Patents Issued in May 24, 2016
  • Patent number: 9347270
    Abstract: Systems and methods contain fluids discharged from a subsea well or at the surface by capping the well blowout with a pre-positioned capping device and diverting flow of hydrocarbons to a secondary location for disposal/handling in situations where casing integrity is compromised preventing ability to close in the flow of the hydrocarbons. The capping device includes at least one blind shear ram and is separate from a blowout preventer. Different personnel offsite of a rig drilling the well may have access and control to operate the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Randall S. Shafer, Graham Alvord, Rune Woie
  • Patent number: 9347271
    Abstract: There is provided a system and apparatus for the transmission of high power laser energy over great distances without substantial power loss and without the presence of stimulated Raman scattering. There is further provided systems and optical fiber cable configurations and optical fiber structures for the delivering high power laser energy over great distances to a tool or surface to perform an operation or work with the tool or upon the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Joel F. Moxley, Yeshaya Koblick
  • Patent number: 9347272
    Abstract: A method of forming a supported subterranean well bore in which, in one disclosed embodiment, a first drill bit is mounted on a first string of casing tubulars via a steerable tool, and the drill bit is used to form a first bore. Upon reaching the required depth the casing string is cemented in place to support the formed bore and a second drill bit is mounted on a second casing string and is inserted into the first casing string. The second drill bit is used to drill through the wall of the first casing string and proceed to form a second, deeper bore. Once the second drill bit has reached the required depth, the second casing string is cemented in place to support the second bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Technology Ventures International Limited
    Inventors: James A. Hewson, Philip M. Burge
  • Patent number: 9347273
    Abstract: A method of orienting a cutting element includes, configuring the cutting element so that gravitational forces acting thereon against a support surface bias the cutting element toward a specific orientation relative to the support surface. The specific orientation is such that at least one support and at least one edge of a gilmoid formed by intersections of surfaces of the gilmoid contact the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Calvin J. Stowe, II
  • Patent number: 9347274
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating earth-boring tools include forming an outer portion of an earth-boring tool from a powder mixture comprising hard particles and matrix particles comprising a metal matrix material, disposing a molten material at least partially within the outer portion of the earth-boring tool, and forming the molten material into another portion of the earth-boring tool. Methods of fabricating a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include forming an outer portion comprising a plurality of hard particles and a plurality of matrix particles comprising a metal matrix material and casting a molten material at least partially within the outer portion of the bit body to form another portion of the bit body. Earth-boring tools include a body for engaging a subterranean borehole having an outer portion and an inner portion comprising at least one material solidified within a cavity formed within the outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jimmy W. Eason, Michael R. Wells
  • Patent number: 9347275
    Abstract: A drill bit has a plurality of blades that include a coring blade, a plurality of flow courses that include an evacuation slot disposed between the plurality of blades, and a conical insert disposed on or proximate a bit centerline of the drill bit. Coring blade includes a first cutting element disposed at a first radial position from the bit centerline. Also, coring blade includes a substantially vertical surface and an angled surface. During drilling, first cutting element cuts formation to generate a core sample fragment at bit centerline. Core sample fragment is then broken away from formation using angled surface or conical insert after core sample fragment reaches a certain length. Core sample fragment then exits drill bit via an evacuation slot, from where core sample fragment is transported via an annulus to the surface of formation for testing and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Azar, Hemachandar Mada
  • Patent number: 9347276
    Abstract: A two-prong rotary drill bit for engaging an earth strata material includes a drill bit body having an axis of rotation, the drill bit body having a head portion at an axial forward end and a shank portion at an axial rearward end, the head portion having two mounting arms offset from the axis of rotation of the drill bit body. The two-prong rotary drill bit also includes a cutting insert attached to each mounting arm at the axial forward end of the drill bit body. Each cutting insert includes a leading face facing in the direction of rotation, a top surface having a relief surface, a T-land surface extending between the leading face and the relief surface of the top surface and a cutting edge formed at the intersection of the T-land surface and the relief surface of the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: KENNAMETAL INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Paros, Stephen M. George, Glenn W. Sheffler, Don C. Rowlett
  • Patent number: 9347277
    Abstract: A wireline configurable well logging instrument is connected to a drill pipe carrier and movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The drill pipe carrier is positioned on a pipe string that may comprise a portion of wired pipes communicatively coupled at each joint. Communication between the drill pipe carrier and the well logging instrument includes the use of inductive couplers, wires and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Reza Taherian, Harold Steven Bissonnette, Chris Del Campo, Laurent Villegas, Shardul Sarhad
  • Patent number: 9347278
    Abstract: A downhole tool assembly is presented for use in a wellbore, the tool having a mandrel assembly for substantially bearing the tensile and rotational loads placed on the tool assembly during run-in to the wellbore, a displacement assembly for substantially bearing displacement loads and for providing relative movement to the mandrel assembly, the displacement assembly for actuating a actuable tool attached to the mandrel assembly. The mandrel assembly has an upper mandrel positioned radially outward of the displacement assembly and a lower mandrel positioned radially inward of the displacement assembly. A load cross-over mandrel transfers the tensile and rotational loads between the upper and lower mandrels. The load cross-over mandrel has a plurality of passages which allow corresponding rods of the displacement assembly to slide therethrough. The rods transfer the displacement loads from actuators above the rods to an actuable tool below the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Arthur Stautzenberger, Brock Watson
  • Patent number: 9347279
    Abstract: This invention relates to a torque control device for a downhole drilling assembly. The torque control device is adapted for connection to a drill bit, and has an outer sleeve and an inner shaft, the outer sleeve being movable longitudinally relative to the inner shaft. The torque control device also has a cylinder, a piston located within the cylinder, and a controller to control the volume of the cylinder. Changing the volume of the cylinder causes relative longitudinal movement between the outer sleeve and the inner shaft. The controller can receive inputs from a torque sensor and/or an accelerometer in order to determine if a threshold torque has been exceeded. Alternatively the controller can comprise a rotary valve which automatically responds to torque in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SMART STABILIZER SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Brendan Crowley, Colin Walker
  • Patent number: 9347280
    Abstract: An adjustable riser suspension system for suspending a riser under tension including a riser hanger, a mating sleeve rotationally coupled to the riser hanger, a ratchet-latch sleeve located inside the mating sleeve with an external profile configured to engage an internal profile of the mating sleeve and an internal profile configured to engage an externally threaded face of the riser. The riser hanger and mating sleeve are configured to move downward relative to the riser such that the mating sleeve fits over at least a portion of the riser, causing the ratchet-latch device to ratchet over the external threads of the riser. The mating sleeve is configured to rotate relative to the riser, causing the internal and external profiles of ratchet-latch device to lock the riser and the mating sleeve to prevent movement of the riser relative to the mating sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Delbert Edwin Vanderford, Max Van Adrichem
  • Patent number: 9347281
    Abstract: A triple activity drilling ship may be provided with two separate drilling centers, each including drilling apparatus. In addition, a trolley that is capable of supporting tubulars may be positioned between a first position within one of said drilling centers and a second position outside that drilling center. As a result, the trolley may be used to hold assembled tubulars while other activities are ongoing in one or more of the drilling centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Stena Drilling Ltd.
    Inventor: Gavin Humphreys
  • Patent number: 9347282
    Abstract: A low profile, high torque spider assembly for use on a rotary table of a drilling rig to secure a vertical pipe string such as a drill string is disclosed. The spider is comprised of a plurality of slips to engage with the drill string, a horizontal actuator, and a means for transferring the horizontal motion of the horizontal actuator to the vertical slips. Because of the horizontal orientation of the actuator means, this spider has a low deck profile and occupies less deck space, thereby making it particularly suitable for drilling rigs with small rotary table openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: David L. Sipos
  • Patent number: 9347283
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus which can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 9347284
    Abstract: A slug mitigation system for subsea pipelines includes a riser located between a low level and an upper (above sea-) level of a pipeline, where an inline separator, e.g. an “I-SEP”, is located upstream of a first stage separator. A throttling valve or fixed restriction is located downstream or upstream in series with the inline separator. Further aspects may also include a surface jet pump upstream of the in-line separator and/or a cyclonic separator downstream of the in-line separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Caltec Limited
    Inventors: Mirza Najam Ali Beg, Syed Mahmood Peeran, Mir Mahmood Sarshar, Rhodri John Jones
  • Patent number: 9347285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control of a compressor (8) at a rock drilling apparatus, said rock drilling apparatus including a power source for driving a compressor (8) at a rock drilling process, said compressor (8) being arranged to operate according to a first mode and according to a second mode, wherein, in said first mode, the work produced by the compressor (8) is arranged to be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of said compressor (8), and wherein, in said second mode, the work produced by the compressor (8) is arranged to be controlled by controlling the air flow at the compressor inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventors: Erik Ahlström, Erik Aldèn
  • Patent number: 9347286
    Abstract: A flow stop valve (200, 300, 400) for placement in a downhole tubular operating in a dual fluid density system, wherein the flow stop valve is arranged such that it is in communication with a pressure difference between one of: fluid outside the downhole tubular and inside the downhole tubular at the flow stop valve; and fluid above and below the flow stop valve inside the downhole tubular, wherein the flow stop valve comprises a first valve element (226?, 326?, 424) arranged such that the pressure difference acts across at least a portion of the first valve element and that the first valve element is movable between open and closed positions under action of said pressure difference so as to selectively permit flow through the downhole tubular, wherein the first valve element comprises a first passage (212, 312, 446) arranged so as to transmit fluid from a first port (213, 313, 447) in a first side of the first valve element to a second side of the first valve element, the first port being positioned such tha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: PILOT DRILLING CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large, Peter Ryan Morris
  • Patent number: 9347287
    Abstract: A wellbore treatment tool for setting against a constraining wall in which the wellbore treatment tool is positionable, the wellbore treatment tool including: a tool body including a first end formed for connection to a tubular string and an opposite end; a no-go key assembly including a tubular housing and a no-go key, the tubular housing defining an inner bore extending along the length of the tubular housing and an outer facing surface carrying the no-go key, the no-go key configured for locking the no-go key and tubular housing in a fixed position relative to the constraining wall, the tubular housing sleeved over the tool body with the tool body installed in the inner bore of the tubular housing; and a sealing element encircling the tool body and positioned between a first compression ring on the tool body and a second compression ring on the tubular housing, the sealing element being expandable to form an annular seal about the tool body by compression between the first compression ring and the second c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: RESOURCE COMPLETION SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: John Hughes, Ryan Dwaine Rasmussen, James Wilburn Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9347288
    Abstract: In modeling operation of a well tool in applying a force to a device in a well, a computing system receives inputs representing a plurality of geometric characteristics of the well tool. The computing system also receives inputs representing a plurality of geometric characteristics of the well. The computing system determines based on the geometric characteristics of the well tool and the well, a predicted reaction force on a portion of the well tool that affects operation of the well tool in applying force to the device. The predicted reaction force is due to contact between a surface associated with the well tool and a surface of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Gammill Clemens, David Russ Larimore, Heru Rubin, Dominic Anh Tran, Josiah Wood, Philip Edmund Fox, Ronnie Kennedy, Ben Gary
  • Patent number: 9347289
    Abstract: Blowout preventer systems are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a blowout preventer, a plurality of position sensing mechanisms, a plurality of pressure sensing mechanisms, and a controller configured to receive position data indicating a position of a piston and pressure data indicating the pressure of hydraulic fluid being applied to the piston, and to determine a current stroking pressure signature or fingerprint during a closing cycle, which when compared to a baseline stroking pressure signature or fingerprint, can provide an indication of the health of one or more components of the operator containing the piston. The controller can also determine a backlash of the ram block, and/or to record a position of the ram block, and/or to calculate an instant when a supplemental closing pressure is desired to be applied, and/or to determine when maintenance of a ram locking mechanism is due, and/or to determine when sealing elements are worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Hydril USA Distribution LLC
    Inventors: Robert Arnold Judge, Eric L. Milne
  • Patent number: 9347290
    Abstract: A fluid saver tool for deploying in a wireline string comprises a main shaft having a concentric seat attached to a lower end of the main shaft and a variable-diameter piston assembly concentrically disposed on the main shaft and seated against the concentric seat. A concentric thrust bushing is installed on the main shaft in contact with an upper end of variable diameter piston opposite from the concentric seat. The tool enables the deployment operation to be accomplished with much less water, lower pump pressures and energy losses, and substantially less time required to complete the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: R. Mickal Taylor
  • Patent number: 9347291
    Abstract: A seal assembly (30) and a running tool (20) are provided for sealing a casing annulus in a wellhead (14). A casing hanger (12) includes a radially external groove therein, and wellhead has a radially internal groove therein. A locking ring (36) may be actuated by the running tool to move into the internal recess in the wellhead and thereby axially connect the seal assembly and the wellhead. Another locking ring (40) is radially movable to connect the seal assembly to the casing hanger. The seal assembly seals the casing annulus while being interconnected with the wellhead and the casing hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Marroquin, Flavio Nisenbaum, Denise A. M. Antunes
  • Patent number: 9347292
    Abstract: A subsea wireline system for soft landing equipment during installation. The subsea soft landing wireline system includes coarse alignment members that can be part of a tree and interact with a funnel located on the equipment to be installed by the soft landing system. Smaller alignment members can provide fine alignment and also interact with a funnel located on the equipment to be installed. The funnels are used to trap sea water that provides a cushion for the equipment being installed. Once in alignment, trapped water can be released from the funnel via a restricted orifice or a control valve located on an ROV. The system achieves soft landing without the use of a running tool, thus reducing expense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Baker, Pradeep Dhuper
  • Patent number: 9347293
    Abstract: Displaying data associated with drilling a borehole. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: reading data associated with drilling of a first borehole, at least one datum of the data based on a controllable parameter; calculating an operational value related to drilling the first borehole, the calculating in real-time with reading the data and the operational value based on the data; determining a target value of the operational value, the determining in real-time with reading the data and the target value at least in part based on the data; displaying a first borehole trajectory on a display device; superimposing a first coordinate system over the first borehole trajectory on the display device, the superimposing proximate to a distal end of the first borehole trajectory; and plotting, within the first coordinate system, an indication of the operational value and an indication of the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robello Samuel, Umesh N. Reddy, R. Daniel Colvin, Ramakrishna R. Chada, Olivier R. Germain
  • Patent number: 9347294
    Abstract: A method and system are for establishing and operating a riser less coiled tubing intervention arrangement from a surface vessel, the vessel having a deck and a coiled tubing reel holding a coiled tubing, and where a subsea injector is connectable to a head of a subsea borehole. The method includes: arranging; the coiled tubing in a surface injector and the subsea injector, attaching, the surface injector to a lifting tackle of the vessel; after connecting a tool string to the coiled tubing, lowering the coiled tubing tool string and the subsea injector through the sea to the head by running the surface injector while paying out coiled tubing from the coiled tubing reel; and inserting, the tool string in the head and connecting the subsea injector to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Agat Technology AS
    Inventor: Bernt Gramstad
  • Patent number: 9347295
    Abstract: Filtration systems, methods and/or apparatuses for use on a packer system are provided. Filtration assemblies and/or filters may prevent mud, gravel, and/or other solids from clogging and/or entering drains on a packer. The filters and/or filtration assemblies may have multiple dynamic components to prevent debris from entering the packer system. Rotary filters, cylindrical filters, and/or belt filters may be used to clear fluid obstructions from sampling drains. Helices and/or turbines may harness power of fluid flowing through the drains and/or flowlines to operate moving dynamic components of systems and/or apparatuses. The filters and/or filtration assemblies may be interchangeable such that various filters may be used on a single packer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kathiravane Tingat Cody, Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephane Metayer
  • Patent number: 9347296
    Abstract: Reducing the diameter of a well bore has many advantages. To achieve this a subsurface well bore is provided comprising one or more expandable sleeve components, preferably expandable liners (27, 271), each expandable sleeve component being fully overlapped by one or more non expandable sleeve component, preferably conventional liners (28, 29), such that the interior of the well bore is cased entirely by non expandable sleeve components (28, 29). In addition the through holes (34a) for downhole lines can be provided within the well head (34) rather than the tubing hanger (33). As the tubing hanger does not need to provide space for through holes and associated mounting couplings, its diameter can be reduced, thus reducing the internal diameter of the well bore by several inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Audun Faanes, Halvor Kjørholt, Torstein Vinge
  • Patent number: 9347297
    Abstract: A downhole casing expansion tool and a method of expanding casings using the same. The expansion tool includes an expansion module for expanding casings and a drive module for driving the expansion module. The diameter of the openhole can be kept consistent by the expansion tool, so that monohole well drilling and completion operations can be carried out. The expansion tool is particularly suitable for constructions in deep, ultra-deep and complex wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignees: CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORPORATION, DRILLING TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SINOPEC OILFIELD SERVICE SHENGLI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zuohui Li, Ming Tang, Liugen Wu, Jianzhong Ma, Peng Cai, Zhigang Peng, Wansheng Zhu, Chenglei Tang, Zhaozheng Teng, Xuetao Ning, Haibo Zhu, Xuexiang Shen
  • Patent number: 9347298
    Abstract: A tie back assembly and method of use is presented. In one method, a tie back seal mandrel is inserted into a tie back receptacle. Both the inner surface of the tie back receptacle and the outer surface of the seal mandrel are tapered to cooperate when mated. A seal assembly forms an annular seal between the tapered surfaces when the mandrel is inserted into the receptacle. Preferably the seal assembly has a burst seal and a collapse seal carried on one of the tapered surfaces, where the seals are spaced apart longitudinally. The seals are positioned at locations along the tapered surfaces to provide adequate wall thickness for support at pressure. Hydrostatic fluid in the wellbore increases the force necessary to withdraw the seal mandrel dues to creation of a lower pressure zone between the spaced apart seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brock Watson
  • Patent number: 9347299
    Abstract: A tool to be used within a wellbore including a wall, the wellbore extending through a formation including formation fluid, includes a first packer and a second packer. The first packer includes a packer port to enable formation fluid flow through the first packer, with the second packer spaced from the first packer. The first packer and the second packer are expandable to abut the wellbore wall to form an interval within the wellbore between the first packer and the second packer, in which the tool further includes an interval port in fluid communication with the interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Adriaan Gisolf, Nathan Landsiedel, Pierre-Yves Corre, Ashers Partouche, Julian Pop, Beatriz E. Barbosa, Cosan Ayan, George C. Tevis
  • Patent number: 9347300
    Abstract: A method to extract oil for a pool of oil in the ground utilizes an interconnected series of rotating helical blades extending from the surface of the ground through a canted bore to the pool of oil. The blades can be staggered and interconnected with a gear arrangement that moves oil from pool to pool and up to the surface of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Michael D Anter
  • Patent number: 9347301
    Abstract: A pneumatic fracturing method for exploiting shale gas, the method including: 1) applying a compressed gas for a first period of time at a first pressure to a shale formation; 2) applying the compressed gas for a second period of time at a second pressure to the shale formation; and 3) repeating steps 1) and 2) to produce fissures in the shale formation. A temperature of the compressed gas is at least 80° C. A maximum pressure of the compressed gas is at least 25 megapascal, and a minimum pressure of the compressed gas is between ¼ and ? of the maximum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SICHUAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Heping Xie, Fubao Zhou, Yang Ju, Lingzhi Xie, Yingke Liu, Yanan Gao, Jianfeng Liu, Ru Zhang
  • Patent number: 9347302
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns methods for heating a subsurface formation using an electrical resistance heater. Preferably, the subsurface formation is an organic-rich rock formation, including, for example, an oil shale formation. The method may include providing an electrically conductive first member in a wellbore in a subsurface fornation, an electrically conductive second member in the wellbore, and an electrically conductive granular material in the wellbore. The granular material is positioned so as to provide an electrical connection between the first member and the second member. An electrical current is established across the first member, the granular material and the second member so as to generate resistive heat within the granular material. The surrounding subsurface formation is thereby conductively heated so as to cause formation hydrocarbons in the formation to be heated, and in some cases, pyrolyzed to form hydrocarbon fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 9347303
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating produced fluid from a well, the heating apparatus comprising a produced fluid pathway; a heat generation system comprising a diesel engine, a heated hydraulic fluid pathway, and an engine coolant pathway; and a heat transfer system disposed between the produced fluid pathway and the heat generation system to transfer thermal energy from the heat generation system to a produced fluid contained within the produced fluid pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: AMCOL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason Horst, Keith Doucet
  • Patent number: 9347304
    Abstract: There is provided a device and method for high speed hydraulic actuation. The method includes adjusting a position of an actuator using a hydraulic pressure regulator. Adjusting the position of the actuator includes increasing pressure on the hydraulic pressure regulator to open the actuator using a first solenoid, or decreasing pressure on the hydraulic pressure regulator to close the actuator using a second solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Mario R. Lugo, Ryan D. Fontenot, Syed M. Rashid Ali
  • Patent number: 9347305
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a power source (9) at a rock drilling apparatus, said power source (9) being arranged to drive at least a first load (8, 10, 15) at the rock drilling apparatus, wherein said first load (8, 10, 15), in operation, provides power to a first consumer (11, 21), and where the power that can be delivered by- said first load (8, 10, 15) depends on the rotation speed of the power source. The method includes, by means of a representation of said first consumer (11, 21), determining a power demand of said first consumer (11, 21), and based on said determined power demand, determine a rotation speed demand of said first load (8, 10, 15). The rotation speed of said power source is then controlled based at least on said determined rotation speed demand of said first load (8, 10, 15 ). The invention also relates to a system and a rock drilling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventors: Anders Nydahl, Erik Aldèn
  • Patent number: 9347306
    Abstract: A system and method for the drilling of ground holes by a track steer drill rig. The system and method include a drilling arrangement that permits the speed of drilling holes to be balanced against the stability of the hole thus formed. The system and method allow for the autonomous drilling of ground holes and, particularly, although not exclusively, for the purposes of exploration, mining, and/or construction. In particular, the system and method relate to the autonomous drilling of ground holes which are used for subsequent blasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignees: Technological Resources Pty. Limited, University of Sydney
    Inventors: Charles McHugh, Florian Andreas Oppoizer
  • Patent number: 9347307
    Abstract: An assembly for measuring a temperature of a fluid flowing through a tubing section is provided. The assembly can include the tubing section and a temperature measurement component in thermal communication with an inner diameter of the tubing section. A temperature of a fluid flowing through the tubing section can be detected using the temperature measurement component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael McMillon, Robert Mitchell Neely
  • Patent number: 9347308
    Abstract: A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives toolface information for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and non-survey sensor information corresponding to a location of the BHA in a borehole. The system calculates an amount of incremental progress made by the BHA based on the non-survey sensor information and calculates an estimate of the location based on the toolface information and the amount of incremental progress. The system repeats the steps of receiving toolface information and non-survey sensor information and calculating an amount of incremental progress to calculate an estimate of a plurality of locations representing a path of the BHA from a first survey point towards a second sequential survey point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MOTIVE DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Todd W. Benson, Teddy Chen
  • Patent number: 9347309
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a system and a method for locating a cement plug within a wellbore. The system includes a signal transmitter mounted to the cement plug, a receiver at the opening to the wellbore, one clock positioned on the cement plug and in communication with the transmitter, a second clock which is synchronized to the first clock and in communication with the receiver, and a controller for triggering the transmittal of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Marius Raducanu, Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Sorin Gabriel Teodorescu
  • Patent number: 9347310
    Abstract: Multiphase flow measurement in extreme environments such as subsea or in-well is a difficult task for many reasons including reliability, survivability, and longevity issues; accessibility to the equipment; and complexity of the varying flow field as a function of position and time. Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques and apparatus for performing subsea multiphase flow measurement by combining two technologies. One is based on infrared water-cut measurement technology which is capable of measuring water and oil concentrations in multiphase flow with up to 99.5% gas volume fractions. The second technology is based on in-well fiber-optic flow measurement capable of resolving gas and total liquid flow through the measurements of flow velocity, fluid mixture speed of sound, and absolute pressure and temperature at meter location. This hybrid system represents an approach to subsea multiphase metering that may offer advantages compared to traditional systems for some applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Omer Haldun Unalmis, John Lievois
  • Patent number: 9347311
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for ground fault immune data measurement system for electric submersible pumps. A data measurement system coupled to the ESP includes a surface unit coupled to a 3-phase power cable for providing power to a 3-phase motor of the ESP and a downhole unit coupled to the motor of the ESP and located downhole in a well. The downhole unit includes sensor and is configured to generate frequency modulated carrier signals for carrying the sensor data to the surface unit. Each of the frequency modulated carrier signals carries identical sensor data and is modulated to a different frequency. The carrier signals are shunted across the motor windings of the ESP motor and onto the 3-phase power cable via a capacitive coupling. Additionally, another carrier signal carrying control data may be transmitted from the surface unit to the downhole unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Jinjiang Xiao, Michael Manning
  • Patent number: 9347312
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation, such as a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon based fluid. The sensor arrangement may be used to measure one or more physical parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, at a multiplicity of locations in the subterranean reservoir. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor array comprising an elongated outer casing for insertion in the subterranean formation and into a fluid in the subterranean formation. The sensor array may comprise an optical fiber defining an optical path that links one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressure sensors and transports measurement data generated by the temperature and pressure sensors. A data processing system may be connected to the sensor array to receive measurements from the sensor array and to compute one or more values of a property of an extraction installation operating on the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD CANADA PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Andre R. Vincelette, Jason S. Kiddy, John B. Niemczuk, Christopher S. Baldwin, Paul Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 9347313
    Abstract: A method for obtaining information about a hydraulic fracturing operation in a fracture zone in a well, comprises a) providing at least one acoustic sensor in the well and at least one acoustic source, b) injecting fracturing fluid into the well so as to cause fractures in a fracture zone in the surrounding formation, c) using the acoustic source to send an acoustic signal and using the acoustic receiver to receive the signal, d) repeating step c) at least once, and e) processing the received signals using a microprocessor so as to obtain information about the fractures. The source may be at the earth's surface or in a second well. Step e) may comprise measuring first-arriving acoustic waves or measuring reflected or diffracted acoustic waves. The information gained in step e) may be used to control the injection of fracturing fluid or detect out-of-zone water injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Peter Berkeley Wills, Samantha Grandi Karam, Jeffery Joseph Mestayer, Gustavo Antonio Ugueto, Jorge Louis Lopez
  • Patent number: 9347314
    Abstract: A system includes a downhole formation fluid sampling tool. The system also includes an optical spectrometer of the downhole formation fluid sampling tool and a processor. The optical spectrometer is able to measure an optical characteristic of a formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling tool over a plurality of wavelengths. The optical spectrometer is designed to generate optical spectra data indicative of the optical characteristic. The processor is able to receive the optical spectra data generated by the optical spectrometer, to predict a parameter corresponding to one component of multiple components of the formation fluid based on the optical spectra data, and to calculate an uncertainty in the predicted parameter based on the optical spectra data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 9347315
    Abstract: A method and device for machining materials includes a tool drum having tool shafts that support machining tools that can be driven in rotation. A drive element rotates the tool shafts and the tool drum relative to each other, and a drum carrier can be moved relative to the material by using a movement device. A control device varies the speed of the relative movement between the tool carrier and material and the rotational speed of the tool drum. To avoid critical operating points, one measuring sensor measures the natural translational vibration and/or another measuring sensor determines the rotational vibrations of the tool drum. The control device has a vibration analysis module, by which a vibration spectrum can be determined, and at least one controller module, by which drive parameters can be controlled as a function of the vibrations determined by the analysis module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Müller, Roland Anderegg, Lukas Kurmann
  • Patent number: 9347316
    Abstract: A longitudinally yieldable support for underground roof support includes a first support section with a first elongate outer shell filed with a solid compressible filler material and a second support section filled with a second solid compressible filler material with a second elongate outer shell extending above the first elongate outer shell. The second support section has density that is greater than a density of the first solid compressible filler material. A pair of attachment members are coupled to the second elongate outer shell and are configured for lifting the second elongate outer shell relative to the first elongate outer shell and for securing the second elongate outer shell relative to the first elongate outer shell once lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BURRELL MINING PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael T. Shook, Charles C. Lash
  • Patent number: 9347317
    Abstract: Embodiments of double-stator multi-speed motor are described. In embodiments, a motor may include a rotor. The motor may further include an inner stator having a first count of oil distributing ports opened in a surface of the inner stator. The motor may further include an outer stator having a second count of oil distributing ports opened in an inner surface of the outer stator. In some embodiments, the first count is equal to the second count. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Yanshan University
    Inventor: Desheng Wen
  • Patent number: 9347318
    Abstract: A method of welding workpieces of high-temperature superalloys is provided. Welding filler is applied in a plurality of layers to a surface of the workpiece via a heat input zone and a supply zone for supplying the welding filler into the heat input zone. The heat input zone and the supply zone on the one hand and the workpiece surface on the other hand are moved in relation to one another. A polycrystalline weld seam is generated by remelting a previously applied layer of the plurality of layers. Welding parameters are chosen such that a cooling rate during a solidifying of the material is at least 8000 Kelvins per second. Further, a welding apparatus for carrying out such a method is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignees: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Nikolai Arjakine, Georg Bostanjoglo, Bernd Burbaum, Andres Gasser, Torsten Jambor, Stefanie Linnenbrink, Torsten Melzer-Jokisch, Michael Ott, Norbert Pirch, Rolf Wilkenhöner
  • Patent number: 9347319
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dental handpiece structure including a head having a turbine chamber, a rotor installed in the turbine chamber and having a transmission shaft, and a transmission element composed of a plurality of turbine vanes. A high-pressure air entering into the turbine chamber can push each turbine vane to drive and rotate the rotor, and a breach is upwardly formed between two adjacent turbine vanes. A head cap is covered onto the turbine chamber, and a circular groove is formed at the head cap and between an end surface facing the turbine chamber and the transmission element, and the circular groove and each breach are arranged opposite to each other for collecting the high-pressure air guided out from each breach to enhance the cutting force of the dental handpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: THUNDER TIGER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Aling Lai