Patents Issued in December 26, 2017
  • Patent number: 9850705
    Abstract: A shading assembly configured to have a first selectable state that is transmissive to more than 40% of solar light and reflects more than 35% of solar heat, a second selectable state that blocks more than 75% of the solar light and transmits more than 50% of the solar heat, and a third selectable state that transmits more than 50% of the solar light and more than 50% of the solar heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: University of Cincinnati
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Dean, John D. Rudolph
  • Patent number: 9850706
    Abstract: A ladder system includes a ladder having a ladder top, the ladder top having at least a first slot. A container having at least a first protrusion that engages with the first slot to hold the container to the top. A method for working from a ladder. The method includes the steps of filling a container with objects and engaging a first protrusion of the container with a first slot of a top of the ladder to hold a container to the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Kyle G. Astor, Robert J. Glenn, II
  • Patent number: 9850707
    Abstract: Joint element for joining the side profiles of a first and a second cable ladder end-to-end with each other, preferably the side profiles being of the so-called hexagonal type, which joint element comprises on one hand a longitudinal gripping edge, which is connectable over the first longitudinal edges of the side profiles, and on the other hand a locking edge, which connects to the second, oppositely situated longitudinal edges of the side profiles, the locking edge of the joint element being provided with locking means for the fixation of the joint element against the side profile, wherein the locking means is formed as a locking tab that is formed with a free end and integrated with the locking edge. The invention also concerns a method for joining the side profiles of a first and a second cable ladder end-to-end with each other using such a joint element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Rolf Wesgardh, Håkan Bälter
  • Patent number: 9850708
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a drilling system including a drill string with two or more drill pipes (e.g., tubular), a drive system configured to rotate the drill string, and a neutral point sub disposed proximate a neutral point of the drill string, where the neutral point sub is configured to detect motion of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Bowley
  • Patent number: 9850709
    Abstract: An improved sealed bearing pack for a downhole mud motor is disclosed. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mud motor for straight and directional drilling with a sealed bearing pack designed to withstand higher torques, loads, and pressure operations and with a reduced failure rate. In some embodiments, the sealed bearing pack has more lateral support for improved horizontal drilling and extended operational life. Thus, one embodiment includes an adapter housing extending the length of the outer housing and a bearing within the adapter housing for increased support. Additionally, some embodiments include two thrust bearing assemblies for improved operations and reduced failures. Various embodiments include a longer flow sleeve than prior art sealed bearing packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Newsco International Energy Services USA Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Ficken
  • Patent number: 9850710
    Abstract: An example embodiment of a pipe-in-pipe electric motor assembly includes a drilling string that includes an inner pipe, an outer pipe, and an electric motor. The electric motor is provided with power supplied by the inner pipe and the outer pipe acting at least as conductors. A latching mechanism connects the drilling string and an electric motor output shaft. The electric motor output shaft is driven by the electric motor. The latching mechanism prevents the electric motor output shaft from rotating slower than the drilling string and associated methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Thomas Hay
  • Patent number: 9850711
    Abstract: An autonomous laser-powered vehicle designed to autonomously penetrate through ice caps of substantial (e.g., kilometers) thickness by melting a path ahead of the vehicle as it descends. A high powered laser beam is transmitted to the vehicle via an onboard bare fiber spooler. After the beam enters through the dispersion optics, the beam expands into a cavity. A radiation shield limits backscatter radiation from heating the optics. The expanded beam enters the heat exchanger and is reflected by a dispersion mirror. Forward-facing beveled circular grooves absorb the reflected radiant energy preventing the energy from being reflected back towards the optics. Microchannels along the inner circumference of the beam dump heat exchanger maximize heat transfer. Sufficient amount of fiber is wound on the fiber spooler to permit not only a descent but also to permit a sample return mission by inverting the vehicle and melting its way back to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Stone Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9850712
    Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the drilling state of a downhole tool and controlling the trajectory of the downhole tool in a wellbore during a drilling operation. One method may include identifying a drilling parameter indicative of the drilling state of the downhole tool in the wellbore. The method may also include determining the drilling state based on the identified drilling parameter. The identified drilling parameter may be obtained from a sensor communicatively coupled with a processor and disposed in the wellbore. The method may further include adjusting the operation of an integral controller based on the determined drilling state to control the trajectory of the downhole tool in the wellbore during the drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Sugiura
  • Patent number: 9850713
    Abstract: A drilling system for use in rotary coiled tubing drilling of deviated wellbores is provided. The drilling system includes a base, a derrick mounted on the base, a top drive system mounted on the derrick; and a coiled tubing module. The coiled tubing module is adapted to move the coiled tubing in and out of the deviated wellbore and coupled to the top drive system on the derrick. The coiled tubing module is carried and rotated by the top drive system to transfer torque to the coiled tubing moving in and out of the deviated wellbore to perform rotary coiled tubing drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: MUST HOLDING LLC
    Inventor: Marc Haci
  • Patent number: 9850714
    Abstract: An acid tunneling system for forming lateral tunnels from a central wellbore. The acid tunneling system includes an acid tunneling tool having an acid injection nozzle which can be steered and oriented in response to downhole parameters that are detected and sent to surface in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventors: Silviu Livescu, Thomas J. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9850715
    Abstract: A modular compaction boring device. The boring device comprises a compaction boring head which creates a borehole through a subsurface by operation of a thruster and a rear and forward anchor. Extension of the thruster while the rear anchors are engaged move the boring head forward. Retraction of the thruster while the forward anchors are engaged brings the rear anchors forward for an addition stroke. A steering geometry in the boring head and rotation of the boring head allow steering of the boring device. Steering, thrust, and anchors may be controlled remotely through an umbilical cable pulled through the borehole by the boring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Beckwith, Dustin Blessum, Michael F. Gard, Tony D. Kukuk, Jason N. MacDonald, Monika E. B. Salas, F. Loyd Sands, Wally E. Shaffer, Richard F. Sharp, Brent G. Stephenson, Damon C. Webb, Kendall C. Young
  • Patent number: 9850716
    Abstract: A remote-controlled adjustable-speed screw drill for gas-drive hydraulic-motive during gas drilling is provided, including a piston speed control system, a motor assembly, a cardan shaft assembly and a transmission shaft assembly which are connected with each other from up to down in sequence. The motor assembly includes air inlets, a cam, air cylinders, pistons, a connecting rod, air outlets, liquid inlets, hydraulic cylinders, liquid check valves, a liquid storage chamber, liquid outlets, a liquid injecting chamber, a liquid injecting hole, an anti-drop cap, a rotor, a stator, and a motor assembly housing. The present invention utilizes the high-pressure gas injected by the gas drilling to drive the pistons to move back and forth at high-speed, so as to drive the incompressible liquid within the driving screw to achieve the self-circulating motion, and the screw rotor is driven to rotate by the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Southwest Petroleum University
    Inventors: Tiejun Lin, Ying Zhang, Zhanghua Lian, Qiang Zhang, Yong He, Gao Li, Taihe Shi, Hao Yu
  • Patent number: 9850717
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for analyzing a fixed cutter drill bit, said method including selecting a cutter; selecting an earth formation; simulating drilling performance of the fixed cutter bit having at least once cutter thereon; performing finite element analysis using outputs from the simulating; and outputting stress on the at least one cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Zhehua Zhang, Jiaqing Yu
  • Patent number: 9850718
    Abstract: An apparatus for communicating a signal to or from a downhole tool includes a drill pipe configured to be rotated to drill a borehole, a tubular under axial tension and secured in the drill pipe, and a retention device secured to the tubular and configured to maintain the tubular under the axial tension. The retention device includes a portion extending from a body of the device in a direction that is non-inward-radial with respect to a longitudinal axis of the drill pipe. The apparatus further includes a transmission line disposed in the tubular and in an opening of the retention device and in communication with the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Stephan Mueller, Ingo Roders, Robert Buda, Rene Schulz, Henning Rahn, Detlev Benedict
  • Patent number: 9850719
    Abstract: An apparatus enables modifying a riser's operating parameters for transporting production fluids from a subsea well to an offshore production facility after an initial period of production to address changes over time in the conditions of the reservoir and/or the riser without removing the original riser. An insert riser having a smaller diameter is inserted into the riser after the initial period. The original riser has a recessed seal face for receiving seal element(s) and a recessed lock groove for receiving a locking ring. An intervention coiled tubing having a sleeve removal tool is inserted into the riser to engage a protective sleeve covering the recessed seal face. The tubing is pulled to the floating structure thereby removing the protective sleeve and the temporary retaining ring from the production riser, exposing the recessed seal face. The insert riser can then be inserted into the riser and locked into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Brian Ferrier, Alireza Mazaheri
  • Patent number: 9850720
    Abstract: Systems including wellbore tubing having an anchor assembly, an upper control line connector coupled to the anchor assembly, a first housing, and a first connector. The first connector provides a first angular mating face that faces tangentially with respect to the first housing, an upper control line operatively coupled to the first housing, and first communication media that extend through the first housing to the first angular mating face. A completion assembly within a wellbore has a completion receptacle to receive the anchor assembly, a lower control line connector coupled to the completion receptacle and a second housing and a second connector. The second connector provides a second angular mating face that faces tangentially with respect to the second housing, and a lower control line operatively coupled to the second housing and one or more second communication media that extend through the second housing to the second angular mating face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 9850721
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a rotating and reciprocating swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections with the mandrel of the swivel being comprised of double box end joints and using double pin end subs to connect a plurality of such mandrel joints together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 9850722
    Abstract: A downhole probe is adapted to be supported in drill string sections having different internal diameters with the use of a set of interchangeable centralizers. Each centralizer is dimensioned to snugly receive the downhole probe and to bear against the bore wall of a drill-string section. Interchangeable axial supports such as spiders may also be provided in a set. The downhole probe may comprise a slick body. As drilling progresses the downhole probe may be adapted to be received in drill string sections of varying diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, Justin C. Logan, David A. Switzer, Patrick R. Derkacz
  • Patent number: 9850723
    Abstract: Drill string components having at least two threads extending around a body. The leading end of each thread can have a configuration having increased strength and resistance to jamming and cross-threading. In particular, the leading end of each thread can comprise a planar surface normal to the body. The leading end of each thread can provide an abrupt transition to full thread depth that helps reduce or eliminate cross-threading and can be oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the drill string component. Each thread can further provide at least one of a variable thread width and a variable thread pitch configured to create an axial progressive fit. Each thread can also provide a cylindrical thread root and a thread crest that circumscribes a frusta-cone over at least a portion of the axial length of the threads configured to create a radial progressive fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BLY IP INC.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Drenth, Keith William Littlely
  • Patent number: 9850724
    Abstract: A downhole tool that has a plurality of arm assemblies. Each of the arm assemblies has an arm configured to expand and retract and an actuator. A hydraulic bus in fluid communication with the plurality of arm assemblies. A plurality of flow control devices. The flow control devices are configured to selectively isolate one or more arm assemblies of the plurality of arm assemblies from the hydraulic bus while maintaining the other arm assemblies of the plurality of arm assemblies in communication with the hydraulic bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pierre-Arnaud Foucher, Todor K. Sheiretov, Gregory J. Giem, Lucas Teurlay, Quentin Smith
  • Patent number: 9850725
    Abstract: A liner hanger and packer are set at different times in a single trip without intervention. The running tool has a ball seat that accepts a ball for pressuring up which results in movement of a mandrel with a magnet mounted to it past a valve triggered by the magnetic field. Potential energy is released to set the liner hanger. Further mandrel movement then releases the running tool once the liner is supported by the hanger. After a cement job that starts with confirmation of release of the running tool, the same magnet is moved past another valve adjacent the liner top packer. Another valve is triggered open to release potential energy and move parts that set the packer. The running tool is removed from the liner and brought to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Mario Moreno, James M. Fraser, Sidney K. Smith, Jr., Abbie J. Palmieri, Daniel C. Ewing, Matthew J. Kruger, Eric Halfman, Jarandon J. Adams
  • Patent number: 9850726
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for expanding an anchoring device in a borehole. In one aspect, an anchoring device is provided. The anchoring device includes an expandable tubular. The anchoring device further includes a plurality of bands disposed on an outer surface of the expandable tubular. Each band is attached to the tubular at a first connection point and a second connection point, wherein each band is configured to bow radially outward as the expandable tubular shortens in length in response to the expansion of the tubular. In a further aspect, a method of attaching an anchoring device in a borehole is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Varadaraju Gandikota, Larry A. Kendziora, Richard Lee Giroux
  • Patent number: 9850727
    Abstract: A method for adjusting position of a downhole flow control device, comprising deploying a service tool downhole, wherein the tool includes a tool body with a first latching profile and a shifting key with a second latching profile and travel profile, locking the service tool to a latch interface, and moving part of the service tool to adjust position of the flow control device while the service tool is locked to the latch interface. A system comprising a downhole flow control device, a latch interface, and a service tool, wherein the service tool includes a tool body with a first latching profile, a shifting key with a second latching profile and travel profile, and an actuator to extend and retract the profiles relative to the tool body, wherein position of the flow control device is adjusted by moving the service tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 9850728
    Abstract: A wireline drilling system for the hydrocarbon exploration and production industry incorporating a drilling cuttings removal system which acts to remove and store cuttings displaced by a drill bit during drilling operations. The cuttings removal system may employ a screw member having a tapered lower portion and a narrow upper portion to transport drilling cuttings to a cuttings basket and distribute the cuttings therein. Embodiments of the invention include an integral tractor to progress the wireline drilling system and provide weight-on-bit, as well as assist in retrieval of the wireline drilling system if the tool should become stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: INNOVA DRILLING AND INTERVENTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Roland Wessel
  • Patent number: 9850729
    Abstract: An apparatus for containing and controlling the flow of hydrocarbons from a bore well or other earth formation includes a housing enclosing a receiving and distribution chamber, receiving and distribution chamber is in fluid communication with and sealably connected to a top vertical tubular member and a bottom vertical tubular member, wherein the top and bottom tubular members extend from the receiving and distribution chamber to the exterior of said housing. The apparatus further includes a cone aperture adapted to prevent or allow the flow of liquid into the top tubular member, at least one outlet passage between the receiving and distribution chamber and the exterior of the housing, valve means adapted to permit or prevent the flow of liquid through at least one of said outlet passages, and pump devices adapted to facilitate the flow of hydrocarbons through at least one of said outlet passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Ruth Ibanez
  • Patent number: 9850730
    Abstract: A piston rod subassembly for use in a blowout preventer operator assembly includes a piston rod having a rod threaded interface and a rod shoulder on an outer diameter of the piston rod. A preload ring has a ring threaded interface for engaging the rod threaded interface to couple the piston rod to the preload ring. A protruding end surface of the piston rod protrudes past an end face of the preload ring when the piston rod is coupled to the preload ring and the rod shoulder engages a ring shoulder of the preload ring. A piston has a pocket for receiving the preload ring. Preload ring fasteners couple the preload ring to the piston to form a piston rod connection between the piston rod and the piston, such that the protruding end surface engages an interior surface of the pocket and a preload is induced in the piston rod connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Hydril USA Distribution, LLC
    Inventors: Ronny Alexander Moya, Richard Lee Stringfellow, Brian Scott Baker
  • Patent number: 9850731
    Abstract: A lubricator is provided which has a unitized body with at least one port in communication with the body's bore and its outer surface, to which port(s) connectors with different outer fittings for further connection to other equipment may be attached and sealed, and later detached and replaced with other connectors. The connectors may have different outer fittings or may be a plug or valve. This allows the connection of a single port to external equipment to be changed and the fitting for that external equipment's connection to be altered, without having to disconnect the lubricator from its well-head and stem or any of the lubricator's other connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: 1069416 ALBERTA LTD.
    Inventors: Stephen Maerz, Leigh Durling, Watcharin Suttipisetchart
  • Patent number: 9850732
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for a downhole device has first (12) and second sealing (22) components which are urged together to make up the assembly such that a first sealing surface (34) on the first component radially presses a lip member (44) on the second component to change the angle of a second sealing surface (45) in the connected assembly. The components are urged together by a driving member (60) which can have screw threads that cooperate with the first component. The lip may be annular and may be formed by an undercut or recess (42) radially inwardly or outwardly of the lip member, allowing the lip member to bend radially inwards into the recess, during insertion of the second sealing component into the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: RMSpumptools Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Peter Murty, Stuart David Gordon
  • Patent number: 9850733
    Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to self-assembling packers that seal an annulus in a downhole wellbore. In one aspect, the packer is formed from a magnetorheological fluid, which may be a carrier fluid formed from a polymer precursor and magnetically responsive particles. The fluid is allowed to be shaped by a magnetic field provided by one or more magnets exerting a radially extending magnetic field from a tubing section used to place the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary Ryan Murphree, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Patent number: 9850734
    Abstract: A plug for installation in a well, comprising a housing (2) that carries at least two discs (3, 4) of a brittle material that can be fractured by mechanical forces and with a core between the discs (3, 4). The core comprises particulate material in compact form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Plugtech AS
    Inventor: Gustav Wee
  • Patent number: 9850735
    Abstract: A method of using a wellbore isolation device comprises: introducing the wellbore isolation device into the wellbore, wherein the isolation device comprises: (A) a matrix, wherein the matrix has a phase transition temperature less than or equal to the bottomhole temperature of the wellbore; and (B) at least one reinforcement area, wherein the reinforcement area: (i) comprises at least a first material, wherein the first material undergoes galvanic corrosion; and (ii) has a greater tensile strength and/or shear strength than the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Zachary W. Walton, Zachary R. Murphree
  • Patent number: 9850736
    Abstract: A settable down hole tool is of increased drillability and/or of increased expansibility. The improvement in drillability can be caused by fracturing cast iron slips into a large number of small pieces that can be circulated out of a well without further reduction in size. The improvement in expansibility can be partially caused by providing an expander cone of increased hardness thereby allowing an increased angle on the expander cone and slips. The improvement in expansibility can be partially caused by increasing the thickness of the slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, LTD
    Inventor: Warren Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 9850737
    Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating the effects of syntactic foam on annular pressure buildup during annular fluid expansion in a wellbore to mitigate annular pressure buildup in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhengchun Liu, Robello Samuel, Adolfo Gonzales, Yongfeng Kang
  • Patent number: 9850738
    Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed from one or more composite materials and adapted to receive a setting tool through the first end thereof, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and one or more shearable threads disposed on an inner surface of the body, adjacent the second end thereof, wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to receive at least a portion of a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof, and wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to engage the setting tool when disposed through the body and adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Magnum Oil Tools International, Ltd.
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 9850739
    Abstract: A stabber for assisting in the lifting and installation of a cement head assembly onto a bore hole casing includes a support member comprising a first end opposite a second end. A first connection element is disposed proximate the first end of the support member and a second connection element is disposed proximate the second end of the support member. A first weight is mounted to the support member in closer proximity to the second end of the support member than to the first end of the support member. A second weight is connected to the support member between the first and second ends of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventors: George Pat Ferguson, Warren J. Diamond
  • Patent number: 9850740
    Abstract: A valve seal assembly can be energized by external pressure, such as by hydraulic pressure introduced via injection ports, so as to press the seal assembly against a gate with enough force to block paths where sand and chemicals would otherwise enter the valve body cavity or void. The external pressure makes the parts of the seal assembly move like a piston, forcing the seat of the seal assembly to press against the gate, eliminating the machined tolerances or gaps required for the gate to be opened or closed. A separate valve seal assembly can be provided for each face of the gate, and both assemblies can be activated when the gate is in an open position (fluid is flowing through the valve), and an upstream valve seal assembly can be activated alone when the gate is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Fracmaster, LLC
    Inventor: Don Atencio
  • Patent number: 9850741
    Abstract: An interchangeable orifice wellhead system is disclosed which comprises a flow control valve comprised of a male union, a female union, a valve cap, and an orifice plate. The orifice plate can include a display tab, which visually communicates to the technician the size of orifice plate aperture. Orifice plates having different size apertures can be interchanged within the same flow control valve. In some embodiments, the male union of the flow control valve can be machined or interchanged with another male union to be used with different size orifice plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Landtec North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchal Cassel, Jamie Tooley, Scott Marcell
  • Patent number: 9850742
    Abstract: Disclosed is reclosable sleeve assembly including a housing defining one or more flow ports that provide fluid communication between a wellbore annulus and an interior of the housing, an outer sleeve arranged within the housing and movable between a closed position, where the outer sleeve occludes the one or more flow ports, and an open position, where the one or more flow ports are exposed, and an inner sleeve concentrically arranged within the outer sleeve and defining a plurality of flow slots, the inner sleeve being movable between an open position and a closed position where, when in the open position, the plurality of flow slots are axially aligned with the one or more flow ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Beck, Tom Swan, Robert L. Thurman, Ellen Thurman
  • Patent number: 9850743
    Abstract: A system is provided that include a safety device configured to mount in a mineral extraction system and block axial movement of a plug in the mineral extraction system while the plug is released from a retainer. The safety device may be a sleeve configured to receive screws or other retention mechanism in a tubular. A method is provided that includes installing a plug safety catch into a tubular of a mineral extraction system in which the plug safety catch is configured to block axial movement of a plug in response to a pressure differential while the plug is released from a mount position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Randall Dean Harkins, Kirk Paul Guidry, Thomas Edgar Taylor
  • Patent number: 9850744
    Abstract: A method for extracting coalbed gas. A wellhead device delivers power fluid into a downhole power fluid pipe in a well shaft, and conveys the fluid to a pump in a pump cylinder connected with the downhole power fluid pipe. The pump sucks in formation fluid via a suction inlet, mixes the fluid with the power fluid to produce a mixed fluid, and conveys the mixed fluid to ground surface. The mixed fluid containing coal dust travels at a flow rate greater than a sedimentation rate of the coal dust, passes though the wellhead device, and flows to the ground surface, thereby preventing a sedimentation of the coal dust. The suction inlet of the pump reaches a lower boundary of a coalbed so as to prevent coal dust from burying the coalbed, and the coalbed gas automatically shoots through an annular space of a well shaft casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SHENGLI LONGDI PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY & EQUPIMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuhua Zhang, Hongxing Wang, Kechu Han, Hongrong Wang, Qiangkun Zhang
  • Patent number: 9850745
    Abstract: A system including a mineral extraction system, including a tubular with a fluid passage, a hydraulic connector system configured to couple to the tubular, the hydraulic connector system, including a hydraulic block configured to couple to one or more fluid lines, and a sleeve coupled to the hydraulic block and configured to move axially with respect to the hydraulic block to couple and uncouple the hydraulic connector system with the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Alexis Delgado, Ricardo Araujo, Jose Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 9850746
    Abstract: The disclosed device provides a high-accuracy plunger arrival detection system comprising a low-power magnetometer with high sensitivity and which is capable of sampling low or high intensity magnetic fields. The device processes gathered data from sensors, stores at least some processed data in memory, executes a trending algorithm which compares the magnetic field of the plunger to the ambient magnetic field or a predetermined set of initialization values, and generates an output which is relayed to a well controller. An output signal may be via hard wire, RF, wireless or other known means. In addition, the implementation of two sensing devices mounted in series and in spaced relation to each other, can provide for an actual plunger average velocity. An actual plunger average velocity, as opposed to approximate average velocity, can be used to better optimize well control and improve safety of the overall well production system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: PCS FERGUSON, INC.
    Inventors: Terry R. Wright, Burke E. Lowery, Paul T. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9850747
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fissured substrata water pumping apparatus and methods thereof. The fissured substrata water pumping apparatus includes a water pumping pipe inserted into a drilled hole under a roadway floor; one or more unidirectional water-blocking plates configured inside the water pumping pipe; a servo pump; and an annular drainage siphon having a first end connected to an upper end of the water pumping pipe, and a second end connected to an inlet end of the servo pump through a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSTIY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Zhanguo Ma, Guozhen Zhao, Fan Zhang, Peng Gong, Zhongxi Jiang, Jianli Yang, Xinli Zhang, Zhanlin Ma, Yunjing Ma
  • Patent number: 9850748
    Abstract: Generally, methods for propping complex fracture networks in tight subterranean formations may involve introducing a first treatment fluid comprising a first base fluid and a first propping agent having a mean particulate size distribution ranging from about 0.5 microns to about 20 microns into a fracture network in a subterranean formation; and then introducing a second treatment fluid comprising a second base fluid and a second propping agent having a mean particulate size distribution greater than about 35 microns into the fracture network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Jeff T. Fleming
  • Patent number: 9850749
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of distributed optical fiber sensors for distributed acoustic sensing, and in particular, modal analysis of distributed acoustic data obtained in-well to monitoring well integrity. By determining one or more acoustic modes corresponding to distributed speed of sound measurements within the wellbore, and analyzing variations in the distributed speed of sound measurement it is possible to derive information relating to a formation and/or fluid in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Silixa Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Finfer, Kjetil Johannessen
  • Patent number: 9850750
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for evaluating a downhole fluid in a borehole intersecting an earth formation. Methods include using ultrasonic irradiation to produce sonoluminescence from cavitation in a volume of the fluid; obtaining spectral information from measurement of the sonoluminescence with a light-responsive device; and estimating a parameter of interest of the fluid from the spectral information. The parameter may be a composition of the fluid or concentration of: i) at least one chemical element in the volume; i) at least one molecular element in the volume. Methods include deconvolving a response spectrum by using one or more separately determined standard spectra, or estimating the parameter of interest using spectral lines represented by the spectral information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 9850751
    Abstract: An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported by a locking mechanism with a bore of a drill string section. The probe comprises a first spider and a second spider at the uphole and downhole sections of the probe. The locking mechanism secures the probes in the bore against axial and rotational movement relative the drill string section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, Justin C. Logan, David A. Switzer, Patrick R. Derkacz
  • Patent number: 9850752
    Abstract: A position-indicating tool includes an outer mandrel that accommodates two or more indicator lugs movable between a first position, where the indicator lugs extend past an outer diameter of the outer mandrel, and a second position, where indicator lugs are radially contracted within the outer diameter, an inner mandrel arranged at least partially within the outer mandrel and providing a radial protrusion that radially supports the indicator lugs in the first position, and a pressure block arranged between the outer and inner mandrels to control a flow of hydraulic fluid between an upper hydraulic chamber and a lower hydraulic chamber, wherein, when a pressure threshold is exceeded in the lower hydraulic chamber, the hydraulic fluid is able to flow into the upper hydraulic chamber and thereby allow the outer mandrel to axially translate with respect to the inner mandrel and move the indicator lugs to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip T. Thomas, Robert Ken Michael, Samuel Martinez
  • Patent number: 9850753
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include a signal integrity monitor that senses the signal transmitted between a surface device and a downhole device. The signal integrity monitor is adapted to disconnect power from the communication system if a fault in the communication line is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Graham Payne
  • Patent number: 9850754
    Abstract: A drilling system includes a sensor, an encoder operably connected to the sensor and a pressure pulse generator operably connected to the encoder. The pressure pulse generator is configured to produce a primary signal in response to input from the encoder. The drilling system further includes a primary transducer, a reference transducer and a signal processor connected to the primary transducer and the reference transducer. The signal processor includes a two-stage filter that is configured to extract the primary signal from noise observed at the primary transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: GE Energy Oilfield Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yihan Jiang, Wilson Chun-Ling Chin