Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9617775
    Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint as an engagement point for a driving element, having a ball head and a socket with a bearing opening, wherein the ball head has a pin for limiting the pivoting of the ball head in the bearing opening, wherein the ball head together with the pin is at least partially arranged in the bearing opening, and wherein at least one damping element is arranged in the bearing opening in such a manner that contact of the pin with the socket is prevented during the pivoting of the ball head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Haubs, Sebastian Goldmann
  • Patent number: 9617776
    Abstract: A motor driven door assembly is provided, the motor driven door assembly includes a door frame, a motor assembly connected to the door frame and having a motor directly connected to a first portion of a door hinge, and a door connected to the door hinge. The door hinge includes a second portion supported by a bearing assembly that carries substantially all of the door's weight, and the motor directly drives the door hinge to open or close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: VERITAS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: David P. Farrell, Robert J. Farrell
  • Patent number: 9617777
    Abstract: A vehicle window opening device includes a controlling portion, which controls opening/closing operation of a vehicle window based on drive force of a drive portion, a manipulation portion, which outputs a command signal in response to manipulation, and a catching detecting portion, which detects catching of a foreign object by the vehicle window based on a characteristic value of the drive portion that fluctuates in accordance with fluctuation in load acting on the vehicle window during an opening operation. The control portion is configured to control the opening operation, the closing operation, or both the opening and closing operations of the vehicle window based on manipulation of the manipulation portion after detection of catching by the catching detecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Aoshima, Keitaro Sato
  • Patent number: 9617778
    Abstract: An opening and closing body control apparatus includes: a first signal receiving unit receiving a first detection signal indicating the presence or absence of contact of a user with an operating portion of an opening and closing body; a second signal receiving unit receiving a second detection signal indicating a movement speed of the body; and a signal output unit outputting a control signal regulating a holding force of the body to a holding force regulating device, wherein the control signal regulating the holding force to a first holding force less than a second holding force is output to the device according to the first detection signal indicating that the contact has been detected, and when the second detection signal indicating that the movement speed body is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed is received when the holding force is the first holding force, the control signal regulating the holding force to the first holding force is output to the device regardless of the first detection sig
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norio Fukui, Ryo Asano, Hitoshi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 9617779
    Abstract: Modular components of modular door lite frame systems are disclosed. In some cases, a modular door lite frame system includes matching first and second modular frames, one or more modular male alignment members, and one or more modular female alignment members. In some cases, the modular alignment members can be coupled to modular frames of various sizes. In some cases, the modular components can be formed by casting ABS between no more than two opposed mold portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Jesse Charlton, Frank Ross Murray
  • Patent number: 9617780
    Abstract: A spacer, window assembly, method of manufacturing a window assembly, and method of manufacturing a spacer is described herein involving window assemblies having three sheets of material, which will be referred to as a triple pane assembly. Two interior spaces are defined within the window assembly: a first air space between the first sheet and intermediary sheet and a second air space between the second sheet and the intermediary sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Guardian IG, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt E. Heikkila, Eric B. Rapp
  • Patent number: 9617781
    Abstract: A sealed unit includes at least two sheets of transparent or translucent material separated from each other by a spacer. One example of a spacer for a sealed unit includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and filler arranged therebetween. The first and second elongate strips have a small undulating shape in some embodiments. Methods of making spacers and window assemblies as well as devices for use in the manufacture of spacers and assemblies are disclosed including a manufacturing jig and a spool storage rack. The spool storage rack stores a plurality of spools configured to store spacer materials thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Guardian IG, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Trpkovski
  • Patent number: 9617782
    Abstract: A hinge for coupling a movable element to a frame that defines an opening that receives the movable element. The hinge includes a frame interface assembly adapted to attach to the frame at one or more attachment points. The frame interface assembly includes a frame leaf and a sealing member, the frame leaf defines a mounting face adapted to abut an exterior surface of the frame and a plurality of spaced apart knuckles. The sealing member defines an attachment point liquid barrier sealing face abutting an interior surface of the frame opposite the mounting face. The hinge further includes a sash leaf adapted to attach to the window sash, with the sash leaf defining one or more knuckles, and a pin assembly including a hinge pin extending through the knuckles of the frame leaf and the knuckles of the sash leaf to couple the frame leaf and the sash leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Derek Ronald Gramstad
  • Patent number: 9617783
    Abstract: To reliably prevent entrance of electro-magnetic waves in a door that closes an opening portion formed in an airframe of an aircraft. A gasket seal 20 which is arranged between an opening portion 12 formed in an airframe of an aircraft and a door 13 for closing the opening portion 12, includes: a gasket seal body that is made of a rubber material; and conductive fiber 24 that covers a surface of the gasket seal body. When the door 13 is in a closed state, the gasket seal 20 whose surface is made conductive is abutted against a striker 30 provided on a skin 11 side of the airframe and made of a conductive material. The door 13 and the skin 11 of the airframe are electrically connected together via the conductive fiber 24 and the striker 30, and electro-magnetic waves can be reliably shielded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusaku Yahata, Takashi Yokoi, Keiichiro Doi, Mikishige Ibaragi
  • Patent number: 9617784
    Abstract: A safety screen has four frame portions joined together to form a fall resistant window screen to prevent accidental egress from a window or door. Each frame portion has an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion integrally formed out of aluminum. A hinge channel runs longitudinally along a top portion of the upper frame portion and allows the upper frame portion to rotate around an integrally formed pivot slot that is longitudinally disposed at the vertex between the upper and lower frame portions. A U-shaped spline track may have a locking tab that snaps and locks within a frame hook portion that is located on many window and door frame extrusions. A screen is frictionally held in place when the upper frame is rotated and compressed against the lower frame. Each frame is mitered and welded together to form the safety screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lansing Housing Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Houlihan
  • Patent number: 9617785
    Abstract: An extensible curtain rail includes a rail main body, more than one connection seat and a decorative panel. The decorative panel and the rail main body are assembled and connected with each other by means of the connection seat. The connection seat can be inward contracted or outward extended to adjust the gap between the decorative panel and the rail main body in accordance with different sizes of curtain assemblies to facilitate installation thereof. The decorative panel is detachable from the rail main body to provide larger installation space and more quickly install the curtain assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Tser Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 9617786
    Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a blind comprises: a first elongate element for attachment to a supporting structure; a second elongate element attachable to the first elongate element, in order to at least partially form a guide track providing a guide channel in which a part to be guided may be constrained, the first and second elements together at least partially defining the external surfaces of the guide track. The second elongate element is attachable to the first elongate element by displacement of the second element relative to the first element. The direction of displacement may be a direction substantially transverse to the direction of elongation of the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: FREEDOM SCREENS OF AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventor: Anthony Gerard Roberts
  • Patent number: 9617787
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shading device for an architectural opening comprising a shade, a drive unit for extending and retracting the shade between a first and second end position, a spindle, a first end stop, stationary connected to the spindle near a first end of the spindle and at least one travelling nut, movably arranged on the spindle and operatively connected to the drive unit so as to move towards, respectively away from the first end stop as the shade is extended, respectively retracted. The travelling nut is articulated in circumferential direction into segments, with at least two segments being detachably connectable to each other at one of their ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Jorg Bohlen
  • Patent number: 9617788
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a folding step stool that is, in one embodiment, mounted and stored within a cabinet. Children and short adults are typically not tall enough to readily access a kitchen or bathroom sink. Accordingly, many homes have a portable step stool located in the kitchen or bathroom. While effective, one problem with such a portable step stool is storage of the stool when not in use. Aspects of the present invention are directed to a folding step stool that may be mounted within an interior of a cabinet. When not in use, the entirety of the folding step stool may be disposed within an interior of the cabinet to permit closure of the cabinet door. Likewise, when needed, the cabinet door may be opened and the step stool may be deployed to provide one or more steps for use in accessing a counter or sink above the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: John W. Goodson
  • Patent number: 9617789
    Abstract: A motor assembly includes a power section extending between a first end and a second end. A bearing assembly section is disposed downhole from the second end of the power section. The outer diameter of the power section is smaller than an outer diameter of the bearing assembly section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Accel Directional Drilling
    Inventor: Chris Shipp
  • Patent number: 9617790
    Abstract: A downhole drilling motor comprises a first elastomer stator molded to an inner surface of a housing in a drillstring where the first elastomer stator has a first number of lobes. A dual purpose, helical shaped hollow member is positioned within the first elastomer stator, where the dual purpose hollow member has a second number of lobes formed on an external surface to form a first rotor. The second number of lobes is one less than the first number of lobes. A second elastomer stator is adhered to an inner surface of the dual purpose helical shaped hollow member, where the second elastomer stator has a second helical shaped cavity with the second number of lobes. A second helical shaped rotor is positioned within the second helical cavity, and has a third number of lobes one less than the second number of lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robello Samuel
  • Patent number: 9617791
    Abstract: A steerable drill bit may be used to drill a lateral borehole from a primary wellbore. The steerable drill bit may be part of a bottomhole assembly that also includes a directional control system. A deflection member, such as a whipstock, may be anchored in the primary wellbore. When the bottomhole assembly approaches the deflection member, the directional control system may steer the steerable drill bit to reduce and potentially eliminate contact between the steerable drill bit and a ramped surface of the deflection member. By restricting contact between the deflection member and the steerable drill bit, cutting elements of the steerable drill bit may obtain an increase in cutting efficiency and/or effective life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Praful C. Desai, Shantanu N. Swadi
  • Patent number: 9617792
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may include a superabrasive table having a recessed surface in a cutting face thereof and a shaped feature in a substrate at the interface between the superabrasive table and the substrate, the shaped feature corresponding to the recessed surface in the cutting face of the superabrasive table. In further embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may comprise a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one substantially planar recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table. In yet additional embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may comprise a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one non-planar recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table. Such cutting elements may be located on an earth-boring tool. Methods of forming an earth-boring tool include attaching such cutting elements thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony A. DiGiovanni, Rudolf Carl Pessier
  • Patent number: 9617793
    Abstract: Polycrystalline compacts include a hard polycrystalline material comprising first and second regions. The first region comprises a first plurality of grains of hard material having a first average grain size, and a second plurality of grains of hard material having a second average grain size smaller than the first average grain size. The first region comprises catalyst material disposed in interstitial spaces between inter-bonded grains of hard material. Such interstitial spaces between grains of the hard material in the second region are at least substantially free of catalyst material. In some embodiments, the first region comprises a plurality of nanograins of the hard material. Cutting elements and earth-boring tools include such polycrystalline compacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny E. Scott, Anthony A. DiGiovanni
  • Patent number: 9617794
    Abstract: A drill bit having a bit body with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a plurality of blades extending from the bit body is disclosed. Each blade has an outer face and at least one side wall. The drill bit has at least one junk slot, wherein each junk slot is defined by the bit body surface and the side walls of adjacent blades. At least one nozzle bore is formed in the bit body, wherein each nozzle bore has an intersecting surface between the bit body surface of a junk slot and an inner surface of the nozzle bore. At least one formation evacuation channel extends through the intersecting surface of at least one of the nozzle bores, wherein each formation evacuation channel has a base surface, and wherein the formation evacuation channel extends partially around the circumference of the nozzle bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Bala Durairajan, Rahul Bijai, Sandeep Tammineni, William Moore, Ehren Long
  • Patent number: 9617795
    Abstract: A subterranean support-bolt drill bit includes a bit body rotatable about a central axis and at least one cutting element mounted to the bit body. The at least one cutting element has a cutting face, a cutting edge adjacent the cutting face, and a back surface opposite the cutting face. A first recess is defined in the bit body and positioned adjacent the at least one cutting element. A first opening extends through a portion of the bit body, the first opening extending from the first recess. A coupling projection extends from the back surface of the at least one cutting element, the coupling projection being positioned within the first recess. A coupling attachment extends through the first opening and is attached to the coupling projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DOVER BMCS ACQUISITION CORPORATION
    Inventor: E. Sean Cox
  • Patent number: 9617796
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to a cable management system for use in the petrochemical industry. In one embodiment, a cable management system is provided. The cable management system includes an arm assembly coupled to a base that is movable relative to a track structure, wherein the arm assembly includes a first end to couple to a movable platform that moves the arm assembly during movement of the movable platform, and a second end of the arm assembly is coupled to the base and is movable relative to the base during movement of the movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTRO MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Carl Hall, Iryna Ilyk
  • Patent number: 9617797
    Abstract: A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Benjamin John Medeiros
  • Patent number: 9617798
    Abstract: A tubular component for a drill stem, for drilling a hole, the component including a first end section including a first threading, a second end section including a second threading, and a substantially tubular central section, a hole being provided in at least one of the first and second end sections, and a tensioner for a communications tube disposed in the hole, the tensioner operating by deformation of a regular section of the communications tube, the tensioner being disposed in a housing provided in at least the section, at a distance from the ends of the communications tube, the housing intersecting with the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: VALLOUREC DRILLING PRODUCTS FRANCE
    Inventor: Gabriel Roussie
  • Patent number: 9617799
    Abstract: A component for a drill stem including a tubular body with at least one first end zone and a second end zone. The component includes a sheath for passage of a cable extending inside the tubular body between the first end and the second end zone and at least one liner which lines at least a portion of the inside of the tubular body in the first end zone. At least a first end portion of the sheath includes a first threading. The liner supports a second threading. The first and second threading are screwed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: VALLOUREC DRILLING PRODUCTS FRANCE
    Inventors: Alexandre Fraignac, Francois Millet
  • Patent number: 9617800
    Abstract: The invention provides a connector assembly for interconnecting tubular elements. The connector assembly comprises at least one pin member, at least one box member, and for each box member a respective coating layer. Each pin member has a threaded outer surface and each box member has a threaded inner surface allowing the pin member and the box member to be screwed together. Herein the respective coating layer is positioned between the threaded surfaces of the pin member and the box member. Each coating layer is of a softer material than said threaded surfaces. The connector assembly further comprises means for removing excess coating material during make up of the pin member and the box member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Djurre Hans Zijsling, Egbert Jan Van Riet, Mark Michael Shuster
  • Patent number: 9617801
    Abstract: A drill pipe protector assembly comprising at least one protector sleeve (23) adapted to be mounted to the drill pipe string (7) through a fluid bearing (25) so as to be co-axially rotatable with respect to the drill pipe string (7). A retainer arrangement (21, 35) axially fixes the protector sleeve (23) with respect to the drill pipe string (7). The fluid bearing (25) is constructed according to the principles of a hydrostatic fluid bearing. At least one fluid channel (53) connects the fluid bearing (25) to a fluid path of pressurized drilling fluid flowing within an inner space (51) of the drill pipe string (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventor: Steinar Wasa Tverlid
  • Patent number: 9617802
    Abstract: An expandable downhole tool for use in an oil well, including a flexible member rolled into a helix and comprising first and second lateral edges on opposing lateral ends of the member. The flexible member is selectively changeable between a compressed configuration wherein the transverse cross-section of the flexible member has a first diameter, and an expanded configuration wherein the transverse cross-section of the flexible member has a second diameter, the second diameter larger than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Rafael Adolfo Lastra
  • Patent number: 9617803
    Abstract: An enhanced riser control system may employ electrical tensioners coupled to a drilling riser by wires. The electrical tensioners may provide quick response to a tension controller to handle positioning of the drilling riser. The electrical tensioners of the enhanced riser control system may be combined with hydro-pneumatic tensioners in a riser hybrid tensioning system. A controller within the enhanced riser control system may be configured to distribute tension to electrical tensioners and to control electrical tensioners to adjust the length of the first and second wires. The electrical tensioners may be used, for example, to suppress vortex-induced-vibration (VIV) and control drilling riser recoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TRANSOCEAN SEDCO FOREX VENTURES LIMITED
    Inventors: Yin Wu, Edward Peter Kenneth Bourgeau
  • Patent number: 9617804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drill rod magazine for vertical storage of drill rod elements, having a box-like basic frame which has a support area, vertical side walls and at least one horizontal receiving shelf, which is designed to receive and hold the drill rod elements. The basic frame has a laterally open access area, via which the drill rod elements can be inserted into the basic frame. It is provided according to the invention that the side walls are arranged parallel to each other and each have at least one pivot bearing with a horizontally orientated pivot axis, the at least one receiving shelf is mounted pivotably with respect to the side walls, and the basic frame is designed to be collapsible, wherein the basic frame can be unfolded from a folded-up position into an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BAUER Deep Drilling GmbH
    Inventor: Hannes Rainer Buettner
  • Patent number: 9617805
    Abstract: Swivel assembly and disassembly apparatuses for assembly and disassembly of a swivel include an apparatus base, a bearing collection basin carried by the apparatus base, a swivel head mount carried by the bearing collection basin, a swivel assembly/disassembly head carried by the swivel head mount and a swivel mounting mechanism carried by the swivel assembly/disassembly head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher M. Lafitte
  • Patent number: 9617806
    Abstract: A method of connecting a downhole tool and a downhole tubular: positioning the downhole tool coaxially on a rotatable seat; and rotating the seat to thread the downhole tool to the downhole tubular. A support stand: a structural frame with ground engaging members; and a downhole tool seat mounted for rotation on the structural frame about an axis of rotation, the downhole tool seat being coaxial with the axis of rotation. A combination of the support stand of and a downhole tool on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Gordon Fey
  • Patent number: 9617807
    Abstract: An injector head unit includes one or more drive chains revolving within a common plane mounted on an upper drive sprocket and a lower drive sprocket, wherein at least one of the upper and lower drive sprockets are configured to move vertically to tension the drive chains, and at least one fixed reference point proximate to at least one of the upper and lower drive sprockets, wherein relative positioning of one of the movable upper and lower drive sprockets with the fixed reference point indicates to a user an amount of elongation of the drive chains after a certain period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Premier Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Do Seo Park
  • Patent number: 9617808
    Abstract: The continuous oil pipe clamp mechanism includes a saddle-shaped clamp block and a clamp block seat. The saddle-shaped clamp block is buckled on the clamp block seat. The saddle-shaped clamp block includes a saddle-shaped clamp portion and a bottom, wherein the bottom has a clamp groove, and tongue platforms are arranged at two ends of the clamp groove. The clamp block seat includes a fit portion fitted to the saddle-shaped clamp block, wherein the fit portion is provided with a sunk groove matched with the clamp groove and pairs of bosses. Grooves matched with the tongue platforms are formed between the pairs of bosses. The clamp groove is buckled in the sunk groove, and the tongue platforms are arranged in the grooves and are limited by stop pins. The mechanism facilitates replacement of the clamp block, enabling an injection head to be stable in continuous work and convenient to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: YANTAI JEREH OILFIELD SERVICES GROUP Co., Ltd., YANTAI JEREH PETROLEUM EQUIP. AND TECH. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Liu, Qingfeng Yu, Jilei Fang
  • Patent number: 9617809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel comprising a flexible hydrocarbon pipeline storage installation. The flexible hydrocarbon pipeline storage installation comprises an annular storage device, the storage device comprising an opening, and a tensioner, adapted to exert a pulling force on a pipeline, comprising two or moretensioner tracks defining therebetween a pipeline passage, extending between a loading end and an opposed storage end of the tensioner. The flexible hydrocarbon pipeline storage installation further comprises a pipeline loading guide, provided near the tensioner, for guiding the pipeline during loading the pipeline into the annular storage device. According to the invention, the tensioner is arranged to have an essentially vertical pipeline passage, wherein the storage end of the tensioner is situated above the opening of the annular storage device, and wherein the pipeline loading guide is provided near the loading end of the tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Terence Willem August Vehmeijer, Hubertus Lourens Leendert Tieleman
  • Patent number: 9617810
    Abstract: A method for delivery of drilling fluid to a seafloor drilling assembly, the method comprising the steps of filling at least one container with drilling fluid; lowering the container through a body of water to adjacent a seafloor drilling assembly; connecting the container to the seafloor drilling assembly to deliver drilling fluid to the seafloor drilling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NAUTILUS MINERALS PACIFIC PTY LTD
    Inventors: Glen Smith, Kenneth William Macleay, Paul William Nye
  • Patent number: 9617811
    Abstract: A system includes a drilling mud cooling apparatus that is adapted to receive a flow of a mixture of drilling materials from a drilled wellbore during a drilling operation, and to cool the mixture from a first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the cooled mixture of drilling materials includes cooled drilling mud and drill cuttings. The disclosed system further includes a shale shaker apparatus that is adapted to receive a flow of the cooled mixture of drilling materials from the drilling mud cooling apparatus and to separate at least a portion of the drill cuttings from the cooled drilling mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Jay John Thiessen
  • Patent number: 9617812
    Abstract: A drillstring valve has an inlet mountable to a drillstring, an outlet and a passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet in a predetermined operating condition. The drillstring valve comprises a stop element adapted for receiving a valve element wherein the stop element comprises at least two protrusions extending into a passageway portion of the passageway to thereby retain the valve element. The at least two protrusions are spaced in a circumferential direction of the passageway portion and may be spaced from an inlet edge having a continuously reduced diameter in a downstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Lee
  • Patent number: 9617813
    Abstract: A locating assembly includes an inner mandrel and an outer mandrel. The outer mandrel is connected to the inner mandrel via a frangible device. The locating assembly also includes a positioning device connected to the outer mandrel. Further, the locating assembly is directly or operatively connected to a tool, and the tool is located within a wellbore. An application of a first downward force causes the positioning device to move to a first position, and, when the positioning device is in the first position, the tool is located and maintained in a first position. An application of a second downward force causes the inner mandrel to move relative to the outer mandrel into a second position, and, when the inner mandrel is in the second position, the tool is located and maintained in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Colby M. Ross
  • Patent number: 9617814
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a system for pump down operations includes a wireline unit and a pump unit. The system also includes a controller coupled to the wireline unit and the pump unit. The controller is to automate at least one control function selected from the group consisting of: a pump rate for the pump unit based on at least one of a monitored wireline speed and a monitored wireline tension for the wireline unit; and a wireline speed for the wireline unit based on at least a monitored pump rate for the pump unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eddie Seals, Neil Joseph Modeland
  • Patent number: 9617815
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a plurality of cutters, each cutter having expandable cutting elements, a control unit associated with each cutter to expand the cutting elements of its associated cutter and a controller that controls each of the control units to independently activate and deactivate each cutter in the plurality of cutters to expand the cutting elements of each such cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sascha Schwartze, Ole Petter Nipen, Carl C. Clemmensen, Corinna Schwartze
  • Patent number: 9617816
    Abstract: A method and system for retrieving a fracturing ball in a wellbore casing. The system includes a wellbore retrieval tool comprising a tool body that is inserted into and transported along the wellbore casing. The tool is sized and configured to trap and hold the fracturing ball. When a hydraulic lock happens in the wellbore casing, the retrieval tool is lowered in a vertical section and the ball is flowed back along a horizontal section and captured by a trap in the retrieval tool. The retrieval tool may also be run in conjunction with a setting tool with a ball-in-place fracturing plug. In case of the hydraulic lock, the injection is tested following perforation with the retrieval tool still a location proximal to the ball, and the ball is immediately retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BAKKEN BALL RETRIEVAL, LLC
    Inventor: Cary James Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9617817
    Abstract: A wellhead vault for preventing alteration of the wellhead of a water supply. The vault is a heavy bell-shaped structure, formed of concrete, and placed over and around the wellhead. The vaults too heavy to be removed by human lifting. Lifting elements are provided to allow the vault to be installed and removed by heavy construction equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Varney
  • Patent number: 9617818
    Abstract: A system, including an inner body, an outer body disposed about the inner body, and a grooved seal, wherein the grooved seal includes a sealing face and first and second side faces, wherein the first side face includes a first groove, the second side face includes a second groove, and the sealing face includes a third groove, wherein one of the inner body or the outer body includes an annular channel, and the grooved seal is disposed in the annular channel to seal an annular space between the inner body and outer body, wherein the sealing face seals against one of the inner body or the outer body, the first side face having the first groove seals against a first sidewall of the annular channel, and the second side face having the second groove seals against a second sidewall of the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Christopher George Kocurek, Brandon Carringer
  • Patent number: 9617819
    Abstract: A subsea connection system for connecting to a hub has a body with an interior passageway suitable for allowing fluids to flow therethrough, a collet having a plurality of collet segments that are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an outer sleeve overlying the collet, and a translator cooperative at the outer sleeve so as to move the outer sleeve between a first position and a second position. The plurality of collet segments are in the unlocked position when the outer sleeve is in the first position. The plurality of collet segments are in the locked position when the outer sleeve is in the second position. The locked position is adapted to secure the body in connection with the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: David Older, Jeffrey Partridge, Brent Cox
  • Patent number: 9617820
    Abstract: A hanger assembly for supporting a tubular member within an outer well member includes a slip bowl that is moveable between an expanded condition with an enlarged diameter and a contracted condition with a reduced diameter, and has a downward facing slip bowl shoulder on an outer diameter of the slip bowl. Slips with teeth on an inner diameter surface are carried by the slip bowl. The slips are moveable between a retracted position, and an extended position where the teeth protrude radially inward from the inner diameter of the slip bowl. A false bowl has a lower upward facing false bowl shoulder located on an inner diameter and is sized to selectively engage the downward facing slip bowl shoulder. The false bowl also has a downward facing landing shoulder located on an outer diameter that is sized to selectively engage a support shoulder of the outer well member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Andrew Browne Helvenston, Eugene Allen Borak, Christopher Taylor Herman
  • Patent number: 9617821
    Abstract: A swellable packer can include a base pipe, at least one swellable seal on the base pipe, the seal comprising a swellable material, and at least one other swellable seal on the base pipe, the other swellable seal comprising another swellable material, and the swellable materials being different materials. Another swellable packer can include at least one swellable seal, the seal comprising a swellable material, and at least one other swellable seal, the other swellable seal comprising another swellable material, and wherein one swellable seal displaces the other swellable seal into contact with a well surface, in response to contact between the one swellable seal and an activating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristian Solhaug
  • Patent number: 9617822
    Abstract: A setting assembly for a packer seal features peripherally mounted rod pistons that abut the seal to be set by advancing the seal relative to a tapered surface. When parts of the seal engage an inner tubular wall before other parts of the seal the continuation of application of hydraulic pressure to the pistons moves parts of the seal that have yet to make contact with the tubular wall further relative to the ramp so that plastic deformation of the seal assembly can occur to allow portions thereof to move radially further outwardly to seal in the region where the radius of the tubular is enlarged. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the pistons in an opposite direction a lock mechanism is defeated and the c-ring or scroll reverts to a smaller shape optionally aided by a garter spring so that the packer can be selectively retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Keven O'Connor, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 9617823
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing against a bore in a soil formation. The apparatus comprises an elongate central member having a resilient tubular seal member extending between first and second ends therearound, a longitudinally moveable plunger surrounding the central member having a first wedge engagable upon the first end of the seal member and a backing ring engaging upon the second end of the seal member. The plunger is axially movable along the central member to compress the seal member between plunger and the packing ring and to press the first end of the seal member in a radially outward direction. The method comprises a locating the apparatus at a desired location and axially moving the plunger towards a corresponding backing ring so as to compress the seal member between plunger and the packing ring and to press the seal member in a radially outward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Grant George, Shane Sargent, Curtis Ring
  • Patent number: 9617824
    Abstract: A packer assembly is located in a compacted wellbore and a method of relieving compression on the packer assembly are disclosed. An initial load path that exists when the packer assembly is in a set position is altered. The alteration of the load path relieves substantially all of the compression on the packer assembly. This causes a lower packer mandrel to move towards an upper packer mandrel. This upward movement shortens the distance between the upper packer mandrel and the lower packer mandrel, which removes the compressive forces on the packer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Karla Sechere, William M. Richards, Thomas J. Frosell