Patents Issued in April 6, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170096838
    Abstract: A lock including a removable dial is provided. The lock includes locking means configured to lock and unlock a removable dial to replace the dial or to service the lock. The locking means are moveable between a first locked position and a second unlocked position in which the dial may be removed. The locking means may comprise a finger-actuated button that is biased in the locked position by compression means. The compression means may comprise a spring. Applying force to the button overcomes the counterforce being exerted by the compression means and the front facing dial can be easily removed. To replace the dial, force must again be applied to the locking means to move the locking means to the second unlocked position or alternatively the shaft of the dial is inserted into the housing and “snaps” into place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Klaus W. Gartner
  • Publication number: 20170096839
    Abstract: A magnetic coding free pin type lock cylinder structure includes: a lock cylinder housing (101), a lock knob (104) disposed within the lock cylinder housing (101), a lock cylinder front end over (102) and a lock cylinder rear end cover (103). Pin vertically moving grooves (114) and pin horizontally rotary grooves (113) are provided on an inner wall of the lock cylinder housing (101). An unlocking hole (116) for a magnetic coding key (115) is provided on the lock knob (104). A plurality of pm vertical sliding grooves (112) is provided on an outer wall of the lock knob (104). Free pins are provided in at least one of the plurality of pin vertical sliding grooves (112), and the free pins are big pins (107) or small pins (108).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Xin LI
  • Publication number: 20170096840
    Abstract: A security lock system includes a garage door opener has a carrier, a track and a release. The carrier is slidably coupled to the track. The release is hingedly coupled to the carrier. The release is positionable in a locked position such that such carrier is inhibited from is manually slid along the track. The release is positionable in an unlocked position such that carrier freely moves along the track. A lock is coupled between the release and the carrier such that release is prevented from is positioned in the unlocked position. Thus, the lock inhibits an intruder from remotely positioning the release in the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Willie Henderson, SR., Sederia Henderson
  • Publication number: 20170096841
    Abstract: A band-based lock is provided. The band-based lock may include a flexible band with a substantially thin profile and include inner metal layers and wires and/or jacketed metal layers so that the band may be more difficult to cut. The band-based lock may include a feed mechanism coupled to the flexible band. The feed mechanism may provide for the flexible band to be fed through the feed mechanism, putting the flexible band in a loop. The feed mechanism may allow the flexible band to be fed through the feed mechanism in one direction when in a tightening or locked position. The feed mechanism may allow this one-way feed through use of a pawl including one or more teeth engaging with teeth formed on the flexible band. In a release position, the feed mechanism may allow the flexible band to be fed backward through the feed mechanism opening the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan S. Hall
  • Publication number: 20170096842
    Abstract: A portable electronic device requiring securing against theft, includes a cavity with an opening thereinto. The opening is accessible at an exterior of the device, and defined by an upper edge, a juxtaposed lower edge, and a pair of juxtaposed side edges. The cavity is defined by an upper wall, a juxtaposed lower wall, and juxtaposed side walls, the side walls being angled relative to each other with a separation distance between them gradually increasing in a direction into said cavity, away from said opening into said cavity, whereby a planar cross section through the cavity that bisects both side walls has a trapezoidal shape. The lock opening has a size and shape slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the forward section of a locking element and an interior larger in cross-sectional size than at the opening of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Meir Avganim
  • Publication number: 20170096843
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a door of a vehicle from opening during a collision is provided. The door includes a cable that is connected to an exterior door handle and a connection bushing that is connected to the cable and coupled to an operating lever. When the exterior door handle is manipulated, the operating lever is moved upward to release a door latch. Additionally, an opening prevention unit is configured to allow the connection bushing to move upward under normal conditions, and when a vehicle collision occurs, the opening prevention unit is displaced from an original position to block upward movement of the connection bushing and prevent the door from opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Yong-Dae Seo, Jung-Ho Han
  • Publication number: 20170096844
    Abstract: A device for emergency opening of a door lock of a motor vehicle comprises: a fixed plate (10); a movable plate (12) which is slidably mounted on the fixed plate (10), supports an engaging hook element (23) of the lock and has an extension (32) with a recess (34); a spring latch (18) which can be selectively extracted from the recess (34) so as to allow sliding of the movable plate (12); and operating means for performing extraction of the latch (18), such as a flat bar (16) which has one end connected to the latch (18) and an opposite end provided with an operating handle (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: EGG INNOVATION S.r.l.s.
    Inventors: Edoardo Balocco, Giancarlo Buso, Gian Paolo Colombano
  • Publication number: 20170096845
    Abstract: The problem addressed by the invention is providing a closing device for a motor vehicle that can be opened comfortably and nevertheless can be produced with little effort and cannot open in an unplanned manner. This problem is solved in that a closing device comprises a locking mechanism, which has a rotary latch and a pawl, and at least one electrical drive for opening the locking mechanism. The closing device has an actuating apparatus for actuating the electrical drive, such that the locking mechanism can be opened exclusively electrically. Thus, there is no mechanical system—for example, comprising a handle and a Bowden cable that connects the handle to a release lever of the locking mechanism—for enabling the locking mechanism to be opened exclusively in a mechanical manner, i.e., without the use of the electrical drive or another electrical apparatus. In the non-actuated state, the electrical drive is completely disconnected from the current-carrying electrical conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Thorsten Bendel
  • Publication number: 20170096846
    Abstract: A latch arrangement includes at least two handles coupled to one another and configured to transition the latch arrangement between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the locked position a locking member inhibits actuation of each handle. The handle includes a handle lever configured to rotate a rotational member as the handle moves to the closed configuration. A cam lever is coupled to the rotational member and configured to actuate the cam lever, and a latch cam is coupled to the cam lever. Either handle transitioning between the closed and open configurations causes each latch cam to actuate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Claude NEELY, III, Timothy A. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20170096847
    Abstract: A part having at least two portions thereof secured to one another, yet moveable with respect to one another, includes a homogeneous first portion and a homogeneous second portion, wherein a portion of the first portion extends through the second portion, and is secured therein. The part can be configured as a hinge, a chain, etc., wherein the first part includes a pin extending therefrom including a second portion having an enlarged width with respect to the smallest width of a first portion thereof, which is received within a bore in the second portion, wherein the bore includes a second portion having a width greater than the smallest width of a first portion thereof, and the second portion of the pin is received within the second portion of the bore to secure the first part to the second part, but allow movement therebetween. Using additive manufacturing techniques, the first part and second part are formed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander Zhonghong LIU, Danqing ZHANG, Lit Ping LAM, Wei Heng NG
  • Publication number: 20170096848
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the force in a door operator or closer comprises an elongated housing and a spring therein connected to the door operator or closer. A spring collar is non-rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the housing and adapted to move linearly within the housing. A fixed adjusting screw extends along a longitudinal axis of the housing and the spring collar is slidable linearly along an outer surface of the adjusting screw. A nut is threadably engaged at a distal end of the adjusting screw and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the screw, the nut bearing on the spring collar during rotation. The spring collar bears on a distal end of the spring to vary the spring compression and thereby vary force applied by the door operator or closer. The housing has an opening in a sidewall through which the spring is visible, and the housing exterior surface includes markings indicating the degree of spring compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Zasowski, Dustin Lawhon
  • Publication number: 20170096849
    Abstract: A hinge, for a movable furniture part, in particular, a door or flap, that is fastened to a body of an item of furniture, wherein the hinge has a first attachment element, which is connected pivotably to a second attachment element via a joint mechanism, wherein the joint mechanism comprises at least one articulated lever, which is mounted pivotably on the first attachment element via a first bearing element. The hinge is characterized in that the articulated lever is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the first bearing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: GRASS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Boris KRUEDENER, Markus HERPER, Sebastian LAUTENSCHLAEGER
  • Publication number: 20170096850
    Abstract: A door anti-slamming device, wherein the device includes a chamber with an entrance located at a first end; wherein the chamber houses a plunger component with a tip configured to slidably move in and out of the entrance, therefore defining a compacted configuration and an extended configuration of the device, respectively; wherein the device includes an biasing means configured to bias the device towards the extended configuration; wherein the device includes a first cavity and a second cavity located within the chamber and/or plunger component, and wherein a partition is located between the first and second cavity characterised in that the partition includes an orifice configured to control material transfer rate between the first cavity and second cavity, wherein the device is configured to transition to the compacted configuration at a rate controlled by the material transfer from the first cavity into the second cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Nicolas Leith Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20170096851
    Abstract: The present invention provides machine tool having a door of which the position is changed between the time of machining and when nothing is being machined, and where the moving speed of the door can be changed. The machine tool is provided with: a drive unit that can move the door; a control unit that can control the drive unit for moving the door; a safety signal input unit that takes in a safety signal from the outside of the machine tool; and a door opening and closing speed setting unit that can set the moving speed of the door to a first moving speed in the case where a safety signal is inputted into the signal input unit or to a second moving speed in the case where no safety signal is inputted, and is characterized in that the first moving speed is higher than the second moving speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Kiwamu SAITOU
  • Publication number: 20170096852
    Abstract: A garage door security plate assembly is disclosed. The garage door security plate assembly mounts to a connecting arm of a garage door opener. The garage door security plate assembly restricts access to an emergency release mechanism from an exterior of a garage door while not restricting operation of the garage door opener or operation of the emergency release mechanism from an interior side of the garage door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas A. Mello, II
  • Publication number: 20170096853
    Abstract: A multisectional blind and solar collector combination device for combined window covering and solar collection includes a housing with a back face that comprises a fixed solar panel. A power module is coupled to and positioned in the housing. The power module is operationally coupled to the fixed solar panel. A plurality of slats is positioned in a plurality of sections. The slats of each section are coupled to a respective horizontal support. The horizontal supports are coupled to a bottom of the housing in a tiered formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy Eubanks, SR.
  • Publication number: 20170096854
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a retractable shade system. In one example implementation, the system includes a shade comprised of a body of rollable material. The system also includes one or more retraction systems configured to selectively retract the shade from an unrolled state to a rolled-up state. The retraction systems include springs, a motorized retraction device, and/or a manual retraction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Martin LICHTMAN
  • Publication number: 20170096855
    Abstract: An energy saving apparatus for an electric roller shutter contains a curtain unit, a fixing unit, a signal receiver, and a controller. The curtain unit includes a driving shaft having a chamber and a rotary connecting portion, and the curtain unit also includes a driver and a curtain. The fixing unit is configured to fix the curtain unit and includes a mounting rack, a first seat, a second seat, and a rolling assembly which reduces power consumption of the driver and facilitates an upward rolling of the curtain, when the curtain rolls. The signal receiver is electrically connected with the driver and includes a casing, a coupling portion, a power supply module, and a receiving module. The controller is configured to send a signal to the receiving module in the casing of the signal receiver, such that the driver of the curtain unit is controlled by the controller to operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Ju-Huai Chen
  • Publication number: 20170096856
    Abstract: A bracket for a ladder includes a base member and an arm connected to the base member, the arm being at an angle relative to the base member, the arm comprising a first end having a clamp and a second end having a tethering structure. The base member has a shape configured to be positioned on a rung of a ladder with the clamp engaging a frame member of a work platform system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Scott Libert
  • Publication number: 20170096857
    Abstract: A combination of two safety attachments for ladders which incorporates two interchangeable gliding sections, a left hand and a right hand non gliding section, deformable materials, and rod and anti distortion flanged tubes to eliminate distortion and waggling between the assemblies of the gliding sections and non gliding sections. Also incorporated would be two rocking sections and thumb nuts or similar, all having the ability to be married to the upright channel or box section structure of a ladder and characterised by their ability to improve the safety of the ladder by converging and partly sleeving the upright channel or box sections of a ladder and to take a part form of, or partly contour, the surface to which they are set upon or against.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Bobby Park
  • Publication number: 20170096858
    Abstract: A rotating control device (RCD) sensor assembly is provided. The rotating control device sensor assembly includes an emitter disposed on a rotational component of a rotating control device, wherein the emitter emanates a detectable signal field, a cap coupled to the rotational component to form a volume between the cap and the rotational component, wherein the emitter is enclosed within the volume, and wherein the cap is made of a transmissive material, and a sensor that detects the signal field through the cap as the emitter passes within a proximity of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Haliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis David Watters, Joseph Michael Karigan
  • Publication number: 20170096859
    Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes a substrate and a volume of superabrasive material disposed on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material has an exposed outer surface with a non-planar geometry. The at least one cutting element is configured to be located and oriented on an earth-boring tool so as to remove subterranean earth formation material by compressing and fracturing or plastically deforming the formation material with at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the volume of superabrasive material during use of the earth-boring tool in an earth-boring operation. The exposed outer surface of the volume of superabrasive material includes a first area having a first average surface finish roughness and a second area having a second average surface finish roughness greater than the first average surface finish roughness. Earth-boring tools carrying such cutting elements and methods of forming such earth-boring tools are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Reed W. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20170096860
    Abstract: One example of a downhole self-isolating wellbore drilling system to pulverize formation cuttings includes a cutting grinder tool and an isolation tool. The cutting grinder tool can be attached to a drill string uphole relative to a drill bit attached to a downhole end of the drill string. The cutting grinder tool can receive and pulverize formation cuttings resulting from drilling a formation using the drill bit. The isolation tool can be attached to the drill string uphole relative to the cutting grinder tool. The isolation tool can control flow of the pulverized formation cuttings mixed with a drilling mud uphole through the drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20170096861
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for limiting contact pressure between a flexible pipe and a bending guide member. The apparatus includes a bending guide member extending over a covered region of a flexible pipe in which the flexible pipe can bend wherein a gap between an inner surface of the bending guide member and an outer surface on the flexible pipe in at least a portion of the covered region is tapered and narrows towards an unconstrained end of the bending guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Jian SHAO, Andrew ROBERTS, Upul FERNANDO
  • Publication number: 20170096862
    Abstract: Vibration assisted rotary drilling (VARD) tools that provide axial compliance and low amplitude axial displacements at the drill bit while transmitting the full rotary speed and torque of the drill string to increase drilling penetration rate. The VARD tools consist essentially of: i) an axially compliant section which transfers axial load across the tool; ii) a mechanism for opposing ends of the tool to displace axially relative to each other; iii) an energy absorbing section which dampens axial bit displacements; iv) a rotation transfer section which allows any rotation and torque applied to the drill string above the tool to be applied to the bit; and v) an optional axial force generating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Memorial University of Newfoundland
    Inventors: Stephen Butt, Brock Gillis, Pushpinder Singh Rana
  • Publication number: 20170096863
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a circumferential band having a plurality of axially adjacent weld beads forming a wear resistant surface along a particular axial length of the tool and at least one circumferential multi-layer coating applied axially adjacent the band on either end. The multi-layer coating includes a first layer, exhibiting a first color, applied directly onto the tool surface, and a second wear-resistant layer, exhibiting a second color different from the first color, applied directly onto the first layer. The second layer wears or is removed by a certain amount, such that the first color of the first layer is revealed to indicate the extent of wear and/or that the tool should be removed from service and refurbished by applying a new wear-resistant coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: SUPERIOR SHOT PEENING, INC.
    Inventors: Van Blasingame, Albert Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170096864
    Abstract: A system and method for electronically controlling a reel system for oilfield operations. The electronically controlled reel system for oilfield operations comprises a reel, and an electronic control system in communication with the reel to electronically control rotation of the reel. The method of controlling a reel for an oilfield operation comprises receiving a command from an electronic control system; and supplying an electrical control signal to the reel based on the command to control rotation of the reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Blair, Nathan Cooper
  • Publication number: 20170096865
    Abstract: A slip insert is disclosed that includes a body having a curved face for receiving a tubular member, a plurality of first threads formed in a first direction on the face, and a plurality of second threads formed in a second direction on a portion of the first threads, the second direction being opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Jim WIEDEMANN
  • Publication number: 20170096866
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an x-direction support structure extending in the same direction as a line extending between a well center and a V-door on a drilling rig and include a y-direction support structure moveable along the x-direction support structure. The y-direction support structure extends on a drilling rig in a direction transverse to the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig. A racker device is carried by the y-direction support structure and is configured to connect to and carry a tubular stand used in a well drilling process, the racker device being moveable along the y-direction support structure from a position inline with the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig to a position offline from the line to provide space for additional drilling processes along the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Magnuson
  • Publication number: 20170096867
    Abstract: A system for delivering a tubular pipe segment from a ground level to an elevated drill rig floor. A pipe assembly system based at the ground level includes a bucking unit for connecting a first joint and a second joint to form the tubular pipe segment, a powered first conveyor for moving the first joint into the bucking unit, a first staging pipe rack, a powered second conveyor for moving the second joint into the bucking unit, and reversible for moving the tubular pipe segment out of the bucking unit, a second staging pipe rack for storing a plurality of joints, and a transfer pipe rack for storing a plurality of tubular pipe segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: COAX Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Robert FOLK
  • Publication number: 20170096868
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing the force required to pull a device from a tubular, the apparatus including a tubular sealing device for mating with a downhole tubular component, the tubular sealing device having an axial length and a longitudinal bore therethrough; and an elongated rod slidably positionable within the longitudinal bore of the tubular sealing device, the elongated rod having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, the outer surface structured and arranged to provide i) a hydraulic seal when the elongated rod is in a first position within the longitudinal bore of the tubular sealing device, and ii) at least one external flow port for pressure equalization upstream and downstream of the tubular sealing device when the elongated rod is placed in a second position within the longitudinal bore of the tubular sealing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Michael C. Romer, Randy C. Tolman
  • Publication number: 20170096869
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing shock waves in a well wherein a device connected to the bottom of the tubing string in the borehole of the well filled by liquid and containing the damper, the upper and lower plungers movably arranged within corresponding cylinders for compressing the liquid inside the compression chamber and discharging the liquid into the borehole on upstroke thereby generating a shock wave. In addition, providing a length of upstroke Lstr of the pumping unit determined by the following expression: L str ? H 1 + ( D 1 2 - D 2 2 ) ? A sw ? L 2 Ed r 2 , where H1 is the length of the lower cylinder, L2 is the distance between the lower and upper plungers, D1 is the diameter of the lower plunger, D2 is the diameter of the upper plunger, Asw is the required amplitude of the generated shock wave, E is a modulus of elasticity of the sucker rod's material, dr is the diameter of the sucker rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Sergey A. Kostrov, William O. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20170096870
    Abstract: A cement head system for wellbores and method for maintaining dynamic fluid flow therethrough, wherein a base station wirelessly drives a control sequence to (1) open cement slurry valves to actuate external visual valve indicators, (2) open upper and lower safety valves, to actuate external visual safety valve indicators, (3) open a lower release chamber to actuate an external chamber visual indicator and to release a plug that triggers an external flipper visual indicator, (4) reset the external flipper visual indicator, (5) open an upper release chamber to actuate an external chamber visual indicator and to release a plug that triggers the external flipper visual indicator; and (6) open and close a release mechanism for each of the upper and lower chamber while pumping a flush fluid through the cement head. Each valve, the release mechanisms and flipper have a controller controlled by the base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Nicolas A. Rogozinski, Henry E. Rogers, Phillip D. Standifer, Gary J. Makowiecki
  • Publication number: 20170096871
    Abstract: A method for testing an insert packer assembly positioned within a diverter assembly includes inserting a test tool through an opening of the insert packer assembly and into a bore of the diverter assembly. The method includes driving multiple annular flexible components of the insert packer assembly radially inward to contact an outer annular surface of the test tool to form a sealed space between the multiple annular flexible components and the outer annular surface of the test tool. The method also includes applying a fluid to the sealed space to increase a pressure within the sealed space and monitoring the pressure within the sealed space over a period of time to determine a condition of the insert packer assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: John Hoefler, Erman Citirik, James Chris Reed
  • Publication number: 20170096872
    Abstract: Downhole oil tools such as anchors and packers with mechanical setting and sealing mechanisms are not able to travel through narrower casing and then set in wider casing. This invention is a sealing mechanism which can expand enough to set a tool in a wider casing, but still travel through the narrower casing or tight spot above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Ruben Soliz, Mark Garcez, Simon Perales, Ramon Perales
  • Publication number: 20170096873
    Abstract: Embodiments pertain to a downhole tool that includes a mandrel made of a composite material, a bearing plate disposed around the mandrel, the bearing plate having an angled inner plate surface configured for engagement with a mandrel surface; a composite slip disposed around the mandrel, and having a composite slip body configured with a one-piece configuration, a first cone disposed around the mandrel, and proximate to the composite slip; a second slip disposed around the mandrel; a sealing element disposed around the mandrel; and a lower sleeve coupled to the mandrel, and proximate to a second side of the metal slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Duke VanLue
  • Publication number: 20170096874
    Abstract: Methods of designing a cementing operation for a cement body within a wellbore are described herein. One such method includes determining a stress for the cement body within the wellbore by simulating hydration of the cement body using cementing operation parameters and wellbore conditions. The hydration simulation includes calculating pore pressure for the cement body and accounting for changes in pore pressure associated with chemical shrinkage of the cement body. The method further includes designing a cementing operation using the stress for the cement body and the cementing operation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ethan PARSONS, Jeffrey J. THOMAS
  • Publication number: 20170096875
    Abstract: A rupture assembly that may be employed in the oilfield industry facilitates the deployment of a tubing string in a well. The rupture assembly may be installed at the bottom of the tubing string for the purpose of trapping air in a lateral section of the tubing, between the rupture assembly and an upper sealing assembly. As a result, the buoyant force in the lateral section reduces the drag encountered while running the tubing through the casing, thereby significantly reducing rig time, or permitting operations where none were possible previously. Once at landing depth, surface pressure may be added to burst and remove the seal and rupture assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: John Ravensbergen, Juan Montero
  • Publication number: 20170096876
    Abstract: An intelligent dart or ball or other shape is dropped or pumped into a borehole that has multiple valves for access to the formation through which fractures are initiated. The intelligent object engages with the valves as it passes with retractable engagement dogs that are outwardly biased but not to the degree needed to find support unless the valve in question is the one that needs to be operated. In that event the dogs become supported and pressure is applied to the object to shift the valve to the open position. The object can be released at a later time remotely or can be milled out. Subsequent objects can be landed in the same sleeve after the initial object is released to close it or to close the open port by moving a second sleeve against a first sleeve. Fracturing in any order is envisioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Flores Perez, James S. Sanchez, Yingqing Xu, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20170096877
    Abstract: A flushable well screen or filter assembly for placement within a tubular. The assembly includes a well screen or filter having an inlet end and an outlet end; and a velocity fuse positioned downstream of the outlet end of the well screen or filter, the velocity fuse in fluid communication with the well screen or filter. A system for removing fluids from a well and a method for back-flushing an upstream well screen or filter installed within a tubular are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Michael C. Romer
  • Publication number: 20170096878
    Abstract: A smooth bore toe valve includes a first sub defining a through bore and a fluid flow path through a wall thereof; a second sub; a housing mechanically engaged with the first and second subs to define a valve cavity axially between the first and second subs and to define a chamber radially between the first and second subs and the housing, the housing further defining a plurality of openings in a wall thereof; and a sleeve disposed within the chamber between the housing and the first and second subs to close the openings and, upon application of fluid pressure horn the through bore through the fluid flow path, open the openings to fluid flow from the valve cavity to the exterior of the housing. A method for using such a valve is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Anton, Michael J. Harris
  • Publication number: 20170096879
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole flow device for controlling a flow of fluid between an annulus and an inner bore of a well tubular metal structure arranged in a borehole. The downhole flow device comprises a tubular part comprising a first opening and an axial extension, and a sliding sleeve configured to slide within the tubular part between a first position covering the opening and a second position fully uncovering the opening, the tubular part comprising a first groove and a second groove, the first groove being arranged at a first distance from the second groove along the axial extension, and the sliding sleeve comprising a projecting part configured to engage the first groove in the first position and the second groove in the second position, wherein the tubular part comprises a third groove configured to be engaged by the projecting part and having a second distance to the second groove which is smaller than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Satish KUMAR, Neil HANNAH
  • Publication number: 20170096880
    Abstract: A method for estimating a permeability of an earth formation includes: receiving a discrete fracture network (DFN) of the earth formation; representing the DFN as one or more volume sections, each volume section having a plurality of boundaries; identifying fractures that are connected to each other and lead from a first boundary in the plurality of boundaries to a second boundary in the plurality of boundaries to provide one or more flow paths for each volume section; applying Oda's method to the connected fractures making up the one or more flow paths to estimate the permeability of the earth formation along the one or more flow paths for each volume section to provide a permeability value for each volume section; and performing an action related to the earth formation using the permeability value for each volume section and an apparatus related to the action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Yuxing Ben, Tobias Hoeink
  • Publication number: 20170096881
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and storing completion design models in a central data repository of modems for completion design, well bore (such as fracturing or drilling) or other operations is shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald Glen Dusterhoft, Harold Grayson Walters, Jeffrey Marc Yarus
  • Publication number: 20170096882
    Abstract: A liner hanger is initially set to the surrounding tubular. A standard bottom up cement job through a shoe at the liner bottom can be performed. If that job does not test satisfactory then the running tool can be unlatched at the packoff and raised beyond the liner hanger extension tubular so that a tack and squeeze job can be accomplished pumping the cement top down through the gaps in the liner anchor. The running tool can be re-latched to the liner hanger extension tube that is still unexpanded. Once re-locked into a groove in the extension the running tool for the liner hanger can be operated to set the seal and release the running tool from the groove in the extension to pull out of the hole. The liner hanger anchor and seal can be expanded into the set position by the running tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam C. Patterson, Andy Tom
  • Publication number: 20170096883
    Abstract: A perforating tool includes a charge holder connected to a work string and a perforator fixed in a charge holder disposed along the work string. The perforator includes a cylindrical case, an explosive material, a metal cap, and a detonating cord. The case has a bulkhead at a first end, an open mouth at a second end, and an interior volume. The first end includes a post having a slot. The explosive material is disposed in the interior volume. The metal cap covers the open mouth of the case and has a disk section defined by a separator ring. The separator ring has a structurally weakened zone that encircles the disk section. The detonating cord is received in the slot of the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: OWEN OIL TOOLS LP
    Inventors: Shaun GEERTS, James KINSEY, Matthew C. CLAY
  • Publication number: 20170096884
    Abstract: A fluid pump apparatus for an artificial lift system has a barrel, a standing valve positioned at a lower end of the barrel, a plunger reciprocatingly mounted within the barrel, and a traveling valve positioned in an interior of the plunger so as to control fluid flow through the plunger. The barrel has an opening at a top thereof and an opening at a lower end thereof. The standing valve is movable between an open position and a closed position. The plunger has a first aperture at an upper portion of the plunger and a second aperture extending through a wall of the plunger so as to open to a channel extending longitudinally through the plunger. The traveling valve has a head portion of the body extending downwardly from the head portion. The body is slidably movable within an interior of the plunger. The body has a fluid-passing channel therein that opens to an exterior of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: VLP TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: William MICHEL
  • Publication number: 20170096885
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation including a pump in communication via pump components with a wellbore that intersects the formation, and that pressurizes fluid in the wellbore, the fluid comprising a fracturing fluid slurry. The system further includes hydraulic fracturing system components for making the fracturing fluid slurry, and a monitoring system that selectively captures and transmits real time images of at least one of the hydraulic fracturing system components or pump components to enable remote monitoring of the at least one of the hydraulic fracturing system components or pump components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: US WELL SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Publication number: 20170096886
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a method for hydraulic fracturing a subterranean formation traversed by a wellbore including characterizing the formation using measured properties of the formation, including mechanical properties of geological interfaces, identifying a formation fracture height wherein the identifying comprises calculating a contact of a hydraulic fracture surface with geological interfaces, and fracturing the formation wherein a fluid viscosity or a fluid flow rate or both are selected using the calculating. Embodiments herein also relate to a method for hydraulic fracturing a subterranean formation traversed by a wellbore including measuring the formation comprising mechanical properties of geological interfaces, characterizing the formation using the measurements, calculating a formation fracture height using the formation characterization, calculating an optimum fracture height using the measurements, and comparing the optimum fracture height to the formation fracture height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Dmitry CHUPRAKOV, Romain Charles Andre PRIOUL, Xiaowei WENG
  • Publication number: 20170096887
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article, may operate to model electromagnetic data to provide modeled electromagnetic data by solving a first set of surface integral equations that include earth model parameters corresponding to an earth model of a geological formation. Additional activity may include publishing at least some of the modeled electromagnetic data in human-readable form, and/or controlling drilling operations in the geological formation based on the earth model when error between the modeled electromagnetic data and measured electromagnetic data is less than a selected threshold. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Glenn A. Wilson, Burkay Donderici