| NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20160138576 | MECHANISM AND SYSTEM FOR ROTATING AN ELONGATE MEMBER OF AN OIL PUMP - A rotator mechanism for rotating an elongate member in a pumping system includes a body member having a longitudinal body axis and a through-hole aligned with the body axis and configured to receive the elongate member. The rotator mechanism also includes a worm gear concentric with the body axis and a worm meshing with the worm gear. The rotator mechanism includes a lever configured to rotate the worm, and a clutch coupled between the lever and the worm and configured to cause the worm to rotate in a first direction when the lever moves in the first direction. Rotation of the worm causes the worm gear and the elongate member to rotate about the body axis. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160131131 | WIPER SEAL ASSEMBLIES FOR A RECIPROCATING PUMP AND METHODS RELATING THERETO - A wiper seal assembly for a reciprocating pump, the pump including a power section configured to be powered by a motor, a fluid section having an inlet and an outlet, and a plunger having a longitudinal plunger axis, a first end coupled to the power section, and a second end opposite the first end and disposed within the fluid section. The wiper seal assembly includes a cover mounted to the power section. In addition, the wiper seal assembly includes a first wiper seal radially disposed between the cover and the plunger. Further, the wiper seal assembly includes a splash guard disposed about the plunger and axially spaced from the cover. Still further, the wiper seal assembly includes a biasing member axially biasing the splash guard away from the first wiper seal. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160049855 | MAGNETIC CYCLOID GEAR - A magnetic cycloid gear includes an outer gear member comprising a first plurality of magnets that provide a first number of magnetic pole pairs, wherein the outer gear member has an outer gear member axis, and an inner gear member comprising a second plurality of magnets that provide a second number of magnetic pole pairs, wherein the inner gear member has an axis that is offset from the outer gear member axis and wherein the second number of magnets differs from the first number of magnets. The gear further includes a drive mechanism operatively coupled to rotate the inner gear member as it revolves in an eccentric manner relative to the outer gear member axis, and a constraint mechanism coupled to the inner gear member to prevent it from rotating bout its own axis as it revolves. The outer gear member rotates in response to the inner gear member revolving. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160047180 | TUBULAR SUPPORT AND SERVICING SYSTEMS - A wellsite system includes a drilling rig, an elevator, and a support system that includes a housing coupled to the drilling rig, a bracket member pivotably coupled to the housing, an actuatable arm coupled to the bracket member and configured to be moveable along an axis of the bracket member, and a servicing system coupled to the actuatable arm, wherein the servicing system is configured to threadlessly engage a tubular. A wellsite servicing system includes a first flange, a second flange configured to engage a flange of a tubular, and a spindle that is pivotable between the first and second flanges such that a central axis of the second flange remains in axial alignment with a central axis of the tubular when the central axis of the tubular is axially misaligned with a central axis of the first flange. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160040526 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING COMPLEX DOWNHOLE INFORMATION - A system and method for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location includes a drill string with a downhole tool, a pump for flowing drilling mud through the drill string and wellbore, a valve for flow restriction of the drilling mud, a sensing module for measuring downhole conditions in first and second orientations of the downhole tool, an actuator between two static positions, and a detector for measurement values at the surface location correlative to time between changes of pressure of the drilling mud. The time between pressure changes, as the actuator moves between static positions, conveys encoded data to the detector. The encoded data is compiled from downhole conditions measured by the sensing module, in addition to orientation of the downhole tool. Complex downhole conditions dependent on knowing the multiple orientations of the sensing module can now be communicated by a pressure releasing encoding system. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20150367483 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HIGH PRESSURE LEACHING OF POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CUTTER ELEMENTS - A method for leaching a PCD table for a cutter element includes (a) positioning a PCD table within a leaching chamber. The method also includes (b) submerging the PCD table in an acid within the leaching chamber. In addition, the method includes (c) sealing the leaching chamber. Further, the method includes (d) increasing the pressure within the leaching chamber to a pressure greater than or equal to 20,000 psi after (c). | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150353331 | LINE STABILIZER - A stabilizer for a line may include a guide configured for arrangement on the line to resist and/or dampen lateral motions of the line where the guide may include a guide jacket having a static sleeve configured to allow the line to pass through the guide and a fortifying bracket configured to reinforce the guide jacket and configured to interface with a hanging system to support the guide jacket and maintain the guide jacket in position on the line. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150330165 | DRILLING MUD COOLING SYSTEM - A system includes a drilling mud cooling apparatus that is adapted to receive a flow of a mixture of drilling materials from a drilled wellbore during a drilling operation, and to cool the mixture from a first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the cooled mixture of drilling materials includes cooled drilling mud and drill cuttings. The disclosed system further includes a shale shaker apparatus that is adapted to receive a flow of the cooled mixture of drilling materials from the drilling mud cooling apparatus and to separate at least a portion of the drill cuttings from the cooled drilling mud. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150322719 | High Strength Corrosion Resistant High Velocity Oxy Fuel (HVOF) Coating for Downhole Tools - A downhole tool comprises a body made of a metal or metal alloy. In addition, the downhole tool comprises a coating disposed on the body. The coating includes at least 75 vol % tungsten carbide having an average grain size less than 1.0 μm. The content of tungsten carbide in the coating with a grain size less than 0.5 μm is between 40 and 64 vol % of the coating. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150316180 | Threaded Connections with an Adjustable Secondary Shoulder - A tubular threaded connection includes a threaded sub-assembly having a first tubular member, a first torque member threadingly received on the first tubular member, and a second torque member threadingly received on the first tubular member. In forming the threaded sub-assembly, the first torque member is torqued relative to the second torque member. Furthermore, the sub-assembly is configured to receive a second tubular member for torqueing against the sub-assembly. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150308420 | Multi-Cylinder Hydraulically-Driven Pump System - A hydraulically-driven pumping unit for pumping a working fluid includes a pair of double-acting hydraulic piston-cylinder (HPC) assemblies, each having a central axis, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, and a rod coupled to the piston for axial movement relative to the first hydraulic cylinder. The pumping unit also includes a hydraulic fluid source and an exhaust path for hydraulic fluid. The two hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the hydraulic fluid source and the exhaust path such that the movements of the two pistons are synchronized. The two HPC assemblies are configured for phase-shifted operation such that when pumping unit is reciprocating the two pistons and rods, the a first pair of the pistons and rods always has a different combination of axial position and direction of travel than does a other pair of the pistons and rods. During phase-shifted operation, at least one of the two rods is moving to extend further beyond the corresponding hydraulic cylinder at all times. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150300091 | COLLAPSIBLE SUBSTRUCTURE FOR A MOBILE DRILLING RIG - A collapsible drilling rig substructure is transported to a drilling site while in a collapsed transportation configuration wherein a raisable floor of the substructure is in a lowered transportation position relative to a fixed drill floor such that an upper surface of the raisable floor is positioned at a first height level above a base of the substructure while an upper surface of the fixed drill floor is positioned at a second height level above the base that is greater than the first height level. The substructure is positioned adjacent to a wellbore location at the drilling site and reconfigured from the lowered transportation configuration to a raised operating configuration by raising the raisable floor to an operating position laterally adjacent to the fixed drill floor while maintaining a height level of the upper surface of the fixed drill floor at the second height level. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150300038 | MOBILE DRILLING RIG WITH TELESCOPING SUBSTRUCTURE BOXES - A method includes assembling a telescoping substructure box having first and second substructure boxes in a collapsed configuration by nesting at least a portion of the first substructure box inside of a substantially open interior space defined by a plurality of structural elements that comprise the second substructure box. The assembled telescoping substructure box is transported to a drilling site and telescopically raised from the collapsed transportation configuration to a raised operating configuration for performing drilling operations on a wellbore location of the drilling site by telescopically raising one of the first and second substructure boxes relative to the other one of the first and second substructure boxes. A drilling mast is coupled to and raised above the telescoping substructure box, and drilling operations are performed on the wellbore location with the raised drilling mast. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150294776 | PULSED ACTIVATION OF TRAPPED FIELD MAGNETS - A system for activating trapped field magnets in a superconducting material is disclosed. The system includes a superconducting material element and an electromagnet source disposed proximate the superconducting material element. The electromagnet source is configured to produce a magnetic field pulse sufficient to activate the superconducting material element. Furthermore, substantially all of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field pulse is contained within an area that has smaller physical lateral dimensions than the superconducting material element. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150291403 | FLEET ANGLE TOLERANT SHEAVE - A sheave may include a body portion with a circular circumference and defining a center plane, a bore extending through the body portion and configured for receiving a shaft and allowing the body portion to rotate in the center plane, and a rope groove arranged on the circular circumference including a radiused bottom with a first end and a second end and a pair of opposing sidewalls each extending directly and tangentially from one of the first and second end and having a curved profile. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150285055 | MODULAR INSTRUMENTED SHELL FOR A TOP DRIVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME - An instrumented shell for sensing drilling parameters of a drilling assembly positionable at a wellsite is provided. The drilling assembly includes a top drive assembly and a downhole tool. The instrumented shell includes a shell body, instruments and an interconnector. The shell body is positionable about the top drive assembly, and has pockets extending therein and a cover positionable about the shell body. The instruments include sensors, and are removably disposable in the pocket and sealable therein with the at least one cover. The interconnector includes a top drive connector removably connectable to the top drive assembly and a shell connector removably connectable to the shell body with a cable therebetween to pass signals therebetween whereby drilling parameters of the downhole tool may be directly collected. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150275609 | SPHERICAL BLOWOUT PREVENTER WITH ENERGIZEABLE PACKER SEAL AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A blowout preventer and seal assembly for sealing a wellbore penetrating a subsurface formation is provided. The blowout preventer includes a housing having a flow path therethrough in fluid communication with the wellbore and a sealing assembly positionable in the housing about the flow path. The sealing assembly includes a piston slidably positionable in the housing and a packer element. The packer element includes a plurality of fingers and a packer seal. The fingers include a housing portion and a piston portion. The housing portion is slidably movable along the housing and the piston portion is slidingly movable along the piston. The fingers are engageable by the piston and movable to a sealed position about the flow path whereby the packer seal is energized to form a seal about the blowout preventer. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150275604 | FRANGIBLE CORE BARREL - A coring assembly comprises an outer barrel coupled to a coring bit. An inner barrel is disposed within the outer barrel. An inner sleeve is disposed within the inner barrel and includes at least one frangible region that allows the inner sleeve to break so that coring operations can continue after the occurrence of a core jam. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150252627 | SAFETY JOINT FOR A TOOL STRING - A safety joint includes two tubular joint bodies. A plurality of circumferentially spaced first holes is formed in one tubular joint body and at least a second hole is formed in the other tubular joint body. The tubular joint bodies each have threaded sections. The threaded sections and holes are configured such that the at least one second hole is aligned with one of the first holes when a threaded connection is formed between the threaded sections. A shear pin is inserted into the aligned holes. Instead of providing the circumferentially spaced first holes in one of the tubular joint bodies, the circumferentially spaced first holes may be provided in a torque ring that is coupled to one of the tubular joint bodies by a threaded connection. The hole alignment could then be between the tubular joint body having the second hole and the torque ring. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150204752 | METHOD FOR DETECTING AT LEAST ONE VARIABLE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FORMATION OF AT LEAST ONE JOINT AND/OR A MACHINE DURING ASSEMBLY OF A PIPELINE SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed to a method of detecting at least one variable associated with at least one joint or a machine of an assembled pipeline system ( | 07-23-2015 |
| 20150198003 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER WITH PACKER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A packer assembly for a blowout preventer for sealing a wellbore is provided. The blowout preventer has ram blocks with a front face engageable with another ram block. The packer assembly is carried by each ram block and includes a support, a face packer having a sealing surface engageable with the face packer of an adjacent ram block, and a pair of plates positionable about the face packer. The plates include an extended plate and a support plate with the face packer therebetween. The extended plate protrudes from the ram block a distance beyond the support plate such that, when the ram blocks are moved together, the extended plate makes contact with the extended plate of an adjacent ram block before the support plates make contact with the adjacent ram block whereby a sealing pressure between the face packers of the adjacent ram blocks is maintained. | 07-16-2015 |
| 20150176355 | ADJUSTABLE CORING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A coring extender for a coring tool is provided. The coring tool is deployable by a downhole tool into a wellbore. The coring extender includes a housing operatively connectable to the downhole tool, a mandrel, and seals. The housing has fluid chambers therein. The mandrel is positionable in the housing, and includes a locking tube operatively connectable to the housing and a coupling tube operatively connectable to the coring tool. The coupling tube is adjustably positionable relative to the locking tube such that a length of the mandrel is adjustably defined therebetween. The coupling tube has an outer surface slidably positionable along an inner surface of the housing. Seals are positionable between the mandrel and the housing to define a fluid pocket to isolate the fluid therebetween as the coupling tube moves along the housing whereby the fluid permitted to flow about the fluid pocket to balance between the fluid chambers. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150176349 | PIPE JOINT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A pipe joint apparatus includes a stabbing guide configured to protect a rim of a box of a first pipe end while guiding a second pipe end into the first pipe end. At least one actuator is configured to move the stabbing guide between a non-working position where the stabbing guide does not guide the second pipe end into the first pipe end and a working position where the stabbing guide guides the second pipe end into the first pipe end. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150159472 | Apparatus, Systems, and Methods for Downhole Fluid Filtration - A fluid production system for downhole fluid purification includes a filtering assembly to be positioned within a wellbore. The filtering assembly has a fluid filter and a first pump closely-coupled to the filter. In addition, the system includes an extension shaft extending from the first pump to a source of rotational power positioned adjacent the surface of the earth. | 06-11-2015 |
| 20150149092 | WEARABLE INTERFACE FOR DRILLING INFORMATION SYSTEM - A drilling information system comprises a drilling component having an operating status and a drilling control module communicatively coupled to the drilling component and operable to store data indicating the operating status of the drilling component. A wearable interface is communicatively coupled to the drilling control module and is operable to selectively indicate the operating status of the drilling component. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150141190 | Planetary Gear Assembly - A modified planetary gear box and arrangement of the gear box with a drive motor permits electrical, optical or other types of cabling or wiring to be passed through the planetary gear box along its axis of rotation. The planetary gear box drives or rotates a reel of coiled tubing. Electrical, hydraulic, optical and other types of line for lowering into a well bore through the coiled tubing is passed through a passageway through the center of the planetary gear box, into one end of a hub of the reel, and then into the coiled tubing, which is injected into the wellbore. The other end of the hub of the reel is able to be connected to a swivel joint that can be connected to a pump for pumping fluid into the coiled tubing. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150132157 | Plunger Pump, Plunger, and Method of Manufacturing Plunger Pump - A plunger pump includes a pump fluid end having a fluid chamber and a suction bore, discharge bore, and plunger bore in communication with the fluid chamber. A plunger is arranged to reciprocate into and out of the fluid chamber through the plunger bore. The plunger has a plunger body with an inner cavity and an insert disposed in the inner cavity such that the combined stiffness of the insert and plunger body is greater than the stiffness of the plunger body. A crank mechanism is coupled to the plunger and operable to reciprocate the plunger. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150129660 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETAINING AN ELECTRONIC TAG ON A DOWNHOLE TOOL - A trackable downhole tool includes a tool body having a tag mortise formed therein. The tag mortise has a female dovetail profile. An encapsulated electronic tag is retained in the mortise. The encapsulated electronic tag includes an electronic tag embedded in an encapsulation body. The electronic tag contains or is programmable to contain a unique asset identification code associated with the downhole tool. The encapsulation body has a male dovetail profile that cooperates with the female dovetail to form a dovetail joint that retains the encapsulated electronic tag in the tag mortise. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150114634 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRILL PIPE TALLYING - A method for drill pipe tallying includes detecting that a drill bit ( | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150107897 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING STICK-SLIP - A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150091306 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNHOLE POWER GENERATION USING A DIRECT DRIVE PERMANENT MAGNET MACHINE - A system and method for generation of electrical energy by a downhole tool in a wellbore. A downhole tool for use in a wellbore includes a housing and a power generation system disposed within the housing. The power generation system includes a power section and an axial flux generator. The power section is configured to convert flow of drilling fluid through the downhole tool to rotation. The axial flux generator is coupled to the power section. The axial flux generator is configured to produce magnetic flux that extends parallel to an axis of the rotation, and to generate electrical energy responsive to the rotation. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150090495 | DOWNHOLE TEMPERATURE SENSING OF THE FLUID FLOW IN AND AROUND A DRILL STRING TOOL - Temperature sensing devices and methods for determining downhole fluid temperature at a drill string in a borehole while drilling are disclosed. The device includes a temperature sensor capable of detecting and measuring rapid temperature changes and may be used to sense the temperature of fluid inside or outside the drill string. In addition, the device includes a thermal conductor that receives and secures the temperature sensor; the thermal conductor is in turn received and secured in a thermal insulator that provides a thermal barrier. In an embodiment, the device is disposed in a channel within an outer diameter of the drill string such that the device is protected from the side wall of the borehole and drilling fluid and cuttings can pass through the channel without becoming packed around the temperature sensor. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150090450 | PERFORMING SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS ON MULTIPLE WELLBORE LOCATIONS USING A SINGLE MOBILE DRILLING RIG - A system is disclosed that includes a drilling rig having a substructure, the drilling rig being adapted to be positioned above a plurality of wellbore location such that each of the plurality of wellbore locations is simultaneously positioned below the substructure, equipment movement means for moving pressure control equipment between positions proximate each of the plurality of wellbore locations, the equipment movement means being adapted to move the pressure control equipment between the positions while the drilling rig is performing a rig operation on at least a first one of the plurality of wellbore locations, and equipment positioning means for positioning pressure control equipment on one or more of the plurality of wellbore locations, the equipment positioning means being adapted to position the pressure control equipment on a second one of the plurality of wellbore locations while the rig operation is being performed on the first wellbore location. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150075867 | DOWNHOLE PULSE GENERATING DEVICE - A pulse generator comprises a stator coupled to a housing and a rotor that is rotatably disposed within the housing. An annulus is formed between the rotor and the stator. An inner bore is formed through the rotor. One or more outer flow ports provide fluid communication between the annulus and the inner bore. A retrievable valve assembly is rotationally coupled to the rotor and at least partially disposed within the inner bore. The retrievable valve assembly includes a rotary valve member having one or more primary flow ports. A fluid flow path is periodically formed by the one or more outer flow ports, the annulus, and the one or more primary flow ports as the rotor rotates. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075801 | MODULAR SUBSEA STRIPPER PACKER AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A stripper packer for sealing a tubular of a wellsite is provided. The stripper packer includes an extendable housing, a packer, and a sliding window. The extendable housing has a passage therethrough to receive the tubular, and includes a piston operatively connectable between an upper and a lower portion of the extendable housing for selective movement therebetween. The packer is positionable within the extendable housing and sealingly engageable with the tubular. The sliding window is slidably positionable in the passage of the extendable housing and engageable with the packer. The sliding window is movable with the piston in response to pressure whereby the packer is sealable with the tubing. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150068811 | DOWNHOLE MOTOR WITH CONCENTRIC ROTARY DRIVE SYSTEM - A downhole motor rotary drive system including a housing, a rotor rotatably and coaxially disposed within the housing, and an annular space between the rotor and housing. The rotor includes first and second ends, a bore extending between the first and second ends, an inlet port extending from the bore to the annular space, and an outlet port extending from the annular space to the bore. A plurality of gates are disposed within the annular space, each configured to engage the rotor and the housing, and a plurality of lobes extend within the annular space such that the lobes and the gates divide the annular space into a plurality of chambers. A flow path is defined by the annular space between the inlet and outlet ports, and the rotor is configured to rotate relative to the housing when a fluid is circulated along the flow path. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150068767 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING TUBULARS OF A WELLSITE - A clam assembly for connecting adjacent tubulars positionable in a wellbore of a wellsite for passing fluid therethrough is provided. The clam assembly and at least one drive mechanism. The clam assembly includes a plurality of segments selectively movable between an open position to receive the adjacent tubulars and a closed position positionable around the adjacent tubulars. The segments are disposable about a periphery of the adjacent tubulars. The drive mechanism is carried by the segments, and include a driver to drive a connector through the adjacent tubulars. The driver is movable between a retracted and an extended position to drive the connector whereby a connection is formed between the adjacent tubulars. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150068766 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING TUBULARS OF A WELLSITE - A rotational driver for driving a connector through adjacent tubulars is provided. The adjacent tubulars are positionable in a wellbore of a wellsite for passing fluid therethrough. The rotational driver includes a gearbox housing positionable about the connector, a socket carried by the gearbox housing to receivingly engage the connector, and a plurality of gears driven by at least one motor. The gears are operatively connectable to the socket to transfer torque from the motor thereto, and have interlocking teeth defining a plurality of contacts therebetween whereby load on the gears is distributable therebetween. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150060141 | DOWNHOLE MOTOR SENSING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A downhole sensing assembly for sensing motor parameters of a downhole motor positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The downhole motor has a stator and a rotor rotatable within the stator. The sensing assembly includes at least one rotor extension operatively connectable to the rotor and movable therewith, at least one marker positionable about the rotor extension, and at least one motor sensor positionable about a downhole tool and operatively coupled to the marker to detect movement of the marker whereby motor parameters, such as rotational speed of the motor, are detectable. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150051004 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING THE LIFE OF DOWNHOLE DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLIES - An embodiment of a method for drilling a borehole into an earthen formation, the method including contacting a first end housing at a first axial position with a first drive key, wherein the first end housing has a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first receptacle extending axially from the first end, and wherein the first drive key is disposed within the first receptacle in the first end housing and radially disposed between the first end housing and a driveshaft. In addition, the method includes transferring torque between the first end housing and the driveshaft via the first ball during. Further, the method includes, contacting the first end housing at a second axial position with the first drive key or a second drive key after (b), wherein the second axial position is axially spaced from the first axial position. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150034388 | DOWNHOLE MOTOR COUPLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A drilling system includes a drillstring and a power section further including a stator having a stator axis and a rotor within the stator. The rotor rotates eccentrically within the stator in response to fluid flowing therebetween. Additionally, the system includes a coupling section including first, second, and third rotation members having a first, second, and third axes, respectively. The third rotation member is coupled to the first and second rotation members. The third rotation member is configured to move radially relative to the first and second rotation members as the first, second, and third rotation members rotate about the first, second, and third axes, respectively. Further, the system includes an input shaft coupled to the rotor and first rotation member. The input shaft and first rotation member rotate with the rotor eccentrically to the stator axis and the second rotation member rotates concentrically about the stator axis. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150027782 | MUD HYDRAULIC TOP DRIVE - A top drive includes a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with first inlet for a supply of pressurized drilling fluid. A drill string adapter is mechanically coupled to the hydraulic motor and is in fluid communication with the first inlet. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150018168 | MAGNETIC GEARS, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A magnetic gear may comprise a first gear member comprising a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to have a first number of magnetic pole pairs and a second gear member positioned relative to the first gear member. The second gear member may comprise a plurality of individually rotatable magnetized elements each driven and synchronized with one another to selectively generate a second number of magnetic pole pairs that differs from the first number of magnetic pole pairs. The magnetic gear may further comprise a plurality of interpole elements positioned between the first and second gear members. The plurality of interpole elements may be disposed to harmonically couple the magnetic pole pairs of the first gear member with the magnetic pole pairs of the second gear member for each selectively generated second number of magnetic pole pairs. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150017036 | RECIPROCATING SUBSURFACE PUMP - A reciprocating pump includes an open-bottomed barrel adapted for attaching to the lower end of a production tubing string; a seating assembly having a cylindrical bore and adapted for mounting to a seating nipple at the upper end of the barrel; and a plunger assembly adapted for attaching to the lower end of a sucker rod string. The plunger assembly includes concentric upper and lower plunger sections interconnected by a double-valve, ported valve cage. The plungers are sized for sealing reciprocating engagement within, respectively, the bore of the seating assembly and the bore of the pump barrel. The lower plunger and the ported valve cage define a production chamber within the pump barrel. The upper plunger has ports allowing fluid flow from the tubing into the production chamber. Optionally, the upper plunger and the barrel may be provided with flush ports facilitating flushing of the pump to eliminate vapor lock. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150008043 | Rotary Steerable Push-the-Bit Drilling Apparatus with Self-Cleaning Fluid Filter - A steerable drilling apparatus includes a control system inside a cylindrical housing connected to a drill bit having radially-extendable pistons. A fluid-metering assembly directs a piston-actuating fluid into fluid channels leading to respective pistons. The control system controls the fluid-metering assembly to allow fluid flow to selected pistons, causing the actuated pistons to temporarily extend in the opposite direction to a desired wellbore deviation, thereby deflecting the drill bit away from the borehole centerline. An upper member in the fluid-metering assembly can be moved to stabilize, steer, and change TFA within the drill bit. The control system and drill bit are connected so as to facilitate removal to change the drill bit's steering section and cutting structure configuration or gauge simultaneously. The apparatus may incorporate a fluid filter module mounted to the control system. The pistons may incorporate auxiliary cutting elements to provide near-bit reaming capability. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20140357464 | CENTRIFUGE - A flow apparatus for a separation apparatus for separating solids from a solids laden drilling fluid, the flow system comprising a feed conduit ( | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140352732 | SOLIDS REMOVAL APPARATUS - An apparatus for cleaning a vessel, the apparatus comprising: a housing ( | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140345727 | AUTOMATED DUMP SYSTEM FOR SOLID SEPARATOR - An automated dump system for use with a solid removal system is herewith described. The system is for use in the oil and gas industry. The dump system comprises a programmable controller and valve(s) such as a plug valve and a choke valve, whereby the controller operates the valves at selected timings and if desired in a predetermined sequence. The valves maybe provided in separately removable segments. Additional components in the dump system may include pressure monitoring elements and an alarm condition signal. The system maybe mounted on a skid for ease of movement. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140326459 | SEALABLE WELLSITE VALVE AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A valve, system and method for controlling flow of fluid about a wellsite component of a wellsite are provided. The wellsite component has a flowline to pass the fluid therethrough. The valve includes a valve housing, a cage having holes therethrough positionable in selective fluid communication with the flowline, a valve plate operatively connectable between the valve housing and the cage (the valve plate having a sealing surface thereon), and a spool assembly comprising a spool slidably positionable in the cage. The spool assembly is selectively positionable in sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the valve plate to define a sealing interface therebetween, and is movable between an inlet position defining a fluid intake path and an outlet position defining a fluid outtake path whereby the fluid is selectively diverted through the wellsite component. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140312257 | Poppet Valve with Variable Dampener and Elastically Supported Guide - A valve assembly for operation within a valve body of a pump includes an axial centerline, a poppet guide having a stem, and a poppet slidingly coupled to the poppet guide so that the poppet and the poppet guide define an internal cavity. The valve assembly also includes a flexible poppet guide mounting system coupled to the poppet guide and the poppet and includes a variable-area flow restrictor in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The flexible poppet guide mounting system is configured to support the poppet guide and the poppet for lateral and axial movement of the poppet guide and the poppet relative to the axial centerline. The poppet is movable relative to the poppet guide to adjust the volume of the internal cavity. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140308149 | Long Reach Spindle Drive Systems and Method | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140305712 | PRESSURE CORE BARREL FOR RETENTION OF CORE FLUIDS AND RELATED METHOD - A pressure coring apparatus comprises a housing having an upper end and a lower end. A valve is coupled to the lower end of the housing and has an open position for entrance of a core and a closed position for retaining and sealing the core within the housing. A piston assembly is moveably disposed within the housing. A first volume is defined within the housing and between the upper end of the housing and the piston assembly. A second volume is defined within the housing between the lower end of the housing and the piston assembly. A pressure relief device is disposed through the housing and operable to maintain pressure within the first volume and the second volume below a target pressure. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140299382 | Drive Shaft Assembly for a Downhole Motor - A driveshaft assembly for a downhole motor including a driveshaft having a longitudinal axis, first and second ends, and a convex spherical bearing surface disposed at the first end configured to transfer axial loads. The assembly also includes a connection lug disposed at the driveshaft first end, extending circumferentially between first and second ends, and including a recess in the first end of the lug, the recess comprising a concave cylindrical surface concentrically disposed about a pivot axis oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The assembly also includes a torque transfer key disposed within the recess and having a central axis radially spaced from the pivot axis, a convex cylindrical surface concentrically disposed about the pivot axis, and a planar surface. The convex cylindrical surface of the key slidingly engages the concave cylindrical surface of the recess; and the pivot axis intersects the key. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140298008 | Control System Security Appliance - A widespread security strategy for industrial control networks is physical isolation of the network, also known as an “air gap.” But the network might still be infected with unauthorized software if, say, an infected USB drive were to be plugged into one of the network's computers. The invention relates to a security module placed between the network and a device in the network. Each security module in the network mimics the Internet protocol (IP) configuration of its protected device. Each security module includes a private encryption key and a signed public key that it automatically shares with other security modules discovered on the network. These keys permit the security module to perform asymmetric point-to-point encryption of traffic from the protected device to the corresponding security module for a target device node and to detect (and thus block) unauthorized devices. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140292495 | PROVIDING ENERGY TO A PASSIVE WIRELESS TAG - A system and method for communicating with a passive wireless tag. In one embodiment, a device for powering a passive wireless tag includes a power source, a first antenna, and a controller. The controller is configured to detect a wireless signal transmission directed to the passive wireless tag. The controller is further configured to transmit power extracted from the power source, via the first antenna, to the passive wireless tag, responsive to detection of the wireless signal transmission. The transmitted power is to be used to power the passive wireless tag. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140284104 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A DOWNHOLE TOOL - A system and method for communicating with a downhole tool. A downhole tool includes a downlink receiver and a command actuator. The downlink receiver receives control information, encoded in rotation of the tool, that controls operation of the tool. The downlink receiver includes a rotation sensor and a decoder. The rotation sensor senses rotation of the tool about a longitudinal axis. The decoder demarcates fields of the control information based on rotation state transitions sensed by the rotation sensor. The rotation state transitions are transitions between a rotating state and a non-rotating state. The decoder also decodes a control value for controlling the tool based on a duration of a field of the control information. The control value is wholly encoded in the field, and the field is encoded as a non-rotating state of the tool. The command actuator applies the control value to control operation of the tool. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140274549 | TOP DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR WELLBORE AND DRILLING OPERATIONS - A system includes a gear system having a gear housing and a lower planetary carrier disposed in the gear housing, the lower planetary carrier being adapted to rotate relative to the gear housing. A top drive system is operatively coupled to the gear system, the top drive system having a top drive shaft that is adapted to be driven by the gear system. A single bearing that is adapted to facilitate rotation of the lower planetary carrier is positioned between the gear housing and the lower planetary carrier. A motor apparatus is operatively coupled to and adapted to drive the gear system by rotating the lower planetary carrier relative to the gear housing, wherein a rotational axis of the single bearing is adapted to move in a lateral translational direction with respect to the gear housing while the motor apparatus is rotating the lower planetary carrier. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140263284 | System And Method For Heat Treating A Tubular - A system and method for heat treating a tubular. In one embodiment, a system for heat treating a tubular includes a first coil and a second coil. The first coil is configured to circumferentially surround the tubular and induce, from without the tubular, current flow in a cylindrical portion of the tubular adjacent the first coil. The second coil is configured to be inserted into a bore of the tubular and induce, from within the tubular, in conjunction with the first coil, current flow in the cylindrical portion of the tubular. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262516 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING DRILLING FLUID PROPERTIES - As system for measuring drilling fluid properties includes a capillary rheometer that is adapted to measure viscosity parameters of drilling fluid. The capillary rheometer includes a feed chamber, the feed chamber having a cavity, at least a first drain port for draining fluid out of the cavity, a double wall defining an annulus that opens to the cavity, and a feed port in an outer portion of the double wall that is in fluid communication with the annulus. The capillary rheometer also includes at least a first capillary tube coupled to at least the first drain port. Additionally, the disclosed system further includes a pump that is adapted to pump fluid to the feed port. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140261790 | Poppet Valve with Integrated Dampener - A poppet valve with an integrated dampener is disclosed. In some embodiments, the valve includes a poppet guide with a stem and a hollow poppet is disclosed. The hollow poppet receives the poppet guide stem therein, thereby defining an internal cavity. The poppet is movable relative to the poppet guide to adjust the volume of the internal cavity. The poppet is also moveable relative to a valve seat between a seated position and an unseated position. The poppet may include a body with a seal groove and an elastic seal disposed within the seal groove. The seal is configured to engage the valve seat prior to the poppet body when the poppet moves toward the seated position. The valve may include a poppet guide pivot system that enables pivoting of the poppet guide and the poppet relative to an axial centerline of the valve. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140251894 | VECTOR MAXIMIZING SCREEN - A screen panel assembly includes a screen panel and one or more raised screen components, wherein at least one of the raised screen components is disposed on the screen panel. Furthermore, each of the one or more raised screen components includes at least one inclined screen surface that defines a first plane that is oriented at a first angle relative to said screen panel. Additionally, the first plane is substantially aligned with a second plane that is oriented at a second angle relative to a third plane that is perpendicular to a displacement vector along which the screen panel assembly is accelerated by a vibratory separation device. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251695 | Adjustable Bend Assembly for a Downhole Motor - A downhole motor for directional drilling includes a driveshaft assembly including a driveshaft housing and a driveshaft rotatably disposed within the driveshaft housing. In addition, the downhole motor includes a bearing assembly including a bearing housing and a bearing mandrel rotatably disposed within the bearing housing. The bearing mandrel has a first end directly connected to the driveshaft with a universal joint and a second end coupled to a drill bit. Further, the downhole motor includes an adjustment mandrel configured to adjust an acute deflection angle θ between the central axis of the bearing housing and the central axis of the driveshaft housing. The adjustment mandrel has a central axis coaxially aligned with the bearing housing, a first end coupled to the driveshaft housing, and a second end coupled to the bearing housing. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251689 | FLOW MEASUREMENT AND FLOW SAMPLING SYSTEM - An apparatus includes a body having a central axis, a fluid inlet coupled to the body, the fluid inlet being adapted to receive a flow of a fluid, and a fluid outlet coupled to the body. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are substantially coaxially aligned so as to define a flow axis through the apparatus, and the flow axis is laterally offset from and perpendicular to the central axis of the body. A rotating blade assembly is disposed within said body and includes a plurality of blades, wherein the rotating blade assembly is adapted to be controllably rotated about the central axis so as to control a fluid level of the flow of fluid entering the fluid inlet. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140246197 | COMPACT WELLHEAD SYSTEM WITH BUILT-IN PRODUCTION CAPABILITY - A production system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir includes a wellhead including a housing and a head. The housing has a central axis, an upper end, a lower end, and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a passage extending axially through the housing. In addition, the inner surface of the housing includes an annular recess positioned between the upper end and the lower end. The housing also includes a first production port extending radially through the housing. Further, the system includes a casing hanger disposed within the housing. The casing hanger has an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface, and a through bore extending from the upper end to the lower end. The casing hanger also includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced ports extending radially through the casing hanger from the through bore to the annular recess of the housing. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140244173 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING DOWNHOLE ASSETS - A method of monitoring downhole assets includes tracking a location of a downhole asset relative to a first environment. The configuration information for the downhole asset is acquired, where the configuration information comprises a measurement of one or more forces applied to the downhole asset during assembly of the downhole asset in the first environment. A service life of the downhole asset is determined from the configuration information. One or more parameters related to usage of the downhole environment in a second environment are measured. A remainder of the service life of the downhole asset is determined by reducing the service life by an amount proportional to usage of the downhole asset as indicated by the measurement related to usage of the downhole asset. The remaining service life may be used to automatically initiate an order for new parts. A system of monitoring downhole assets is also disclosed. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140231151 | OPTIMUM POWDER PLACEMENT IN POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CUTTERS - A precise and reproducible method of making a cutter element for a cutting tool includes positioning at least a first material layer of powder; a substrate and sintering. Whereby the positioning is performed by a fill to weight system, and comprises depositing the first material at a rate of about 1 mg per second to about 300 mg per second by the automated system. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140231143 | Pressure Compensation System for a Motor Bearing Assembly - In an oil-sealed bearing assembly in the bearing section of a mud motor, in which a mandrel is rotatably disposed within a cylindrical housing, a cylindrical sleeve is disposed coaxially within the mandrel with the sleeve being non-rotatably mounted to an inner surface of the mandrel, thereby forming an annular piston chamber forming part of a generally annular oil reservoir. An annular piston is axially movable within the piston chamber without rotation relative to either the mandrel or the sleeve. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140231075 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A blowout preventer unit, system and method for monitoring a blowout preventer at a wellsite is provided. The blowout preventer is activatable form a seal to prevent leakage of the fluid produced from subsurface formations. The blowout preventer unit includes wellsite databases, at least one control unit and blowout preventer outputs. The wellsite databases are operatively connectable to the wellsite to receive wellsite data therefrom, and have communication links therebetween. The control unit is operatively connectable to the wellsite databases to selectively divert the wellsite data therebetween via the communication links. The at least one control unit includes a processor to determine blowout preventer parameters from the diverted wellsite data. The blowout preventer outputs are operatively coupled to the wellsite databases, and are accessible by users. The blowout preventer outputs include blowout preventer dashboards to selectively display the blowout preventer parameters whereby blowout preventer conditions are viewable by the users. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140209320 | PORTABLE RAM BLOCK CHANGER - An apparatus for engaging and moving a ram block. In some embodiments, the apparatus, or ram block changer, includes a support bracket coupled to a blowout preventer and an articulated arm releasably coupled to the ram block. The ram block changer may further include a pivot coupling assembly having a first axis of rotation. The pivot coupling assembly extends through the support bracket and the articulated arm, wherein the articulated arm is rotatable about the first axis of rotation relative to the support bracket. The articulated arm may include a first member receiving the pivot coupling assembly therethrough, a second member coupled to the ram block, and a second pivot coupling assembly having a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation and extending through the first and second members. The second member is rotatable about the second axis of rotation relative to the first member. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140197030 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DENSITY SEPARATOR FOR DRILLING FLUID - An apparatus is disclosed for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density is controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a primary separation chamber containing the dense slurry, and a multiple number of secondary separation chambers used to separate cuttings from the drilling fluid. The invention also contains inlet hardware allowing the mixed mineral suspension to enter the first separation chamber, and hardware allowing the three outlet (separated) streams to exit the device. One of the three outlet streams carries the minerals that have a density greater than the user selectable density set point, while the second carries the minerals that have a density less than the density set point, and the third carries clean drilling fluid. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140190905 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM A SOLIDS LADEN DRILLING FLUID - An apparatus for separating solids from solids laden drilling fluid, the apparatus comprising a skid and a basket resiliently suspended thereto and a vibratory mechanism to vibrate the basket, the basket having at least one screen deck for receiving at least one screen, the basket having a feed end at which solids laden drilling fluid is introduced and a discharge end at which solids are discharged through a solids discharge opening, the apparatus further comprising a hood encompassing at least a discharge end of the basket and at least one extraction outlet arranged at the discharge end to remove fume laden air from the basket. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140175028 | FLUID TREATMENT SYSTEM, A FLUID PROCESSING APPARATUS AND A METHOD OF TREATING A MIXTURE - A fluid treatment system, a fluid processing apparatus and a method of treating a mixture are provided in which a separator has two outlets for different components of mixed fluid. A conduit connecting one of the outlets of the separator to the inlet of the separator is provided to recycle fluid from an outlet of the separator back to the inlet and a pump at the inlet of the separator regulates the fluid flow through the separator at a constant rate. As a result, the flow rate through the separator is increased, which increases the separation efficiency of the separation system. The conduit also functions as a bypass line should the flow of fluid be obstructed through the separator. The conduit may preferably be operated in conjunction with an energy harvester. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140166604 | REMOTE HEAVE COMPENSATION SYSTEM - A remote heave compensation system associated with a crane on a vessel may include a heave compensator arranged remotely from the crane and configured to translate in association with and to compensate for heaving motion of the vessel, an equalizer arranged on the crane and coupled to an end of a multiline system of the crane, a heave line secured to the equalizer at a first end and secured to the heave compensator at a second end, wherein compensating motion of the heave compensator is transferred to the equalizer by the heave line to compensate for heaving motion of the vessel and stabilize objects suspended from the multiline system of the crane. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140159361 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING TUBULARS OF A WELLSITE - A tubular and tubular connection for joining adjacent tubulars of a tubular string for passage of fluid therethrough is provided. The tubular connection includes a pin end at an end of a first of adjacent tubulars and a box end at an end of a second of the adjacent tubulars. The pin end has an outer locking surface. The box end has a plurality of fingers at an end thereof with slots therebetween. The fingers are selectively extendable for placement about the pin end of the first of the adjacent tubulars. The fingers having an inner locking surface for interlocking engagement with the outer locking surface of the pin end whereby loads are distributed between the adjacent tubulars. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140151068 | DOWNHOLE PULSE GENERATING DEVICE FOR THROUGH-BORE OPERATIONS - A downhole tool comprises a housing having a longitudinal bore and an agitator assembly disposed within the longitudinal bore of the housing. A removable component is disposed within the longitudinal bore and can be removed from the housing so as to at least partially open the longitudinal bore. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140151058 | Marine Riser with Side Tension Members - A marine riser includes a plurality of central pipes assembled end to end to form a main conduit. A plurality of tension members runs the length of the main conduit. The tension members are coupled to the main conduit to support and constrain an axial motion of the main conduit. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140143998 | DRILL PIPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A tubular threaded connection for coupling drill pipe segments to form a drill string is provided. Each of the segments has a tubular pipe body having a wall thickness of >0.5 inches (1.27 cm). The threaded connection comprises a pin end with an external thread, and a box end with an internal thread for threadable engagement with the external thread of the pin end. The pin shoulder extends between a pin base diameter and an outer pin bevel diameter; the box shoulder extends between a box base diameter and an outer box bevel diameter. The outer pin and box bevel diameters are between 7.75-8.688 inches (19.05-21.59 cm). The pin and box shoulders define a contact area such that, when the pin and box ends are threaded together with a make-up torque of >75,000 ft-lbs (1,079.36 kg-m), a load capacity of >2.0 million lbs (908,000 kg) is provided. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140123565 | Systems and Methods for Vapor Pressure Leaching Polycrystalline Diamond Cutter Elements - A system for leaching a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutter element having a PCD table and a substrate, the system including a housing having an open first end and a closed second end and a lid removably and sealingly attached the first end of the housing. The housing and the lid define an inner chamber extending between the first end and the second end, and the inner chamber is configured to receive and hold a volume of liquid acid therein. In addition, the system includes a cutter element holder disposed within the inner chamber, wherein the PCD cutter element is suspended above the volume of liquid acid in the inner chamber with the holder. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140119974 | Lightweight and Flexible Rotors for Positive Displacement Devices - A rotor for a progressive cavity device has a central axis and includes an outer tubular. The outer tubular has a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface defining a rotor cavity. The outer surface includes at least one helical rotor lobe. The rotor also includes a filler structure disposed within the rotor cavity. The outer tubular is made of a first material having a first density and the filler structure is made of a second material having a second density that is less than the first density. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140118156 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A PASSIVE WIRELESS TAG - A system and method for communicating with a passive wireless tag. In one embodiment, a device for powering a passive wireless tag includes a power source, a first antenna, and a controller. The controller is configured to detect a wireless signal transmission directed to the passive wireless tag. The controller is further configured to transmit power extracted from the power source, via the first antenna, to the passive wireless tag, responsive to detection of the wireless signal transmission. The transmitted power is to be used to power the passive wireless tag. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140115912 | Measurement Tool - A measurement tool | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140110611 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER SEAL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A shear sealing system of a blowout preventer of a wellbore is provided. The blowout preventer including a housing having a bore and a guideway therethrough. A tubular of the wellbore is positionable in the bore. The shear sealing system includes at least one carriage, at least one blade and at least one seal. The carriages are slidably positionable in the guideway of the blowout preventer. The blades are carried by the carriages and movable thereby between a retracted position and an extended position. The blades are engageable with the tubular when in the extended position. The seal forms a seal about the tubular and with the blade when the blade is in the extended position. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140110173 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SERVICING PIPES - An apparatus for servicing pipes includes a pipe holder having a frame configured to support the pipe and a movement assembly coupled to the frame and configured to rotate the pipe about a longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a first pipe servicing tool disposed proximate to an end of the pipe holder, where the first pipe servicing tool is configured to operably engage an end of the pipe when the pipe is rotated by the movement assembly. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140102789 | DUAL GRADIENT DRILLING SYSTEM - A dual gradient drilling system comprises a primary riser that is coupled to a drilling rig and a subsea wellhead and an auxiliary riser that is coupled to the drilling rig and to the primary riser by a fluid conduit that is disposed at a point between the drilling rig and the wellhead. The fluid conduit provides fluid communication between the primary riser and the auxiliary riser. A pump system is disposed within the auxiliary riser and is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. A drive string is disposed within the auxiliary riser and is coupled to the pump system so as to operably couple the pump system to the drilling rig. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140096513 | Super Efficient Regulator - A system for producing mechanical energy. In some embodiments, the system includes a first source providing a first fluid, a fluid pressurization device, a second source supplying a second fluid, a first motor, and a second motor. The fluid pressurization device draws in the first fluid from the first source and increases the pressure of the first fluid. The first motor is driven by the second fluid, the second fluid decreasing in pressure and the first motor powering the fluid pressurization device as the second fluid passes through the first motor. The second motor receives a mixture of the first fluid from the first motor and the second fluid from the fluid pressurization device, whereby the second motor produces the mechanical energy. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140091146 | EXTENDED RANGE EMF ANTENNA - An antenna for use in an asset-identification system. The antenna includes a plurality of electrically conductive coils electrically connected in parallel. The coils are physically aligned along a common axis. The coils are offset along the common axis by a distance selected to reduce the mutual inductance between the electrically conductive coils, while allowing the signals from the electrically conductive coils to add together. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140090888 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Controlling the Flow of Drilling Fluid in a Wellbore - A drilling system includes a drill string extending through a BOP and a drilling fluid discharge coupling mounted to the BOP. In addition, the drilling system includes a drilling fluid control system configured to control a pressure or flow rate of a drilling fluid flowing through the discharge coupling. The drilling fluid control system includes a flow rate and pressure regulating device, a feedback controller system configured to operate the regulating device, and a first sensor configured to measure an actual pressure or flow rate of the drilling fluid flowing through the discharge coupling. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140083711 | HANDS FREE GOOSENECK WITH ROTATING CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES - A gooseneck assembly having a body disposed circumferentially about a portion of a riser string. A stab member is inwardly radially extendable relative to the body and engages a receptacle disposed on the riser string. A cartridge assembly engages the stab member and has a flexible hose coupling that is rotatable relative to a central axis of the stab member. The coupling is in fluid communication with the receptacle via the stab member. The assembly includes an actuator that is operable to rotate the flexible hose coupling relative to the central axis of the stab member. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140069649 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR WIDE CATCH OVERSHOT - A grapple for use in an overshot has a tension ring with a reduced helix diameter but the helix diameter is not reduced on either sides of the control finger slot. One embodiment includes expansion blades on the inner diameter (“ID”) of the tension ring to allow the grapple to expand substantially before the fish reaches the segments. An embodiment provides for a control with an offset finger to allow the guide thread ID to be smaller than the bowl helix major ID. Also provided is grapple control for a spiral grapple that has at least one gap to allow the grapple control to be more compliant during fishing operations. The control may include one or more bridges of reduced thickness. Alternate embodiments include gaps and support bands with or without bridges and/or a backup ring to help eliminate misalignment of the grapple control with the support shoulder of the overshot guide. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140060817 | HEAVY DUTY ROPE SOCKETS AND RELATED METHODS - A rope socket comprises a slip cone subassembly having a straight outer diameter and a tapered inner diameter. A plurality of slips is positioned within the slip cone body. A retainer ring holds the slips together. A guide plug is positioned within the slips to maintain the slips in an opening position during insertion of a cable. A spring stabilizer having a spring thereon is coupled above the slip cone assembly to ensure even compression of the spring. A safety slot is located on the body of the rope socket in order to provide a visual indication of the cable position. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140056731 | HYDRAULICALLY CONTROLLED RECIPROCATING PUMP SYSTEM - A system for pressurizing a working fluid including a cylinder having an outlet through which the working fluid is exhausted at a discharge pressure and a plunger translatably disposed within the cylinder, the plunger including a first piston coupled thereto. In addition, the system includes a second piston disposed opposite the first piston, the second piston driven to reciprocate and a variable-volume chamber disposed between the first piston and the second piston, the variable-volume chamber substantially filled with a volume of hydraulic fluid. Further, the system includes a hydraulic system configured to adjust the volume of hydraulic fluid within the variable-volume chamber, whereby the discharge pressure is maintained substantially at a first predetermined level. Still further, the system includes a transducer coupled to each of the first piston and the second piston, wherein the transducer is configured to measure a relative position of the first piston and the second piston. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140054216 | SCREEN ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD FOR MAKING SAME - A screen assembly for a shale shaker, the screen assembly including a support structure and at least one layer of screening material thereon. The support structure includes structural members having a thermal expansion coefficient and the at least one layer of screening material has a thermal expansion coefficient. The thermal expansion coefficient of the structural members is substantially equal to the thermal expansion coefficient of the at least one layer of screening material. A method for making a support structure for a screen assembly is also provided. The method includes placing at least one support member in a mold whereupon a flowable plastics material is injected into the mould, whereupon the flowable plastics material hardens, at least a portion of the flowable plastics material forming a brace. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140037232 | Mud-Lubricated Bearing Assembly with Mechanical Seal - In a mud-lubricated bearing assembly for a downhole motor, a mechanical seal is provided between the mandrel and the lower end of the bearing housing to prevent discharge of drilling fluid (mud) from the bearing assembly into the wellbore annulus. The mechanical seal is effected by mating wear-resistant annular contact surfaces provided on the mandrel and the bearing housing, with biasing means preferably being provided to keep the contact surfaces in sealing engagement during both on-bottom and off-bottom operational modes. The diverted drilling fluid passing through the bearings is redirected into the bore of the mandrel via ports through the mandrel wall to rejoin the main flow to the drill bit, such that substantially all of the drilling fluid flows through the bit. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140034386 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING STICK-SLIP - A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140027182 | TELESCOPING CORE BARREL - A coring assembly comprises a shoe and a tubular body having a first end coupled to the shoe. An inner sleeve is releasably coupled to the shoe and has a first end disposed within the shoe and a second end that is slidably engaged with the tubular body. A middle sleeve is slidably engaged with the tubular body and releasably coupled to the shoe. At least a portion of the middle sleeve is disposed within an annulus defined by the inner sleeve and the tubular body. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140021120 | SHALE SHAKERS WITH SELECTIVE SERIES/PARALLEL FLOW PATH CONVERSION - Methods and systems are disclosed employing a shale shaker for processing a mixture of drilling fluid and solids with multiple screen assemblies and conversion apparatus for switching flow to the screen assemblies between series flow and parallel flow; and in one aspect, a screen or screens for screening lost circulation material. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140000865 | Coiled Tubing Injector With Limited Slip Chains | 01-02-2014 |
| 20130345878 | VIDEOMETRIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OFFSHORE AND OIL-WELL DRILLING - A system is disclosed for determining the position of a downhole drill pipe relative to a pipe handling device. The system comprises: an imaging means arranged to capture an image of the drill pipe in a region of the pipe for engagement by the device; and a processor operable to analyse said captured image and to determine therefrom the position of the drill pipe relative to said device. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130340873 | APPARATUS FOR REDUCING TURBULENCE IN A FLUID STREAM - A system for conveying fluid includes a conduit segment and a pump disposed downstream of and fluidicly coupled to the conduit segment. The conduit segment has an interior volume for conveying the fluid in a predetermined direction of flow and a plurality of elongate vanes disposed within the interior volume. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130333900 | COILED TUBING INJECTOR WITH STRAIN RELIEF - A coiled tubing injector, rollers on the backside of grippers on a gripper chain pass over at least one shallow groove or depression formed in, or gap between segments of, a planar roller contact surface of a skate, thereby momentarily removing or reducing the force being applied by the skate to the grippers as the grippers pass through at least one predetermined location within a gripping zone of the coiled tubing injector. The reduction or removal of the force on the grippers allows the grippers to reset their positions on the tubing at one or more predetermined locations in order to accommodate changes in the strain caused by changes in stress as the tubing moves through the injector. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130327574 | Carbon Foam Metal Matrix Composite and Mud Pump Employing Same - A method for manufacturing a metal reinforced open cell carbon foam component comprises (a) placing a block of open cell carbon foam in a mold. The block comprise a plurality of interconnected pores distributed throughout the block. In addition, the method comprises (b) pouring a molten metal into the mold. Further, the method comprises (c) infiltrating the interconnected pores in the block during (b). Still further, the method comprises (d) allowing the molten metal to cool after (c) to form a metal reinforced open cell carbon foam casting. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130319952 | DEOILING HYDROCYCLONE - A method of controlling a hydrocyclone system for separating a fluid mixture wherein the system includes a separator vessel for receiving the fluid mixture and performing a primary separation of the more dense and the less dense fluid phase thereby forming an interface within the separator, and a hydrocyclone apparatus having a first and second hydrocyclone compartments to separate the phases. The method includes alternating the flow rate through the hydrocyclone apparatus, alternating the interface or fluid mixture level in the separator vessel between a first level and a second level; and alternating the second hydrocyclone compartment between an open state in flow communication with the first hydrocyclone compartment and a closed state in isolation from the first compartment. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130319770 | DRILL BIT SEAL AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A seal for a rolling cutter drill bit is provided. The seal has a ring shaped seal body having an inside diameter and an outside diameter, and a mud lobe and a grease lobe extending from the inside diameter of the seal body. The seal body has an asymmetrical, longitudinal cross-section such that, when positioned in a seal groove of the drill bit and compressed therein under downhole pressure, the mud lobe and grease lobe are maintained in contact with a seal land of the seal groove. The seal body may be provided with a garter spring and/or a textured pattern. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130313449 | Blowout Preventer Ram Assembly and Method of Using Same - The techniques herein relate to a ram assembly for a blowout preventer for receiving a tubular of a wellbore. The ram assembly includes a ram block for engagement with the tubular, a ram shaft for selectively extending and retracting the ram block, and a ram connector for operatively connecting the ram shaft to the ram block. The ram block has at least one block groove. The ram shaft has a ram head with at least one shaft groove. The ram connector includes at least one shear connector correspondingly disposable in the block groove and the shaft groove whereby the ram shaft is releasably securable to the ram block. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130299238 | System and Method for Monitoring Seals Between a Stationary Conduit and a Rotating Conduit - A device for monitoring a seal assembly includes a body having a central axis and a through-passage, a piston slidably disposed in the through-passage and biased towards one end of the body by a biasing member, and a signaling assembly coupled to the body. The signaling assembly includes an indicator and a switch coupled to the indicator. The through-passage and the piston are exposed to a fluid pressure in the seal assembly. The piston is configured to translate axially in the through-passage to transition the switch between a first position and a second position, allowing the switch to transition the indicator between a deactivated state and an activated state. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130299172 | SHEAR SEAL BLOWOUT PREVENTER - A shear/seal ram provides a knife edge at the shearing edge and the knife edge is inclined to minimize the cutting force required and to leave a clean cut edge. The knife edge is presented in an opening of the ram, thus the opening is positioned at the axis of the BOP, and consequently the coiled tubing, before the coiled tubing is run through the BOP. A biasing means, such as for example a Bellville spring, forces a sealing sleeve against the underside of the ram to prevent leakage of pressure from below the BOP. Similarly, a plurality of biasing means, referred to herein as “skates”, forces the ram down against the sealing sleeve to seal pressure from above the BOP. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130287616 | PROGRESSING CAVITY PUMP/MOTOR - A progressing cavity pump/motor includes a stator ( | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130277150 | CENTRIFUGAL APPLICATOR - A pipe lubricant applicator includes a rotatable housing to receive a lubricant, the housing having a central axis and a concave inner surface and wherein an axis extending radially from the central axis of the housing intersects the concave inner surface at an angle that is not 90°. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130276386 | SUBSTRUCTURE OF A MOBILE DRILLING RIG WITH A MOVABLE CENTER FLOOR SECTION - Disclosed herein is a raisable substructure of a drilling rig that includes first and second substructure boxes. The first and second substructure boxes of the raisable substructure each include, among other things an upper box and a lower box, wherein each of the upper boxes is adapted to be raised above a respective lower box. The disclosed raisable substructure also includes a movable center floor section that is adapted to be supported by the upper boxes of the first and second substructure boxes, wherein the movable center floor section is further adapted to be slidably moved between the upper boxes during assembly of the drilling rig. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130269268 | MOBILE DRILLING RIG WITH TELESCOPING SUBSTRUCTURE BOXES - Disclosed herein is a telescoping substructure of a drilling rig that includes first and second telescoping substructure boxes. The first and second telescoping substructure boxes each include, among other things, a lower substructure box and an upper substructure box that is adapted to be telescopically raised and lowered relative to the lower substructure box. Furthermore, each telescoping substructure box also includes raising means for telescopically raising and lowering the upper substructure box relative to the lower substructure box between a collapsed configuration for transportation and a raised configuration for drilling operations, wherein each of the first and second telescoping substructure boxes are adapted to facilitate movement of the telescoping substructure in at least one of a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction over wellhead equipment positioned above a wellbore location when the upper substructure boxes are in the raised configuration. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130264501 | Blowout Preventer Seal Assembly and Method of Using Same - A seal assembly for a blowout preventer of a wellsite is provided. The blowout preventer includes a housing and at least one component operatively connectable to the housing. The housing has a bore and a channel therethrough. A tubular is positionable through the bore and engageable therein. The seal assembly includes a seal plate, a seal carrier, and at least one seal. The seal plate is operatively connectable between the housing and the at least one component of the blowout preventer, and has at least one seal groove extending therein. The seal carrier is disposable about a perimeter of the seal plate, has at least one carrier lip disposable in a seal groove(s), and has at least one seal receptacle. The seal is receivably positionable in the seal receptacle, and in sealing engagement with one of the housing, the component, and combinations thereof. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130264070 | Misalignment-Tolerant Wellsite Connection Assembly, System, and Method - A connection assembly, system and method for connecting components of a wellsite are provided. The wellsite has a wellbore extending into a subsurface formation, the connection assembly includes a female connector having a cavity extending therein, a floating cartridge having, and a male connector. The female connector or floating cartridge is operatively connectable to a first of the components. The floating cartridge is operatively connectable to the female connector and laterally movable therein. The male connector is receivable in the cavity and is operatively connectable to the second of the components and the floating cartridge such that the male connector and the female connector are movably positionable relative to each other by the floating cartridge whereby a misalignment between the wellsite components is tolerated. The male connector may have a joint pivotally connectable to the floating cartridge. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130251572 | Methods and Apparatus for Enhancing Elastomeric Stator Insert Material Properties with Radiation - A method for manufacturing a stator for a progressive cavity motor or pump comprises (a) forming an elastomeric stator insert. In addition, the method comprises (b) exposing the elastomeric stator insert to ionizing radiation. Further, the method comprises (c) positioning the elastomeric stator insert in a stator housing to form a stator. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130243559 | WINDMILL CONVEYANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A conveyance system and method for delivering at least one component of a windmill to a location is provided. The system is provided with a transporter and a transfer system. The transporter is positionable adjacent a base at the location. The transfer system is provided with a plurality of rails, a support and at least one slider. The rails are positionable on the base and the transporter. The support has a first portion of the rails of the transporter thereon. The support is positionable along a second portion of the rails on a surface of the transporter, and slidably movable between a retracted and an extended position whereby the support is selectively positionable adjacent the base. The slider carries the component(s) of the windmill. The slider is slidably movable along the rails of the transporter and the base whereby the component(s) is/are slidably transferrable between the transporter and the base. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130233571 | COILED TUBING INJECTOR HEAD WITH CHAIN GUIDES - In an injector head ( | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130228382 | INNER GAUGE RING DRILL BIT - A drill bit comprises a plurality of annular blades coupled to a bit body. A plurality of gauge pads is coupled to the bit body and defines an outer cutting diameter. A circumferentially continuous gauge ring is coupled to the bit body and defines an inner cutting diameter. An inner cutting structure is coupled to the bit body and has a cutting diameter substantially equal to the inner cutting diameter. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130220703 | TRACK GUIDING SYSTEM - A track guiding system includes a first track segment having a first end and a second end, the first track segment including a first linear beam segment operatively coupled to a first linear plate segment. The track guiding system further includes and a second track segment having a first end and a second end, the second track segment including a second linear beam segment operatively coupled to a second linear plate segment, wherein the first end of the first track segment is adapted to be operatively coupled to the second end of the second track segment, a first end of the first linear beam segment proximate the first end of the first track segment being adapted to overlap a second end of the second linear plate segment proximate the second end of said second track segment when the second track segment is operatively coupled to the first track segment. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130220204 | Crane on a Vessel - A travelling crane arrangement provided on a floating vessel having a deck and a pair of substantially parallel tracks comprises a pair of uprights configured to move along the respective tracks. In addition, the travelling crane arrangement comprises a transverse beam extending between said uprights across the deck of the vessel in spaced relation thereto. Further, the travelling crane arrangement comprises a trolley configured to move along the beam. The trolley carries at least part of a lifting mechanism configured to lift a load above the deck. Still further, the crane arrangement includes a support selectively positionable in a brace position extending between the deck and the trolley. In the brace position, the support is configured to at least partially support the beam in compression during use of the lifting mechanism to lift or otherwise support the weight of a load. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130199802 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The techniques herein relate to a blowout preventer a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The blowout preventer includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a segment carrier positionable in the housing, and a piston. The segment carrier includes a carrier ring for receiving the tubular and a plurality of segments pivotally movable radially thereabout. The piston is operatively connectable to the plurality of segments and actuatable for moving the plurality of segments between a disengaged and an engaged position about the tubular. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130199801 | WELLHEAD CONNECTOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The techniques herein relate to a blowout preventer a wellhead of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The blowout preventer includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a segment carrier positionable in the housing, and a piston. The segment carrier includes a carrier ring for receiving the mandrel and a plurality of segments pivotally movable radially thereabout. The piston is operatively connectable to the plurality of segments and actuatable for moving the plurality of segments between a disengaged and an engaged position about the mandrel. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130193081 | Method and Apparatus for Fluid Treatment - A system for mixing a gas in a fluid including an inlet section in fluid communication with a fluid source and a gas source, a nozzle, and a flow reverser. The inlet section has a throughbore in which the fluid and the gas combine to form a treated fluid. The nozzle receives the treated fluid from the inlet section and accelerates the treated fluid. The flow reverser has an open end in fluid communication with the nozzle and a closed end. The nozzle is oriented relative to the flow reverser to direct the treated fluid toward the closed end of the flow reverser. The flow reverser receives the treated fluid from the nozzle and mixes the treated fluid. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130189141 | DAMPENERS FOR PUMPING SYSTEMS - A drilling fluid pumping system including a pump apparatus with a pumping chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve and a dampener system in fluid communication with the pumping chamber for damping the flow of fluid, e.g. drilling fluid, This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130189038 | Jack-Up Rig with Leg-Supported Ballast Loads - A jack-up rig for offshore operations comprises a hull. In addition, the rig comprises a support leg moveably coupled to the hull. The support leg has a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end opposite the upper end. Further, the support leg is adapted to be axially raised and lowered relative to the hull. The rig also comprises a ballast tank movably coupled to the support leg. The ballast tank is adapted to be axially raised and lowered relative to the support leg and the hull. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130186689 | DOWNHOLE TOOL WITH EXTERNAL HOUSING TORQUE TRANSFER - A downhole tool comprises a first connector sub coupled to an outer housing. A mandrel is disposed in the outer housing and is coupled to a mandrel. The second connector sub is slidably engaged with the outer housing so that torque loads are transferred from the first connector sub to the second connector sub through the outer housing independently of the mandrel. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130180728 | Welded Downhole Components and Method of Forming Same - Welded downhole tools and methods are provided. The downhole tool is deployable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a first downhole component having a first mating feature on at least one end thereof and at least one second downhole component weldably connectable to the end of the first downhole component. The second downhole component has a second mating feature on an end thereof. The first and second mating features include at least one raised ridge for concentric self-alignment along a common axis with the other of the first and second mating features whereby, upon frictional engagement of the end of the first downhole component with the end of the second component under heat and pressure, a welded connection is formed therebetween. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130180186 | COLLAPSIBLE SUBSTRUCTURE FOR A MOBILE DRILLING RIG - Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a collapsible substructure of a mobile drilling rig. In one illustrative embodiment, a drilling rig substructure is disclosed that includes a base having a fixed drill floor mounted thereon, wherein an upper surface of the fixed drill floor is positioned at an operating height above the base for performing drilling operations at a wellbore location of a drilling site. Furthermore, a raisable floor is also included that is adapted to be positioned in a lowered transportation position for transportation of the substructure to the drilling site and raised to an operating position adjacent to the fixed drill floor for performing drilling operations, wherein a height level of an upper surface of the raisable floor is lower than a height level of the upper surface of the fixed drill floor when the raisable floor is positioned in the lowered transportation position. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130175048 | BOOM MOUNTED COILED TUBING GUIDE AND METHOD FOR RUNNING COILED TUBING - A coiled tubing support guide for maintaining an arch in a length of coiled tubing as it is unwound from a storage reel and feed into a coiled tubing injector connected with a wellhead is mounted to an elongated support structure rather than to the coiled tubing injector. The elongated support structure bears a load created by tension placed on the coiled tubing by the reel, thereby avoiding putting a bending moment on the wellhead. In alternate embodiment, a coiled tubing injector being held by a hoist line from the elongated support structure is coupled to the elongated support structure with a bending-resistant coupling that permits relative rotation of the coiled tubing injector. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130168516 | Apparatus and Method for Positioning Connection Equipment on a Drilling Rig - A positioning apparatus for moving connection equipment on a drilling rig, the positioning apparatus comprising a piston and cylinder ( | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130168345 | DEEP WATER KNUCKLE BOOM CRANE - A crane including an inner boom, an outer boom, a plurality of guide assemblies arranged along the length of the inner and outer boom and adapted for guiding a plurality of lines, and a multi-line material handling system including a first line having an outgoing portion extending to a sheave block, and an incoming portion returning from the sheave block to a supported anchor device, and a second line having an outgoing portion extending to the sheave block, and an incoming portion returning from the sheave block to the supported anchor device. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130161029 | HYDRODYNAMIC JOURNAL BEARING FLOW CONTROL BUSHING FOR A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - A rotating control device comprises an outer housing having a bore for receiving a tubular member. An inner housing and a piston assembly are rotatably disposed within the outer housing. An annular sealing assembly is disposed between the piston assembly and the inner housing so that axial movement of the piston assembly moves the annular sealing assembly into sealing engagement with the inner housing and the tubular member. A plurality of bearings is disposed between the inner housing and the outer housing. At least one of the plurality of bearings is a hydrodynamic journal bearing. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130160309 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING PIPE - A system and method for measuring a pipe is provided. The system includes a frame rotatably receiving the pipe, a carriage movably positionable along the frame, a guide floatingly positionable about the carriage, at least one sensor for measuring a position of the pipe, and a measurement unit operatively linked to the sensor for collecting measurements therefrom. The guide has a mouth that receivingly engages the pipe and axially aligns therewith. The pipe is measured with the sensor(s) while moving at least one of the pipe, the carriage and the guide. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130149182 | Reinforced Stators and Fabrication Methods - A stator for a progressive cavity pump or motor comprises a tubular housing having a central axis. In addition, the stator comprises a stator insert coaxially disposed within the housing. The stator insert has a radially outer surface that engages the housing and a radially inner surface defining a helical-shaped through bore extending axially through the stator insert. The stator insert includes an insert body and an insert liner attached to the insert body. The insert body is radially positioned between the housing and the insert liner. The insert body comprises a reinforcement structure and a plurality of voids dispersed within the reinforcement structure. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146359 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A WELL FOR UNWANTED FORMATION FLUID INFLUX - A method of monitoring a well for unwanted formation fluid influx is disclosed. Measurements of well outflow are acquired during a period in which drilling operations are performed for the well. Occurrences of stagnant flow events during the period are determined. An outflow signature is generated from the well outflow measurements for each stagnant flow event. The outflow signatures are displayed sequentially in time of occurrence. Each outflow signature is analyzed for an anomaly. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130142977 | Releasable Corrosion Inhibitors - The present invention includes compositions and methods of supplying a corrosion inhibitor including placing a corrosion inhibitor attached to a nanostructure carrier, placing the nanostructure carrier containing the corrosion inhibitor at a location and the nanostructure carrier is capable of releasing the corrosion inhibitor. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130126769 | Dual-Flow Valve and Swivel - A dual-flow valve includes an inner valve body defining a first flow path and an outer valve body circumscribing the inner valve body. The outer valve body and the inner valve body define a second flow path. The dual-flow valve includes a valve element disposed across the first flow path and the second flow path. The valve element has a first passage for selective flow alignment with the first flow path and a second passage for selective flow alignment with the second flow path. A dual flow swivel includes an upper and lower swivel body, with the lower body adapted to rotate relative to the upper body. Two separate flow paths extend through the swivel bodies allowing upwardly and downwardly directed flows through the swivel bodies. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130125323 | PIG RECEIVER - An apparatus for receiving a pig ( | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130120577 | VIDEOMETRIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OFFSHORE AND OIL-WELL DRILLING - A crane control system for determining a suitable real-time operating regime for a crane arranged to lift cargo from a marine vessel, the system includes an imaging means associated with the crane, a processing means, and a memory means. The imaging means is arranged to capture images of the vessel when it is located generally below the crane and within the operational range of the crane. The processing means is operable to calculate from the captured images movement parameters characterising the movement of the vessel relative to the crane. The memory contains performance data representative of the performance characteristics of the crane and cargo data representative of the weight of individual items of said cargo. The processing means is further configured to compare the calculated movement parameters to the performance data and the cargo data and to determine from said comparison a safe operating regime for the crane. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118812 | Rotary Steerable Push-the-Bit Drilling Apparatus with Self-Cleaning Fluid Filter - A steerable drilling apparatus includes a control system inside a cylindrical housing connected to a drill bit having radially-extendable pistons. A fluid-metering assembly directs a piston-actuating fluid into fluid channels leading to respective pistons. The control system controls the fluid-metering assembly to allow fluid flow to selected pistons, causing the actuated pistons to temporarily extend in the opposite direction to a desired wellbore deviation, thereby deflecting the drill bit away from the borehole centerline. An upper member in the fluid-metering assembly can be moved to stabilize, steer, and change TFA within the drill bit. The control system and drill bit are connected so as to facilitate removal to change the drill bit's steering section and cutting structure configuration or gauge simultaneously. The apparatus may incorporate a fluid filter module mounted to the control system. The pistons may incorporate auxiliary cutting elements to provide near-bit reaming capability. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130112486 | Resilient Bit Systems and Methods - A drill bit for subsurface drilling includes a body, a blade extending from the body, and a flex cut behind the front side of the blade to allow at least a portion of the blade to flex. The drill bit may include a void cut disposed behind the front side of the blade and intersecting the flex cut. A void cut is larger in one dimension than is the flex cut in that dimension. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112428 | CIRCULATION SUB AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - Techniques for continuously circulating fluid into a drill string are provided. These techniques involve a circulation sub ( | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130106102 | TORQUE ENHANCED THREADED CONNECTION | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130105412 | Apparatus and Method for Separating Solids from a Solids Laden Drilling Fluid | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130092442 | FULL CLOSURE CORE CATCHER - A core catcher includes a housing having an inner wall that defines an axial bore through the housing. A retention member is disposed within the housing and is coupled to a first hinge tab that defines a first hinge barrel with the inner wall of the housing. A first closure member has a slot that is engaged with the first hinge tab and a pivot edge that is at least partially disposed within the first hinge barrel. In an open position, the first closure member is disposed in an annulus between a sleeve that is slidably disposed within the housing and the housing. In a closed position the first closure member is disposed at least partially across the axial bore of the housing. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130084175 | Stator for Progressive Cavity Pump/Motor - A stator for a progressive cavity pump or motor includes a stator housing and a stator thread made of a material moulded within the housing. The stator housing includes an outer tube and an inner anchor element within. The anchor element has radially disposed apertures and is spaced from outer tube. To fix the anchor element in the outer tube, the axial end faces of the anchor element each have a first set of protrusions and indentations around the circumference thereof. Two end caps of the housing are fixed at the end faces of the outer tube. Each end cap is provided with an interconnecting part having a second set of protrusions and indentations. The first and second sets of protrusions and indentations interengage to mechanically fix the anchor element axially and radially within the outer tube. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081878 | Methods and Apparatus for Coring - A coring apparatus comprises a coring bit operable to cut a core. An outer barrel is coupled to and configured to rotate the coring bit. An inner barrel is disposed within the outer barrel and is isolated from rotation with the outer barrel. A fabric sleeve is disposed within the inner barrel and configured to receive the core cut by the coring bit. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130075114 | TORQUE REACTION DEVICE FOR PIPE RUNNING TOOL - The present disclosure relates to the field of drilling equipment for the discovery and production of hydrocarbons from the earth. In particular, this disclosure relates to a torque reaction device for coupling a pipe running tool to a top drive assembly on a drilling rig. In one embodiment, a system for coupling a pipe segment to a pipe string includes a top drive assembly, a pipe running tool, and a torque reaction device. The top drive assembly includes an output shaft and a link extending from the top drive. The top drive is operative to rotate the output shaft with respect to the link. The pipe running tool is coupled to the output shaft and is engageable with a pipe segment to transmit torque from the output shaft to the pipe segment. The torque reaction device couples the pipe running tool to the link. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130068741 | LASER HARDENED SURFACE FOR WEAR AND CORROSION RESISTANCE - A method of laser hardening comprises irradiating a surface of a component with a laser beam to form a first band of irradiated material, irradiating the surface of the component with the laser beam to form a second band of irradiated material that overlaps the first band of irradiated material, where the first band and the second band have a pitch to width ratio of between about 0.5 and about 0.78. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130063277 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING USE OF A DOWNHOLE ASSET - A system and method for managing use of a downhole asset. In one embodiment, a system includes a rig interface, a tag reader, and FIG. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130051950 | CUTTING DEVICE ON MOVEABLE PLATFORM - A cutting or milling machine with an end mill is mounted on a moveable platform, wherein the platform is moveable by a mechanical assembly to put the end mill through a circular motion apart from the rotational motion imparted by the milling machine. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130043168 | MAGNETIC VIBRATORY SCREEN CLAMPING - The present disclosure is generally directed to vibratory separators that are used for processing drilling fluid, and in particular, vibratory separators that utilize electromagnetic clamping apparatuses for attaching screen assemblies to a basket assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, an illustrative vibratory separator is disclosed which includes, among other things, a basket assembly having at least one screen support, and at least one screen assembly that is adapted to be releasably secured to the at least one screen support. Additionally, the disclosed vibratory separator also includes an electromagnetic clamp apparatus that is adapted to releasably secure the at least one screen assembly to the at least one screen support when the electro-magnetic clamp apparatus is energized to a magnetized state, and to release the at least one screen assembly from the at least one screen support when the electro-magnetic clamp apparatus is de-energized to an un-magnetized state. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130038994 | DOWNHOLE TAG ASSEMBLY - Assemblies for packaging a downhole tag. In one embodiment, a tag assembly includes a package configured to contain a wireless tag. The package includes a base, an inner cover, and an outer cover. The base includes a cavity configured to retain an antenna, tag circuitry, and the inner cover disposed over the antenna and tag circuitry. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130015385 | POPPET VALVE WITH INTEGRATED DAMPENERAANM MARICA; ADRIANAACI CypressAAST TXAACO USAAGP MARICA; ADRIAN Cypress TX US - A poppet valve with an integrated dampener is disclosed. In some embodiments, the valve includes a poppet guide with a stem and a hollow poppet is disclosed. The hollow poppet receives the poppet guide stem therein, thereby defining an internal cavity. The poppet is movable relative to the poppet guide to adjust the volume of the internal cavity. The poppet is also moveable relative to a valve seat between a seated position and an unseated position. The poppet may include a body with a seal groove and an elastic seal disposed within the seal groove. The seal is configured to engage the valve seat prior to the poppet body when the poppet moves toward the seated position. The valve may include a poppet guide pivot system that enables pivoting of the poppet guide and the poppet relative to an axial centerline of the valve. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20120312549 | TUBULAR RETRIEVAL - A tubular retrieval method comprises applying a cyclically varying fluid pressure to the interior of a section of cut bore-lining tubular ( | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120304553 | DRILLING RIG SYSTEM WITH SELF-ELEVATING DRILL FLOOR - A transportable drilling rig having a self-elevating drill floor includes a base structure comprising multiple base towers that can be transported to a wellsite and positioned around an intended wellbore location. A horizontal base frame is installed between lower regions of the towers to form a stable rig base structure, and a drill floor can then be constructed over the base frame and between the base towers. A suitable rig mast can then be erected on the drill floor. Floor-lifting cables are anchored to upper regions of the base towers and disposable around corresponding sheave assemblies associated with the drill floor. The free ends of the floor-lifting cables can be engaged by the traveling block in the rig mast, whereupon the rig's drawworks can be actuated to elevate the drill floor and mast as required and then locked to the base towers. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120294687 | Stator Manufacturing Method and Whirling Cutter Device - A method for machining a helical bore of a stator comprises providing a stator body with a bore. In addition, the method comprises providing a first and a second machining device. The first machining device comprises a milling head coupled to the end of a shaft and a rotary cutter mounted to the milling head for rotation about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The second machining device comprises a whirling head on the end of a shaft and a whirling cutter mounted to the whirling head for rotation about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis but offset therefrom by a selectively variable degree. Further, the method comprises driving the first machining device through the bore multiple times with the rotary cutter following a helical path. Still further, the method comprises driving the second machining device through the bore with the whirling cutter following the same helical path. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120279724 | DOWNHOLE TRACTOR - A method of translating a member through a bore comprises moving fluid through a tubular member such as a drill string ( | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120272174 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRILLING A BOREHOLE USING STREAMING REFERENCE DATA - A system and method for improving drilling efficiency using drilling efficiency reference from a previously drilled offset well. In one embodiment a method for drilling a borehole includes displaying a graphical representation of drilling efficiency for a previously drilled wellbore. A graphical representation of drilling efficiency for the borehole is also displayed. The displayed drilling efficiency for the previously drilled wellbore is compared to the displayed drilling efficiency for the borehole. Responsive to the comparing, the drilling efficiency for the borehole is adjusted by changing a parameter affecting the drilling of the borehole. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120258828 | Belt Tensioner - A tensioner system for tensioning a power transfer member such as a chain or a belt is disclosed. In one example, the system includes a base adapted to rotate about a main shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor, a housing positioned around the main shaft and a plurality of deformable elastic members positioned within the housing. The system further includes a plurality of deforming members positioned within the housing around the main shaft, wherein the plurality of deforming members are adapted to be urged in a radially outward direction so as to deform the deformable elastic members. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120227987 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING A WELLBORE - Methods and apparatuses for sealing a wellbore are provided. A seal assembly carried by a pair of opposing ram blocks of a blowout preventer is provided. The seal assembly includes a pair of seals carried by the pair of opposing ram blocks and a plurality of inserts carried by the pair of seals. The inserts include an upper body and a lower body with a rib therebetween. The upper and lower bodies each have an extended tip on a seal end thereof and a tip receptacle on a leading face thereof for receiving the extended tip. The extended tips are positionable in the tip receptacle of an adjacent inserts whereby an extrusion of a seal therebetween is restricted. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120223267 | VALVE HAVING OPPOSED CURVED SEALING SURFACES ON A VALVE MEMBER AND A VALVE SEAT TO FACILITATE EFFECTIVE SEALING - An illustrative valve is disclosed that includes a valve body, a valve seat disposed within the valve body that has a first curved sealing surface and a valve member having a second curved sealing surface that is adapted to sealingly engage the first curved sealing surface, wherein the first and second curved sealing surfaces are opposed curved sealing surfaces. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120222760 | VALVE CARTRIDGE FOR PUMP SYSTEMS - An illustrative valve cartridge for a pump system is disclosed. In one example the valve cartridge includes a cartridge body, a mounting flange operatively coupled to the cartridge body, wherein the mounting flange is adapted to be coupled to a housing of a pump, a valve member that is adapted to sealingly engage a valve seat within the pump housing and an actuator positioned within the cartridge body, wherein the actuator is operatively coupled to the valve member via a connector and wherein the actuator is adapted for selectively moving the valve member relative to the valve seat when the valve cartridge is operatively coupled to the pump housing. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120212326 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING PIPE ACTIVITY ON A RIG - A system for tracking pipe activity on a rig includes a plurality of pipes, each pipe having an asset ID tag containing a code unique to the pipe. A pipe handling space for assembling and disassembling the pipes contains at least one pipe handling apparatus. A first scanning zone located at a first position in the pipe handling space contains a first reader antenna. A second scanning zone located at a second position in the pipe handling space contains a second reader antenna. At least one reader is provided for scanning the asset ID tags in the pipe handling space through at least one of the first reader antenna and the second reader antenna. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120211282 | ROCK BIT AND CUTTER TEETH GEOMETRIES - A rolling cone drill bit for cutting a borehole comprises a rolling cone cutter mounted on a bit body and adapted for rotation about a cone axis. Further, the bit comprises a tooth extending from the cone cutter. The tooth includes a base at the cone cutter and an elongate chisel crest distal the cone cutter. The crest extends along a crest median line between a first crest end and a second crest end and includes an elongate crest apex. The tooth also includes a first flanking surface extending from the base to the crest, and a second flanking surface extending from the base to the crest. The first flanking surface and the second flanking surface taper towards one another to form the chisel crest. Moreover, the tooth includes a first raised rib extending continuously along the first flanking surfaces and across the chisel crest to the second flanking surface. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120201632 | IMPACT ABSORBING ACCESS PLATFORM FOR DRILLING STRUCTURES - Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to an impact absorbing “diving board,” or access platform, of a drilling rig “fingerboard,” or pipe racking assembly. One illustrative diving board assembly of a drilling rig fingerboard assembly disclosed herein includes a first end proximate the drilling rig and a second end positioned remote from the first end, where the first end is more proximal to the drilling rig than the second end. The illustrative diving board assembly further includes a clamping assembly operatively coupled to the first end and to the second end, where the clamping assembly is positioned between the first and second ends and defines a pinned connection adapted to permit a rotation of the first and second ends relative to a plane defined by the fingerboard assembly. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120195542 | Oil-Sealed Mud Motor Bearing Assembly With Mud-Lubricated Off-Bottom Thrust Bearing - A bearing assembly for a mud motor has a mandrel rotatably disposed within a cylindrical housing, with a rolling-element thrust bearing disposed within an oil-sealed annular chamber between the mandrel and the housing, for resisting on-bottom axial thrust loads. Off-bottom axial thrust loads are resisted by a mud-lubricated thrust bearing assembly located above the oil-sealed chamber. The lower end of a drive shaft adapter coupled to the mandrel is used to provide an upper load-transferring shoulder for the off-bottom thrust bearing, with a lower load-transferring shoulder being provided in association with the housing. The upper and lower shoulders come into mating contact under off-bottom thrust loading, with the upper shoulder rotatable (with the mandrel) relative to the lower shoulder. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120193874 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER SEAL AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A blowout preventer (BOP) seal and method are provided. The seal includes a tubular body comprising a plurality of segments that form a continuous loop. The tubular body has a plurality of inner projections extending from opposite sides of a first end thereof and a plurality of outer projections extending from opposite sides of a second end thereof. Each of the plurality of projections tapers away from the tubular body. A cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the plurality of segments is varied whereby the plurality of segments are selectively reinforced. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120181042 | No-Go Tag Systems and Methods for Progressive Cavity Pumps - A stator for a progressive cavity pump comprises a stator housing having a central axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the stator comprises a stator liner disposed within the stator housing. The stator liner has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the stator liner is axially spaced from the first end of the stator housing. Further, the stator comprises a tag insert positioned in the stator housing between the first end of the stator housing and the first end of the stator liner. The tag insert has a through passage defining a radially inner surface that includes a tag shoulder. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120177308 | PRESSURE COMPENSATION SYSTEM FOR AN OIL-SEALED MUD MOTOR BEARING ASSEMBLY - In an oil-sealed bearing assembly in the bearing section of a mud motor, in which a mandrel is rotatably disposed within a cylindrical housing, a cylindrical sleeve is disposed coaxially and rotatably around the mandrel, with the sleeve being non-rotatably mounted to an inner surface of the housing, thereby forming an annular piston chamber forming part of a generally annular oil reservoir. The sleeve provides radial support to the mandrel along the length of the piston chamber by virtue of the flexural stiffness of the sleeve. The mandrel rotates within the sleeve, with a radial bearing being provided between the sleeve and the mandrel. An annular piston is axially movable within the piston chamber in response to variations in the volume of oil in the reservoir. The piston slides within the piston chamber without rotation relative to either the housing or the sleeve. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120152360 | Pulsation Dampening System for a Reciprocating Pump - A pressure pulsation dampening system for a pump that pressurizes a working fluid. In some embodiments, the dampening system includes a hydraulic cylinder, a valve, and a controller. The hydraulic cylinder has a piston that is movably disposed within a housing and divides the housing into a working fluid chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber. An outlet of the pump is in fluid communication with the working fluid chamber, and the valve is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid chamber. The controller is operable to actuate the valve to a first configuration, wherein pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied to the hydraulic fluid chamber, and to a second configuration, wherein hydraulic fluid is exhausted from the hydraulic fluid chamber. The piston is movable under fluid pressure, whereby working fluid is relieved from the outlet to the working fluid chamber or supplied to the outlet from the working fluid chamber. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120148432 | ENHANCED ELASTOMERIC STATOR INSERT VIA REINFORCING AGENT DISTRIBUTION AND ORIENTATION - A progressive cavity type motor or pump including a stator insert with a reinforcing agent dispersed in a manner to improve properties of the stator insert. The reinforcing agent may be a fiber, nanotube, metal, ceramic, or polymer. A dispersing agent may be used to obtain a homogenous distribution. A magnetic reinforcing agent may be incorporated into a stator insert. The stator insert is subjected to a magnetic field to orient the magnetic reinforcing agent in a particular orientation. The magnetic field may also reposition the magnetic reinforcing agent within the stator insert. The stator insert may be formed by injection molding, transfer, or compression molding among other methods. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120138362 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED DRILLING OF A BOREHOLE IN A SUBSURFACE FORMATION - A method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation includes drilling the borehole using a set of drilling control variables assigned a set of values. An automated drilling index of the drilling is monitored. The automated drilling index of the drilling is a combination of a first index that depends on a rate of penetration of the drilling and a second index that depends on a mechanical specific energy of the drilling. The values assigned to the set of drilling control variables are selectively adjusted at least once during the drilling based on the monitoring of the automated drilling index. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120133526 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING WIRELESS TAGS WITH DOWNHOLE EQUIPMENT - Techniques for wirelessly transferring information to and/or from a drill string component are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a downhole system includes a drill string component and a tag interrogating device. The drill string component includes a tag configured for wireless communication. The tag interrogating device is configured to traverse the interior of the drill string and wirelessly communicate with the tag. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120126151 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINATION OF PARAMETERS RELATED TO A COILED TUBING STRING - Systems and techniques for non-contact measurement of coiled tubing motion are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser source and a laser motion sensor. The laser source is configured to provide laser light that illuminates the coiled tubing as the tubing moves. The laser motion sensor is configured to collect and process laser speckle images and compute measurements of coiled tubing movement based on the laser speckle images. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125622 | WELLSITE EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A system and method for replacing equipment at a wellsite is provided. The wellsite has a subsea stripper installed proximate a subsea borehole. The system has a conveyance for delivering a BHA into the subsea borehole. The system has a subsea stripper having a central bore for passing the conveyance and the BHA therethrough, and at least one actuator connected to the subsea stripper for actuating a packer whereby the wellbore is sealed. The system has at least one replaceable seal assembly for installation within the stripper. The replaceable seal assembly has at least one packer extendable within the subsea stripper to form a seal thereabout and at least one locator sleeve for positioning the seal assembly in an install position within the subsea stripper. The replaceable seal assembly has a frangible member for connecting the seal assembly to the conveyance prior to deployment in the subsea stripper. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120119484 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COUPLING PIPES - A system and method for coupling pipes. The system includes at least one tubular sleeve positionable in at least one of the pair of pipes and a compression ring. Each of the tubular sleeves has a ring end. The compression ring is positionable in the coupling and has having a ring shoulder positionable adjacent a ring end of the at least one tubular sleeve for selective engagement therewith such that, as fluid passes through the compression ring and the at least one tubular sleeve, fluid is selectively releaseable therebetween. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118641 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING SPRING PRELOAD IN A DOWNHOLE TOOL - Apparatus and method for adjusting spring preloading in a downhole tool. In one embodiment, a mechanism includes a nut and a piston. The nut is configured to axially compress a spring in the downhole tool. The piston is coupled to the nut. Extension of the piston causes the nut to rotate and compress the spring. The nut is configured to maintain compression of the spring after the piston retracts. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118636 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED DRILLING OF A BOREHOLE IN A SUBSURFACE FORMATION - Apparatus and method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting at least one control variable. A drilling performance objective having a value that is influenced by drilling of the borehole using the at least one control variable is defined. A first interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a first value. A second interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a second value. A third interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a third value. The third value is selected based on a comparison of the values of the drilling performance objective while drilling the first interval and the second interval to a predetermined optimal value of the drilling performance objective. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120097823 | HARDENED DATA RECORDING SYSTEM FOR DRILLING RIGS AND OTHER DRILLING EQUIPMENT - A system for recording data associated with a drilling rig is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a system includes one or more hardened memory devices and a memory interface unit to receive one or more data streams containing drilling data. The memory interface unit is configured to extract the drilling data from the data streams and store the drilling data on the one or more hardened memory devices. If desired, the hardened memory devices may be distributed across a drilling rig to increase the probability that recorded data will survive a catastrophic event. Optionally, the system includes a communication device to enable communication with a remote site. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120091396 | RELEASABLE CORROSION INHIBITORS - The present invention includes compositions and methods of supplying a corrosion inhibitor including placing a corrosion inhibitor attached to a nanostructure carrier, placing the nanostructure carrier containing the corrosion inhibitor at a location and the nanostructure carrier is capable of releasing the corrosion inhibitor. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120085957 | Gate Valve - A gate valve comprises a valve body having an internal working fluid passage and an internal gate chamber extending transverse to the working fluid passage. In addition, the gate valve comprises a gate disposed in the internal gate chamber and movable within the gate chamber between a closed position obstructing fluid flow through the working fluid passage and an open position allowing fluid flow through the working fluid passage. Further, the gate valve comprises an internal sealing arrangement coaxially disposed in the working fluid passage and extending between the valve body and the gate to form a barrier between the internal working fluid passage and the gate chamber. The internal sealing arrangement includes a frustoconical metal sealing surface adapted to sealingly engage an opposed mating frustoconical metal sealing surface on the valve body to form a first tapered metal-to-metal seal between the sealing arrangement and the valve body. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120080227 | WIRELESS TRANSMISSION SYSTEM AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A DRILLING RIG OPERATION - A system for monitoring a drilling rig operation includes a drilling rig assembly and at least one sensor coupled to a member of the drilling rig assembly to sense a parameter related to operation of the drilling rig assembly. A client device coupled to the at least one sensor includes a data acquisition device for receiving data from the at least one sensor. The client device also includes a first radio, which is coupled to the data acquisition device. A base station located a distance from the client device comprises a second radio that communicates wirelessly with the first radio in order to transfer data between the data acquisition device and the base station. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120073816 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER BLADE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The techniques herein relate to a blade assembly of a blowout preventer for shearing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The blowout preventer has a housing with a hole therethrough for receiving the tubular. The blade assembly includes a ram block movable between a non-engagement position and an engagement position about the tubular, a blade carried by the ram block for cuttingly engaging the tubular, a retractable guide carried by the ram block and slidably movable therealong, and a release mechanism for selectively releasing the guide to move between a guide position for guiding engagement with the tubular and a cutting position a distance behind the blade for permitting the blade to cuttingly engage the tubular. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073815 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER BLADE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME - Techniques for shearing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a blowout preventer are provided. The blowout preventer has a housing with a hole therethrough for receiving the tubular. The techniques relate to a blade assembly including a ram block movable between a non-engagement position and an engagement position about the tubular, a blade carried by the ram block for cuttingly engaging the tubular, and a retractable guide carried by the ram block and slidably movable therealong. The restractable guide has a guide surface for urging the tubular into a desired location in the blowout preventer as the ram block moves to the engagement position. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120067649 | SLIP FREE DRILL PIPE - A drill pipe includes a pin-type connector part, a box-type pipe connector part, a tube part attached to the pin-type pipe connector part, and an intermediary pipe part disposed between and attached to the box-type pipe connector part and the tube part. The intermediary pipe part has a shoulder for engagement with a handling tool. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067563 | CASING FRIENDLY, SHEARABLE HARDBANDS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SHEARING SAME - A tool joint comprises a body having a central axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the body is made of a first material having a first hardness. In addition, the tool joint comprises an annular hardband disposed about the body. The hardband is made of a second material. The second material comprises a base material and a plurality of discrete pellets dispersed throughout the base material. The base material has a second hardness and the pellets have a third hardness. The second hardness is substantially the same as the first hardness. The third hardness is greater than the second hardness and less than the hardness of tungsten carbide. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120061148 | DOWNHOLE ROTARY DRILLING APPARATUS WITH FORMATION-INTERFACING MEMBERS AND CONTROL SYSTEM - A steerable drilling apparatus includes a control system inside a cylindrical housing connected to a drill bit having radially-extendable pistons. A fluid-metering assembly directs a piston actuating fluid into fluid channels in the drill bit leading to respective pistons. The control system controls the fluid-metering assembly to selectively allow fluid flow through the fluid channels to the pistons and to exit through orifices in the fluid channels. The selective fluid flow causes the actuated piston to temporarily extend in the opposite direction to a desired wellbore deviation, thereby deflecting the drill bit away from the borehole centerline. An upper member in the fluid-metering assembly can be moved to stabilize, steer, and change TFA within the drill bit. The control system and drill bit are connected so as to facilitate removal to change the drill bit's steering section and cutting structure configuration or gauge simultaneously. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120058000 | Self-Aligning Rod Seal - A seal assembly for providing a seal around a non-stationary rod includes a seal housing with a hollow body with first and second ends. The first end has a first opening to allow the non-stationary rod to pass therethrough and the second end has a second opening to allow the non-stationary rod to pass therethrough. A seal cartridge is disposed within the seal housing and radially moveable within the seal housing. A rod seal is disposed in an internal diameter of the seal cartridge. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120031671 | Drill Bits With Rolling Cone Reamer Sections - A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations comprises a bit body having a central bit axis, a first end adapted to be connected to a drillstring, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the bit comprises a pilot bit extending from the second end of the bit body. Further, the bit comprises a reamer section extending radially from the bit body and axially positioned between the first end of the bit body and the pilot bit. The reamer section comprises a rolling cone cutter rotatably mounted to a journal shaft extending from the bit body. Moreover, the rolling cone cutter has a cone axis of rotation, a backface proximal the bit body, and a nose opposite the backface and distal the bit body. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120018222 | Inflatable Restraint System - A racking board for retaining tubulars is disclosed having a first finger, a second forger positioned generally parallel to the first finger and with a gap between the fingers serving as a storage area for tubulars. A first inflatable member is supported adjacent to the first finger and a second inflatable member is supported adjacent to the second finger, the inflatable members adapted to expand radially into the gap upon inflation so as to capture and retain the tubular. In some embodiments, a single inflatable member in employed to expand into the gap and retain the tubular. A method of racking tubulars is disclosed using elongate, inflatable restraints. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120018017 | PROCESS WATER LIFT STATION APPARATUS - A lift station containing a tube, an access box connected to the tube, and an inner pipe that is removable, positioned in the tube that can be used to contain and discharge process water. The design aids in construction and maintenance and can detect leaks that can reduce process water contamination of surrounding soil. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120012340 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEALING A WELLBORE - Systems and methods for sealing a wellbore are provided. The wellbore has a pipe therein for the passage of fluid therethrough. The system is provided with a BOP positionable about the pipe and at least one seal assembly positionable about the BOP. Each of the seal assemblies has a plurality of blocks positionable within the BOP, at least one actuator for selectively moving the blocks to a contact position surrounding the pipe, and a plurality of pipe seals carried by the blocks for creating a seal about the pipe of the wellbore. Each block has an opening extending into a cavity therein. Each pipe seal is positionable in one of the cavities and flowable through the opening thereof as the blocks are moved into the contact position whereby at least a portion of a pressure applied to the pipe seals is released from the blocks. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120012339 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEALING A WELLBORE - Systems and methods for sealing a wellbore are provided. The system is for sealing a wellbore having a pipe therein for the passage of fluid therethrough. The system is provided with a BOP positionable about the pipe and at least one seal assembly positionable about the BOP. Each of the seal assemblies comprises a plurality of blocks positionable within the BOP, at least one actuator for selectively moving the blocks to a contact position surrounding the pipe and a plurality of pipe seals for creating a seal about the pipe. The seals are carried by the plurality of blocks. At least one of the pipe seals in each block is selectively extendable therefrom for sealing engagement about the pipe after the blocks are moved to the contact position whereby the pipe seals are prevented from extending between the blocks as the blocks are moved to the contact position. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120000646 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A blowout preventer for sealing a tubular of a wellbore is provided. The blowout preventer has a housing having a bore therethrough for receiving the tubular, at least one ram slidably positionable in the housing (each of the rams having a ram block for sealing engagement about the tubular), an actuator for selectively driving the ram block (the actuator comprising a piston slidably positionable in a cylinder), and a monitor for detecting the piston therein. The monitor has a visual indicator on an exterior of the cylinder. The visual indicator is operatively coupled to the piston for displaying a position of the piston as the piston travels within the cylinder whereby a position of the ram may be determined. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110299802 | FLUID-SUPPORTED THRUST BEARINGS - A thrust bearing allows a first structure to rotate relative to a second structure about an axis of rotation while supporting an axial load between the first structure and the second structure. In an embodiment, the thrust bearing comprises a first annular bearing race slidingly disposed in a first annular recess in the first structure. In addition, the thrust bearing comprises a second annular bearing race engaging the second structure. Further, the thrust bearing comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced roller elements axially disposed between the first bearing race and the second bearing race. The roller elements contact the first bearing race and the second bearing race. The first bearing race and the first recess define a first annular fluid cavity axially positioned between the first bearing race and the first structure. The first bearing race rides on a fluid disposed in the first fluid cavity. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110293447 | Hydraulically Actuated Reciprocating Pump - A hydraulically driven reciprocating pump. In some embodiments, the pump includes a housing including a hydraulic chamber, a cylinder coupled to the housing, a piston assembly adapted for reciprocal motion within the housing and the cylinder, the piston assembly separating the hydraulic chamber into three subchambers, and a hydraulic system fluidicly coupled to each of the subchambers. The hydraulic system is actuatable to deliver hydraulic fluid to a first of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly strokes back and a working fluid is drawn into the cylinder, to deliver hydraulic fluid to a second of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly strokes out and the working fluid is exhausted from the cylinder, and to adjust a volume of hydraulic fluid within a third of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly translates to bring a pressure of the working fluid in the cylinder to within a pre-selected range. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110283537 | Method and Apparatus for Installation and Removal of a Valve Cover - Apparatus and methods for removing valve cover components includes a torque transfer tool that mates with an extending portion of the valve cover assembly and has a multi-faceted segment to receive a torque-supplying wrench. A hydraulically-actuated wrench has a head with a multi-faceted portion that engages the corresponding multi-faceted segment of the torque transfer tool. The wrench's hydraulic cylinder rotates the wrench head upon actuation. The multifaceted segments can be splined. Also disclosed is a reaction tube against which the wrench can be braced prior to actuation of the cylinder. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110259576 | APPARATUS FOR SUSPENDING A DOWNHOLE WELL STRING - A clamping device for supporting a well string in a borehole includes a base plate with a central opening and primary clamp body clamp body supported for linear motion relative to the base plate. The clamping device further includes other clamp bodies supported for independent linear motion relative to the base plate. In certain embodiments, the clamping bodies are supported for pivoting motion to open and close the central opening. Each of the clamp bodies carries a gripping member on a face thereof for engaging a well string component received in the central opening. A drive mechanism is coupled to the clamp bodies and configured to move the clamp bodies relative to the base plate. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110250084 | MUD PUMP MODULES WITH SURGE DAMPENERS - A drilling fluid pumping system including a pump apparatus with a pumping chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve and a dampener system in fluid communication with the pumping chamber for damping the flow of fluid, e.g. drilling fluid, This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C. F. R. 1.72(b). | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110245980 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING STICK-SLIP - A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110240370 | DRILLING MOTOR WITH A LOCKING COLLET SLEEVE STABILIZER - A threaded sleeve stabilizer spans an upper stator connection in a mud driven drilling motor used for borehole drilling. A number of collets are loaded in compression between the stator and the housing of the motor, and are held in compression by a threaded connection. | 10-06-2011 |
