Patents Issued in October 15, 2019
-
Patent number: 10443344Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole valve system (1) for controlling inflow of a fluid from and to a formation (100), comprising a casing (2) having an inner surface (3), an outer diameter (ODc) and an inner diameter (IDc), and a cross section (Ac) defined by the inner diameter, the casing comprising a plurality of valves (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) arranged spaced apart from each other for controlling the flow of the fluid to and from the formation through the casing, and a plurality of autonomous operating adjusting devices (5) each controlling one of the plurality of valves and each autonomous operating adjusting device comprising a body (6) having an outer body diameter (Db) and a body cross section (Ab), the plurality of autonomous operating adjusting devices being fastened inside the casing in order to allow the fluid to flow between the outer body diameter of the body of the autonomous operating adjusting device and the casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Welltec Oilfield Solutions AGInventors: Ricardo Reves Vasques, Satish Kumar, Lars StÆhr
-
Patent number: 10443345Abstract: A complementary valve (100) for a movable string (1) in a wellbore application, wherein the movable string (1) comprises: a flow activated valve (400) configured to open when a flow through a central bore (2) is less than a predetermined threshold and to close if the flow exceeds the threshold, and a pressure activated device (200, 300) configured to be activated when an activation pressure, defined as the difference between a bore pressure within the central bore (2) and an ambient pressure around the string (1), is greater than or equal to a first activation pressure and to be deactivated when the activation pressure is less than the first activation pressure. The complementary valve (100) is configured to open a fluid connection (111, 121) between the central bore and the ambient wellbore if the activation pressure is less than the first activation pressure, and to close the fluid connection when the activation pressure is equal to or greater than the first activation pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Comitt Well Solutions LLCInventors: Roger Antonsen, Peter Kris Cleven
-
Patent number: 10443346Abstract: A new cement valve is disclosed for use in the production of an oil or gas well where hydraulic fracturing has been employed. In particular, the embodiments include a cement valve having a reclosable valve. When properly located, a first piston sleeve is hydraulically actuated to open the cement ports on the tool. After the cement has been pumped through the tool and the cement ports to a wellbore annulus, a blocking ball is dropped to stop flow through the tool. The tool is internally pressurized. The pressure overcomes shear pins to force downward movement of a ball housing inside the cement valve. This movement translates a travelling pin along a guide path, which rotates a ball valve inside the ball housing, releasing the blocking ball to open up the internal flow path through the cement valve at the same time the cement ports are closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: DLA-Desheim Systems, Inc.Inventors: David L. Abney, Valeriy Kasyanenko
-
Patent number: 10443347Abstract: A downhole tool and method of operation thereof is provided. The downhole tool may be configured to permit fluid communication between a combined flowbore of the casing string and the downhole tool and the subterranean formation or wellbore, or both, after a pressure test has been completed, a second threshold pressure is reached or applied, and a third threshold pressure has been applied to the downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Inventors: Kevin Scott Kippola, Tracy Dean Blanton, Todd Ulrich Chretien, William John Darnell
-
Patent number: 10443348Abstract: A flapper and seat assembly, and systems and methods utilizing such assembly, are provided. The flapper and seat assembly includes a tubular metallic seat having a bore therethrough. The tubular metallic seat is one solid unit. The flapper and seat assembly further includes a hinge coupled to the tubular metallic seat and a flapper. The flapper is pivotally mounted to the hinge such that it is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The flapper and seat assembly also includes a secondary sealing element located between the flapper and the tubular metallic seat. The secondary sealing element is one of an undulating or curved lip seal. The flapper and seat assembly further includes a seal that is formed between a sealing surface of the flapper and a sealing surface of the tubular metallic seat. The seal comprises an angle measured from a plane perpendicular to the centerline of the flapper and seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Jimmie Robert Williamson
-
Patent number: 10443349Abstract: A well tool apparatus comprises a control arrangement configured to control response of the downhole tool by varying downhole drilling fluid conditions. The control arrangement includes a valve piston longitudinally slidable in a generally tubular controller housing that is in operation substantially co-axial with the wellbore, to open or close a valve port to a fluid flow connection between the drill strings interior and the tool. A latch mechanism is configured to latch the valve piston in an activated mode and/or a deactivated mode. Unlatching of the valve piston can be effected by displacement thereof in a particular axial direction to a mode change position. A stay member is automatically displaceable in the particular actual direction under hydraulic actuation responsive to above-threshold drilling fluid conditions, to obstruct movement of the valve piston under hydraulic actuation to the mode change position.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Evans, Olivier Christophe Roche, Jean-Pierre Lassoie
-
Patent number: 10443350Abstract: A casing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a packer positioned on a tool configured to expand across an annulus, and a pressure port positioned within a between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the casing. The pressure port includes a first end being positioned on a lower annulus on a first side of the packer and second end being positioned on an upper annulus on a second side of the packer, wherein the pressure port is configured to create a pressure differential between the upper annulus and the lower annulus.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: COMITT WELL SOLUTIONS US HOLDING INC.Inventor: Peter Kris Cleven
-
Patent number: 10443351Abstract: Backflow prevention assemblies and methods for downhole systems having outer strings and inner strings include a housing defining a cavity and being part of the outer string, a flow tube disposed between the inner string and the outer string movable axially within the outer string, and a backflow prevention structure having a flapper and a seal seat, the flapper biased toward a closed position and maintained in an open position by the flow tube. The flapper is housed within the cavity when in the open position and the flapper and seal seat form a fluid seal to prevent fluid flow into or through the flow tube when in the closed position. When the flow tube is moved from a first position that maintains the flapper in the open position to a second position, the backflow prevention structure operates to close the flapper and seal the backflow prevention structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Jannik Paul Hartmann, Matthias Gatzen, Thorsten Regener
-
Patent number: 10443352Abstract: A check valve for an injection string, comprises a cylindrical house with a central bore. A piston has a piston area exposed to the central bore, a protective sleeve at one end and a contact point affixed to the piston. A return spring is arranged between the house and the contact point so as to oppose a pressure force exerted on the piston area. A flapper valve—comprises a blade rotatable about a hinge between a closed position where the blade blocks a reverse flow through the central bore and an open position where the blade is received in a recess in a wall of the central bore. The piston is axially movable within the house between a first position where the protective sleeve is displaced from the recess and a second position where the protective sleeve covers the recess.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: COMITT WELL SOLUTIONS US HOLDING INC.Inventor: Peter Kris Cleven
-
Patent number: 10443353Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of siliceous materials (e.g., silica and/or other silicates) in subterranean applications. Certain of those methods herein include providing a treatment composition comprising a base fluid, a catechol component, and an amine component; introducing the treatment composition into at least a portion of a subterranean formation comprising one or more siliceous materials; and allowing at least a portion of the treatment composition to contact at least a portion of the siliceous materials in the subterranean formation to dissolve at least a portion of the siliceous materials.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Cato Russell McDaniel, Dale E. Jamison
-
Patent number: 10443354Abstract: A well system can include a deployment apparatus including at least one propeller that propels the deployment apparatus through a wellbore. A deployment apparatus for use in a well can include a sealing device that sealingly engages a seal surface in the well, and at least one propeller that propels the deployment apparatus in the well. A deployment method can include disposing a deployment apparatus in a wellbore of a well, the deployment apparatus including at least one propeller, and the propeller propelling the deployment apparatus in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2014Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Zachary R. Murphree, Michael L. Fripp, Thomas J. Frosell
-
Patent number: 10443355Abstract: Provided are systems for connecting a control line to an intelligent tool positioned below a lateral borehole junction in accordance with the disclosure and the illustrated FIGURES. An example system comprises a lateral deflector. The lateral deflector comprises a lateral deflector body, a lateral deflector top coupled to the lateral deflector body, a deflection surface, and a feedthrough which is covered by the lateral deflector top when the lateral deflector top is coupled to the lateral deflector body. The lateral deflector top is removable and configured to be decoupled from the lateral deflector body. The system further comprises a tubular string, a control line connector head coupled to the tubular string, a first control line coupled to the feedthrough and descending downhole of the lateral borehole junction, and a second control line coupled to the control line connector head and descending downhole from the surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Mark C. Glaser
-
Patent number: 10443356Abstract: A system and apparatus for treating and disposing of produced water in conjunction with flared gas, thereby avoiding problems associated with injecting produced water back into subsurface strata. The system is installed at or near the wellhead where produced water being treated is at a higher temperatures. Produced water is treated in a scrubber with heat applied through a flare gas field burner, which uses field gas from oilfield operations. A wet scrubber unit with scrubber packing is used to clean emissions. A produced water pump is used to circulate produced water, and pump produced water through spray nozzles in the scrubber unit for use as the wet scrubbing agent. As produced water evaporates, evaporated salts and solids are continuously removed from the evaporator/scrubber unit by appropriate means, such as an auger system. The evaporated salts and solids are then treated via chemical stabilization in a mixing system with chemical reagents to prevent the residual form from being hazardous.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: HYDROZONIX, LLCInventor: Mark Patton
-
Patent number: 10443357Abstract: A method may include receiving, via at least one processor of a cloud-computing system, an indication that a portion of a workflow is complete. Here, the workflow is associated with commissioning one or more well devices at a hydrocarbon site. The method may then include identifying one or more subsequent portions of the workflow to be performed and sending the one or more subsequent portions to one or more computing devices associated with one or more users assigned to the one or more well devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION ASIA PACIFIC BUSINESS CENTER PTE. LTD.Inventors: Andrew Weatherhead, Edward Anthony Gray
-
Patent number: 10443358Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium perform oilfield-wide optimization in a field with a plurality of wells, with each well including a well flow rate management mechanism controlled by an associated well controller. In a central controller, a network simulation model functioning as a proxy of the field is accessed to determine an optimal allocation solution for the field, and a well-specific control signal is generated for each of the plurality of wells based upon the determined optimal allocation solution. The well-specific control signal for each of the plurality of wells is communicated to cause the associated well controller to control a flow rate management parameter associated with the well flow rate management mechanism for the well.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kashif Rashid, David John Rossi
-
Patent number: 10443359Abstract: Provided are methodologies and systems employing an array of independently operated flow control valves at an uphole location in each of a plurality of legs of a multilateral well to facilitate resolution and effective execution of efficient production plan and to improve performance. Along each leg of the multilateral well, a flow-control valve may be located downhole of a confluence between the respective leg and another leg and uphole of the well completion portion (production and/or injection component) of the respective leg. Each valve is operable independently of each other and of any valving in the completion component. Data regarding the nature and rate of production from each leg may be acquired from downhole sensors located at or about each flow control valve. The acquired data may be processed through a reservoir-well computerized model to resolve optimal valve settings across the valve array.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Caleb J. DeValve, Scott R. Buechler, Steven D. Dornic
-
Patent number: 10443360Abstract: A non-detonable shaped charge capable of becoming detonable upon activation. The shaped charge may be utilized for use with a perforating gun in oilfield applications. In this regard, during transport and other handling in advance of reaching the application site, the charge may be non-detonable. However, upon an intentionally directed activation, such as through heating, the shaped charge may be detonable.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: David Skyler
-
Patent number: 10443361Abstract: A multi-shot explosive charge includes a plurality of chambers divided by shared walls between adjacent chambers. Explosive material within at least one of the chambers creates an explosive force in an outward direction upon detonation and a perforating jet through the open end of the chamber. A perforating charge includes at least one explosive material producing explosive forces, upon detonation that collide within the chamber to create a perforating jet. Such perforating charge may be a chamber(s) within a multi-shot explosive charge, or an individual charge. First and second explosive materials can have the same or different compositions and detonation rates that together with the arrangement of materials within the chamber create the collision of forces. A plurality of multi-shot explosive charge or stand-alone perforating charges with colliding forces can be interconnected in an array, and can be included in a perforating gun(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: IdeasCo LLCInventor: Joseph Sites
-
Patent number: 10443362Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and arresting free fall of a mover in a linear motor for an ESP. In one embodiment, the motor of the ESP is initially automatically commutated, but is limited by the back pressure of the fluid being pumped. The drive system of the ESP monitors the speed of the mover in the linear motor and determines whether the speed of the mover exceeds a threshold speed (e.g., by determining whether time differentials between transitions in position sensor signals fall below a threshold value). If the speed of the mover does not exceed the threshold speed, the motor is deemed not to be in free fall. If the speed of the mover exceeds the threshold speed, the motor is considered to be in free fall, so automatic commutation of the motor is disabled and the mover is advanced through its stroke at a predetermined speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Evan G. Mackay
-
Patent number: 10443363Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a core rock sample for reservoir souring. The apparatus includes first and second pumps, and a piston cell associated with each of the first and second pumps. Each piston cell has a first portion and a second portion divided by a movable piston such that the second portion is fluidly sealed from the first portion. Each piston cell is configured to receive fluid pumped by its respective pump into the first portion thereof. A core holder is sized to receive and maintain a core rock sample at a desired pressure and temperature. The second portions of each of the piston cells are fluidly connected to the core holder.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Monica A. Canalizo-Hernandez, Dennis R. Enning, Gary L. McDonald
-
Patent number: 10443364Abstract: A comprehensive enhanced oil recovery system that combines a plurality of different implementations of several enhanced oil recovery methods in an integrated system. The enhanced oil recovery system includes heating an underground reservoir having a heat transfer matrix to increase the temperature of the reservoir around a production well. The heat transfer matrix includes thermal injection wells, production wells and heat delivery wells.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: GTHERM ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Parrella, Martin A. Shimko
-
Patent number: 10443365Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing a wellbore extending into a geologic structure comprising a reservoir of subterranean hydrocarbons comprising: providing a first fluid composition comprising a base metal into the first wellbore; wherein corrosion of the base metal in the first wellbore results in electrochemical oxidation of the base metal and electrochemical reduction of a reducible species that generates a gaseous product; providing at least one sensor in proximity to the first wellbore; and receiving a signal detected by the sensor at a monitoring unit, wherein the sensor senses a signal resulting from corrosion of the base metal; wherein the signal is used to determine information relating to the characteristics of the first wellbore and extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: Cody Friesen, Elise Switzer, Heath Lorzel
-
Patent number: 10443366Abstract: A method for the controlled delivery of a fracturing fluid to a well bore comprises formulating an aqueous base fluid such that it meets or exhibits desired physical and chemical characteristics for an optimal fracturing fluid. The formulation of the aqueous base fluid max involve commingling one or more sources of waste water with a source of fresh water followed by controlled injection of one or more additives. This process is substantially completed prior to delivering the aqueous base fluid to the well site. This allows the delivery of an optimal volume of the aqueous base fluid with homogeneously blended additives to the well bore.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Enrico J. Termine, Robert I. Richie
-
Patent number: 10443367Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems for fracturing geological formations in a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method includes forming a borehole in a hydrocarbon reservoir from a surface of the hydrocarbon reservoir extending downward into the hydrocarbon reservoir; transmitting an electromagnetic (EM) wave through the borehole: directing at least a portion of the EM wave to rocks at a location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir; and fracturing the rocks at the location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir by irradiating the rocks around the borehole using at least the portion of the EM wave, wherein irradiating the rocks elevates pore-water pressure in the rocks causing fracturing of the rocks.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Jinhong Chen, Daniel T. Georgi, Hui-Hai Liu, Lorne Arthur Davis, Jr.
-
Patent number: 10443368Abstract: An acid-generating fluid comprising a thermally activated strong acid precursor is provided in the method of the present invention. The thermally activated strong acid precursor comprises sulfur dioxide or a first precursor of a compound adapted to react to liberate sulfur dioxide, and an aldehyde and/or a ketone or a second precursor of a compound adapted to react to liberate an aldehyde and/or ketone. The acid-generating fluid is placed into a subterranean formation, where the first precursor and/or the second precursor are thermally activated, thereby liberating sulfur dioxide and the aldehyde and/or ketone. The sulfur dioxide and the aldehyde and/or ketone are reacted to form a thermally activated strong acid.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANYInventors: Paul Richard Weider, Robert Lawrence Blackbourn, Ying Zhang, Lee Nicky Morgenthaler, Ryan Matthew Van Zanten
-
Patent number: 10443369Abstract: A weighted intake member for a gas separator is mountable on a flow tube and defines an intake port. The weighted intake member includes a weight proximate the intake port. In a deviated well, gravity acting on the weight biases the weighted intake member toward an orientation in which the intake port faces a low side of the gas separation chamber of the gas separator. One end of the gas separator is for connection to a pump in a production well, and an opposite end of the gas separator body could carry a plug or a sub. The sub could be coupled to a section of production tubing or to a sump, and a plug or a check valve could be coupled to the sump. A sump could be provided in a gas separator with or without a weighted intake member. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: PREMIUM ARTIFICIAL LIFT SYSTEMS LTD.Inventor: Marcel Obrejanu
-
Patent number: 10443370Abstract: Artificial lift apparatus, systems, and methods for use in a deviated or horizontal wellbore, including a downhole gas separators, hydrocarbon wells including the artificial lift systems, and methods of separating a gas from a liquid hydrocarbon within a hydrocarbon well. Included is a downhole gas separator positioned in a deviated or horizontal wellbore, further including a flow-regulating device configured to restrict fluid flow through the gas outlet during at least a portion of each intake stroke of a reciprocating pump and to permit the fluid flow during at least a portion of each exhaust stroke of the reciprocating pump.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Jason Y. Wang, Andrey A. Troshko, Scott R. Buechler, Michael C. Romer
-
Patent number: 10443371Abstract: The structural integrity and reliability of a downhole tool or mandrel may be improved by implementation of a design and configuration that does not require several separate components to be coupled together. A button recessed within an insulation layer may be installed within a groove or recess of the downhole tool. The isolation layer electrically isolates the button from the downhole tool. The button and the isolation layer are installed such that the top surface of either does not extend beyond the outer surface of the downhole tool. Recessing the button and isolation layer in this manner prevents undue wear on the downhole tool as well as the button and isolation layer. The buttons may be arranged so that when excited the buttons may detect the presence of a target objects located at various distances, directions, and orientations from the downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Baris Guner
-
Patent number: 10443372Abstract: A method and apparatus that includes positioning a completion string that has an internal passageway and that has an external surface that at least partially defines an external region within a wellbore; isolating a zone of the external region from a wellbore hydrostatic pressure; measuring a pressure within the external region of the isolated zone; determining whether the pressure within the external region of the isolated zone is within a predetermined pressure range; and operating a valve that controls a flow of a fluid through a flow path from the internal region to the external region of the isolated zone when the pressure within the external region is outside of the predetermined pressure range.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Tyson Harvey Eiman, Syed Hamid, Gregory William Garrison, Colby Munro Ross, William Mark Richards, Thomas Jules Frosell
-
Patent number: 10443373Abstract: A borehole drilling communication system that includes a hydraulic drill, a communication module, and a transducer. The hydraulic drill has a drill pipe and a drill head where the communication module is located, The transducer has an input end and is mounted on the drill pipe adjacent the communication module. The communication module includes a first output terminal electrically connected to the drill pipe and a second output terminal electrically connected to the input end of the transducer. The transducer includes a helical conductor that is positioned coaxially over a section of the drill pipe at the drill head, with the helical conductor terminating at an electrically isolated free end. During use in borehole drilling, data sent from the communication module is launched by the transducer and transmitted along the drill pipe as a single conductor transmission line.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Kamal Sarabandi, Seyed Mohammad Amjadi
-
Patent number: 10443374Abstract: A wireless communications system for a downhole drilling operation comprises surface communications equipment and a downhole telemetry tool. The surface communications equipment comprises a surface EM communications module with an EM downlink transmitter configured to transmit an EM downlink transmission at a frequency between 0.01 Hz and 0.1 Hz. The downhole telemetry tool is mountable to a drill string and has a downhole electromagnetic (EM) communications unit with an EM downlink receiver configured to receive the EM downlink transmission. The downhole EM communications unit can further comprise an EM uplink transmitter configured to transmit an EM uplink transmission at a frequency greater than 0.5 Hz, in which case the surface EM communications module further comprises an EM uplink receiver configured to receive the EM uplink transmission.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.Inventors: David A. Switzer, Jili Liu, Mingdong Xu, Mojtaba Kazemi Miraki, Aaron W. Logan
-
Patent number: 10443375Abstract: Movable transducer designs used in downhole environments increase the efficiency of the transmitter and receivers, thereby obtaining improved logging data. In one embodiment, the transmitter/receivers are tilted/rotated to direct the strongest acoustic wave pressure to the critical path for increasing signal strength. In other embodiments, the transmitter/receiver may be extended outwardly toward the formation, or retracted inwardly from the formation. An adaptive algorithm is provided to rotate the transmitter/receiver to match the critical angle when the formation slowness changes. Also, a transmitter/receiver port may be designed to have a cone-shape that matches the impedance of the acoustic wave to the surrounding environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Minh Dang Nguyen
-
Patent number: 10443376Abstract: An optical computing device and method for (1) determining and/or monitoring corrosion data in a given environment and (2) evaluating a downhole formation, both being accomplished in real-time by deriving the data from the output of an optical element.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: David Warren Teale, David L. Perkins
-
Patent number: 10443377Abstract: A pressure test system for use in downhole fluid injection includes a shear plug assembly disposed along a flow path defined in a sump housing. The sump housing also includes a sump cavity positioned downstream of the shear plug assembly. A shear element of the shear plug assembly secures the shear plug assembly in a first position within the flow path, so that the shear plug assembly blocks fluid flow through the sump housing. Following a pressure test, fluid pressure on the shear plug assembly may be increased until the shear element of the shear plug assembly shears, after which, the pressurized fluid drives the shear plug assembly into the sump cavity, permitting flow to bypass the sump cavity through bypass channels. The bypass channels and other flow paths may be arranged to function as a pressure wave muffler in order to protect pressure sensitive components after shear out.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Louis F. Lafleur, Ralph J. Robert, Clint A. Brown, Paul A. Haines
-
Patent number: 10443378Abstract: An apparatus to determine fluid viscosities downhole in real-time includes a housing and an excitation element positioned therein. Electrical circuitry provides a drive signal that excites an excitation element into rotational oscillations. A detector produces a response signal correlating to the detected oscillating movement of the excitation element. Circuitry onboard the apparatus utilizes the drive and response signals to determine the fluid viscosity.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Li Gao, Wei Zhang, Michael T. Pelletier, Christopher Michael Jones, Dingding Chen, David Earl Ball
-
Patent number: 10443379Abstract: The present disclosure relates to testing tools that comprises: a cable-head assembly for connecting the testing tool to an end of a length of coiled tubing; a pump assembly comprising a downhole pump; an upper packer-assembly comprising an upper packer-element; a lower packer-assembly comprising a lower packer-element; a sensor assembly comprising one or more sensors with the sensor assembly positioned in fluid communication with a plenum between the upper and lower packer assemblies; and a testing port that is adjacent the sensor assembly. The testing tool is moveable between a first configuration where the upper and lower packer-elements are unset and a second position where the upper and lower packer-elements are set and the testing port is in fluid communication with the downhole pump. Methods of using the testing tools is also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Pursuit Techmologies Ltd.Inventors: Steve Fitzel, Dave Jellett, Trevor Coleman, Jeremy Thompson, Karen Osadchuk
-
Patent number: 10443380Abstract: An asymmetric support structure of entry driven along gob-side (EDG) under unstable roof in deep mines and construction method thereof. The asymmetric support structure includes roadway roof support structure, a gob-side support structure and a solid coal seam-side support structure. The roadway roof support structure includes a reinforcing wire mesh, a W-section steel strap, high-strength pretensioned bolts, and cable bolts and matching steel straps. The gob-side support structure includes a reinforcing wire mesh, a W-section steel strap, high-strength pretensioned yielding bolts and grouting cable bolts and its matching steel straps. The solid coal seam-side support structure includes a reinforcing wire mesh, a reinforced beam and steel strap pallet subassembly, high-strength pretensioned yielding bolts and cable bolts and its matching steel straps.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: SHANDONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Kegong Fan, Chunyuan Jing, Shengming Niu, Deli Fan, Chuanwei Zang
-
Patent number: 10443381Abstract: A vertically and laterally adjustable frame for a mine ventilation structure having two or more pairs of adjustable height support columns, and a plurality of adjustable length support beams, each support beam mounted to and spanning between a pair of the support columns. A mine overcast and a method of assembling an overcast in an intersection within a mine are also provided, with the overcast including a vertically and laterally adjustable frame, and a plurality of side and ceiling panels mounted to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: GMS MINE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE, INC.Inventors: Courtland Joshua Helbig, Nathanael Rogers, Timothy Dale Beeman
-
Patent number: 10443382Abstract: A system and method for relieving hang-ups, comprising a mobile command vehicle operative to transport a robotic vehicle to a control location remote from a hang-up location; the robotic vehicle operative to advance from the control location to the hang-up location, scan the hang-up location, transmit scanning information to the command vehicle, and receive positioning commands to position the robotic vehicle for drilling into the hang-up location, implant an explosive, and withdraw.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Penguin Automated Systems, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Baiden
-
Patent number: 10443383Abstract: An apparatus including a first piston member rotatable about a first rotational axis and a rotor with a first chamber and pivotable about a second rotational axis. The first piston member extends across the first chamber. The rotor and first piston member are rotatable around the first rotational axis, and the rotor is pivotable about the second rotational axis to permit a relative pivoting motion between the rotor and the first piston member linked to the rotor rotating about the first rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: FETU LIMITEDInventor: Jonathan Paul Fenton
-
Patent number: 10443384Abstract: A device for converting the kinetic energy of molecules into useful work includes an actuator configured to move within a fluid or gas due to collisions with the molecules of the fluid or gas. The actuator has dimensions that subject it to the Brownian motion of the surrounding molecules. The actuator utilizes objects having multiple surfaces where the different surfaces result in differing coefficients of restitution. The Brownian motion of surrounding molecules produce molecular impacts with the surfaces. Each surface then experiences relative differences in transferred energy from the kinetic collisions. The sum effect of the collisions produces net velocity in a desired direction. The controlled motion can be utilized in a variety of manners to perform work, such as generating electricity or transporting materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Inventor: Lee Ervin
-
Patent number: 10443385Abstract: Methods for material build-up on a tip of a blade of a gas turbine engine are provided. The method can include inserting a material supply adjacent to the tip and directing a laser onto the interface of the material supply and the tip such that the material supply melts and attaches to the tip. Methods are also provided for remotely stopping a crack in a component of a gas turbine engine. The method can include inserting an integrated repair interface attached to a cable delivery system within a gas turbine engine; positioning the tip adjacent to a defect within a surface of the component; supplying a new material to the fillable area to fill the defect; and directing a laser to the new material within the fillable area to fuse the new material to the component within the defect.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Scott Diwinsky, Herbert Chidsey Roberts
-
Patent number: 10443386Abstract: Methods for forming ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method comprises automatically laying up CMC plies. Laying up plies includes transferring a CMC ply to a layup tool; applying heat to the CMC ply; and stacking the CMC ply with at least one other CMC ply. In various embodiments, CMC plies may be laid up using an automated machine. In some embodiments, a CMC ply may be transferred to a layup tool using an automated machine and the CMC ply may be stacked with at least one other CMC ply using the automated machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Lee Ken Matsumoto, Nitin Garg
-
Patent number: 10443387Abstract: A turbine wheel for a turbocharger is provided. The turbine wheel includes a plurality of blades and a mid-plane is defined between a pressure side and a suction side of adjacent blades. Each of the blades has a leading edge, and is coupled to the wheel hub along a respective blade hub camber line. The wall has a first radii at the leading edge that extends for a first circumferential distance adjacent to the suction side. The first circumferential distance is at least 12% of a circumferential distance that extends between adjacent blades. The wheel hub includes a plurality of scallops defined through the wall. Each of the scallops is asymmetrical about the mid-plane. For each of the scallops, the wall has a second minimum radii defined offset from the mid-plane toward the suction side and a third minimum radii defined offset from the mid-plane toward the pressure side.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Ashraf Mohamed, William Joseph Smith, Wagner Magalhaes, Derek Cooper
-
Patent number: 10443388Abstract: A heat pipe system includes one or more arcuate heat pipe segments shaped conforming to an inner wall of an engine rotor. The heat pipe system also includes a heat pipe fluid within the one or more arcuate heat pipe segments.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Debabrata Pal, Huazhen Chai
-
Patent number: 10443389Abstract: A turbine blade, airfoil, and rotor stage for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The turbine blade, airfoil, and rotor stage each includes an uncoated airfoil profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z disclosed herein. The resulting airfoil exhibits high flutter margins, thus enabling the gas turbine engine to be operated at an increased power output while avoiding operational limitations required in known gas turbine engines.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Inventors: Douglas James Dietrich, Jeff Tessier, Megan Burke, Stephen Wayne Fiebiger, Roy E. Struble, Christopher Charles Williams, Alexander Vasili Rozendaal, Lonnie Adolphus Houck, III
-
Patent number: 10443390Abstract: A rotary airfoil in a gas turbine engine is provided. The airfoil includes opposed pressure and suction sides joined together at chordally opposite leading and trailing edges. The pressure and suction sides extend in a span direction from a root to a tip. An axial component of a center of gravity of a cross-section taken chordally toward the tip of the airfoil being upstream relative to an axial component of a center of gravity of a cross-section taken chordally toward the root of the airfoil. A method for forming such blade is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Hien Duong, Krishna Prasad Balike, Thomas Veitch, Raman Warikoo, Keegan Lobo
-
Patent number: 10443391Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an array of airfoils that include first and second segments. The first segment includes a first number of airfoils that are circumferentially spaced from one another a first angular spacing. The second segment includes a second number of airfoils that are circumferentially spaced from one another a second angular spacing. A sum of the first and second number of airfoils corresponds to a total number of airfoils in the array. The first angular spacing is based upon a first effective number of total airfoils in the array that is different than the total number of airfoils.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Alex J. Simpson
-
Patent number: 10443392Abstract: When cold and in the non-coated state, the aerodynamic profile is substantially identical to a nominal profile determined by the Cartesian coordinates X,Y, Zadim given in Table 1, in which the coordinate Zadim is the quotient D/H where D is the distance of the point under consideration from a first reference plane P0 situated at the base of the nominal profile, and H is the height of said profile measured from the first reference plane to a second reference plane P1. The measurements D and H are taken radially relative to the axis of the turbine, while the X coordinate is measured in the axial direction of the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Maxime Didier Delabriere, Laurent Patrick Coudert, Jean-Armand Marc Destouches, Daniel Marius Man
-
Patent number: 10443393Abstract: When cold and in the non-coated state, the aerodynamic profile is substantially identical to a nominal profile determined by the Cartesian coordinates X, Y, Zadim given in Table 1, in which the coordinate Zadim is the quotient D/H where D is the distance of the point under consideration from a first reference plane P0 situated at the base of the nominal profile, and H is the height of said profile measured from the first reference plane to a second reference plane P1. The measurements D and H are taken radially relative to the axis of the turbine, while the X coordinate is measured in the axial direction of the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Pascal Pierre Routier, Vincent Nicolas Leonardon, Daniel Marius Man, Guillaume Jochen Scholl