Downhole Coupling Or Connector Patents (Class 166/242.6)
  • Patent number: 11773683
    Abstract: A segmented grouting method for ramp drivage in an aquifer is provided. Concerning grouting reinforcement for a ramp in an aquifer, a grouting process is divided into four stages according to a pressure change, that is, micro-pressure filling, low-pressure diffusion, medium-pressure reinforcement, and high-pressure fracturing. In the micro-pressure filling, an initial pressure of a grouting orifice is 0, and a low-concentration single-component grout is used to fill an original fissure of the aquifer. In the low-pressure diffusion, a low-concentration bicomponent grout is used for grouting, the original fissure is expanded, and a grouting radius is increased. In the medium-pressure reinforcement, a high-concentration bicomponent grout is used for grouting, thereby reinforcing the aquifer. In the high-pressure fracturing, a high-concentration bicomponent grout is used to reinforce a new fractured fissure of the orifice caused by a high pressure and the original fissure, thereby forming a confining bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignees: NORIN MINING LIMITED, University of Science and Technology Beijing
    Inventors: Chao Liu, Yunpu Qi, Zhanglun Song, Shuai Zhang, Liang Wang, Shenghua Yin, Fusong Dong, Dapeng Chen, Leiming Wang
  • Patent number: 11725479
    Abstract: A frac system includes a first packer assembly having a first compression set packer and a first indexing member, and a second packer assembly arranged upstream of the first packer assembly. The second packer assembly includes a second packer, a second indexing member, a bypass inlet arranged upstream of the second packer, and a frac port arranged downstream of the second packer. The bypass inlet is fluidically connected to the frac port through a bypass flow path and is selectively opened without disengaging the second packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Stolboushkin, Vikram Unnikrishnan, Matthew Solfronk
  • Patent number: 11674380
    Abstract: Systems and methods include a method for using a smart retrievable service packer for pressure testing operations. A service packer is installed to a depth in a well. The service packer includes one or more radio frequency identification devices (RFIDs) positioned above and below a packer element of the service packer. A determination is made, by analyzing information received from the one or more RFIDs, that a pressure leak has occurred across the service packer. The pressure leak is reported to a surface receiver system at a surface of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Rami F. Saleh, Peter Ido Egbe
  • Patent number: 11629575
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a y-tubular section sized to run into a wellbore and configured to couple to a production tubing. The y-tubular section includes a main tubular section, a primary tubular leg coupled to the main tubular section, and a secondary tubular leg coupled to the main tubular section and offset from the primary tubular leg. The secondary tubular leg is sized to receive an electrical submersible pump (ESP). A hydraulic flow control device is positioned in the primary tubular leg and configured to selectively modulate toward an open position to fluidly couple the main tubular section to a portion of the primary tubular leg and selectively modulate toward a closed position to fluidly decouple the secondary tubular leg from a portion of the primary tubular leg based on a hydraulic signal from a hydraulic fluid system positioned at or near a terranean surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Jawad Al Khalifah, Alaa Shawly
  • Patent number: 11566476
    Abstract: A downhole release tools, systems, and methods are described. The tool configured to release a string in a wellbore includes: a cylindrical body with an uphole end defining a first set of internal threads and a downhole end defining a second set of internal threads; a sensor operable to measure strain in the cylindrical body, a magnetic field, or both; a release joint with an uphole end defining a first set of external threads and a frustoconical downhole end defining a second set of external threads, the release joint attached to the cylindrical body by engagement between the first set of external threads of the release joint and the second set of internal threads of the cylindrical body; safety pins rotationally fixing the release joint in position relative to the cylindrical body; and a drive system operable to rotate the release joint relative to the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Peter Ido Egbe
  • Patent number: 11566474
    Abstract: A downhole component including a first portion; a second portion; a controlled failure structure between the first portion and second portion. A method for improving efficiency in downhole components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Chaitanya Vempati, Christoph Wangenheim
  • Patent number: 11559875
    Abstract: A socket driver for a perforating gun assembly. The socket driver includes a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The second end defines an inner diameter that has a length to extend over a threaded end of the tandem sub. The socket driver is configured to mate with a shoulder along the tandem sub of the perforating gun assembly. Specifically, the socket driver includes a radial notched profile. The notched profile is configured to mate with a radial pattern of slots along the shoulder of the tandem sub. In one aspect, the socket driver is between 3 and 8 inches in length. In one aspect, the first end of the socket driver comprises an opening configured to receive a torque tool. A method of connecting ends of perforating guns using the socket driver is also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: XConnect, LLC
    Inventor: Shelby L. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11535759
    Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-corrosion composition comprising an inorganic ion-exchanger and a waterborne resin, wherein a substrate exposed to a halide-containing environment and having the anti-corrosion composition applied thereto has a reduced level of corrosion compared to the substrate exposed to the halide-containing environment without the anti-corrosion composition being applied. The inventive waterborne anti-corrosion composition may find use on substrates such as automotive vehicles, bridges, cranes, superstructures, offshore oil & gas rigs, pipes, tanks, ships, barges, boats, aircraft, concrete, and masonry that are exposed to halide-containing environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Covestro LLC
    Inventors: Makoto Nakao, Philip Jones, Carol Knox, Ilya Ilyin, Boris Tkachev
  • Patent number: 11512565
    Abstract: A downhole perforating gun having a weight assembly formed of a plastic shell containing a weight material enclosed or encased in the plastic shell so that upon detonation of a perforating charge, the plastic shell may deform but will function to contain the weight material of the weight assembly preventing interference with formation fluid flow. In an alternative embodiment, the plastic shell is consumed by the detonation of the charges. In one or more embodiments, the plastic shell is hollow, forming a cavity into which a flowable weight material may be charged. The flowable weight material may be a granular material or a liquid, and may be selected based on the density characteristics of the flowable weight material and the weight requirements for a particular internally orienting perforating gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Anne Bryant, Christopher C Hoelscher
  • Patent number: 11499652
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided, the valve assembly includes a shaft, the shaft comprising a sight through-hole; and a flow through-hole. The valve assembly further comprises a shaft position mechanism, the shaft position mechanism comprising a driving means configured to provide movement to the shaft, and at least one diode and at least one corresponding sensor. The valve assembly further includes at least one flow path from at least one fluid inlet to at least one fluid outlet, wherein the shaft is configured to move across the at least one flow path so as to allow flow therethrough in a first position, and to block the at least one flow path in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dariusz Sapija, Agata Kurowska
  • Patent number: 11359467
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to rotatable electrical connectors for a downhole perforating tool. A downhole perforating tool comprises a first segment; a second adjacent segment that is rotatable, wherein the first and second segments are coaxially aligned or eccentrically aligned; and an electrical contact disposed between the first and second segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Anne Bryant, Christopher C. Hoelscher
  • Patent number: 11346169
    Abstract: A shift uphole-to-open sleeve assembly is provided for insertion along a tubular string for multi-stage, selectable wellbore treatment. The sleeve assemblies are very short in length, being too short for in-sleeve engagement, and instead have a downhole shoulder engageable for opening using dogs of a conventional shifting tool. Use of a common J-mechanism having four axial inappropriately places the sealing packer of a downhole tool above the sleeve ports. Multiple extra J-mechanism cycles are required to position the packer downhole thereof. Herein a modified downhole tool is disclosed including a biased repositioning sub to eliminate many of the extra tool cycles. In embodiments the short sleeve can replace casing collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: KOBOLD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Andreychuk, Per Angman
  • Patent number: 11162306
    Abstract: A wet mate connection can include two connector assemblies, each connector assembly including at least one connector and a protective barrier displaceable between closed and open positions, and one connector assembly including an engagement device that displaces the protective barrier of the other connector assembly from the closed position to the open position in response to engagement between the connector assemblies. A method of making a connection between lines in a well can include installing a connector assembly, then installing another connector assembly, each connector assembly including a connector and an alignment profile, then axially compressing the connector assemblies, thereby opening protective barriers for the respective connectors, operatively connecting the connectors, and engaging the alignment profiles, thereby maintaining rotational alignment of the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Tore Simonsen, Tore Grødem
  • Patent number: 11105159
    Abstract: A gap sub assembly for electromagnetic telemetry used in downhole drilling. The gap sub comprises a female part comprising a female mating section and a male part comprising a male mating section. The male mating section is matingly received within the female mating section and electrically isolated therefrom. One or more electrically insulating bodies secure the male part axially and torsionally relative to the female part. The electrically insulating bodies also electrically isolate the male part from the female part. The electrically insulating bodies can be installed through apertures in the female part or at least some of the electrically insulating bodies can be installed before the male mating section is inserted into the female mating section. The electrically insulating bodies can be held in place on the male mating section using a retention apparatus such as a ring, a scarf, pods or an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Luke A. Stack, Aaron W. Logan, Justin C. Logan, Mojtaba Kazemi Miraki, Patrick R. Derkacz, Gavin Gaw-wae Lee, Hasan Alper Hepguvendik, Daniel W. Ahmoye, Angelica J. B. Francoeur
  • Patent number: 11098553
    Abstract: A system for sealing a region of open hole gravel pack comprising a sealing patch and an installation tool is described. The sealing patch includes a tubular assembly including two expandable anchor/seals and two low melting temperature alloy elements positioned on outside surface of the tubular assembly above the anchor/seals. The system is deployed in desirable location in the well and the tool is operated to set anchor/seals in interference contact with sand-screen. Then the alloy elements are melted to seal the patch. The anchor/seals serve two purposes: they provide a hanging capacity to support the patch in the well and create a “bridge” preventing the molten alloy from freely flowing through the annulus between the tubular assembly and sand screen and focusing the molten alloy at the anchor/seals to flow in radial direction penetrating through the sand-screen and the surrounding proppant sand creating a complete seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Mohawk Energy Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott A. Benzie, Alessandro Caccialuppi
  • Patent number: 10962673
    Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) telemetry system includes an EM transmitter configured to transmit EM signals downhole and multiple sensors each configured to communicate with the EM transmitter and with another of the multiple sensors. Each sensor is placed a distance from another sensor along a length of a wellbore in the EM telemetry system. The EM telemetry system also includes a processor configured to select two or more sensors of the multiple sensors based on a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of an EM signal received from the two or more selected sensors, a depth of the EM transmitter, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erwann Lemenager, Mathias Contant
  • Patent number: 10895123
    Abstract: A hydrostatically actuable downhole piston apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising glide spacers disposed in the primary chamber, capable of mitigating the deflection of the piston and other hydrostatic components at elevated wellbore hydrostatic pressures. The disclosed apparatus is suited for, among other applications, the hydrostatic setting of a downhole tool, such as a packer, in a wellbore. A method and system for hydrostatically setting a downhole tool using glide spacers disposed in the primary chamber of the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Dale Ezell
  • Patent number: 10858894
    Abstract: A safety joint having threads with a first handedness, for example right-handed threads, to connect the safety joint to an upper drill pipe portion and a lower drill pipe portion. The safety joint includes a releasable threaded connection having a second handedness inverse of the first handedness. The safety joint also includes a hydraulically actuated piston sleeve that locks rotation across the releasable threaded connection. Disconnecting the upper drill pipe portion from the lower drill pipe portion is achieved by moving the piston sleeve to a position wherein the piston sleeve does not transmit rotation across the releasable threaded connection, and rotating the upper drill pipe portion in the first handedness direction to unscrew the releasable threaded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nanda Kishore Boddeda, Frederick Cornell Bennett
  • Patent number: 10858915
    Abstract: A tubular pull string assembly (5, 5A) may be used to pull up an expansion mandrel (1) through an area of overlap (2) between an upper section of a well liner (3) expanded by the expansion mandrel and a lower section of a previously installed liner (4). The tubular pull string assembly may be provided with at least one flow port (6), through which fluid is permitted to flow from the exterior (7) to the interior (8) of the tubular pull string assembly during pop out of the expansion mandrel from the area of overlap. In addition thereto, or instead thereof, the expansion mandrel may be provided with a streamlined tail (1A) section having an inwardly tapered outer surface (11) that intersects a longitudinal axis of the expansion mandrel at a sharp angle. The sharp angle can be less than 20 degrees. The tail section can have a length of at least several centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Wissam Assaad, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Patent number: 10577917
    Abstract: A drill bit assembly, of a type useful for forming a borehole in the earth, may comprise a chassis, separate from a drill bit, housed within a cavity of the drill bit. A drill string may be secured to the drill bit and retain the chassis within the cavity. This chassis may comprise two pairs of interfacing exchange surfaces, a first pair disposed between the chassis and the drill string and a second pair disposed between the chassis and the drill bit. Both of the first pair are annular in shape and fixed together independent of rotational orientation. The second pair are fixed together in a specific rotational orientation. These pairs of interfacing exchange surfaces may allow for various types of signals, such as electrical, hydraulic, optical or electromagnetic for example, to be exchanged and passed through the chassis or to electronics disposed on the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: NOVATEK IP, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 10480257
    Abstract: A system for relieving lateral stress on rods within a wellbore. A flexible sucker rod coupling has a top connecting member threadedly attached to a ball shank housing. The ball shank housing houses in a ball and socket fashion, a ball shank which extends out of the ball shank housing, defining a swivel gap to allow swivel movement. The ball shank is threadedly attached to a lower connection member. Both ends of the coupling threadedly attaches to an adjacent sucker rod within the wellbore. The ball shank is secured to the ball shank housing to ensure that the ball shank and the ball shank housing rotate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Randy Downing
  • Patent number: 10415341
    Abstract: A downhole system including tubular casing string and a packer setting joint configured to receive a packer therein. The packer setting joint includes an interior and an exterior, and all interior and exterior surfaces from an uphole to a downhole end of the packer setting joint are machined surfaces. The uphole end of the packer setting joint is connected to the casing string, and the downhole end of the packer setting joint is connected to the casing string. The packer setting joint has a greater burst strength than a burst strength of a casing joint connected to the packer setting joint within the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Jack D. Farmer, David B. Ruddock, Michael J. Naquin, Allan R. McCoy
  • Patent number: 10392864
    Abstract: A downhole component including a first portion; a second portion; a controlled failure structure between the first portion and second portion. A method for improving efficiency in downhole components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Chaitanya Vempati, Christoph Wangenheim
  • Patent number: 10273773
    Abstract: An electromagnetic jarring tool and related systems and methods provide for the use of an electromagnetic system to generate jarring forces within a wellbore. The electromagnetic jarring tool includes a chamber having a first end and a second end, a magnetic hammer disposed within the chamber, and an electromagnet operable to generate an electromagnetic field across at least a portion of the chamber. The magnetic hammer is operable to move toward the second end of the chamber in response to the electromagnetic field to deliver an impact. One or more electromagnets may be included to enhance operation of the tool, and the tool may be actuated by a surface controller that selectively delivers electrical power or a control signal to the tool to specify a mode of operation of the electromagnetic jarring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo G. Collins
  • Patent number: 10184302
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for sealingly connecting tubular members in a wellbore. In a connector apparatus where a portion of a tubular member is radially expanded into sealing contact within a second tubular member, and the second tubular member has circumferential recesses on an inner surface, an annular resilient band member is arranged in the recesses. The annular resilient band member is acted on by the portion of the tubular member during expansion and maintains sealing contact to the portion after expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil Thomson, Peter Wood, Daniel O'Brien, David Glen Martin, William Luke McElligott
  • Patent number: 9982492
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel sub for a string to be lowered into a wellbore and a method of operation in a wellbore, wherein such swivel sub is used and comprises: —a first end provided with connection means for connecting a bottom section of a string; —a second end provided with connection means for connecting an upper section of the string; —a first member, including the first end and a sleeve portion opposed to the first end; —a second member including the second end and comprising a section opposed to the second end and partially located within the sleeve portion; the first member and the second member being arranged to rotate relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Tercel IP Ltd.
    Inventors: John Hanton, Graeme Thomas Marr, Jeffrey B. Lasater
  • Patent number: 9957761
    Abstract: A downhole drilling device (1) may include a drill bit rotatable via a drill string (11); a guiding device (4) provided between said drill bit and said drill string (11), said guiding device (4) being connected to and operable independently from said drill string (11); and a power source (5) for powering said guiding device (4). The downhole drilling device (1) may include an inductive coupler (6, 6?) having a primary side (61) and a secondary side (63), said inductive coupler (6, 6?) being adapted to transfer power from said power source (5), connected to the primary side (61) of said inductive coupler (6, 6?), to said guiding device (4), connected to the secondary side (63) of said inductive coupler (6, 6?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: NABORS LUX 2 SARL
    Inventors: Andrew Gorrara, Tore Grenasberg
  • Patent number: 9840878
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for sealingly connecting tubular members in a wellbore. In an arrangement where a portion of a tubular member is radially expanded into sealing contact within a second tubular member, and the second tubular member has circumferential recesses on an inner surface, a resilient member protrudes from a side wall of the recesses. The resilient member is acted on by the portion of the tubular member during expansion and maintains sealing contact to the portion after expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Glen Martin, William Luke McElligott
  • Patent number: 9835001
    Abstract: A transition device for deploying instrumentation below a downhole tool, such as a downhole pump, employed in hydrocarbon recovery operations can include a housing serially connectable between the downhole tool and a guide string insertable into the well ahead of the downhole tool. The transition device can also include a sealable crossover channel extending through the housing and having a proximal and a distal end, the crossover channel providing a crossover path for at least one instrumentation line between an exterior of the transition device at the proximal end and an interior of the guide string at the distal end. The fluid channel can extend through the housing and be radially offset from and capable of establishing fluid communication with the crossover channel, the fluid channel being configured to provide a pressurized fluid into the crossover channel to propel the at least one instrumentation line forward inside the guide string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignees: SUNCOR ENERGY INC., SELECT ENERGY SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Alan Watt, Brian Burdick, Kelly Jones
  • Patent number: 9695646
    Abstract: A wireline coupler that connects a first data wireline to a second data wireline comprises: a first housing that is attached to the first data wireline, wherein the first housing comprises an electromagnet; a second housing that is attached to the second data wireline, wherein the second housing comprises a metal; wherein the electromagnet forms a magnetic field when electrical data flows in the first wireline, and wherein the magnetic field attracts the metal of the second housing and causes the first housing to connect with the second housing, such that first data wireline is operationally connected with the second data wireline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William B Grice
  • Patent number: 9683416
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing method includes positioning a tubing string within a wellbore. The tubing string comprises a lower tubular coupled to an upper tubular via a disconnectable assembly having a lower section connected to the lower tubular and an upper section connected to the upper tubular. The method also includes disconnecting the lower tubular from the upper tubular via the disconnectable assembly. Disconnecting the lower tubular from the upper tubular comprises introducing a releasing member into the upper tubular and conveying the releasing member through the upper tubular to engage the disconnectable assembly. The method also includes retracting the upper tubular upwardly within the wellbore. Upon retracting the upper tubular, the releasing member is retracted along with the upper section of the disconnectable assembly. Also, upon retracting the upper tubular, a route of fluid communication out of the upper tubular is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Eugene Rogers, Earl Don Webb
  • Patent number: 9574409
    Abstract: A downhole sub having a first tubular housing with a first internal shoulder, a second tubular housing with a second internal shoulder, and a stabilizer assembly to be disposed between the first and second internal shoulders. The first and second tubular housings are configured to be threaded together, and the stabilizer assembly is configured to engage the first and second internal shoulders. A method of coupling tubular housings in a downhole sub in which a first tubular housing and a second tubular housing are threadably coupled, where the first tubular housing includes a first shoulder and the second tubular housing includes a second shoulder. A sleeve is interlocked with and inside the second tubular housing such that the sleeve is disposed between the first and second shoulders and includes a third shoulder, where the first shoulder is torqued against the third shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Intelliserv, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Briscoe, Scott Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 9567849
    Abstract: A sonde based antenna is used for communication within a wellbore. The sonde based antenna may include a toroidal antenna positioned about a conducting element. The sonde may be positionable within a gap sub. The sonde may be electrically connected to the first and second tubulars of the gap sub such that the tubulars are electrically coupled by the conducting element and are otherwise electrically insulated. The sonde may include a first and second structural member, the first and second structural members being electrically insulated except by the conducting element. The first and/or second structural element may extend through and/or around the toroidal antenna to, for example, add structural rigidity to the sonde.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SCIENTIFIC DRILLING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Stephan Graf, Matthew A. White, William Denzel, Nathan Paszek
  • Patent number: 9416657
    Abstract: Flowline pressure equalizer systems, methods and/or apparatuses for use on a downhole tool are provided. A pressure equalizer may be provided in communication with two flowlines. The pressure equalizer may use equalizing chambers and equalizing pistons to regulate pressure in one or both flowlines. Further, one or more flow routing modules may be interchangeable to further alter the flow scheme between the flowlines. Different plugs may house various flow routing configurations such that the plugs may be installed and/or removed in the tool string automatically or by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chen Tao, Pierre-Yves Corre, Nathan Landsiedel, Sylvain Bedouet
  • Patent number: 9222335
    Abstract: A shifting tool having a release mechanism of predictable deforming radial character. The tool may be utilized for activating any of a variety of different types of downhole actuators. Once more, due to the controlled and predictable manner of deformation employed in the release mechanism, load pulls directed at the actuator may be significant without undue concern over unintended or uncontrolled tool breakage. So, for example, a stuck actuator arm engaged with the shifting tool may be safely pulled at substantially greater loads thereby increasing the odds of dislodging. Thus, the occurrences of added follow-on interventional applications addressing stuck actuator arms may be reduced, resulting in tremendous time and cost savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard T. Caminari, Grigory L. Arauz
  • Patent number: 9157313
    Abstract: A drilling system comprises a drillstring including a dill bit, a bottomhole assembly coupled to the drill bit, and a plurality of interconnected tubular members coupled to the bottomhole assembly. A first tubular member includes a communication link having a first annular inductive coupler element disposed in an annular recess in a first end, a second annular inductive coupler element disposed in an annular recess in a second end, and a cable coupling the first annular inductive coupler element to the second annular inductive coupler element. In addition, the drilling system comprises a first signal level determination unit disposed in the drillstring and configured to determine a level of a first signal communicated from the second inductive coupler element. Further, the drilling system comprises an axial load determination unit configured to determine an axial load at the first signal level determination unit based on the level of the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: INTELLISERV, LLC
    Inventors: Raghu Madhavan, Mark Sherman
  • Patent number: 9097068
    Abstract: A threaded tubular section includes a first tubular member made of a first material, the first tubular member including a threaded pin section. The section also includes a second tubular member made of a second material, the second tubular member including a threaded box section to mate with the threaded pin section. A pressure equalization device made of a third material is disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, the pressure equalization device including one or more openings to equalize pressure in an interior of a thread connection of the first and the second tubular members with pressure in a bore or an annulus of the first and the second tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Detlev Benedict, Robert Buda, Stephan Mueller, Rene Schulz
  • Publication number: 20150136423
    Abstract: Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure relate generally to a connector apparatus and methods usable to securely and repeatedly connect a sub-sea fluid conduit to another fluid conduit or well equipment, such as a manifold, a wellhead, a BOP, or other associated items. The disclosed embodiments further relate to systems and methods usable to remotely disconnect the fluid conduit and automatically shut off fluid flow therethrough. The male connector includes a flow control valve adapted to open upon connection with a female connector and to close upon disconnection from the female connector. The female connector is adapted to actuate the flow control valve of the male connector to the open position. The male connector includes a biasing member that actuates the flow control valve of the male connector to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: David C. Wright
  • Patent number: 9033031
    Abstract: A downhole well control tool allows for the control of in-situ fluid flow from a production well. The flow control tool is engaged to an electrical submersible pump (“ESP”) and allows for the in-situ fluid to flow through the tool when the ESP is both active and inactive. The tool also allows for the flow of drilling mud and other drilling fluids when necessary. In addition, the well control tool may also be used to seal off the flow of fluids, and may be used in the retrieval of the ESP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SOAR Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Dee A. Carr, Jerry Pechacek
  • Publication number: 20150122478
    Abstract: A downhole modular tool includes a first module, a second module, a third module, and one or more connectors for connecting the first, second, and third modules. Each module includes a drill collar, a drilling fluid passageway, a first fluid passageway, and a second fluid passageway. The one or more connectors connect any one of the first, second, and third modules, to another of the first, second, and third modules to transfer the drilling fluid, the first fluid, and the second fluid between the connected modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Ashers Partouche, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop, Albert Hoefel, Kent D. Harms
  • Patent number: 9016385
    Abstract: A method of securing connections in well screens can include engaging a resilient ring with recesses formed in respective well screen connectors, the ring including projections extending from respective opposite ends of the ring, and disengaging the resilient ring from one of the recesses by relative displacement between the projections. A well screen connection can include well screen connectors, and a resilient ring received in annular recesses formed in the respective well screen connectors, projections extend from opposite ends of the ring and are received in an opening formed through a wall of one of the connectors, and the projections received in the opening prevent rotation of the ring relative to that connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Veit
  • Patent number: 9016367
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) antenna assembly to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery may include a series of tubular conductors coupled together in end-to-end relation. Each tubular conductor may include a dual-wall conductor defining an RF antenna. The dual-wall conductor may include an outer wall and an inner wall spaced inwardly therefrom to define an outer fluid passageway. The RF antenna assembly may further include an RF transmission line extending within at least some of the tubular conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Wright, Murray Hann, Keith Nugent
  • Patent number: 9016366
    Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Langenfeld, Randy R. Runquist
  • Patent number: 9016389
    Abstract: A retrofit assembly for functionally replacing a fluid isolation valve disposed in a borehole above a lower completion, including a barrier valve operatively arranged to selectively isolate the lower completion when the fluid isolation valve is open. The barrier valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position due to engagement with an upper completion string. A packer device is included and operatively arranged to isolate a formation in which the borehole is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond A. Frisby, Jeffrey S. Phillips, Roy N. Nelson, Donald Lauderdale
  • Patent number: 9004161
    Abstract: A drill pipe made according to one embodiment includes a number of serially connected tubulars with a communication device placed between the connecting ends of the tubulars, wherein the communication device provides a direct data communication link between the adjoining tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8991507
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a gasket configured for positioning between an end of a first drill pipe and an end of a second drill pipe, wherein the end of the first drill pipe includes an inductive coil ring and the end of the second drill pipe includes an inductive coil ring. The gasket includes an outer ring that is comprised of an elastic magnetic material that is essentially nonconductive. The outer ring has a diameter that is greater than the diameters of the inductive coil rings. The gasket includes an inner ring that is comprised of an elastic magnetic material that is essentially nonconductive. The inner ring has a diameter that is smaller than the diameters of the inductive coil rings, wherein the gasket is to be positioned such that the outer ring and the inner ring are outside and inside, respectively, the diameters of the inductive coil rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Christopher Golla
  • Patent number: 8991490
    Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Langenfeld, Randy R. Runquist
  • Patent number: 8991489
    Abstract: A mud motor for use in a wellbore includes: a stator; a rotor, the stator and rotor operable to rotate the rotor in response to fluid pumped between the rotor and the stator; and a lock. The lock is operable to: rotationally couple the rotor to the stator in a locked position, receive an instruction signal from the surface, release the rotor in an unlocked position, and actuate from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to receiving the instruction signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Redlinger, Thomas Koithan, Christopher M. Vreeland, Wesley Don Heiskell, Andrew Antoine, Scott McIntire
  • Patent number: 8973666
    Abstract: A plug for sealing a conduit comprises a body having a first section and a second section, and at least one seal element for creating a seal between the plug and the conduit. The at least one seal element is adapted to be energized by movement in a setting direction of the first body section relative to the second body section. The plug further comprises seal locking means comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein as the at least one seal is energized, the seal locking means first portion is rotatable unidirectionally relative to the seal locking means second portion to take up the movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in the setting direction and prevent movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in a releasing direction, opposite the setting direction. In one embodiment the seal locking means first portion is a locking nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Purkis
  • Publication number: 20150060087
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a connector apparatus for a semi-flexible tubing. The connector apparatus includes an inner sub having a first end disposable within a semi-flexible tubing and a second end connectable to various other downhole tools. The first end of the inner sub includes at least one depression disposed thereon that is generally alignable with at least one depression disposed on the semi-flexible tubing. The connector apparatus also includes an external sleeve disposable outside of the semi-flexible tubing. The external sleeve having at least one opening disposed therein generally aligned with the at least one depression in the first end of the inner sub. This disclosure is also directed to a method of installing the connector apparatus on a semi-flexible tubing and a method of running the semi-flexible tubing and a downhole tool into a wellbore via the connector apparatus disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Brett Fears