Fluid Current Operated Patents (Class 15/104.061)
  • Patent number: 11898649
    Abstract: A bypass valve for an inspection and/or cleaning pig which is intended to move through a pipeline through which medium flows. The bypass valve comprises an inner space which is provided with a flow profile and in which there is arranged a piston which can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the bypass valve by means of a force storage medium in a pressure-dependent manner. The piston can also be moved between a first open position of the bypass valve which enables a bypass for the medium and a second position which at least substantially closes the bypass. The piston can be further moved from the first position via the second position in the same direction into a maximum position which opens the bypass again and pig for inspection and/or cleaning of pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: ROSEN Swiss AG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Voß, Heiner Krallmann, Nico Heile, Rene Bremke, Daniel Schneke
  • Patent number: 11846380
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for repairing hoses of umbilicals. In this context, the present invention provides a device for repairing a hose (3) of an umbilical, comprising a tubular repair body (1) and a fusible element (2) adapted to obstruct the passage of fluid through the inside of the repair body (1), wherein the repair body (1) comprises an outside diameter that matches the internal diameter of the hose (3) to be repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A.—PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Henri Fiorenza De Lima, Gustavo Geraldo Pappen
  • Patent number: 11713627
    Abstract: A centraliser comprises arm assemblies pivotally connected between first and second support members. Each arm assembly comprises a first arm and a first pivot joint having a first pivot axis, a second arm and a second pivot joint having a second pivot axis, the first and second arms pivotally attached together via a third pivot joint having a third pivot axis. The arm assemblies are arranged in diametrically opposed pairs. In some embodiments the first arm comprises a fork section to position the first pivot axis coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the device, or so that the first pivot axis and the third pivot axis are positioned on opposite sides of a plane coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: PETROMAC IP LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen Peter McCormick
  • Patent number: 11585480
    Abstract: A system for use in maintaining a pipe having a sidewall is provided. The system includes a motorized apparatus sized to fit within the pipe and configured to travel along the pipe through an interior cavity. The motorized apparatus includes a plurality of leg assemblies each including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a joint rotatably coupling the first leg portion to the second leg portion. A drive mechanism coupled to the joint is configured to interact with the sidewall. The system also includes an actuator assembly configured to independently position each leg assembly relative to a body assembly to adjust a radial position of the joint of the associated leg assembly relative to the body assembly. The system also includes a controller configured to send instructions to the actuator assembly based at least in part on at least one of a dimension of the interior cavity and a desired force on the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander Kyle Duncan, Todd William Danko, Justin Foehner, Yakov Polishchuk, Douglas R. Forman
  • Patent number: 11554394
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a cleaning assembly for a container. The cleaning assembly may include a base; a plurality of protrusions extending from different locations about a circumference of the base; and a porous material arranged about the circumference of the base and between the plurality of protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: John Jeffrey Baker-Anderson
  • Patent number: 11459185
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical transport system may include a pneumatic tube network and a pharmaceutical transport cleaner. The pharmaceutical transport cleaner may include a cylindrical body, and a rotatable cleaning band extending around the cylindrical body to contact and clean adjacent portions of the pneumatic tube network as the cylindrical body moves through the pneumatic tube network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: INMAR RX SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Lingelbach, Melissa Bube, Vlad A. Catlan, Marko Milojevic, Jared O. Santibanez
  • Patent number: 11446710
    Abstract: A cleaning tool system has a central body and a fore body extending from the central body and having a peripheral contour shaped to be closely received in an enclosed channel. The fore body has orifices to dispense a cleaning medium. A connection boss in the central body is configured to receive a supply line for the cleaning medium. A plurality of stabilizers each extend from the central body radially relative to a longitudinal axis to engage surfaces of the channel. A loop hook in the fore body is configured to attach a draw line to pull the fore body and central body through the channel along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John M. Shinozaki, Tucker J. Rees, Drake J. Nailon
  • Patent number: 11391409
    Abstract: A pigging device of this disclosure includes a wear indicator configured to visually indicate an amount of material loss of a pipe wall contacting surface. The material loss may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The pipe wall contacting surface may be any shape suitable, including but not limited to spherical-shaped, cylindrical-shaped, cup-shaped, disc-shaped, conical-shaped, frusto-conical shaped, bowl-shaped, and bullet-shaped. In some embodiments, the pigging device is a pipeline pig such as but not limited to a spherical foam pig, cylindrical-shaped foam pig, or a bullet-shaped foam pig. In other embodiments, the pigging device is a component of a pipeline pig such as but not limited to a cup or disc arranged about a body of the pipeline pig. The pigging device may also be a pigging disc element. The pigging device may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to an elastomer such as urethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Alan Morton, Robert Fulton Hendricks, Roger L. Poe
  • Patent number: 11376661
    Abstract: A cutting system for removing an excess material along a length of a channel constructed using an additive manufacturing process is disclosed. In various embodiments, the cutting system includes a cutting component having an abrasive surface configured to remove the excess material along a down-facing surface of the channel and a smooth surface configured for sliding contact with an up-facing surface of the channel; and a motive component configured to urge the cutting component through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian A. Fisher, David W. Morganson
  • Patent number: 11344930
    Abstract: A conduit cleaning device includes a body with a central portion, a forward portion comprising a neck, and a rear portion with a hose fitting adapted for connection to an associated hose. The body includes a main flow passage that extends through the hose fitting, through the central portion, and into the neck. A rotor is rotatably supported on the neck. The rotor includes at least one rotor nozzle orifice in fluid communication with the main flow passage. A centering device is secured to the central portion of the body. The centering device includes a core and a plurality of fins that project outwardly from the core. The core of the centering device includes a mounting bore that extends therethrough, wherein at least part of the hose fitting is located within the mounting bore of the core and an annular space is defined between the hose fitting and an inner surface of the mounting bore of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: LSQ Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Rauckhorst, III
  • Patent number: 11293580
    Abstract: A pipeline sphere is shown which houses an electronics package. The sphere is formed as a hollow elastomeric body having a predetermined wall thickness and an initially void interior. A carrier tube is positioned within the initially void interior of the sphere and is supported by oppositely arranged carrier plates which are themselves embedded within oppositely arranged end openings of the sphere. A removable inflation valve is contained in one of the valve plates at a first end of the carrier tube. The carrier tube has a plurality of apertures formed through its wall to enable inflating or deflating the sphere. One electronics package that can be used is an electrical tracking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: S&B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen, Pamela Murrin
  • Patent number: 11235347
    Abstract: The present invention relates to coating of tubes, and more particularly to a system and method for coating and/or renovating deteriorated or pitted tubes to extend tube life and enhance performance. Using this system and method a thin coating is applied to the interior of a tube such that the coating is uniform in thickness and covers all regions of the tube. The coating material may be selected to minimize changes in heat transfer or may be selected to provide for the change in working fluid within the tube such that the working fluid does not negatively interact with the tube material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: PLASTOCOR, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Horn
  • Patent number: 11118718
    Abstract: A speed control apparatus for an inline pipeline inspection tool includes a body configured to be moved by a compressible product moving through a pipeline and a speed control mechanism supported by the body. The speed control mechanism includes a contact member that is positionable against an inner surface of the pipeline and an actuator configured to act on the contact member to adjust a speed of the body when the speed deviates from a predetermined speed. The speed control apparatus forms a drive system that provides forward propulsion to prevent the tool from slowing or stopping due to a problematic feature in the pipeline. The speed control apparatus also forms a brake system that minimizes overspeed conditions that can occur when built-up pressure initially dislodges the tool from the problematic feature in the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Entegra LLP
    Inventor: Paul Pirner
  • Patent number: 11091175
    Abstract: A vacuum transport tube vehicle for evacuating a vacuum transport tube has a first end, a second end, and a body comprising a piston head. The vehicle has a blade-actuator assembly, comprising a circumferential blade member sealed to the piston head and having a blade perimeter portion defining a first end outer surface forming an annular gap with an inner surface of the vacuum transport tube. The vehicle further includes a plurality of blade segment actuators arranged circumferentially around the piston perimeter portion and configured to actively adjust a radial position of the blade member at the corresponding blade circumferential locations in a manner accommodating non-uniformities in an inner surface profile of the vacuum transport tube, and maintaining the annular gap at a substantially constant and relatively short gap distance during movement of the vehicle through the vacuum transport tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert Erik Grip, Mark A. DeHaan, John C. Vassberg, Ted K. Rothaupt
  • Patent number: 11002102
    Abstract: A downhole plug, has an elongate body, the body having a longitudinal axis; a first seal arranged on an outer surface of the elongate body; and a second seal arranged on the outer surface of the elongate body and spaced longitudinally from the first seal. A production tubing for a petroleum well, includes a pipe, at least one side pocket mandrel, and at least one plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AS
    Inventors: Ole Sevheim, Erling Kleppa
  • Patent number: 10953443
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a coke deposit from an internal surface of a process equipment, comprising removing at least a portion of the coke deposit from the internal surface using a flexible pig comprising a plurality of bristles, without damaging a metal protective layer of the internal surface of the process equipment. A flexible pig for cleaning a coke deposit from an internal surface of a process equipment without damaging a metal protective layer of the internal surface, comprising a flexible body formed of a polymeric material, and a plurality of bristles partially encapsulated by the polymeric material of the flexible body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP
    Inventor: Vincent dePaul Mcgahee
  • Patent number: 10898917
    Abstract: An insulation device for a coating system for coating objects, the coating system having an electrostatically operating application apparatus having a dispensing device which dispenses a coating material, and at least one storage container which is connected to an input valve device via an inlet line and to the dispensing device via a supply line. The insulation device comprises a channel with a physical body which can move in the channel. The physical body has an electrically insulating material and can be moved by means of a fluid pressure between a park position and an insulation position and is designed such that, when it moves from the park position to the insulation position or from the insulation position to the park position, the physical body removes material from an inner casing surface of the channel, so that an electrical insulation path can be formed between the storage container and the input valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: EISENMANN SE
    Inventors: Ralph Meier, Jan Reichler
  • Patent number: 10845273
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for sampling solid particles in fluid flowing through a pipeline. In one or more embodiments, a pipeline pig having at least one bypass channel and at least one filter located within the bypass channel is configured to collect solid particles within the fluid of predetermined minimum size. Additional filters of varying mesh size may be included. In other embodiments, at least one valve may be used to adjust the fluid flow through the bypass channel, and a flow metering device may be configured to measure a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the bypass channel. In other embodiments, a bypass control device may be configured to control the valve to regulate fluid flow rate and fluid access into the bypass channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Todd Peter Lagus
  • Patent number: 10816284
    Abstract: A cleaning installation of a heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger linked upstream to an intake duct for a fluid and downstream to an outlet duct for the fluid. A system is provided for recovering cleaning bodies from the outlet duct after cleaning of the exchanger by the bodies and for reinjecting bodies into the intake duct. The system includes a member capable of being displaced between a first position in which the system is configured to recover and contain cleaning bodies in the mobile member, and a second position in which the system is configured to take fluid from the intake duct and reinject, into this duct, via the mobile member and under the action of the fluid taken, cleaning bodies contained in the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: EUGENE B
    Inventor: Philip Eugene Douglas Jackson
  • Patent number: 10780472
    Abstract: System and method for decommissioning a pipeline. The system comprises mechanical and chemical assemblies. The mechanical assembly includes a main body and a contact assembly. When the mechanical assembly is provided in the pipeline, the contact assembly is configurable to contact with the interior wall of the pipeline. The chemical assembly is arranged serially in line with the mechanical assembly. The chemical assembly includes a front section having a cross-sectional portion and a rear section having a cross-sectional portion. The front and the rear section are arranged in such a way that the cross-sectional portions of the front and the rear section cooperate with the interior wall of the pipeline to form a chamber to house a removal medium. The system and method can effectively and efficiently remove most or all of such residual mercury and/or other toxic substance from the interior wall of the pipeline before abandonment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited
    Inventors: Suchada Punpruk, Chatawut Chanvanichskul, Passaworn Silakorn, Patara Limpanachaipornkul, Chanya Thammawong
  • Patent number: 10774975
    Abstract: A bi-directional pipeline tool has a body or location in a pipe. A seal element is mounted on the body, the seal element having oppositely directed seal portions with a first seal portion directed towards a first side of the body and a second seal portion directed towards a second side of the body. A valve is provided in the body, the valve having a first port for communicating with fluid on the first side, a second port for communicating with fluid on the second side, and a third port for providing access to a chamber between the seal element and the body. In use, a pressure differential is developed across the tool between fluid upstream of the tool and fluid downstream of the tool. The valve permitting activation of the downstream seal portion, whichever of the portions is the downstream seal portion, by the upstream fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: STATS (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Angus George Bowie, Dale Millward
  • Patent number: 10668513
    Abstract: A pig receptacle is provided. The pig receptacle provides a first circular member and a second circular member attached to at least one elongated rod. The first circular member and the second circular member are sized so that they can receive a pig therethrough. A mesh cage is wrapped around the first circular member and the second circular member so that debris can be gathered during the pigging process. The mesh cage defines apertures that are sized so that large pieces of debris are held in an interior cavity formed by the mesh cage, while small pieces of debris can pass through. In this way, debris is transported through the pipeline and is not lost due to abnormalities in the flow rate through the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Kyle Hill
  • Patent number: 10627039
    Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-diameter foam pig include a first set of radially spaced-apart, longitudinally extending, slots located toward a nose end of the pig and a second set of radially spaced-apart, longitudinally extending, slots located toward a tail end. Each set of slots ends at a band section of the pig so that, together, the two sets of slots do not traverse the entire length of the pig. A standard-length unit version of the foam pig includes only the first set of slots. A set of shorter, intermediate slots, offset in a circumferential direction from the first and second set of slots and partially overlapping those slots, may be included on the band section. Because of the slots, and because of open cell foam, the foam pig decreases or increases in diameter as it enters a different diameter run than the run just traveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Morrow
  • Patent number: 10533695
    Abstract: There is provided an expandable pipeline pig for a varying diameter pipeline having a pig body that carries two or more guides and one or more actuators. Each guide has a resilient body with a folding zone between an outer perimeter and a central area connected to the pig body, a series of support members spaced circumferentially about the resilient body within the folding zone, and a series of collapsing structures positioned between, and integrally formed with, adjacent support members. The actuators selectively release the guides from a reduced to an expanded mode. In the expanded mode the support members extend outward and the collapsing structures are expanded between the support members. In the reduced mode the support members are folded toward the pig body and the collapsing structures are collapsed to reduce a circumference of the resilient body outer perimeter. The support members are biased toward the expanded mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventors: Bronislav Walter, Scott Walter
  • Patent number: 10527588
    Abstract: An ultrasound flaw detection device which detects abnormalities within a tube while moving in the tube by pressure of water flow. The ultrasound flaw detector includes an ultrasound probe (11) which emits an ultrasound wave from an inside of the tube to a tube wall and receives an echo signal, a pulser-receiver (12) which transmits a pulse signal to the ultrasound probe and to which the received echo signal is inputted, a memory unit (14) which stores the received echo signal, a control unit (15) which controls transmitting timing of the pulse signal from the pulser-receiver to the ultrasound probe and controls writing of the received echo signal to the memory unit, and a power supply unit (19); a flexible member (25) which connects the plurality of parts of the ultrasound flaw detector; and a centering member (26) which keeps the ultrasound probe approximately centered within the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Torichigai, Mikiyasu Urata, Kiyotaka Aoki, Shinichi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 10525511
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a pipe pig. The pipe pig comprises a first mounting hub coupled to a mandrel and a first sealing element. The pipe pig further comprises two chassis, each of which is coupled to the mounting hub and the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Danton S. Long
  • Patent number: 10513902
    Abstract: A method can include deploying a plugging device into a well, the plugging device including a body, and an outer material enveloping the body and having a greater flexibility than a material of the body, and conveying the plugging device by fluid flow into engagement with the opening, the body preventing the plugging device from extruding through the opening, and the outer material blocking the fluid flow between the body and the opening. In another method, the plugging device can include at least two bodies, and a washer element connected between the bodies, the washer element being generally disk-shaped and comprising a hole, a line extending through the hole and connected to the bodies on respective opposite sides of the washer element, the washer element preventing the plugging device from being conveyed through the opening, and the washer element blocking the fluid flow through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Jenna N. Robertson, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10400544
    Abstract: A system can include a cementing tool positionable within a casing string of a wellbore. A receiver that is positionable at the surface of the wellbore can receive an optical signal. A locator coupled to the cementing tool can generate an electrical signal in response to detecting a change in a surrounding magnetic field. A light source can generate an optical signal. A fiber optic cable can transmit the optical signal generated by the light source. A fiber reel can dispense the fiber optic cable from an end of the fiber optic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Stokley, Timothy R. Tips, Paul F. Rodney, John Laureto Maida, Krishna M. Ravi, Jamaal Brickhouse, Luke Christopher Downey
  • Patent number: 10378303
    Abstract: A downhole tool, including at least one body defining a surface, the at least one body having a plurality of cavities sealed from an outside of the at least one body by the surface. A plurality of the plurality of cavities being in fluidic communication with others of the plurality of cavities through a plurality of openings. A method of forming a downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Hayter, Daniel A. Gilmour
  • Patent number: 10279380
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a coke deposit from an internal surface of a process equipment, comprising removing at least a portion of the coke deposit from the internal surface using a flexible pig comprising a plurality of bristles, without damaging a metal protective layer of the internal surface of the process equipment. A flexible pig for cleaning a coke deposit from an internal surface of a process equipment without damaging a metal protective layer of the internal surface, comprising a flexible body formed of a polymeric material, and a plurality of bristles partially encapsulated by the polymeric material of the flexible body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventor: Vincent dePaul McGahee
  • Patent number: 10213816
    Abstract: A pipeline pig that can traverse dual- or multiple-diameter pipes or pipelines has collapsible and expandable sealing elements that support the pig, provide a sliding (dynamic) seal with the pipe wall, and maintain the necessary pressure for driving or cleaning as the elements collapse and expand. The sealing elements each have an internal cavity sized to house a first volume of a fluid and a reservoir sized to house a second volume of the fluid. The cavity and reservoir are arranged so that a portion of the volumes of the fluid can move between each. An accumulator maintains a pressure of the first and second volumes of the fluid so that regardless of the sealing element's current size, or whether the element is transitioning between sizes, the element can maintain a sliding seal engagement with the pipe wall and perform the primary function of driving or cleaning (or both).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Hailey
  • Patent number: 10132139
    Abstract: A wiper plug that includes an elongated body member having a forward end, a rearward end, and an open central bore; spaced radially outwardly projecting wiping flanges made of flexible material and configured to extend beyond the inner diameter of the pipe to be cleaned but that deform to apply contact wiping pressure to the inner diameter of the pipe as the wiper plug travels through the pipe; and shearing elements that extend from the rearward end of the elongated body member by a distance that is greater than the inner diameter of the pipe to be cleaned. The shearing elements hold the wiper plug in position in between two connected pipe sections while the open central bore allows cement to flow therethrough. Also, a carrier pipe for the wiper plug and method of use thereof for cleaning cement from the wellbore annulus of long casing strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Gryphon Oilfield Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Roberts, Ian Beckett, Geoff Williams, Mark Haire, Gerardo Franco
  • Patent number: 10119397
    Abstract: A pushing sitting device includes a main base, at least one set of pushing arms are provided on the side surface of the main base. The pushing arm includes a bi-parallelogram, having a first parallelogram structure and a second parallelogram structure. The first parallelogram structure includes a front arm, a detector assembly, an assisting arm and the main base, wherein the front arm is connected to the detector assembly and the main base respectively through joint pins at two ends, while the assisting arm is connected to the detector assembly and the main base respectively through the rotating shafts at two ends. The second parallelogram includes a rear arm, the detector assembly, a nonporous assisting arm and the main base which are connected in sequence by connecting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Wang Shaobin
  • Patent number: 10120094
    Abstract: A sensory assembly and system can be used in a wellbore to detect and characterize the earth strata and formations around the wellbore, where a signal emitting sensory tool is part of a tool string deployed in the wellbore, and where weighted fiber optic cable is deployed in an extended position below the signal emitting sensory tool. The fiber optic cable is also part of wire-line, slickline, or coiled tubing injector head connected to the signal emitting sensory tool, thereby providing fiber optic cable both above and below the signal emitting sensory tool in position to collect backscatter signals from earth strata and formations around the wellbore. The collection of backscatter signals, particularly from below the signal emitting sensory tool, allows for more precise characterization of formations and fractures within the earth strata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikko Jaaskelainen, Jason Edward Therrien
  • Patent number: 10113373
    Abstract: A composite material centralizer (60) for a tubular (50) is formed from a shell (10) of elongate shape with a curved upper surface (12) and a longitudinal slot (14) formed centrally in the curved upper surface (12) of the shell (10). At least one port (19) for injection of a bonding agent into the cavity (26) is provided in the curved upper (surface (12) of the shell (10). Fluid vent holes (17) are provided in the curved upper surface (12) of the shell (10) adjacent to either end of the longitudinal slot (14) in the curved upper surface (12) of shell (10). An elongate resilient member (30) with an outwardly projecting bow spring surface (33) may be retained within the longitudinal slot (14) in the shell (10) by insertion of ends (31, 32) in respective recesses (24, 24?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Ronald Baynham, David E. Y. Levie
  • Patent number: 10077863
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method of controlling a flow of pipeline fluid through a pipeline pig that includes a bypass channel and at least one relief channel extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Mohamed Ahmed A. Soliman
  • Patent number: 10060568
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a pipe PIG and a gauge. The PIG is for use with a pipeline and is of the type including: a body defining a longitudinal axis; and a pair of seals connected to the body and axially spaced apart from one another by the body. The gauge: has a longitudinal axis; has an outer periphery through which the longitudinal axis of the gauge passes centrally; has a central position relative to the body wherein the longitudinal axis of the body and the longitudinal axis of the gauge are at least substantially coincident; and is mounted to the body for generally radial movement relative to the central position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Paul Pirner
  • Patent number: 10053965
    Abstract: A lipless tubular oil seal assembly uses a tubular type of seal. The new seals create only enough pressure against the casing to provide an adequate seal under most conditions and the small amount of oil that would leak by on the roughest well casing surfaces acts as a lubricant. The new seal has no lip so it cannot turn under and get stuck in the well casing like a cup seal, even under the roughest conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald A. Holland
  • Patent number: 10030920
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of tubes extending between a first header and a second header, and further comprises an insertion unit for introducing a plurality of projectiles thereinto. A first step of the method comprises pumping a fluid into the first header. A second step comprises inserting the plurality of projectiles into the fluid, such that the plurality of projectiles are distributed within the fluid. A third step comprises flowing the fluid and the projectiles through the tubes, such that the projectiles abrades at least one tube. A fourth step comprises discharging the fluid and the projectiles out of the second header. Among the plurality of projectiles, at least one projectile has a different specific gravity, relative to the fluid, from at least one of the remaining projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: HVS ENGINEERING PTE LTD
    Inventor: Alex Kok Heng Chow
  • Patent number: 10022756
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for displacing fluid from a pipe. The method includes engaging a fluid-displacement system with the pipe. A displacement agent is pumped into the pipe via the fluid-displacement system. Fluid present within the pipe is displaced by the displacement agent. The pipe is manipulated in a desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: AMEC FOSTER WHEELER USA CORPORATION
    Inventors: John A. Austin, Raymond Christopher Young
  • Patent number: 10024612
    Abstract: An online cleaning system for tube and shell heat exchangers is presented. The system includes a positioner, a plunger, an umbilical cleaner, and a motor. The cleaning system cleans the tubes while the heat exchanger remains in operation. The cleaning system locates and isolates a single tube via rotating and translating mechanical actions and inserts the umbilical cleaner into the tube, which may clean the tube via rotational movement or via sonication. The cleaning system may further clean the outer surface of the tubes of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Jihad Hassan AlSadah, Esmail M. A. Mokheimer
  • Patent number: 9862011
    Abstract: A dart assembly for cleaning tubes including at least one annular disk having a first end, a second end, an outer perimeter and at least one longitudinal groove in the outer perimeter extending from the first end to the second end and at least one cutting wheel. The cutting wheel is positioned within the groove such that a portion of the cutting wheel extends into the groove and a portion extends beyond the outer perimeter of the annular disk. The dart assembly may also include at least one scraper disk and the annular disk and the scraper disk may be positioned at opposite ends of a shaft. Also, a method of cleaning a tube where a dart assembly is inserted into the inner diameter of the tube and forced through the tube using pressurized fluid. The dart assembly may have any or all of the features described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: National Heat Exchange Cleaning Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Antal, Carroll E. Joseph
  • Patent number: 9835270
    Abstract: A pipeline termination arrangement to be mounted to a pipeline end section to support a pipeline hub of the pipeline end section during and after a subsea connection of the pipeline hub to a spool piece hub fixed to a spool piece termination structure is provided. The pipeline termination arrangement includes a landing structure for supporting the spool piece termination structure; a connection porch fixed to the landing structure; and a support structure which is fixed to the pipeline end section and provided with a guide frame. The guide frame slidably supports the landing structure so as to allow the landing structure and the connection porch to slide along the guide frame from a first position, in which the connection porch is located in front of and at a distance from the pipeline hub, to a second position, in which the connection porch is in contact with the pipeline hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Rolf Bastesen, Staale Svindland
  • Patent number: 9810365
    Abstract: A pipeline pig includes a plurality of relief channels and a bypass channel extending therethrough. To regulate a speed of the pipeline pig, relief valves within the relief channels open when a differential pressure between upstream and downstream ends of the pipeline pig reaches a pre-selected minimum relief pressure. If the differential pressure reaches a pre-selected maximum relief pressure, such as when the pipeline pig encounters an obstruction, the relief valves close to allow the differential pressure to further increase to clear the obstruction. If the further increase in differential pressure is insufficient to clear the obstruction and the differential pressure reaches a pre-selected minimum bypass pressure, a bypass valve opens to permit fluid flow through the bypass channel while the relief valves are closed. Flow through the bypass channel operates to reduce turbulence and permit production through the pipeline if the pipeline pig becomes stuck and obstructs the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Mohamed Ahmed A. Soliman
  • Patent number: 9714300
    Abstract: The invention relates to continuous polymerization apparatus comprising a tubular reactor with a continuous loop section (32), a secondary line section (33) and a pigging system (39) that allows for cleaning of both sections of the reactor in a single continuous pass without manual removal of the pig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Adams
  • Patent number: 9662690
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pig assembly for maintaining a multi-diameter functional line with a large range of diameter variation for conveying fluid. The pig assembly includes a central shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end and at least one cylindrical pig body coaxially mounted on the central shaft. Attached to the at least one pig body are a plurality of arms capable of moving between an extended position radiating from the at least one pig body and a retracted position within the at least one pig body. Each of the pluralities of arms includes a spring to enable each arm of the plurality of arms to move into the extended position and to store potential energy when the arm is in the retracted position, and a roller to enable rolling contact between the pig assembly and an interior of a functional line during movement of the pig assembly within the functional line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Parsinejad Farzan, Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia
  • Patent number: 9534479
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for displacing fluid from a pipe. The method includes engaging a fluid-displacement system with the pipe. A displacement agent is pumped into the pipe via the fluid-displacement system. Fluid present within the pipe is displaced by the displacement agent. The pipe is manipulated in a desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: AMEC Foster Wheeler USA Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Austin, Raymond Christopher Young
  • Patent number: 9498804
    Abstract: A scraper pig for cleaning tubes and pipelines comprising a flexible core provided with a casing in which scraper studs are embedded in a manner whereby they protrude sufficiently to perform a cleaning action when they are propelled through the tube. A method for the manufacture of the pig and the design of the stud is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: COKEBUSTERS LTD.
    Inventor: John Phipps
  • Patent number: 9470815
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the impact of guided (or “tube”) waves in permanently installed seismic systems are provided. By utilizing passive acoustic absorbers, the impact of tube waves may be reduced, leading to improved performance of permanently installed seismic systems that are installed onto production tubing when the well is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Sverre Knudsen, Paul Travis
  • Patent number: 9222612
    Abstract: A system for cleaning pipes and pipe joints where the interior surface of the pipe becomes coated with material being processed comprising a cylindrical cleaning body having opposing first and second ends, said cylindrical body having an annular shape with interior and exterior walls so that the outer wall contacts the interior surface of a pipe and wherein ends of the cleaning body have means for removing material deposited on the interior surface, a means for moving the apparatus along the length of said pipe, a first and second means for cleaning said cleaning body having passages that allow fluid to pass through, wherein said first and second cleaning means mates with said first and second ends of said cleaning body, where said cleaning body is moved into contact with said cleaning means to dislodge accumulated deposits from the cleaning body and simultaneously dislodging accumulated deposits from said cleaning means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: VADXX ENERGY LLC
    Inventor: William L. Ullom