Patents Issued in April 14, 2016
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Publication number: 20160102516Abstract: A hydraulic jar coupled between opposing first and second portions of a downhole tool string. The hydraulic jar includes a housing comprising a shoulder protruding radially inward from an internal surface of the housing, a shaft disposed within the housing, a piston fixedly positioned about the shaft and fluidly sealed against the shoulder, and a pressure relief device. The housing and the shaft move axially relative to each other and the shoulder axially interposes first and second portions of an annulus formed between the shaft and the housing. The pressure relief device controls fluid flow from the first annulus portion to the second annulus portion based on a pressure of the fluid in the first annulus portion relative to a set pressure of the pressure relief device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: IMPACT SELECTOR, INC.Inventor: Jason Allen Hradecky
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Publication number: 20160102517Abstract: An apparatus for containing and controlling the flow of hydrocarbons from a bore well or other earth formation includes a housing enclosing a receiving and distribution chamber, receiving and distribution chamber is in fluid communication with and sealably connected to a top vertical tubular member and a bottom vertical tubular member, wherein the top and bottom tubular members extend from the receiving and distribution chamber to the exterior of said housing. The apparatus further includes a cone aperture adapted to prevent or allow the flow of liquid into the top tubular member, at least one outlet passage between the receiving and distribution chamber and the exterior of the housing, valve means adapted to permit or prevent the flow of liquid through at least one of said outlet passages, and pump devices adapted to facilitate the flow of hydrocarbons through at least one of said outlet passages.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventor: Ruth IBANEZ
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Publication number: 20160102518Abstract: A blowout preventer (“BOP”) includes a housing comprising a vertical bore extending through the housing, and a pair of opposing shear rams configured to move into the vertical bore. The shear rams comprise an engagement feature configured to engage with a corresponding engagement feature and urge the shear rams into axially towards each other with respect to an axis of the vertical bore when the shear rams are located in the vertical bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Raul Araujo, Jeff Lambert
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Publication number: 20160102519Abstract: The emergency valve assembly (5) for extraction wells according to the invention comprises A) an external housing (50) and B) a rotating stopper (54). The pass-through duct (52) is arranged for the passage of a production and/or drilling line arranged for containing and carrying, through at least one relative pipe (9), extraction fluids such as, for example, petroleum, oil, water, sludge, rock debris and/or earth, natural gas, or other fluids extracted from an underground reservoir. The valve (5) also comprises a stopper drive (56), arranged for actuating the rotating stopper (54) making it rotate so as to shear the production or perforation line passing through it, in particular shearing the pipe (9) and closing the pass-through duct (52). The pass-through duct (52, 520) has a minimum passage section having a diameter equal to or greater than seven inches. It provides an effective additional safety measure in the case of emergencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: ENI S.P.A.Inventor: Claudio MOLASCHI
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Publication number: 20160102520Abstract: A technique provides protection against unwanted conditions in wellhead structures and other structures. According to the technique, a system provides a feed through in a wellhead structure or other type of structure. The feed through may accommodate a communication line routed therethrough. A closing device is positioned in the structure at a location to enable closing of the feed through via the closing device. Additionally, a condition-sensitive device is operatively engaged with the closing device to initiate actuation of the closing device once the condition-sensitive device is exposed to a predetermined condition. Upon exposure to the predetermined condition, the condition-sensitive device initiates closing of the feed through via the closing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: David Noakes, Robert Graham, Colin Wilson
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Publication number: 20160102521Abstract: A remotely operated lifting top drive cement head has a high tensile strength and the ability to swivel or rotate. The cement head permits selective launching of darts, setting plugs, balls or other objects which can be held in place within the cement head without being damaged or washed away by slurry flow, but which can be launched as desired. The cement head can be remotely operated without requiring personnel to be lifted off the rig floor to actuate the tool or observe tool status.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: RON D. ROBICHAUX, JAMES F. GIEBELER, JUAN CARLOS E. MONDELLI
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Publication number: 20160102522Abstract: A morphable packer and method of setting the packer in a wellbore. The packer is a tubular member having a throughbore with a central portion having a greater diameter than each end portion with tapered portions there between. Gripping elements are arranged on the tapered portions. Morphing of the tubular member creates a seal between the central portion and an outer cylindrical structure, such as a wellbore or casing, and the gripping elements are moved radially outwards to engage with the cylindrical structure. The gripping elements act as slips which are activated by morphing the tubular member. Embodiments are described with the tubular member being a sleeve on a base pipe and, additionally, sealing and securing features in the form of elastomeric bands, lugs and wedges.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: David Glen Martin, Peter Wood, William Luke McElligott
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Publication number: 20160102523Abstract: Cementing takes place after a hanger and seal are set to first insure the pressure integrity of the connection between the string to be cemented and the existing tubular. Cementing top down or bottom up is envisioned with either displaced fluid returning toward the surface in a crossover tool or with the displaced fluid squeezed into the formation. A work string manipulates the crossover for reversing out after cementing. For running in a valve assembly is held open to permit circulation. Work string manipulation allows at least one valve that keeps the cement in the annulus to close and at least one other valve to close that keeps the reverse fluid from leaving the cemented tubular to allow such flow to return to the crossover and out to the surface. Valve release can be done with a pressure responsive sleeve instead of a stinger on the running string.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: ARCHER OIL TOOLS ASInventors: Barton SPONCHIA, Lars NORHEIM, Brett HRABOVSKY
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Publication number: 20160102524Abstract: A well system for producing fluids from a well that intersects a subterranean formation where the well system includes an inflow control device for providing a continuous rate of fluid flow. The inflow control device is formed so that the pressure drop of the fluid per unit length remains substantially constant along the length of the well. The inflow control device has an inner diameter that increases at a constant rate with distance from the bottom of the well. Multiple inflow control devices are coupled together in series to form an inflow control system in the well, and wherein the inner diameter of the inflow control system uniformly increases with distance from the bottom of the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventor: Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
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Publication number: 20160102525Abstract: Disclosed is a gravel pack service tool that utilizes an internal closure device to set a packer. One disclosed system includes a completion string including at least one packer, a service tool configured to be arranged within the completion string and having an interior that provides a flow path for fluids and a crossover tool, and a closure device arranged within the flow path and being actuatable between an open position and a closed position in response to a signature pressure pulse detected by the closure device, wherein, when the closure device is in the open position, the fluids are able to bypass the closure device and flow to lower portions of the service tool, and wherein, when the closure device is in the closed position, the fluids are prevented from bypassing the closure device and a pressure within the service tool is increased to set the at least one packer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventor: Colby Munro Ross
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Publication number: 20160102526Abstract: A method of closing a stage tool in a wellbore includes releasing a closing tube into the wellbore; attaching the closing tube to the stage tool; and expanding the closing tube, thereby closing a port of the stage tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Stephanie Dianne WIND, James Frederick WILKIN, Douglas Brian FARLEY
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Publication number: 20160102527Abstract: An impression tool for providing an impression of an object in a borehole. The tool comprises a block held by a gripper. The block comprises a plurality of discrete elements that deform or move so as to create an impression of an impacted object. In use, the tool is impacted on an object such that an impression is formed in the block. In a preferred embodiment, the block is formed from a knitted wire mesh.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: David John Copeland MANSON, Gareth BROWN
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Publication number: 20160102528Abstract: There is provided a solutions systems for modeling complex hydraulic and mechanical-hydraulic activities, including methods for obtaining and implementing augmented hydraulic fracturing and reservoir management of hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Melior Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca Wise, David Bernstein, Mark Land, John Ely, Jacob Thomas
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Publication number: 20160102529Abstract: An electromagnetic induction generator for use in a tubular, such as a tubular deployed in a subterranean well during wellbore construction operations, for generating electric current through electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction generator has at least one conductive coil and at least one Halbach array of magnets. One or both of the at least one conductive coil and the at least one Halbach array of magnets is rotated relative to the other to increase the electric current generated. One or more gears may be provided to multiply the generated electric current.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANYInventors: Joseph R. DiSantis, David T. Gerdeman
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Publication number: 20160102530Abstract: Automated systems and methods provide a systematic determination of suitable placements for well production zones that comply with specified placement constraints while accounting for information in the geocellular model. One computer-based well placement method embodiment includes: creating a three-dimensional geocellular model of a subsurface region including a reservoir; determining a map-view layout of well candidate zones that satisfies a set of layout parameters; deriving a three-dimensional arrangement of well production zones by testing each well candidate zone's potential vertical positions against a set of arrangement parameters; and storing the three-dimensional arrangement of well production zones on a non-transient information storage medium for use in evaluating production from the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. IncInventors: Artem Mikhaylovich Baranov, Kathleen L. Baker
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Publication number: 20160102531Abstract: A method, including: performing dual-side depressurization on a hydrate blockage in a subsea flow line, wherein dual-side depressurization includes, reducing pressure on a topside of the hydrate blockage in the subsea flow line by removing liquid from within a subsea riser with a bubble pump that has a first end in fluid communication with the liquid within the subsea riser, reducing pressure on a backside of the hydrate blockage, and concurrently controlling the reduction in pressure on the topside of the hydrate blockage and the backside of the hydrate blockage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Brendon L. Keinath, Jason W. Lachance
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Publication number: 20160102532Abstract: A filter assembly comprising a tubular member, one or more support members disposed on the tubular member, and a wire disposed on the support members. One or more spaces are formed between adjacent portions of the wire. The wire includes a wire shape having substantially flat side surfaces such that an elongated channel is formed between adjacent wire shapes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: George Alexander GILLESPIE, II, John Steven SLADIC
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Publication number: 20160102533Abstract: A catastrophic or heavy-hit indicator subassembly is included in a plunger lift system lubricator which includes a coil spring above a striker block, a piston above the striker block, the piston sealed but moveable within the bore of the subassembly, above the piston another spring or set of spring washers, a space, and above the space a thin membrane or wall in a top nut or seal at the top of the lubricator. If the plunger reaches the lubricator with sufficient force, it will compress the coil spring and move the striker block to push the piston upward within the bore of the lubricator, the piston will compress the second spring or set of spring washers, and the top end of the piston, which is preferably pointed, will pierce the membrane or wall in the top of the lubricator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: STEPHEN MAERZ, STEPHEN VETTER, WATCHARIN SUTTIPISETCHART
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Publication number: 20160102534Abstract: A lift and method for reciprocating a downhole pump includes an linear actuator, such as a piston-cylinder arrangement, located coaxially above the stuffing box of a well. The linear actuator includes a connecting rod that passes through and seals against the stuffing box, thereby taking the place of the traditional polished rod and allowing the linear actuator to be positioned lower and closer to the well. The connecting rod may be connected to the traditional polished rod below the stuffing box. A stopper may be selectively removed to allow the connecting rod to be pulled clear of the stuffing box while using the polished rod to seal the well, thereby allowing the linear actuator to be removed for maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2013Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Joe Robert Marshall, Justin Wayne Hayes
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Publication number: 20160102535Abstract: A submersible linear motor oil pumping system includes a submersible linear motor (100), an oil pump (200), a sealing device (300), and a balance assembly (400) installed underground. The submersible linear motor (100) includes a stator (10) and a mover (20) moving reciprocally inside the stator (10). The oil pump (200) includes a barrel (32), a piston (34), an outer sleeve (36), and a oil feeding sieve tube (38). The sealing device (300) is positioned between the submersible linear motor (100) and the oil pump (200). The balance assembly (400) is positioned at a lower end of the submersible linear motor (100) and is configured to balance pressure inside and outside the submersible linear motor (100). The present system omits the sucker rod of existing oil pumping systems, avoiding stroke loss caused by sucker rod elongation and energy loss caused by the weight of the sucker rod and pipe rod offset grinding, thereby improving the efficiency of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2013Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Guangneng Wang, Hui Cao, Pengyong Zhang, Yunfeng Gao
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Publication number: 20160102536Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a hydraulic pump with gas lock prevention. The pump includes a pump barrel having an intake port and a discharge port and a pump piston movably disposed in the pump barrel. The pump piston divides an inner volume of the pump barrel into a first pump volume connected to the discharge port and a second pump volume connected to the intake port. A pump flow path is formed through the pump piston connecting the first pump volume and the second pump volume. The pump further includes a first valve disposed in the pump flow path in the pump piston. The first valve selectively permits fluid flow from the second pump volume to the first pump volume. The pump further includes a second valve disposed at the discharge port to selectively permit fluid flow out of the first pump volume through the discharge port.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventor: Michael C. KNOELLER
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Publication number: 20160102537Abstract: A system can include a low pressure manifold that includes an inlet and a plurality of outlets and a high pressure manifold that comprises a plurality of inlets and an outlet. The system can include a flow path that comprises one of the outlets of the low pressure manifold and one of the inlets of the high pressure manifold. The system can further include a pump that includes a portion of the flow path and a valve coupled with one of the low pressure manifold and the high pressure manifold. The system can further include a control system coupled with the valve and the pump, and the control system can include a processor that is configured to make a determination of whether the valve is in fluid communication with the flow path and control at least one of the valve and the pump based on the determination.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventor: Miguel Angel Lopez
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Publication number: 20160102538Abstract: The disclosed method comprises a first injection phase that comprises injecting a first gas-based fluid into a subterranean formation at a first pressure that exceeds a fracture pressure of the subterranean formation. A second injection phase occurs that comprises injecting a second gas-based fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation at a second pressure that exceeds a minimum miscibility pressure of the second gas-based fluid, followed by a shut in period. A third injection phase is performed that comprises injecting the first gas-based fluid or a third gas-based fluid into the subterranean formation at the first fracture pressure or at a third pressure exceeding the fracture pressure of the subterranean formation. In one embodiment, the first gas-based fluid, second gas-based fluid, and third gas-based fluid comprise carbon dioxide (CO2).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventor: Glen Richard Murrell
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Publication number: 20160102539Abstract: A distillation residuum bottoms composition and other alternative amine compositions are used as clay inhibitors in water-based drilling fluids and in hydraulic fracturing fluids for drilling wells and for fracturing subterranean formations, and are also used as clay inhibitors in other treatment fluids for treating wells or subterranean formations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Skriba, Reinaldo C. Navarrete, Joseph A. Monahan, Raymond H. Pieternella
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Publication number: 20160102540Abstract: Methods including placing particles that are substantially dry in a hopper; conveying the particles from the hopper via a conveyance to an open-air gap; adding a fluid to the particles in the hopper, the particles in the conveyance, or both, thereby reducing an amount of a dust produced at the open-air gap. The particles may be sand, silica, gravel, bauxite, ceramic materials, glass materials, polymer materials, polytetrafluoroethylene materials, nut shell pieces, cured resinous particulates comprising nut shell pieces, seed shell pieces, cured resinous particulates comprising seed shell pieces, fruit pit pieces, cured resinous particulates comprising fruit pit pieces, wood, composite particulates, and combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Chad Adam Fisher, Calvin Lynn Stegemoeller, Wesley John Warren
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Publication number: 20160102541Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for tracking system parameters in each of two or more circulatory systems, such as in a dual gradient drilling system. The systems and methods may include defining each of multiple circulatory systems and simultaneously tracking one or more system parameters for each circulatory system. Systems and methods may further include tracking a discrete portion of fluid circulating in each circulatory system, and associating one or more system parameters with each tracked discrete portion of fluid. Such association may be maintained as each portion of fluid circulates in each respective circulatory system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Kurt Adam Kronenberger, Mathew Dennis Rowe, Patrick Gregory McCormack, Hunter Terrance Guchereau, Bradly Shawn Hogan
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Publication number: 20160102542Abstract: Systems and methods for improved monitoring of downhole pump conditions may provide real-time monitoring, high accuracy, and low noise when monitoring downhole pump conditions. Systems for monitoring pump conditions may be coupled to any suitable sucker rod pump, and may gather desired data from the pump. The desired data may be gathered at several points-in-time during a pump stroke to provide real-time monitoring. A wave equation corresponding to the behavior of the downhole pump may be solved when the desired data is received to provide real-time monitor. In some embodiments, the wave equation may be solved by separating it into static and dynamic solutions. In some embodiments, the dynamic solution of the wave equation may be solved utilizing an integral-based method.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Henry Research and Development LLCInventor: Jeffrey J. DaCunha
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Publication number: 20160102543Abstract: Methods for measuring wellbore gauge and dogleg severity are disclosed. The methods include deploying a downhole tool in a subterranean wellbore. The downhole tool includes first and second axially spaced stabilizers deployed on at least one tool body section coupled to a universal joint. The method for measuring wellbore gauge further includes measuring first and second axial directions of the tool body section when the universal joint is tilted in corresponding first and second cross-axial directions and processing the first and second measured axial directions to estimate the wellbore gauge. The method for measuring dogleg severity further includes measuring first and second tilt angles of the universal joint when the universal joint is tilted in corresponding first and second cross-axial directions and then processing the first and second measured tilt angles to estimate the dogleg severity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventor: Edward Parkin
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Publication number: 20160102544Abstract: A method for evaluating a planned well trajectory for avoidance of collision with an existing wellbore includes constructing a bounding box about the planned well trajectory and a bounding box for a trajectory of at least one existing wellbore. If there is no intersection between the bounding boxes, the planned well trajectory is used for drilling a well.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Darren Lee Aklestad, Chun Wang, Lu Jiang, Nannan Zhang
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Publication number: 20160102545Abstract: A downhole pressure sensor to measure absolute pressure in an annulus and a method of measuring absolute pressure in an annulus are described. The sensor includes an inductor including primary windings and secondary windings, and a capacitor coupled to the secondary windings and disposed in the annulus, at least one of the plates of the capacitor being flexible. The sensor also includes a controller coupled to the primary windings, the controller introducing an input signal to the primary windings and receive a return signal from the primary windings, the return signal resulting from the input signal being transferred through the secondary windings to the capacitor and back through the secondary windings to the primary windings. The controller determines the absolute pressure from the return signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Steve James Coulston
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Publication number: 20160102546Abstract: A fluid flow location identification system includes, a tubular having at least a first opening and a second opening therethrough, wherein the first component is degraded at least by fluid flowing from an outside of the tubular to an inside of the tubular through the first opening and the second component is degraded at least by fluid flowing from an outside of the tubular to the inside of the tubular through the second opening. Trace amounts of a first identifier are releasable into fluid degrading the first component, trace amounts of a second identifier are releasable into fluid degrading the second component. The trace amounts of the first identifier and the trace amounts of the second identifier are detectable in fluid after having comingled to allow determination of whether each of the first opening and the second opening have fluid flowing therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Yingqing Xu, William Aaron Burton
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Publication number: 20160102547Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for determining a parameter of interest of a well fluid relating to a well intersecting a subterranean formation using resonant vibration. The apparatus may include a resonator assembly. The resonator assembly may comprise a plurality of resonant tines structurally coupled to behave as a single resonator. At least one resonant tine of the plurality of resonant tines may include a soft magnetic tine head comprising soft magnetic material uncontained by a supporting surface. Each corresponding tine of the plurality of resonant tines may be formed by at least the resonant tine head and a tine shaft. Each corresponding tine may have a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the corresponding tine, the cross section including a tine head, where the cross section has a substantially continuous material composition. Each tine shaft may terminate at the tine head.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Brian B. Ochoa, Thomas Kruspe
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Publication number: 20160102548Abstract: An apparatus for performing a well test operation includes a tubular member having a surge chamber and a valve that can control fluid flow from a well into the surge chamber during the well test operation. The apparatus can also include a flow control device, in addition to the valve, for further controlling fluid flow into the surge chamber from the well. Flow rate and pressure data can be measured during the well test operation and used to estimate reservoir properties. Various other systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Fikri John Kuchuk, Stephane Hiron, Bertrand Theuveny, Anthony J. Fitzpatrick, James G. Filas, Alexander Starostin, Pavel Evgenievich Spesivtsev
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Publication number: 20160102549Abstract: A cutter head for a mining machine includes a first end and a second end with a drum axis extending between the first and the second ends. The cutter head also includes a web coupled to the second end of the drum. The web includes a plurality of arcuate apertures. Each arcuate aperture extends through an angle about the drum axis. The cutter head further includes a plurality of first ribs coupled to the web. Each of the first ribs is positioned between adjacent arcuate apertures. The cutter head also includes a plurality of second ribs coupled to the web. Each of the second ribs extend across one of the plurality of arcuate apertures. A first angle that extends between one of the first ribs and an adjacent one of the second ribs is different than a second angle extending between the one first rib and another adjacent second rib.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Joseph Defibaugh, Hugo Camargo, Junyi Yang
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Publication number: 20160102550Abstract: A cutting tool mounting assembly adapted for receiving a cutting tool includes a base having a bottom portion and a front portion that defines a receptacle having an inner wall and a bushing configured for receipt in the receptacle of the base. The bushing includes: a forward face defining an aperture for receiving the cutting tool; a shoulder generally opposite the forward face, the shoulder configured for cooperating with the front portion of the base; and a shank portion extending rearward from the shoulder, the shank portion having an outer surface configured for cooperating with the inner wall of the receptacle. A first elastomeric layer is positioned between the shoulder of the bushing and the front portion of the base and a second elastomeric layer is positioned between the outer surface of the shank portion and the inner wall of the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Nicholas J. Paros, Chad A. Swope, Donald E. Keller
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Publication number: 20160102551Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a mining machine. One system includes a controller, a stationary object, and a radar device. The radar device transmits radio waves toward the stationary object and detects reflections of the radio waves. The controller obtains timing information regarding the radio waves and the reflections. Based on the timing information, the controller is configured to determine a first distance between the radar device and the stationary object before sumping the mining machine into material and a second distance between the radar device and the stationary object after sumping the mining machine into the material. The controller is also configured to determine a sump depth of the mining machine based on the first distance and the second distance, compare the determined sump depth to a predetermined sump depth, and perform at least one automatic action when the determined sump depth does not satisfy the predetermined sump depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventor: Alastair J. Paterson
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Publication number: 20160102552Abstract: A temporary roof support system with an anti-rotation feature is provided. The temporary roof support system includes a base, a multistage hydraulic cylinder, a multistage telescopic cover assembly and a locking tube assembly. The multistage telescopic cover assembly encompasses the multistage hydraulic cylinder, and includes a first plurality of cylinders of successively differing diameters disposed coaxially. The locking, tube assembly includes a second plurality of cylinders disposed coaxially and of successively differing diameters including an outermost cylinder and an innermost cylinder. The second pivot end of the locking tube assembly is coupled to the crossbar and the first pivot end of the locking tube assembly is coupled to the base, and a length of the locking tube assembly is parallel to the vertical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining America LLCInventor: David M. Denson
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Publication number: 20160102553Abstract: An inclined layered solid-filling mining method in an ultrathick coal layer is applicable to exploitation in a “three-unders” ultrathick coal layer. In this method, the number of inclined layers is determined based on a principle of layered thickness from 2.5 m to 4.5 m, and a layered-exploitation downward-filling exploitation order is adopted. Tunnels and equipment are arranged according to a conventional solid-filling mining method. A cyclic order of mining, layout of metal meshes (14) and bamboo fences (24), and filling is adopted, so as to accomplish filling and exploitation of a first mining face and a first layer (21).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Jixiong Zhang, Nan Zhou, Qiang Zhang, Jiwei Guo, Xiaoming Shen, Feng Ju, Haiqiang Jiang
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Publication number: 20160102554Abstract: A method for remanufacturing a compressor wheel for a turbocharger is disclosed. The method includes scanning one or more surfaces of the compressor wheel using a laser scanning system to measure a depth of defects located in the one or more surfaces. The method further includes forming a compressive residual stress zone in each of the one or more surfaces with an effective depth that is at least equal to the predetermined distance if all of the measured depths are less than a predetermined distance and discarding the compressor wheel if at least one of the measured depths is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventor: Sean Olen Cornell
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Publication number: 20160102555Abstract: In some examples, an article may include a substrate and a coating on the substrate. The substrate may include a superalloy, a ceramic, or a ceramic matrix composite. The coating may include a first set of layers and a second set of layers. At least one layer of the first set of layers is between two layers of the second set of layers. The at least one layer of the first set of layers comprises one of amorphous silica or silicon nitride, and the at least two layers of the second set of layers comprises the other of amorphous silica or silicon nitride.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Sungbo Shim, Sean E. Landwehr
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Publication number: 20160102556Abstract: A rotor assembly and a method of assembling the rotor assembly typically for a turbine engine. The rotor assembly has a rotational axis, at least one rotor, a shaft having an axially extending bore, a tension stud extending axially through the rotor and into the bore for applying an axial load across the rotor and/or shaft. The rotor assembly further has a sleeve located at least partly within the bore and connected to the shaft by a first attachment and to the tension stud by a second attachment, the first attachment is located between the rotor and the second attachment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Philip Twell
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Publication number: 20160102557Abstract: A turbine blade vibration damper is described. The damper has an axially-extending main body defining an inner surface and opposed damping surface. The main body also has an edge spanning from the inner surface to the damping surface and slotted apertures extending through the main body. The slotted apertures extend between the inner surface and damping surface. Adjacent pairs of slotted apertures have elongated shapes defining longitudinal axes that intersect at a point off the surface of the damper.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Robert Knowlton, Max Asterlin, Brandon M. Rapp, Parth Jariwala
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Publication number: 20160102558Abstract: A gas turbine engine blade (22), including an airfoil substrate (10) having an exterior surface, wherein: a base (14) of the airfoil substrate is located at a 0% radial on an inner platform surface (20) and a tip (16) of the airfoil substrate is located at a 100% radial; wherein at the 0% radial a cross-sectional profile of the exterior surface is substantially characterized by nominal X and Y coordinates present in Table 1; and wherein at a 50% radial location a cross-sectional profile of the exterior surface is characterized by nominal X and Y coordinates present in Table 6.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Eric Munoz, Edwin Lee Kite, Robert J. McClelland, Charles M. Evans
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Publication number: 20160102559Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for processing a component surface by abrading the component surface using an abrasive surface. The apparatus comprises an abrasive surface which is rotatable about an axis extending parallel to said component surface. A support is provided for moving the abrasive surface or the component surface along a computer-generated toolpath and for applying a force between the abrasive surface and the component surface. The support increases the force between the abrasive surface and the component surface from a minimum force to a maximum force as the distance along the toolpath increases to maintain constant material removal from the component surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Richard ANDREOU, Wee Kin TEO, Arthur WEE
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Publication number: 20160102560Abstract: A high velocity spray method for treating the surface of a component, the method comprises the steps of heating a first portion of an inert gas up to a spray temperature comprised between 550° C. and 800° C.; preparing a powder material having a composition including Co at a mass percentage comprised between 15% and 70%; preparing a mixture between the powder material and a second portion of inert gas; mixing the first portion of inert gas and the mixture of gas and powder in a spray gun in order to create a spray jet; directing said spray jet towards the surface to be treated in order to deposit a coating of the material including Co.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Massimo GIANNOZZI, Michelangelo BELLACI, Lorenzo COSI, Iacopo GIOVANNETTI
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Publication number: 20160102561Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes pressure and suction walls that are spaced apart from one another and joined at leading and trailing edges to provide an airfoil that has an exterior surface that extends in a radial direction to a tip. A film cooling hole is provided in the tip and extends at an angle relative to the radial direction. The film cooling hole includes a diffuser.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Brandon W. Spangler, Laurie L. Burstynski
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Publication number: 20160102562Abstract: A gas turbine engine blade (10), having: an airfoil (12) having a pressure side (22) and a suction side (24); an inner platform (30), having: a gas path surface (40); a coolant surface (42); and at least one row (114) of film cooling holes (112) spanning there between and disposed on the pressure side of the airfoil. The film cooling holes are angled to include a directional component substantially parallel with the pressure side at a trailing end of the airfoil, and the at least one row is oriented substantially parallel to a mateface wall (122) of the inner platform. An array (130) of turbulators (132) is disposed on the coolant surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Evans, Andrew R. Narcus, Robert J. McClelland, Frank Moehrle
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Publication number: 20160102563Abstract: Disclosed is a gas turbine engine including a compressor section and a turbine section. The gas turbine engine includes a gas turbine engine component having a first wall providing an outer surface of the gas turbine engine component and a second wall spaced-apart from the first wall. The first wall is a gas-path wall exposed to a core flow path of the gas turbine engine. The second wall is a non-gas-path wall. A cooling passageway is provided between the second wall and the first wall. The second wall has a trip strip provided thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Brandon W. Spangler, Dominic J. Mongillo
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Publication number: 20160102564Abstract: A rotating body includes a rotating body core, and a plurality of blades provided at an outer or inner circumference of the rotating body core at equal intervals in a circumferential direction, and connected circumferentially via an annular connection portion provided separately from the rotating body core. A resonance frequency under a two nodal diameter number mode of the rotating body is lower than or equal to a rotational secondary harmonic frequency with respect to a rated rotation speed. Where Nd represents an order of a maximum mistuned component among order components of circumferential distribution of mass, rigidity or natural frequency of the blades, arrangement of the blades satisfies Nd?5, and has order components each having ratio less than 1/2, in which the ratio is obtained by dividing the order component by the magnitude of the component of the order Nd.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryozo TANAKA, Ryoji TAMAI, Toshiyuki YAMAMOTO, Yoshichika SATO, Yoshinobu SAKANO
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Publication number: 20160102565Abstract: An integrally bladed rotor for a gas turbine engine includes a hub, a plurality of blades radially extending from the hub and being integrally formed therewith. The hub having a rim from which the blades project and a pair of axially opposed split hub members extending at least radially inward from the rim. Each of the split hub members has a radially outer flex arm portion extending form the hub and a radially inner moment flange portion. At least one moment inducing element separately formed from the hub is mounted axially between the opposed split hub members and acts on the moment flange portions of the opposed split hub members to generate an inward bending moment on the flex arm portions of the opposed split hub members during rotation of the rotor, thereby deflecting the rim and the blades of the rotor radially inwardly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventor: Alexandre Ayers