Patents Issued in August 30, 2016
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Patent number: 9428963Abstract: A bidirectional stabilizer, which reduces impact damage while rotating into and out of a wellbore. The bidirectional stabilizer can be coupled on a first end to a drill string and on a second end to a drill bit. The bidirectional stabilizer can have an annulus configured for maximum wellbore fluid flow. A cutting portion can be formed on a shaft with a plurality of blades between the first shaft end and the second shaft end. The plurality of blades of the cutting portion can be on a first plane and a plurality of cutting nodes can be on a second plane for smoothing a wellbore. The plurality of blades can have a wrap angle for forming a particle flow path between pairs of the plurality of blades configured with a line of sight parallel to the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: ALASKAN ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.Inventors: Lee Morgan Smith, Betty A. Eastup-Smith
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Patent number: 9428964Abstract: An excavating tool includes a casing pipe that forms a cylindrical shape about an axis line and in which a stepped portion whose inner diameter is decreased by one step is formed in an inner peripheral portion of an distal end; an inner bit where a contact portion which can come into contact with the stepped portion is formed in an outer periphery, which is inserted into the casing pipe, and whose distal end portion protrudes from a distal end of the casing pipe; an engagement convex portion that is disposed on the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the inner bit so as to be retractable; a ring bit that forms an annular shape and is arranged around the distal end portion of the inner bit; and an engagement concave portion that is formed in an inner peripheral portion of the ring bit.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATIONInventors: Masaya Hisada, Kazuyoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 9428965Abstract: An improved subsurface drilling tool comprises a shank having a cutting end opposite a pin end configured to attach to a drill string. A plurality of ear portions is associated with the proximate end of the shank and configured to form a socket. A ball-shaped cutting tool is configured to fit inside the socket and is rotatably attach to the ear portions via an axle. A locking pin may be installed within one or more of the ear portions and perpendicular to the axle. A plurality of blade inserts is connected to the ball-shaped cutting tool. The blade inserts may be removable and/or configurable to be oriented in varied directions. A series of milling courses may extend longitudinally along an outside length of the shank. A fluid course may extend longitudinally within the shank to deliver drilling fluid to the cutting end.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventor: Kevin Dewayne Jones
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Patent number: 9428966Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes a volume of superabrasive material having a cutting face and a shaped feature on the cutting face. The shaped feature may include at least one of a recess extending into the volume of superabrasive material from the cutting face and a protrusion extending outward from the cutting face. A first portion of the cutting face may have a first surface roughness, and a second portion of the cutting face may have a second surface roughness greater than the first surface roughness of the first portion of the cutting face. The volume of superabrasive material may be disposed on a substrate. Methods of forming cutting elements may include forming one or more shaped features in a cutting face of the cutting elements. Earth-boring tools may include such cutting elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Suresh G. Patel, Danny E. Scott, Rudolf Carl Pessier
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Patent number: 9428967Abstract: Polycrystalline compact tables for cutting elements include regions of grains of super hard material. One region of grains (“first grains”) and another region of grains (“second grains”) have different properties, such as different average grain sizes, different super hard material volume densities, or both. The region of first grains and the region of second grains adjoin one another at grain interfaces that may include a curved portion in a vertical cross-section of the table. In some embodiments, discrete regions of the first grains may be vertically disposed between discrete regions of the second grains. As such, the tables have ordered grain regions of different properties that may inhibit delamination and crack propagation through the table when used in conjunction with a cutting element. Methods of forming the tables include forming the regions and subjecting the grains to a high-pressure, high-temperature process to sinter the grains.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Danny E. Scott, Michael L. Doster, Anthony A. DiGiovanni
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Patent number: 9428968Abstract: A rotary drill bit for engaging an earth strata material includes an elongate drill bit body having an axial forward end and an axial rearward end, and a cutting insert attached to the axial forward end of the elongate drill bit body. The cutting insert has an elongate insert body rotatable about a central axis and includes a pair of symmetrical halves symmetrical about the central axis, each symmetrical half including a leading face, a top surface having a relief surface, a T-land surface extending between the leading face and the relief surface and a cutting edge formed at the intersection of the T-land surface and the relief surface. The cutting edge can have a negative axial rake angle. The relief surface can include a primary relief surface and a secondary relief surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: KENNAMETAL INC.Inventors: Nicholas J. Paros, Stephen M. George, Glenn W. Sheffler, Don C. Rowlett
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Patent number: 9428969Abstract: The present Invention concerns a clamp (20) for mounting upon an elongate member such as a riser (24) to be deployed underwater. The clamp may for example be intended to prevent movement of a buoyancy module along a riser. The clamp comprises a plurality of clamp bodies (22) to be placed at circumferential intervals about the elongate member. A strap (42) is provided which is to be placed around the clamp bodies and tensioned to urge the clamp bodies toward the elongate member, enabling the clamp to resist movement along it. The clamp bodies comprise respective spring elements (28) which are arranged, when the clamp is assembled and mounted, between the clamp bodies and the elongate member. The clamp bodies and the spring elements are shaped to permit them to be used in clamps having a range of different diameters and having a differing number of clamp bodies.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Trelleborg Offshore U.K. Ltd.Inventors: Austin Harbison, David Somerville
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Patent number: 9428970Abstract: A handling device for handling drill string components (8, 8?,8?) in a rock drilling rig (1), wherein the handling device includes a gripper unit (11) for gripping drill string components (8, 8?,8?) to be put into and be brought out from the rock drilling rig, and wherein the gripper unit (11) includes grippers (12,13,14) operational for gripping components positioned in a gripping position, which defines a grip position axis (G). The gripper unit (11) is supported swingable between: a) a first position, wherein the gripper unit is positioned for engagement with an end portion of a first drill string component (8?) and an end portion of a second drill string component (8?) in and aligned with said active drill string position (A), and b) a second position, wherein a gripper unit (11) is positioned for engagement with an end portion of a drill string component in a delivering position for drill string components that are to be brought into respectively taken away from said active drill string position (A).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Atlas Copco Craelius ABInventors: Anders Gustafsson, Olof Göransson, Lars Gellerhed
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Patent number: 9428971Abstract: A rock drilling unit and a method of changing drill rods in a rock drilling unit is disclosed. The rock drilling unit includes a feed beam, a retainer device, a rock drilling machine and at least one clamp. The clamp is operable without driving force of the drilling unit. The clamp has a space for receiving one single drill rod. The clamp is positioned at a side position, which is parallel to a drilling axis and is at a transfer distance from the drilling axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION OYInventor: Ilmo Pyörny
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Patent number: 9428972Abstract: A clamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between a first tubular and a second tubular comprises a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a first cam gear, a first plurality of clamp members disposed within the first cam gear, and a torque gear. Each clamp member is pivotally coupled to the torque gear. Each clamp member is configured to pivot between a withdraw position radially spaced apart from the first tubular and a gripping position engaging the first tubular. In addition, the clamping system comprises a clamp actuator. The clamp actuator includes a mounting shaft, a first clamp drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft, and a torque drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft. The first clamp drive gear is configured to rotate the first cam gear and the torque drive gear is configured to rotate the torque gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO NORWAY ASInventors: Hugo Leonardo Rosano, Lopek Drzewiecki
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Patent number: 9428973Abstract: A coiled tubing injector unit insert assembly includes a gripping insert configured to be coupled to a carrier block, the insert comprising a tongue with a first cutout configured to engage a shaft extending within a carrier block pocket, the shaft having a first diameter portion and a second larger diameter portion and a junction between the two shaft diameters that is located within the carrier block pocket to couple the gripping insert to the carrier block.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Premier Coil Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Do Seo Park
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Patent number: 9428974Abstract: A coiled tubing servicing system comprising a servicing cart comprising two or more support frames, a length of coiled tubing supported by the servicing cart, a servicing fixture disposed about a portion of the length of coiled tubing adjacent the servicing cart, wherein the servicing fixture is movable along a longitudinal axis of the length of coiled tubing and radially about the longitudinal axis of the length of coiled tubing; and a servicing tool coupled to the servicing fixture.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Glenn Dixson, Brian Vandellyn Park, Maximo Gustavo Michaelis, Mikko Jaaskelainen
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Patent number: 9428975Abstract: A pump module for a drilling riser includes at least one pump mounted to a frame, the frame including features to couple the frame to a segment of riser. A fluid inlet is affixed to the frame. The fluid inlet is in fluid communication with an intake of the at least one pump. The fluid inlet has features to make fluid tight hydraulic connection to a fluid outlet of the riser segment when the frame is coupled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: ENHANCED DRILLING A.S.Inventors: Roger Sverre Stave, Kjell Rune Toftevåg, Inge Fadnes, Arvid Iversen
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Patent number: 9428976Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a sleeve system comprising a ported case, a sliding sleeve within the case and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve restricts fluid communication via the case and a second sleeve position in which the sleeve does not, a radially divided segmented seat movable between a first seat position in which the seat restricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not, and a sheath covering a portion of the seat, the sleeve system being transitionable from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position, in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jesse Cale Porter, Kendall Lee Pacey, Matthew Todd Howell, William Ellis Standridge
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Patent number: 9428977Abstract: An actuation tool uses a lock that when released allows a moving magnet to move into position to repel another magnet. Alternatively a magnetic field can be triggered in a stationary magnet such as one delivered on wireline, for example, to accomplish tool actuation. The repelling force on the second magnet moves it away from a locking position to allow another lock to retract and release the stored potential energy, where the release of the potential energy creates kinetic energy to drive an actuation assembly to set the tool. In a preferred application the tool can be a liner hanger. The release device can be a selectively energized electromagnet or a solenoid that shifts at least one magnet into alignment with at least one second magnet so as to defeat the second magnet from effectively supporting dogs that retain the potential energy whose movement can set the tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Alasdair R. Tait
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Patent number: 9428978Abstract: A method for automatically shortening an injection well liner for underground coal gasification is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: CARBON ENERGY LIMITEDInventors: Burl Edward Davis, Kieran Maurice O'Leary
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Patent number: 9428979Abstract: A shaped charge casing cutter is constructed with the cutter explosive formed into radial section modules aligned in a toroidal cavity between a pair of housing plates. The center sections of the housing plates are contiguously aligned with opposite parallel surfaces of a center disc. The housing plates comprise annular edges or rims, and the rims can be offset from respective center disc planes in opposite directions from each other to form a toroidal cavity. The toroidal cavity is enclosed by a circumferential belt secured to said housing plate rims. V-grooved shaped charge explosive in the form of multiple pi sections is distributed about the cavity to intimately contact a pair of frusto-conical liners. Assembly tolerance space between the pi sections is filled by dense paper card stock.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventors: William T. Bell, James G. Rairigh
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Patent number: 9428980Abstract: A jar comprises a housing including an anvil. In addition, the jar comprises a mandrel telescopically disposed within the housing and including a hammer. Further, the jar comprises an annular chamber radially positioned between the mandrel and the housing. Still further, the jar comprises an actuation assembly disposed in the annular chamber. The actuation assembly includes a first collet disposed about the mandrel, a first trigger sleeve disposed about the first collet and adapted to releasably engage the first collet, and a first biasing member adapted to exert an axial force on the mandrel. Moreover, the jar comprises a lock assembly disposed in the annular chamber. The lock assembly includes a second collet disposed about the mandrel, a second trigger sleeve disposed about the second collet and adapted to releasably engage the second collet, and a second biasing member adapted to exert an axial force on the mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Evans
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Patent number: 9428981Abstract: Adapters for inclusion on the lower end of a completion/work-over riser includes a flow loop in fluid communication with a production flow loop hub and a production bore to facilitate testing and calibration of a subsea multi-phase flow meter during completion operations. The flow loop can be in fluid communication with one or more flow loop isolation valves, one or more production bore isolation valves, one or more annulus bore isolation valves, or one or more cross-over valves. In addition, a pressure/temperature sensor can also be included in the adapter. The adapters disclosed herein permit production fluid to flow through the subsea multi-phase flow meter while the riser is still attached to the subsea Christmas tree and before production operations have begun.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventor: Stanley Hosie
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Patent number: 9428982Abstract: A valve comprises a housing including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a neutral chamber. In addition, the valve comprises a stem disposed within the housing. Further, the valve comprises a first valve member at least partially disposed in the first chamber and connected to the stem and a second valve member at least partially disposed in the second chamber and connected to the stem. The first valve member has a closed position seated in a first annular valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the first valve seat. The second valve member has a closed position seated in a second annular valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the second valve seat. Moreover, the valve comprises a biasing member configured to bias the second valve member to the closed position and the first valve member to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Nicolas Arteaga
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Patent number: 9428983Abstract: A top entry wireline apparatus may be used to insert or manipulate an electrical conduit into a wellbore. The top entry wireline apparatus may include a roller chain configuration that may include a plurality of roller bodies. A method of using the top entry wireline apparatus is also included.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventors: Chance E. Mann, Ronald E. Haws
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Patent number: 9428984Abstract: This invention involves a method of securing pipe (also referred to as a “string of tools”) when driving off a subsea well or sealing off a well in onshore applications where there is an emergency by grabbing the pipe before it is cut. A pipe ram then is closed on the pipe before a shear ram is actuated to cut the pipe. In subsea applications, the top of the pipe may then be raised clear of the blowout preventer within a marine riser. A blind ram and annular preventer can then be closed above the remnant of the pipe being retained by the pipe catcher. The pipe above the cut is removed through the marine riser and the marine riser itself is then disconnected. The rig is then driven off the well. If the well is reactivated the steps are reversed but the well is safely secured before the blowout preventer components are opened. The pipe supported by the catcher is independently supported before the catcher is released and the pipe lifted through the riser.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Herbert P. Dhuet, Christian F. Bayne, Donald P. Lauderdale
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Patent number: 9428985Abstract: A swellable downhole article includes a swellable material and a carbon nitride material. The swellable material may include at least one of an elastomeric material and an absorbent material. The carbon nitride material may remove cations from a downhole fluid. Methods of forming the swellable downhole article are also disclosed, as are methods of forming a carbon nitride containing material for removing contaminants from a fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Valery N. Khabashesku
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Patent number: 9428986Abstract: A disintegrating plug uses a setting tool to push a swage into the plug body that has external ribs that contact the wall of the surrounding tubular. The ribs retain the body to the surrounding tubular wall with frictional contact. Some leakage may ensue but in fracturing some leakage does not matter if enough volume under the right pressure reaches the formation. The sheared member during the setting comes out with the mandrel that is part of the setting tool. In an alternative embodiment one or more o-rings are used to seal while anchoring is assisted by the hardened insert(s) that can be snap fitted in using rib flexing or that can be a c-ring that is expanded and snapped in. The o-ring(s) are axially spaced from the insert(s).Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gregory L. Hern, Levi B. Oberg, YingQing Xu
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Patent number: 9428987Abstract: A system and/or a method collects formation fluids using a single packer with expansion rings and/or an irregular sealing layer. The packer may have an expansion ring extending around an outer circumference. The expansion ring may seal a portion of a wellbore to sample fluid from a formation. An irregular sealing layer may facilitate leaking between drains of the packer. The irregular sealing layer may have grooves through which fluid may flow. The irregular sealing layer may be composed of fibers and/or plastic.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Jean-Louis Pessin, Julian J. Pop, Stephane Metayer, Kathiravane Tingat Cody
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Patent number: 9428988Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a horizontal hydrocarbon well includes cementing a casing string in the well and creating passages through the casing string adjacent float equipment near the casing toe by slowly dissolving a plug with completion fluid used to pump cement into an annulus between the casing string and bore hole. By the time the cement sets up, the plug dissolves leaving passages in the casing string through which a first frac job may be pumped or which allows pumping perforating equipment into the horizontal leg without requiring a coiled tubing run. The technique can also be used in vertical wells to save a perforating gun run.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
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Patent number: 9428989Abstract: A method of variably restricting flow in a subterranean well can include resisting flow through a flow path, and then selectively opening a pressure barrier which previously prevented flow through another flow path. The flow paths are configured for parallel flow. A flow restrictor system for use with a subterranean well can include at least two flow paths configured for parallel flow, a flow restrictor which resists flow through one flow path, and a pressure barrier which prevents flow through another flow path. The pressure barrier is selectively openable to permit flow through the second flow path.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Liam A. Aitken, Nicholas A. Kuo, Gregory S. Cunningham, Jean-Marc Lopez
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Patent number: 9428990Abstract: A rotationally activated downhole well valve for connection in a tubing string is disclosed that can be repeatedly opened and closed selectively to place the tubing string in communication with the annulus. The valve is moved between the closed position and the open position by rotating the string in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Charles Frederick Carder
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Patent number: 9428991Abstract: A downhole tool and concomitant methodology for selectively opening and closing multiple frac stages and multiple production zones in the absence of an intervention step. A sliding frac valve is disposed between a fixed open sleeve and a fixed mandrel. Under the influence of an open flow port or a closed flow port, the sliding frac valve is caused to slide in a predetermined direction to trigger emplacement of a locking rib cage within a corresponding recess, thereby locking the tool in an open or closed position. An option is provided for selectively filtering sand and other particulate impurities using a similarly slidable sliding screen valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventor: Elie Robert Abi Aad
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Patent number: 9428992Abstract: A ball seat valve employed in a downhole tool string includes a split-ring baffle that is configured to radially expand and to radially contract to catch a dropped ball.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Matthew James Merron
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Patent number: 9428993Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for controlling flow in a pipe string using a finger valve. Specifically, the disclosure describes a finger valve comprising a base pipe and a sliding sleeve. The base pipe can comprise a finger port, one or more fingers; and one or more hinges, each of the hinges connecting one of the fingers to the base pipe. The sliding sleeve can comprise a sliding sleeve having a first sleeve with in inner surface comprising a void and a depressor. The first sleeve can be positionable in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the depressor can push the one or more fingers into a closed position. In the second position, the void can rest at least one of the one or more fingers, allowing the at least one of the one or more fingers to move into an open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Flowpro Well Technology a.s.Inventor: Kristian Brekke
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Patent number: 9428994Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a monitor for a blowout preventer of a wellbore. The blowout preventer includes a housing, rams, and an actuator comprising a cylinder with a piston. The piston is operatively connectable with the ram and movable therewith. The monitor includes a monitor base operatively connectable to the cylinder (the monitor base having an interior side inside the cylinder and an exterior side outside the cylinder), an interior plate positionable inside the cylinder about the interior side of the base (the interior plate operatively connectable to the piston and movable therewith), an exterior plate positionable outside the cylinder about the exterior surface of the monitor base (the exterior plate coupled by magnets to the interior plate and rotatable therewith), and a trigger sensor operatively connectable about the monitor base and the exterior plate to detect rotation thereof whereby a position of the ram may be determined.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: James Ray Landrith, II, Roger Dale Brown, Jonathan Lewis Buelow, Joseph James Liotta, Eric Trevor Ensley, Christopher Dale Johnson
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Patent number: 9428995Abstract: System and method directed to the art of heating a fluid for use in a hydraulic fracturing system. A heat tube having a plurality of pipes disposed axially along and substantially near the periphery of a medial portion of the heat tube. The heat tube is heated by induction heaters.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Freedom Oilfield Services, Inc.Inventor: Arthur H. Holt
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Patent number: 9428996Abstract: Testing water contamination around oil or gas wells. To determine a testing zone around an oil or gas well, multiple variables are received by data processing apparatus. The variables include variables associated with an oil or gas well, variables associated with an entity performing hydraulic fracturing in the oil or gas well, and variables associated with inhabitable regions surrounding the oil or gas well, to name a few. The multiple variables are processed by the data processing apparatus. In response to the processing, a zone around the oil or gas well within which to test for contamination due to the hydraulic fracturing in the oil or gas well is determined.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: FracTest LLCInventor: Scott Nelson
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Patent number: 9428997Abstract: A gravel pack assembly includes screen sections with a packer between them. A first screen section communicates an uphole annulus with the assembly's interior passage, and a second screen section communicates a downhole annulus with the interior passage. A housing of the packer has an internal bore communicating with the assembly's interior passage and has an internal bypass communicating external ports with one another. A first packer element disposed between the external ports restricts gravel passage at least from the uphole to the downhole annulus. A second packer element disposed downhole from a second of the external ports is independently actuated to isolate fluid passage between the uphole and downhole annulus. One or more transport tubes communicate slurry from the uphole annulus to the internal bypass once the uphole annulus is packed with gravel.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: John P. Broussard, Christopher A. Hall
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Patent number: 9428998Abstract: A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion for extending into the tubular string; a housing connected to the mandrel upper portion; and a bonnet. The bonnet is: for receiving an upper end of the tubular string, disposed along the mandrel, and linked to the housing. The setting tool further includes: an actuator for stroking the bonnet relative to the mandrel and the housing, thereby setting a hanger of the tubular string; an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal; and a latch. The latch is: connected to the mandrel lower portion, operable between an extended position and a retracted position, for being restrained in the retracted position by being disposed in the tubular string, and extendable by being removed from the tubular string.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Rocky A. Turley, Robin L. Campbell, Karsten Heidecke, George Givens
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Patent number: 9428999Abstract: A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a completion string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A completion string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Haliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William M. Richards
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Patent number: 9429000Abstract: A system comprising a well flow optimization program and associated control equipment for monitoring changing variables and well conditions and dynamically performing adjustments to one or more established set points. The system is designed to work with a plunger lift system but is also functional on a well that is not running a plunger lift or any type of artificial lift system. The system is also capable of controlling open flow and open flow set points and sales flow and sales flow set points by means of a pneumatic flow control device. The disclosed system also minimizes the time that is needed to optimize a well by a producer/operator.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: PCS FERGUSONInventors: Christopher A. Velasquez, Kori A. G. Hare
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Patent number: 9429001Abstract: A dual well pumping unit (12) has two hydraulic ram units (26), one for each well, which are connected together for regenerative assist. Synchronized variable stroke and variable speed pump down control is provided, such that should pump down be encountered in one of the wells, programmable controllers (46) reduce the speed and the stroke of a ram unit (26) for a pumped-down well by the same percentage, to maintain a constant cycle time between upstrokes and down strokes such that the ram unit (26) of the pumped down well will remain synchronized with a ram unit (26) of the other well. Preferably the speed and the stroke of the ram unit (26) of the pumped down well will be decreased by 1.5% per stroke when pump down is detected, and will be increased by 3% per stroke until a constant fluid level is reached.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Flotek Hydralift, Inc.Inventor: Larry D Best
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Patent number: 9429002Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an ESP installed in a well. The ESP is operated at a first voltage, and the current actually drawn by the ESP motor is monitored and compared to an expected current. If the actual current differs from the expected current, the actual horsepower load on the ESP motor is determined by multiplying an expected horsepower load by the ratio of the actual current to the expected current. A load saturation curve for the actual horsepower load is determined, and a voltage is identified on this curve at which the corresponding current is minimized. The ESP motor is then operated at this new voltage to optimize the efficiency of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: John M. Knapp
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Patent number: 9429003Abstract: Methods for recovering methane gas from natural gas hydrates are provided. A representative method includes the step of adding a gas mixture containing air and carbon dioxide to a natural gas hydrate (NGH), the step of replacing the methane gas with the gas mixture, and the step of decomposition-replacement of methane hydrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Huen Lee, Dong Yeun Koh
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Patent number: 9429004Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbons 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventors: Joseph A. Affholter, Gilman A. Hill
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Patent number: 9429005Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation including providing a subterranean formation comprising at least one fracture; providing proppant particulates coated with a binding agent and having a gas-generating chemical and a delayed encapsulated activator attached thereto so as to form coated proppant particulates; suspending the coated proppant particulates in a treatment fluid; placing the treatment fluid into the at least one fracture; and reacting the gas-generating chemical and the delayed encapsulated activator so as to produce a gas within the at least one fracture and form a proppant pack therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 9429006Abstract: The method includes the introduction of a proppant-free stage and a proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. The method increases the effective fracture width and enhances fracture conductivity within the formation. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage contains a breaker. At least one of the proppant-free stage or proppant laden stage contains a viscosifying agent to which the breaker has affinity. The viscosifying agent may be a superabsorbent, a viscosifying polymer (other than a superabsorbent) or a viscoelastic surfactant. The breaker has greater affinity for the viscosifying agent not present in the same stage as the breaker. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage may be foamed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Harold Dean Brannon, Brian N. Ward, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Scott Gregory Nelson
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Patent number: 9429007Abstract: A method for maintaining pressure in a wellbore drilled from a drilling platform floating on a body of water includes pumping fluid at a determined flow rate into a drill string disposed in a wellbore and measuring fluid pressure within a fluid discharge line of fluid returning from the wellbore. The fluid discharge line has a variable length corresponding to an elevation of the floating platform above the bottom of the body of water. The wellbore pressure is determined at a selected depth in the wellbore or at a selected position along a drilling riser or variable length portion of the fluid discharge line using known parameters/methods. The determined wellbore pressure is adjusted for changes in length of the fluid discharge line corresponding to changes in the elevation of the floating platform relative to the bottom of the body of water.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Donald G. Reitsma, Ossama R. Sehsah, Yawan Couturier
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Patent number: 9429008Abstract: A drilling system may include one or more downhole components to which a torque is applied. To determine the torque, the rotational velocity may be determined at two locations on a downhole component. An angle of twist may be determined by taking the integral of the rotational velocity at the two points, and the torque may be proportional to the angle of twist. The angle of twist, physical properties based on the geometry and material of the downhole component may be used, and the distance between the two locations may be used to calculate the torque.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: James E. Beylotte
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Patent number: 9429009Abstract: A method and system for autonomously enhancing the performance of rig operations at a rig-site, including subterranean operations at a rig-site. The system may include an integrated control system, wherein the integrated control system monitors one or more parameters of sensor units of the rig operations, and a central computer that can communicate with sensor units reporting the health and operational status of the rig operations. The system may further be upgraded by a package of sensors attached to the various tools that allow the central computer an overall synchronized view of the rig operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Marty Paulk, Loyd Eddie East, Jr., Ronald Johannes Dirksen
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Patent number: 9429010Abstract: A component of the hydrocarbon well system and a first supply line to the component can be isolated from other components of the hydrocarbon well system. The component and the first supply line can be pressurized to a test pressure with a test fluid. Then, a pressure and a temperature of the test fluid in the component that was pressurized can be measured over a period of time. The pressure and the temperature that were measured can be analyzed and a pressure integrity of the component can be determined based on the analysis.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Warren Winters, Ronald Livesay, Stephen Edwards, Jim McKay
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Patent number: 9429011Abstract: Disclosed is a method of testing liquids at a test pressure. A first fluid is placed in a first chamber of a test system. The first fluid is brought to the test pressure. A volume is calculated of a second fluid to inject into the first chamber from a second chamber of the test system via a first portion connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. The first portion includes a fluid interface between the first fluid and the second fluid located in the first portion. The volume of the second fluid is injected into the first chamber, displacing an equivalent volume of fluid into a third chamber of the test system via a second portion connecting the first chamber and the third chamber in fluid communication with each other. The volume of the second fluid in the first chamber is mixed with a remaining volume of the first fluid in the first chamber to create a combination fluid. The combination fluid is tested.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Sairam KS Pindiprolu, Bhargav Gajji, Ganesh Shriniwas Pangu
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Patent number: 9429012Abstract: A downhole salinity measurement and logging sensor system has multiple cells, each to measure conductivity, temperature and pressure of fluids at depths of interest in a wellbore. The multiple cells protect against effects of non-homogeneous wellbore fluids. The system also determines salinity of the liquid in the wellbore from conductance measurements, and stores the salinity data along with the temperature and pressure readings from the well. The sensors of conductivity, temperature and pressure are made using micro-fabrication technologies, and the system is packaged to comply with harsh downhole environments. The system may be deployed in the well with coiled tubing (CT), wireline or vehicles with a robotic system. The system can be deployed with an onboard memory, or with wireline surface access for real time access to measurement data or programming the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Talha Jamal Ahmad, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi