Patents Issued in July 12, 2016
  • Patent number: 9388632
    Abstract: A cord lock assembly for a shade assembly is provided. The cord lock assembly may include a spool rotatably attached to a housing, with the housing defining a pull cord channel. A pull cord may be provided that extends through the pull cord channel and wraps at least partially around the spool. The pull cord channel may include a roller configured to interact with the pull cord and a rear wall of the pull cord channel such that it may move between a locked and an unlocked position based at least in part by the angle at which the pull cord is held relative to a plane defined the shade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventor: Toralf Strand
  • Patent number: 9388633
    Abstract: The invention refers to a quick-opening door comprising: a flexible canvas secured to a motor-driven drum and provided with vertically aligned arrangements of abutment elements that are guided in vertical uprights of the door; an electric duct secured to one of the sides of the canvas and provided with cables connected to a wireless signal transmitter; a plurality of guiding abutment elements distributed along the sides of the canvas with different spaces there between, disposed either singly or in groups; sensors which are disposed in an abutment passage zone and which capture different sequences of pulses during the passage of the abutment elements, thereby determining the position of the canvas at all times; and a contact-detecting band connected to the transmitter via the electric duct and housed in a bag by means of which the canvas is fitted against the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Amiserru, S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Iglesias Ballester
  • Patent number: 9388634
    Abstract: Powered safety curtains are disclosed herein. An example barrier includes a motorized drive unit, and a curtain. The curtain includes a leading edge. The leading edge of the curtain is selectively moveable to a closed position and to an open position. The example barrier also includes a guide plate carried by the curtain and extending into a track and a nonferrous guide member attached to the guide plate. The example barrier also includes a first safety device including a first wireless portion and a first electrical portion. The first wireless portion is attached to the nonferrous guide member. The first electrical portion is in a first activated state when the first wireless portion is in proximity with the first electrical portion. The first wireless portion is in a first deactivated state when the first wireless portion is remote relative to the first electrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carl David Hardison, III, David Swift, Ryan Pfaff, Ryan P. Beggs
  • Patent number: 9388635
    Abstract: In an apparatus of the type comprising a first assembly, a second assembly, an orientable rotatable connection between the first assembly and the second assembly, and a control device associated with the orientable rotatable connection, a method for controlling the actuation of the control device. Particular embodiments of the method include comparing an actual orientation of the second assembly with a target orientation, actuating the control device to perform a control device actuation cycle if the actual orientation is not acceptable, determining an updated actual orientation of the second assembly, comparing the updated actual orientation with the target orientation, and repeating the control device actuation cycle if the updated target orientation is not acceptable. A first exemplary embodiment of the method represents a target approach to achieving the target orientation. A second exemplary embodiment of the method represents an incremental approach to achieving the target orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence Allan Schroter, Alben D'Silva, Stephen Daniel Lloyd, Tim John Cox, Sheldon Kryger
  • Patent number: 9388636
    Abstract: A method for forming a controllable bend angle in a drill string in a wellbore comprises attaching an upper housing to a drill string. At least, one drive motor is anchored in the upper housing. A middle housing is operably coupled to the at least one drive motor. A lower housing is operably coupled to the at least one drive motor. The at least one drive motor is controllably operated to rotate the middle housing by a first rotation angle with respect to the upper housing, and to rotate the lower housing by a second rotation angle with respect to the upper housing, to generate a desired bend angle between the middle housing and the lower housing at a target toolface orientation between the bend angle and the upper housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M Winslow, Neelesh Deolalikar
  • Patent number: 9388637
    Abstract: A reamer for underground passageways made, for instance, for the installation of cables or pipelines to distribute services in a reticulated network. It includes a support housing having plural integral pairs of spaced-apart laterally extending support wings, wherein between each pair of support wing there is a longitudinally extending slot to receive a laterally extending cutting wing such that each cutting wing is captured between a respective pair of support wings. A stabilization ring comprising a circular sleeve supported by plural radial support pillars which extend from a central collar. Wherein, the cutting wings engage with the support housing to resist rearward longitudinal movement, with the support wings to resist torsional forces, and with the circular sleeve of the stabilization ring to resist radial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: HARD METALS AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen Ainge
  • Patent number: 9388638
    Abstract: Expandable reamers for enlarging a borehole in a subterranean formation include a tubular body, at least one curved blade track carried by the tubular body, and at least one blade engaged with the at least one blade track and configured to slide along the curved blade track along a curved path between a first retracted blade position and a second expanded blade position. To form such an expandable reamer, a tubular body having at least one curved blade track carried by the tubular body may be formed, and at least one blade may be engaged with the blade track. The blade and blade track may be configured such that the blade slides along the blade track along a curved path between a retracted position and an expanded position. Such expandable reamers may be used to enlarge boreholes in subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Carl E. Poteet, III
  • Patent number: 9388639
    Abstract: Earth-boring tools may comprise rotatable cutting elements rotatably connected to protruding journals, which may be at least partially located within inner bores extending through the rotatable cutting elements. A rotationally leading end of one of the protruding journals may not extend beyond a cutting face of its associated rotatable cutting element. Alternatively, a protruding journal may comprise a chip breaker protruding from a cutting face of a rotatable cutting element. Methods of removing an earth formation may include directing cuttings forward, away from a cutting face of a rotatable cutting element then the cuttings reach an inner bore of the rotatable cutting element, and rotating the rotatable cutting element around a protruding journal at least partially located in the inner bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Suresh G. Patel, Bruce Stauffer
  • Patent number: 9388640
    Abstract: Polycrystalline compacts include non-catalytic nanoparticles in interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline hard material. Cutting elements and earth-boring tools include such polycrystalline compacts. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts include sintering hard particles and non-catalytic nanoparticles to faun a polycrystalline material. Methods of forming cutting elements include infiltrating interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline material with a plurality of non-catalytic nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony A. DiGiovanni, Danny E. Scott
  • Patent number: 9388641
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic drill floor to substructure latching system that adds to the safety of drilling operations. In particular, the present invention is applicable for rapid and safe locked connection of a drilling rig side box to the drilling rig base box such that weight imbalances incurred when raising of the drilling rig mast will not result in unsecured and unsafe separation of the side box and base box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: T&T Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Metz, Mark W. Trevithick
  • Patent number: 9388642
    Abstract: A flexible pipe fatigue monitoring system 30 comprising a pipe monitoring system 32, 40, 42 adapted to be provided on a flexible pipe 10 having a bend stiffener 18. The pipe monitoring system 40, 42 is provided on the pipe 10 below the bend stiffener 18. The monitoring system 32 measures one or more of bending, tension and torsion of the pipe 10. The pipe monitoring system 30 comprises sensor carrier members 40, 42 adapted to be coupled to the pipe 10 and at least one fiber Bragg grating strain sensor embedded in a carrier member 40, 42. An inclinometer 34 is provided on one carrier member 40 to measure the incline of the pipe 10 relative to earth. A central processor 38 is provided to receive bending, tension and torsion information and incline information, and is operable to determine pipe fatigue from said information. A method of flexible pipe fatigue monitoring is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lars Mangal, Lenny Sutherland, Russell Smith, Damon Roberts
  • Patent number: 9388643
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an inline pressure compensator that compensates for volumetric changes within Field-Assembled Cable Termination (FACT) structures when exposed to high pressures and extreme subsea depths by transferring a pressure compensating fluid into the internal cavity of the FACT. The present invention may comprise a flexible internal component and an outer shell-like component. The inner component may comprise two concentric rings of edge-welded bellows that are joined together and wrapped around inner components of the termination or of the inner portion of the outer component. The inner void in the bellows may be filled with pressure-compensating fluid. The pressure compensating fluid diffuses directly into the fluid-filled cavity of the termination assembly. The exterior component may comprise a housing adapted to protect the interior bellows component and provide for seawater to fill the space around the periphery of the bellows arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan McCleary, Justin Kretschmar, Kaley Mishler
  • Patent number: 9388644
    Abstract: A drilling device and method with a drill rod which can be driven in a rotating manner and has an internal line, a support rope, a rotary joint between the drill rod and the support rope and has a holding member which is in connection with the support rope and a rotary member which is in connection with the rotatable drill rod, a line and a rotary feed-through which is designed for the passage of fluid and/or data between the line and the internal line of the drill rod, wherein the rotary feed-through has a rotor connected to the drill rod and a non-rotating stator, to which the line is attached. Provision is made for the support rope to be designed in a torsion-proof manner and for a rigid connecting element to be arranged as a torque support between the stator of the rotary feed-through and the torsion-proof support rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH
    Inventor: Ulli Wiedenmann
  • Patent number: 9388645
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a borehole includes a tubular disposed in the borehole. The apparatus also includes an expandable device disposed outside the tubular and proximate a selected device, the expandable device including a material that causes the expandable device to expand from a first shape to a second shape when exposed to an activating fluid. In addition, the expandable device reduces vibration of the selected device when the expandable device is in the second shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: James G. King
  • Patent number: 9388646
    Abstract: A double curved face gripping die for engaging tubular pipe of varying diameters is comprised of opposing mirror imaged curved die surfaces forming a modified V-shape. Each curve die surface has a double curved contact surface of a desired varying radius, the distal ends of the contact surfaces extending outward limn the pipe to avoid pipe contact. The die incorporates the contact strength and flexibility of a V-shaped gripping d with minimal scratching or gouging of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Vermilion River Tool & Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mostafa Elsayed
  • Patent number: 9388647
    Abstract: A pipe handler trailer assists with the handling of very large and heavy pipes that are regularly raised to and lowered from an elevated surfaces. A height adjustment assembly sets the maximum height that a skidway will reach when a lift cylinder is fully extended and lift arms are thereby rotated. Located within lift arms are toothed racks. An adjustment block couples the skidway to lift arms through the racks and also supports locking blocks that have teeth complementary to the teeth on the racks. A lock will vary from firm contact with the inner wall of lift arms to having a gap there between. When the lock engages the inner wall of the lift arm this drives the complementary teeth into secure engagement with the rack teeth, which can then rigidly support heavy load without motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Liberty Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Forrest L. Dahmes, Paul K. Danielson
  • Patent number: 9388648
    Abstract: A tubular threaded connection for coupling drill pipe segments to form a drill string is provided. Each of the segments has a tubular pipe body having a wall thickness of >0.5 inches (1.27 cm). The threaded connection comprises a pin end with an external thread, and a box end with an internal thread for threadable engagement with the external thread of the pin end. The pin shoulder extends between a pin base diameter and an outer pin bevel diameter; the box shoulder extends between a box base diameter and an outer box bevel diameter. The outer pin and box bevel diameters are between 7.75-8.688 inches (19.36-22.07 cm). The pin and box shoulders define a contact area such that, when the pin and box ends are threaded together with a make-up torque of >75,000 ft-lbs (10,369 kg-m), a load capacity of >2.0 million lbs (908,000 kg) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: David Chin
  • Patent number: 9388649
    Abstract: Offshore drilling installation comprising a platform selected from the group comprising a vessel, a pontoon, a jack-up, and further comprising a drill string drivingly connected with said platform and optionally provided with a heave motion compensator, wherein at its lower end the drill string is pro-vided with a drill bit, and wherein a seabed template suspended with lift wires from the platform is placed on a seabed, and wherein clamping means mounted in the seabed template are provided for fixing the drill string relative to the seabed template, which clamping means are embodied as a chuck which is arranged for clamping the drill string whilst enabling the drill string's rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: FUGRO ENGINEERS B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Looijen
  • Patent number: 9388650
    Abstract: A drilling system including a drill string (12) which extends into a borehole (10), and a well closure system which contains fluid in the annular space (16) in the borehole around the drill string, the well closure system having a side bore whereby controlled flow of fluid out of the annular space in the borehole around the drill string is permitted, the side bore being connected to fluid return line (28) which extends from the side bore to a fluid reservoir (34), there being provided in the fluid return line a valve (30a) which is operable to restrict flow of fluid along the fluid return line to variable extent, and a flow meter (32) operable to measure the rate of flow of fluid along the fluid return line, the flow meter being located between the valve and the side bore, wherein a filter (40) is provided between the flow meter and the side bore, the filter including a plurality of apertures which have a smaller cross-sectional area than the smallest fluid flow lines in the flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MANAGED PRESSURE OPERATIONS PTE LTD
    Inventor: Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 9388651
    Abstract: An impact apparatus conveyable in a tool string within a wellbore comprises a mandrel, a first impact feature, and a latch pin retainer encircling an end of the mandrel. A release sleeve encircles a portion of the latch pin retainer and includes a radial recess. Latch pins retained by the latch pin retainer are slidable into and out of the radial recess, and prevent disengagement of the mandrel end from the latch pin retainer when not extending into the radial recess. A release member electromagnetically causes relative translation of the latch pin retainer and the release sleeve, including aligning the latch pins with the radial recess and thereby permitting the disengagement. A second impact feature is positioned to impact the first impact feature in response to the disengagement when the impact apparatus is under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Impact Selector International, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Allen Hradecky
  • Patent number: 9388652
    Abstract: A hydraulic jar having multiple high pressure chambers includes a jar body comprising an inner body telescopically engaged by an outer body. There is a first contact surface carried by the inner body, and a second contact surface carried by the outer body that engage when the jar body is moved to the jarring position. A plurality of axially spaced pressure chambers are spaced axially along the jar body, with each pressure chamber having a hydraulic delay section and a jarring section. A piston separates the pressure chamber. A hydraulic delay is in fluid communication with a high pressure section and a low pressure section of each pressure chamber and permits movement of the piston toward the second end at a first speed. A jarring valve permits movement of the piston toward the second end at a second speed that is greater than the first speed when in a japing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Wenzel Downhole Tools Ltd.
    Inventor: Orren Johnson
  • Patent number: 9388653
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for performing a plug and abandonment operation on a subsea well. A wellhead interface module is located on a wellhead, which accommodates a volume of wellbore fluid in fluid communication with the wellbore. A system control module receives a signal from a sensor in the chamber and is configured to derive volume data relating to a change in volume of wellbore fluid in the chamber and compares the derived volume data with a volume change expected due to the removal of tubing from the wellbore. In embodiments of the invention, this enables a change in wellbore conditions to be characterized, for example a fluid influx or a fluid loss, from the volume data. The method may comprise providing wellbore fluid to the apparatus to replace fluid which enters the wellbore to occupy the volume vacated by the tubing, and/or removing or adding fluid in fluid influx/loss situations respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: IKM CLEANDRILL AS
    Inventor: Harald Hufthammer
  • Patent number: 9388654
    Abstract: The present high pressure mechanical seal features a novel configuration capable of sealing from one up to simultaneously five power conduction lines, flow injection lines or control lines, in the same device. Adaptable to different configurations, types and size of conduction lines existing in the industry. The power conduction lines can be a cable of an electro-submersible pump or the cable in a down hole heater; the flow and control lines can be diluents injector capillaries or data and instrumentation cables or any other type of conduction line which can enter the inner atmosphere of the wellbore. Conduction lines are generally shaped as uniform cylindrical elements, which vary in diameter and material due to the cylindrical geometry, are adaptable to the sealing system of the present invention, such that the equipment can seal from only one line up to five lines depending on the requirement of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SOLPETROCOL S.A.S.
    Inventors: Alejandro Urrego Lopera, Juan David Ospina Medina
  • Patent number: 9388655
    Abstract: A packoff and a locking assembly installed in a bore of a wellhead component are provided. In one embodiment, a packoff includes inner and outer annular seals and an energizing ring shaped to be wedged between the inner and outer annular seals so as to apply a radially inward biasing force on the inner annular seal and a radially outward biasing force on the outer annular seal. In another embodiment, a locking assembly includes a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component and an actuator radially disposed between an inner component within the bore and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess. The actuator can have an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Hao Bin Huang, Jay P. Painter
  • Patent number: 9388656
    Abstract: The present invention provides monitoring means for monitoring the space and volume within a lower annulus. In particular, the monitoring means monitors the space and volume within the lower annulus 52 located between the inner surface of the 22 intermediate casing string 22 and the outer surface of the inner casing string 32. Furthermore, the monitoring means provides the capability to retrieve and/or introduce fluid(s) into the annular space 52. The monitoring means provides a port, specifically a passageway 100, which extends upwardly from the annular space 52 to an outlet located above the hanger 36 for the intermediate casing string 22. The passageway 100 is provided in a sleeve 102. The monitoring means includes a sensor located above the hanger 36 which means that the fluid in the annular space 52 can be monitored without the need for penetrating a casing in the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Plexus Holdings, PLC.
    Inventors: Craig Francis Bryce Hendrie, Bernard Herman Van Bilderbeek, Michael Robertson
  • Patent number: 9388657
    Abstract: A blow-out preventer contains high pressure material within a drill casing. Specifically, an automatic blow-out preventer cuts off communication between a casing and a riser automatically when pressures rise within the casing. More specifically, the blow-out preventer comprises a plurality of curved blades or “petals” that automatically close to seal off casing pressure from riser pressure when pressure rises within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Clinton D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9388658
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present subsea pipe cutting apparatuses use or include a frame, one or more water jet nozzles coupled to the frame and configured to apply pressurized fluid to a pipe to cut the pipe, and one or more of: a flange configured to secure the subsea pipe cutting apparatus relative to a blowout preventer stack, one or more water jet nozzles coupled to a rotating portion of the frame and configured to rotate about the pipe, one or more water jet nozzles movable between a retracted state and a deployed state in which the one or more water jet nozzles are radially closer to the pipe than when in the retracted state, one or more water jet nozzles pivotally coupled to the frame and configured to pivot while applying pressurized fluid to a surface of the pipe, and two or more water jet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Guy Robert Babbitt, John Matthew Dalton
  • Patent number: 9388659
    Abstract: A backup wellhead adapter for a subsea wellhead that is positioned between an existing blowout preventer system and the wellhead. The adapter is a dual housing assembly that includes a primary housing longitudinally aligned over a secondary housing. The primary and secondary housings include lower bodies and upper necks that have identical diameters. During assembly, the existing primary blowout preventing system is initially connected to the neck on the primary housing. The lower body of the secondary housing is connected to a ram assembly connected to the wellhead connector or connected directly to the wellhead connector. When a blowout occurs, the primary housing is disconnected from the secondary housing to expose the upper neck of the secondary housing upon which a replacement primary blowout preventing system or cap may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: David B. Redden, Frank McCormack, Larry E Huskins
  • Patent number: 9388660
    Abstract: A packer can include a mandrel having a longitudinal section, the packer being releasable in response to the section being severed, a slip support and a load transfer device that extends longitudinally across the section, the device being secured to the mandrel on one side of the section, and the device being secured to the member on an opposite side of the section. A method of constructing a releasable packer can include assembling a mandrel, at least one slip, a slip support and a load transfer device, the mandrel having a longitudinal section, and the packer being releasable in response to the section being severed. The assembling can include preventing relative longitudinal displacement between the device and the mandrel on one side of the section while preventing relative longitudinal displacement between the device and the member on an opposite side of the section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Zhe Cong Foong, Daniel Lorng Yon Wong, Iris Sok Yee Kam, Yit Long Raymond Chua
  • Patent number: 9388661
    Abstract: A completion assembly for treating a wellbore. The completion assembly can include a tubular member having a bore formed axially therethrough and a port formed radially therethrough. An annulus can be disposed radially outward from the tubular member and the port can provide fluid communication between the annulus and the bore. A packer can be coupled to the tubular member and adapted to isolate first and second portions of the annulus. A seal bore can be coupled to the tubular member such that the port is disposed axially between the packer and the seal bore. A straddle seal can be adapted to contact the packer and the seal bore to prevent fluid flow between the annulus and the bore. The straddle seal can be run into the wellbore with the completion assembly in a single trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Sidney Jasek
  • Patent number: 9388662
    Abstract: A settable down hole includes a set of metal slips which include intersecting zones of weakness in the metal which fracture into a large set of pieces during setting of the tool so the pieces can be circulated out of a well without further reduction in size. One zone of weakness is a closed bore passage extending axially through one or more of the slip segments. An expander cone of increased hardness allows an increased angle on the expander cone and slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 9388663
    Abstract: A downhole circulating valve includes a generally tubular outer housing having an axially extending internal passageway including an internal seat and at least one generally radially extending opening formed through the housing intersecting the internal seat. A valve element is rotatably disposed within the internal passageway. The valve element has an axially extending internal bore and a head portion disposed at least partially within the internal seat. The head portion includes at least one generally radially extending seal element. The valve element has a first position relative to the housing, wherein the seal element is not aligned with the opening, thereby allowing fluid communication between the opening and the internal passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jimmie Robert Williamson, Leo G. Collins, David L. Reesing, Russell Irving Bayh, III
  • Patent number: 9388664
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a chemical injection line and a plurality of tools in operable communication with the chemical injection line that are independently responsive to changes in pressure or flow through the chemical injection line and that are configured to control flow of wellbore fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David Teale, Robert Scott Rees
  • Patent number: 9388665
    Abstract: An actuation method according to one or more embodiments includes axially translating an operator in a first direction in response to applying a tubing pressure to a first side in excess of an annulus pressure acting on a second side, axially translating the operator in a second direction to an actuation position in response to applying an underbalance pressure level to the operator and operating a tool element from a first position to a second position in response to translating the operator to the actuation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard T. Caminari
  • Patent number: 9388666
    Abstract: A well tool can include a chamber having a volume that changes when a member displaces, and a valve device that selectively opens and permits displacement of the member, and that selectively closes and prevents displacement of the member. A method of operating a well tool can include displacing a member, thereby changing a chamber volume, and then closing a valve device, thereby preventing displacement of the member. A well system can include a well tool connected in a tubular string, a flow passage of the tubular string extending longitudinally through the well tool, the well tool including a chamber having a volume that changes when a member displaces, and a shifting tool, a valve device opening and member displacement being permitted when the shifting tool engages the well tool, and the valve device closing and member displacement being prevented when the shifting tool disengages from the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Zhe Cong Foong, Vijay Kumar Keerthivasan, Daniel Lorng Yon Wong
  • Patent number: 9388667
    Abstract: A method for heating a production fluid in a wellbore. The method can include heating, using a packer fluid, a working fluid flowing through a first medium disposed in a first section of the wellbore, where the first medium transfers heat from the packer fluid to the working fluid. The method can also include circulating the working fluid into a second section of the wellbore through a second medium, where the second medium transfers heat from the working fluid to the production fluid. The method can further include returning the working fluid to the first section of the wellbore through the first medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignees: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC., LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC.
    Inventors: Yamila Orrego, Todd A. Jankowski
  • Patent number: 9388668
    Abstract: There is herein described the prevention of hydrates and the provision of a Relief Well in an oil and gas Well. More particularly, there is described the prevention of hydrates in an oil and gas Well by utilizing the latent heat in the sub-soil and providing Subterranean Channels to facilitate the provision of Relief Well access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Francis McAnally
  • Patent number: 9388669
    Abstract: Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Michael L. Fripp, Donald G. Kyle, Cyrus A. Irani
  • Patent number: 9388670
    Abstract: A containment system for recovering hydrocarbon fluid from a leaking device comprises a dome situated above the leaking device and forming a cavity for accumulating hydrocarbon fluid from the leaking device, and an injection system that inputs an injection fluid into the cavity. The injection system comprises a plurality of first injectors near the domes inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Total SA
    Inventors: Van-Khoi Vu, Jean-Claude Bourguignon
  • Patent number: 9388671
    Abstract: Disclosed is a swellable screen assembly having inflow control capabilities. One swellable screen assembly includes a base pipe comprising a sidewall portion defining at least one opening therein, a rigid member disposed about a first portion of the base pipe and having a piston arranged therein. The piston has a telescoping portion movably arranged within a non-telescoping portion. An autonomous valve is arranged within the piston and provides fluid communication between a filter medium disposed about the base pipe and the opening in the base pipe, the filter medium being coupled to the telescoping portion of the piston. A swellable material is disposed about a second portion of the base pipe and the filter medium is disposed about the swellable material, wherein, as the swellable material expands, the filter medium is displaced toward an inner surface of the wellbore, thereby extending the telescoping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke Holderman
  • Patent number: 9388672
    Abstract: This invention relates to wellbore equipment utilized in conjunction with operations performed in subterranean wells and, in particular, sand control screen assemblies providing secondary flow capabilities. Once sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having an exterior surface and defining one or more perforations therein, a screen jacket disposed about the exterior surface of the base pipe and having a primary screen axially adjacent a secondary screen, and at least one relief valve configured to open upon experiencing a predetermined fluid pressure, wherein, once opened, the at least one relief valve diverts fluid flow from the primary screen and provides the fluid flow to the secondary screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Cunningham, Jean-Marc Lopez, Stephen Michael Greci
  • Patent number: 9388673
    Abstract: A technique facilitates a perforation operation. A perforating gun carrier is combined with a pressure enhancement mechanism. The pressure enhancement mechanism provides a controlled increase in pressure within the perforating gun carrier as the perforating gun carrier is delivered into a higher pressure environment. The increase in internal pressure counters the buildup of a pressure differential to the degree desired for a given perforating gun carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brenden M. Grove, Jeremy P. Harvey
  • Patent number: 9388674
    Abstract: A system and method for forming a cavern in a formation beyond a cased wellbore utilizes a locator to position a perforating gun in the wellbore for forming axially aligned, spaced-apart perforations through the casing. The locator has a stationary portion, run in and anchored in the wellbore below a zone of interest. The perforating guns have a moveable portion of the locator at a downhole end and are run in and coupled with the stationary portion. Where two or more guns are used to form the perforations, the guns are indexed relative to one another for forming the offset perforations. The guns are tripped from the wellbore and a wash tool having a moveable portion of the locator at a downhole end is run in and coupled in the wellbore. The locator acts to delimit a reciprocation of the wash tool along the space-apart perforations for delivering a non-abrasive fluid therethrough for forming the cavern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Bruce Mitchell, Richard Bennett
  • Patent number: 9388675
    Abstract: An injection mandrel may include a valve controlling the flow of the injection fluid. A valve actuator operatively connected to the valve sequentially generates a first predetermined pressure and a larger second predetermined pressure in the valve. The valve actuator generates the second predetermined pressure in the valve in response to a predetermined change in a pressure at an annulus surrounding the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Zhe Y. He
  • Patent number: 9388676
    Abstract: Improved SAGD methods for recovering heavy oil from underground formations. In a first aspect a method is provided for drilling, using multi-lateral drilling techniques, a series of horizontal collector wells from a vertical shaft of a production well, below and parallel to an injection well. In a further alternative to the typical SAGD configuration having injector and producer well drilled from the same end of a region under development, the production well is instead drilled at an end of a region of development opposite to an end of such region at which an injector well is drilled. Lastly, in yet another aspect, the invention comprises a method for rejuvenating an existing SAGD well pair, comprising drilling a further production well or wells at an opposite end of said formation at which an existing injector well was drilled, preferably using multi-lateral drilling techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Husky Oil Operations Limited
    Inventor: Kamran R. Jorshari
  • Patent number: 9388677
    Abstract: It is provided a method and an apparatus for continuously thermally treating an oil reservoir, in particular a method and an apparatus for thermally treating an oil reservoir by separately introducing a first and a second composition into an oil well and contacting the first and second compositions in a pay zone of the oil reservoir to initiate a chemical reaction producing heat and gases. With the method and apparatus according to the present invention it becomes possible to simultaneously introduce the compositions into the oil well and to extract the resultant oil or oil containing mixture through the same oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: VISCOS ENERGY SERVICES AG
    Inventors: Eugeny Nikolaevich Alexandrov, Dmitry Anatoljevich Lemenovski, Zdenek Koller
  • Patent number: 9388678
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbons and a selected metal in situ from a fixed-bed hydrocarbon formation disposed below a ground surface and having a higher permeability zone substantially parallel to, and between a top lower permeability zone and a bottom lower permeability zone. The steps include providing at least one injection well and first and second production wells in the higher permeability zone, injecting a heated thermal-energy carrier fluid (TECF) into the injection well, circulating the carrier fluid through the zone and creating a substantially horizontal situ heating element (ISHE) between the injection well and the production wells for mobilizing the hydrocarbons and the selected metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph A. Affholter, Gilman A. Hill
  • Patent number: 9388679
    Abstract: A gas separator connectable to a pump for flowing production fluid, the separator having a housing defining an internal cavity with an inlet end defining for the production fluid. A housing first pumping stage pressurizes the production fluid, and a first fluid flow restrictor downstream of the first pumping stage limits the production fluid to a selected first flow rate. A first separation chamber in the housing downstream of the first fluid flow restrictor separates some gas from the production fluid, and a housing second pumping stage further pressurizes the production. A second fluid flow restrictor downstream of the second pumping stage limits the production fluid flow to a selected second flow rate, and a second separation chamber downstream to the second fluid flow restrictor effects further gas separation from the production fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Legacy Separators, LLC
    Inventor: Guy Morrison
  • Patent number: 9388680
    Abstract: A method for providing assistance to a drilling site including receiving, by a remote system, an assistance request from a quick-link communication device, wherein the quick-link communication device is located at the drilling location. The method also including obtaining sensor data from the rig based on the assistance request, analyzing, by the remote system, the sensor data to identify a condition of the rig, and providing assistance to the drilling site for the condition of the rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Moran
  • Patent number: 9388681
    Abstract: Reducing or eliminating stick-slip and vibrations downhole may include controlling top drive torque in order to adjust drill bit angular speed in a manner that prevents, eliminates, or reduces stick-slip and vibration. Control methods and systems may include solving one or more optimization problems including an objective function. The objective function may be subject to conditions including a physical model of the drilling system. The objective function may be minimized without reference to a model, but instead by reference to estimated stick-slip frequency based upon a drill bit angular speed profile. In addition, actual downhole measurements for use in control methods and systems, such as drill bit angular speed, may be estimated using an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Dykstra, Zhijie Sun