Patents Issued in September 11, 2018
  • Patent number: 10072453
    Abstract: A vehicle door control system includes a camera disposed at a portion of the vehicle and having a field of view that encompasses a region exterior of the vehicle that is swept by a door of the vehicle as the door is opened and closed via a powered door opening/closing system of the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to detect an object present in the region that is swept by the door when the door is opening and to determine if the door may collide with the detected object when the door is being opened. During opening of the door and responsive to determination of a potential collision of the opening door with the detected object, the vehicle door control system positions the door at a partially open position whereby a gap is established between the door and the detected object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Joern Ihlenburg, Michael Schaffner
  • Patent number: 10072454
    Abstract: A system and method for securing personal articles, including a lockable enclosure, an image acquisition device disposed to capture an image of an interior of the lockable enclosure, a storage element configured to store the image, a data transmission element configured to transfer the image to a network, and a controller configured to grant access to the image only upon fulfillment of a predetermined condition, where the image acquisition device, the storage element, the data transmission element, and the controller are disposed in communication with one another and with the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE HOSPITALITY CONCEPTS, INC
    Inventors: Philipp Roosli, David Abram, Roger Abram
  • Patent number: 10072455
    Abstract: A temporary door latch device for a pre-hung door and casing. The door has a door lock cylinder opening and a door latch opening and the casing has a latch bolt opening. The device includes a female portion having a pair of opposed and spaced apart resilient fingers, each of said fingers having a plurality of inwardly extending teeth thereon. The female portion is receivable in the door lock cylinder opening and the door latch opening. The male portion has a pair of opposed and spaced apart fingers, each of the fingers having a plurality of teeth thereon. The male portion is receivable in the latch bolt opening and the door latch opening. The teeth on the female portion engage the teeth on the male portion in one orientation and are disengaged in another orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: B. Jack Smith
  • Patent number: 10072456
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to articles including anticondensation and/or low-E coatings that are exposed to an external environment, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the anticondensation and/or low-E coatings may be survivable in an outside environment. The coatings also may have a sufficiently low sheet resistance and hemispherical emissivity such that the glass surface is more likely to retain heat from the interior area, thereby reducing (and sometimes completely eliminating) the presence condensation thereon. The articles of certain example embodiments may be, for example, skylights, vehicle windows or windshields, IG units, VIG units, refrigerator/freezer doors, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Lemmer, Nestor P. Murphy, David D. McLean, Richard Blacker
  • Patent number: 10072457
    Abstract: A unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration, providing dynamic solar heat gain control, which (1) provides a track-based frame structure/blind combination in which the blind is self-correcting should the blind material fall outside of the track; (2) provides directional shading, where the assembly provides for dynamically controlling the amount of light allowed to reach the heat storage unit; (3) provides a blind motor without limiter switches and with a quick-release slip-ring; and (4) provides a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure, with which gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, David P. Hartman, Daniel M. Fogarty
  • Patent number: 10072458
    Abstract: A method of operating a motorized window covering is presented wherein in response to a standard movement command power is supplied to a motor in a continuous or generally continuous manner thereby moving the shade material from a start position to an end position in a generally continuous manner. However, in doing so, the motor rotates at a fast rate thereby causing elevated noise levels. In response to an automated movement command, power is supplied to the motor by cycling power to the motor between a powered state and an unpowered state thereby moving the shade material from a start position to an end position in an incremental manner. While moving the shade material in this incremental manner is slower, it is substantially quieter. The preferred mode of operation is selected based on whether the movement command is a standard movement command or an automated movement command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: CURRENT PRODUCTS CORP
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Daniel T. Matthews, Richard Scott Hand
  • Patent number: 10072459
    Abstract: In one aspect, a cord retention assembly for a covering for an architectural structure may include a cord guide coupled to a shade panel of the covering that is configured to receive a corresponding cord of the covering. The cord guide may form a closed shape and may also be configured to define an entryway around at least a portion of a perimeter of the closed shape. In addition, the cord retention assembly may include at least one retention member installed relative to the cord guide such that the retention member(s) prevents the entryway of the cord guide from being rotated past the attachment location defined between the shade panel and the cord guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Bradley Bowen, Tonya Lee Parker
  • Patent number: 10072460
    Abstract: The invention relates to a screen device (10) comprising a screen (16) movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, bearing on a load bar (12), and motorized by an installation comprising at least two winding units (24), each comprising a winding coil (26) associated with a driving gear motor (28), the winding coils (26) being guided to rotate relative to the box (18) mechanically independently from one another. A control circuit (32) synchronizes the two winding units (24) by driving each gear motor (28) so as to ensure the horizontal position of the load bar. To that end, the control circuit (32) is connected to one or more sensors (34), for example accelerometers, delivering a signal representative of the levelness of the load bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Pierre-Emmanuel Cavarec, Sebastien Lemaitre
  • Patent number: 10072461
    Abstract: An underground directional drilling system can comprise a plurality of elongated dual-shaft segments coupled together end-to-end and forming an inner shaft assembly independently rotatable relative to an annular outer shaft assembly. The dual-shaft drilling system can include a communication segment that comprises an outer shaft having first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal, and a gap portion that provides electrical insulation therebetween. The communication segment can generate voltage differences between the longitudinal portions that cause electrical pulses to periodically transfer across the gap portion to wirelessly communicate drilling related data to the surface. An inner shaft of the communication segment can comprise electrical insulation to avoid creating an electrical short between the first and second longitudinal portions of the outer shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Savant Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas S. Hogan
  • Patent number: 10072462
    Abstract: An earth-boring drill bit is described, the bit having a bit body having a central longitudinal axis that defines an axial center of the bit body and configured at its upper extent for connection into a drill string; at least one primary fixed blade extending downwardly from the bit body and inwardly toward, but not proximate to, the central axis of the drill bit; at least one secondary fixed blade extending radially outward from proximate the central axis of the drill bit; a plurality of fixed cutting elements secured to the primary and secondary fixed blades; at least one bit leg secured to the bit body; and a rolling cutter mounted for rotation on the bit leg; wherein the fixed cutting elements on at least one fixed blade extend from a center of the bit outward toward a gage region of the bit but do not include a gage cutting region, and wherein at least one roller cone cutter portion extends from substantially the drill bit's gage region inwardly toward the center of the bit, an apex of the roller cone cu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Anton F. Zahradnik, Rudolf C. Pessier, Mitchell A. Rothe, Don Q. Nguyen, Karlos Cepeda, Michael S. Damschen, Robert J. Buske, Johnathan Howard, John F. Bradford, Gregory C. Prevost, Chaitanya K. Vempati
  • Patent number: 10072463
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bits utilized for drilling wellbores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventors: Yan Yan Rao, Xiao Jun Peng
  • Patent number: 10072464
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a formation-engaging structure with a formation-engaging surface at a distal end and a side surface between a proximal end and the distal end along a central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally linear recess may be formed in the side surface along an axis oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally helical recess may be formed in the side surface, and the generally helical recess may intersect the generally linear recess. Earth-boring tools may include such formation-engaging structures. Methods may be used to form such formation-engaging structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Do Van Do, Juan Miguel Bilen, Steven C. Russell, Kenneth R. Evans, Jason E. Hoines, Oliver Matthews, R. Keith Glasgow, Chaitanya K. Vempati
  • Patent number: 10072465
    Abstract: A support platform for enabling a worker to service an oil well next to a wellhead having a valve tree includes a platform having an upper floor, a lower floor and a cavity in between the floors. A platform provides a periphery, a central opening and radially extending beams. A plurality of walls attached to the periphery of the platform, said beams connecting to said walls below said upper floor. A drain that enables fluid to drain from the upper floor to the lower floor and into the cavity. A coupler that spans between the floors for enabling a connection to be made between the platform and valve tree. A liquid guard or other provision that disallows the escape of fluid from a floor via the central opening. One or more sleeves are provided in the cavity, each connecting to the upper floor, each sleeve having a bore that extends to and through the upper floor. Fluid that drains to the cavity is not able to escape the cavity via the sleeve or sleeve bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: INTEGRIS RENTALS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Pierre L. Olivier
  • Patent number: 10072466
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a riser section (4) equipped with an inner locking ring (11). According to the invention, auxiliary line elements (7) are secured to one end of main tube (6) and they are mobile with respect to the other end of main tube (6) through the agency of a sliding pivot connection, whose relative translational motion is limited by a clearance adjustment means (15). The invention also relates to a riser consisting of several sections (4) and to the use of the riser for carrying out an offshore drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventors: Emmanuel Persent, Navid Saeedi, Gerard Papon
  • Patent number: 10072467
    Abstract: A removable riser hang-off connector is equipped with a flexible element that, in one embodiment, comprises rubber-encapsulated steel plates. The connector is designed for attachment to a hang-off collar provided on a steel catenary riser below the tapered stress joint or flex joint. Connection of the removable riser hang-off connector may be made by an ROV. With the removable riser hang-off connector attached, the tapered stress joint and/or flex joint may be raised out of the water (for inspection, maintenance, repair or replacement) by lifting the upper end of the SCR out of its porch receptacle with a chain jack (or other lifting device) and inserting the removable riser hang-off connector into the porch receptacle. This temporarily supports the SCR in an elevated state with the tapered stress joint and/or flex joint above the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Salem, Thomas Prichard
  • Patent number: 10072468
    Abstract: Cooling systems and methods for controlling the temperature of motors of gas compression systems of chillers are disclosed. Certain systems utilize a centrifugal, two stage compressor equipped with a motor between the stages. The cooling system provides a low velocity refrigerant spray on at least one or both ends of the motor without requiring additional pumping energy from the motor to deliver the refrigerant spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Heiden, Chuck Roesler
  • Patent number: 10072469
    Abstract: The system and method for remediation of oil-contaminated sand provides for washing and separation of sand from oil and oil-based contamination. The system includes a feed hopper for receiving a volume of oil-contaminated sand in communication with a cleaning tank for receiving the volume of oil-contaminated sand therefrom. A mechanical stirrer mixes the volume of oil-contaminated sand with a surfactant solution in the cleaning tank. An ultrasonicator ultrasonicates the volume of oil-contaminated sand and the surfactant solution in the cleaning tank to create a mixture of washed sand and oily wastewater. A collection tank then receives the mixture. A band filter covers an open upper end of the collection tank, such that the mixture of washed sand and oily wastewater is filtered to separate out the washed sand, which may then be collected. The separated oily wastewater is then collected in the collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Meshari Almutairi
  • Patent number: 10072470
    Abstract: A flow sensor assembly including a housing configured to couple to a fluid line, wherein the housing includes an inlet for receiving a flow of a first fluid, and a sensor coupled to the housing and configured to measure a flow level of a second fluid passing through the fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kim André Henriksen, Kenneth Torjussen
  • Patent number: 10072471
    Abstract: A liner tube for a core barrel assembly includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve having an inner surface configured to be coupled to a layer of material that is configured to absorb or adsorb formation fluids or parts of formation fluids. At every longitudinal location of the sleeve with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, a transverse cross-section of a wall of the sleeve may include at least one gap extending radially through the entire wall of the sleeve, such that the at least one gap separates a portion of the sleeve wall on one circumferential side of the at least one gap from another portion of the sleeve wall on an opposite circumferential side of the at least one gap. The sleeve has flexibility in a circumferential direction greater than that of a sleeve without a gap extending radially through an entire wall of the sleeve at a transverse cross-section of the sleeve at every longitudinal location of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Uhlenberg, Marcel Brand
  • Patent number: 10072472
    Abstract: An apparatus for debris removal. The apparatus includes a debris storage housing. The debris storage housing has a velocity tube located therein. The velocity tube has a hole formed therethrough. A diverter is located on the velocity tube adjacent the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Jensen
  • Patent number: 10072473
    Abstract: A debris removal tool for removal of metallic debris from within a wellbore. The debris removal tool includes a housing defining a central bore and a plurality of magnetic members retained within the central bore and axially moveable therewithin, the magnetic members each presenting a contact surface to contact and form a magnetic attachment to the metallic debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Ellen Ellis Rud
  • Patent number: 10072474
    Abstract: Embodiments of cam lock pressure seals, a spring-driven ball race pressure seal and wedge pressure seals, each suitable to be deployed in multiple applications (such as wellhead pressure control applications, hydraulic fracturing applications and drilling applications) where it is advantageous to actuate a pressure seal remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johansen, Nicolas G. Snoke
  • Patent number: 10072475
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a telescoping marine riser action and one of a rotating control device and an annular blow out preventer. The telescoping marine riser section comprises an inner barrel and an outer barrel. The one of a rotating control device and an annular blow out preventer is disposed inside the outer barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Bastiaan Liezenberg
  • Patent number: 10072476
    Abstract: A poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) solid-state extrusion molded article having a weight average molecular weight of from 100,000 to 380,000 and a melt viscosity of from 20 to 2,000 Pa·s (at a temperature of 240° C. and a shear rate of 120 sec?1) and having an L-form content of from 80 to 100%, the article having a thickness or diameter of from 10 to 500 mm and a tensile strength of from 5 to 100 MPa at a temperature of 66° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: KUREHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Okura, Takeo Takahashi, Hiroyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 10072477
    Abstract: A tool for deploying a wellbore plug in a well using flowable eutectic material is disclosed. A tool having a mandrel, an obstruction, and a flowable quantity of eutectic material in a solid state is positioned in the wellbore. The obstruction is actuated and the flowable material is heated to melt. The obstruction supports the flowed material as it cools to form a plug in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Iain Cooper, Mariano Sanchez, Douglas PipChuk, Mohamed Sadek, Dinesh Patel, Rashmi Bhavsar
  • Patent number: 10072478
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation comprises forming a storable aqueous suspension comprising a carrier fluid, a superabsorbent polymer, a proppant the proppant being suspended in the carrier fluid as a substantially perfectly supported particulate; diluting the storable aqueous suspension in-line to a desired concentration; and introducing the diluted storable aqueous suspension into the subterranean formation. A sand control method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Scott G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10072479
    Abstract: A downhole chemical injection system that may include at least a first and a second injection port. The first injection port may be fluidically coupled with a chemical injection line and fluidically coupled with a production tubing string to inject the chemical into the production tubing string. Similarly, the second injection port may be fluidically coupled with the chemical injection line and fluidically coupled with the production tubing string to inject the chemical into the production tubing string. The first injection port may include at least a first radially extending injection nozzle, extending injection nozzle extending in a first radial direction relative to a central axis of the production tubing string. Similarly, the second injection port may include at least a second radially extending injection nozzle, extending in a second radial direction relative to the central axis of the production tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Frederic Nicolas Felten, Paul Anthony Haines, Ammar Abdilghanie Mohammed
  • Patent number: 10072480
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electrical power downhole comprises a housing located in a drillstring. A primary flow channel is formed through the housing. At least two secondary flow channels are located in the housing and arc laterally displaced from the primary flow channel, A fluid driven electrical generator is positioned in each of the at least two secondary flow channels. A controllable flow diverter is associated with each of the secondary flow channels to controllably divert at least a portion of a fluid flow m the primary flow channel to at least one of the at least two secondary flow channels to drive the generator therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Carroll, Andrew Downing
  • Patent number: 10072481
    Abstract: Methods for modeling a tight hydrocarbon reservoir intersected by a borehole. Methods include using an estimated hydrocarbons-in-place value for the tight hydrocarbon reservoir and a gas parameter associated with drilling the borehole to create a drilling model. The model may determine an operation of a well control device associated with the borehole; or correlate the hydrocarbons-in-place value with the gas parameter for the tight hydrocarbon reservoir. Other methods include determining, during the forming of the borehole, an operation of a well control device associated with the borehole using an estimated hydrocarbons-in-place for the tight hydrocarbon reservoir and a gas parameter. The gas parameter may comprise a detected gas parameter normalized using at least one corresponding drilling parameter. Further methods include employing the model for performing operations in another borehole drilled in the same reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sanjeev Bordoloi, Namsu Park, Christopher David Ward
  • Patent number: 10072482
    Abstract: Assemblies and methods pack a borehole annulus with gravel carried by a carrier fluid of a slurry. A manifold is disposed on tubing (e.g., basepipe). A number of first permeable structures in fluid communication with the manifold are disposed adjacent an impermeable (blank) section of the tubing. These first structures filter the slurry in the borehole annulus and pass the carrier fluid filtered into the manifold. A number of second permeable structures in fluid communication with the manifold are disposed adjacent a permeable (screen) section of the tubing. These second structures pass the carrier fluid from the manifold to the borehole annulus adjacent the screen section. In this way, the slurry in the blank section can be dehydrated for gravel packing by leaking of the carrier fluid to the screen section. The manifold and structures can also be beneficial in increasing the producible area of the tubing for production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Robert F. Hodge, Stephen McNamee, John S. Sladic
  • Patent number: 10072483
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly can be operably positioned within a wellbore. The sand control screen assembly can include a base pipe and an unperforated shroud. The assembly can also include a filter medium positioned between the unperforated shroud and the base pipe. The base pipe and the filter medium can define an inner passageway for fluid flow along the base pipe. The filter medium and the unperforated shroud can define an outer passageway for fluid flow between the filter medium and the unperforated shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Greci
  • Patent number: 10072485
    Abstract: A system may include a well device to control a flow of hydrocarbons extracted from a well and a monitoring device to receive data associated with one or more properties of the well and the well device. The monitoring device is disposed on the well device and receives pressure data and temperature data associated with the well device. The monitoring device may then determine an inflow performance relationship, a tubing performance relationship, a choke performance relationship, and a wellhead performance relationship, or any combination thereof based on the pressure data and the temperature data. The monitoring device may also generate at least one plot that illustrates the inflow performance relationship, the tubing performance relationship, the choke performance relationship, and the wellhead performance relationship, or any combination thereof. The monitoring system may then display the at least one plot on a display device disposed on the monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION ASIA PACIFIC BUSINESS CENTER PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Miguel Armando Machado, Hassan S. Suheil, Srikanth G. Mashetty
  • Patent number: 10072486
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for live well artificial lift completion. A live well artificial lift completion system includes an artificial lift pump discharge, a discharge adapter body secured between the artificial lift pump discharge and an umbilical, the discharge adapter body including an electrical connector fastened to an exterior of the discharge adapter body, an inner diameter of the discharge adapter body fluidly coupled to the artificial lift pump discharge, the umbilical including coiled tubing supportively hanging from an umbilical hanger within a wellhead, the umbilical hanger positioned in a tubing head spool, an inner diameter of the coiled tubing fluidly coupled to the inner diameter of the discharge adapter body, a jacket surrounding the coiled tubing, and a power cable extruded inside the jacket, wherein the power cable is connectable between the electrical connector of the discharge adapter body and a surface power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SUMMIT ESP, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Richard Bennett, John Farrar Hedges, Walter Russell Dinkins
  • Patent number: 10072487
    Abstract: A lift apparatus and method for driving a downhole reciprocating pump is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hydraulic cylinder having a piston and a hydraulic fluid port, the piston being coupled to a rod for driving the reciprocating pump, the piston being moveable between first and second ends of the cylinder in response to a flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic fluid port. The apparatus also includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump coupled to receive a substantially constant rotational drive from a prime mover for operating the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump having an outlet and being responsive to a displacement control signal to draw hydraulic fluid from a reservoir and to produce a controlled flow of hydraulic fluid at the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: I-JACK TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Dan McCarthy
  • Patent number: 10072488
    Abstract: A method, system, and associated apparatus are described for installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system is at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: AOI (Advanced Oilfield Innovations)
    Inventors: Andre Orban, Daniel Maurice Lerner, Barry Kent Holder
  • Patent number: 10072489
    Abstract: A transmitter is powered by a regulated battery voltage and is installable in one of a plurality of different housings, each housing is characterized by a different design and each can form part of an inground tool for performing an inground operation in which a drill string extends from a drill rig to the inground tool. An antenna driver drives an antenna based on the regulated voltage to emanate an electromagnetic signal for remote reception. A controller limits power consumption from the regulated voltage so as not to exceed a power consumption threshold, irrespective of installation of the transmitter in any one of the housings when the transmitter would otherwise exhibit a different power consumption for each housing design. A corresponding method is described. Features relating to power consumption threshold modification based on temperature as well as mechanical shock and vibration are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Scott Phillips, Benjamin J. Medeiros
  • Patent number: 10072490
    Abstract: A rotary steerable system includes a non-rotating housing, azimuthal resistivity antennas and electronics, disposed within the non-rotating housing, configured to measure a distance to an approaching upper or lower formation boundary, and a control module configured to steer a drill bit along a well path and, based on measurements from the azimuthal resistivity antennas, to steer the housing away from the approaching upper or lower formation boundary and thereby maintain a certain distance between the steerable housing and upper or lower formation boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Well Resolutions Technology
    Inventors: Borislav J. Tchakarov, Tsili Wang
  • Patent number: 10072491
    Abstract: An assembly (100) for the illumination of a wellbore, pipeline, tank, vessel or other environment wherein light is diffused and transmitted through an optically transparent material and projected in and around a field of view of a camera lens (10). A light source is disposed within a cavity at the proximal end (102) of a cylindrical shaped, optically transparent material. Light from the source is received into the transparent material, diffused, and transmitted to the distal end of the light tube (30), where it is projected in front of and around a field of view of a camera. Control of light intensity may be variable, pre-set before operations, or fixed by component design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Abrado, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Meyers, Marshal Harris, Philip Schultz, Bruce Beacom, John C. Wolf
  • Patent number: 10072492
    Abstract: Sensor-enabled cutting elements for an earth-boring drilling tool may comprise a substrate base, and a cutting tip at an end of the substrate base. The cutting tip may comprise a tapered surface extending from the substrate base and tapering to an apex of the cutting tip, and a sensor coupled with the cutting tip. The sensor may be configured to obtain data relating to at least one parameter related to at least one of a drilling condition, a wellbore condition, a formation condition, and a condition of the earth-boring drilling tool. The sensor-enabled cutting elements may be included on at least one of an earth-boring drill bit, a drilling tool, a bottom-hole assembly, and a drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony A. DiGiovanni
  • Patent number: 10072493
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a conveyance device having a flow bore, an isolator forming a testing volume at least partially defined by an inner surface of a wellbore tubular, and one or more pressure sensors generating signals representative of a pressure in the testing volume while the conveyance device moves the isolator axially through the wellbore tubular. The isolator substantially isolates a testing fluid received from the flow bore in the testing volume from an adjacent bore of the wellbore tubular. A location of at least one flow path in the wellbore tubular is identified by estimating a pressure of the testing fluid in the testing volume. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the general subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Juan C. Flores, Edward J. O'Malley, Jason M. Harper
  • Patent number: 10072494
    Abstract: A system for determining a characteristic of an oil well includes a signal source to generate an excitation signal during a first time duration and to generate a local oscillator signal during a second time duration. The system further includes a directional coupler, and a resonator disposed in an annulus of an oil well to receive the excitation signal through the directional coupler. The system also includes a mixer to receive a resonator signal from the resonator through the directional coupler, to receive the local oscillator signal, and to generate a mixer output signal based on the resonator signal and the local oscillator signal. The system further includes a filter to filter the mixer output signal to produce an intermediate frequency signal having an intermediate frequency, and a processor to determine a pressure or a temperature experienced by the resonator based on the intermediate frequency signal and the excitation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Melvin Clark Thompson, David William Beck
  • Patent number: 10072495
    Abstract: A system for wirelessly monitoring well conditions includes a set of wireless transceivers placed along a drill string inside a well, each transceiver placed within at least half the maximum distance that each transceiver can transmit data, and a power generator attached to each transceiver that powers the respective transceiver, the power generator including a first material that is of one polarity and a second material that is fixed in position and is of opposite polarity of the first material, wherein the first material is propelled toward the second material based on the motion of the power generator so that the two materials have a maximized point of contact to generate maximum power. The wireless transceivers may communicate using any wireless communication technology, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and BLE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Chinthaka Pasan Gooneratne, Bodong Li, Shaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 10072496
    Abstract: An example telemetry system for downhole operations in a subterranean formation comprises an electromagnetic (EM) radiation source and an EM radiation detector. A waveguide may be coupled to the EM radiation source and the EM radiation detector. A frequency multiplier may be coupled to the waveguide and positioned within a borehole in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hartmut Nitsche, John L. Maida, Satyan Gopal Bhongale
  • Patent number: 10072497
    Abstract: A technique facilitates geophysical exploration by employing a tool wrapped with an optical fiber. Additionally, an orientation sensor is coupled to the tool and is operable to provide data regarding orientation of the tool. A processing system, which may include an optical interrogation system, cooperates with the optical fiber and with the orientation sensor to obtain acoustic data. For example, the processing system collects tool orientation data and also strain data obtained from a location along the wrapped optical fiber. The strain data results from excitation of an acoustic signal from a suitable acoustic source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toru Ikegami
  • Patent number: 10072498
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method and fiber optic cable to provide optical pulses for sensing, and an optical telemetry system. In one embodiment, the method includes sequentially transmitting a plurality of optical pulses through a first end of a first optical fiber disposed in a first section of a wellbore. The plurality of optical pulses is combined into a combined optical pulse at a distance from the first end of the first optical fiber. The method further includes transmitting the combined optical pulse through a second optical fiber disposed in a second section of the wellbore, and the second optical fiber includes a second dispersion value, where an absolute value of the first dispersion value is greater than an absolute value of the second dispersion value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Satyan Gopal Bhongale, Daniel Joshua Stark
  • Patent number: 10072499
    Abstract: A method of processing data from an electromagnetic resistivity logging tool which includes a transmitter coil and a receiver coil is disclosed. The electromagnetic resistivity logging tool is placed at a desired location. The transmitter coil and the receiver coil are positioned at a first azimuthal angle. A signal is transmitted from the receiver coil. The receiver coil then receives a signal. The signal at the receiver coil, a tilt angle of the transmitter coil, a tilt angle of the receiver coil and the first azimuthal angle are then used to calculate a first complex voltage representing at least one component of the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsu-Hsiang Wu, Michael Bittar
  • Patent number: 10072500
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for characterizing a water-flooded zone in an earth formation resulting from injection of water to the formation through an injector well borehole intersecting the formation. The method includes estimating horizontal elongation of the water-flooded zone using a gravity field change in the injector well borehole. Estimating horizontal elongation may include predicting a gravity field change for each of a plurality of model water-flooded zones for the borehole, wherein each model water-flooded zone is an elliptical cylinder having finite height and semi-axes; and fitting the gravity field change to one of the predicted gravity field changes corresponding to one of the plurality of elliptical cylinder model water-flooded zones. The gravity field change may comprise a difference between a first estimated gravity field in the injector well borehole before injection and a second estimated gravity field in the injector well borehole after injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Gleb Vladimirovich Dyatlov, Yuliy Aleksandrovich Dashevsky, Alexandr Nikolaevich Vasilevskiy
  • Patent number: 10072501
    Abstract: An improved bit holder includes a larger bit shank bore and an enlarged upper shank segment or band with a taper of up to 7 degrees per side that provides an interference fit between the top of the shank and top of the bit block bore when the bottom of the bit holder body seats on the top of the bit block bore. An annular tapered void adjacent the bit holder tire portion provides for ease of bit holder extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: The Sollami Company
    Inventor: Phillip Sollami
  • Patent number: 10072502
    Abstract: A nozzle and shroud for use in an air cycle machine has a plate and a shroud curving in a first axial direction about a center axis of the shroud relative to the plate. A plurality of vanes extends in a second axial direction away from the plate. The plurality of vanes extends for a height away from the plate and a width defined as the closest distance between two adjacent vanes, with a ratio of the height to the width being between 1.3653 and 1.7992. An air cycle machine and a method of repair are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt
  • Patent number: 10072503
    Abstract: A turbine blade includes a core element having a base portion, a tip portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the base portion and the tip portion. The intermediate portion includes a non-uniform cross-section and is a high-strength fiber material. The turbine blade further includes a shell disposed around the core element, and the volume between the core element and the shell forms a void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, William David Duncan, Bran Ferren, William Gates, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Stephen H. Salter, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood