Patents Issued in July 2, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200208483
    Abstract: A downhole torch system and method of use includes a cylindrical housing, a protective material provided on at least one of the cylindrical housing and the fuel load, and a fuel load located within the cylindrical housing. The protective material is provided between the fuel load and the cylindrical housing to protect the cylindrical housing from adverse effects caused by the reaction of the burning fuel and/or the subsequent production of combustion products for cutting and/or perforating processes during operation of the torch system. The protective material significantly improves the cutting and/or perforating performance of the torch system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Robertson, Antony F. Grattan, Douglas J. Streibich, Cory L. Huggins
  • Publication number: 20200208484
    Abstract: A cutting device using an ultrahigh pressure (UHP) hose carrying UHP fluid is designed to be inserted into a pipe or tube and cut the same from the inside out. In one example, the cutting device is for insertion into a wellbore for cutting the casing of the wellbore from within the wellbore with a revolvable UHP hose. The cutting head which effectuates the cut may be centered by a centering device that is generally conical in shape such that a portion of the centering device remains exterior to the pipe or tube as the UHP revolves during the cutting action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Gromes, SR.
  • Publication number: 20200208485
    Abstract: Provided is a shaped charge for use in a radial cutter. The shaped charge, in one example, includes a circular charge formed into a predetermined shape, the predetermined shape selected to form a concave edge. The circular charge, in this example, is formed from a Triaminotrinitrobenzene based material. The shaped charge, in this example, additionally includes a liner shaped to extend along the concave edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher C. Hoelscher, Jason Paul Metzger
  • Publication number: 20200208486
    Abstract: A system for hydraulically controlling a subsea device includes a compensator provided within a cavity of a well system, a hydraulic connection between the compensator and the subsea device, a pressure regulator arranged to regulate the hydraulic pressure provided to the subsea device and a ventilation tool for releasing pressure at the subsea device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: EQUINOR ENERGY AS
    Inventor: Morten AGA
  • Publication number: 20200208487
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a well casing hanger system that provides for orientation of a hanger with respect to a landing ring during installation. The shape of the mating features of the landing ring and hanger is such that rotation to a specific alignment will occur during installation if there is an initial rotational offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: James A. Rose
  • Publication number: 20200208488
    Abstract: A blow out preventer bonnet removal method is provided for removing a bonnet from the body of a blow out preventer. The method includes attaching a rail system to the body that extends laterally away from the body. A carriage apparatus is mounted on the rail system. A saddle is connected to the bonnet. The bonnet is then detached from the body. The bonnet is then moved on the rail system from a first position next to the body to a second position spaced away from the body. The carriage apparatus transports the bonnet upon the rail system when moving from the first to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: Mark BOBECK
  • Publication number: 20200208489
    Abstract: A blowout preventer has a main body having a through bore. A housing is mounted to the main body and defines a passage connected to and transverse to the through bore. An isolation ring cutter is initially disposed around the through bore and closes the passage to fluid flow. The isolation ring cutter is movable along the passage and has an opening coincident with the through bore. A piston and gate are disposed in the passage spaced apart from the isolation ring cutter. A propellant charge is disposed between the piston and an end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Bobby James Gallagher, Billy Jack Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20200208490
    Abstract: An overpressure safety system for use with a distribution of pressurized fluid associated with hydrocarbon production operations includes a safety valve in fluid communication with a main bore of a fluid control manifold assembly. The safety valve has a blocking condition where the safety valve blocks a flow of pressurized fluid through the safety valve, and a venting condition where the safety valve provides a fluid flow path for the pressurized fluid at a set overpressure to pass through the safety valve. A valve member is moveable within the safety valve between a first position where a pressure side of the valve member blocks the flow of the pressurized fluid at a pressure below the set overpressure from passing through the safety valve, and a second position where the valve member provides a fluid flow path for the pressurized fluid at any pressure to pass through the safety valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Saurabh Kajaria, Robert Ripple, Travis Kyle McEvoy, Keith M. Adams, Gerald Schofield
  • Publication number: 20200208491
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling a well blowout comprising: a flow control device such as a blowout preventer on a wellbore, the primary throughbore of the flow control device comprising internal dimensional irregularities creating a non-uniform flow path in the primary throughbore which as sufficient fluid rate may enhance pressure fluid pressure drop therein; a control fluid aperture fluidly connected with the wellbore for introducing a control fluid through a control fluid aperture and into the primary throughbore while wellbore fluid flows through the wellbore; a hydrate component introduction pump for introducing the hydrate inducing component into the control fluid; a hydrate inducing fluid aperture positioned in the wellbore conduit below the control fluid aperture for introducing the hydrate inducing fluid into the wellbore and for combining with the control fluid that includes the hydrate inducing fluid to form a saturated hydrate forming fluid mixture within the primary throughbore wh
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nedwed, William R. Meeks, Rachna Jain, Kaustubh S. Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20200208492
    Abstract: The present invention is to a packer plug that can be tripped into a particular location in a well bore and set using slips or expansion rings and packer elements. The plug presents little flow resistance because of its wide inner diameter throat through the mandrel. A ball seat at an upper end allows for the sealing of the interior passage. The ball can be flowed upward or dissolved to remove the seal and allow flow through the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Sommers
  • Publication number: 20200208493
    Abstract: A sealing medium and a method are for sealing at least a portion of a well. The method includes the step of: injecting the sealing medium into the portion of the well which is to be sealed, wherein the sealing medium comprises quick clay. The use of quick clay as a sealing medium in a well and the use of quick clay for facilitating the removal of casing from a well are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: CaMa GeoScience AS
    Inventor: Carl Fredrik Gyllenhammar
  • Publication number: 20200208494
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming platforms and flow control features in underground wells is described, using modified thermite reactions to form a ceramic plug in place. The reactive package is engineered to expand laterally, filling the well, and may be used to form a ceramic bridge plug, porous ceramic screen sections, or mitigate lost circulation of drilling fluids. These objectives are achieved through the design of the reactive package and through use of carefully chosen reaction additives that control the molten product rheology, solidification temperature, and pore generations and sustainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: William Edward Lowry
  • Publication number: 20200208495
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cementing an annular space radially outward of a casing of a subterranean well include a float shoe located at a downhole end of the casing. A float valve is located within the float shoe and within a fluid flow path extending through the float shoe from an internal bore of the casing to an exterior surface of the float shoe. At least two wing members are located on an outer diameter surface of the casing, each of the wing members extending from the float shoe to an uphole end of the casing. The wing members are sized to define two or more separate sections of the annular space. A downhole splitter is located on a downhole surface of the float shoe. The downhole splitter is sized to seal between the downhole surface of the float shoe and an end surface of the subterranean well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Abdulaziz Al-Qasim, Muataz Al-Ghamdi
  • Publication number: 20200208496
    Abstract: A chemically-activated inflow control device. The inflow control device comprises a tubular body configured to be connected in series to joints of sand screen in a wellbore. The tubular body forms a bore that receives a slotted base pipe. At the same time, the tubular body is fluidly connected with the sand screen joints, forming an annular flow path between the slotted base pipe and surrounding sand screen. Production fluids moving into the sand screen pass across a component that degrades in the presence of water. If the well begins producing water, the degradable component will dissolve, activating a sealing mechanism within the inflow control device and closing a restricted flow path. In this way, production fluids are not able to travel from the annular flow path into the bore of the slotted base pipe. A method for completing a wellbore having a chemically-activated inflow control device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Andy J. Veselka, Matthew S. Jackson, Federico G. Gallo
  • Publication number: 20200208497
    Abstract: Provided is a safety valve. The safety valve, in one example, includes a piston located within a piston chamber, the piston separating the piston chamber into a first portion and a second portion and configured to slide to move a valve closure mechanism between a closed state and an open state. The safety valve, according to this example, includes a first control/balance line fluidically coupled to the first portion of the piston chamber, a second control/balance line fluidically coupled to the second portion of the piston chamber, and a chemical line fluidically coupled to the second control/balance line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: James Dan Vick, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200208498
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating power includes a fluid chamber configured to receive borehole fluid, one or more conductive coils surrounding the fluid chamber, a reciprocating magnetic shuttle disposed in the fluid chamber and dividing the fluid chamber into a first volume and a second volume, a first conduit connected to the first volume, and a second conduit connected to the second volume, the first conduit and the second conduit extending from a tubular conduit to an annulus. The apparatus includes a switching assembly configured to alternate between a first operating state where the first volume is in fluid communication with the annulus and a second operating state where the first volume is in fluid communication with the tubular conduit, to alternate a direction of differential pressure between the first volume and the second volume and cause the magnetic shuttle to move in a reciprocating motion and generate an electric current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Duggan, Christopher Ryan Hern, Daniel Ewing
  • Publication number: 20200208499
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for systemically generating complexity throughout a formation. The system and methods include defining a diverter schedule including a set of diverters to be pumped into a wellbore over a duration of time. A first diverter is pumped into the wellbore based on the diverter schedule, the first diverter including matter corresponding to a first mesh value. An onset of pressure response value is measured using a pressure sensor during or after pumping the first diverter into the wellbore. A next diverter including particles corresponding to a second mesh value is selected using the onset of pressure response value and the diverter schedule. The next diverter then pumped into the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Chaitanya Mallikarjun Karale, Ubong Akpan Inyang
  • Publication number: 20200208500
    Abstract: Methods and system for implementing Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) of downhole systems and equipment, including drilling tools, wireline tools and production tools is presented in this disclosure. The presented CBM-based approach combines the use of a tool life distribution with a life-stress acceleration model and a cumulative damage model to account for varying stress levels during a tool operation. The CBM methodology presented herein provide for a more effective maintenance system based on direct utilization of field data so that an appropriate maintenance can be performed at an appropriate time, thereby optimizing a frequency of performing maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Curtis Jacks, Keeley Burke, Wanying Chen
  • Publication number: 20200208501
    Abstract: Methods and system for implementing Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) of downhole systems and equipment, including drilling tools, wireline tools and production tools is presented in this disclosure. The presented CBM-based approach combines the use of a tool life distribution with a life-stress acceleration model and a time-varying stress model to model failure times of a tool. One or more failure parameters related to operation of the tool during the operational run can be calculated based on a life measure of the tool determined for each step in the series of steps of the operational run, a time duration of each step, and a life duration of the tool at reference levels of stress variables. Maintenance of the tool can be performed based on the calculated failure parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Curtis Jacks, Keeley Burke, Wanying Chen
  • Publication number: 20200208502
    Abstract: A method, a device and a system for activating a running/setting tool are provided. The method includes: 1) detecting a wellbore condition at the running tool, 2) based on a signal from surface equipment received at the running tool, initiating an isolation of pressure below the running tool from pressure above the running tool, and 3) if the signal is not received at the running tool, initiating the isolation of pressure below the running tool from the above at a predefined time based on the wellbore condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Gary Allen Kohn, Emile Edmund Sevadjian, Irvine Cardno Brown, Michael John Christie, Michael Adam Reid
  • Publication number: 20200208503
    Abstract: A valve for a positive displacement pump, designed for use in an artificial lift system. The valve may be either a traveling valve or a standing valve. The valve comprises a cylindrical cage, and includes a ball residing within the cage. In an open position, the ball floats up off of a seat, while in a closed position the ball sealingly lands onto the seat. The cage includes a cone to guide fluid flow after it passes the ball and reduce turbulence and pressure loss through the valve. An intake below the seat gradually reduces in diameter, providing a minimum inner diameter that is less than a diameter of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Carl J. Dyck, Federico G. Gallo
  • Publication number: 20200208504
    Abstract: A long-distance drilling and hydrofracturing integrated device and method in underground mine are provided. The device includes a drill bit, a hydrofracturing rod, an anti-impact rod, a hole sealing rod, a high-pressure sealed drill rod and a crawler drill rod feeder sequentially connected end to end. In the method, the drill rod and the hydrofracturing rod are delivered to a designated position while drilling, the drill rod does not need to be taken out, only a crawler drill needs to be improved, high-pressure water holes are added to the rod feeder, and the high-pressure water enters the drill rod from the high-pressure water holes and reaches the hydrofracturing portion. When the hydrofracturing is completed, the drill rod is withdrawn by the crawler drill, reaches another hydrofracturing point, and a hole sealing operation can also be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: China University of Mining and Technology
    Inventors: Bingxiang HUANG, Haoze LI, Shuliang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20200208505
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method for treating a geologic formation that includes providing a hydraulic fracture model, providing a first value representative of a volume of kerogen breaker in a fracturing fluid, determining a discrete fracture network (DFN) based on the hydraulic fracture model and the first value, determining a geomechanical model based on the DFN and a reservoir model based on the DFN, determining a hydrocarbon production volume based on the geomechanical model and the reservoir model, adjusting the first value based on the hydrocarbon production volume, and adjusting a volume of kerogen breaker in the fracturing fluid to a hydrocarbon reservoir based on the adjusted first value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Yanhui Han, Leiming Li, Ghaithan Muntasheri, Younane N. Abousleiman, Katherine Leigh Hull, David Jacobi
  • Publication number: 20200208506
    Abstract: A gas separator can include an intake section. Splines extend radially from an inner manifold of the intake section and engage an interior surface of an outer housing, thereby isolating openings formed in the splines from longitudinal channels extending through the outer housing. Another gas separator can include an intake section, a discharge section and multiple intermediate sections connected between the intake and discharge sections. A gas separation system can include a completion string including a packer, a downhole pump and a gas separator connected between the packer and the pump. An annulus is formed between the gas separator and a wellbore, an intake section of the gas separator receives formation fluids from below the packer, a discharge section of the gas separator discharges gas and liquids into the annulus, the intake section receives the liquids from the annulus, and the pump receives the liquids from the discharge section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Cavin B. FROST, Daniel L. CULBERTSON, Dañelle N. CAMPBELL, Lowell C. KIRKLAND, Gustavo A. GONZALEZ - CABRERA
  • Publication number: 20200208507
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluid pressure measuring device for a measurement-while-drilling tool, which including a first sensor assembly (1), a second sensor assembly (2) and a sealing member (3), wherein a mounting groove (5) is formed on an outer side wall of a drill collar (4) of a measurement-while-drilling tool; the sealing member (3) is fixedly mounted on the mounting groove (5); both the first sensor assembly (1) and the second sensor assembly (2) are fixedly mounted in the mounting groove (5); a first liquid inlet hole (7) is formed in the sealing member (3); a second liquid inlet hole (9) communicated with a center flow channel (8) of the drill collar (4) is formed in the mounting groove (5); a liquid inlet end of the first sensor assembly (1) is communicated with the first liquid inlet hole (7); and a liquid inlet end of the second sensor assembly (2) is communicated with the second liquid inlet hole (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Jiansheng DU, Qingyun DI, Zili WANG, Wenxuan CHEN, Xinzhen HE, Yongyou YANG
  • Publication number: 20200208508
    Abstract: A positioning device for adjusting an axial position of a tool within a wellbore includes an anchor configured for attachment to the wellbore at a fixed axial location within the wellbore, a shaft coupled to the anchor, and a coupling member to which the tool is rigidly attached, the coupling member configured to be translated along the shaft to adjust the axial position of the tool with respect to the fixed axial location of the anchor within the wellbore
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Clovis Satyro Bonavides, Vladislav Torlov
  • Publication number: 20200208509
    Abstract: A parameter of a magnetic bearing supporting a rotor in operation within a stator of the downhole-type rotating machine is measured. A speed of the rotor is controlled based on the measured parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Upwing Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Patrick McMullen, Christopher Matthew Sellers
  • Publication number: 20200208510
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for remote well operation control. Methods include conducting, with a plurality of remote well operation control hosts operating on corresponding remote well logging data acquisition management systems, a well operation using a well operation system at a well, wherein the well operation system includes a carrier having disposed thereon at least one logging instrument. Methods may include establishing a first operational control relationship between the carrier and a first of the plurality of remote well operation control hosts sufficient for the first remote well operation control host to control the carrier; and establishing a second operational control relationship between a selected one of the at least one logging instrument and a second remote well operation control host different than the first, the operational control relationship sufficient for the second remote well operation control host to control the at least one logging instrument and receive logging data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Guijt, Nigel N. Smith, Douglas C. Young, Harold Andrade, Homero C. Castillo, Otto N. Fanini
  • Publication number: 20200208511
    Abstract: A constant amplitude adjusting method and system for pressure pulse of drilling tool including obtaining a current flow velocity value of mud at the rear of a pressure pulse generator in the drilling tool, and sending the current flow velocity value to a controller; the controller compares the current flow velocity value with a preset flow velocity value, and sends an adjustment instruction to the pressure pulse generator according to the comparison result; the pressure pulse generator adjusts the opening degree according to the adjustment instruction of the controller. The adjusting system comprising a pressure pulse generator for generating a pressure pulse wave, and the opening degree is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Jiansheng DU, Qingyun DI, Zili WANG, Wenxuan CHEN, Xinzhen HE, Yongyou YANG
  • Publication number: 20200208512
    Abstract: Digital signal processing for mud pulse telemetry utilizes a variety of “On/Off” keying based modulation schemes, such as pulse width modulation (PWM) and pulse position modulation (PPM), to encode and/or decode information. A combination of PPM and PWM is disclosed that increases a bit rate while keeping a chip rate unchanged. The combination of PPM and PWM comprises determining a drilling condition and forming a message based on the drilling condition, forming a string of symbol values comprising the message, identifying a pulse width and a pulse start for the pulse based on a symbol value, providing a first pulse at a selected chip location, providing subsequent pulses to form the pulse width, and forming a quiet period at the end of the pulse width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Yumin Zhang, Ehud Barak
  • Publication number: 20200208513
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring properties within a subterranean well include a measuring tool having a tool body with a central axis and a tool attachment located at an axial end of the tool body. A delivery line attachment is operable to attach the measuring tool to a delivery line that supports the measuring tool within the subterranean well. A primary treatment platform is in mechanical communication with the tool body. The primary treatment platform has a platform attachment sized to mate with the tool attachment, and at least one treatment system. The at least one treatment system is operable to perform a treatment function within the subterranean well during delivery of the measuring tool into the subterranean well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Abdulaziz Al-Qasim, Alberto Marsala
  • Publication number: 20200208514
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool includes a tool body, a plurality of arms coupled to the tool body and movable between a retracted position and one or more expanded positions away from a central axis of the tool body. The plurality of arms are at an angle with respect to the central axis, the angle being different in each of the one or more expanded positions. The tool further includes a plurality of fluid sensors coupled to the plurality of arms. A fluid sensor of the plurality of the fluid sensors is movably coupled to an arm of the plurality of arms and configured to pivot across a plurality of angles with respect to the arm. The angle of the fluid sensor with respect to the arm is associated with the angle of the arm with respect to the central axis of the tool body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dwight Swett, Daniel Vaughn Price, Otto Fanini
  • Publication number: 20200208515
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis device includes a piezoelectric helm resonator, an optical sensor, and an electromagnetic spectroscopy sensor. The piezoelectric helm resonator includes a strain bar and a pair of electrodes coupled to opposite sides of the strain bar. The piezoelectric helm resonator further includes a pair of tines, in which a first tine of the pair of tines is coupled to opposite ends of the strain bar, the pair of tines each having an arc, and such that strain across a transverse face of the strain bar generates a resonance response from the pair of tines. The optical sensor is positioned centrally with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator, and the spectroscopy sensor is positioned symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator in at least on direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dwight Swett, Daniel Vaughn Price, Otto Fanini
  • Publication number: 20200208516
    Abstract: A cutter bit assembly for use in underground mining, road grading, and the like includes a water spray assembly having a water nozzle in a first chamber that discharges a water spray through an air gap and into the open end of a second chamber facing the air gap. Air is drawn into the water spray entering the second chamber from the air gap to produce a finer spray that is discharged from a second open end of the second chamber. The water spray helps clear the second chamber of any dirt or debris drawn by the air into the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicants: Minnovation Limited, Minnovation Limited
    Inventor: George Albert Parrott
  • Publication number: 20200208517
    Abstract: Nuclear power plants include vertical shafts housing a reactor and plant equipment connected between the shafts. Shafts may be formed with VSM to nuclear standards, and a basemat may be poured at the bottom, which is compatible with reactor designs such as a simplified boiling water reactors, small modular reactors, advanced reactors and sodium cooled fast reactors. Additional plant systems may be placed in further shafts and connected through side-travelling tunnels that pass through the shafts. The plant may be segregated by safety class among different shafts. Floors, which may be modular and prefabricated with full equipment for delivery at the shaft, may be vertically lowered into appropriate shafts and seated to walls of the shaft. Equipment can be connected between floors by running connections along shaft walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Christer N. Dahlgren, Douglas B, McDonald, Tatjana B. Kirby, Gary M. Anthony
  • Publication number: 20200208518
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting underground voids, comprising steps of: digging a tunnel to be the detection path; placing fluid dispensing means along the bottom part of the tunnel wherein said dispensing means further equipped with fluid pressure sensing means; partially sealing the tunnel as to allow a reasonable portion of the fluids dispensed from said fluid dispensing means to travel downwards, deeper into the ground; providing remote device in data or mechanical communication with said sensing means; on initial activation, allowing pressured fluid to be dispensed from said dispensing means until predefined constant pressure threshold in the system is met; maintaining predefined constant pressure range in the system by constantly or periodically dispensing fluid via said dispensing means; constantly or periodically monitoring said pressure sensing mean; and upon detection of abnormal low pressure in the system activating alert means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: Meir BENTURA
  • Publication number: 20200208519
    Abstract: An auxiliary transportation and support system used after rapid excavation is provided. The system includes a crushing and transportation device, a roof bolt support device and a side bolt support device. The crushing and transportation device includes a traveling mechanism, a transportation device, a receiving hopper, and a crushing device. The traveling mechanism is located at a bottom of the crushing and transportation device. A chassis is arranged above the traveling mechanism. The transportation device is mounted on the chassis along a traveling direction of the traveling mechanism. The receiving hopper and the crushing device are both arranged on the transportation device. The roof bolt support device includes a roof bolter, a middle roof bolter and a horizontally telescopic arm which is arranged at a head end of the chassis. The roof bolter is coupled to a movable stretching end of the horizontally telescopic arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Changyan PU, Limin WU, Wenguang CHENG, Zhiguo JING, Min ZHENG, Qi LIU, Pengfei FAN, Zhao ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20200208520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing system, its uses and method of use for forming a seal against a surface, and in particular for plugging and sealing an orifice such as a road or railway tunnel to prevent or minimise the dispersion of hazardous agent(s) in an emergency scenario. The system comprises a frame (200) which can be orientated against a surface (50) of an orifice, frame (10) comprising a perimeter outer surface (180) through which pliant elements (40) can extrude, via apertures (22), following the initiation of a means (30) for providing an overpressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE
    Inventor: DUNCAN GODFREY MERVYN THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20200208521
    Abstract: An electronically commutated hydraulic machine is coupled to a drivetrain. Working chambers of the hydraulic machine are connected to low and high pressure manifold through electronically controlled valves. The phase of opening and closing of the valves has a default. In order to avoid cycle failure due to acceleration events, for example due to backlash in the drivetrain, the phase of opening or closing of the electronically controlled valves is temporarily advanced or retarded from the default timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Niall CALDWELL, Daniel ABRAHAMS, Andrew LATHAM
  • Publication number: 20200208522
    Abstract: A crank and connecting rod mechanism, comprising at least one piston, which reciprocates within at least one cylinder, comprising: at least one connecting rod, comprising: a piston end pivotally connected to the at least one piston, a crank end; at least one gear set, comprising: a crankpin, the crank end pivotally connected to the crankpin; a crank gear; a crank gear shaft, the crank gear rotatably mounted on the crank gear shaft, the crankpin located between centerline of the crank gear shaft and radius of the pitch circle of the crank gear; a stationary gear, the crank gear meshing with the stationary gear, the crank end driving the crankpin, which drives the crank gear and the crank gear shaft about the stationary gear; the crank pin and the crank end rotating about the stationary gear and following the path of a roulette of a centered trochoid about the stationary gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: Anton Giger
  • Publication number: 20200208523
    Abstract: A screw compressor, including: a housing including at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet; a screw rotor disposed in the housing, the screw rotor including a male screw and a female screw that engage with each other; and a drive motor that drives the screw rotor to rotate. The male screw includes a plurality of first sheets that are sequentially stacked, the outer edge of which is provided with a plurality of convex blades, and the convex blades of adjacent first sheets are staggered and stacked in sequence. The female screw includes a plurality of second sheets that are sequentially stacked, the outer edge of which is provided with a plurality of inwardly recessed arcuate grooves, and the arcuate grooves of adjacent second sheets are staggered and stacked in sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: Benyi LIAO
  • Publication number: 20200208524
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disc turbine for converting the energy associated with a fluid into mechanical energy. The turbine (1) comprises a housing and a rotor (4) inside said housing (3) which can rotate with respect to it about a rotation axis (100). The rotor (4) comprises a plurality of disc elements (11A, 11B) coaxial with said axis. The turbine is characterized in that it comprises a distributor (5) with a distribution wall (5A) which at least partially surrounds the discs. Such a wall (5A) is arranged inside said housing (3) so as to define a diffusion chamber (7) with the housing itself, which chamber at least partially surrounds the distribution wall (5A). The latter comprises a plurality of nozzles (6A, 6B, 6C, 66A, 66B, 66C), each of which is provided with an inlet section (61) communicating with said chamber (7), an outlet section (62) adjacent to the discs (11A, 11B), and a converging portion (615) which accelerates said fluid towards said outlet section (62).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: Vincenzo NAVANTERI
  • Publication number: 20200208525
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a turbine blade includes forming a blade body divided body constituting a blade body of the turbine blade by a three-dimensional lamination method; individually forming a plurality of shroud divided bodies constituting a shroud of the turbine blade for each of the shroud divided bodies by a three-dimensional lamination method; joining the shroud divided bodies together; and joining the blade body divided body and the shroud divided bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Hidekatsu ATSUMI, Norihiko MOTOYAMA, Shuji TANIGAWA
  • Publication number: 20200208526
    Abstract: A gas turbine that includes a rotor blade that includes an airfoil. The airfoil is defined between a pressure face and a laterally opposed suction face, the pressure face and the suction face extending axially between opposite leading and trailing edges and radially between an outboard tip and a connection with a root of the rotor blade. The airfoil may include non-integral portions in which: a base portion of the airfoil is made from a first material; and a top portion of the airfoil is made from a second material. The airfoil may include a dovetail joint connecting the top portion to the base portion. The dovetail joint may include a dovetail extending from the top portion being received within a complementary dovetail groove formed in the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew Troy Hafner, John McConnell Delvaux, James Zhang, Jeffrey Clarence Jones, Peter de Diego
  • Publication number: 20200208527
    Abstract: A gas turbine that includes a rotor blade that includes an airfoil. The airfoil may include non-integral portions in which: a base portion is made from a first material; and a top portion is made from a second material. The airfoil may include a connector securing the base portion to the top portion of the airfoil, wherein the connector comprises a wire-lock connector that includes: a tab extending from one of the base portion and the top portion; a complimentary slot for receiving the tab formed in the other one of the base portion and the top portion; a first groove formed in a side of the tab; a second groove formed in a side of the slot; a retaining aperture formed cooperatively via an alignment of the first and second grooves upon the tab being received into the slot; and a retaining wire housed within the retaining aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stanley Kevin Widener, John McConnell Delvaux, Matthew Troy Hafner, James Zhang, Peter de Diego
  • Publication number: 20200208528
    Abstract: A gas turbine that includes a rotor blade that includes an airfoil. The airfoil may include non-integral base and top portions. The airfoil may include a pin connector connecting the top portion to the base portion. The pin connector may include: a tab extending from the top portion; a complimentary slot for receiving the tab formed in the base portion; an elongated pin cavity formed through an interior region of the airfoil, where the pin cavity intersects the slot to divide the pin cavity into first and second pin cavity segments; a tab aperture formed through the tab, where the tab aperture is positioned so align with the pin cavity upon the tab being received within the slot; and a locking pin that extends continuously through the first segment of the pin cavity, the tab aperture, and the second segment of the pin cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John McConnell Delvaux, Markus Feigl, Matthew Troy Hafner, Michael Anthony Wondrasek, James Zhang, Peter de Diego
  • Publication number: 20200208529
    Abstract: After a free-form surface is machined on an elongated material 1 with a projection 3 and a blade root 4 held, the holding of the projection 3 is released to release strain generated during machining. Upon release of the holding, the entire elongated material 1 deforms, and the projection 3 moves from a holding position A to a strain-released position B. A re-holding position C obtained by correcting the position B by the deformation amount of the elongated material 1 due to the weight of the elongated material 1 is determined, and the projection 3 is held again at the re-holding position C for further machining the free-form surface on the elongated material 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Takuya NAKANISHI, Nobuo SHIMIZU, Haruhiko ASAKA, Kazuya MATANO
  • Publication number: 20200208530
    Abstract: A method of making a turbine airfoil includes generating an airfoil core (14) that includes a core exit along an extended portion (28) of the trailing edge (32) outside of the airfoil part geometry. Float points (12) are positioned along the extended portion (28) of the airfoil core (14). Each float point (12) includes a float feature (34) that includes a localized radially straight surface (42) extending out and creating a gap (18) between the airfoil core (14) and the mold shell (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Scott Michael Widrig, Michael Stemmler
  • Publication number: 20200208531
    Abstract: A compressor rotor assembly including a plurality of rotor disks axially spaced from each other, each rotor disk extending radially from an inner end to an outer end. Also included is a spacer extending axially from each rotor disk to engage an adjacent spacer extending from an adjacent rotor disk, the spacer and adjacent spacer disposed proximate the outer end of the respective rotor disks, the spacers forming an outer backbone of the compressor rotor assembly. Further included is an inner backbone of the compressor rotor assembly, the inner backbone comprising a plurality of backbone segments, each of the backbone segments extending axially from each rotor disk to engage an adjacent backbone segment extending from an adjacent rotor disk, the backbone segment and the adjacent backbone segment disposed proximate the inner end of the respective rotor disks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: John C. DiTomasso
  • Publication number: 20200208532
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a shroud with an abradable section and a non-abradable section that cooperatively define a shroud surface. The gas turbine engine also includes a rotor that is supported for rotation within the shroud to generate an aft axial fluid flow. The rotor includes a blade with a blade tip that is crowned and that opposes the abradable section and the non-abradable section of the shroud surface. A crown area of the blade tip opposes the abradable section. A casing treatment feature is provided in the non-abradable section of the shroud to oppose the blade tip of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Bruce David Reynolds, Nick Nolcheff