Patents Issued in January 22, 2019
  • Patent number: 10184303
    Abstract: An improved anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of two joined tubular members of a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a first threaded portion connected to a second threaded portion. The anti-rotation device includes at least one self-tapping screw installed in an associated threaded bore formed in and tangential to a flange of the second threaded portion. When installed, the at least one self-tapping screw engages a shoulder of the first threaded portion. A partial thread is formed in the shoulder of the first threaded portion by the at least one self-tapping screw, which forms a shear-resistive force that prevents rotation of the first threaded portion relative to the second threaded portion, and thus prevents rotation of one tubular member relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Morris B. Wade, Bruce J. Witwer, Blake T. Deberry
  • Patent number: 10184304
    Abstract: An attachment is described that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of heavy construction equipment. The attachment is configured to rotate a section of pipe during break out (i.e. disconnection or disassembly) from another section of pipe and/or make up (i.e. connection or assembly) with another section of pipe. The attachment is configured to break the joint or torque the joint to a predetermined torque value, unthread or thread pipe, and lift the pipe under the power of the heavy construction equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: LaValley Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Jason LaValley, Daniel L. Larson, Roger LaValley, Marvin N. Larson, Rodney Wurgler, Christopher G. Kay, Matthew J. Michel, Jesse J. Kilde
  • Patent number: 10184305
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for improving the accuracy of bottom hole pressure control. One example embodiment includes a torque and drag model that calculates the elasticity of the drill string, which is included in a managed pressure drilling control system. The addition of the torque and drag calculations provide more accurate surge/swab effect calculations based on pipe movement corrected for elasticity effects. The results of these calculations will be used in a real-time hydraulics model to determine a setpoint pressure which will be utilized by a MPD choke system. Further, the real-time torque and drag models are calibrated to actual hole conditions in real-time using survey, temperature, pressure and downhole tool data to calculate friction factors in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Enery Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Randolph Lovorn, Robello Samuel, Emad Bakri Yassin Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 10184306
    Abstract: A rotary subterranean drill capable of detecting an excessive downhole pressure condition and automatically remediating the causal condition of the detected excessive pressure condition. A pressure detector coupled to a drill string of the rotary subterranean drill can sense an excessive downhole pressure condition that exceeds a predetermined value. When an excessive downhole pressure condition is sensed at the pressure detector drag members are automatically disengaged from the borehole, thereby permitting rotation of the anchorable exterior portion within the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Everett Philip Hagar
  • Patent number: 10184307
    Abstract: A ball seat is expanded and held in place within a casing using an expander. The ball seat includes one or more gripping elements and one or more sealing elements. An apparatus for expandably installing a ball seat in a casing includes a ball seat having one or more gripping elements and one or more elastomeric sealing elements disposed on an exterior of an expandable sleeve portion of the ball seat that is expanded by pulling an expander into the bore of the expandable sleeve portion of the ball seat. A mechanical fuse is predisposed to fail at a level of force sufficient to move the expander to the installed position. Failure of the fuse and further movement of a pulling mandrel positions a channel on the mandrel into alignment with a distal end of the collet, enabling the collet to collapse and pass through the expander for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: TIW Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmad Warid Abdel Bar, Britt O. Braddick
  • Patent number: 10184308
    Abstract: A downhole tool and a method for operating the downhole tool, in which the downhole tool includes a first sensing member, and a second sensing member. The first and second sensing members have a first communication status when the downhole tool is in a first configuration. The first and second sensing members have a second communication status that is different from the first communication status when the downhole tool is in a second configuration. The downhole tool is prevented from actuating prior to the first and second sensing members having the second communication status, and the downhole tool is permitted to actuate after the first and second members have the second communication status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Chauffe, Michael J. Harris, Kenneth J. Anton
  • Patent number: 10184310
    Abstract: A system includes a flow-through component fluidly coupled to a wellhead and including an annular passage disposed about a central flow-through bore. The annular passage is transverse to the central flow-through bore. The central flow-through bore is downstream of the annular passage. The system also includes a first 90-degree elbow fluidly coupled to the flow-through component, a multi-phase flow meter disposed downstream of, and fluidly coupled to the first 90-degree elbow, a second 90-degree elbow disposed downstream of, and fluidly coupled to, the multi-phase flow meter, a monitor fluidly coupled to the second 90-degree elbow, and a choke disposed downstream of, and fluidly coupled to, the second 90-degree elbow, wherein, the central flow-through bore is downstream of the choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Edmund Peter McHugh
  • Patent number: 10184311
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly has a casing hanger for supporting a string of casing, the casing hanger having an external upward-facing shoulder. A radially movable annular lockdown member is carried on the shoulder for movement between a retracted position while the casing hanger is being run and an expanded position. In the expanded position, the lockdown member is in engagement with a lockdown profile shoulder in a wellhead housing. A casing hanger seal is carried by the casing hanger above the lockdown member. The casing hanger seal has a lower extension that includes a connection leg and a nose ring. The nose ring has a cam surface that engages and moves the lockdown member to the expanded position while the casing hanger seal is being lowered into a set position. Slots are formed in the extension to reduce the axial stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: VETCO GRAY, LLC
    Inventors: Aniruddha D. Gadre, Mayur Mansukh, Joseph W. Pallini, David Lawrence Ford, Baozhi Zhu
  • Patent number: 10184312
    Abstract: A subsea tree for use with a well includes a master block that has a flow hub located at the top of the subsea tree, a flow bore in fluid communication with the well, a swab valve, and a master valve. A choke block is coupled to a side of the subsea tree and includes a choke in a flow passage of the choke block. The swab valve is selectively closed so that fluid flowing through the master block is directed through the choke in the choke block. A method for operating the subsea tree, includes directing flow of a first fluid into the flow bore of the subsea tree, through the choke of the choke block, and then into the flow bore of the subsea tree. The method includes reversing flow of a direction of a second fluid through the subsea tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10184313
    Abstract: A packer with a slip assembly utilizing retainable wing projections. The slip assembly is configured for anchoring the packer in a well upon setting. This setting or deployment of the slip assembly involves shearing of wing projections from the sides of the slips. In this way, the retaining of the wings by counterbore projections of the packer ceases to keep individual slips also retained. That is, the shearing now allows the slips to expand radially into the noted anchoring position. Additionally, utilizing this type of wing shearing for setting allows the wings and indeed, the majority of the slips to be of a composite polymer or other readily millable or otherwise removable material. Thus, following the isolation, a more efficient packer removal may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Cromer
  • Patent number: 10184314
    Abstract: A thermoplastic cage insert for a downhole valve utilized in oil production rod pumps and other downhole equipment has a full open bore with no structural member spanning across the bore of the cage insert. This design allows fluid to flow freely at the trailing end of the ball of the valve, maximizing the cross sectional flow area at the trailing end of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: BLACK GOLD PUMP AND SUPPLY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Bair, Scott Sakakura, Simon Shin, Christopher Lindgren
  • Patent number: 10184315
    Abstract: A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kent David Harms, Jeremy T. Murphy, Michael J. Stucker, William E. Brennan, III, Albert Hoefel, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop
  • Patent number: 10184316
    Abstract: A first sleeve is shifted with a ball landed on a seat to open treating ports. At the conclusion of the treating such as fracturing, another ball is dropped on a seat in an adjacent sleeve. The adjacent sleeve shifts to contact the initial sleeve that was shifted earlier. When the sleeves abut the treating ports are closed by the second sleeve and the production ports that are preferably screened are also opened by the shifting of the second sleeve against the first sleeve. The first sleeve hits a travel stop in the housing to produce the full open position for the treating ports. The balls can be progressively larger in a bottom up direction for the procedure or the balls can all be the same size as the landing of a ball on the first sleeve reconfigures the sleeve above for the same sized ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Flores Perez, James S. Sanchez, Beau R. Wright, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 10184317
    Abstract: A check valve has a valve member flexibly attached to a seat with resilient members that fold in response to flow above a predetermined value to shut the valve. The flexibly extending members store potential energy that is released to separate the valve member from the seat when the pressure applied against the seated valve member declines to the point that the potential energy stored in the flexible members is able to move the valve member off the seat. The valve assembly including the valve member, the seat and the flexible members can be a common material, or can be all one or more nonmetallic materials or involve composites or other easily drilled materials that are compatible with the operating conditions of pressure differential, temperature and composition of the well fluid. The check valve assembly can be pushed with pressure when closed to operate a subterranean tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventors: Zachary S. Silva, Andre′ J. Porter
  • Patent number: 10184318
    Abstract: A downhole communication valve containing a piston and chamber which allows hyrdrostatic testing of a casing or tubing string multiple times before permanently opening communication ports to the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: COLT PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventor: Mark B. Nichols
  • Patent number: 10184319
    Abstract: A seat forming apparatus for use in a downhole tool comprising a driving member and a seating restriction. The driving member and the seating restriction are mechanically disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool. When the driving member drives into the seating restriction, the seating restriction or the driving member bend or buckle inwards to form a seat in the downhole tool. The inner diameter of the seat is configured to allow a restriction element to be seated in the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Raymond C. Shaffer, Dennis E. Roessler, Varun Garg, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10184320
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems, non-transitory computer-readable medium having one or more computer programs stored therein, and computer-implemented methods are provided to enhance hydrocarbon reservoir simulation for a plurality of hydrocarbon reservoirs. According to embodiments, a plurality of fluid flow simulation runs in each of a plurality of hydrocarbon reservoirs are initiated. Then, each of a first set of one or more of the plurality of simulation runs are terminated while each of a second set of one or more of the plurality of simulation runs continue. Terminating each of the first set of simulation runs can increase processing availability within a collective limited and predetermined combined computing capacity of one or more processors to another one or more of the plurality of simulation runs being run. Consequently, terminating each of the first set of simulation runs can thereby reduce total hydrocarbon reservoir simulation run time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ali Al-Turki, Majdi Baddourah, M. Ehtesham Hayder, Ahmed Al-Zawawi
  • Patent number: 10184321
    Abstract: A well system can include a generally tubular production string extending to a surface location. A production packer seals off an annulus external to the production string. A swellable packer is interconnected in the production string between the production packer and the surface location. A method of mitigating a leak in a generally tubular production string can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to fluid leakage through a sidewall of the production string. Another method can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to a flow of hydrocarbons into the annulus from an interior of the production string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Amare A. Mebratu
  • Patent number: 10184322
    Abstract: The present invention provides system, method and apparatus for creating an electric glow discharge that includes a first and second electrically conductive screens having substantially equidistant a gap between them, one or more insulators attached to the electrically conductive screens, and a non-conductive granular material disposed within the gap. The electric glow discharge is created whenever: (a) the first electrically conductive screen is connected to an electrical power source such that it is a cathode, the second electrically conductive screen is connected to the electrical power supply such that it is an anode, and the electrically conductive fluid is introduced into the gap, or (b) both electrically conductive screens are connected to the electrical power supply such they are the cathode, and the electrically conductive fluid is introduced between both electrically conductive screens and an external anode connected to the electrical power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 10184323
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having openings having non-uniform cross-section. The sand control screen assembly can also include a drainage layer positioned about the base pipe, a filter medium, and a protective shroud. The sand control screen assembly prevents the flow of particulate material of a predetermined size therethrough and allows the flow of production fluids therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Namhyo Kim, Antonio Lazo, Elaine Lange
  • Patent number: 10184324
    Abstract: A wellbore lining system that puts liners into place immediately behind the drill head tool is used in drilling and for preparing natural gas hydrate (NGH) deposits for production of its natural gas. The system overcomes the requirement of setting casing from the wellhead, which controls well bore diameter with depth and allows for flexibility in well bore size at any depth. Wellbore liners stabilize the well walls by being very tightly fitting against bounding rocks and sediments, which overcomes the requirement for cementing, which commonly accompanies conventional well casing. In addition, liners can be emplaced with designed impermeability, permeability, and complex flow-through patterns so that production processes, such as sand flow, can be put in place as part of a liner section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: MAXSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Max
  • Patent number: 10184325
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for utilizing an inner diameter of a tool for jet cutting and hydraulically setting packers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: COMITT WELL SOLUTIONS US HOLDING INC.
    Inventors: Mohamed Ibrahim Saraya, Roger Antonsen, Eivind Moen
  • Patent number: 10184326
    Abstract: A perforating system for creating perforations that azimuthally circumscribe an inner wall of a wellbore, and that are at substantially the same depth in the wellbore. The perforating system includes perforating assemblies that are housed in a gun body and spaced axially apart. The perforating assemblies have shaped charges positioned at selective angles around an axis of the gun body and at substantially the same axial location in the gun body. Bulkheads are provided between adjacent shaped charges, so that initiating the shaped charges forms angularly spaced apart perforations in a tubular in which the perforating system is inserted. Pressurizing the wellbore with fracturing fluid extends the perforations into fractures, where the fractures are normal to an axis of the wellbore and in a plane of minimum stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE Company LLC
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Flores
  • Patent number: 10184327
    Abstract: A capsule can include a shell that defines at least a portion of a chamber; and a mixture of an explosive and a thermally conductive material disposed in the chamber. A method can include forming a mixture of an explosive and a thermally conductive material; disposing at least a portion of the mixture in a chamber of a capsule; and at least partially sealing the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Skyler
  • Patent number: 10184328
    Abstract: The present invention provides a valve rod guide which acts as a sand diverter for pushing or expelling sand to the outside of the pump, thereby reducing sand that otherwise have settled in a down-hole pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Richard Holleman
  • Patent number: 10184329
    Abstract: Mesophase surfactant solutions and/or micellar solutions, pre-formed single phase microemulsions (SPMEs), and in situ-formed fluids may be used to clean up and remove hydrocarbons and synthetic oils such as oil-based mud filter cake and near wellbore damage in oil and gas wells. Removal occurs by solubilization of the hydrocarbons and synthetic oils into the micellar solutions, SPME, in situ-formed fluids, etc. when the fluid formulation contacts the hydrocarbons and synthetic oils. An in situ-formed fluid (e.g. microemulsion), may be formed when one or more surfactant, an optional linker, optional co-surfactant, optional acid, optional co-solvent and a polar high-density brine phase, and eventually some amount of organic phase, contacts the subterranean location and solubilizes the hydrocarbons and synthetic oils encountered, such as in the near wellbore of a subterranean formation. The micellar solutions, microemulsions, in situ-formed fluids, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Gianna A. Pietrangeli, Lirio Quintero, Ana Forgiarini
  • Patent number: 10184330
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for maintaining the performance and operational stability of an RF (radio frequency) antenna that is positioned in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, for heating the formation using electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range. Contaminants such as water or brine, metallic particulates and ionic or organic materials frequently occur in a wellbore being prepared for RF heating, or in an RF antenna installed in the wellbore. Prior to applying RF electrical energy to the formation, the antenna is decontaminated by circulating a preconditioning fluid through the antenna and recovering a spent fluid for treating and recycle. Decontamination is continued while the spent fluid from the antenna includes, but not limited to, water, metallic particles, ionic species, organic compounds contaminants, etc. An operational power level of radio frequency electrical energy is then applied to the decontaminated antenna for providing thermal energy to the hydrocarbon-bearing formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Gunther H. Dieckmann, Cesar Ovalles
  • Patent number: 10184331
    Abstract: An explosive assembly includes a first explosive unit having a first longitudinal end portion having a first mechanical coupling feature, a second explosive unit having a second longitudinal end portion having a second mechanical coupling feature, and a tubular connector having a first end portion mechanically coupled to the first mechanical coupling feature and a second end portion mechanically coupled to the second mechanical coupling feature, such that the first explosive unit, the connector, and the second explosive unit are connected together end-to-end along a common longitudinal axis. Each explosive unit can contain a high explosive material and a detonator, and the connector can comprise a detonation control module electrically coupled to the detonators and configured to detonate the explosive units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Mace, Bryce C. Tappan
  • Patent number: 10184332
    Abstract: A well tool can include an outer housing and a vibratory transmitter disposed in the outer housing. The vibratory transmitter transmits a vibratory signal to an optical line disposed in the outer housing. A well system can include an optical line extending in a wellbore, and at least one well tool secured to the optical line and including a vibratory transmitter which transmits a vibratory signal to the optical line. The optical line conveys the well tool into the wellbore. A method of telemetering data from a well tool to an optical line can include securing the well tool to the optical line without optically connecting the well tool to the optical line, and conveying the well tool in a wellbore on the optical line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Etienne M. Samson, Neal G. Skinner, William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 10184333
    Abstract: An apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include operating a positive displacement motor having a pair of output orifices including a selectably movable outer output orifice disposed proximate to a fixed inner output orifice. Operation may include rotating the outer output orifice about the longitudinal axis of the motor when drilling fluid is flowing through the pair of orifices to control fluid pressure pulse amplitude from the outer output orifice. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Troy Gosney, Paul F. Rodney, Huzefa Shakir
  • Patent number: 10184334
    Abstract: Various implementations directed to analyzing a reservoir using fluid analysis are provided. In one implementation, a method may include determining mud gas logging (MGL) data based on drilling mud associated with a wellbore traversing a reservoir of interest. The method may also include determining first downhole fluid analysis (DFA) data based on a first reservoir fluid sample obtained at a first measurement station in the wellbore. The method may further include determining predicted DFA data for the wellbore based on the first DFA data. The method may additionally include determining second DFA data based on a second reservoir fluid sample obtained at a second measurement station in the wellbore. The method may further include analyzing the reservoir based on a comparison of the MGL data and a comparison of the second DFA data to the predicted DFA data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Soraya S. Betancourt-Pocaterra, Dariusz Strapoc, Ivan Fornasier, Vinay K. Mishra, Jesus Alberto Canas, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 10184335
    Abstract: A configuration for testing fluid with a single packer includes at least one sample inlet and at least one guard inlet surrounding a periphery of the at least one sample inlet, wherein the at least one sample inlet has at least one side that is parallel to another side of the at least one sample inlet and the at least one sample inlet has at least two rounded ends connecting each of the parallel sides, and the at least one guard inlet has at least one side that is parallel to another side of the at least one guard inlet and the at least one guard inlet has at least two rounded ends connecting each of the parallel side of the guard inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Sangjun Lee, Yong Chang, Ashers Partouche, Sylvain Bedouet
  • Patent number: 10184336
    Abstract: A tool holder is disclosed for use with a milling drum. The tool holder may have a cylindrical body defining a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be received within a tool mounting block of the milling drum, the second end configured to receive a cutting bit. A flange may be located between the first and second end with respect to an axial direction, and a first bore, with a first opening defined by the second end and extending towards the first end. A frustoconical portion may be located between the flange and the first end with respect to the axial direction and a cylindrical portion located between the flange and the first end. At least one radial opening may pass through at least the wall of the cylindrical portion to intersect or be open to the first bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Dario Sansone
  • Patent number: 10184337
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a machine (100) for surface mining or road milling. The machine (100) is arranged to remove material from a ground region (102) while moving along the ground region (102) and comprises a ground engager for removing a portion of the material from the ground region (102). The machine (100) further comprises a detecting system (110) that has at least one detector element coupled to a component of the machine (100) to move with the machine (100) and arranged to detect at least one quantity associated with an electrical property of the ground region (102). The detecting system (110) is arranged to provide composition information concerning a composition of at least one material layer in the ground region (102) and thickness information concerning a thickness of at least one material layer (102a,b,c,d). The detected at least one quantity associated with the electrical property is used to provide at least one of the composition information and the thickness information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried von Schönebeck, Klaus Vollmann, Stefan Wagner, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10184338
    Abstract: A monitoring device and method for monitoring a longwall mining system having a roof support, the roof support including a pressure sensor to determine pressure levels of the roof support during a monitoring cycle. Pressure information is obtained for the roof support. An electronic processor then determines whether the pressure information is indicative of a first type of pressure failure of the roof support and whether the pressure information is indicative of a second type of pressure failure of the roof support. An alert is generated in response to determining that the pressure information is indicative of at least one selected from the group consisting of the first type of pressure failure and the second type of pressure failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Paul M. Siegrist, Nigel J. Buttery, Kirabo Kiyingi
  • Patent number: 10184339
    Abstract: A turbomachine including at least one blade-row group that is arranged in the main flow path and at least two rows of blades that are adjacent to each other in the main flow direction, each row having a plurality of blades (38, 40), whereby a narrow cross section and a degree of overlap between the blades of the upstream row of blades and the blades of the downstream row of blades vary starting at the center of the main flow path in the direction of at least one main flow limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Sergio Elorza Gomez, Tim Schneider
  • Patent number: 10184340
    Abstract: A rotor blade comprises an airfoil extending radially from a root section to a tip section and axially from a leading edge to a trailing edge, the leading and trailing edges defining a curvature therebetween. The curvature determines a relative exit angle at a relative span height between the root section and the tip section, based on an incident flow velocity at the leading edge of the airfoil and a rotational velocity at the relative span height. In operation of the rotor blade, the relative exit angle determines a substantially flat exit pressure ratio profile for relative span heights from 75% to 95%, wherein the exit pressure ratio profile is constant within a tolerance of 10% of a maximum value of the exit pressure ratio profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Constantine Baltas, Jonathan Gilson
  • Patent number: 10184341
    Abstract: An airfoil according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil body that has an internal passage for conveying a fluid flow. The internal passage includes first and second passage sections and a turn section that connects the first and second passage sections. A baffle is located in the second passage section and the turn section. The baffle includes a wedge region situated in at least the turn section and is oriented to either divide or join the fluid flow through the turn section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brandon W. Spangler
  • Patent number: 10184342
    Abstract: A turbine blade includes a tip shroud having a seal rail. The seal rail includes a tangential surface extending between tangential ends. The turbine blade includes a root portion configured to couple to a rotor and an airfoil portion extending between the root portion and the tip shroud. The seal rail includes a cooling passage extending along a length of the seal rail. The cooling passage is fluidly coupled to a cooling plenum to receive a cooling fluid via an intermediate cooling passage extending between the cooling passage and a cooling plenum. The seal rail includes cooling outlet passages fluidly coupled to the cooling passage. The cooling outlet passages are disposed within the seal rail and extend between the cooling passage and the tangential surface of the seal rail. The cooling outlet passages are configured to discharge the cooling fluid from the tip shroud via the tangential surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Xiuzhang James Zhang, James Tyson Balkcum, III, Ian Darnall Reeves, Joseph Anthony Cotroneo
  • Patent number: 10184343
    Abstract: A system having an impingement sleeve configured to receive a cooling flow is provided. The impingement sleeve includes a column of ports extending from an outer surface of the impingement sleeve, wherein each port of the column of ports is configured to direct an impingement stream toward a heated structure, and each impingement stream includes a portion of the cooling flow. Further, one or more pins are disposed outside the outer surface relative to the cooling flow, wherein each pin of the one or more pins is coupled between pairs of ports of the column of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Paul Lacy, David Edward Schick, Sandip Dutta
  • Patent number: 10184344
    Abstract: Turbine nozzles are provided for gas turbine engines. The turbine nozzle includes an arcuate inner band; an arcuate outer band; and a nozzle vane disposed between the arcuate inner band and the arcuate outer band. The radially inner end of the nozzle vane is attached to the arcuate inner band through an interlocking transition zone including a plurality of projections alternately extending from the radially inner end of the nozzle vane and the arcuate inner band, respectively, to undetachably couple the nozzle vane and the arcuate inner band. Optionally, the radially outer end of each nozzle vane is also attached to the arcuate outer band through an interlocking transition zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Richard William Albrecht, Jr., Michael John McCarren, Peter Andrew Flynn, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Jr., Eric Alan Estill
  • Patent number: 10184345
    Abstract: A cover plate assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first cover plate and a second cover plate in contact with a portion of the first cover plate to at least axially retain the first cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jason D. Himes
  • Patent number: 10184346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal (10) for sealing a gap between a stationary component and a moving component, in particular for sealing a radial gap between a rotor and a stator of a turbomachine, comprising at least one sealing segment (12) with an edge zone (14) facing the gap, whereby the seal (10) is produced layer-by-layer by a free-forming method, in particular a generative or additive method. A plurality of pre-defined weak regions (16) is formed in the edge zone (14) of the sealing segment (12). In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing a seal (10) as well as a turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: MTU Aero Enginies AAG
    Inventor: Joachim Wulf
  • Patent number: 10184347
    Abstract: A seal device includes a plurality of seal shoes, a seal base, a plurality of spring elements and a resilient biasing element. The seal shoes are arranged around an axis. The seal base circumscribes the seal shoes. Each of the spring elements is radially between and connects a respective one of the seal shoes and the seal base. A first of the spring elements includes a first mount, a second mount and a spring beam. The first mount is connected to a first of the seal shoes. The second mount is connected to the seal base. The spring beam connects the first mount to the second mount. The resilient biasing element is radially between and engaged with first and second components of the seal device, where the first component is configured as or otherwise includes the first mount or the second mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Tara L. D'Ambruoso
  • Patent number: 10184348
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling turbine blade tip-to-static structure clearance in a gas turbine engine installed on an aircraft. Mode control data are processed to determine that a fuel-saving mode is enabled, and aircraft data are processed to determine that the aircraft gas turbine engine is generating a substantially constant thrust. The turbine blade tip-to-static structure clearance in the aircraft gas turbine engine is minimized upon determining that both the aircraft gas turbine engine is generating a substantially constant thrust and the fuel-saving mode is enabled. The turbine blade tip-to-static structure clearance in the aircraft gas turbine engine is then selectively increased to a predetermined clearance, and a change in aircraft gas turbine engine thrust is prevented until the predetermined clearance is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Carlucci, Glenn Alexander Knight, Jim Rumbo, Dennis D Loots, Roger Peckham, Marko Bacic, James Kenneth Haberstock
  • Patent number: 10184349
    Abstract: An electricity generator includes a core having a pair of opposing end caps interconnected by a mid-section cooperating to define an interior chamber. In use, the core is held at a vacuum and filled with at least one inert gas. A frequency generator is attached for introducing and inputting electromagnetic waves into the interior chamber. A waveguide tube is provided to connect the frequency generator to the core, allowing for the passage of electromagnetic waves from the frequency generator into the interior chamber. In addition, a plurality of electrodes is provided which extend into the interior chamber to heat the inert gas and conduct the flow of electricity away from a lining on the interior chamber in order to produce steam. The electricity generator further includes at least one external steam generator system for converting the produced steam into energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: David J. Schulte
  • Patent number: 10184350
    Abstract: A centralizing assembly for an engine having a plurality or rotatable vanes is provided including an engine casing and at least one unison ring disposed concentrically there about. A spacing gap is formed between the unison ring and the engine casing and is variable between a maximum spacing gap and a minimum spacing gap in response to thermal expansion of the engine casing. A centralizer element includes a plunger element movably mounted to unison ring and spanning the spacing gap. At least one conical spring washer is mounted to the plunger element and exerts a centralizing force through the plunger element onto the engine casing. The at least one conical spring washer maintains the centralizing force between the maximum spacing gap and the minimum spacing gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Hall
  • Patent number: 10184351
    Abstract: A gas turbine with a burner, which gas turbine has at least one fuel feed line and at least one fuel outflow line, wherein a flushing water line is connected fluidically to the fuel feed line, and wherein a leakage oil tank is connected fluidically via a drainage line to the fuel outflow line and the connection of the fuel outflow line and the drainage line is provided at a point downstream of at least one closure valve in the fuel outflow line, wherein a bypass line is connected fluidically to the fuel outflow line upstream of the closure valve, which bypass line connects the fuel outflow line fluidically to the leakage oil tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Meisl, James Smith
  • Patent number: 10184352
    Abstract: A turbine shroud adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of metallic carrier segments and a plurality of blade track segments mounted to corresponding metallic carrier segments. Cooling air is directed onto the blade track segments to cool the blade track segments when exposed to high temperatures in a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Mark O'Leary, Daniel K. Vetters, Matthew R. Brandt, Ted J. Freeman
  • Patent number: 10184353
    Abstract: A cooling scheme for a blade outer air seal includes a perimeter cooling arrangement configured to convectively cool a perimeter of the blade outer air seal, and a core cooling arrangement configured to cool a central portion of the blade outer air seal through impingement cooling and to provide film cooling to an inner diameter face of the blade outer air seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Susan M. Tholen, Dominic J. Mongillo, Paul M. Lutjen, James N. Knapp, Virginia L. Ross, Jonathan J. Earl, Eric A. Hudson