Guiding Or Aligning Feature Patents (Class 166/85.5)
  • Publication number: 20120175102
    Abstract: A wellhead for a hydrocarbon-producing wellbore includes a wellhead body having an inner cavity, and a production fluid conduit. The production fluid conduit and the wellbore define a production fluid flow path. A stuffing box is positioned within the inner cavity. A leak containment structure within the inner cavity captures any fluid exiting the stuffing box. A fluid pump pumps fluids from the leak containment structure to the production fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Nicholas Donohoe
  • Publication number: 20120152521
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for disconnecting portions of a downhole tubular string, such as a drill stem or drill string, and removing an upper portion of the tubular string from the lower stuck portion in a well. The disconnect assembly includes a connection between joints of two portions of the tubular string. The assembly includes two tubular members and an inner sleeve having two splines each with different angular pitches or teeth counts. The assembly may include a rotary shouldered threaded connection, wherein the two tubular portions are disconnectable at the rotary shouldered threaded connection in the assembly. The assembly may include a sleeve lock, a selective no-go for landing in a profile, and a selectively deployable unlocking and unblocking tool for activating the assembly. The assembly may include connectable cylindrical members other than downhole tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: NEIL H. AKKERMAN, JOHN A. BARTON
  • Patent number: 8201622
    Abstract: A protection sleeve (12) for locking over a seal (72) in a wellbore is described. The sleeve (12) is adapted for releasable engagement to a running tool (14) and has a locking mechanism (28) comprising first and second tubula members and a collet (56) is provided. One tubular member includes a profile adapted to mate with a profile of the seal (72). The sleeve (12) may be located on a work string (14), including a rotary drill string, and the invention also relates to methods of running in, setting, carrying out an intervention operation and retrieving the sleeve in a single run. The invention has particular application in Through Tubing-Rotary Drilling (TTRD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Red Spider Technology Limited
    Inventors: Michael A. Reid, Irvine C. Brown
  • Patent number: 8191621
    Abstract: A system for running a string of casing into a well utilizes a casing gripping assembly. The casing gripping assembly connects to a top drive and has radially movable gripping elements. A pair of links have upper ends pivotally connected to the casing gripping assembly. A casing elevator is mounted below the casing gripping assembly to lower ends of the links. A guide is mounted to the links between the elevator and the casing gripping assembly. The guide has a vertically extending central opening that has a lower portion that defines a flared entrance to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventors: David Sweeney, Allen Littlewood
  • Patent number: 8176976
    Abstract: A lubricator for use with a coiled tubing injector comprising an elongated housing having a first end and a second end. There is a guide system disposed in the housing for guiding coiled tubing passing through the housing, a first director proximal the first end of the housing to direct the coiled tubing in a first direction and a second director proximal the second end of the housing to direct the coiled tubing in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Richard D. Havinga
  • Publication number: 20120111581
    Abstract: The subject disclosure provides a reel and a gooseneck which significantly reduce residual bending of the coiled tubing. The subject disclosure discloses a gooseneck that provides reverse bending forces to reduce the residual bending as a result of the reel. Further, the subject disclosure discloses a gooseneck having an adjustable radius during the coiled tubing operations which optimizes the residual bending process. The subject disclosure also discloses a heating and cooling module. The heating and cooling modules are attached to the gooseneck and are used to reduce fatigue of the coiled tubing and elongate the life cycle of the coiled tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jin He, Jahir Pabon, Nathaniel Wicks
  • Publication number: 20120090829
    Abstract: The Invention is to be applied for selective injection of fluids in different formations, keeping the casing isolated from fluid pressure. “Fluid” is used in its widest sense: gases or liquids. It is hydraulically driven by the injection fluid. A single operator must only handle surface standard valves. It consists of five assemblies: Surface, Transport, Free Mandrel, Fixed Bottom Hole and Complementary. The Free Mandrel is the dynamic main device that carries all the Injection valves together, one for each formation, from the Bottom Hole to the Surface in 30? and viceversa. As this operation is performed many times in the well lifetime, it allows a cumulative time and money saving. Workover equipment is only used for installing the system and for fixing packers. Formation Pressure is kept when the system is installed or when it is pulled up. Changes can be made at any time when they are needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Eladio Juan Bassa
  • Patent number: 8151892
    Abstract: Methods and systems relating to subsea wellhead orientation are disclosed. A system may include a wellhead with an orientation key on an outer surface and an opening on an inner surface and a Christmas tree attached to a guide tube having an orientation profile which engages the orientation key and guides the Christmas tree into a desired orientation relative to the wellhead. The system may also include a lockdown sleeve with a mating profile on an inner surface, and a protuberance on an outer surface which engages the opening on the inner surface of the wellhead when the lockdown sleeve is in a desired orientation relative to the wellhead. In addition, the system may include a tubing hanger with a mating profile on an outer surface which engages the mating profile of the lockdown sleeve and guides the tubing hanger into a desired orientation relative to the lockdown sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Williams, James Bower
  • Publication number: 20120000671
    Abstract: A device for tripping, in which, at a drill-floor opening which is arranged to receive a pipe string, two or more cooperating pipe-handling units are arranged, each, independently of the other(s) or in cooperation with the other(s), being arranged to releasably hold the pipe string fixed and to move the pipe string in its axial direction, and also to move a pipe section in the axial direction of the pipe string and rotate the pipe section around the axis of the pipe string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: WEST DRILLING PRODUCTS AS
    Inventors: Helge Krohn, Mads Grinrod
  • Patent number: 8061419
    Abstract: A wellhead connection for connecting and sealing to a casing, including an upper head housing accommodating the upper end of the casing in its central bore, a stop shoulder in the central bore to allow the upper head housing to rest on the upper end of the casing, and a seal profile section formed at the lower end of the central bore below the stop shoulder. The wellhead connection is configured such that, first connecting the slip housing and bottom ring with a bottom connector energizes slip connectors into gripping engagement with the casing and locks the slip housing and bottom ring around the casing, while thereafter connecting the upper head housing and the bottom ring with a top connector energizes the metal seal ring so as to radially compress the metal seal ring against the casing to form a metal seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Abram Khazanovich, Irina Khazanovich
  • Patent number: 8028748
    Abstract: A control apparatus to receive a tubular member includes a contact member configured to engage the tubular member, and a control mechanism operably coupled to the contact member, wherein the control mechanism is configured to dampen movement of at least one of the tubular member and the contact member as the tubular member engages the contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney J. Laitolais, Jr., David Stokes, Dougal Hugo Brown, Jean P. Buytaert
  • Publication number: 20110226487
    Abstract: A tool is provided for installing a mandrel in a wellhead assembly. The tool includes an assembly having multiple independently translatable and rotatable members. The tool includes an inner member disposed in an inner sleeve. The inner member may be disposed in a first position and second position, such that in the first position the inner sleeve freely rotates and in the second position rotation of the inner sleeve causes rotation of the inner member. An outer sleeve is disposed over the inner sleeve and may be coupled to a hold down ring. The inner member may be coupled to mandrel. The tool may be inserted into a wellhead assembly and the outer rotated to engage the hold down ring, the inner and outer sleeve may be translated axially to allow rotation of the inner member to disengage the tool from the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Delbert E. Vanderford, Ken M. Reed
  • Patent number: 8006765
    Abstract: A well servicing tool storage system for subsea well intervention is disclosed which provides a tool storage means as part of the intervention system and which has a plurality of tool storage arms deployed around the tool storage means. Each arm has a clamp capable of clamping a tool, and moving the clamped tool between a stored position near the perimeter of the tool storage means, and a deployed position in the centre of the tool storage means where the tool can be made up into a wireline connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Expro AX-S Technology Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Richards, Mark Davies
  • Patent number: 8006753
    Abstract: A tool to direct a fluids from a lifting assembly and a bore of a downhole tubular includes an engagement assembly configured to selectively extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the tool into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow fluids from the lifting assembly to enter the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the closed position and wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow fluids from the downhole tubular to be diverted from the lifting assembly when in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 7997333
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a segmented bottom guide for directing the top of a tubular member into and through a bore in the bottom of a tapered bowl so that the tubular member can be engaged by pipe slips. One embodiment of the segmented bottom guide of the present invention comprises a bottom guide retainer having a plurality of chambers for being disposed intermediate the top of a bell guide and the bottom of the tapered bowl. The bottom guide segments are radially received into, and securable in, the retainer to therein and together form a generally conical frustum generally aligned with and intermediate the top of the bell guide and the opening of the tapered bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's Casting Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Donald E. Mosing
  • Patent number: 7992634
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10. The adjustable guide 10a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30, each having a sloped surface 30A to engage a pipe end 90. Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60. The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28, each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, John E. Stelly
  • Publication number: 20110186285
    Abstract: A guide part device for guiding a top drive into a pipe, the end portion of the top drive which is arranged to be connected to the pipe being formed with a sloping end face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Torbjorn Eggebo
  • Publication number: 20110168406
    Abstract: A completions system utilizing a unique hydraulic coupling. The system includes an upper completion stinger configured for coupling to a lower completion tubular. Both the stinger and the tubular are outfitted with hydraulic lines therethrough. Thus, as the stinger is coupled to the tubular, hydraulic lines are also coupled. However, the termination of each line is sealingly covered by a slidable sleeve in advance of attaining the coupling between the stinger and tubular. Therefore, the lines are protected from contamination during potentially significant periods of well deployment that may occur in advance of completed coupling and system installation. Furthermore, the manner of hydraulic coupling between the stinger and tubular reduces the likelihood of damage to the hydraulic lines during the installation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Hui Du, Gary Rytlewski, David Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 7967073
    Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Publication number: 20110147008
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig. The apparatuses may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW AND RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventor: Dougal Hugo Brown
  • Patent number: 7819198
    Abstract: A one-shot thermally activated release mechanism, the release mechanism including a spiral or helically wound spring wrapped around a set of jaws in a manner that prevents the jaws from expanding; held in this tightened position by two wires, with one wire fixed to the body of a member of the jaws and the second wire attached to the spring, the wires bonded together by a solder or other fusible material. The jaws restrict the movement of a plunger. Heating the solder causes release of the spring and enables expansion of the jaws, allowing movement of the plunger. A bias force on the plunger assists in movement of the plunger past the expanding jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: John M. Birckhead, Christopher W. Mayeu
  • Patent number: 7810556
    Abstract: A lubricator for use with a coiled tubing injector comprising an elongated housing having a first end and a second end. There is a guide system disposed in the housing for guiding coiled tubing passing through the housing, a first director proximal the first end of the housing to direct the coiled tubing in a first direction and a second director proximal the second end of the housing to direct the coiled tubing in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Richard D. Havinga
  • Patent number: 7793730
    Abstract: A lubricator system for receiving the intervention tool string includes a tubular body defining a tubular bore, and the tubular bore having a wall portion defining an aperture with a tool guide disposed in said aperture. A first sleeve surrounds the tubular body and is moveable between a first position where said aperture is covered by the first sleeve and a second position where said aperture is uncovered whereby access is provided to said tubular bore via said aperture. The system also includes a seal to allow the lubricator system to withstand operating pressures when the first sleeve is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Enovate Systems Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey Charles Edwards
  • Publication number: 20100224373
    Abstract: Methods and systems relating to subsea wellhead orientation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing a wellhead with an orientation key on an outer surface and an opening on an inner surface; providing the Christmas tree attached to a guide tube having an orientation profile configured to engage the orientation key; providing a lockdown sleeve with a mating profile on an inner surface, and a protuberance on an outer surface configured to engage the opening on the inner surface of the wellhead; providing the tubing hanger with a mating profile on an outer surface configured to engage the mating profile of the lockdown sleeve; moving the lockdown sleeve into engagement with the wellhead; moving the tubing hanger into engagement with the lockdown sleeve; and moving the Christmas tree into engagement with the wellhead and the tubing hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory Williams, James Bower
  • Patent number: 7779904
    Abstract: A guide rail plate for top drive of a drilling system, including a guide rail plate consisting of 5-7 guide rail sections, characterized in that there is a boss and a mated recess on a surface of an upper guide rail section and an opposite surface of a lower guide rail section interconnected with the upper guide rail section. A hydraulic cylinder is centrally and longitudinally fixed at the lower end of the upper guide rail section. A cone plate is connected to the lower end of a piston of the hydraulic cylinder. The right and left sides of the cone plate are connected with lock shafts. The lock shafts are placed in corresponding transverse lock shaft holes of the upper and lower guide rail sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Baoyou Zhang
  • Publication number: 20100200241
    Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a two-part funnel that guides a first component to engage or connect with a second component of a mineral extraction system. The two-part funnel having a first funnel portion, and a second funnel portion, wherein the second funnel portion is configured to be disposed in at least two positions relative to the position of the first funnel portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Scott D. Ward
  • Patent number: 7766080
    Abstract: A snubbing jack includes a first telescopic member and a second telescopic member. A stationary plate and a movable plate are affixed to the telescopic members. The movable plate moves away from the stationary plate upon expansion of the telescopic member and moves toward the stationary plate upon contraction of the telescopic members. An intermediate plate is removably secured between the stationary plate and the movable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: 1128971 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Mehtab S. Khehra, Irvin M. Slager
  • Patent number: 7766100
    Abstract: A well drilling head comprises a housing and a bearing assembly. The housing has a sidewall structure defining a central bore. A tapered bearing assembly seating surface is provided within the central bore of the housing. The bearing assembly includes an outer barrel having a central bore, an inner barrel at least partially disposed within the central bore of the outer barrel and bearing units coupled between the barrels for providing concentric alignment of the barrels and allowing rotation therebetween. The outer barrel is removably seated within the central bore of the housing. A tapered exterior surface of the outer barrel is engaged with the tapered bearing assembly seating surface of the housing whereby engagement of the tapered surfaces align the outer barrel with respect to the central bore of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Theresa J. Williams, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20100175892
    Abstract: A guide tube for continuous rod has a sections pivotably connected together by at least one translatable pivot. The tube connects to a rig at a fixed pivot and is initially folded on the rig for transport. To unfold and raise the tube for operation, a rig operator pivots a support rod pivotably connected to the tube away from the rig using a rope. This pivoting support rod moves the attachment point of a winchline extending from the rig to the rod beyond the tube's fixed pivot. Also, the pivoting rod tensions a sling having a fixed length that extends from the rod to the tube's translatable pivot. In this way, the winchline can be tensioned without the need for rig operators to perform a substantial amount of manual labor as conventionally done. Once the outer sections of the guide tube are lowered to the ground, the entire guide tube can be unfolded and raised with the tensioned winchline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: HERMANN BASLER
  • Patent number: 7740078
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for connecting a control line to a tubular string. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide boom pivotable around a location adjacent the string and with a guide member at an end thereof to guide the control line. The apparatus further includes a clamp boom that is independently pivotable and includes a clamp housing at an end thereof for clamping the control line against the tubular string. The guide boom and the clamp boom each have a center line which is substantially aligned with the center line of the tubing string permitting the control line to be aligned adjacent the tubular string prior to clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hayes, Troy F. Hill, Timothy Bedore, Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, David M. Haugen
  • Patent number: 7726394
    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 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Oren M. Bowden
  • Patent number: 7717184
    Abstract: A protection tool is provided to protect a control line in a safe area while one or more slips of a spider are being closed. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided to prevent the closing of the slips before the control line is pulled away from the tubular string. In yet another embodiment, a safety interlock system includes a safety interlock trigger adapted to be actuated by a protection tool. The safety interlock trigger is adapted to detect the physical presence of the protection tool, and thereafter send a signal to the interlock system to enable an operator or a control mechanism to safely close the slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gisle Vold, Egil Abrahamsen, Svein Egil Vestersjo, Terje Baustad, Kaj Stokkeland, David M. Haugen
  • Patent number: 7699098
    Abstract: Drilling apparatus for receiving, moving and aligning pipe sections as they are added to a string of pipe on a drilling rig when using an iron roughneck. After the iron roughneck is moved to well centerline and engaged with the box connection of the pipe suspended in the well bore, a hydraulically controlled pipe engagement mechanism is extended radially away from the iron roughneck and in the general direction of the pipe rack. The pipe engaging mechanism receives the lower end of the next stand of pipe to be added and is hydraulically retracted to lock around the pipe stand and bring the pipe stand into alignment with the pipe string suspended in the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Blohm & Voss Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventor: William R. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7690435
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method for removably mounting a lubricator assembly (106) to a component of the wellhead stack. The component of the wellhead stack is an annular blowout preventer (BOP) (50). Tool and communication conduit lubrication and access to the wellbore without requiring activation of the packing element of the BOP (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Specialty Rental Tools & Supply, L.P.
    Inventors: Bill D. Jones, Mark D. Robson
  • Patent number: 7681632
    Abstract: An apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations, comprising a base, a mast mounted on the base, and an integrated unit comprising a top drive and a coil tubing injector carried by the mast for longitudinal movement therealong. The top drive has an opening therethrough whereby coil tubing from the injector can pass through the top drive. There is a guide for coil tubing, the guide being selectively releasably connected to the coil tubing injector and mounted on the mast and selectively movable between a first position wherein coil tubing from the guide can be stabbed into the injector and a second position wherein coil tubing from the guide is out of alignment with the coil tubing injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Xtreme Coil Drilling Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas Dyer Wood
  • Patent number: 7677856
    Abstract: A drill floor device has two or more mouseholes for assembly and disassembly of pipe string sections. The mouseholes are arranged to be displaced underneath the drill floor by a drive system and positioned under a hole or an opening in the drill floor. At least one of the mouseholes is provided with an elevator arranged to raise and lower a pipe or a pipe string section located in the mousehole, between an upper working position in which the upper end of the pipe/pipe string section projects above the drill floor and a lower position of rest in which the upper end of the pipe/pipe string section is below the drill floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: National Oilwell Norway AS
    Inventor: Trond Standal
  • Patent number: 7628214
    Abstract: A system for inserting control lines to a control line receptacle at an alternate path structure including an upper guide having a path structure engagement roller, a control line insertion wheel and a control line bypass space. The system further includes a lower guide separate from the upper guide and having a path structure engagement roller and a control line insertion wheel. The path structure engagement roller and control line insertion wheel are resiliently biased to a position to cause control line insertion to the alternate flow path structure when in an engaged position. A method for inserting control lines is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl W. Stoesz, Stephen L. Crow
  • Patent number: 7610965
    Abstract: A movable arm 10 engages a flexible line 50 at a well site for positioning the flexible line between run-in position for passing the flexible line with a tubular through a well hole in the rig floor and a clamping position wherein the flexible line is adjacent the tubular above the rig floor for clamping the line to the tubular. The arm 10 extends upward from the rig floor 70, and includes a line guide, such as roller 12, for engaging the flexible line when in the run-in position. A powered drive 14 moves the arm between the run-in position and the clamping position. A spacer 82 may be used for positioning two or more flexible lines at a desired spacing relative to one another prior to positioning the lines within a clamp secured to the tubular. A slip bowl assembly 60 may be laterally movable so that slips do not engage the flexible line as it is run in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bilco Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Pennison, William E. Coyle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7559380
    Abstract: A top drive unit guiding system for aligning a power swivel and for dissipating torque created by the power swivel. The guiding system has a first guide frame and a second guide frame, where the first and second guide frames are located on opposite sides of the power swivel. Each guide frame includes at least two wheels. Each wheel is adapted to dissipate torque created by the power swivel and align the power swivel to support guide. Each wheel is made from a hard segmented rubber, a non-segmented rubber, a rubber composite, a synthetic rubber, or combinations thereof. The wheels are mounted to at least two adjustable brackets, where one bracket is associated with each wheel, and where each bracket positions the wheel in relation to the support guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Eagle Rock Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Nelson McKnight
  • Patent number: 7552775
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling a tubular pipe on a rig floor. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base, a track coupled to the base portion and a pair of arms slidably disposed along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Publication number: 20090145594
    Abstract: A gripping tool having at least one body, including an associated load adaptor adapted to be connected to and interact with one of a drive head or reaction frame. A gripping assembly, carried by the body, has a grip surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged position to radially engage one of an interior surface or an exterior surface of a work piece upon relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface in at least one axial direction. A grip activation assembly acts between the body and the grip surface to increase a grip ratio of radial load upon the gripping assembly relative to axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface. The grip activation assembly includes a motor driven load screw to create relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: NOETIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Maurice William Slack
  • Publication number: 20090084538
    Abstract: A drilling flange and an independent screwed wellhead provides a metal-to-metal seal that supplements the traditional elastomeric O-rings for providing a fluid seal between the drilling flange and the wellhead. The metal-to-metal seal may be achieved using a metal ring gasket or two contacting metal surfaces that are machined to required tolerances and are configured to be forced together when the drilling flange is mounted to the wellhead. The metal-to-metal seal ensures a fluid seal between the flange body and the wellhead in the event that the O-rings malfunction or are destroyed by fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: STINGER WELLHEAD PROTECTION, INC.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7509722
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for connecting a first tubular with a second tubular. The apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging the first tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. The apparatus also includes a spinner for rotating the first tubular. In one embodiment, the spinner includes a motor and one or more rotational members for engaging the first tubular. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a rotation counting member biased against the first tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting a first tubular to second tubular. The method includes engaging the first tubular using a gripping member connected to a conveying member and positioning the gripping member to align the first tubular with the second tubular. Thereafter, the first tubular is engaged with the second tubular, and the first tubular is rotated relative to the second tubular using the gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Shahin, Jeff Habetz, Jimmy Lawrence Hollingsworth, Bernd Reinholdt
  • Publication number: 20090065189
    Abstract: An improved tong positioning apparatus which includes a base positionable on the rig floor; a hydraulic cylinder positioned on the base, having a first end engageable to a rear support member and a second end engageable to a pivotal moment arm; a forward shock attachment arm engaged at a first end to one of three attachment points on the moment arm, and a second end which attaches to a tong frame attachment point on the tong. The forward shock attachment arm includes a pair of shock absorbers engaged along its length to provide a smooth, non-jerking motion both vertically and horizontally in moving the power tong. The tong positioning apparatus is designed to be remotely operated by hydraulic, air, air over hydraulics, electronically, by a single operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: John Paul Hobgood
  • Publication number: 20090056954
    Abstract: A kickover tool for placing and extracting a valve in a mandrel having a tool body extending in a longitudinal direction and having a hydraulic piston chamber therein; a hydraulic piston located inside the hydraulic piston chamber; a kickover arm portion mechanically connected to the hydraulic piston, the kickover arm portion comprising a kickover arm having a tool portion; the kickover arm has a non-kicked-over position where the kickover arm is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal direction and a kicked-over position where the kickover arm is substantially non-coaxial with the longitudinal direction; wherein the kickover arm moves to the kicked-over position upon extension of the hydraulic piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arunkumar Arumugam, Tyson Messick, Steven Anyan, Kenneth C. Burnett, III
  • Patent number: 7451826
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, said apparatus comprising a motor (4, 4?) for rotating a tool (30) for drivingly engaging a tubular, and means (3) for connecting said motor (4, 4?) to said top drive, the apparatus being such that, in use, said motor (4, 4?) can rotate one tubular with respect to another to connect said tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Publication number: 20080264650
    Abstract: A control line positioning apparatus (10) comprising a retainer arm (30), having a control line retainer thereon, is driven between a removed position with the retainer arm (30) positioned adjacent to a base and adjacent to a rig floor and a raised position with the retainer arm (30) raised by a drive member to a raised position to hold one or more control lines (90) along a portion of the length of a pipe string (80) to facilitate application of a clamp to secure the control lines to the pipe string (80). In one embodiment, the retainer arm (30) may be releasably secured to a docking assembly (50) disposed adjacent to the pipe engaging apparatus and adjacent to a rig floor. In one embodiment, the control line positioning apparatus may comprise an ascending control line pathway (112) comprising a plurality of rolling members to direct one or more control lines to a retainer assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW & RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian David Begnaud, Russell John Ferguson, Dougal Hugo Brown
  • Publication number: 20080210416
    Abstract: A guide track system for a tool that can be raised and lowered within a telescoping drilling rig tower is provided. The system includes parallel guide rails mounted on a fixed lower tower section and on a movable upper tower section of the drilling rig tower. The lower and upper guide rails are parallel to one another and overlap one another when the lower tower section is nested with the upper tower section. Guide wheels rotatably attached to the tool can have parallel grooves to roll on the guide rails. The grooves can have sidewalls that flare outward so that they do not scuff against the guide rails as the tool travels up and down within the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald Lesko
  • Publication number: 20080196883
    Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool including a cup mandrel and a centralizing device. The centralizing device will align the tool so that the cup seal at the lower end of the cup mandrel sealingly engages the production casing. The cup mandrel has an open bore for allowing service tools to pass therethrough unimpeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Gero D. Testa, Phillip Starr, Jan Bouma
  • Patent number: 7401656
    Abstract: A rig (10) for selectively inserting coiled tubing or threaded tubulars into a well includes a mast (14) extending upward from a mast carrier (12), and a coiled tubing injector (16) and a coiled tubing reel (26) supported on a coiled tubing carrier (28) separate from the mast carrier. The mast (14) may be pivotal on the mast carrier to attach the coiled tubing injector 16 to the mast while the injector is supported on the coiled tubing carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Xtreme Coil Drilling Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wood, Richard D. Havinga