid creates a new fracture at a location along the highly deviated or horizontal section different from the location of the previously created fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongren Gu, J. Ernest Brown, Fakuen F. Chang
  • Publication number: 20100006294
    Abstract: Well bore fluid redistribution apparatuses which can be inserted into a well bore to isolate fluids produced in well bores from different gelogic sections on either side of the apparatus and redistribute such fluids produced in well bores between different geologic sections to reduce surface discharge of fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Raymond P. Murphy, Timothy G. Barritt, Richard G. Stockdale
  • Publication number: 20100006295
    Abstract: An embodiment of a valve that is operable from one position to another position upon relief of an applied pressure includes a housing having a bore; a valve member disposed with the housing, wherein the valve member is actuated to one position in response to a certain applied pressure and actuates toward another position upon relief of the certain applied pressure; and a relief system relieving the pressure applied to the valve member when the applied pressure falls below a selected pressure level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul G. GOUGHNOUR, Russell A. JOHNSTON
  • Publication number: 20100006296
    Abstract: A combination penetration tool for access to the control system of a subsurface safety valve also has a lockout for the flapper that operates by latching into a nipple profile near its upper end as a series of collet fingers pass through a sleeve that is held in the locked position on the valve housing. One or more dogs on the collet fingers line up with the flapper already pushed open by the advancing collet fingers to push the flapper further back. A second series of dogs get past the sleeve after moving through it. With a jar up force the second series of dogs overcomes a lock on the sleeve and shifts the sleeve to overlap the open flapper and allow the lock ring that moves with the sleeve to latch into the housing. The second series of dogs is sheared off but retained by the tool for removal from the well. The penetrator portion of the tool is a known device that preferably works by jarring up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: David Z. Anderson, Darren E. Bane, Allen P. Carney
  • Publication number: 20100006297
    Abstract: A device including a pipe string device anchored to a sea floor. The device is configured to convey a fluid from a well head to a vessel during a drilling phase of a well. The fluid is located in the pipe string and needing, for well-technical reasons, to be given a flow boost. The pipe string that is anchored on the sea floor is provided with at least one injection point for a driving fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Roger Stave
  • Publication number: 20100006298
    Abstract: A wellhead connector for connecting a riser or production tree to a wellhead of a subsea well utilizes a singular annular piston to lock the connector onto the wellhead. The wellhead connector includes a housing that contains dogs for engagement with the exterior of the wellhead housing. A cam ring is also included, which has an inner side for engaging the dogs and moving them inward into a locked position with the wellhead housing. The cam ring is of a reduced proportion relative to prior art. As such, the cam ring outer side is dimensioned to contact the inner side of the connector housing under load. Connecting rods connect the piston to the cam rings. As the piston moves downward, the cam ring also moves downward, forcing the dogs inward into a locked position. As the piston moves upward, the cam ring also moves upward, thereby unlocking the connector. A secondary annular piston is also provided to guarantee unlocking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Voss, Perry J. Stokes, David W. Hughes, Joseph W. Pallini, JR., Robert N. Rogers, Willam T. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20100006299
    Abstract: Configurations and methods for subsea hydrocarbon production at high pressure wells are contemplated in which production control is achieved by implementing two choke valves in series between the wellhead and the riser The first production choke reduces pressure from well pressure to a reduced pressure, while the second production choke further reduces the pressure from the reduced pressure to riser pressure. The first production choke is preferably coupled to the production tree, and the second production choke is coupled to production tree, a subsea pipeline-end device (e.g., PLET or PLEM), a well jumper, or a flowline jumper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Weihong Meng
  • Publication number: 20100006300
    Abstract: Flexible hang-off arrangement is provided for a catenary riser suspended from an offshore or inshore platform, which includes floating or fixed platforms, vessels or/and buoys. The bending loads in the top segments of the said riser are reduced by incorporating a pivot at the riser hang-off. Pressure containing welded, bolted, rolled or swaged pipe spools transfer fluids, including hydrocarbons between the riser and the platform. Along significant spool lengths the tangents to the center lines of said spools are orthogonal to and offset from the tangent to the center line of the riser at the hang-off. The said pressure containing spools include arbitrary looped, spiral and helicoidal designs that are subject to torsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SEAHORSE EQUIPMENT CORP
    Inventors: Krzysztof J. WAJNIKONIS, Steven John LEVERETTE
  • Publication number: 20100006301
    Abstract: A method and system for retrieving a wear bushing from within a subsea wellhead assembly. The system includes a retrieval tool deployable on a wireline that inserts within the bushing. Latches on the tool radially project outwards and mate with a groove on the bushing inner surface. A hydraulically actuated jack is included with the tool and projects downward to the wellhead assembly to pull the bushing from its temporary coupling in the wellhead assembly. A remotely operated vehicle can be used to assist deploying the tool and for supplying hydraulics and/or control for operating the latch and the jack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Veto Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
  • Publication number: 20100006302
    Abstract: A locking arrangement to store setting forces including a housing, one or more recesses in the housing, one or more jam members in operable communication with one or more of the recesses, and an incremental setting force holding configuration receivable at the housing and placable in operable communication with one or more of the one or more jam members. A backlash reduction arrangement including a housing, one or more recesses in the housing, one or more jam members in operable communication with one or more of the recesses, and an incremental holding configuration receivable at the housing and placable in operable communication with one or more of the one or more jam members. The one or more jam members positioned within the housing to assure that at least one of the jam members will engage the incremental holding configuration with substantially no backlash. A method for setting a downhole tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Michael H. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100006303
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shape memory sleeve to create an annular tightness. More precisely, the invention relates to a ring to provide tightness, made from shape memory alloy material and including an interior annular portion and an exterior annular portion, comprising at least one annular groove or one annular rib on its interior annular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Garcia, Frederic Pauchet
  • Publication number: 20100006304
    Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The shape memory element typically communicates with the valve so as to force it open. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Alfred David Johnson, Roger Graham Gilbertson, Valery Martynov