Removably Secured By A Fastener (e.g., Pin) Parallel To Tubing Patents (Class 166/241.7)
  • Patent number: 11970911
    Abstract: A device for a steel tube designed to be secured on a portion of the tube used in a tubular hydrocarbon column includes a substantially cylindrical envelope extending along a longitudinal axis and designed to surround the box portion of the first steel tube and the envelope forming an opened ring so that a circumferential gap subsists between two free ends of the envelope; and a locking mechanism fixed to the envelope in the vicinity of the circumferential gap and configured to bring the free ends of the envelope closer to each other in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: VALLOUREC OIL AND GAS FRANCE
    Inventors: Alastair John Brodie, Maxime Vannetzel
  • Patent number: 11920420
    Abstract: A washover tool including an inner housing and an outer housing forming an enclosed annulus. The washover tool includes a rod member coupled to the outer housing, the rod member configured to supply a fluid to the annulus. The washover tool includes a front face plate having a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the annulus. The annulus of the washover tool is configured to receive a fluid through the rod member and configured to eject the fluid through the plurality of openings of the front face plate to washover a pipe embedded in a ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventor: Robert Dwayne Wankan
  • Patent number: 11873688
    Abstract: A centralizer for a downhole probe disposed within a pipe, the centralizer having an elongated, primary tubular member that is polygonal in cross-section such that the wall of the tubular primary tubular member is formed with at least three sides. Each side has two adjacent inwardly extending ridges positioned between two outwardly extending ridges. The inwardly extending ridges each extend inward to an inner diameter to engage the outer diameter of a sonde and the outwardly extending ridges each extend outward to an outer diameter to engage the inner diameter of a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lizheng Zhang, Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 11661816
    Abstract: A method of cementing a casing in a wellbore extending from an Earth's surface into a subsurface includes providing a tube having a bi-frustoconical shape. The bi-frustoconical shape is defined by an upper tube part having an inverted frustoconical shape, a lower tube part having a frustoconical shape, and a waist intermediate between the upper tube part and the lower tube part. The tube is positioned in an annulus formed between the casing and a wall of the wellbore from a surface opening of the annulus. The tube is urged in a direction down the annulus and along the casing until the tube lands on a collar radially projecting from an outer surface of the casing into the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Meshari M. Alshalan, Amjad Alshaarawi, Abdulwahab Aljohar, Haytham H. Alhamed, Mohammed M. Alrubaii
  • Patent number: 11536095
    Abstract: A stop collar for mounting to a downhole tubular includes: a cylindrical housing having a threaded inner surface and a tapered inner surface; a compressible slip ring having teeth formed in an inner surface thereof and a pair of tapered outer surfaces; a solid cam ring having a tapered inner surface; and a cylindrical bolt having a threaded outer surface. A natural outer diameter of each ring is greater than a minor diameter of the threaded surfaces. Screwing the threaded surfaces of the housing and the bolt is operable to drive the tapered surfaces together, thereby compressing the slip ring such that the teeth engage a periphery of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: DOWNHOLE PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Darko Arsoski
  • Patent number: 11286750
    Abstract: A stop collar assembly includes a collar having inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface includes a taper. The outer surface includes a slope such that an outer diameter at a start of the slope is greater than an outer diameter at an end of the slope. The stop collar assembly further includes a slip having a bottom end and a taper adjoining the bottom end. The slip taper is configured to contact the collar taper. When the collar taper is in contact with the slip taper, a distance from a central radial axis of the collar to the start of the slope is less than a distance from the central radial axis to the slip bottom end, and the distance from the central radial axis to the slip bottom end is less than a distance from the central radial axis to the end of the slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery Morrison, Jobby T. Jacob
  • Patent number: 11242014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable spacer arrangement mountable to a cable of a vehicle; said cable spacer arrangement comprising a cable spacer comprising a circumferentially arranged cable fixing portion having an inner surface arranged to face the cable when mounted thereto, and an outer surface arranged on an opposite side of the cable fixing portion relative to the inner surface; a plurality of circumferentially arranged cable spacing elements, each cable spacing element extending from the cable fixing portion in an at least partially radial direction therefrom, wherein a portion of the cable spacing element is arranged to abut an inner surface of a tube in which the cable is to be positioned, wherein the cable fixing portion further comprises first and second end portions in the circumferential direction such that the cable fixing portion is non-continuous in the circumferential direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Simon Arnesson
  • Patent number: 11225841
    Abstract: A centralizer assembly installed on a casing section. A bow spring assembly having bow spring members is installed around the outer surface of the casing section and can rotate about the outer surface of the casing section. At least one portion of the casing section is swaged to increase the outer diameter of that section. Bow spring heel supports prevent bow spring members from contacting the outer surface of the central casing section when compressed. Non-abrasive materials prevent damage to wellhead or other polished bore receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Ron D. Robichaux, John E. Hebert, Scottie J. Scott
  • Patent number: 11174641
    Abstract: A system for centering a reinforcing member within a drilled shaft/bore hole includes a first cage member and a second cage member. The first cage member is operable to surround a first half of the reinforcing member. The second cage member is operable to surround a second half of the reinforcing member. The second cage member is operably connected to the first cage member, and the first and second cage members have identical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Pieresearch1, LP
    Inventor: Stanley D. Agee
  • Patent number: 11125024
    Abstract: A downhole tool may include a first end collar configured to be positioned at least partially around a tubular, a second end collar configured to be positioned at least partially around the tubular, a plurality of elongate members extending between and connected to the first and second end collars, and a dissolvable retention member coupled to the second end collar. The dissolvable retention member is configured to maintain a position of the second end collar relative to the first end collar until the dissolvable retention member at least partially dissolves in a downhole fluid. When the dissolvable retention member at least partially dissolves, the second end collar is configured to move with respect to the first end collar, and the plurality of elongate members expand radially outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Kellner, Iain Levie
  • Patent number: 10151113
    Abstract: A system for centering a reinforcing member within a drilled shaft/bore hole includes a first cage member and a second cage member. The first cage member is operable to surround a first half of the reinforcing member. The second cage member is operable to surround a second half of the reinforcing member. The second cage member is operably connected to the first cage member, and the first and second cage members have identical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Pieresearch1, LP
    Inventor: Stanley D. Agee
  • Patent number: 9677344
    Abstract: A component of a drilling assembly comprises at least one blade having a gauge region comprising a bearing face for engaging a sidewall of a wellbore in a subterranean formation during rotation of the drilling assembly, and a rotationally leading edge rotationally preceding the bearing face and comprising an engagement profile comprising at least one of at least one chamfered surface and at least one radiused surface, the engagement profile different than another engagement profile of another rotationally leading edge of another region of the at least one blade. A drilling assembly, and a method for stabilizing a drilling assembly in a wellbore in a subterranean formation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Amanda K. Ohm, Ajay V. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 9556687
    Abstract: A centralizer for centralizing a tubular in a wellbore, and a method of manufacturing a centralizer. The centralizer may include a plurality of ribs spaced circumferentially apart from one another around the tubular. Each of the ribs may include a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section extending between the first and second end sections. A first plurality of spacers may be spaced circumferentially apart from one another around the tubular. Each of the first plurality of spacers may be positioned circumferentially between two of the plurality of ribs. The first plurality of spacers and the first end sections of the plurality of ribs may be axially aligned and together at least partially define a first end collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ANTELOPE OIL TOOL & MFG. CO.
    Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Clayton Plucheck, Ira Eugene Hining
  • Patent number: 9541220
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, systems and methods for reducing displacement of a subsea conduit such as offshore hydrocarbon production pipeline, also referred to as pipeline walking or buckling, thus reducing the need for expensive pipeline anchoring or other mitigation solutions. A movement resistor adapted to be installed on a subsea conduit is provided having an inner portion adapted to receive and securely attach to a subsea conduit and at least one resistor portion adapted to resist induced forces. The at least one resistor portion includes a spring element therein. At least one movement resistor can be installed along the length of a subsea conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid Ahmed Mebarkia, Daniel Christopher Kefford, Daria Igorevna Bougai, Dane Ryne Drew
  • Patent number: 9534456
    Abstract: A centralizer includes a centralizer body to be situated at the outer surface of a pipe string in the form of casing, liner, or the like used while drilling, the centralizer body being formed with a plurality of outer centralizer blades arranged in an inclined manner to the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the centralizer body has an separate split inner tube secured to the pipe string by means of a press fit, and low friction inner surface of the centralizer body and separate center tube facing each other are made from low friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Morten Eidem, Tore Weltzin, Gaute Grindhaug, Jafar Abdollahi
  • Patent number: 9470047
    Abstract: A centralizer includes a body having a bore with an axis, the bore being configured to receive a tubular to be centralized, the body having at least one resilient device configured to extend radially from the axis of the bore, wherein the body has at least one collar member extending radially inwards from the centralizer body adjacent to an end of the body. The collars are fixed co-axially in the bore to be resistant to axial movement of the collar member, and can be retained in the body by radially extending a lip formed by forcing material radially inwards into the bore to retain the collar. The body is adapted to receive within the bore an anchoring device for connection to the tubular. The anchoring device is configured to engage the collar member within the bore so that relative movement of the centralizer and the tubular is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Downhole Products Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Kirk, Ian Kirk
  • Patent number: 9447670
    Abstract: A self-orientating fracturing system including a swivel sub having opposing sections rotatable relative to one another; at least one ported sleeve defining a flowpath and having a ported housing with an outer surface that includes at least one planar engagement surface and at least one port providing a communication path to the interior of said housing, and an insert moveable within the ported housing between a first position and a second position, for opening and closing the ported sleeve. The system includes a centralizer having an outer surface configured to impart rotational force to the centralizer when the centralizer is pushed or culled alone the surface of a wellbore. The sorted sleeve and the centralizer are installed in the assembly on the same side of the swivel sub such that the rotational force imparted to the centralizer is also imparted to the swivel sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Raymond Hofman
  • Patent number: 9234418
    Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed. The clamp assembly is made with a first clamp part, a second clamp part, a hinge assembly and a fastener. The first clamp part has at least one connection capable of receiving and securing the at least one downhole tool. The first clamp part also has a first inner clamp surface. The second clamp part has a second inner clamp surface extending between the third side and the fourth side. The hinge assembly connects a first side of the first clamp part to a third side of the second clamp part and is configured to permit the first clamp part and the second clamp part to be moved to a closed position and an open position to receive the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Christophe M Rayssiguier
  • Patent number: 9140385
    Abstract: A plastic envelope element for an underwater pipeline comprises at least one local spring portion manufactured integrally with the envelope element. The envelope element is modular in circumferential direction of the pipeline. The local spring portion is at least formed by a wall portion of the envelope element in the relaxed condition projecting on the inner side of the envelope element. In its tensioned condition, the local spring portion does not project, or projects to a lesser extent than in the relaxed condition, on the inner side of the envelope element, such that in its fitted condition the local spring portion presses under its spring force against the pipeline. The projecting wall portion extends bridgingly between two mutually parallel and mutually spaced hinge edges of the projecting wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: LANKHORST ENGINEERED PRODUCTS B.V.
    Inventor: Karst Meijer
  • Patent number: 9127519
    Abstract: A centralizer assembly having a tubular body member with upper and lower channels extending around the external surface of said central tubular body member. A bow spring assembly having bow spring members is installed around the outer surface of the tubular body member and can rotate about the outer surface of the central tubular body member. Bow spring heel supports prevent the bow spring members from contacting the outer surface of the central tubular member when compressed. Non-abrasive materials prevent damage to wellhead or other polished bore receptacles. A robust bolster frame protects the centralizer assembly during shipping, storage or other periods of non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventors: J. Christopher Jordan, James G. Martens, Jeffrey J. Arcement, Juan Carlos Mondelli, John E. Hebert, Scottie J. Scott, Thomas A. Dupre'
  • Patent number: 9004197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drill stem component for exploration of a hydrocarbon well with drilling mud in movement around the component from a bottom of the well towards the surface. The drill can include a central tubular element having an axis of revolution and extended on either side respectively by a first and a second tool joint each respectively and successively including a first cylindrical portion connected to the tubular element, a second tapered portion, a third cylindrical portion with a radius greater than that of the tubular element. The drill can include a threaded end which can connect the component to another component, the component including a first shell provided with one or more functional zones, the first shell being mounted on one of the tool joints in a cohesive and removable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Vam Drilling France
    Inventors: Gabriel Roussie, Christophe Rohart
  • Publication number: 20150083396
    Abstract: An apparatus, comprising a body extending in an axial direction, a sleeve for the body, and locking means for locking the body and the sleeve. The body and the sleeve comprise complementary mating protrusions and recesses configured to positively interlock the body and the sleeve in the axial direction and configured to positively interlock the body and the sleeve rotationally by the locking means positively engaging the recesses in both the body and the sleeve. A method for fixing axially and rotationally a sleeve to a body, wherein the body extends in an axial direction, comprising the steps of: sliding in the axial direction the sleeve onto the body, positively interlocking the body and the sleeve in the axial direction by rotating the sleeve relative to the body, and positively interlocking the body and the sleeve rotationally by sliding in the axial direction locking means into the body and the sleeve, the locking means comprising extensions positively engaging recesses in both the body and the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: James Linklater, James Edward Atkins, Seweryn Wrozyna
  • Publication number: 20140345854
    Abstract: A centralizer for an oil well drill casing including at least one strip of ceramic or plastic material applied onto an outer wall of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Angelo CALDERONI, Fabrizio ZAUSA
  • Patent number: 8863834
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a wear band comprises a rotating element having a bore receivable on a tubular, the bore comprising first and second bore portions slidably receiving first and second sleeve bearings. Outer surfaces of the sleeve bearings slidably engage the bore portions and the bores of the sleeve bearings slidably engage the tubular. A first stop collar and a second stop collar may be received on the tubular to together straddle the rotating element and sleeve bearings to longitudinally secure the rotating element in a position on the tubular. The tubular may be included within a tubular string run into a borehole or into the bore of an installed casing, such as in casing while drilling. The rotating element provides stand-off between a tubular and the wall of a bore, reduces frictional resistance to longitudinal sliding and also to rotation of the tubular string within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Antelope Oil Tool & Mfg. Co., LLC
    Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Eugene Edward Miller, Ira Eugene Hining
  • Patent number: 8844624
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a rigid centralizer having at least one annular band with radially extending embossed flutes spaced around an outer surface of the at least one annular band and a plurality of elongated connecting posts welded to an inner surface of the at least one annular band to form a tubular receiving annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Antelope Oil Tool & Mfg. Co., LLC
    Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Christopher M. Penry, Troy L. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8820417
    Abstract: A centraliser (10) for centralising a tubular (12) within a conduit is described. The centraliser comprises a centraliser body, at least one finger (14) pivotally mounted to the body and at least one collar (20), the/each collar being moveable with respect to the at least one finger. Relative movement between the/each collar and the body pivots the at least one finger from a run-in configuration to an extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventor: Steve Reid
  • Patent number: 8733455
    Abstract: Roller standoff assemblies and devices facilitate disposal of an interior tubular member within an exterior tubular member. Roller standoff devices include a roller cage and at least one roller supported by the roller cage to contact and roll upon the exterior tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Farhat A. Shaikh, James C. Hunziker, Paul G. Junghans, Ron Parsley
  • Patent number: 8312934
    Abstract: A line retention system includes a positionally fixed retainer having one or more recesses therein that are receptive to one or more lines. The system further includes one or more spline recesses in the positionally fixed retainer receptive to one or more position splines and one or more position splines that are receivable in the one or more spline recesses. A method for retaining one or more lines is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Martin P. Coronado
  • Patent number: 8251139
    Abstract: For oil production systems, an interior two-part seal ring of resilient material is disposed within a coupling sleeve which receives threaded tubing ends in its opposite ends. The seal is asymmetric, with tapered ends of different lengths and taper angles. A length for mill end engagement is shorter than the length for field end engagement which may be made up and disconnected repeatedly. The seal configuration includes a principal body with a inwardly directed ridge between its tapered ends and a reinforcing ring of different, less permeable material, abutting the ridge and closing off one or more radial ports in the wall of the body. The central body also includes a circumferential gas groove about is periphery, which together with the radial ports, facilitates collection and release of gases permeating the seal body under high down-hole pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Carstensen
  • Patent number: 8181722
    Abstract: Stabilizer assemblies and tools incorporating same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a stabilizer assembly comprises a body having at least one bearing pad receptacle therein, and a bearing pad disposed in the receptacle. The bearing pad includes at least a portion of a bore extending therethrough, the bore being aligned with body bores in the body on opposite sides of the bearing pad receptacle. A lock rod extends through the bore and into the associated body bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Kevin G. Kidder, Khoi Q. Trinh
  • Patent number: 8167035
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming downhole apparatus. The method comprises disposing a plastics material (26) on a reinforcing apparatus (24) to form a body (12) having a bore extending through the body. The reinforcing apparatus (24) provides reinforcement of the plastics material (26) and the thus formed body (12) is configured to provide, when in use, standoff between downhole components, with the reinforcing apparatus being configured to at least one of contract and expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: PolyOil Limited
    Inventor: Calum Whitelaw
  • Patent number: 8162053
    Abstract: A elongated plunger assembly for pressurized, conduit-enclosed travel utilized in recovery of hydrocarbon deposits in a ground penetrating oil or gas well. The plunger comprises an elongated mandrel, a plurality of radially movable curvilinear wear pads circumferentially disposed adjacent each end of the elongated mandrel, a pad-edge retaining housing extending on at least one end of the elongated mandrel to enclosably retain the longitudinally distal end of a circumferential array of wear pads onto the mandrel, and a centrally disposed wear pad securement ring arrangement to permit release of a worn wear pad, replacement of the worn wear pad at an inner longitudinal edge thereof, thus to permit simple field-accessable removal and replacement of any particular “conduit-worn” “wear” pad from the mandrel of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Well Master Corp.
    Inventors: David A. Green, Robert E. Bender
  • Patent number: 8151879
    Abstract: A zone isolation assembly for a fluid monitoring system in an existing subsurface well includes a fluid receiving pipe, a docking receiver, a docking apparatus and a first sealer. The fluid receiving pipe includes a pipe interior and a fluid inlet structure. The fluid receiving pipe receives a fluid through the fluid inlet structure into the pipe interior. The docking receiver is connected to the fluid receiving pipe. The docking apparatus moves between (i) a docked position wherein the docking apparatus is docked with the docking receiver, and (ii) an undocked position wherein the docking apparatus is undocked with the docking receiver. The first sealer is spaced apart from the docking apparatus. In certain embodiments, the first sealer selectively forms a fluid-tight seal between the fluid receiving pipe and the casing to divide the fluid zone into a first zone and a spaced apart second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: BESST, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah R. Heller, Peter F. Moritzburke
  • Publication number: 20110005776
    Abstract: A centraliser (10) for centralising a tubular (12) within a conduit is described. The centraliser comprises a centraliser body, at least one finger (14) pivotally mounted to the body and at least one collar (20), the/each collar being moveable with respect to the at least one finger. Relative movement between the/each collar and the body pivots the at least one finger from a run-in configuration to an extended configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: PETROWELL LIMITED
    Inventor: Steve REID
  • Patent number: 7845373
    Abstract: An insulating apparatus for use with vacuum insulated tubing sting to reduce heat loss through the joints, where the apparatus includes an insulator adapted to surround the joint and a latching joint protector adapted to surround the insulator and hold the insulator against the joint, where the protector also includes a channel for receiving injection and/or control tubing. The insulator is capable of reducing heat loss through the joints of a vacuum insulated tubing string by as much as 95%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Cole J. Hickman, James H. Cannon
  • Patent number: 7784537
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for protecting control lines used with tool strings in a downhole environment. A control line protector assembly comprises a plurality of components formed into a unitary piece which includes a guard section having a first end section and a second end section, a slot on each of the first end section and the second end section, and a securing mechanism for coupling the guard section having the first end section and the second end section to the coupling. A control line protector assembly is formed using a metal stamping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Iain Baxter
  • Patent number: 7748447
    Abstract: A torque anchor for use with progressive cavity pumps (PC Pumps) for preventing rotation of the PC Pumps and any related tool string within a well bore, possessing a connector constructed and adapted to connect a tube, which in a preferred embodiment is a diluent cable, between the two fixed slips. A method is also recited for running coiled tubing or a diluent cable downhole using the torque anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tazco Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Moore
  • Patent number: 7677272
    Abstract: An insulating apparatus for use with vacuum insulated tubing sting to reduce heat loss through the joints, where the apparatus includes an insulator adapted to surround the joint and a latching joint protector adapted to surround the insulator and hold the insulator against the joint, where the protector also includes a channel for receiving injection and/or control tubing. The insulator is capable of reducing heat loss through the joints of a vacuum insulated tubing string by as much as 95%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Cole J. Hickman, James H. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20100018697
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing lines to well sand control screens. A method of securing at least one line to a tubular string includes connecting together longitudinal ends of longitudinal sections of the tubular string; then wrapping a shroud circumferentially about the connected tubular string sections; and securing the line to the shroud. A well screen assembly includes a generally tubular filter portion, a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the filter portion, and a retainer which connects opposite circumferential ends of the shroud to each other without being welded to at least one of the shroud ends, with the retainer being positioned on an interior of the shroud. Another well screen assembly includes multiple longitudinal sections of a tubular string, at least one of the longitudinal sections comprising a well screen, and a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the tubular string sections and rotationally secured to the tubular string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Richards, Tommy F. Grigsby
  • Publication number: 20090308615
    Abstract: A low-clearance bow spring centralizer (10) can be made by providing a plurality of bow spring modules (54), each having an elongate rib (52) with a first integrally-formed collar segment (54) at a first end and a second integrally-formed collar segment (56) at a second end wherein the first collar segment (54) and the second collar segment (56) are joined to adjacent first and second collar segments, respectively. The bow spring modules may be interlinked by welding a seam (55) formed between abutting sides of adjacent pairs of first collar segments and/or second collar segments. The sides (54a) of the first collar segment and the sides (56a) of the second collar segment may each be perpendicular to the axis of the centralizer bore, and seams (55) therebetween may be welded to form a first centralizer collar and a second centralizer collar, coupled one to the other by the ribs (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jean Buytaert
  • Patent number: 7624798
    Abstract: A multi part centralizer can be secured quickly to tubular to be cemented and expanded in a deviated wellbore. The segments ratchet with respect to each other and are capable of holding the centralizer snug against the tubular for delivery downhole and cementing. After cementing the expansion of the tubular is not significantly resisted by the centralizer as its diameter increases with the expanded tubular below it. The end position after expansion is held due to the ratchet feature insuring the fixation of the centralizer as the cement sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark W. Presslie, William J. Hay
  • Patent number: 7530371
    Abstract: An insulating apparatus for use with vacuum insulated tubing sting to reduce heat loss through the joints, where the apparatus includes an insulator adapted to surround the joint and a latching joint protector adapted to surround the insulator and hold the insulator against the joint, where the protector also includes a channel for receiving injection and/or control tubing. The insulator is capable of reducing heat loss through the joints of a vacuum insulated tubing string by as much as 95%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventors: Cole J. Hickman, James H. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20090025939
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes a tree cap having a production mandrel extending down into a production passage of a Christmas tree to form a seal. The tree has an annulus bore and an annular cavity at the upper end of the tree surrounding the upper ends of the production and annulus bore. A communication gallery leads between the annulus bore and the cavity. The tree cap also includes an annular sealing member that enters the cavity for sealing a communication gallery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wenham, Alistair D. Crozier
  • Publication number: 20080264629
    Abstract: A casing centralizer is provided that may be shipped unassembled and is then assemblable at a well site. According to one embodiment, first and second collars each have a plurality of circumferentially spaced aligning slots and a corresponding plurality of threaded, extruded through-holes. A plurality of bow-springs each have a foot at each end. Each bow-spring axially extends between the first and second collars. The foot at one end of each bow-spring is disposed in one of the aligning slots of the first collar, and the foot at the other end is disposed in one of the aligning slots on the second collar. A plurality of threaded fasteners corresponding in number to the threaded extruded through-holes secure the ends of the bow-springs to the threaded extruded through-holes. The extruded through-holes have a flange height greater than a collar thickness adjacent to the extruded through-holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Eugene Edward Miller
  • Patent number: 7431082
    Abstract: One or more control lines or other types of lines can be run past a downhole tool such as a side pocket mandrel, for example, in a longitudinal groove with a retaining feature for the control line where the assembly leaves little to stick out and get damaged on run in or on pulling out of the hole. In the preferred version, the groove is a dovetail and at least one retainer can be slipped into the dovetail. Lateral bores into the dovetail allow pins to be driven into a wedge shaped retainer to force it against the control line or lines such that the shape of the dovetail and the shape of the wedge retainer trap the control line within the dovetail. Upon assembly, nothing sticks out from the dovetail or the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Holt, Clark W. Beam
  • Patent number: 7409758
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing drilling vibration during drilling with casing. In one embodiment, an apparatus for reducing vibration of a rotating casing includes a tubular body disposed concentrically around the casing, wherein tubular body is movable relative to the casing. Preferably, a portion of the tubular body comprises a friction reducing material. In operation, the tubular body comes into contact with the existing casing or the wellbore instead of the rotating casing. Because the tubular body is freely movable relative to the rotating casing, the rotating casing may continuously rotate even though the tubular body is frictionally in contact with the existing casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuong Thanh Le, Richard L. Giroux, Albert C. Odell, Gary Thompson, Deborah L. Banta, Robert P. Badrak, Gregory G. Galloway, Mark S. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7395881
    Abstract: A roller sub system for reducing friction between a tool string and a wall in a well bore for use in the oil and gas industry. The apparatus has a roller body and wheel sub system, which is configured to have removably mounted wheels of variable diameters. A plurality of different diameter wheel sets are described for mounting on the roller sub axles and orientating the system in the well bore. The wheels are fixed to the roller sub axles through a quick-release mechanism. A single apparatus can thus be employed with different diameter wheels to operate in well bores of variable diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hunting Cromar Limited
    Inventors: Frederick Duguld McKay, Richard John Gilchrist, Colin Alexander Black
  • Patent number: 7134455
    Abstract: An insulating apparatus for use with vacuum insulated tubing sting to reduce heat loss through the joints, where the apparatus includes an insulator adapted to surround the joint and a latching joint protector adapted to surround the insulator and hold the insulator against the joint, where the protector also includes a channel for receiving injection and/or control tubing. The insulator is capable of reducing heat loss through the joints of a vacuum insulated tubing string by as much as 95%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventors: Cole J. Hickman, James H. Cannon
  • Patent number: 7071697
    Abstract: A centralizer (1) for position a casing (3) in a conduit (4) passing through underground formations includes measurement means (7) such as an electrode for deriving at least one representative parameter of the formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Rioufol, Philippe Gambier, Eric Veignat, Ian Raw, Ian David Bryant
  • Patent number: 7025136
    Abstract: A tool for reducing torque on work string, eg for gas or oil production, comprises an upper clamp (2), a lower clamp (3) and connection means (4), the three components formed as a unitary structure (1). The tool also comprises bearing means, preferably made from an elastomeric compound, and an annular body (7) (see FIG. 4) held in place over the connection means by the clamps. The clamps may comprise spigots (5) for retaining the connection means. In a preferred embodiment the annular body is in two semi-annular components connected at one end to allow them to pivot, and the other end comprises mating castellations for receiving a fastening pin. The annular body may comprise a number of replaceable wear pads (14) which may be made of bronze or an elastomer. The unitary structure of the tool enhances the integral strength and efficiency of the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rory McCrae Tulloch, James Bain, Binnert Ruerd Haites, Mike Wardley