Conduit Patents (Class 166/380)
  • Patent number: 9702229
    Abstract: An expandable liner hanger system for forging a pressure seal and hanging of the liner weight against outer casing string in a wellbore that includes an outer casing string, and an inner casing string positioned within the outer casing string and having an inner diameter. The system also includes an elongate inner string tool selectively insertable into the inner casing string and having a torque locking sleeve that removably couples with the inner casing string. Also included in the expandable liner hanger system is an expansion cone slidable along the inner string tool and having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the inner casing string so that when the cone is urged into the inner casing string, the larger diameter cone deforms the inner casing string radially outward into engagement with the outer casing string. The system also includes a downhole hydraulic force intensifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 9702206
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for longitudinally moving or running a tubular, with the system including an elevator suspended from a rig. The elevator includes a body defining a bore to receive a tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween, with the wedges being configured to engage the tubular. The system may also include a spider including a body defining a bore to receive the tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween. The wedges of the spider may be configured to engage the tubular, and the wedges of the elevator may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the spider. The wedges of the spider may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Frank International, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Richard Angelle, Robert Thibodeaux, Jr., Tyler J. Hollier
  • Patent number: 9677359
    Abstract: A wireline cable includes an electrically conductive cable core for transmitting electrical power, an inner armor layer disposed around the cable core, and an outer armor layer disposed around the inner armor layer, wherein a torque on the cable is balanced by providing the outer armor layer with a predetermined amount of coverage less than an entire circumference of the inner armor layer, or by providing the outer armor layer and the inner armor layer with a substantially zero lay angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joseph Varkey
  • Patent number: 9650846
    Abstract: A production string for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The production string includes an expansion joint having a first tubular that slides along a second tubular, and a control line extending from a location above the expansion joint to a location below the expansion joint. The control line is placed around the first tubular in a helical fashion that includes a plurality of coils. At least some of the coils in the plurality of coils are connected to each other by a flexible member to limit stretch between the connected coils when the control line is stretched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9611705
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for preconditioning and/or testing a centralizer, and a preconditioned centralizer, are provided. The apparatus includes a restrictor positionable around a tubular and having an inner diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the tubular. The apparatus also includes a driver configured to translate the restrictor relative to the tubular in at least a first axial direction. The restrictor is configured to engage a centralizer attached to the tubular, and the restrictor is configured to at least partially collapse flexible ribs of the centralizer when the driver axially translates the restrictor across at least a portion of the flexible ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: ANTELOPE OIL TOOL & MFG. CO.
    Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Ira Hining, Clayton Plucheck
  • Patent number: 9605497
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling one or more tubulars includes a body defining at least a portion of a tapered bowl. A plurality of slips may be disposed at least partially within the bowl and configured to slide along a surface of the bowl. Each of the slips includes a radial engaging surface and a tapered engaging surface. The radial engaging surface may have a plurality of gripping structures extending inwardly therefrom that are configured to engage an outer surface of a first tubular having a substantially constant outer diameter. The tapered engaging surface may be configured to engage a tapered outer surface of a second tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Robert L. Thibodeaux, James Fontenot, Jacob Chu
  • Patent number: 9598918
    Abstract: A system for facilitating the connection of a first tubular to a second tubular used in the oil and gas exploration and extraction industries includes a tubular handling device having a body having a profile shaped to accept a first tubular into a throat area and opposing scissor plates with overlapping tips. The system further includes a tubular engagement apparatus to engage and raise a tubular to a vertical position, and a spider apparatus including a plurality of slip assemblies. The slip assemblies include a slip back with an inclined load bearing surface, and a slip with a load bearing surface in sliding abutment with the inclined load bearing surface of the slip back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: 2M-TEK, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard McIntosh, Toby Scott Baudoin
  • Patent number: 9573795
    Abstract: A drill pipe screen transporter device rotatably couples a drill pipe screen to a transporter for its insertion and/or extraction into and out of a derrick assembly. A first plate assembly has a first base plate; and first and second spacer plates have arcuate notches for engaging the transporter. U-shaped bolts secure the first plate assembly to the transporter. A second plate assembly rotatably connected to the first plate assembly, has an aperture for supporting the screen. A collar assembly, spacer collar and pivot pin rotatably attach the second base plate to the first base plate for rotation of the screen relative to the transporter. A swivel stopper engages the first base plate of the first plate assembly when the second plate assembly is rotated a predetermined amount. A counterweight located opposite to the swivel stopper returns the second plate assembly to its initial horizontal positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Isidro Martinez, Jerry Parks
  • Patent number: 9528326
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system includes a quill; a motor operable to rotate the quill; a gripper operable to engage a joint of casing; a connector bi-directionally rotationally coupled to the quill and the gripper and longitudinally coupled to the gripper; and a compensator longitudinally coupled to the quill and the connector. The compensator is operable to allow relative longitudinal movement between the connector and the quill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Karsten Heidecke, Joseph Ross Rials, Raleigh Fisher, Delaney Michael Olstad
  • Patent number: 9518453
    Abstract: An expandable liner hanger features carbide or other hard particles adhered to the outer surface of a tubular mandrel that is expanded using vulcanized rubber to retain the carbide during run in or set. The rubber can be directly applied to the outer surface of the mandrel or to a split ring that is subsequently secured to the outer surface of the mandrel. The rubber can also be mounted in an exterior recess to protect the carbide during running in from being knocked off with impact. A binder can be applied to the carbide or to the rubber for better fixation of the carbide when vulcanizing the rubber. The rubber moves with the expanding mandrel while binding the carbide until contact of the carbide to the surrounding tubular transfers the liner string weight to the surrounding tubular through the carbide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Halit L. Dilber, Chee K. Yee, Robert O. Castillo
  • Patent number: 9476268
    Abstract: A pipe handler for assembling and deploying a string of threaded tubulars into a wellbore includes a pair of compensating bails and an elevator pivotally connected to the compensating bails. Each compensating bail includes: a first bail segment; a second bail segment; and a compensator connecting the respective first and second bail segments. Each compensator includes a load cylinder connected to the respective first bail segment and a linear actuator disposed in the respective load cylinder and operable to retract the respective second bail segment from a hoisting position to a ready position. Each second bail segment is engaged with the respective load cylinder in the hoisting position. The compensating bails are capable of supporting string weight in the hoisting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Brittan S. Pratt, Karsten Heidecke
  • Patent number: 9464491
    Abstract: A system for manipulating a tubular about a drilling rig is provided. The system includes a swivel body rotatably coupled with a becket. The becket is configured to couple with a traveling block of the drilling rig. The system also includes an engagement feature rotatably coupled with the swivel body. The engagement feature is configured to be actuated to engage the tubular. In addition, the system includes a tilt mechanism configured to be actuated to transition the swivel body and the engagement feature between a tilted orientation and an upright orientation relative to the becket. Further, the system includes an actuator system configured to actuate the tilt mechanism and the engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin James Nikiforuk
  • Patent number: 9447666
    Abstract: A system for disengaging a power supply at the surface of a well from a downhole assembly having a pump for pumping fluid in the well to the surface thereof. A captured spline assembly interposed in the rod string, selectively connected to the downhole assembly to provide torsional drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: William Bruce Morrow
  • Patent number: 9416633
    Abstract: A screen assembly including one or more screen members that correspondingly form one or more flow paths. The one or more flow paths are discrete from a tubular with which the one or more screen members are associated, but in fluid communication with an axial passageway of the tubular. A method of using a screen assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9404322
    Abstract: An electronic control system comprises a first tubular handling tool, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the first tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to an operational characteristic of the first tubular handling tool. The electronic control system functions as an electronic interlock system to prevent mishandling of a tubular. A method of controlling a tubular handling tool comprises measuring an operational characteristic of the tubular handling tool, communicating the operational characteristic to a controller in the form of an electronic signal, and using the controller to control actuation of the tubular handling tool in response to the measured operational characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wiedecke, Bjoern Thiemann, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Liess, Martin Helms, John D. Hooker, II
  • Patent number: 9366116
    Abstract: A casing window assembly for completion of a lateral wellbore. The casing window assembly includes a tubular casing sleeve with a casing window and an inner sleeve releasably secured within the casing sleeve at a pre-released position adjacent the casing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 9303487
    Abstract: Materials are delivered within an expanded string before the string is subsequently compressively loaded such that the heat given off by the reaction of the delivered materials raises the fluid temperature in the recently expanded string to temperatures in a range of about 150-300 degrees Centigrade. The materials can be separated for delivery and then allowed to contact to initiate the reaction. Alternatively the materials can be delivered in separate conveyances for more immediate start of the exothermic reaction at the needed location or locations. To the extent there is curing cement about the expanded tubular, then the heat generated also reduces curing time to full setup of the sealing material. The applied heat counteracts or eliminates the Bauschinger effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Elisabeth Wilamowitz, Joerg Lehr
  • Patent number: 9291015
    Abstract: Multiple sensors on a drill string can be utilized to perform equivalent circulation density (ECD) analysis. By utilizing multiple ones of the sensors, the pressure drop in each section of the wellbore can be classified. Additionally, the inclusion of multiple sensors in the drill string allows a wellbore to be sectioned into intervals bounded by any two sensors. Pressure events occurring in a single section of the wellbore bounded by any two sensors can be isolated and analyzed. The isolation can be achieved by subtracting the pressure measured on the shallower sensor from that measured on the deeper sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignees: BP Corporation North America Inc., BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Jeremy Coley, Stephen Edwards
  • Patent number: 9279296
    Abstract: An injector head for feeding a tool string support member downhole is described. The injector head includes a first gripping device and a second gripping device. The first and second gripping devices are adapted to grip a tool string support member passing through an injector head passageway. The injector head further includes an actuator movable between a first position and a second position wherein, movement of the actuator between the first and second positions moves at least a portion of both of the first and second gripping devices towards or away from a passageway longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: C6 Technologies AS
    Inventors: Kenny Armstrong, Morten Talgo, Ole Johannessen
  • Patent number: 9279297
    Abstract: A stabilizer to suppress unwanted pivotal movement in pipe handling equipment suspended from bails. The stabilizer can contain either or both adjustable contacting members and non-adjustable contacting members which are rigidly connected to a portion of the pipe handling equipment. The adjustable contacting members contact the bails on one or both sides of the bail(s) to suppress motion of the elevator relative to the bail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Oren M. Bowden
  • Patent number: 9255467
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an expandable liner hanger capable of being expanded into a surrounding casing. In one aspect, an expandable tubular system is provided. The system includes an expandable tubular. The system further includes an expansion swage for expanding the expandable tubular, wherein the expansion swage is deformable from a compliant configuration to a smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. Additionally, the system includes a restriction member disposed on an exterior surface of the expandable tubular, wherein expansion of the expandable tubular in the location of the restriction member deforms the expansion swage from the compliant configuration to the smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a liner hanger using a cone is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Thomson, Lev Ring, Varadaraju Gandikota, Paul Andrew Reinhardt, Mike A. Luke, David S. Li
  • Patent number: 9243468
    Abstract: A tubular has an exterior sealing element disposed in a recess. A swage passes through the tubular to increase its drift dimension from a location above the seal to below the seal. The interior projection that initially defined the exterior wall recess where the seal is located is expanded to the new drift dimension of the balance of the tubular. Extending members that are initially embedded in the seal while extending from the tubular wall that defines the recess move out during the expansion to engage the surrounding tubular to act as extrusion barriers and to aid in the fixation of the seal while being able to penetrate the wall of the surrounding tubular in so doing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Chee K. Yee
  • Patent number: 9243470
    Abstract: A downhole system and related method, which may be used in an injection well for permitting removal, repair and or replacement of equipment installed in the well without unloading the formation in which the well is placed. The system generally includes an annulus sealing device, such as a packer, at least one valve, such as a flapper valve, a latching assembly and a rigid elongate member. The rigid elongate member may be connected to the latching assembly and serves the valve to open and close, or be permitted to open and close. The latching assembly serves to disconnect, and subsequently reconnect, equipment from the annular sealing device. Such release is accompanied by closure of the at least one valve and reconnection by opening of the at least one valve. The latching assembly has seals to prevent fluid from flowing around the latching assembly when the valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Peak Completion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby Ribble, William Sloane Muscroft
  • Patent number: 9222340
    Abstract: A flow control assembly can be mechanically adjusted, rotationally or translationally, inside a tubing downhole between multiple positions by an intervening tool from the surface to change resistivity to flow through the flow control assembly. The positions among which the flow control assembly can be adjusted can include a closed position, a fully open position, and positions at which fluid experiences various resistances prior to flowing to an inner area of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke W. Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez, Brad R. Pickle, Frank D. Kalb
  • Patent number: 9200482
    Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector, and opening a flow control device in response to the inserting. A well system can include a deflector positioned at an intersection between at least three wellbore sections, and a tubular string connector having at least two tubular strings connected to an end thereof, one tubular string being received in the deflector and engaged with a flow control device positioned in a wellbore section, and another tubular string being received in another wellbore section. Another method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector positioned at a wellbore intersection, then sealingly engaging the tubular string, and then opening a flow control device in response to the inserting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 9194218
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tubular assembly for sealing an opening in a well tubular structure in a borehole downhole, comprising a first tubular part made of metal having an inner face, an inner diameter, an outer diameter and a first length in an unexpanded state, and a second tubular part having an outer face, an outer diameter and a second length, being arranged inside the first tubular part in an unexpanded state. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system for sealing an opening in a well tubular structure in a borehole. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of sealing an opening in a well tubular structure in a borehole downhole and to a manufacturing method for manufacturing a downhole tubular assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel
  • Patent number: 9187988
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a cone system having a cone segment capable of deflecting in response to a restriction or obstruction encountered while expanding a tubular. In one aspect, an expansion cone system is provided. The expansion cone system includes a mandrel and two or more pockets disposed circumferentially around the mandrel. Each pocket is at least partially defined by a fin member. The expansion cone system further includes a cone segment coupled to each pocket. Additionally, the expansion cone system includes a biasing member disposed between the mandrel and the respective cone segment. In another aspect, a method of expanding a wellbore tubular is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Nader Elias Abedrabbo, Varadaraju Gandikota, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 9129074
    Abstract: A method of making a mechanical multishear link includes sizing the multishear link by breaking down a system comprised by the link into as many subassemblies as there are simple shear interfaces, defining the subassemblies around each shear interface, describing each shear by its stiffness, and applying the mechanical relationships to achieve a system of equations for a computer-assisted resolution by applying the Huth method to each shear interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: ASTRIUM, SAS
    Inventors: Marcel Auberon, Nicolas Petermann
  • Patent number: 9115540
    Abstract: A downhole adjustable mud motor for boring wellbores, such as a hole in the earth. The downhole adjustable mud motor has a progressive cavity power section with a power cavity end, wherein the progressive cavity power section has a rotor rotatably captured within a stator and a plurality of fluid flow paths between the stator and the rotor for flowing drilling fluid. A power transmission section can be connected to the power cavity end having a central axis and an offset axis. A first adjustable member can be fastened to the stator. A second adjustable member can have a locking member, a bearing assembly connecting to the transmission assembly, and a fastener operatively connected to the bearing assembly. The locking member prevents compression of the second adjustable member inside of the first adjustable member when drilling fluid flows through the downhole adjustable mud motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventors: Danny T. Williams, Massoud Panahi
  • Patent number: 9103245
    Abstract: An engine system is disclosed in which the transfer of heat from pressurized oil flowing through an integrally formed oil transfer passage of the engine is reduced by providing a thermal barrier between the oil and the engine. In one example the thermal barrier is provided by the use of a thick walled plastic tube and in other embodiments ribs are used to separate an oil flow passage from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Graham Pegg, Roland Paul Stark, Robert Helle-Lorentzen, Paul Shayler
  • Patent number: 9080398
    Abstract: According to one or more aspects of the invention, a method for use with assembling and disassembling a tubular string formed by a first tubular and a second tubular may comprise engaging the first tubular with a first device; engaging the second tubular with a second device; connecting the first tubular to the second tubular by applying torque to the first tubular; determining a true torque applied in connecting the first tubular and the second tubular; ensuring that at least the first device or the second device is engaging the tubular string; disengaging the second device from the tubular string; and lowering the tubular string. The first device may be a top drive and the second device may be a spider. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool and an elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Vernon J. Bouligny, Mark S. Sibille, Charles M. Webre
  • Patent number: 9080439
    Abstract: A deformation system, including a deformable member and a tool operatively arranged to deform the member due to actuation of the tool from a first set of dimensions at which the deformable member is positionable with respect to a structure to a second set of dimensions at which the deformable member engages with the structure. The tool at least partially comprises a disintegrable material responsive to a selected fluid. A method of operating a deformation system is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Graeme M. Kelbie, YingQing Xu, James G. King, Jimmie J. Holland
  • Patent number: 9057260
    Abstract: Thin wall sleeves are inserted into a well and expanded into sealing position to a surrounding tubular. Each sleeve has a ball seat. A zone is perforated after a sleeve is secured in position below the perforations. The ball is dropped onto the seat and pressure is built up to complete the fracturing. After all zones are perforated and fractured, the balls are removed, preferably by dissolving them and the thin walled sleeves are left in the tubular against which they have been expanded. Production can then begin from a selected zone. The objects can be of the same size for each sleeve. The sleeves can be run through tubing and into casing. Acid can be pumped to dissolve the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Graeme Kelbie, Richard Yingqing Xu, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 9051789
    Abstract: Composite tubular casing with hardened material between thin pipe-in-pipe increasing the bending capability of the casing wall delivers high collapse resistance. Solid Expandable technology allows substantial wellbore slimming at the expense of collapse resistance. By combining both technologies, cost effective high collapse resistance wellbore construction can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Philippe Constant Nobileau
  • Patent number: 9045952
    Abstract: A stand compensator system, wherein the stand compensator system includes gripping device configured to engage a tubular element by coupling about an outer circumference of the tubular element. Additionally, the tubular compensator system includes a plurality of resilient roller assemblies positioned proximate an inner perimeter of the gripping device, wherein the resilient roller assemblies include rollers arranged to engage with an abutting surface of the tubular element. Further, the stand compensator system includes engagement arms coupled with the gripping device, wherein the engagement arms are configured to hold the gripping device in position above a tubular elevator and couple between rig bails extending from the tubular elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Errol Anthony Sonnier
  • 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: 9033057
    Abstract: A system for securing a first tubular to a second tubular including a housing having at least one group of at least one window therein. A gripping assembly is disposed in the housing and has at least one member operatively arranged for selectably extending through the at least one window for internally gripping the first tubular. A coupling unit is included having a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism. The first clamping mechanism is operatively arranged for externally clamping the housing, and the second clamping mechanism is operatively arranged for externally clamping the second tubular component. A method of securing together two tubular components is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gareth D. Sonnier, Stewart Barker
  • Patent number: 9027657
    Abstract: A wireline cable includes an electrically conductive cable core for transmitting electrical power, an inner armor layer disposed around the cable core, and an outer armor layer disposed around the inner armor layer, wherein a torque on the cable is balanced by providing the outer armor layer with a predetermined amount of coverage less than an entire circumference of the inner armor layer, or by providing the outer armor layer and the inner armor layer with a substantially zero lay angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Varkey
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150107854
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a functional fluid includes an inner pliant shell disposed inside an outer pliant shell. A sealed space separates the inner and outer pliant shells and the inner pliant shell defines a variable volume for receiving the functional fluid. A filler fills the sealed space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Mochtar Soltani
  • Patent number: 9010443
    Abstract: A slip bowl load transfer system includes a first slip bowl assembly and a second slip bowl assembly. The first slip bowl assembly, adapted to engage and release a tubular member, includes a first slip bowl coupled to a second slip bowl. In an engaged state, the first slip bowl assembly imparts a compressive force on a portion of the tubular member between the first slip bowl and the second slip bowl. The second slip bowl assembly is adapted to engage and release the tubular member and is aligned with the first slip bowl assembly. When the second slip bowl assembly is engaging the tubular member in a second engaged state, the second slip bowl assembly is prevented from releasing the tubular member if the first slip bowl assembly is not in the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Herwig Michael Sredensek
  • Patent number: 9004196
    Abstract: A drill bit assembly has a bit head and a pin body. The bit head comprises a cutting end, an opposite connecting end with an engagement section, and a feature facing the connecting end. The pin body comprises a tubular body with an axial bore therethrough, a connecting end with an engagement section and a feature facing the connecting end. The drill bit assembly is manufactured by positioning the pin body connecting end with the bit head connecting end such that the pin body and bit head engagement sections overlap with a gap therebetween, and the pin body and bit head features are aligned; injecting a thermoplastic or other connecting material in liquid form between the bit head and pin body engagement sections and into the gap; and solidifying the thermoplastic or other connecting material such that the bit head and pin body are mechanically coupled together at their connecting ends and their features are securely aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kjell Haugvaldstad, Derek Logan, Garry Holmen, Tony R. Dopf, Aaron Logan, Rob Utter
  • Patent number: 9007233
    Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole assembly having a non-contact, capacitive coupling including first and second transceivers deployed in corresponding first and second downhole tool members. The capacitive coupling is disposed to transfer electrical signals between the first and second transceivers. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive coupling is configured to transfer data and power between a substantially non-rotating tool member and a rotating tool member, for example, the shaft and blade housing in a steering tool. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a non-contact, high-speed data communication channel between first and second members of a downhole assembly. Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide for simultaneous non-contact transmission of electrical power between the first and second tool members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Sugiura
  • Patent number: 9004183
    Abstract: A string is equipped with a braking device to regulate its speed into the wellbore through an existing tubular. When the targeted amount of overlap with an existing tubular is accomplished the two tubulars are then joined together. The braking system can take many forms such as externally mounted mechanisms that are speed responsive to vary the braking force. The inside of the tubular can have trapped gas to provide buoyancy and reduce the dropping speed. The braking can be accomplished hydraulically through regulated flow through the tubular or by a combination of a hydraulic and mechanical device. The momentum of the dropped string can also be controlled with a swage device that at the appropriate location lands on a taper and wedges or fuses itself to the surrounding tubular to gain support from the surrounding tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Fay
  • Publication number: 20150096764
    Abstract: An interlock pipe joint includes a first and second tubular member. In some embodiments, an interrupted thread box and pin make up the interlock pipe joint. In other embodiments, a stepped interrupted thread box and pin make up the interlock pipe joint. In other embodiments, a twist-lock box and pin make up the interlock pipe joint. In some embodiments, an external or internal bushing is provided. In a method of operation, the first tubular member is inserted into the second tubular member by an axial insertion followed by a rotation to lock the pipe joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Chris MAGNUSON, Enrique ABARCA
  • Publication number: 20150096763
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adapting an elevator for use with a tubular are provided. The apparatus includes one or more axial extensions configured to engage one or more slip bodies of the elevator. The one or more axial extensions include a radial contact surface configured to slide along the tubular and an axial engagement surface configured to bear on an upset of the tubular. The one or more axial extensions are flexible such that the radial contact surface is radially displaceable with respect to the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Webre, Scott Arceneaux
  • Patent number: 8997880
    Abstract: A method for providing a string of tubing for installation in a well, which method comprises installing a string of tubing within a wellbore. The string of tubing comprises a plurality of elongated tubular members and at least one cylindrical liner comprising a polymer. At least one of the plurality of elongated tubular members includes a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The cylindrical liner has an outer surface that is disposed in adjacent contact with the inner surface of the elongated tubular member. The cylindrical liner has an inner surface that defines the tubing borehole through which fluids are capable of flowing. The cylindrical liner has a scrolled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Wagon Trail Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Davis, Nicholas R. Hennessey
  • 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: 8991488
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting geothermal energy from a subterranean thermal reservoir through a wellbore where the heat exchange fluid is introduced at a slower velocity than the velocity at which the fluid is extracted. The method and apparatus further comprises a gas zone near the top of the wellbore to maintain the thermal energy of the heat exchange fluid. In one embodiment, a portion of the casing of the wellbore can directly contact the subterranean environment. Alternatively, a thermally conductive wall comprising a thermally conductive material can surround a portion of the casing of the wellbore. Further, the inner and/or outer surface of the pipes and conduits of the disclosed method and apparatus can include modified surface features that influence the flow and/or thermal conductivity of the heat exchange fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: InnerGeo LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Loveday, J. Paul Mueller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8991508
    Abstract: A pack-off device, including a body having a first feedthrough and a second feedthrough formed therein. A projection extends from the body and is operatively arranged to engage a restriction of an adjacent structure. At least one seal element is arranged with the body for sealing the device against the adjacent structure when the projection is engaged with the restriction. A method of arranging and operating a completion system is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond D. Chavers, Euin H. Vickery