Operated By Dropped Element Patents (Class 166/318)
  • Patent number: 11965397
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus has a sleeve body sleeve body defining a sleeve body inner surface. The sleeve body has an internal thread on at least a portion thereof. The internal thread defining having a thread minor diameter. A plug seat is pressed into the threaded portion of the sleeve body. The plug seat has an unthreaded outer surface defining a plug seat outer diameter. The plug seat outer diameter is greater than the thread minor diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Lonnie Carl Helms
  • Patent number: 11946336
    Abstract: A method includes deploying a cementing assembly within a wellbore that is at least partially open hole. The method also includes setting the cementing assembly at a target zone of the wellbore by setting a first packer of the cementing assembly downhole of the target zone. The method also includes flowing, through the wellbore string and through the cementing assembly, cement to an annulus at the target zone. The annulus is defined between an exterior surface of the cementing assembly and a wall of the wellbore. The method also includes setting, with the wellbore string, a second packer of the cementing assembly. The second packer is disposed uphole of the first packer and uphole of the target zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Mousa, Enrique Avila Faull, Abdulaziz Al-Mutawa
  • Patent number: 11920463
    Abstract: A wellbore system includes a first plug and a second plug that latch independently within an elongated housing; at least one plug having an elongated channel with a ball therein for performing operation of a pressure test; and optionally including a ball seat for receiving a dissolving ball for contingency and supplementary casing tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Citadel Casing Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Todd Stair, Phillip Standifer
  • Patent number: 11913304
    Abstract: A wiper plug to activate an internal sleeve positioned within a landing collar, wherein the landing collar and the internal sleeve are integral components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Vertice Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed Ibrahim Saraya
  • Patent number: 11891876
    Abstract: Rotating a casing during a cementing operation to ensure efficient displacement of cement slurry. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards a sub and rotating tool that are positioned above a first cement operation, wherein the rotating tool is positioned in a kickoff point or build section of a horizontal well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: NESA ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Michael Sepulveda, Sigurd Eirik Sperbund
  • Patent number: 11821286
    Abstract: There is provided a flow control apparatus configured for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and useable for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of treatment material for stimulating the reservoir and then receiving hydrocarbon material from the stimulated reservoir, and also for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of a displacement fluid for displacing hydrocarbon material to a second wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: John Ravensbergen, Lyle Laun, Michael Werries, Tim Johnson, Juan Montero, Brock Gillis
  • Patent number: 11634972
    Abstract: A catcher for use in a wellbore includes a housing and an insert disposed within the housing. A method of using the catcher includes disintegrating at least a portion of the insert while the insert is held rotationally stationary with respect to the housing by a taper connection between the insert and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Rohit Joshi, Joshua Vernon Symms, Ryan Bacsik
  • Patent number: 11629567
    Abstract: A frac dart includes a body having an outer surface and an end including at least one opening. A cutter support is mounted at the end adjacent the at least one opening. A cutter is moveably mounted at the cutter support. A counter support is slideably mounted on the outer surface, and a counter is arranged between the counter support and the cutter support. The cutter is operable to sever a portion of the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Todd Christopher Jackson, Matthew D. Solfronk, James Scott Sanchez
  • Patent number: 11578563
    Abstract: A tubular jetting device includes at least one inlet port that includes a first inlet opening in an inner surface of the tubular jetting device where the inner surface defines a center bore. The at least one inlet port also includes a second inlet opening in an end surface of the tubular jetting device and an inlet channel extending between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening. The tubular jetting device further includes at least one exhaust port that includes a first exhaust opening in the end surface, a second exhaust opening in an outer surface of the tubular jetting device, and an exhaust channel extending between the first exhaust opening and the second exhaust opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Garry M. Howitt
  • Patent number: 11492854
    Abstract: An orienting system for precisely aligning downhole tools with respect to each other, such as perforating guns, exploration tools, or other completions tools. The orienting system provides for orienting a first tool with respect to a second tool in a predetermined number of degrees of rotation, and then locking down the combination for use downhole in that configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Langford, Richard Wayne Bradley
  • Patent number: 11434735
    Abstract: There is provided a flow control apparatus configured for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and useable for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of treatment material for stimulating the reservoir and then receiving hydrocarbon material from the stimulated reservoir, and also for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of a displacement fluid for displacing hydrocarbon material to a second wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: John Ravensbergen, Lyle Laun, Michael Werries, Tim Johnson, Juan Montero, Brock Gillis
  • Patent number: 11384613
    Abstract: A wellbore dart can be used to activate a downhole tool within a wellbore to perform a function, such as shifting a sleeve. The dart includes a tool activator that is releasably connected to a body of the dart. After the downhole tool has been activated, the body can be released from the tool activator to open a fluid flow path within the downhole tool. A device can be pumped and land on the tool activator. The tool activator can include multiple sections that expand radially away from each other when force from the device is exerted on the sections. Expansion of the sections allows the device to pass through the tool activator. The dart can also include a retracting device that moves the sections back together after the device has passed through the tool activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Gao, Lonnie Carl Helms, Aniruddha Gadre, Yuzhu Hu, Gary J Makowiecki
  • Patent number: 11319776
    Abstract: A frac sleeve with a set of inner sleeves that allow selective opening and closing of such sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Vertice Oil Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed Ibrahim Saraya
  • Patent number: 11299953
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing configured to be disposed in a borehole in a resource bearing formation, the housing including an axially extending fluid conduit configured to receive borehole fluid, and a seating assembly including a convertible component that is configured to be actuated to move the convertible component in a radial direction between an open position and a seating position. The convertible component extends radially into the fluid conduit and forms a landing seat for an object when in the seating position, and the convertible component allows passage of the object therethrough when in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Johnson, Matthew Stone, Colin Andrew
  • Patent number: 11149521
    Abstract: A delayed opening sliding sleeve system includes a first sleeve that prevents initiating the dissolution or erosion of a dissolvable or erodible retainer. The first sleeve is opened by a pressure cycle to expose or otherwise initiate the dissolution of a retainer. The retainer holds a second sleeve in place. The second sleeve is held closed against subsequent pressure cycles until such time as the retainer is dissolved or otherwise removed. With the retainer removed the second sleeve may be opened allowing fluid communication between the exterior and the interior of the sleeve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Shale Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11041366
    Abstract: One illustrative diverter valve disclosed herein includes a body with a primary flow path therethrough, first and second fluid flow galleries, first and second fluid outlets, a first sliding sleeve element and a second sliding sleeve element. The first and second sliding sleeve elements, respectively, include first and second internal flow bores, respectively, wherein each of the first and second sliding sleeve elements are adapted to be moved from a first closed position to a second open position, and vice-versa. In the first and second positions, respectively, the first sliding sleeve element blocks or does not block, respectively, fluid flow between the first internal flow bore and the first fluid flow gallery. In the first and second positions, respectively, the second sliding sleeve element blocks or does not block, respectively, fluid flow between the second internal flow bore and the second fluid flow gallery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Partridge
  • Patent number: 10920523
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve positioned at least partially within the outer sleeve. An impediment is positioned at least partially within the inner sleeve. A first retainer is positioned at least partially within the inner sleeve. The first retainer is configured to prevent the impediment from passing therethrough when a force on the impediment is less than a predetermined amount. The impediment, the first retainer, or both is/are configured to allow the impediment to pass through the first retainer when the force on the impediment is greater than the predetermined amount. A second retainer is configured to actuate between a first position and a second position. The second retainer in the first position is configured to prevent the impediment from passing through the first retainer. The second retainer in the second position is configured to allow the impediment to pass through the first retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Justin Kellner
  • Patent number: 10648260
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a flapper valve assembly for controlling the backflow of fluid into a tubing string that includes at least one flapper. The downhole tool also includes a deformable element that maintains the at least one flapper in an open position after the deformable portion is deformed. A downhole tool having a flapper valve assembly for controlling the backflow of fluid into a tubing string that includes at least one flapper. The downhole tool also includes a sleeve slidably disposed within at least a portion of the flapper valve assembly and the downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a deformable and dissolvable seat disposed uphole and adjacent to the sleeve and a dissolvable fluid blocking member to engage with the seat to shift the sleeve from first position to a second position within the downhole tool. Methods of using these downhole tools are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Roger Schultz, Andy Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10502018
    Abstract: A linear selective profile actuation system including a traveling actuation member having a selective profile, the selective profile being resilient or rigid and possessed of a shoulder, a resource recovery tool having a tool profile, the tool profile being resilient or rigid, providing at least one of the selective profile or the tool profile is resilient, the tool profile being possessed of a seat, the tool profile and selective profile being configured to engage the shoulder and seat without resilient action from either the tool profile or selective profile if the selective profile is complementary to the tool profile or to resiliently pass the traveling actuation member if the selective profile is not complementary to the tool profile. A method for actuating a resource recovery tool. A resource recovery system including a borehole, a tubular string in the borehole, a resource recovery tool having a tool profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Wilfred Provost, Daniel Napier
  • Patent number: 10422202
    Abstract: A downhole tool and method for actuating a downhole tool, of which the downhole tool includes a housing having a housing port formed radially-therethrough, a shifter sleeve positioned within the housing, wherein the shifter sleeve has a port formed radially therethrough, and a drive sleeve positioned at least partially within an annulus between the housing and the shifter sleeve. Downward movement of the shifter sleeve causes the drive sleeve to move downward, and downward movement of the drive sleeve causes fluid to flow through the port in the shifter sleeve and into the annulus. The downhole tool also includes a filter coupled to the shifter sleeve and configured to prevent particles from flowing through the port in the shifter sleeve and into the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Kellner, Wayland Dale Connelly, Kenneth J. Anton, Michael J. Harris
  • Patent number: 10352115
    Abstract: Sealing particles are used to stop or reduce undesired fluid loss. The sealing particles may be swellable or have effective cross-sectional areas greater than five square millimeters or are both swellable and have effective cross-sectional areas greater than five square millimeters. The sealing particles are disposed in one or more locations in which there is undesired fluid flow and, once lodged therein, stop or at least reduce the undesired fluid loss. A tubular having a bypass flow path may be used to deploy the sealing particles. The bypass flow path may use a biased or unbiased sleeve that is selectably movable to expose or block exit ports in the tubular. A retrievable sealing disk may be deployed to move the sleeve. The sealing particles may be made of a bi-stable material with extenders and may be actuated using swellable material. The sealing particles may extend in multiple dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mohammed Badri, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 10294914
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic installation where sediment concentration in the water flow circulating through the cited installation is monitored continuously. According to the invention, the hydraulic installation comprises a pressure-reducing device and a primary sensor: the pressure reducing device decreases the pressure and discharge of upstream water flow, comprising sediments, allowing that the primary sensor can operate continuously measuring sediment concentration from the upstream water flow. The hydraulic installation also comprises a calibrating device, providing the primary sensor with a reference value to be used for comparison matters and for establishing the content of sediment in the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: GE RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Rajesh Panchal, Nicholas Balcet, Serge Prigent
  • Patent number: 10202824
    Abstract: A well tool actuator can include a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the well tool to be alternately actuated. A method of operating a well tool actuator can include manipulating an object in a wellbore; a sensor of the actuator detecting the object manipulation; and the actuator actuating in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation. A drilling isolation valve can comprise an actuator including a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the isolation valve to be alternately opened and closed. A method of operating a drilling isolation valve can include manipulating an object in a wellbore, a sensor of the drilling isolation valve detecting the object manipulation, and the drilling isolation valve operating between open and closed configurations in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Michael L. Fripp
  • Patent number: 10145201
    Abstract: A technique facilitates pressure containment with a retrievable cement bushing. The retrievable cement bushing comprises a body having an internal longitudinal passage. Additionally, the retrievable cement bushing comprises an engagement lug which cooperates with a sleeve. The engagement lug is mounted on the body and is movable to a radially outward position for engagement with a corresponding portion of a surrounding wall, e.g an internal packer wall. The sleeve is sized to receive a slick joint therethrough and is movable to a radially inward position relative to the engagement lug so as to hold the engagement lug in the radially outward position. The sleeve protects the slick joint from inwardly directed loading via the engagement lug when the retrievable cement bushing is subjected to differential pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Asif Javed, James Hall
  • Patent number: 9915121
    Abstract: A retrievable packer has its sealing system unloaded before the slip system is relaxed by separation of slip cones from slips that flank the seal assembly. The mandrel is cut so that the portion above the cut can be raised to take a cone up and away from collet heads which previously were trapped by the cone. The collet heads are disposed between opposed sloping surfaces so that the retraction of the cone from under the heads allows the residual rubber pressure to force the heads toward the mandrel into the space created by relative movement of the mandrel that took the wedge cone uphole. The heads are at ends of fingers having a radially inward bias to further assist retraction of the heads toward the mandrel. With the heads retracted the sealing element stretches out before slip cones are moved relative to the slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Limb, Larry J. Urban, Frank Maenza
  • Patent number: 9828818
    Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises first and second tools for location in a tubing string. The first tool has a first seat of a first diameter and the second tool has a second seat of a second diameter larger than the first diameter. First and second activating devices are provided for use in activating the respective first and second tools. The first activating device includes a first activating profile having an extended diameter larger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter and a retracted diameter smaller than the first diameter. The second activating device includes a second activating profile having an extended diameter larger than the second diameter and a retracted diameter smaller than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Churchill Drilling Tools Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Philip Churchill
  • Patent number: 9670751
    Abstract: A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball and applied pressure and is subjected to reverse flow pressure. The sleeve has a housing and an insert. The housing defines a first bore and defines a flow port communicating the first bore outside the housing. The insert is disposed in the first bore of the housing and has a seat held in a first direction therein. The seat engages the deployed plug in the first direction, and the insert moves, by the applied pressure against the plug engaged in the seat, axially in the first direction inside the first bore from a closed position toward an opened position relative to the flow port. The seat is disengageable from the insert in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the reverse flow and is passable at least out of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jason J. Brasseaux, Cesar G. Garcia, David G. Ward
  • Patent number: 9528346
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a ball release system for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing, a seat disposed in the housing and comprising arcuate segments arranged to form a ring, each segment radially movable between a catch position for receiving a ball and a release position, a cam disposed in the housing, longitudinally movable relative thereto, and operable to move the seat segments between the positions, an actuator operable to move the cam, and an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Robin L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 9458697
    Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a first sleeve system comprising a first one or more ports and being transitionable from a first mode to a second mode and from the second mode to a third mode, and a second sleeve system comprising a second one or more ports and being transitionable from a first mode to a second mode and from the second mode to a third mode, wherein, in the first mode and the second mode, fluid communication via the one or more ports of the first or second sleeve system is restricted, and wherein, in the third mode, fluid may be communicated via the one or more ports of the first or second sleeve system, transitioning the first and second sleeve systems to the second mode, and allowing the first sleeve system to transition from the second mode to the third mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Todd Howell
  • Patent number: 9394773
    Abstract: A device comprising multiple sliding sleeves actuated using same-sized balls has a resettable seat in an upper sliding sleeve and a non-resettable seat in a lower sliding sleeve. A dropped ball seats on the resettable seat forming a seal. Pressure applied from the surface shifts the resettable seat and an insert. Upon being shifted, the resettable seat releases the ball, which then moves downward to the lower sliding sleeve where the ball lands on the non-resettable seat and shifts the insert. After the first ball is released from the upper sliding sleeve, a biasing device shifts the insert whereby the seat is reset to catch the next ball. A second same-sized ball may then be dropped and land on the now reset first seat to further shift the first insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Cesar G. Garcia, Patrick Zimmerman, Charles Parker
  • Patent number: 9284816
    Abstract: Actuation assemblies include a valve assembly comprising a valve sleeve configured to rotate to selectively enable fluid flow through at least one aperture in the valve sleeve and into at least one port of an outer sleeve and a ball retention feature configured to selectively retain a ball dropped through a fluid passageway of the valve assembly in order to rotate the valve sleeve. Downhole tools include actuation assemblies. Methods for actuating a downhole tool include receiving a ball in an actuation assembly, rotating a valve sleeve of the actuation assembly to enable fluid to flow through a portion of the actuation assembly, and actuating a portion of the downhole tool with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven R. Radford
  • Patent number: 9194197
    Abstract: A mechanical counting device for actuating a plurality of output devices, the device comprising: linear indexing means adapted to count a plurality of actuating signals and to cause actuation of the output devices when a predetermined number of actuating signals for each output device has been received, wherein the mechanical counting device is adapted to cause actuation of a particular device when a different predetermined number of actuating signals has been received such that the output devices are sequentially actuable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: PETROWELL LIMITED
    Inventors: Colin Smith, Daniel George Purkis
  • Patent number: 9151148
    Abstract: A method for fluid treatment of a borehole including a main wellbore, a first wellbore leg extending from the main wellbore and a second wellbore leg extending from the main wellbore, the method includes: running a wellbore tubing string apparatus into the first wellbore leg; conveying a plug into the wellbore tubing string apparatus to actuate a plug-actuated sleeve in the wellbore tubing string apparatus to open a port through the wall of the wellbore tubing string apparatus covered by the sleeve; employing a plug retainer to retain the plug in the tubing string against passing outwardly from the tubing string apparatus; allowing fluids to flow toward surface outwardly from the tubing string apparatus; and performing operations in the second wellbore leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Jon Themig, James Fehr, Michael Kenyon
  • Publication number: 20150136416
    Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises first and second tools for location in a tubing string. The first tool has a first seat of a first diameter and the second tool has a second seat of a second diameter larger than the first diameter. First and second activating devices are provided for use in activating the respective first and second tools. The first activating device includes a first activating profile having an extended diameter larger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter and a retracted diameter smaller than the first diameter. The second activating device includes a second activating profile having an extended diameter larger than the second diameter and a retracted diameter smaller than the first diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: CHURCHILL DRILLING TOOLS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Philip Churchill
  • Publication number: 20150136404
    Abstract: An auto-fill type float collar assembly is provided. The float collar assembly of the present invention has at least one curved flapper-style valve, preferably constructed of composite, non-metallic material. Each flapper of the present invention has a substantially 90° range of motion, and is closed via a torsion spring. Each flapper is held in the open (or “auto-fill”), position via an external shifting mechanism passing around, rather than through, the central flow bore of the assembly. A floatable actuation ball can be run with the tool, or pumped downhole, in order to selectively actuate the assembly and close the flappers when desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: BRAD GROESBECK, JEFFREY ARCEMENT, J. CHRISTOPHER JORDAN, JAMES G. MARTENS
  • Patent number: 9010447
    Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run-m in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition A sliding sleeve in a tubular has a driver selected to be acted upon by an inner bore conveyed actuating device, the driver drives the generation of a ball stop on the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Jon Themig, Christopher Denis Desranleau, Kevin O. Trahan, Frank Delucia, Daniel P. Lupien, Terrance Dean Maxwell
  • Patent number: 9010412
    Abstract: A ball drop wellhead control apparatus provides a ball controller between a frac ball drop or frac ball injector used to drop frac balls into a frac fluid stream being pumped into a subterranean well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Bob McGuire
  • Patent number: 9010413
    Abstract: A ball drop wellhead control apparatus provides a control ball between one of a frac ball drop and a frac ball injector used to drop frac balls into a frac fluid stream being pumped into a subterranean well to ensure that only frac balls intended to be dropped reach the frac fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Danny Lee Artherholt, Bob McGuire
  • Publication number: 20150101823
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for restricting fluid flow with a seat assembly. The seat is configured to go from a first position, in which it is adapted to engage a plug element, to a second position, in which the plug element passes through the seat. A second portion of the seat, and alternatively of a housing in which the seat is disposed, is formed of a disintegrable material. The second portion of the seat and housing comprising the disintegrable material are isolated from a fluid flow when engaged with the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas Carrejo, Omar R. Espinoza, Sean L. Gaudette
  • Publication number: 20150101824
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an actuation mechanism for a water hammer valve. The water hammer valve is initially prevented from operating, and an actuation mechanism for the water hammer valve is actuated by dropping one or more balls or other objects onto the valve. Once actuated, the pilot and piston mechanism in the water hammer valve operate to produce hydraulic pulses from an upstream pressurized fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: TEMPRESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: JACK J. KOLLE, ANTHONY THEIMER, SCOTT FLETCHER
  • Patent number: 9004180
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods used for actuating downhole tools in which a ball is dropped from a surface of a wellbore until it contacts a ball seat of a downhole tool. The ball seat moves axially downward within the downhole tool and an expandable ball seating surface of the ball seat radially expands to pass the ball. The ball seat then moves axially upward within the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools, L.P.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9004179
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a counter for tracking and communicating a number of plug drops through a longitudinal bore; a plug element adapted to be dropped into the longitudinal bore; and a valve defining a plug seat to be disposed within the longitudinal bore to catch the plug element when the plug element is dropped and when the number of plug drops as communicated by the counter exceeds a predetermined number. A method, includes: dropping a plurality of plugs down a longitudinal bore in which a plurality of plug seats are disposed; counting the number of plug drops from within the longitudinal bore; and catching one of the plugs at a preselected one of the plug seats when the number of plug drops exceeds a predetermined number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools, LP
    Inventor: Stephen J. Chauffe
  • Publication number: 20150096767
    Abstract: A multiplier sleeve has a releasable seat coupled to a dog within the slidable sleeve allows a single sized ball, dart, or plug to actuate several sliding sleeves. Upon actuation by properly sized ball the ball, slidable sleeve, seat, and dog move downward where the dog is no longer supported allowing the seat to move within the slidable sleeve to a point where the seat is no longer supported thereby releasing the ball. With the slidable sleeve moved downward the port or ports in the sliding sleeve is exposed. A staged port and piston assembly inserted into the ports maintain pressure within the tubular assembly to allow the ball to move through and actuate the targeted sliding sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Swellfix BV
    Inventors: Christian Atilano, Henry Joe Jordan, Jr., Khai Tran
  • Publication number: 20150090439
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a downhole tool useable for isolating sections of a wellbore that includes a mandrel, the mandrel further having a body comprising an external surface, and an inner bore formed therein; a distal end; and a proximate end; wherein the mandrel is made of composite material, wherein a set of shear threads are disposed along a surface of the inner bore at the proximate end. Embodiments of the tool include a slip disposed about the mandrel, wherein the slip comprises a one-piece configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Duke VanLue
  • Patent number: 8991505
    Abstract: A downhole tool that selectively opens and closes an axial/lateral bore of a tubular string positioned in a wellbore used to produce hydrocarbons or other fluids. When integrated into a tubular string, the downhole tool allows individual producing zones within a wellbore to be isolated between stimulation stages while simultaneously allowing a selected formation to be accessed. The downhole tools and methods can be used in vertical or directional wells, and additionally in cased or open-hole wellbores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventors: William Winfrid Fleckenstein, Todd Lance Flaska
  • Publication number: 20150083428
    Abstract: A system can include at least one check valve which prevents outward flow through a wall of a tubular string in a well, the wall surrounding a longitudinally extending flow passage of the tubular string. The check valve can include a ball or poppet which sealingly engages a seat. Another system can include multiple redundant check valves which prevent outward flow through a wall of a tubular string in a well. A well tool can include multiple redundant check valves which prevent flow in one direction through the wall, and which permit flow in an opposite direction through the wall. Each of the multiple redundant check valves can include a ball or poppet which sealingly engages a seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: James D. Vick, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150075785
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting screen-out using a fracturing valve for mitigation is disclosed herein. The fracture method can comprise fracturing a well using a fracturing valve, while a downhole pressure is less than a predetermined threshold. The method can also comprise actuating by automated process the fracturing valve from a fracturing position to a nonfracturing position upon detecting by a pressure sensor in the wellbore that the downhole pressure has reached said predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Kristian Brekke
  • Publication number: 20150075806
    Abstract: A toe circulation sub for a wellbore liner, the toe circulation sub comprising: a body including a connection for connecting the body to a wellbore liner to define an inner facing portion open to an inner diameter of the liner and an outer facing portion open to an outer surface of the liner; a bore through the body from the inner facing portion to the outer facing portion; and, a ball seat in the bore formed to stop and seal with a ball to plug flow through the bore to close the toe circulation sub. The toe circulation sub is useful for methods and may be installed in a wellbore liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Jon Themig
  • Patent number: 8978773
    Abstract: A downhole bypass valve utilizes a stationary sleeve defining an interior ball-seat. When a dropped ball is seated, fluid differential pressure is diverted to an annular area adjacent a first sliding sleeve. The sleeve slides in response to the pressure differential upon shearing of a shear pin, or similar, and opens ports to the wellbore annulus. Treatment or maintenance operations can then occur through the ports, which can be fitted with nozzles. A second sliding sleeve, independent from the first, is operated in response to dropping a second ball into the device. The second ball diverts fluid differential pressure to an annular area adjacent the second sleeve and movement occurs when a shear pin shears. The second sleeve covers the ports to the wellbore annulus and closes the valve. After a sliding sleeve shifts, pressure across the sleeve is equalized, allowing reverse flow without risk of accidental sleeve actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David J Tilley
  • Patent number: RE46028
    Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Kureha Corporation
    Inventor: Claude E. Cooke, Jr.