Patents Issued in June 18, 2019
  • Patent number: 10323454
    Abstract: A window system for an enclosure subjected to a change in air pressure, the enclosure having a window having an air-filled cavity, the system including a first path configured to allow air within the cavity of the window to vent out of the cavity, a second path configured to allow air to flow into the cavity, and a drying agent disposed within the second path, where moisture in the air entering the window cavity through the second path is reduced by the drying agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.
    Inventor: Stephane Monfette
  • Patent number: 10323455
    Abstract: A window control device includes a window regulator and a light control device. The window regulator controls movement of a light control glass that is installed in a vehicle door and a light transmittance of which can be adjusted. The light control device controls the light transmittance of the light control glass. The light control device is attached to one of the components constituting the window regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tiago Lacerda Campagnolo, Tomoki Mitsuya
  • Patent number: 10323456
    Abstract: An awning adjustment device with variable speed and direction control serves to automatically open and close eclectic types of awnings by way of an elongated rod terminating at a hook. The hook detachably couples to an awning handle or crank mechanism. A motor powers the rod, so as to rotate the rod in variable speeds, directions, and durations. The rotational speed of the rod is either controlled by a user, or controlled by a rotation counter to variably increase or decrease the rotation of the rod, so as to prevent damaging the awning by rotating too fast. The control portion comprises a power on switch, a power off switch, a pause switch, a directional switch, and a speed switch. The motor operatively couples to at least one electrical power source through a power cord, or a battery to receive electrical power for operating the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Wendy Lin
  • Patent number: 10323457
    Abstract: A down the hole hammer (10) incorporates: an inner tube assembly (100); a fluid flow control system (200); a bit retaining system (400); a porting sleeve (600); and a piston (700). Each of the: inner tube assembly (100); fluid flow control system (200); bit retaining system (400); porting sleeve (600); and piston (700) in their own right provide benefit to the overall operation and/or reliability of the hammer (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: IGNIS TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventor: Peter Warwick Boswell
  • Patent number: 10323458
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit may be used for controlling a plurality of hydraulic implements. The hydraulic circuit may include a first directional valve, a second directional valve, and a relief valve. A variable displacement pump may be fluidly coupled to the first directional valve, the second directional valve, and the relief valve. The hydraulic circuit may be communicably and operably coupled to a controller, and the controller may be programmed to selectably control the hydraulic circuit between a first operational mode and a second operational mode. Additionally, the controller may be programmed to actuate the first directional valve between an open position and a closed position and to actuate the second directional valve between a first open position, a second open position, a first closed position and a second closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Chiaramonte, Christopher J. Demick
  • Patent number: 10323459
    Abstract: The beach umbrella tool comprises a T-shaped armature with an auger blade surrounding the bottom portion of a vertical main armature. A bearing at the top of the main armature may be held with one hand while the other hand is used to move a handle located at the end of a horizontal armature in circular motion. The resulting rotation of the T-shaped armature causes the auger blade to rotate and thereby remove sand from the beach beneath the beach umbrella tool. The bottom of a beach umbrella may be placed into the resulting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Eddie Mauldin
  • Patent number: 10323460
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for performing laser operations in boreholes and other remote locations, such operations including laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. Systems, apparatus and methods for generating and delivering high power laser energy below the surface of the earth and within a borehole. Laser operations using such downhole generated laser beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian O. Faircloth, Ian Lee, Andrey Kuznetsov
  • Patent number: 10323461
    Abstract: A drill bit including: a main body portion including three legs extending therefrom, the three legs arranged around a periphery of the main body portion; a conical cutter rotatably mounted on each leg, the conical cutters positioned to allow a clearance between the conical cutter and the main body portion; a protrusion extending from the main body portion into the clearance, wherein the protrusion encourages drill cuttings away from a base region of the main body portion where the legs meet the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: David Hanns
  • Patent number: 10323462
    Abstract: Stabilizer-reamer for drilling string characterized in that it comprises a mixture of diamond impregnated inserts, the mixture comprising cutting diamond impregnated inserts and wear resistant diamond impregnated inserts, said wear resistant diamond impregnated inserts having smaller diamond grain size and higher diamond concentration than said cutting diamond impregnated inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: FASTIP SA
    Inventors: Robert Delwiche, Harrie Oort, Nicholas Biggs, Etienne Lamine
  • Patent number: 10323463
    Abstract: Methods of making cutting elements for earth-boring tools may involve placing a powdered mixture into a mold. The powdered mixture may include a plurality of core particles comprising a diamond material and having an average diameter of between 1 ?m and 500 ?m, a coating material adhered to and covering at least a portion of an outer surface of each core particle of the plurality of core particles, the coating material comprising an amine terminated group, and a plurality of nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes, nanographite, nanographene, non-diamond carbon allotropes, surface modified nanodiamond, nanoscale particles of BeO, and nanoscale particles comprising a Group VIIIA element adhered to the coating material. The powdered mixture may be sintered to form a polycrystalline diamond table. The polycrystalline diamond table may be attached to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Soma Chakraborty, Oleksandr V. Kuznetsov, Gaurav Agrawal
  • Patent number: 10323464
    Abstract: A wellbore drill bit assembly includes a drill bit that includes a drilling fluid pathway that has an inlet fluidly connected to a drilling fluid entrance of the drill bit and an outlet fluidly connected to a drilling fluid exit of the drill bit; and a nozzle positioned in the drilling fluid pathway, where at least a portion of the nozzle includes a removable material configured to dissolve or erode in contact with a drilling fluid additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ahmad Mohammad Al-AbdulJabbar
  • Patent number: 10323465
    Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body having cutters and a generally cylindrical rolling element secured thereon. The rolling element protrudes from the bit body to engage a geologic formation. The location and orientation of the rolling element may be selected such that an outer surface of the rolling element maintains multiple points of contact with the geologic formation to balance the operational forces acting thereon for a desired minimum depth of cut. A moment acting on the rolling element may be minimized to thereby prevent damage to the drill bit. A method for configuring the rolling element may include calculating a critical depth of cut for each point along a radial interval defined by the cylindrical body, changing a design variable, and recalculating the critical depth of cut until at least three contact points exist along the rolling element for a desired minimum depth of cut for the interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Shilin Chen, Robert W. Arfele
  • Patent number: 10323466
    Abstract: An improved system and method for bracing, transporting, assembling, and disassembly of drilling equipment at oil and gas land-based well sites. The system has a substructure with side boxes support bracing that are in a scissor jack (or grand plié) style bracing with telescoping tension link(s), linking pins, and vertical hydraulic cylinders. These linking pins are set after raising the substructure and secure the telescoping tension link, support arms, and support bracing in place to maintain the integrity of the substructure. Alternatively the system has a substructure with side boxes support bracing that are in a scissor jack (or grand plié) style bracing with screw jacks and a means of stabilization during substructure raising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP.
    Inventors: Christopher Price, D. Jarrett Tarrent, David Armbruster, Wilson Orr, Marc Moore
  • Patent number: 10323467
    Abstract: An offshore drilling rig comprising a drill deck, at least one primary well center and a diverter system arranged below the primary well center, a drilling support structure extending upwardly from the drill deck and above the primary well center and the other work center and a first and a second hoisting system supported by the drilling support structure and being adapted for raising or lowering a first and a second load carrier, respectively, and where the offshore drilling rig comprises a positioning system adapted for selectively positioning at least the first load carrier in at least a first or a second horizontal position different from the first horizontal position, where the first load carrier in the first horizontal position is positioned above the primary well center, and in the second horizontal position is positioned above the other work center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Maersk Drilling A/S
    Inventors: Michael Kannegaard, Allan McColl, Jesper Holck
  • Patent number: 10323468
    Abstract: A technique combines a wireless coupler system with casing to communicate signals from and/or to a device external to the casing. The wireless coupler system may comprise an inductive coupler system formed with a female inductive coupler disposed along an exterior of the well casing and a male inductive coupler mounted along tubing disposed within the well casing. The female inductive coupler is operatively coupled with the sensor and the male inductive coupler is operatively coupled with a communication line routed along the tubing. The inductive coupler system is constructed to facilitate alignment of the male inductive coupler with the female inductive coupler as the tubing is moved along an interior of the well casing. Additionally, the inductive coupler system may be constructed with a bypass channel to facilitate the flow of fluid and routing of communication lines through the inductive coupler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dinesh Patel
  • Patent number: 10323469
    Abstract: A collet device with an adjustable snap value can have a tubular body and beams. The tubular body can have a main body, an inner member in an inner area of the main body, and an outer member in an area external to the main body. The inner member and the outer member can each be axially moveable relative to the main body. The beams can be axially coupled to the main body, and a portion of the beams may extend axially from the tubular body. A length of the portion of the beams that extend axially from the tubular body can be adjustable by moving the inner member or the outer member for changing a snap value of the collet. The snap value corresponding to a magnitude of force exertable by the beams in a direction of a mating body that can be positioned radially adjacent to the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Martinez, Eddie Eddieberto Perez
  • Patent number: 10323470
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a constant velocity joint assembly for use in transmitting torque. The constant velocity joint assembly includes members that are connected in series via tongue-and-groove connections in a swivel joint pattern that allows for transferring torque between two skew lines, and further provide freedom of movement such that rotation about one longitudinal axis can be transformed into rotation about another longitudinal axis that is not aligned with the first longitudinal axis. Thus, the members of the constant velocity joint assembly do not necessarily need to share a common longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid SadAbadi
  • Patent number: 10323471
    Abstract: An injector control system for a coiled tubing unit includes a programmable logic controller arranged to receive a signal related to sensed parameters of a coiled tubing injection operation; a traction pressure control hydraulic circuit operable to adjust hydraulic pressure provided to at least one traction cylinder in a coiled tubing injection head; a motor pressure control hydraulic circuit operable to adjust hydraulic pressure provided to at least one motor of the coiled tubing injection head; and at least one of the traction pressure control hydraulic circuit and the motor pressure control hydraulic circuit including a proportional control valve in receipt of a variable electrical signal from the programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller adjusts the signal delivered to the proportional control valve throughout the coiled tubing injection operation as dictated by the sensed parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Ken P. Dobkins, Bo Wu, Stuart J. Murphy, Timothy T. Ramsey, Jeyhun Y. Najafov, Thomas T. Watkins, William A. Aitken, William B. Oliver
  • Patent number: 10323472
    Abstract: A slips positioning apparatus for a wellhead installation is installed in a fixed position relative to the blow out preventer and allows releasable locking of the slips relative to well center and driving movement of the slips relative to well center. The slips positioning apparatus includes a slips-mounting structure for accepting connection of the slips; an installation structure for mounting the apparatus rigidly above the blow out preventer and relative to well center. The installation structure is a plate that defines a first plane. The apparatus further includes a first and a second linear guides configured for movement of the slips-mounting structure relative to the installation structure along respective first and second directions in planes substantially parallel with the first plane; and first and second linear actuators for moving the slips-mounting structure respectively along the first and second linear guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: PROSTAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES (USA) LLC
    Inventors: Jason Peter Clarke, Daniel John Clarke
  • Patent number: 10323473
    Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein relate to a modular racker system for a drilling rig. The modular racker includes transportable modules including a lower track module comprising a drilling rig floor that includes a lower track arranged and configured to accommodate a lower carriage. The lower track is permanently fixed to the drilling rig floor so as to form a part of the drilling rig floor and is transportable as part of the drilling rig floor. An upper track module comprises a fingerboard and an upper track arranged and configured to accommodate an upper carriage moveable along the upper track. The upper track is permanently fixed to the fingerboard and is transportable in a connected configuration. The lower and upper track modules are attachable to a racker column module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: NABORS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Magnuson, Pedrag Radovanovic, Miodrag Djuric
  • Patent number: 10323474
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, system and methods for controlling borehole pressure in a MPD system to compensate for heave effects on a drilling rig are provided. The systems and method described herein involve calculating and implementing set points for two or more MPD system components in real time. These MPD components that are controlled via the dynamic set points may include a choke, a backpressure pump (BPP), a rig pump diverter (RPD), a continuous circulation device, one or more mud pumps, a pressure relief system, or some combination thereof. By calculating and providing these set points in real-time during various well and drilling operations, non-productive time, well control events, and costs to remedy issues resulting from improper pressure levels within the borehole may be mitigated or avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Kristian Olsen, Tim Rohne Tonnessen
  • Patent number: 10323475
    Abstract: A fracturing fluid delivery system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a fracturing manifold and a fracturing tree. A fluid conduit is coupled between the fracturing manifold and the fracturing tree to enable receipt of fracturing fluid by the fracturing tree from the fracturing manifold through the fluid conduit. Further, the fluid conduit is an adjustable fluid conduit that provides a line-of-sight fluid connection from the fracturing manifold to the fracturing tree. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Adam J. Christopherson, Jay P. Painter
  • Patent number: 10323476
    Abstract: A downhole system and method is disclosed for sealing an inflow control device installed in a subterranean formation along a length of production tubing adjacent a productive zone of the subterranean formation. The system includes a truss structure radially expandable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration and a sealing structure disposed radially external to the truss structure. The truss structure and the sealing structure are set in their expanded configurations so that the sealing structure is put into engagement with the inflow control device so as to restrict the flow of fluids from the subterranean formation into the production tubing at the location of the inflow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Ryan Murphree, Michael Linley Fripp, John Gano
  • Patent number: 10323477
    Abstract: A seal assembly for use in a tubular includes a mandrel, a compressible seal member disposed around the mandrel, a first piston assembly in contact with a first end of the seal member, and a second piston assembly in contact with a second end of the seal member. The first piston assembly includes a piston head, and a piston extension sealing member integrally formed with the piston head, and extending at least partially between the mandrel and the compressible seal member. The compressible seal member forms a seal with the tubular when at least one of the piston assemblies is urged toward the compressible seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Roddie R. Smith
  • Patent number: 10323478
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular insert float system and method that can be inserted into a casing and attached to the casing internal surface by internal slips and sealing components. The system is modular in that three main components: an upper valve assembly, a lower valve assembly, and a pair of casing anchor and seal assemblies along with top and bottom shoes form a kit that can be used for virtually any casing of a given size regardless of the threads, casing material grades, length of joint, or other variations. Further, the system allows for insertion of the casing into the wellbore without damaging the formation from forcing wellbore fluid into the formation and causing the loss of wellbore fluid in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventors: Kevin Berscheidt, Michael Sutton, Cleo Holland
  • Patent number: 10323479
    Abstract: A method for using an extended-life settable composition is disclosed. The method includes providing an extended-life settable composition comprising red mud, calcium hydroxide, water, and a cement set retarder. The method further includes activating the extended-life settable composition. The method additionally includes introducing the extended-life settable composition into a subterranean formation and allowing the extended-life settable composition to set in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Humberto Martinez, Thomas Jason Pisklak, Jiten Chatterji, Darrell Chad Brenneis
  • Patent number: 10323480
    Abstract: Rotating wellhead hanger assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, a wellhead hanger assembly includes a casing hanger and a casing hanger running tool coupled to the casing hanger. An exterior surface of the casing hanger includes a recess and the casing hanger running tool includes a dog that extends inward from the casing hanger running tool into the recess of the exterior surface of the casing hanger. Engagement of the dog with the recess of the casing hanger facilitates synchronous rotation of the casing hanger and its running tool. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Cocker, III, Shailesh U. Vaghmashi, Jacob C. Emmett, Randy Gonzalez, Andrew R. Hanson, James D. Cavanagh, Michael F. Levert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10323481
    Abstract: A downhole valve includes a stationary sleeve for connection to a production string or a downhole tool, which includes one or more slots in the body of the stationary sleeve open to the interior of the stationary sleeve. A microcontroller is connected to a conducting cable and configured to control a flow of electrical power independently to a coil connected to an electrical power source at the surface. An inner sleeve is configured to fit within the stationary sleeve. The inner sleeve has an internal or external magnetized portion and one or more ports open to the interior of the inner sleeve. The sleeve is moveable within the stationary sleeve under power provided by a magnetic field generated by electrical current passing through the coil to align the ports with the slots to open the valve or to remove alignment of the ports with the slots to close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: EXTENSIVE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Patent number: 10323482
    Abstract: A flow-actuated pressure equalization valve, for use with a downhole tool such as a treatment tool, for use in stimulating a subterranean formation. The equalization valve allows the pressure of treatment fluid above and below an isolation device to be equalized so the treatment tool can be moved. The valve can be closed when fluid flow exceeds a certain threshold and the treatment tool is set in the wellbore. While running in or pulling out of hole, the valve will not close regardless of the rate of fluid flow. The valve can be opened by stopping fluid flow and then bleeding off pressure above the isolation device, or by pulling up on the treatment tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: DRECO ENERGY SERVICES ULC
    Inventors: Graham Styler, Lewis Facca
  • Patent number: 10323483
    Abstract: A method of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool through which a well fluid flows can include heating a surrounding wall of an interior flow passage through which the well fluid flows. A system for of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool can include an interior flow passage having a surrounding wall, and a heater which heats the wall of the flow passage. Another method of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool can include monitoring the accumulation of the substance in the well tool, and heating a surrounding wall of an interior flow passage in response to detecting the accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, Thomas W. Swan, John J. Goiffon
  • Patent number: 10323484
    Abstract: A combined multi-coupler including a first tubular member having a first axial load profile, a first torque profile, and a first junction member, and a second tubular member having a second axial load profile, a second torque profile, and a second junction member. The engagement of the first tubular member to the second tubular member forms connections between the first and second axial load profiles, the first and second torque profiles, and the first and second junction members. The combined multi-coupler can be used when constructing a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Liess
  • Patent number: 10323485
    Abstract: A system includes a rotary isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX) configured to exchange pressures between a first fluid and second fluid. The rotary IPX includes a first end cover including a first fluid aperture configured to route the first fluid. The rotary IPX also includes a first piston coupled to the first end cover. The first piston includes a first hydraulic path configured to route the first fluid to or from the first fluid aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Energy Recovery, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Theodossiou
  • Patent number: 10323486
    Abstract: Energy may be stored, converted, and generated during a drilling operation. An example method includes receiving fluid energy from a flow of drilling fluid (115) in a borehole (105). The received fluid energy may be stored as mechanical energy in an energy storage device (205) in the borehole (105). Additionally, electrical energy may be generated from the mechanical energy using a generator mechanically or magnetically coupled to the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Cobb, Paul Rodney
  • Patent number: 10323487
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to generate electrical power in a downhole environment. In one embodiment, the system includes a thermoelectric generator operable to convert a temperature gradient across a section of the thermoelectric generator into electrical energy and deployed in a wellbore. The system also includes a pressure control device positioned proximate the thermoelectric generator and having a fluid flow path for a fluid flowing through the pressure control device and across the thermoelectric generator such that an absolute pressure of the fluid decreases when the fluid flow out of the pressure control device and across the thermoelectric generator. A temperature of the fluid changes as the fluid flows out of the thermoelectric generator and across the thermoelectric generator due to a change in the absolute pressure of the fluid. The temperature gradient across the thermoelectric generator is due to change in the temperature of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jules Frosell, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 10323488
    Abstract: A gravel pack system includes a service tool used to maintain a pressure of the wellbore below a hydraulic packer at the same pressure of workstring tubing above the hydraulic packer, prior to and during setting the hydraulic packer. The service tool includes a washpipe disposed at a lower portion of the service tool, a crossover port in a wall of the service tool that enables fluid to flow between workstring tubing and a space between the service tool and a completion string. The service tool also includes a valve disposed in the wall of the service tool that directs fluid from the space between the service tool and the completion string into the service tool and toward the washpipe when the valve is open, the valve being closeable in response to compression of the service tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 10323489
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for applying an outer coating to a wellbore screen are described. The apparatus comprises a support for the wellbore screen, an injector for injecting coating material on to the outer surface of the wellbore screen, and a mechanism for positioning and moving the screen relative to the injector and/or moving the injector axially relative to the screen to introduce coating material to the outer surface of the screen. The apparatus further comprises rollers for distributing the coating material over the outer surface of the screen. The elongate injector has a coating material delivery line extending through the injector from a coating material supply to an open tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER CANADA LIMITED
    Inventor: Fred Harmat
  • Patent number: 10323490
    Abstract: A technique facilitates evaluation of a fluid, such as a fluid produced from a well. The technique utilizes a modular and mobile system for testing flows of fluid which may comprise mixtures of constituents. A modular flow meter system comprises a plurality of modules which each have a multiphase flow meter coupled into a flow circuit. The flow circuits of the plurality of modules are selectively connectable to each other via flow connectors. Additionally, portions of the flow circuits may be selectively opened and closed to enable controlled routing of the fluid being tested through the desired multiphase flow meter or meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander Tuborg Vilstrup, Muhammad Fuad Bin Mohamed Zain, Guillaume Jolivet, Jean-Philippe Hussenet
  • Patent number: 10323491
    Abstract: Systems and methods for variable rate steam injection, including via solar power for enhanced oil recovery, are disclosed. Several embodiments include using the variable nature of solar-generated steam to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery processes. In particular embodiments, the variable rate injection can provide more uniform steam distribution in an oil-bearing formation, at a lower cost than if the same amount of steam were provided on a continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: GlassPoint Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Palmer, Peter Emery von Behrens, John Setel O'Donnell, Ali Hassan Ibrahim Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 10323492
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for upgrading a continuously flowing process stream including heavy crude oil (HCO). A reactor receives the process stream in combination with water, at an inlet temperature within a range of about 60° C. to about 200° C. The reactor includes one or more process flow tubes having a combined length of about 30 times their aggregated transverse cross-sectional dimension, and progressively heats the process stream to an outlet temperature T(max)1 within a range of between about 260° C. to about 400° C. The reactor maintains the process stream at a pressure sufficient to ensure that it remains a single phase at T(max)1. A controller selectively adjusts the rate of flow of the process stream through the reactor to maintain a total residence time of greater than about 1 minute and less than about 25 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Aduro Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Marcus Trygstad
  • Patent number: 10323493
    Abstract: A method of forming a lateral borehole in a pay zone located within an earth subsurface is provided. The method includes determining a depth of a pay zone in the earth subsurface, and then forming a wellbore within the pay zone. The method also includes conveying a hydraulic jetting assembly into the wellbore on a working string. The assembly includes a jetting hose carrier, and a jetting hose within the jetting hose carrier having a nozzle connected at a distal end. The method additionally includes setting a whipstock in the wellbore along the pay zone, and translating the jetting hose out of the jetting hose carrier to advance the nozzle along the face of the whipstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Coiled Tubing Specialties, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce L. Randall
  • Patent number: 10323494
    Abstract: A system includes a casing-liner, a first downhole separator, a production pump, and a second downhole separator disposed within a wellbore casing disposed in a wellbore. An annular disposal zone is defined between the casing-liner and the wellbore casing. First downhole separator is configured to receive a production fluid from a production zone and generate a hydrocarbon rich stream and a water stream including a solid medium. Production pump is configured to pump the hydrocarbon rich stream from the first downhole separator to a surface unit. Second downhole separator is configured to receive the water stream including the solid medium from the first downhole separator, separate the solid medium to generate a separated water stream, and dispose the solid medium to the annular disposal zone. The system further includes a tube configured to dispose the separated water stream from the second downhole separator to a water disposal zone in wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mahendra Ladharam Joshi, Xuele Qi, Raymond Patrick Murphy, Stewart Blake Brazil, Haifeng Jiang, Dewey Lavonne Parkey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10323495
    Abstract: Disclosed techniques include a method of obtaining an enhanced oil recovery fluid from a hydrocarbon reservoir, comprising producing a hydrocarbon stream from the hydrocarbon reservoir, separating an associated gas stream from the hydrocarbon stream, and condensing at least a portion of the associated gas stream to obtain an enriched hydrocarbon fluid suitable for injecting into a liquid layer of the hydrocarbon reservoir to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Jaime A. Valencia, David W. Maher, Robert D. Denton, Gary F. Teletzke, Michael W. Lin
  • Patent number: 10323496
    Abstract: A well advisor system and console for monitoring and managing installation of casing and tubular goods in a well. The system may be accessed through one or more workstations, or other computing devices, which may be located at a well site or remotely. The system is in communication with and receives input from various sensors. It collects real-time sensor data sampled during operations at the well site. The system processes the data, and provides nearly instantaneous numerical and visual feedback through a variety of graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”), which are presented in the form of an operation-specific console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventors: Fereidoun Abbassian, Per Arild Andresen, Stephen Tean Edwards, Mark Adrian Honey, Thomas Hestenes Jakobsen, Nigel Charles Last, Colin James Mason, Trond Waage, Rune Arnt Skarbo, Sankarrappan Periyasamy, Jan Kare Igland, Kevin Perry Richardson, Sigurd Tjostheim
  • Patent number: 10323497
    Abstract: A well advisor system for monitoring and managing well drilling and production operations. The system may be accessed through one or more workstations, or other computing devices, which may be located at a well site or remotely. The system is in communication with and receives input from various sensors. It collects real-time sensor data sampled during operations at the well site, which may include drilling operations, running casing or tubular goods, completion operations, or the like. The system processes the data, and provides nearly instantaneous numerical and visual feedback through a variety of graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”), which are presented in the form of operation-specific consoles. The visual feedback includes a geometric performance metric display of the current status of selected parameters based upon established threshold values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventors: Fereidoun Abbassian, Per Arild Andresen, Stephen Tean Edwards, Paulo Jorge Da Cunha Gomes, Mark Adrian Honey, Thomas Hestenes Jakobsen, Nigel Charles Last, Colin James Mason, Sankarrappan Periyasamy, Randall Vashishta Sant, Trond Waage, Rune Arnt Skarbo, Jan Kare Igland, Kevin Perry Richardson, Sigurd Tjostheim
  • Patent number: 10323498
    Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are disclosed for applying 1D processing in a non-1D formation. In some embodiments, a 3D model or curtain section of a subsurface earth formation may be obtained. A processing window within the 3D model or curtain that is suitable for 1D inversion processing is determined, and a local 1D model for the processing window is built. A 1D inversion is performed on the local 1D model, and inverted formation parameters are used to update the 3D model or curtain section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keli Sun, Koji Ito, Christopher E. Morriss, Roger Griffiths, Steve F. Crary, Shahzad A. Asif
  • Patent number: 10323499
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling a bottom hole assembly (BHA) in a wellbore include determining a model of BHA dynamics; determining a predicted wellbore trajectory, based on the model of BHA dynamics; and determining an uncertainty of the predicted wellbore trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Zhijie Sun
  • Patent number: 10323500
    Abstract: A method of controlling a downhole operation includes: deploying a work string into a wellbore, the work string comprising a deployment string and a bottomhole assembly (BHA); digitally marking a depth of the BHA; and using the digital mark to perform the downhole operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Vuyk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10323501
    Abstract: A computer-based method of generating a survey of a wellbore section is provided. The method includes analyzing a plurality of surveys of the wellbore section to identify survey measurements that do not comprise gross errors, generating an initial weighted average survey, and calculating an initial set of measurement differences between the identified survey measurements and the initial weighted average survey. The method further includes calculating a plurality of error term estimates for the plurality of surveys and using the plurality of error term estimates to correct the identified survey measurements. The method further includes generating an updated weighted average survey and calculating an updated set of measurement differences between the identified survey measurements and the updated weighted average survey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Gyrodata, Incorporated
    Inventors: John Lionel Weston, Stephen Victor Mullin, Roger Ekseth
  • Patent number: 10323502
    Abstract: A well advisor system and console for monitoring and managing tubular tripping operations at a well site. The system may be accessed through one or more workstations, or other computing devices, which may be located at a well site or remotely. The system is in communication with and receives input from various sensors. It collects real-time sensor data sampled during operations at the well site. The system processes the data, and provides nearly instantaneous numerical and visual feedback through a variety of graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”), which are presented in the form of an operation-specific console. The input and data provides information related to tubular tripping operations at a well site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventors: Per Arild Andresen, Mark Adrian Honey, Rune Arnt Skarbo, Stephen Tean Edwards, Nigel Charles Last, Colin James Mason, Trond Waage, Thomas Hestenes Jakobsen, Jan Kare Igland, Kevin Perry Richardson, Sigurd Tjostheim
  • Patent number: 10323503
    Abstract: Video of an above ground effect of a subterranean event is received. The subterranean event is identified using Eulerian video magnification of the received video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Wendorf, William Mark Richards, Syed Hamid, Paul F. Rodney