Patents Issued in December 6, 2016
  • Patent number: 9512659
    Abstract: An access system includes a transmitter and a receiver for exchange of secure data wherein the system uses an encryption and a decryption algorithm to exchange a secure data packet. The secure data packet may include an unencrypted data packet and an encrypted data packet. The encrypted data packet may include first data encrypted by the encryption algorithm, and data decrypted by the decryption algorithm, wherein the data decrypted by the decryption algorithm includes a combination of a secure signature and second data encrypted by the encryption algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vivien Delport, Michael A. Stuckey, Enrique Aleman
  • Patent number: 9512660
    Abstract: Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Leroy G. Krupke, Mark Kenneth Siegesmund, Mark Raymond Wilzbach
  • Patent number: 9512661
    Abstract: A vehicle system may include a plurality of exterior capacitive sensors, such as door handles, and a controller in communication with the plurality of capacitive sensors. The controller may be configured to identify a rain condition based on sensor data received from at least one of the exterior capacitive sensors of the vehicle; ensure an absence of a key fob in proximity of the at least one locked handle and an absence of a subsequent door opening occurrence when unlocked to confirm the rain condition; and initiate a closure action to a power actuator associated with an open vehicle window for a confirmed rain condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Patrick Kevin Holub
  • Patent number: 9512662
    Abstract: Described herein is a vehicle side window system and method for implementing an ice breaking strategy. The ice breaking strategy receives and analyzes sensor information from one or more environmental sensors to determine when to preemptively implement an ice breaking routine. The ice breaking strategy is also capable of monitoring one or more components of the vehicle side window system to determine when to cease the ice breaking routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam
  • Patent number: 9512663
    Abstract: The present invention is a security display case comprising an enclosure defining a safe portion, a display housing with a lift platform and a closing member, the display housing moveable into and out of the safe portion, a lift mechanism disposed in the safe portion drivingly connected to the lift platform, the lift mechanism controlled by a first drive motor, a locking mechanism mounted atop the closure member comprising at least one latch finger adapted to extend into and retract out of the enclosure, the locking mechanism controlled by a second drive motor, and a control system controlling the first and second drive motors, the control system further comprising a lower limit switch, an upper limit switch, and a trip switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Samuel C. Medawar
  • Patent number: 9512664
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing unwanted opening of a locked enclosure. The enclosure includes a lock, a door and a door bolt. The door is openable when the door bolt is retracted from a structure surrounding the enclosure. The apparatus includes a frangible guard plate, and an arm coupled to the guard plate by a spring. The arm is maintained in a first position under a bias of the spring. When the guard plate is fractured, the arm is free to move from the first position into a second position. The arm is positioned to engage the door bolt in the second position, thereby preventing retraction of the door bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Lockmasters Security Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Jasper
  • Patent number: 9512665
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a window sill comprises a structural base having a first side and a second side, a fenestration cap attached to the structural base, a window frame mounted on the fenestration cap and finish elements applied to the structural base and adjacent to the fenestration cap. The window frame may be removed from the fenestration cap without disturbing the finish elements. Alternatively, a method of installing a window in a window opening comprises providing a window opening and preparing the window opening for receiving a fenestration cap, installing a fenestration cap by placement within and attachment to the window opening in a primary step, and installing a window within the window opening by placement within and attachment to the fenestration cap in a secondary step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Jorge Alvarado
  • Patent number: 9512666
    Abstract: An airflow reduction system includes an insulating panel assembly for sealing a window within a jamb. The insulating panel assembly has a frame configured to fit within the jamb and a glazing panel in the frame coated with a low-emissivity or solar control coating or film. The frame may include one or more cavities extending along its length. The assembly may also include a blind stop and/or a trim stop installed on either side of the frame within the jamb. A compressible seal around the external perimeter of the frame bears against the jamb to form a first barrier impeding the flow of air, and the blind stop or the trim stop forms a second barrier impeding the flow of air. Also disclosed is a mounting assembly including an insulating panel assembly and at least one bracket and a method of installing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Quanta Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay R. Reyher, Thomas D. Culp, Mark M. McIntire, John D. Siegel
  • Patent number: 9512667
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for facilitating inspection of the interior of a cabinet, while preventing direct physical access thereto, the device comprising: a movable shutter element, arranged to move from a closed to an open position upon insertion of a slide element, such that insertion of the slide element causes the shutter element to move in correspondence to the slide element so that the interior of the cabinet is physically shielded from the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LMR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Lewis Rowland
  • Patent number: 9512668
    Abstract: A garage door extension system for allowing airflow and preventing unwanted intrusion into a garage by a human or animal when a garage door is partially open features a garage door. An extension panel mount having a slot located in a horizontal component is mounted next to a garage door bottom. The horizontal component is located at an angle to the garage door. The system features a planar extension panel with an extension panel stop located on en extension panel top. The extension panel slides through the slot of the extension panel mount. The extension panel features a plurality of apertures located therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Edward Nissan
  • Patent number: 9512669
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting door assembly (1A), in particular a clean room door assembly, comprising a lifting door (2) which has a door leaf (3), an end plate (4), and a door leaf accommodating device (5). The lifting door assembly (1A) also contains a door lintel sealing device (20A) which is provided in the area of a door lintel in such a way that the door lintel sealing device produces a sealing effect between the lifting door (2) and the door lintel. At least one part (10B) of the door lintel sealing device (20A) is pivotably retained by means of a hinge and, when the lifting door (2) is opened, can be pivoted from a door leaf plane by an actuating device in the area of the end plate (4) in such a way that the end plate (4) is arranged substantially completely outside the area of a door opening (O) in the opened state of the lifting door (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: EFAFLEX IN{hacek over (Z)}ENIRING d.o.o. Ljubljana
    Inventor: Matja{hacek over (z)} {hacek over (S)}entjurc
  • Patent number: 9512670
    Abstract: An innovative, low-density, highly-insulating modular panel for use in many applications and industries. The panel consists of a frame that may be preformed or bent and may be made of rigid or flexible material, and a panel covering comprising at least one pocket of thin, low-density shade fabric that has the capability of sufficiently stretching to surround the frame when the pocket is pulled onto it. The pocket may be then secured, along any previously open end where the frame was inserted, by various fastening devices. The panel covering pocket may have additional features added, as described herein. The panel is durable and cost-effective, and has good solar-control and insulating qualities. It is also a windbreak panel, a noise-reduction panel, an impact protection panel, a water-resistant panel, a fall protection panel, and a pollution-control panel. Two or more panels can be joined to create a structure-protecting panel assembly or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Jack R. Forbis, Ann R. Forbis
  • Patent number: 9512671
    Abstract: Provided is a cord embedded roman shape, including: a first curtain 10; a second curtain 20; a connection belt 30 connecting the first curtain 10 to the second curtain 20; a cord 40 fixed to lower ends of the first curtain 10 and the second curtain 20 by passing through the connection belt 30; and a curtain adjusting member 50 adjusting the cord 40. Therefore, the cord embedded roman shade is integrally woven without separately forming the ring, thereby preventing the accidents that the cord is wound around the child's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: DAEKYEONG TRIPLE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang-Gun Cha
  • Patent number: 9512672
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening including a roller, an end rail, and a panel rotatable onto the roller and spanning between the roller and the end rail. The panel includes a front sheet, a rear sheet, and a cell spanning between the front and rear sheet. When the front sheet is at a first position relative to the rear sheet, the cell is open. When the front sheet is at a second position relative to the rear sheet, the cell is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz, James M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 9512673
    Abstract: Apparatus 50 for mounting a rail 52 for guiding one lateral side of a zip-like screen, comprises an elongate body 60, comprising a first elongate part 62 and a second elongate part 64, having a channel 66 for receiving the rail 52. The channel 66 has an open top 68 extending in a first direction 70 along the elongate body (i.e. perpendicular to the page as shown in FIG. 2), and a depth extending in a second direction 72 perpendicular to the first direction 70, from the open top 68 towards the opposing base 74 of the channel 66. The rail 52 is supported in the channel 66 by a support mechanism 80 comprising at least one support member 82 having a plurality of profiles 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D spaced in the second direction 72 when positioned in the channel 66. Each profile 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D is configured to support the rail 52 at a different depth in the channel 66.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: IDEAS BY DESIGN LTD.
    Inventors: Martin Ross Moulson Dibben, John Hammick, Paul Neal, Marc Jeeves
  • Patent number: 9512674
    Abstract: An expandable fence gate frame assembly for providing an expandable frame for constructing a fence gate includes a first end assembly, a second end assembly, and an expansion assembly coupled between the first end assembly and the second end assembly such that the first end assembly and the second end assembly are positionable at a selectable distance apart with the expansion assembly extending between the first end assembly and the second end assembly. A first board connector is coupled to the first end assembly and a second board connector is coupled to the second end assembly such that the first end assembly and the second end assembly are designed to support a cross board extending between the first end assembly and the second end assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: John G. Keudell
  • Patent number: 9512675
    Abstract: Ladder modules are provided in manageable length sections. The first section is secured at the top with a multi-hole horizontal mounting bar that is secured by a ratchet strap with hooks. The bottom of the first section rests firmly on the ground with a cleat at the bottom to secure the ladder section and prevent shifting. The second section contains a ball on the bottom of the structure that is mounted onto the first section by placing the ball into the receiving end of the first section, which allows the second section to pivot 360 degrees and lean and tilt fore and aft. This section is also secured to the tree with a ratchet strap and hooks, and is safe to climb to the next section after tightening the ratchet strap. Additional sections can be added in the same manner as the second section to pivot and level as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Curtis D. Fast
  • Patent number: 9512676
    Abstract: A mast system includes a first leg of a mast pivotally connected to a pivot support and a second leg of the mast pivotally connected to a leg support. The leg support has a first support end with a surface connector to attach to a rig surface and a second support end with a leg connector to connect to the second leg to form a joint. A cable with a first cable end is attached to the leg support, and a force is exerted on the leg support through the cable that causes the leg support to rotate about the joint when the mast is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: PATTERSON-UTI DRILLING COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Katherine J. Holst, Michael F. Jones, Tyson Andrew Springer, Kristopher Landon Murray Butler, Bradley James Schroeder, Christopher Medland
  • Patent number: 9512677
    Abstract: A process is shown to efficiently drill multiple, short-length, medium-radius lateral holes from a vertical well shaft. The disclosed process may be performed without the need to repeatedly pull down-hole equipment for every lateral hole drilled so as to make the lateral hole drilling process efficient. A heat pipe assembly is shown inserted into each drilled hole. The disclosed drilling and heat pipe insertion may be performed multiple times at a given vertical depth location in the well shaft. The process may be performed without the need to repeatedly pull down-hole equipment for insertion of multiple heat pipes at a same vertical level in the well level for each lateral hole drilled at that level so as to make for an efficient heat pipe insertion process. The described process may be performed multiple times at a large number of vertical depth locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A Shimko, Michael J Parrella, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9512678
    Abstract: A system configured to execute an underwater well drilling program in the bed of a body of water has a jack-up having a floating structure and a drilling installation supported on the floating structure; and an auxiliary floating unit connectable selectively to the jack-up to enable transfer of the jack-up over the body of water, even in very shallow water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.P.A
    Inventors: Alessandro Valsecchi, Luigi Lanfranchi
  • Patent number: 9512679
    Abstract: The removal of material from the path of a high power laser beam during down hole laser operations including drilling of a borehole and removal of displaced laser effected borehole material from the borehole during laser operations. In particular, paths, dynamics and parameters of fluid flows for use in conjunction with a laser bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Rinzler, Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth, Joel F. Moxley
  • Patent number: 9512680
    Abstract: A coring system and method enable a single-trip operation for setting a deflector assembly, deploying a coring assembly and obtaining a core sample from a borehole drilled in a wellbore. The coring assembly has a barrel with a bore for collecting the core sample and has a coring bit coupled to an end portion of the barrel. The deflector system is arranged to deflect the coring bit into a side wall of the wellbore to drill the borehole therein. The deflector system includes a deflector and a collar. The collar, coupled to the deflector, restricts upward movement of the coring assembly relative to the deflector assembly. The collar may also be used as a retrieval device to engage the coring assembly and permit removal of the coring assembly and the deflector assembly as well as the core sample after the core sample has been obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Campbell, Shantanu N. Swadi, Charles Dewey, Robert Utter, Praful C. Desai
  • Patent number: 9512681
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a cemented carbide substrate including a carbide constituent cemented with a cementing constituent. The cementing constituent has a non-homogenous concentration within the substrate that includes a substantially continuous gradient. A first portion (e.g. at or near a center) of the substrate has a concentration of the cementing constituent that differs from a concentration of the cementing constituent at a second portion (e.g., at or near an outer surface) of the substrate. Thus, the concentration gradient exhibits a substantially smooth gradient, with increasing distance from the first portion of the substrate towards the second portion of the substrate. This provides the substrate with relatively higher wear resistance in one region (e.g., at or near the outer surface) and relatively higher toughness in another region (e.g., at or near the center).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 9512682
    Abstract: A wired pipe includes a tubular pipe body having a wall. The wall including an inner surface, a flow channel formed by the inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one channel integrally formed within a thickness of the wall and between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall. Also included is a method of forming a wired pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephan Mueller, Kai Schoenborn
  • Patent number: 9512683
    Abstract: An assembly for disconnecting portions of a downhole tubular string, such as a drill stem or drill string, and removing an upper portion of the tubular string from the lower stuck portion in a well, includes a connection between joints of two portions of the tubular string. The assembly includes two tubular members and an inner sleeve having two splines each with different angular pitches or teeth counts. The assembly may include a rotary shouldered threaded connection, wherein the two tubular portions are disconnectable at the rotary shouldered threaded connection in the assembly. The assembly may include a sleeve lock, a selective no-go for landing in a profile, and a selectively deployable unlocking and unblocking tool for activating the assembly. The assembly may include connectable cylindrical members other than downhole tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Neil H. Akkerman, John A. Barton
  • Patent number: 9512684
    Abstract: A shock tool for a drill string includes an outer tubular housing having female multi-spiral helical spline grooves disposed on an interior surface of the housing, and an inner tubular mandrel having a portion of an exterior circumferential surface with mating male multi-spiral helical splines. The inner tubular mandrel is telescopically and rotationally received in the outer tubular housing with the male splines received in the female spline grooves of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish Prafulla Khaparde, Ragi Lohidakshan Poyyara, Krunal Kanubhai Mehta
  • Patent number: 9512685
    Abstract: A technique provides a cable protector in the form of a modular unit having a protector shell and at least one removable insert. The removable insert is constructed with gaps which are sized to grippingly engage a cable. Accordingly, a properly sized removable insert is selected for use with a given cable and then inserted into the protector shell. The cable protector may then be secured to a tubing, e.g. a well tubing, by an appropriate tubing coupling. In some embodiments, the tubing coupling is coupled about the tubing via a threaded fastener which may be held in place by a back off preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vi Van Nguy, Zhong Shen, Xue Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 9512686
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed toward a drilling system that includes a conduit configured to route a pressurized gas to a top drive of a drilling rig. The drilling system also includes one or more cables disposed in the conduit. The one or more cables are configured to provide communication, power, or both, to the top drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alan Ross Kingsley
  • Patent number: 9512687
    Abstract: A system for separating components of a slurry is disclosed, the system including a housing; a basket for holding at least one shaker screen, the basket movably mounted in the housing; at least one vibrator coupled to the basket; a sump disposed below the basket to collect at least a portion of the slurry passing through the at least one shaker screen; a pressure differential device fluidly connected to the sump for developing a pressure differential across the at least one shaker screen; and a toggling device for toggling the pressure differential across the screen. A system including a degassing chamber fluidly connected to a sump and a pressure differential device, wherein the degassing chamber is disposed between the sump and the pressure differential device, and a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the degassing chamber for recovering a degassed fluid is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brian S. Carr
  • Patent number: 9512688
    Abstract: A downhole tool extending in a longitudinal direction includes a tool housing, an arm assembly movable between a retracted position and a projecting position in relation to the tool housing, the arm assembly having an arm member connected with the tool housing in one end, an arm activation assembly arranged in the tool housing for moving the arm assembly between the retracted position and the projecting position, and a pump for circulating hydraulic fluid. The arm assembly has a hydraulic mechanism arranged in connection with the arm member, and a fluid influx channel provided in the arm member, the fluid influx channel being in fluid communication with the hydraulic mechanism for supplying hydraulic fluid from the pump to the hydraulic mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 9512689
    Abstract: A series of down hole plugs are made from a common subassembly including, in some embodiments, a mandrel, a slips/seal section, a setting assembly and a mule shoe. To make the flow back plug, a ball check is placed in the mule shoe. To make the bridge plug, an obstruction is inserted in the mule shoe. To make the ball drop plug, the mule shoe is left unobstructed so any ball dropped in a well seats in a tapered inlet to the mandrel. To make a plug with a disintegratable check, a ball dropped in the well is of a type that disintegrated in frac liquids. Another embodiment is an improved adapter sleeve used on conventional setting tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 9512690
    Abstract: A cutting element includes a front face and leading face extending between a first and second sides. A leading cutting edge is located at an intersection of the front face and the leading face, and an undulating back-up cutting edge is formed in the front face and extends from the first side to the second side, and defines a leading surface and a trailing surface. A method includes cutting with a tool having a blade coupled to a tool body, and a cutting element coupled to a forward surface of the blade. The cutting element has a leading cutting edge formed at an intersection of front and leading faces, and an undulating back-up cutting edge formed in the front face and defining leading and trailing surfaces. The leading cutting edge of the cutting element contacts and cuts a work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Grigor, Kenneth M. Nevlud
  • Patent number: 9512691
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus is described comprising a body and a sealing arrangement located on the body. The body has a longitudinal axis and the sealing arrangement comprises at least one elongated sealing member with an axis of elongation extending around the longitudinal axis. The sealing member comprises a material selected to expand on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, such as a hydrocarbon or aqueous fluid encountered in a wellbore. A method of forming the apparatus and methods of use are described. Embodiments of the invention relate to wellbore packers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley, Glen Robitaille
  • Patent number: 9512692
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a seal assembly comprising a main body comprising a production fluid port configured to align with a production fluid bore of a tubing spool of a mineral extraction system, a first annular seal supported by the main body and disposed on a first side of the production fluid port, and a second annular seal supported by the main body and disposed on a second side of the production fluid port, wherein the seal assembly is configured to be disposed in an annular region between a hanger and the tubing spool of the mineral extraction system, the first annular seal and the second annular seal are configured to isolate the production fluid port from the annular region, and the seal assembly is configured to be removed from the tubing spool without the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Edward Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9512693
    Abstract: A hydraulically set packer has a mandrel with an internal bore and a port communicating the internal bore outside the mandrel. A packing element disposed on the mandrel can be compressed by a piston to engage the borehole. The piston is disposed on the mandrel on a first side of the packing element and moves against the packing element when tubing pressure is communicated into a first piston chamber via the mandrel's port. To increase the setting forces, a sleeve disposed between the packing element and the mandrel defines a space communicating an opposite side of the packing element with a second pressure chamber of the piston. During high pressure operations, high pressure on the first side of the packing element acts with high pressure on the first side of the piston, increasing the pistons movement from a high pressure region to a low pressure region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Derby
  • Patent number: 9512694
    Abstract: A flow control assembly can be disposed in a wellbore and can include a porous material. The porous material can be a temporary plug in a flow path. The porous material may respond to stimuli in a wellbore by creating a flow path, or otherwise allowing fluid to flow in a flow path. The porous material may be located in a port of tubing or proximate, such as adjacent, to an opening in the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 9512695
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating an untethered object in a passageway downhole in the well and using a cross-sectional dimension of the object and an axial dimension of the object to select a seat assembly of a plurality of seat assemblies to catch the object to form an obstruction in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jahir Pabon, Matthew Godfrey, John David Rowatt
  • Patent number: 9512696
    Abstract: A torque resistant casing scraper for attachment to a drillstring is comprised of a one piece tool body having rotationally unrestrained two-piece blade carriers with hardened diamond-shaped cutting blades and rotationally unrestrained two-piece axial centralizers. Adjoining blade carriers and centralizers rotate independently of the drillstring and the blade carriers interlocked to prevent relative rotation between the blade carriers and to index, or orient the cutting blades as desired along the longitudinal axis of the casing scraper. The diamond-shaped cutting blades and the indexed blade carriers allow both right-handed and left-handed drillstring rotation without reducing utility or effectiveness of the scraper. The casing scraper is particularly effective for deep, near-horizontal wellbores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Dennis Joel Penisson
  • Patent number: 9512697
    Abstract: A downhole tool coupling (10) comprises first (11) and second (12) downhole tool elements that are securable one to the other in a releasably locking manner by moving the tool elements from a longitudinally relatively less proximate, especially overlapping position into longitudinally relatively more overlap with one another. The first downhole tool element (11) supports a first inductive, capacitative and/or magnetic energy coupler (23) and the second downhole tool element (12) supports a second inductive, capacitative and/or magnetic energy coupler (24). The first and second energy couplers (23, 24) are movable from an energetically uncoupled position when the tool elements (11, 12) are in the longitudinally relatively less overlapping position to an energetically coupled position when the first and second downhole tool elements (11, 12) overlap relatively more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Reeves Wireline Technologies Limited
    Inventor: James Arthur Pike
  • Patent number: 9512698
    Abstract: A tool for providing modifiable structures in a wellbore using ferrofluids in a downhole system is provided. The downhole system can include a tool body, a source of ferrofluid, and a magnet. The magnet can magnetically couple with the ferrofluid from the source for arranging the ferrofluid adjacent for modifying a parameter of an object coupled with or in the tool body when the tool body is positioned in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Baris Guner, George David Goodman, Wesley Neil Ludwig
  • Patent number: 9512699
    Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating an in situ pyrolysis process. The methods may include producing a product fluid stream from an active pyrolysis region of a subterranean formation. The methods further may include detecting a concentration of a first component in the product fluid stream and/or detecting a concentration of a second component in the product fluid stream. The concentration of the first component may be indicative of an intensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The concentration of the second component may be indicative of an extensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The methods further may include regulating at least one characteristic of the pyrolyzed fluid production system based upon the concentration of the first component and/or based upon the concentration of the second component. The systems may include systems that are configured to perform the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Lloyd M. Wenger, Jr., William P. Meurer, Ana L Braun, Ana Maria Dos Santos Carmo, Michael W. Lin, Zhibin Wei
  • Patent number: 9512700
    Abstract: A subsea fluid processing system is provided containing a liquid reservoir, an inlet tank, a pump, an outlet system, and a fluid re-circulation loop. The liquid reservoir circulates a primer liquid stream to the inlet tank via the fluid re-circulation loop. The inlet tank further receives a first production fluid stream and mixes it with the primer liquid stream to produce thereby a second production fluid stream having a reduced gas volume fraction (GVF) relative to the first production fluid stream. The pump receives the second production fluid stream from the inlet tank and increases its pressure. Further, the outlet system containing the liquid reservoir receives the second production fluid stream from the pump and separates at least a portion of the primer liquid stream from a principal production stream. The primer liquid includes at least one exogenous liquid not derived from the first production fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guillaume Becquin, Siddharth Navinchandra Ashar, Jr., Vittorio Michelassi, Rosa Castane Selga, Rene Du Cauze De Nazelle
  • Patent number: 9512701
    Abstract: A flow control device is disclosed. The device includes a tubular member having a plurality adjacent wraps, wherein each wrap has an outer surface and an inner surface. Some of the wraps include one or more flow control paths, wherein each such flow control path includes a tortuous path to control flow of a fluid from the outer surface to the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Darin H. Duphorne, Colin P. Andrew
  • Patent number: 9512702
    Abstract: A technique facilitates a more desirable inflow distribution of fluid along a tubing string deployed in a wellbore. The technique comprises providing a tubing string with a plurality of flow control devices and conveying the tubing string downhole into the wellbore. An injection fluid is pumped down along an interior of the tubing string and out through the plurality of flow control devices for entry into the surrounding formation. Based on a function of this injection flow, the flow areas of the flow control devices are adjusted to improve the subsequent distribution of inflowing fluids. The injection and the subsequent adjustment of flow areas as a function of the injection flow through each flow control device may be repeated for continued improvement, e.g. continued optimization, of the inflow distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robin M. Greene, Terje Moen
  • Patent number: 9512703
    Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system having dynamic response to local well conditions. The system includes a tubing string operably positionable in a wellbore. Annular barriers are positioned between the tubing string and the wellbore to isolate first and second zones. A fluid flow control device is positioned within each zone. A flow tube that is operably associated with the fluid flow control device of the first zone is operable to establish communication between the second zone and the fluid flow control device in the first zone such that a differential pressure between the first zone and the second zone is operable to actuate the fluid flow control device of the first zone from a first operating configuration to a second operating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John Charles Gano, Luke William Holderman, Michael Linley Fripp, Jason D. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 9512704
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation includes placing a wellbore in the formation, wherein the wellbore is approximately horizontal in the formation; forming one or more fractures in the formation in fluid communication with the wellbore; recovering hydrocarbons from the formation through the wellbore; injecting a volume of fluid comprising greater than 98 mass % water and greater than 0.005 mass % active surfactant into the formation through the wellbore, wherein at least 10 mass % of said volume is injected at a bottom hole pressure at the heel of the wellbore that is less than the minimum horizontal stress in at least a portion of the overburden and at least 5 mass % of said volume is injected at a bottom hole pressure at the heel of the wellbore that is greater than the median minimum horizontal stress in the subterranean formation; and subsequently recovering in situ hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: STATOIL GULF SERVICES LLC
    Inventor: Matthew A. Dawson
  • Patent number: 9512705
    Abstract: A junction can be isolated from fracturing pressure using a liner extending from a one bore through a junction into a lateral bore, where at least a portion of the liner is retrievable from the lateral bore prior to completion of wellbore construction. The junction may be temporarily isolated from high pressure, such as high pressure from a fracturing stimulation process. Part of the liner can be retrieved using a disconnect mechanism or technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Cole A. Benson, William S. Renshaw
  • Patent number: 9512706
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program product facilitate the automation of an oil & gas process, e.g., a drilling process, through the use of a dynamic phase machine incorporating multiple autonomous agents. The agents may be registered after deployment of the dynamic phase machine to dynamically extend the dynamic phase machine and modify an oil & gas process implemented thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Clinton D. Chapman
  • Patent number: 9512707
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes facilitating a real-time cross-plot display of drilling-performance data for a current well. The real-time cross-plot display includes a plurality of data plots represented on a common graph such that each data plot specifying at least two drilling parameters. Each data plot includes a plurality of data points such that each data point is expressable as Cartesian coordinates in terms of the at least two drilling parameters. The method further includes receiving new channel data for the current well from a wellsite computer system. In addition, the method includes creating, from the new channel data, new data points for the plurality of data plots as the new channel data is received. Moreover, the method includes updating the plurality of data plots with the new data points as the new data points are created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Petrolink International
    Inventor: Rafael Angel Bermudez Martinez
  • Patent number: 9512708
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic weight-on-bit sensor calibration automatically compensate the measurements of a weight-on-bit sensor based on one or more of mass, hole inclination, buoyancy, drag, and mud flow, resulting in a more accurate axial force measurement below the weight-on-bit sensor at various hole inclinations. This measurement is observed by removing some of the effects masking the actual force being applied to the axial face of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Hay