Patents Issued in January 21, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160017650
    Abstract: A door release system for a tactical armored vehicle having a vehicle door frame with a receptacle and a vehicle door hinged to the frame is disclosed comprising a pair of releasable hinge bodies carried by the door. The hinge bodies include a head portion for abutting an area of the door frame surrounding the receptacle. A plug portion fits within the frame receptacle, and a lock portion follows the plug portion. An end portion follows the lock portion and is dimensioned smaller than the frame receptacle. A hinge release assembly includes a latch means for locking the hinge bodies in place in the receptacles to prevent removal of the hinge bodies in a locked position. An actuator disengages said means to release said hinge bodies for removal from said door frame and vehicle in a hazardous situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: JON MARSHALL, ROBERT LEROY MARSHALL
  • Publication number: 20160017651
    Abstract: A locking post for a closure, the post having front and rear walls joined at their sides by two side walls to form a tubular post having a generally quadratic cross-sectional shape. Each side wall has a groove therein, the groove parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post, and wide enough and deep enough to at least partly receive a locking element carried by the post. The sides of the groove also provide handles which can be gripped to move a closure the post is mounted on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Julian Michael Svenson
  • Publication number: 20160017652
    Abstract: A locking post for a folding door having two face panels and two end panels, the panels extending the length of the post. A plurality of relatively short, spacers are in the post, including a spacer at each end of the post. First fasteners fasten one face panel to each spacer on one side of each spacer and fasten the other face panel to each spacer on the side of each spacer opposite the one side, the face panels parallel and aligned. Second fastens detachably fasten one end panel to both face panels along one side of the face panels and detachably fasten the other end panel to both face panels on the other side of the face panels, the end panels parallel, the face panels and end panels together providing a tubular enclosure for the spacers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Julian Michael Svenson
  • Publication number: 20160017653
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system of interlocking door frame and wall panels for modular building units. Both the door frame panel and the wall panels are provided for easy installation into the skeletal frame of the modular building unit, and are provided with mating male and female connecting edges on opposite sides of each panel. This allows the door frame panel to mate with an adjacent wall panel in the same manner in which adjacent wall panels mate with one another, ensuring a clean, finished appearance for the connecting edges, a strong, reinforced frame having long durability, and a connection having the same physical, structural integrity as the connections between adjacent wall panel units. The door frame panel itself is particularly configured to receive a traditional, commercially available steel door frame and door assembly, but allows fitment of such commercially available steel door frame and door assembly without cutting a wall panel to receive that frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Herve Bottin
  • Publication number: 20160017654
    Abstract: To provide multiple glazing for a building window, which is thin in thickness and light in weight and which is capable of suppressing scattering of fragments as much as possible when broken. In multiple glazing 10 for a building window, a glass sheet 20 arranged on the indoor side has first and second main surfaces 21a, 21b, and an edge 22, and has a surface compression stress formed at the main surfaces 21a, 21b by chemical tempering and has a tensile stress formed inside. The glass sheet 20 has a sheet thickness of from 1.0 to 2.5 mm; the value of the surface compression stress is from 400 to 900 MPa; the value of the tensile stress is from 1 to 25 MPa; and the thickness in the sheet thickness direction of the compression stress layer at the main surfaces 21a, 21b is from 7 to 25 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Kikuchi, Hiroshi Kojima, Yasuko Ichiyama, Hikaru Ishida
  • Publication number: 20160017655
    Abstract: A breakaway cord connector or releasably connecting cords associated with a window covering that includes a plurality of housing members that each have a curved vertical sidewall, a top wall extending from the curved vertical sidewall, a base extending from the curved vertical sidewall, a protrusion extending from the curved vertical sidewall between the top wall and the base and magnets fixed to the protrusion. The housing members are configured to be releasably connectable to each other by the connecting elements to prevent an individual that may become tangled in cords associated from suffocating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: THE SHADE STORE, LLC
    Inventor: Jacob Genzel
  • Publication number: 20160017656
    Abstract: A window covering includes a movable window covering material, cords for moving the window covering material, and a motorized lift assembly. The motorized lift assembly includes a motor assembly including a motor, a gear train driven by the motor for adjusting positions of the cords, and an operating and control device mounted to a portion of the window covering for operating the motor in response to user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Wes ADREON
  • Publication number: 20160017657
    Abstract: A ladder assembly includes a plurality of interconnected ladder segments. Each ladder segment comprises two opposing rails and rungs that are pivotably mounted to the rails to allow each ladder segment to be collapsed by pivoting the rungs in a folding direction relative to the rails and moving opposing rails closer to each other. Each ladder segment may be erected by pivoting the rungs in an opposite unfolding direction relative to the rails. Ladder segments further comprise top and bottom rail connectors allowing interconnection of the top of that ladder segment to the bottom of another of the ladder segments. The top and bottom rail connectors are keyed, so that first and second connected ones of said plurality of ladder segments will be oriented with the unfolding direction of their rungs opposite to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: STEPHEN WILSON
  • Publication number: 20160017658
    Abstract: A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: WERNER CO.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Publication number: 20160017659
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to a system that includes an input shaft to be driven at a nominal uncontrolled rotational speed, and an output shaft coupled with the input shaft to drive a rotary mechanism. The prime mover can be a mud turbine or a motor, and the input shaft can be driven by, for example, drilling fluid. The system also includes a drive mechanism mechanically coupling the input shaft to the output shaft to drive the rotary mechanism at a controlled rotational speed. The system further includes a secondary input mechanically coupled with the drive mechanism, where the secondary input is driven as a control input to drive the rotary mechanism at the controlled rotational speed. The drive mechanism can be a continuously variable transmission and/or a constant speed drive, and the secondary input can be a servo motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Miguel Marcel Jose Delgado, Martin Thomas Bayliss
  • Publication number: 20160017660
    Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, systems and methods for controlling the speed of a fluid-controlled drive mechanism are described herein. An example system may include a housing, a variable flow fluid pathway disposed within the housing, an electromagnet coupled to the housing, a fluid-controlled drive mechanism in fluid communication with the variable flow fluid pathway, and a load-generating assembly coupled to the fluid-controlled drive mechanism. An example method may include altering a variable flow fluid pathway disposed within a housing, wherein the variable flow fluid pathway is in fluid communication with a fluid-controlled drive mechanism, and generating an electrical current through an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet is coupled to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Golla, Daniel Winslow, Neelesh Deolalikar
  • Publication number: 20160017661
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods for delivering high power laser energy to perform laser operations in oil fields and to form a borehole deep into the earth using laser energy. A laser downhole assembly for the delivery of high power laser energy to surfaces and areas in a borehole, which assembly may have laser optics and a fluid path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: FORO ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Mark S. Land, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • Publication number: 20160017662
    Abstract: A cavitation apparatus (CHRS) for use in subterranean drilling with a drilling rig, the rig having a drill bit and a drilling string mounted thereto through which a drilling fluid flows to the drill bit. The cavitation apparatus (CHRS) is adapted to be mounted in-line with the drilling string through which the drilling fluid flows. The CHRS has no moving parts and produces controlled low frequency, longitudinal fluctuations of at least a portion of a drill string to enhance the drilling rate of penetration (ROP). Optionally the entire drill string can be subjected to such controlled low frequency, longitudinal fluctuations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Sergei Orel, Igor Suslov, Gennadi Ivanenko
  • Publication number: 20160017663
    Abstract: Electrocrushing drills and methods for operating electrocrushing drills. Electrocrushing drill bits comprise one or more high voltage electrodes surrounded by a ground or current return structure, which can be a ring or a comprise rod shaped electrodes. Openings in the rim of the current return structure facilitate removal of drilling debris and bubbles created by the electrocrushing process out from the bottom face of the bit and up the wellbore. The high voltage electrodes can be arranged in a circle. The current return structure may partially cover the bottom face of the drill bit, thereby enclosing the high voltage electrodes in openings that may be sector shaped. Also a method and apparatus for interrupting communications between downhole data acquisition systems and a surface controller system during each drill pulse, thereby reducing noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: William M. Moeny
  • Publication number: 20160017664
    Abstract: An expandable tool includes a body and a recess extending at least partially through the body from an outer radial surface of the body. A spline insert may be at least partially positioned in the recess and coupled to the body. The spline insert may include a single spline or multiple splines. A cutter block or other expandable member may be at least partially positioned in the recess. The cutter block or other expandable member may include a spline on a side surface thereof, which spline may be engaged with the one or more splines of the spline insert. Engagement between one or more splines of the spline insert and spline of the cutter block or other expandable member may allow the expandable member to move radially outward from a retracted position to an expanded position, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: James A. Barnhouse, Manoj D. Mahajan, Vincente S. Salvo, Timothy A. Burdett, Yuri Y. Burhan, Kenneth D. Hora
  • Publication number: 20160017665
    Abstract: A cutter for a fixed cutter drill bit includes a substrate and a cutting material surface affixed to one end of the substrate. The substrate comprises tungsten carbide having at least six percent by weight and at most ten percent by weight of cobalt. An overall length of the cutter is at most 10 millimeters. In one embodiment an overall length of the cutter is at most 8 millimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy P. Beaton
  • Publication number: 20160017666
    Abstract: The present document describes a drill-bit which achieves both the rigidity and a fast rate of penetration. The drill-bit comprises a cone shaped central portion comprising a plurality of ribs protruding from the central portion and defining a plurality of blades. The blades are curved along a direction of a longitudinal axis of the cone to facilitate insertion into a hole when rotating in a first direction, and exit from the hole when rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction. The drill-bit comprises a plurality of polycrystalline diamond cutters (PDC) on the blades provided in a first position for cutting the hard structure as the drilling-bit rotates in the first direction, and a plurality of up-drill PDC cutters provided in a second position for cleaning the hole as the drill-bit rotate in the second direction to exit the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Sonny Beauchamp
  • Publication number: 20160017667
    Abstract: A hardfacing material includes a metal matrix material and particles of crushed polycrystalline diamond material embedded within the metal matrix material. An earth-boring tool includes a body comprising particles of fragmented polycrystalline diamond material embedded within a metal matrix material. The particles of fragmented polycrystalline diamond material include a plurality of inter-bonded diamond grains. A method includes forming an earth-boring tool including a metal matrix material and particles of crushed polycrystalline diamond material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Lyons, Danny E. Scott
  • Publication number: 20160017668
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing and remanufacturing wellbore drill bits and wellbore drill bit manufactured or remanufactured by the methods are disclosed. The manufacturing method comprises providing a drill bit having at least one blade, providing at least one cutter pocket in each blade, providing a registration device in each cutter pocket, and positioning a cutting surface within each cutter pocket and in engagement with each the registration device therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Gilbert Troy Meier, James D. Osterloh, Joshua J. Smith, Cameron Dick, Joseph Aschenbrenner
  • Publication number: 20160017669
    Abstract: Methods of attaching a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) element to a substrate include maintaining a gap between the PDC element and an adjacent substrate, and at least substantially filling the gap with a deposition process. Methods of forming a cutting element for an earth-boring tool include forming a PDC element by pressing diamond crystals together, forming a substrate including a particulate carbide material and a matrix material, leaving a gap between at least portions of the PDC element and the substrate, masking surfaces of the PDC element and of the substrate that do not face the gap, and forming an adhesion material on surfaces of the PDC element and of the substrate that face the gap. Cutting elements for earth-boring tools include a PDC element attached to a substrate with at least one of diamond, diamond-like carbon, a carbide material, a nitride material, and a cubic boron nitride material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Chaitanya K. Vempati, Suresh G. Patel
  • Publication number: 20160017670
    Abstract: An alignment apparatus for aligning drilling machines, the alignment apparatus comprising a casing and mounting means. The mounting means allowing, in use, for a true north seeking sensing means to be aligned with the drilling machinery to be aligned. The alignment apparatus being capable of displaying azimuth and pitch information to a user, so that the drilling machinery can be aligned as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Minnovare Limited
    Inventor: Michael Ayris
  • Publication number: 20160017671
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a wellbore electrical isolation system and method. The system may comprise an electrically conductive tube, an insulating layer covering at least a portion of the tube, an electrically conductive centralizer, electrically insulating confinement devices, and/or other components. In some implementations, the system may be configured to electrically isolate one or more sections of an electrically conductive well tubing string from an electrically conductive wellbore casing. In some implementations, a well may include one or more wellbore electrical isolation systems. Electrical isolation of the tubing string from the casing may facilitate powering one or more electrical loads disposed within the wellbore via a coaxial transmission line formed by the casing and the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Cole Thomas Brinkley, Jacobo Rogelio Archuleta
  • Publication number: 20160017672
    Abstract: An overshot tool for releasable connection to a head assembly as part of a core barrel drilling apparatus. The overshot tool comprises a primary engaging portion and a secondary engaging portion and is configured for the automated coupling and de-coupling to a head assembly via selected engagement of the head assembly by the engaging portion. The overshot tool is configured to both deliver and retrieve a head assembly from a latched position at a cutting end the core barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Goran Back
  • Publication number: 20160017673
    Abstract: System and apparatus (1) for moving a tubular between a substantially horizontal position and an upward angled position, e.g. substantially vertical position. The apparatus comprises a base (3), and a boom (4) pivotally attached to the base about a horizontal boom pivot axis between a substantially horizontal position and an upward angled position, e.g. substantially vertical position. A boom pivot drive (50) is mounted on said base and adapted to pivot the boom. A tubular gripper (7; 80) is attached to the boom and adapted for gripping the tubular (20, 20?, 20?). The boom pivot drive comprises a central gear wheel (53) that is rotatable mounted on the base about a central gear wheel axis (54) parallel to the horizontal boom pivot axis (6), which central gear wheel is connected directly or via a transmission to the boom. One or more drive gear members (51) are each rotatable mounted on the base and each rotatable about a corresponding drive gear member axis (52), meshing with the central gear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop ROODENBURG, Pieter Dirk Melis VAN DUIVENDIJK
  • Publication number: 20160017674
    Abstract: A pipe handling system comprises a carriage having an upper surface adapted to support a tubular. The carriage comprises a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are pivotally coupled together for rotation about a pivot axis. The carriage is movable relative to a base and configured such that the leading end of the carriage is elevated as the carriage is advanced. An actuator is coupled between the first and second sections. The actuator is operable to pivot the second section relative to the first section about the pivot axis. In some embodiments the carriage is configured with a positive kink to deliver tubulars to a rig floor and with a negative kink to deliver tubulars to an online or offline stand building system. In some embodiments a live surface on the carriage is controllable to reduce or eliminate swinging of tubulars as they are transferred to or from the drill rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Allan Stewart RICHARDSON, Jeffery David BLACKLOCK, Peter Ernest James ROOT
  • Publication number: 20160017675
    Abstract: A petroleum well injection system is provided for an intervention cable with a well tool ran into or out of a well during a well operation. The system includes a blow out valve BOP connected to a well head at a well, a lock chamber at the BOP arranged to contain the well tool before and after the well operation, an injector for the intervention cable, with drive belts driven by an electric motor, and a sensor for measuring the injector force or the tension that the drive belts applies to the intervention cable, a guide arch at the injector, wherein the intervention cable runs taut over the guide arch to a first end of the closed bending restrictor channels, a guide arch load cell arranged to measure the backward tension between an intervention cable the first end of the bending restrictor channel, and wherein the other end of the bending restrictor channel is connected to a drum frame with a motor running a drum for the intervention cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: C6 TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Kenny ARMSTRONG, Tore AARSLAND
  • Publication number: 20160017676
    Abstract: A method of identifying a self-sustained influx of formation fluids into a wellbore includes the steps of closing an annular shut-off device and diverting an annular return flow from the wellbore through a first flow rate measurement device, measuring a flow rate of said annular return flow, measuring an inlet flow rate of fluids entering the well through a second flow rate measurement device in a fluid injection line, and identifying a self-sustained influx of formation fluids if a non-decreasing measured annular return flow rate is greater than said measured inlet flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SAFEKICK LTD.
    Inventors: Helio Santos, Paul L. Sonneman
  • Publication number: 20160017677
    Abstract: An inner tube assembly releasably latchable with a core barrel of a core drilling apparatus. The inner tube assembly includes a valve housing having a fluid flow port and a position guide to control a position of the valve body within the valve housing to open and close the port in response to a fluid pressure acting on the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventor: Goran BACK
  • Publication number: 20160017678
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, assemblies, and methods for facilitating fluid flow during/after landing of logging tools in a bottom hole assembly. In operation, a memory logging tool is lowered through a longitudinal bore of a drill pipe string and landed in a bottom hole assembly disposed at the end of the drill pipe string. Drilling fluid is pumped behind the logging tool to assist with downward movement of the tool. As the logging tools land, partial fluid flow path is blocked by the logging tools. The fluid pressure can rise in response to the narrowing of the fluid flow path. Facilitating fluid flow through and/or around the logging tools can put the rising fluid pressure in a proper range for powering the logging tools to land and monitoring purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Albert Hrametz, Arabinda Misra
  • Publication number: 20160017679
    Abstract: A slip cover for downhole logging tools to prevent the tools from becoming lodged during extraction and a method of retrieving a lodged logging tool in a wellbore are disclosed. In some implementations, the slip cover may include a generally cylindrical polymeric sleeve having an inside diameter greater than an outside diameter of a generally cylindrical well logging tool to which the sleeve is to be applied and having one or more perforations disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Jones, Darren Gascooke
  • Publication number: 20160017680
    Abstract: A system, in some embodiments, for producing well production fluids through a tubing hanger connected with a production tubing string. The system includes a subsea tree with a production flow passage and a tree annulus flow passage. The system also includes a spool assembly separate from the subsea tree that includes a body with a longitudinal passage configured to receive and support the tubing hanger, there being an annulus between the production tubing string and the body. The spool assembly also includes a lateral flow passage extending from the spool longitudinal passage and configured to transfer the production fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventor: David R. June
  • Publication number: 20160017681
    Abstract: A subsea connection apparatus to allow connecting a surface blowout preventer stack and riser to a subsea wellhead is disclosed. The subsea connection apparatus uses a single cavity blowout preventer with a set of shearing blind rams. Hydraulically actuated wellhead connectors are secured to the top and bottom of the blowout preventer to allow connection to a subsea wellhead below the subsea connection apparatus and a well head hub profile on the lower end of a riser above the apparatus. A control system can operate both of the hydraulically actuated connectors and the blowout preventer independently. A frangible bore protector is disposed in the bore of the blowout preventer to protect the shearing blind rams from pipe, tools, and fluids being passed through the blowout preventer and can be sheared by the shearing blind rams along with any drill pipe in the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Johnnie E. Kotria, Joe S. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160017682
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jerry Keith Rhodes, Kenneth Bean, Paul Horton, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160017683
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for performing a plug and abandonment operation on a subsea well. A wellhead interface module is located on a wellhead, which accommodates a volume of wellbore fluid in fluid communication with the wellbore. A system control module receives a signal from a sensor in the chamber and is configured to derive volume data relating to a change in volume of wellbore fluid in the chamber and compares the derived volume data with a volume change expected due to the removal of tubing from the wellbore. In embodiments of the invention, this enables a change in wellbore conditions to be characterised, for example a fluid influx or a fluid loss, from the volume data. The method may comprise providing wellbore fluid to the apparatus to replace fluid which enters the wellbore to occupy the volume vacated by the tubing, and/or removing or adding fluid in fluid influx/loss situations respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Harald Hufthammer
  • Publication number: 20160017684
    Abstract: A hydraulic locking system for a blowout preventer function is provide. The locking system enables implementation and practical engagement as part of the routine functioning of the blowout preventer. The locking system may be adapted to fluidly interconnect a control system port and a function port so as to trap and release hydraulic actuation pressure against the function port and any blowout preventer function fluidly communicating thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Darryl Bourgoyne
  • Publication number: 20160017685
    Abstract: A piston rod subassembly for use in a blowout preventer operator assembly includes a piston rod having a rod threaded interface and a rod shoulder on an outer diameter of the piston rod. A preload ring has a ring threaded interface for engaging the rod threaded interface to couple the piston rod to the preload ring. A protruding end surface of the piston rod protrudes past an end face of the preload ring when the piston rod is coupled to the preload ring and the rod shoulder engages a ring shoulder of the preload ring. A piston has a pocket for receiving the preload ring. Preload ring fasteners couple the preload ring to the piston to form a piston rod connection between the piston rod and the piston, such that the protruding end surface engages an interior surface of the pocket and a preload is induced in the piston rod connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Hydril USA Distribution, LLC
    Inventors: Ronny Alexander Moya, Richard Lee Stringfellow, Brian Scott Baker
  • Publication number: 20160017686
    Abstract: A process for plugging a wellbore, e.g., an oil or gas well, which comprises installing swelling elastomer sealing units across an interval of casing which is properly in the annulus space between the outside of the casing and the rock face. The swellable elastomer sealing units can also be used to seal off perforated casing, production screen and open hole completions. The plug and abandonment system is comprised of swelling elastomer units that are connected together to achieve a desired sealing contact length. These connected units may be hung off below or placed above a packer, cement retainer, cast iron bridge plug or setting slips. Both the tubular form of the plugging unit and the rod form of the plugging unit can be used in conjunction with conventional settable medium (cementing, barite or sized aggregate) plug setting operations. The elastomers incorporated are designed to swell with the current wellbore fluid and/or any possible future wellbore fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas Eugene Ferg
  • Publication number: 20160017687
    Abstract: An improved hold-down assembly for a well tie-back string and methods of use of the same are disclosed. The improved hold-down assembly includes a tie-back string and a hold-down assembly coupled to the tie-back string. The hold-down assembly includes one or more slips and a packer assembly disposed about the tie-back string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: John M. Yokley, Frank David Kalb, Curtis Wyatt Payne
  • Publication number: 20160017688
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for cementing in a subterranean formation. An example method of cementing comprises providing a cement composition comprising a hydraulic cement, water, and an encapsulated fluid-loss additive; wherein the encapsulated fluid-loss additive comprises a fluid-loss additive and an encapsulation material; placing the cement composition in a selected location; and allowing the cement composition to set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Darrell Chad Brenneis, Gregory Robert Hundt
  • Publication number: 20160017689
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of orienting wellbore tubulars using gravity. Some disclosed orientation indicating devices include a housing defining a first flow channel and being arrangeable within a wellbore tubular, an orientor movably arranged within the housing and defining a second flow channel in fluid communication with the first flow channel, and an eccentric weight arranged within the orientor and having a center of mass radially offset from a rotational axis of the orientor, the eccentric weight being configured to maintain the orientor pointing in one direction as the housing and the wellbore tubular are rotated, wherein, as the housing rotates, the first and second flow channels become progressively aligned or misaligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joe Steele
  • Publication number: 20160017690
    Abstract: A bypass tool has a piston movable within the bore of a central housing. A control slot on an exterior wall of the piston engages a slot pin in the housing. Longitudinal movement of the piston is downward, in response to fluid pressure exerted on a ball seated on a ball seat on the piston; and spring biased upward. The control slot and slot pin rotate the piston as it moves longitudinally between a first, upper position in which bypass ports in the housing are closed, and a second, lower position in which the bypass ports are open. An intermediate longitudinal position has the ports closed, and permits pressuring up on a ball to force it through the ball seat and reset the tool in the flow through position. The ball and/or ball seat may be of resilient material to permit passage of the ball through the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Toby Scott Baudoin
  • Publication number: 20160017691
    Abstract: A wireline deployed fluid blasting tool for removing obstructions from oil and gas wellbore tubing is disclosed. The tool has an inner tubular mandrel retaining a releasable outer sleeve creating an annular fluid passage in communication with fluid ejection ports. Resilient seals seal the annulus between the tool and the wellbore tubing allowing fluid pressure above the tool to advance the tool through the tubing. Fluid enters the annular fluid passage through fluid perforations in the outer sleeve to exit the fluid ejection ports to create a fluid blast to remove obstructions. The outer sleeve shifts along the inner mandrel by fluid pressure to open fluid inlet passages into the inner mandrel allowing fluid to enter and exit through the mandrel while bypassing the annular fluid passage and fluid ejection ports to facilitate pulling the tool from the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: James B. Crawford, Joseph W. Elsbury, III
  • Publication number: 20160017692
    Abstract: A BOP cleaning tool includes a first pipe section with a through central channel and radial channels to external fins, with nozzles for flushing fluid from the central channel out into a BOP bore for washing cavities in the BOP bore, the central channel provided with a flow control sleeve provided with holes, the flow control sleeve displaceable from a radially closed initial first closed position to a second position with the holes aligned with the inner radial channels for starting flushing through the nozzles, and further displaceable to a radially closed third position with the holes out of alignment with the inner radial channels for halting the flushing through the nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: ARCHER OILTOOLS AS
    Inventor: Trond SKJEIE
  • Publication number: 20160017693
    Abstract: Multi-functional fluid-driven power generation units, modular power generation units, and drilling systems with a power generation unit are presented herein. A power generation unit for powering one or more downhole tools in a drill string is disclosed. The power generation unit includes a housing that is configured to couple to a downhole portion of the drill string and receive at least a portion of fluid flowing through the drill string. The power generation unit also includes a fluid-driven motor assembly with a drive shaft configured to output rotational drive forces generated by the motor assembly. An electrical generator is operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to convert the rotational drive forces generated by the motor assembly into electrical power. In addition, a hydraulic pump is operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to convert the rotational drive forces generated by the motor assembly into hydraulic power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Martin WINSLOW, John Keith SAVAGE
  • Publication number: 20160017694
    Abstract: A propulsion generator which employs one or more unbalanced rotors, such as a fly wheels or other unbalance rotating members, which can be connected at a lower portion of a downhole coiled tubing string or other downhole tubular string for inducing propulsion of the coiled tubing. The unbalanced rotors may, in one embodiment, be oriented at different positions with respect to each other. The instantaneous fluid flow through the propulsion generator is substantially equivalent to the average fluid flow rate through the tool to provide relatively consistent fluid flow to downhole motors below the propulsion generator for operating the drill bit and/or cutters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin A. Gregory, Robert J. Kletzel
  • Publication number: 20160017695
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to a system that includes an input shaft to be driven by a variable fluid flow, and an output shaft coupled with the input shaft to drive a generator. The generator can be an alternator, and the input shaft can be coupled with a turbine to be driven by drilling fluid or another fluid. The system also includes a drive mechanism mechanically coupling the input shaft to the output shaft to drive the generator at a predetermined rotational speed. The system further includes a secondary input mechanically coupled with the drive mechanism, where the secondary input is driven at a variable input speed to drive the generator at the predetermined rotational speed. The drive mechanism can be a full freedom epicycloids gear train, and the secondary input can be a speed correction motor, a mechanical actuator driven by variable fluid flow, and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Miguel Marcel Jose Delgado
  • Publication number: 20160017696
    Abstract: Methods for determining parameter/s of a well completion design (WCD) for at least a portion of a drilled well based on drilling data corresponding to variables of mechanical specific energy (MSE) are provided. In some cases, MSE values may be acquired and the WCD parameter/s may be based on the MSE values. The MSE values may be obtained from a provider or may be acquired by calculating the MSE values via the drilling data. In some cases, the data may be amended prior to determining the WCD parameter/s to substantially neutralize distortions of the data. In some cases, the methods may include creating a geomechanical model of the drilled well from acquired MSE values, optionally amending the geomechanical model and determining the WCD parameter/s from the geomechanical model. Storage mediums having program instructions which are executable by a processor for performing any steps of the methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Sridhar Srinivasan, William Dale Logan
  • Publication number: 20160017697
    Abstract: A completion system includes, a tool string having, a plurality of packers configured to isolate a plurality of zones along a borehole that the tool string is positioned within. A plurality of ports along the tool string are configured to be selectively opened and a plurality of screens in operable communication with the plurality of ports are configured to filter fluid flowing between the zones and an inside of the tool string through the plurality of ports. The tool string is also configured to be run into the borehole, the plurality of packers set, the plurality of ports selectively opened, and fluid to flow between the plurality of zones and an inside of the tool string without intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Mario Di Pietro
  • Publication number: 20160017698
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a guiding tool for transferring fluid pressure to movement of a cutting tool relative to the guiding tool while the cutting tool is cutting slots in a casing or formation via at least one nozzle disposed in the cutting tool. Furthermore, a method of cutting a slot in a casing or formation using the apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Roger Schultz
  • Publication number: 20160017699
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a guiding tool for transferring fluid pressure to movement of a cutting tool relative to the guiding tool while the cutting tool is cutting slots in a casing or formation via at least one nozzle disposed in the cutting tool. Furthermore, a method of cutting a slot in a casing or formation using the apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Roger Schultz