Patents Issued in July 1, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100163208
    Abstract: A regenerative heat exchanger, including a rotor mounted so it is rotatable, which has at least one first gas volume flow to be heated and at least one second gas volume flow to be cooled flowing through it, as well as a method for operating the regenerative heat exchanger, is provided. The inflowing first gas volume flow enters the rotor at a first front side of the rotor and exits the rotor again at a second front side of the rotor at an outflowing first gas volume flow. To increase the heating performance, a leakage volume flow is captured at the first front side of the rotor and supplied to the inflowing first gas volume flow and/or a leakage volume flow is captured at the second front side of the rotor and supplied to the outflowing first gas volume flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: BALCKE-DÜRR GMBH
    Inventor: Heinz-Guenter Raths
  • Publication number: 20100163209
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit capable of suppressing a low frequency noise and a vehicle air conditioning apparatus are provided. The air conditioning unit includes a fan (9) for supplying air, a heat exchanger (7) for performing heat exchange between the air supplied from the fan (9), a first flow passage (13) for guiding the air supplied from the fan (9) in a direction along a surface of the heat exchanger (7), and a second flow passage (15) for turning the flow direction of the air passed through the first flow passage (13) in a direction intersecting the surface of the heat exchanger (7), wherein a projecting portion (25, 27) is disposed to the confronting surface (19) of the second flow passage (15) confronting the heat exchanger (7) so as to project toward the heat exchanger (7) as well as to extend in a direction along the air flow in the first flow passage (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Eguchi, Atsushi Suzuki, Tetsuo Tominaga, Mitsuhiro Nakao, Hajime Izumi
  • Publication number: 20100163210
    Abstract: A cooling box for electric or electronic components, consisting of a material, wherein the cooling box is non-electrically conductive or practically non-electrically conductive, is configured in one piece or multiple pieces and has a cavity that is enclosed by the material, wherein cavity being closed or provided with at least one opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Claus Peter Kluge
  • Publication number: 20100163211
    Abstract: An improved heat exchanger assembly and method. First and second plates made of a predetermined thermally conductive material are configured when mated to form a hermetically sealed vapor chamber. A wick made of the same predetermined thermally conductive material resides in the vapor chamber forming a gas chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: N. D. Nelson, Vincent J. Milano, Gregory G. Beninati, Cameron B. Goddard, Matthew D. Thoren, Edward I. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20100163212
    Abstract: A flat loop heat pipe is formed of a first capillary core, a second capillary core, a first support member, and a second support member. The first capillary core and the first support member constitute an evaporation room. The second capillary core and the second support member constitute a compensation room. In light of this structure, it is not difficult to activate circulation of thermal dissipation under low-watt heat source and the first capillary core can avoid dry-out phenomenon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Chi-Te Chin
  • Publication number: 20100163213
    Abstract: A heat sink includes a heat conducting base, a heat conducting shaft thermally connected to and rotating with respect to the base, and a plurality of fins. The shaft includes a heat absorbing section thermally connected to the base and a heat dissipating section connected with the heat absorbing section. The fins are disposed on the heat dissipating section of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicants: FU ZHUN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHEN ZHEN) CO., LTD., FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHOU-BIAO XU, SHI-WEN ZHOU, CHUN-CHI CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100163214
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchange system including, among other things, a radiator operable to remove heat from coolant, an air flow path extending through a first charge air cooler and a second charge air cooler, the first charge air cooler being operable to transfer heat from air to the coolant, the second charge air cooler being positioned downstream from the first charge air cooler along the air flow path to receive the air from the first charge air cooler and being operable to transfer heat from the air to the coolant, and a coolant circuit extending between a coolant pump, the radiator, and the first and second charge air coolers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Zachary Thomas Ouradnik, Martin John Riniker, Patrick Schoepel, Gregg D. Olson, Jason Braun
  • Publication number: 20100163215
    Abstract: An electrically powered pump for a cooling system in a machine such as an electric drive track-type tractor includes a pump housing having a first volute and a second volute, each including a different cooling circuit segment. A drive assembly including an electric motor and a pump shaft is positioned within the pump housing, and a first impeller and a second impeller are mounted on the pump shaft at first and second axial locations on opposite sides of a rotor of the electric motor. The first impeller has a first impeller configuration, and defines a first tolerance sensitivity with the first volute, and a second impeller has a second, different impeller configuration and defines a second, lesser tolerance sensitivity with the second volute. The first impeller may include au open impeller positioned at a first clearance with the first volute, and the second impeller may include a closed impeller positioned at a second, greater clearance with the second volute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Li, Tony R. Metzger, Michael D. Betz, Quenton R. Dunn, Jeremy Carlson, John Culliton
  • Publication number: 20100163216
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow channel having a mixing insert and a plurality of tubes guided parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flow channel over the length of the mixing insert, each mixing insert including at least twenty-eight pairwise crossed multi-wall sheets, the ratio of the width of the multi-wall sheets to the inside diameter of the flow channel being no more than 0.25, the ratio of the length of the mixing insert to the inside diameter of the flow channel being no less than 0.4, and the angle of the multi-wall sheets to the longitudinal axis of the flow channel being 30 to 60 and the ratio of the intermediate spacing of neighboring planes to the inside diameter of the flow channel being no more than 0.3, and to the inside diameter of the tubes being less than 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: ATLAS HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Martin Schochlin
  • Publication number: 20100163217
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a temperature of a device. The apparatus includes a body (500) having a plurality of chambers (630) spaced substantially symmetrically about an axis of the body (500), wherein each of the plurality of chambers (630) comprises an upper diaphragm (635) and a lower diaphragm (640). The apparatus also includes a heat transfer element (515) attached to the body (500) via the plurality of chambers (630) such that the plurality of chambers (630) is in fluid communication with the heat transfer element (515).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventor: Larry Stuckey
  • Publication number: 20100163218
    Abstract: Bearing assemblies are provided that include a bearing having a split bearing body that includes a material such as a composite or a thermoplastic; and at least one recess configured for receiving a rotary seal assembly; and at least one rotary seal assembly comprising an energizing component. The bearing assemblies may further include at least two recesses and/or an energizing component that is an o-ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Greene, Tweed of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. Gibson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100163219
    Abstract: Bearing assemblies are provided that include a bearing having a split bearing body that includes a material such as a composite or a thermoplastic; and at least one recess configured for receiving a rotary seal assembly; and at least one rotary seal assembly comprising an energizing component. The bearing assemblies may further include at least two recesses and/or an energizing component that is an o-ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Greene, Tweed of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. Gibson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100163220
    Abstract: An air conditioning system of a vehicle including a controller and sensors in communication with the controller. The sensors include an interior temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the vehicle interior and an inner surface temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the inner surface of the vehicle's windshield. The controller determines a dew-point for the vehicle interior based on the sensed interior temperature. The controller adjusts the dew-point or the inner surface temperature based on a correction value, and performs a defogging operation when the temperature of the inner surface of the windshield is less than the dew-point, wherein the dew-point or the inner surface temperature is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20100163221
    Abstract: A temperature regulation method and system (100) includes a reservoir (112) having a fluid with a temperature of a value such that, within a control range of a local temperature controller, a local set point temperature is achievable. A piping system (101) delivers the fluid from the reservoir to one or more elements needing temperature control. A heat generator/removal device (110) in one of the fluid paths is disposed at or near an element needing temperature control. For each heat generator/removal device, a local temperature controller (116) and a feedback sensor (114) are configured to control the heat generator/removal device such that an amount of heat exchanged with the fluid, at or near the element needing temperature control, results in a local temperature, monitored by the control feedback sensor to be locally and accurately maintained at the local set point temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Theo Anjes Maria Ruijl, Hendrik Jan Eggink, Jacobus Cornelis Gerardus Van Der Sanden, Ralph Theodorus Hubertus Maessen, Jeroen Dekkers
  • Publication number: 20100163222
    Abstract: A plug (20) is described for carrying out tests of a well (30), a pipe or the like, comprising an explosive charge (55) with an activation mechanism (50, 51, 53) and which is detonated to remove the plug when the test is completed, and the plug is characterised in that the explosive charge elements are arranged internally in the plug. The plug preferably comprises a boring (54) that holds said explosive charge (55) with the activation mechanism, and it can alternatively comprise two or more borings (54) for the placing of a corresponding number of explosive charges (55) with activation mechanisms. The explosive charge (55) with ignitor (56) and ignition pin (57) is preferably arranged in the plug boring (54) while the other parts (50, 51, 53) of the activation mechanism are integrated in the wall of the pipe bundle (10) that holds the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Viggo Brandsdal
  • Publication number: 20100163223
    Abstract: A technique facilitates monitoring a reservoir property in a flowing well (22). The technique utilizes deployment of a sensor system (42,66) along the wellbore outside of a wellbore commingled flow region. The sensor system is utilized while the well is flowing during production, and the measured formation property can be used to determine/evaluate production and other well characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: George Albert Brown
  • Publication number: 20100163224
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: INTELLIGENT TOOLS IP, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • Publication number: 20100163225
    Abstract: A method includes hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation with a first treatment fluid and allowing the hydraulic fracture to close. The method includes preparing a second treatment fluid having a damage removal agent including carbon dioxide. The second treatment fluid further includes a proppant pack damage removal agent including an oxidizer, a radical initiator, an acid, a solvent, and/or other damage removal agents. The method further includes injecting the second treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at a downhole pressure below a fracturing pressure for the subterranean formation. The method includes holding pressure on the formation while the second treatment fluid enhances formation and proppant pack permeability, and flowing the second treatment fluid back to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Carlos Abad, Kevin W. England
  • Publication number: 20100163226
    Abstract: A plume of combined gases are infused into hydrocarbon-bearing formations, “inert” as the major gas and “reactive” as the minor gas, where the minor gas reacts with hydrocarbons to fully saturate hydrocarbons with supercritical fluid, which migrate hydrocarbons out of formations, even at great distances from the regulated fuel cell source. Coal, tar sands, petroleum-contaminated soil, and/or oil wells that have lost gas pressure can also be desorbed by this in-situ method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: CRITICAL POINT ENERGY, LLC
    Inventor: David Allen ZORNES
  • Publication number: 20100163227
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of electromagnetic radiation, acoustic energy, and surfactant injection to recover hydrocarbon-containing materials from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: HW ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James Tranquilla, Allan Provost
  • Publication number: 20100163228
    Abstract: A composition and method for improving the fluid efficiency of many oilfield treatments is given. The composition is a solid additive, in a viscosified fluid, in a size range small enough that it enters formation pores; it optionally bridges there to form an internal filter cake, and then decomposes to provide a breaker for the viscosifying system for the fluid. Examples of suitable additives include waxes, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyacetals, polymelamines, polyvinyl chlorides, and polyvinyl acetates. Degradation of the additive may be accelerated or delayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Carlos Abad, Jesse C. Lee, Philip F. Sullivan, Erik Nelson, Yiyan Chen, Belgin Baser, Lijun Lin
  • Publication number: 20100163229
    Abstract: A process for recovering hydrocarbons from an in situ formation. The process includes the steps of injecting steam though an injection well into an underground extraction chamber having a hydrocarbon extraction interface, warming the hydrocarbons at the extraction interface to cause the hydrocarbons to flow downwardly by gravity drainage and to release dissolved hydrocarbon gases and moving the hydrocarbon gases from the extraction interface to improve heat transfer from said steam to said interface. The last step is to recover liquids such as hydrocarbons and water through a production well. The invention provides adding a buoyancy modifying agent to the steam to cause the hydrocarbon gases to accumulate in the well in a preferred location. The preferred location is at the top of the chamber where the gases protect the top of the chamber from being extracted to the point of breakthrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: John Nenniger
  • Publication number: 20100163230
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of enhancing oil recovery from a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir, said method comprising injecting into said reservoir through a matrix injection section of a well a microorganism capable of digesting oil, and recovering oil from an oil receiving section of a production well, where said injection section is in said production well or is in an injection well and is above or adjacent said oil receiving section, and wherein microorganism injection is preceded by another oil extraction enhancing procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Hans Kristian Kotlar
  • Publication number: 20100163231
    Abstract: A method and system of producing hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon containing subterranean hydrate reservoir is disclosed. Waste heat is captured and transferred to a hydrocarbon bearing hydrate formation to dissociate hydrates into natural gas and water. The waste heat can be heat generated from surface facilities such as a Gas To Liquids (GTL) plant, a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant, an electric or power generation plant, and an onshore or offshore facility producing other conventional or unconventional hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. Alternatively, the waste heat can be obtained from subterranean reservoirs such as hydrocarbon containing producing wells and geothermal wells producing heated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: John T. Balczewski
  • Publication number: 20100163232
    Abstract: A combination liquid and gas separator and jetting tool includes a housing containing a rotatable drum, a stator in the inlet end of the housing for swirling a liquid/gas mixture, a rotor attached to the drum for rotation by the mixture; whereby the gas and liquid are separated. The liquid and gas are discharged through separate restricted orifices downstream of the drum. Orifices can be located in a rotating head for cleaning, cutting or other downhole operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Jack J. Kollé
  • Publication number: 20100163233
    Abstract: A method includes providing a treatment fluid that is a viscous fluid. The viscous fluid may be greater than 0.01 Pa-s, greater than 0.1 Pa-s, and/or a cross-linked polymer based fluid. The method further includes determining a fines migration composition soluble in an aqueous phase of the treatment fluid that is compatible with the treatment fluid, and that interacts to secure fines in an earth formation intersecting a wellbore within a fines reaction time. The method further includes adding an amount of the fines migration composition to the treatment fluid, and treating the earth formation with the treatment fluid. The method includes leaking off a portion of the treatment fluid into the earth formation, and providing a residence time of the leaked off portion of the treatment fluid in the earth formation, where the residence time meets or exceeds the fines reaction time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Carlos Abad, Yenny Christanti, Syed Ali, Balkrishna Gadiyar, Brent Busby
  • Publication number: 20100163234
    Abstract: A method and composition for treating a subterranean formation with a fluid, including forming a fluid including a particulate and an organosilane with the chemical formula RnSiX4-n, wherein n is equal to 1, 2, or 3, R is an organic functional group, and X is a halogen, alkoxy, or acetoxy group, introducing the fluid into a subterranean formation with exposed surfaces, and modifying the wettability of a surface of the particulate or subterranean formation or both. A method and composition for treating a subterranean formation with a fluid including forming a fluid comprising a particulate and an organosilane, introducing the fluid into a subterranean formation with exposed surfaces, and modifying the wettability of the proppant or surfaces or both, wherein the wettability modification degrades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Fuller, Trevor Lloyd Hughes, Jill F. Geddes
  • Publication number: 20100163235
    Abstract: A service tool and methods for performing subterranean hydrocarbon services in a wellbore. The service tool can include a body that having an aperture formed therethrough. A valve system can be connected to the body. The valve system can selectively form a flow path between a first portion of the aperture and a second portion of the aperture; a flow path between a first flow port formed through a first portion of the body, the aperture, and the outer diameter of the body; and/or a flow path between a channel formed in a portion of the body, a second flow port formed through a second portion of the body, and the second portion of the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dexter Mootoo, Robert Krush, John Whitsitt, Adam Charles Vasper, Graham Watson
  • Publication number: 20100163236
    Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Robert E. Hermes, Manuel E. Gonzalez, Brian C. Llewellyn, James B. Bloys, Don M. Coates
  • Publication number: 20100163237
    Abstract: A temporary matrix is provided in treating a subterranean formation by providing a composition comprising a matrix forming material and a matrix degrading material. The matrix degrading material is capable of degrading the matrix after a period of time when subjected to existing or induced conditions of the subterranean formation. The composition is placed into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The composition is allowed to form a matrix within the wellbore, whereby the matrix at least one of significantly reduces the passage of fluid across or near the matrix or provides structural strength. A treatment operation is performed on the subterranean formation or wellbore and the degrading material is allowed to degrade the matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Curtis L. Boney, Simon G. James
  • Publication number: 20100163238
    Abstract: A perforating system having a perforating gun with a tubular gun housing defining an inner volume and extending in an axial direction. A shaped charge is held in a loading tube. The loading tube is located in the gun housing. The loading tube extends along the axial direction. The shaped charge faces in a firing direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. A portion of the gun housing adjacent to the shaped charge in the firing direction is a perforating portion for removal upon firing of the shaped charge. An eccentralizer member extends from the perforating gun in a second direction that is substantially opposite and parallel with the firing direction. A first retainer part extends from an outer surface of the gun housing adjacent to the perforating portion. A second retainer part extends from the outside of the gun housing adjacent to the perforating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lang Zhan, Jean-Luc Lafontan, Harvey Williams, Jeremy P. Harvey, Brenden Grove, Lawrence A. Behrmann
  • Publication number: 20100163239
    Abstract: A remotely operated device for inspecting and/or cleaning a subsea flexible pipe joint comprises a support assembly. In addition, the device comprises a tool positioning assembly coupled to the support assembly. The tool positioning assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a central axis. The tool positioning assembly is rotatable relative to the support assembly about the central axis. Further, the device comprises a cleaning assembly including a cleaning device adapted to clean the flexible pipe joint. The cleaning device is axially moveable relative to the rotating member. Still further, the device comprises a clamping assembly coupled to the support assembly. The clamping assembly has an open position disengaged with the section of the flexible pipe joint and a closed position engaging the section of the flexible pipe joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Eric Angel, Eric Lee Harden, Stuart Douglas Partridge, Andrew J. Guinn
  • Publication number: 20100163240
    Abstract: A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes includes an outer shroud having an axial throughbore, and an inner tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, wherein the tubular member is releasably coupled to the shroud, and wherein the outer diameter of the shroud is adjustable. A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes may also include a shroud having an axial throughbore, a movable tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, and a releasable coupling between the shroud and the tubular member, wherein the releasable coupling includes a retracted position allowing entry of the tubing assembly into a junction between two boreholes, wherein the releasable coupling includes an expanded position allowing movement of the tubular member relative to the shroud and prevents re-entry of the tubing assembly into the junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Ingraham, Bruce Cram
  • Publication number: 20100163241
    Abstract: A flapper valve assembly is provided, of the type preventing downward fluid flow when the flapper is closed, which is sized, shaped and configured to provide a smaller maximum outer diameter to minimum internal diameter ratio, thus allowing a larger minimum ID for a given maximum outside diameter, when compared to currently available flapper valve assemblies. An insert assembly is used in the modular saddle flapper valve assembly which has a flapper seat, flapper valve and sleeve. The insert assembly is secured within a tubular housing and enclosed by standard top and bottom subs, either sub being easily removed and replaced with a sub having a different thread size or type, the removal being easily accomplished without disassembly of the insert assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Dudley Iles Klatt, Alfred Lara Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20100163242
    Abstract: Method for removing air wave noise from shallow water controlled source electromagnetic survey data, using only the measured data and conductivity values for sea water (140) and air. The method is a calculation performed numerically on CSEM data and resulting in an estimate of those data that would have been acquired had the water layer extended infinitely upward from the seafloor. No properties of the sub-sea sediments are used. Synthetic electromagnetic field data are generated for (a) an all water model (141) and (b) an air-water model (146-147) of the survey region. These simulated results are then used to calculate (148-150) electromagnetic field values corresponding to a water-sediment model with water replacing the air half space, which represent measured data adjusted to remove air wave noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Willen E. Dennis
  • Publication number: 20100163243
    Abstract: A technique for subsea intervention operations utilizes a retrievable dynamic seal assembly. The retrievable dynamic seal assembly is deployed toward a seabed and locked into place within a tubular member at a subsea installation. During deployment, the dynamic seal assembly is releasably locked to an intervention tool string coupled to a conveyance. Once the dynamic seal assembly is locked in place within the tubular, the tool string is released and the dynamic seal assembly maintains a seal against the conveyance during an intervention operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Andrea Sbordone
  • Publication number: 20100163244
    Abstract: A rigless abandonment system including a surface vessel having an attached lifting device and a moonpool. The system further includes a cutting module configured to connect to a subsea wellhead, the cutting module having a wellhead connector having an actuatable lock and release mechanism, a motor assembly, and a cutter. An umbilical line connects the cutting module to the surface vessel, wherein the lifting device is used to raise and lower the cutting module connected to the surface vessel through the moonpool. A method for performing rigless casing cutting and wellhead removal operations, the method includes positioning a surface vessel above a subsea wellhead, where the surface vessel has a moonpool and a lifting device. The method further includes providing a cutting module, and deploying the cutting module through the moonpool, wherein the cutting module is connected to the surface vessel by an umbilical line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Praful C. Desai, Lawrence Barr, Anton J. Dach, III
  • Publication number: 20100163245
    Abstract: A fluid extraction system and method for the removal of fluid from subterranean wells. The system comprising: an upper extraction unit; an extraction container; a valve assembly engaged to the extraction container; a drainage tray engaged to the upper extraction unit; a curvilinear gear engaged to the upper extraction unit and the drainage tray; and, a linear gear engaged to the extraction container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventor: Maria Alejandra Alvarado Vargas
  • Publication number: 20100163246
    Abstract: A method and system for producing hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon containing hydrate reservoir is disclosed. The method includes providing at least one producer well in fluid communication with a producing facility and with a hydrocarbon containing hydrate reservoir. The hydrate reservoir is in fluid communication with a head space disposed above the hydrate formation. The head space contains disassociated hydrocarbons and water. A sweep gas is swept through the head space to remove the disassociated gas and water from the hydrate reservoir and to transport the disassociated gas and water to the at least one producer well. Preferably, the sweep gas is introduced into the head space utilizing one or more injector wells. The sweep gas may be naturally and/or artificially heated. The additional pressure and/or heat provided by the sweep gas may help inhibit the reformation of disassociated gas and water into hydrates allowing for enhanced production rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: John T. Balzcewski
  • Publication number: 20100163247
    Abstract: A horizontal offline stand building system includes a substantially horizontal, elongate catwalk having a frame and a stand lifting arm. The catwalk has a top surface adapted to receive at least two tubluars aligned coaxially along a linear path in a make-up channel on said top surface. The tubulars are threaded together to form preferably at least a triple pipe stand in the make-up channel. The completed stand is then transferred laterally to a delivery channel containing the stand lifting arm. The stand lifting arm is selectively actuable lifting arm for selectively elevating a rig end of a pipe stand from said top surface of the catwalk to the deck of a drilling rig, and then for supporting the mid and rear sections as the stand is hoisted from the delivery channel up the derrick of the drilling rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Monte Neil Wright, Roman Vakulin
  • Publication number: 20100163248
    Abstract: An arbor arranged for attachment to overhead support, such as a top drive or main rig hoist, is arranged to resiliently support a main body. The main body is arranged to support a wedge-lock type pipe gripper assembly on a second arbor that is resiliently supported by the main body. The two arbors are rotationally connected but only indirectly connected axially and, to a limited extent, can move independently. The actuator, or linear motor, that actuates the wedge-lock system has the ability to force release of the wedge-lock system when it has been set by massive pipe loads. The forced release actuation is independent of the load supporting features of the main body. Full range actuation of the main body and main arbor assembly length will not actuate the wedge-lock release system. The length of the overall assembly can be oscillated to vibrate a supported pipe string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PREMIERE, INC.
    Inventors: Lee M. Robichaux, Kris Henderson, Joseph L. Hawkins, Lee J. Matherne
  • Publication number: 20100163249
    Abstract: Systems and methods for running downhole equipment with hydraulic control systems. A downhole running tool can have a body having an annulus formed therethrough. A latch member can be disposed on a first portion of the body. A reset member can be disposed on a second portion of the body. A conduit can be formed within a sidewall of the body. The conduit can be located between the first and second portions of the body. A pressure relief port can be disposed at a first end of the conduit; and a first flow port can be disposed at a second end of the conduit. The pressure relief port and first flow port can be in communication with an outer diameter of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Gary Rytlewski
  • Publication number: 20100163250
    Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, David J. Steele
  • Publication number: 20100163251
    Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Philip W. Mock, N. Bruce Moore, Duane Bloom
  • Publication number: 20100163252
    Abstract: The invention provides a system comprising: a tubular containing a first surface comprising a coating made of a first swellable material coating said first surface, wherein said coating has a second surface and said first swellable material is able to swell in contact with a first fluid on said second surface; and a composition made of a settable material and a second swellable material able to swell in contact with a second fluid. The invention also discloses the method associated with the use of such a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Loic Regnault De La Mothe, Sylvaine Le Roy-Delage
  • Publication number: 20100163253
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing fluid communication includes a housing having a port; an inner sleeve adapted to seal the port; and a seal sleeve adapted to seal the port, wherein the seal sleeve is disposed between the inner sleeve and the housing and is movable with the inner sleeve to seal the port. In another embodiment, the port is sealed using a metal to metal seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Rebecca M. Caldwell, Christopher J. Cuffe
  • Publication number: 20100163254
    Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a device for sealing off a well or a pipe, that comprises a tubular sleeve that can be radially expanded by an inflating fluid, in order to press hermetically against the wall of the well or pipe, which sleeve is connected to end members, at least one of which comprises an annular skirt directed towards this sleeve. It is characterized essentially in that the skirt wall has a number of through-holes therein and in that the material of the sleeve surrounds said skirt in such a way as to cover its outside and inside faces, sealing said holes and leaving no gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SALTEL INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Saltel, Benjamin Saltel
  • Publication number: 20100163255
    Abstract: A method for treating a wellbore in a hydrogen sulfide-containing formation that includes injecting a first slug in the wellbore, the first slug comprising: at least one of primary amine and ammonia; and a base fluid; injecting a second slug in the wellbore, the second slug comprising: a triazine scavenger; and a base fluid; and allowing the triazine scavenger to react with the hydrogen sulfide is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Horton, Randy Stoker, Paul Davis
  • Publication number: 20100163256
    Abstract: An enhanced range and landing pattern, straight stream and fog, fire fighting nozzle including solid bore and annular discharge ports wherein the nozzle discharges an inner stream surrounded by an outer stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Dwight P. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100163257
    Abstract: A harvester (20) is provided. The harvester includes a frame (22) having selectively positionable wheels, a plant transport apparatus (24) disposed on the frame, and a seedling conveyor (26) positioned adjacent the plant transport apparatus and positioned to transfer seedlings along a conveyor axis that extends between the plant transport apparatus and a storage bin. The harvester also includes a root soil remover (28) positioned adjacent the seedling conveyor. The root soil remover includes a plurality of flexible probes selectively positioned during operation of the harvester such that at least one of the plurality of flexible probes is in functional contact with a root end of a seedling being transported by the seedling conveyor, wherein motion of the root soil remover is initiated by at least a portion of the seedling passing through the plurality of flexible probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY
    Inventor: BRUCE G. FRANCIS