Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090204543 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SELECTIVELY DISTRIBUTING MEDIA CONTENT TO A CONSUMER AND PREVENTING THE UNAUTHORIZED SHARING OF MEDIA CONTENT - The present invention is a system and method of selectively distributing media content to consumers, the system comprising essentially of a USB-type storage device loaded with media content, a network and a user interface system. The method comprises essentially of providing a USB-type storage device loaded with media content, distributing the device to retail outlets, instructing a user to contact a network that is in electronic communication with the USB-type storage device, selectively registering the media content on the network, activating the USB-type storage device, displaying the activated media content to the consumer on a display device associated with the user interface system, and providing a means to upload media content onto the USB-type storage device in the event the media content becomes corrupted or erased. | 08-13-2009 |
20090205027 | Album drive - The present invention is a system and method of selectively distributing media content to consumers, the system comprising essentially of a USB-type storage device loaded with media content, a network and a user interface system. The method comprises essentially of providing a USB-type storage device loaded with media content, distributing the device to retail outlets, instructing a user to contact a network that is in electronic communication with the USB-type storage device, selectively registering the media content on the network, activating the USB-type storage device, displaying the activated media content to the consumer on a display device associated with the user interface system, and providing a means to upload media content onto the USB-type storage device in the event the media content becomes corrupted or erased. | 08-13-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100205831 | Triple Density Gel Insole - A triple density replacement insole which has at least two coextensive layers of different densities which are adjacent one another and extending the length of the insole comprising a first top cloth layer and a second gel layer and a third density layer comprising a stability cradle adjacent said gel layer is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the stability cradle, which extends from the arch area to the heel area and secures to the gel layer, defines a first metatarsal region gap which exposes the gel layer and a second heel region gap which exposes the gel layer, In the preferred embodiment, a heel cushion is positioned in the second heel region gap adjacent to said gel layer and is secured to said gel layer exposed in that region and a metatarsal arch support is integrally formed in the first metatarsal region gap area from the first top cloth and second gel layer. | 08-19-2010 |
20100212188 | Triple Density Gel Heel Cups - A triple density heel cup is disclosed which comprises a generally heel-shaped substrate having a length extending from a heel portion of an integral wall to a front border, which front border in use is adapted to underlie a portion of the arch area of a human foot. The heel-shaped substrate comprises a structural gel layer having a foot receiving surface and a shoe side surface. A generally flat portion of the foot receiving surface will lie adjacent the bottom of a wearer's foot in use and the integral wall which is adapted to lie adjacent the back of wearer's heel and portion of the side of a wearer's heel in use, said integral wall having an apex of maximum height, said wall tapering down in height from said apex toward said front border; The shoe side surface defines a channel formed in said structural gel adapted to receive a reinforcing component which is secured to said structural gel in said channel and is made of a denser material than said structural gel. This provides support to the heel cup and the foot A heel cushion is secured to said structural gel in a heel cushion area defined by the structural gel on the bottom surface of the heel cup. In a preferred embodiment, the heel cushion utilizes honeycomb technology to provide increased cushioning and energy return. | 08-26-2010 |
20110219642 | Arthritis & Diabetes Insole - An insole especially advantageous for arthritic or diabetic patients comprises three layers and is shaped in a form which provides and arch support and an integral heel receiving area. It is made from a generally foot-shaped bottom layer having a length extending from a heel area to a toe area, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the bottom layer preferably further comprises one to three indentations formed integrally therein. Insert layers are secured to each of said indentations. Preferably, the bottom layer is made from an EVA foam. A middle layer having a first and second side is secured to the top surface of the bottom layer adjacent the middle layer's second side. The middle layer is preferably made of a synthetic rubber layer. The middle layer takes the shape of the bottom layer. A top layer is coextensive with and secured to the first side of the synthetic rubber layer. The top layer composition is selected according to the intended use. In use, the foot of the wearer, with or without a sock or stocking thereon, rests upon the top layer in the foot-receiving compartment of the shoe. | 09-15-2011 |
20120192452 | FLOW INSOLE - An insole which generates an air flow during use, which assists in cooling or warming the foot of a user is disclosed. In a first embodiment, air flow facilitated by said insole provides for convective heat transfer away from the plantar surface of the foot. The insole is intended for insertion into a shoe which is ventilated, preferably an athletic shoe with a ventilated upper. The bottom layer defines a plurality of ridges and a channel lining portion which together define a plurality of air channels. The bottom layer also defines a heel recess in which a heel pad is situated. In a second embodiment, an insole which collects, retains, and provides heat from and to a user's foot is disclosed. Said insole further comprises a middle layer of thermal reflective material secured to and coextensive with a top layer and a bottom layer secured to said middle layer. | 08-02-2012 |
20130025156 | Contoured Support Insole - A contoured insole especially advantageous for users with medium to high arches is disclosed. It comprises a generally foot-shaped base extending from a heel end to a toe end, which comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base preferably further comprises two indentations formed integrally therein in a forefoot area and a heel area. A forefoot pad and a heel pad are secured to each of said indentations. Preferably, the base is made from a polyurethane foam. The pads are made from rubber or synthetic rubber. A top sheet is coextensive with and secured to the top surface of the base. The top sheet is generally a fabric which preferably has antimicrobial characteristics. In use, the foot of the wearer, with or without a sock or stocking thereon, rests upon the top sheet in the foot-receiving compartment of a user's shoe. | 01-31-2013 |
20140230274 | Triple Density Gel Insole - A triple density replacement insole which has at least two coextensive layers of different densities which are adjacent one another and extending the length of the insole comprising a first top cloth layer and a second gel layer and a third density layer comprising a stability cradle adjacent the gel layer. In a preferred embodiment, the stability cradle, which extends from the arch area to the heel area and secures to the gel layer, defines a first metatarsal region gap which exposes the gel layer and a second heel region gap which exposes the gel layer. A heel cushion is positioned in the second heel region gap adjacent to the gel layer and is secured to the gel layer exposed in that region. A metatarsal arch support is integrally formed in the first metatarsal region gap area. | 08-21-2014 |
20140259759 | Arthritis & Diabetes Insole - An insole advantageous for arthritic or diabetic patients comprises three layers and provides an arch support and an integral heel receiving area. The insole has a generally foot-shaped bottom layer having a length extending from a heel area to a toe area, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom layer's bottom surface preferably comprises one to three indentations formed integrally therein and is preferably made of an EVA foam. Insert layers are secured to each of said indentations. A middle layer having a first and second side is secured to the bottom layer's top surface adjacent the middle layer's second side and is preferably made of a synthetic rubber layer. The middle layer takes the shape of the bottom layer. A top layer is coextensive with and secured to the middle layer's first side. The top layer composition is selected according to the intended use. | 09-18-2014 |
20140283409 | Flow Insole - An insole which generates an air flow during use, which assists in cooling or warming the foot of a user is disclosed. In a first embodiment, air flow facilitated by said insole provides for convective heat transfer away from the plantar surface of the foot. The insole is intended for insertion into a shoe which is ventilated, preferably an athletic shoe with a ventilated upper. The bottom layer defines a plurality of ridges and channel lining portions which together define a plurality of air channels. The bottom layer defines a heel recess in which a heel pad is situated. In a second embodiment, an insole which collects, retains, and heats a user's foot is disclosed. Said insole further comprises a middle layer of thermal reflective material secured to and coextensive with a top layer and a bottom layer secured to said middle layer. | 09-25-2014 |
20150201702 | Insole for Relief of Over-Pronation and Knee Joint Stress - An insole for placement inside a shoe for use in reducing over-pronation, associated misalignment of the patella (knee cap), and knee joint stress of a user. The insole has a top sheet and a support base cushion. The support base cushion has a forefoot mid-cushion area that extends from a toe end to a metatarsal area of the insole and an arch to heel area that extends from a metatarsal area to a heel end of the insole. The insole has a forefoot cushion secured to the forefoot mid-cushion area. The insole also has a medial support cradle, which reduces over-pronation and knee stresses, a lateral support cradle, which provides a side support to help reduce stress on the knee, and a heel cushion, which acts in cooperation with the medial support cradle to resist excessive pronation, all secured to the bottom of the support base cushion in the arch to heel area. | 07-23-2015 |
20150237959 | Basketball Insole - An insole which provides cushioning and support to a user's foot subjected to a high magnitude of ground reaction forces (GRF) encountered in playing court sports, such as basketball, is herein disclosed. The insole comprises a base having a bottom side which defines recesses adapted to receive pads having particular properties. The location and materials of the various pads and pods work together to provide ground reaction force modulation to the user's foot which is highly desirable for users engaged in basketball and similar activities. | 08-27-2015 |
20160073730 | Contoured Support Insole - A contoured insole especially advantageous for users with medium to high arches is disclosed. It comprises a generally foot-shaped base extending from a heel end to a toe end, which comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base preferably further comprises two indentations formed integrally therein in a forefoot area and a heel area. A forefoot pad and a heel pad are secured to each of said indentations. | 03-17-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140207877 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSOCIATING A SOCIAL NETWORKING IDENTIFIER WITH A NETWORK SUBSCRIBER ACCOUNT - An approach for enabling delivery and presentment of service provider notification messages to a subscribed user via a social networking service of the user is described. An integration platform determines whether a network identifier for accessing a social networking service via a communication network is associated with subscriber account information maintained by the communication service provider. The integration platform also generates a request for linking a social networking identifier associated with the social networking service with the subscriber account information based on the determination. The integration platform further initiates a rendering of a notification message received from the communication service provider to a user interface of the social networking service based on acceptance of the request. | 07-24-2014 |
20150127693 | CONTENT FETCHING AND CACHING ON A MOBILE DEVICE - A device may receive application information associated with an application. The application information may include information associated with a native homepage associated with the application, and may include a single file that includes content associated with the application. The device may receive an indication associated with running the application. The device may present, for display, the native homepage. The native homepage may include information associated with accessing the content. The device may determine that the content, associated with the application, is not current content. The device may obtain the current content, associated with the application, based on determining that the content is not the current content. The device may store the current content based on obtaining the current content. The device may load the current content based on storing the current content. The current content may be loaded to prepare the current content to be displayed to a user. | 05-07-2015 |
20160066002 | AUTOMATED ACCOUNT CREDITING AFTER INTERRUPTION OR FAILURE OF PAID CONTENT DELIVERY - One or more devices may receive activity logs from multiple set-top-boxes (STBs); determine that an outage has occurred based on the activity logs; identify one or more STBs, of the plurality of STBs, that failed to play back paid content during the outage, or where playback of paid content, by the one or more STBs, was interrupted during the outage; and credit corresponding accounts associated with the one or more STBs. | 03-03-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090125874 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING PROJECTS IN A RATIONAL APPLICATION DEVELOPER WORKSPACE - System for automatically creating a current project in an application developer workspace. In response to reading a project file for the current project, it is automatically determined whether the current project has one or more dependent projects based on data contained within the project file. In response to determining that the current project does have one or more dependent projects, a build file is automatically generated for each of the one or more dependent projects. The build file calls importing targets within each of the one or more dependent projects. Then, the current project and the one or more dependent projects are automatically imported into the application developer workspace to form a created current project. The created current project is created without launching an application developer application. In addition, the created current project is stored in a source code control repository. | 05-14-2009 |
20100017670 | Automatic Data Recovery System - A method, programmed medium and system are provided for recovering media-stored program code and/or user data when data on the same media are lost or corrupted. The system includes retrieving user data and/or program code from an external source when the actual data/code is not readable. When initiating the load of local storage, an initial scan for damaged regions is performed. If the initial scan determines that there are damaged/bad regions, the media player will look for the necessary data and/or code to patch the digital media. In one embodiment, a hardware or software look-ahead reader function, for example, is enabled to retrieve the original undamaged data/code from the local storage when an attempt to read a region from an optical disk fails due to a bad region. If the region in question is not stored locally, then a request is automatically transmitted to the original data provider to re-send the original data/code, which may include original program code. The data provider will then respond by sending the missing data/code to the user system where it will, in turn, be stored within the local storage device for further access and use. | 01-21-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130276128 | SECURE OPTION ROM FIRMWARE UPDATES - Option ROM updates are performed in a secure manner with centralized control through system initialization firmware, such as the system BIOS. An option ROM updater manages copying an option ROM update to an auxiliary subsystem if an update bit is set, such as by a secure system management interface with the BIOS. Upon detection of an update bit, the option ROM updater unlocks a write protect at the auxiliary subsystem firmware and copies an option ROM update to the auxiliary subsystem to update the option ROM. After completing the option ROM update, the option ROM updater locks write protection of the option ROM to maintain system security. | 10-17-2013 |
20140143530 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ISOLATION OF INFORMATION HANDLING RESOURCES IN RESPONSE TO EXTERNAL STORAGE RESOURCE BOOT - An information handling system may include a processor, at least one information handling resource, at least one external port configured to receive an external information handling resource and couple the external information handling resource to the processor, and a basic input/output system. The basis input/output system may comprise a program of instructions executable by the processor and configured to cause the processor to determine whether a current boot session of the information handling system was initiated by a boot from an external storage resource coupled to the at least one external port, and in response to a determination that the current boot session of the information handling system was initiated by a boot from an external storage resource coupled to the at least one external port, disable one or more of the at least one information handling resource for the current boot session. | 05-22-2014 |
20140149730 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENFORCING SECURE BOOT CREDENTIAL ISOLATION AMONG MULTIPLE OPERATING SYSTEMS - A method may include designating a key exchange key as an active key exchange key for a boot session of the information handling system. The method may further include during the boot session, in response to a call for updating a value of an authorized database of keys associated with executable code permitted to execute on the information handling system or an authorized database of keys associated with executable code forbidden to execute on the information handling system: determining whether the value is digitally signed with the active key exchange key, determining whether the update is to a database or database entry associated with the active key exchange key, and processing the update in response to determinations that the value is digitally signed with the active key exchange key and that the update is to a database or database entry associated with the active key exchange key. | 05-29-2014 |
20140164781 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ONE-TIME PASSWORD FOR INFORMATION HANDLING RESOURCE - In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include generating a random number to be associated with an information handling resource. The method may also include generating a challenge string based at least on the random number. The method may additionally include encrypting the challenge string using a first shared secret. The method may further include receiving a one-time password generated by a vendor associated with the information handling resource, the one-time password generated by decrypting the challenge string using the first shared secret, parsing the random number from the decrypted challenge string, and digitally signing the decrypted challenge string with a digital signature using a second shared secret. The method may also include granting user access to the information handling resource in response to verifying, using the second shared secret, that the digital signature matches the random number. | 06-12-2014 |
20140188949 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN ASSURANCE OF INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM CODE - In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a processor and a program of instructions embodied in a computer-readable medium. The instructions may be configured to, when read and executed by the processor: (i) store in an image map file one or more range descriptors recording one or more physical memory address ranges storing code to be installed to a second information handling system; and (ii) store in the image map file one or more hashes, each hash associated with code stored in a respective one of the one or more physical memory address ranges. | 07-03-2014 |
20140344886 | Sensor Aware Security Policies with Embedded Controller Hardened Enforcement - An information handling system (IHS) performs security policy enforcement using security policy data maintained in an embedded controller, which operates within a privileged environment. The security policy data identifies security policies established for the IHS. The EC is directly connected to a number of sensors from which the EC receives sensor data and to at least one integrated functional device. The EC determines whether the received sensor data fulfills any trigger condition of a security policy. If the received sensor data does not fulfill any trigger condition of a security policy described by the security policy data, the EC continues to monitor sensors for updated sensor data. However, if the received sensor data fulfills any trigger condition of the security policy, the EC performs a security measure that involves enabling, disabling, or resetting one or more of the at least one integrated functional devices that can be disabled. | 11-20-2014 |
20150220736 | Continuous Memory Tamper Detection Through System Management Mode Integrity Verification - An information handling system includes a plurality of memory locations, an embedded controller, and a basic input/output system (BIOS). The embedded controller provides an interrupt signal at random intervals. The BIOS is in communication with the embedded controller, and receives data associated with the plurality of memory locations including a first memory location. In response to the interrupt signals, the BIOS performs data integrity verification of the first memory location based on the data associated with the plurality of memory locations. | 08-06-2015 |
20150222669 | SENSOR AWARE SECURITY POLICIES WITH EMBEDDED CONTROLLER HARDENED ENFORCEMENT - An information handling system (IHS) performs security policy enforcement using security policy data maintained in an embedded controller, which operates within a privileged environment. The security policy data identifies security policies established for the IHS. The EC is directly connected to a number of sensors from which the EC receives sensor data and to at least one integrated functional device. The EC determines whether the received sensor data fulfills any trigger condition of a security policy. If the received sensor data does not fulfill any trigger condition of a security policy described by the security policy data, the EC continues to monitor sensors for updated sensor data. However, if the received sensor data fulfills any trigger condition of the security policy, the EC performs a security measure that involves enabling, disabling, or resetting one or more of the at least one integrated functional devices that can be disabled. | 08-06-2015 |
20150227385 | Unified Extensible Firmware Interface System Management Mode Initialization Protections with System Management Interrupt Transfer Monitor Sandboxing - An information handling system includes a processor configured to trap system management interrupts (SMIs) via a system management mode transfer monitor (STM), a first system resource, a SMI handler configured to operate within the STM, launch a first system management mode (SMM) virtual machine, load first SMM code for a first driver into the first SMM virtual machine, and associate the first SMM virtual machine with the first system resource and not with the second system resource. | 08-13-2015 |
20150235030 | Method for Processing UEFI Protocols and System Therefor - A Unified Extensible Firmware Interface protocol installer utilizes and modifies a list of global unique identifiers corresponding to Unified Extensible Firmware Interface protocols to determine whether to install a UEFI protocol. | 08-20-2015 |
20150277895 | Method for Generating Custom BIOS Setup Interface and System Therefor - Configuration options to be displayed at a basic input/output system (BIOS) setup interface of an information handling system are specified using a software application executed at the system. The configuration options are communicated to a software agent, and the software agent updates BIOS firmware based on the configuration option. | 10-01-2015 |
20160048663 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC GENERATION AND RETRIEVAL OF AN INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM PASSWORD - In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a processor and a basic input/output system (BIOS). The BIOS may comprise a program of instructions executable by the processor and configured to cause the processor to initialize one or more information handling resources of the information handling system. The BIOS may further be configured to, during a boot of an information handling system, and in response to a request to set a password associated with the information handling system, generate a random password, securely store the random password in a memory such that the password may be retrieved during a subsequent boot of the information handling system by a user physically present at the information handling system, and set the random password as the password associated with the information handling system. | 02-18-2016 |
20160048694 | System and Method for Secure Transport of Data from an Operating System to a Pre-operating System Environment - An information handling system includes a trusted platform module (TPM) and a storage device, the TPM provides boot authentication for the information handling system such that, during a pre-boot phase, the TPM can access a platform configuration register (PCR). During a first instance of the pre-boot phase, the information handling system provides a public/private key pair including a public key and a private key, stores the private key to an encrypted storage of the TPM, seals the private key in the encrypted storage to the PCR, and stores the public key to the storage device. During an operating system phase that is after the first instance of the pre boot phase, the information handling system retrieves the public key from the storage device, encrypts transfer data using the public key, and stores the encrypted transfer data to the storage device. | 02-18-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090125709 | System And Method For A Remote Information Handling System Boot - In an information handling system (IHS), providing an IHS boot includes forcing the IHS to power on or reboot, retrieving a virtual serial peripheral interface (SPI) boot image using a virtual SPI bus, booting the IHS to the virtual SPI boot image, turning off the virtual SPI boot image, and updating a real SPI boot image. | 05-14-2009 |
20090177999 | REPLACEMENT MOTHERBOARD CONFIGURATION - In a system to configure a replacement motherboard, one or more subsystems are provided to determine whether the replacement motherboard is in a manufacturing mode, determine whether firmware for the replacement motherboard is unlocked, and receive an input from a user to configure the replacement motherboard when the replacement motherboard is determined to be in the manufacturing mode and the firmware is unlocked. | 07-09-2009 |
20090265792 | Memory security override protection for manufacturability of information handling systems - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing memory security override protection for improved manufacturability of information handling systems. A security authentication system is added to a software driven security override signal for unlocking programmable memory circuitry, such as flash memory, according to security protection techniques associated with the Intel AMT (Active Management Technology) architecture. This security authentication system disclosed requires authentication of software security override requests before they are allowed. More particularly, the systems and methods disclosed add specific BIOS (Basic Input Output System) code to check the security override status and the software security override request signals on boots of the computer system to make sure these requests are not coming from rogue elements within the computer system. If the authentication is validated, then the programmable memory circuitry is unlocked on the next boot of the system to allow for reprogramming. | 10-22-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090001948 | Programmable Power Limiting for Power Transistor System - Various systems, methods and apparatuses are provided herein for limiting power dissipation in a switch. As one example, a method for limiting power dissipation is disclosed. The method includes monitoring current through the switch, and based at least in part on detecting that the current is at least as great as a predetermined current limit, regulating the current to the predetermined current limit. The method also includes measuring an amount of power dissipated in the switch while the current is being regulated, and opening the switch when the amount of power has reached a predetermined power limit. | 01-01-2009 |
20090261786 | BATTERY CHARGE COMPENSATION - A battery charger and method for a rechargeable battery pack which includes various elements in series with the cells to be charged, including but not limited to current control FETs, a fuse, current sense resistor, and internal series impedance of the series connected cells to be charged. The charging current Ichg flowing through these series elements reduces the voltage applied to the cells, thus lengthening charging time. A compensation voltage Vcomp, which when added to the nominal charging voltage for the series connected cells overcomes these voltage drops, facilitates more efficient charging while avoiding over-voltage damage to the cells. Three voltages representing substantially all of the voltage drops reducing the charging voltage on the cells, are summed, and the result is a compensation voltage which is utilized to change the nominal charge voltage for the battery to overcome these voltage drops. | 10-22-2009 |
20110193539 | Switching Regulator with Offset Correction - A switching regulator generally includes an output circuit, a comparator, an on-time timer and an error amplifier. The output circuit receives an input voltage and produces an output voltage. The comparator causes the output circuit to turn on the output voltage when a feedback voltage falls below a first reference voltage. The on-time timer causes the output circuit to turn off the output voltage after a time-out period. The error amplifier receives the feedback voltage and a second reference voltage and produces the first reference voltage. | 08-11-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090071659 | Anchoring System for Use in a Wellbore - A technique enables anchoring of a tool in a wellbore. The technique utilizes one or more arms pivotably mounted to a structure for movement between a radially inward position and radially outward position that anchors the tool to a surrounding wall. A wedge component is positioned to selectively engage the arms. When relative axial movement is caused between the wedge component and the arms, the arms are pivoted to a desired radial position. | 03-19-2009 |
20090071660 | Low Stress Traction System - A technique enables anchoring of a tool in a wellbore. The technique provides traction against a well component without creating high stress concentrations that weaken the well component. An anchoring device comprises anchoring members that are selectively movable to an expanded configuration for anchoring the tool. The anchoring members have traction surfaces able to selectively engage a smooth anchoring surface of the well component at any desired location along the well component. Each traction surface is formed to facilitate traction while minimizing stress concentration. | 03-19-2009 |
20100006279 | Intervention Tool with Operational Parameter Sensors - An intervention tool for use inside a wellbore is provided that includes an intervention module capable of performing an intervention operation downhole, and a drive electronics module in communication with the intervention module and configured to control the intervention module. The tool also includes one or more sensors which measure at least one operational parameter of the intervention operation during the intervention operation. The intervention operation is optimized based on the measured at least one operational parameter. | 01-14-2010 |
20100108386 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF CONDUCTING MEASUREMENTS OF A BOREHOLE - A method is provided for conducting measurements of a borehole while drilling the borehole in a geological formation. First, a rotatable drilling assembly is provided that has, at a forward end, a drill bit and a borehole measurement tool connected rearward of the drill bit. The measurement tool includes at least one caliper arm extendible outward from the measurement tool. The method involves drilling the borehole by operating the rotatable drilling assembly. While drilling, the wall of the borehole is contacted with at least one extendable caliper arm of the borehole measurement tool and the extension of the caliper arm contacting the borehole wall is measured, thereby determining a distance between the measurement tool and the borehole wall. During rotation of the drilling assembly, contact is maintained between the caliper arm and the borehole wall and the measuring step is repeated at multiple positions of the drilling assembly. | 05-06-2010 |
20120145394 | Rotatable Wireline Tool of Enhanced Hydraulic Drive Consistency - A rotatable downhole cutting tool configured for enhanced drive consistency in low power circumstances. The tool is equipped with a hydraulic axial drive actuator suitable for use in wireline deployment. The actuator itself includes a reciprocating piston with a ball screw that threadably interfaces a ball nut for dampening the axial drive imparted by the piston. As such, even though hydraulically driven at generally well under about 10 horsepower, bounce in the axial drive is substantially eliminated. This is particularly advantageous where cutting is to be applied to downhole metal based obstructions. | 06-14-2012 |
20120192640 | Borehole Imaging and Formation Evaluation While Drilling - A logging tool having a plurality of different sensor types having close spacings mounted on an articulated or extendible pad, a sleeve, a mandrel, a stabilizer, or some combination of those is provided and used to make measurements in a wellbore in a single logging run. Those measurements are used to create images of the wellbore and the images are used to deduce the local geology, optimize well placement, perform geomechanical investigation, optimize drilling operations, and perform formation evaluation. The logging tool includes a processor capable of making those measurements, creating those images, performing those operations, and making those determinations. The plurality of different sensors may be one or more resistivity sensors, dielectric sensors, acoustic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, caliper sensors, nuclear magnetic resonance sensors, natural spectral gamma ray sensors, spectroscopic sensors, cross-section capture sensors, and nuclear sensors, and they may be “plug-and-play” sensors. | 08-02-2012 |
20130014939 | Electric Hydraulic Interface For A Modular Downhole Tool - A modular donwhole tool system with a single electric hydraulic drive assembly. The assembly includes an electric hydraulic interface for coupling to any of a variety of different modular donwhole tools. Such tools may include a plug setting actuator, sleeve shifting actuator, valve effecting actuator and a variety of other radially or axially driven hydraulically powered actuators. Indeed, a variety of different actuators may be combined within the same system, tailored based on given downhole application needs. Thus, a viable off-the-shelf modular based on-site assemblage may be available to an operator for running off of a single electric hydraulic drive assembly. | 01-17-2013 |
20130025884 | LOW STRESS TRACTION SYSTEM - A technique enables anchoring of a tool in a wellbore. The technique provides traction against a well component without creating high stress concentrations that weaken the well component. An anchoring device comprises anchoring members that are selectively movable to an expanded configuration for anchoring the tool. The anchoring members have traction surfaces able to selectively engage a smooth anchoring surface of the well component at any desired location along the well component. Each traction surface is formed to facilitate traction while minimizing stress concentration. | 01-31-2013 |
20130025886 | Shock Tolerant Heat Dissipating Electronics Package - An electronics package of substantially monolithic configuration. The package is particularly adept at enhancing heat dissipation and avoiding secondary shock when placed in harsh application environments. Thus, the package may be particularly well suited for use in conjunction with high shock producing downhole application environments such as bridge plug setting. | 01-31-2013 |
20130056200 | Hydraulic Deployment Of A Well Isolation Mechanism - A hydraulic setting tool. The tool is configured to allow hydraulic setting of a bridge plug, packer or other radially expansive mechanical well isolation mechanism. Wireline or slickline deployment may be utilized. In either case, parameters of the setting application may be recorded. In the case of wireline deployment such parameters and downhole data may be monitored in real-time allowing an operator to make intelligent setting application adjustments as necessary. | 03-07-2013 |
20130319669 | CONTINUOUS MULTI-STAGE WELL STIMULATION SYSTEM - A system is provided that is conducive to multi-stage stimulation in a near-continuous fashion. That is, unlike conventional stimulation systems, embodiments herein may operate without the requirement of traditional plug-setting, perforating and fracturing interventions on a zone by zone basis for a cemented completion. Rather, the system is outfitted with frac sleeves that may be shifted open to expose the bore to the formation while simultaneously achieving a seal through a ball drop technique. Once more, this manner of operation is rendered practical by the sleeve being of a passable configuration such that cementing of the casing is not impeded. | 12-05-2013 |
20140174761 | Downhole Shifting Tool - A shifting tool for use in shifting axial position of a shiftable element in a well. The tool comprises a linkage mechanism configured to translate an independent axial force into a dedicated radial force applied to expansive elements thereof. Thus, the elements may radially expand into engagement with the shiftable element free of any substantial axial force imparted thereon. As such, a more discretely controllable shifting actuation may be attained, for example, as directed from an oilfield surface. Indeed, real-time intelligent feedback may also be made available through use of such elements in conjunction with the noted linkage mechanism. | 06-26-2014 |
20150354305 | Rotatable Wireline Tool of Enhanced Hydraulic Drive Consistency - A rotatable downhole cutting tool configured for enhanced drive consistency in low power circumstances. The tool is equipped with a hydraulic axial drive actuator suitable for use in wireline deployment. The actuator itself includes a reciprocating piston with a ball screw that threadably interfaces a ball nut for dampening the axial drive imparted by the piston. As such, even though hydraulically driven at generally well under about 10 horsepower, bounce in the axial drive is substantially eliminated. This is particularly advantageous where cutting is to be applied to downhole metal based obstructions. | 12-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120314535 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF A MARINE SURVEY USING VERTICALLY ORIENTED SENSOR STREAMERS - Marine surveys using vertically oriented sensor streamers. At least some embodiments are vertically oriented sensor streamers where each sensor streamer includes: an elongated outer jacket; a plurality of hydrophones coupled to the outer jacket, each hydrophone of the plurality of hydrophones longitudinally spaced along the outer jacket; a plurality of three-axis motion detectors, each three-axis motion detector of the plurality of three-axis motion detectors longitudinally spaced along the outer jacket; and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the outer jacket, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes longitudinally spaced along the outer jacket, and the plurality of electrodes electrically exposed outside the outer jacket. Other embodiments may also comprise a plurality of electrodes on each sensor streamer, the electrodes for measuring electromagnetic energy. | 12-13-2012 |
20130226493 | DETERMINATION OF PARTICLE DISPLACEMENT OR VELOCITY FROM PARTICLE ACCELERATION MEASUREMENTS - Techniques are described for determining particle displacement or particle velocity data from particle acceleration measurements. In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises an interface configured to received particle acceleration data, one or more processors, and one or more storage media. The one or more storage media store instructions for determining one or more of particle velocity data or particle displacement data, based upon the particle acceleration data, by processing the particle acceleration data using a filter that at least approximates a Wiener filter and that uses one or more damping factors selected to provide stability in the presence of noise in the particle acceleration data. | 08-29-2013 |
20150185349 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZING GENERATION OF SEISMIC IMAGES - This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for stacking seismic data. The methods receive seismic data collected from a survey of a subterranean formation. A gather of seismic data may have flattened reflection events obtained as a result of normal moveout (“NMO”) corrections or pre-stack migration. Alternatively, the gather may be an unmigrated gather with non-horizontal reflection events. A smoothed-amplitude gather is generated from the gather. Traces of the gather are stacked to generate a trace with significantly reduced noise using corresponding smoothed amplitudes of the smoothed-amplitude gather as weights. | 07-02-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090277624 | GRAVEL/FRAC PACKING - Methods, systems, and tools for provide for delivering a particulate-laden slurry to a subterranean portion of a well for operations including gravel packing and/or frac packing. | 11-12-2009 |
20110132603 | OFFSET INTERIOR SLURRY DISCHARGE - A slurry discharge device for use in a subterranean well can include a slurry flow passage extending longitudinally in the device. The slurry flow passage has flow passage sections. One flow passage section is positioned downstream of, and is laterally offset relative to, another flow passage section. Another slurry discharge device can include the slurry flow passage having multiple flow areas. One flow area is positioned in a downstream direction from, and is greater than, another flow area. A method of delivering a slurry into a subterranean well can include discharging the slurry from a tubular string through a first sidewall section of a slurry discharge device; and flowing only a returned fluid portion of the slurry through a second sidewall section of the slurry discharge device. The second sidewall section has a lateral thickness greater than a lateral thickness of the first sidewall section. | 06-09-2011 |
20110174489 | FRACTURING/GRAVEL PACKING TOOL SYSTEM WITH DUAL FLOW CAPABILITIES - A fracturing/gravel packing tool system with dual flow capabilities. A method of treating a well includes the steps of: flowing a fluid into the well through a work string while simultaneously flowing another fluid into the well through an annulus; and directing each of the fluids to the exterior of a well screen in the well. A well treatment system includes a slurry and a fluid flowed into a well. The slurry has an initial density, but the fluid is mixed with the slurry in the well, thereby causing the slurry to have a reduced density in the well. Another method of treating a well includes the steps of: installing a gravel packing assembly including a well screen in the well; flowing a slurry and a fluid into the well; mixing the slurry with the fluid, thereby reducing a density of the slurry in the well; and flowing the reduced density slurry about an exterior of the well screen. | 07-21-2011 |
20120241169 | WELL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH QUICK CONNECTORS AND SHOCK MITIGATING CAPABILITIES - A method can include interconnecting a well tool in a well tool assembly with a shock mitigating connection, the interconnecting being performed without threading, and positioning the well tool assembly in a wellbore. A well perforating assembly can include at least two perforating devices, a detonation train extending through the perforating devices, and a shock absorber positioned between the perforating devices. A method of assembling a perforating assembly can include, prior to installing the perforating assembly in a wellbore, pushing one perforating device connector into another perforating device connector without threading the connectors together, thereby: a) preventing disconnection of the connectors and b) making a connection in a detonation train. A well system can include a perforating assembly including multiple perforating guns and multiple shock absorbers. Each shock absorber may be interconnected between at least two of the perforating guns. | 09-27-2012 |
20120241170 | WELL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH QUICK CONNECTORS AND SHOCK MITIGATING CAPABILITIES - A method can include interconnecting a well tool in a well tool assembly with a shock mitigating connection, the interconnecting being performed without threading, and positioning the well tool assembly in a wellbore. A well perforating assembly can include at least two perforating devices, a detonation train extending through the perforating devices, and a shock absorber positioned between the perforating devices. A method of assembling a perforating assembly can include, prior to installing the perforating assembly in a wellbore, pushing one perforating device connector into another perforating device connector without threading the connectors together, thereby: a) preventing disconnection of the connectors and b) making a connection in a detonation train. A well system can include a perforating assembly including multiple perforating guns and multiple shock absorbers. Each shock absorber may be interconnected between at least two of the perforating guns. | 09-27-2012 |
20130213668 | WELL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH QUICK CONNECTORS AND SHOCK MITIGATING CAPABILITIES - A method can include interconnecting a well tool in a well tool assembly with a shock mitigating connection, the interconnecting being performed without threading, and positioning the well tool assembly in a wellbore. A well perforating assembly can include at least two perforating devices, a detonation train extending through the perforating devices, and a shock absorber positioned between the perforating devices. A method of assembling a perforating assembly can include, prior to installing the perforating assembly in a wellbore, pushing one perforating device connector into another perforating device connector without threading the connectors together, thereby: a) preventing disconnection of the connectors and b) making a connection in a detonation train. A well system can include a perforating assembly including multiple perforating guns and multiple shock absorbers. Each shock absorber may be interconnected between at least two of the perforating guns. | 08-22-2013 |
20140262271 | SHOCK ATTENUATOR FOR GUN SYSTEM - A perforation gun string. The perforation gun string comprises a perforation gun that forms at least part of the perforation gun string; and a swellable material coupled to the perforation gun string. The swellable material is configured to be exposed to a downhole wellbore environment; the swellable material is configured to swell in response to exposure to the downhole wellbore environment; and the swellable material is configured to protrude beyond an outer surface of the perforation gun string when it swells. | 09-18-2014 |
20140331852 | Perforating Gun Apparatus for Generating Perforations having Variable Penetration Profiles - A perforating gun apparatus includes a carrier gun body having a plurality of jet target regions. A first set of the jet target regions has a first resistance to jet penetration and a second set of the jet target regions has a second resistance to jet penetration. A charge holder is positioned within the carrier gun body. A plurality of shaped charges is supported by the charge holder. A first set of the shaped charges is oriented to have discharge ends aligned with the first set of the jet target regions and a second set of the shaped charges is oriented to have discharge ends aligned with the second set of the jet target regions such that firing the first set of the shaped charges creates perforations having a first penetration profile and firing the second set of the shaped charges creates perforations having a second penetration profile. | 11-13-2014 |
20150240607 | PERFORATING APPARATUS AND METHOD HAVING INTERNAL LOAD PATH - A perforating apparatus for a gun string is presented. The apparatus experiences an axial load and potentially a radial load during use. A central charge-carrier supports shaped-charges and substantially bears the axial load on the apparatus during use. The charge-carrier is positioned within an exterior sleeve and the plurality of shaped-charges, upon detonation, perforate the exterior sleeve. The exterior sleeve does not bear a substantial portion of the axial load on the apparatus and can therefore be thinner and cheaper than in prior art assemblies. An annular space can be defined between the charge-carrier and exterior sleeve. The exterior tubular can bear the radial load due to differential pressure in one embodiment. Alternately, the apparatus includes radial support members extending between the charge-carrier and sleeve for transmitting radial load to the charge-carrier. Alternately, the sleeve and charge-carrier abut one another along a substantial portion of the length of the charge-carrier. | 08-27-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110067441 | Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure, heated, and supplied to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the expanded cooled first stream and the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered. | 03-24-2011 |
20110067442 | Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and divided into first and second portions. The first and second portions are expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at upper mid-column feed positions, with the expanded second portion being heated before it enters the tower. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream, combined with a portion of the tower overhead vapor stream, compressed to higher pressure, and directed into heat exchange relation with the remaining tower overhead vapor stream and the expanded second portion to cool the compressed combined vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is expanded to the tower pressure and directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered. | 03-24-2011 |
20110067443 | Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the first stream, combined with a portion of the tower overhead vapor stream, compressed to higher pressure, and directed into heat exchange relation with the remaining tower overhead vapor stream to cool the compressed combined vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is expanded to the tower pressure and directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered. | 03-24-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090100862 | Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the vapor distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered. | 04-23-2009 |
20090282865 | Liquefied Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first portion is supplied to a fractionation column at a first upper mid-column feed point. The second portion is directed in heat exchange relation with a first portion of a warmer distillation stream rising from the fractionation stages of the column, whereby the LNG feed stream is partially heated and the distillation stream is totally condensed. The condensed distillation stream is divided into a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream, whereupon the reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The second portion of the LNG feed stream is heated further to partially or totally vaporize it and thereafter supplied to the column at a first lower mid-column feed position. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second portion is expanded to the operating pressure of the column, then both portions are directed in heat exchange relation with the lean LNG stream and the second portion of the warmer distillation stream, whereby both portions of the gas stream are cooled, the lean LNG stream is vaporized, and the second portion of the distillation stream is heated. The first portion of the gas stream, which has been cooled to substantial condensation, is supplied to the column at a second upper mid-column feed point, and the second portion is supplied to the column at a second lower mid-column feed point. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column. | 11-19-2009 |
20100287982 | Liquefied Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then expanded and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded and cooled, then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed positions and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the distillation vapor stream as it supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream. The distillation vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, forming a first condensed stream. At least a portion of the first condensed stream is directed to the fractionation column at an upper mid-column feed position. A portion of the column overhead stream is also directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, so that it also supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream as it is condensed, forming a second condensed stream. The second condensed stream is divided into a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream, whereupon the reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column. | 11-18-2010 |
20100287985 | Liquefied Natural Gas And Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then expanded and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded and cooled, then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed positions and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the distillation vapor stream as it supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream. The distillation vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation column as its top feed. A portion of the column overhead stream is also directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, so that it also supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream as it is condensed to form a “lean” LNG stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column. | 11-18-2010 |
20120000246 | Liquefied Natural Gas And Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then expanded and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded and cooled, then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed positions and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the distillation vapor stream as it supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream. The distillation vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation column as its top feed. A portion of the column overhead stream is also directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, so that it also supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream as it is condensed to form a “lean” LNG stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column. | 01-05-2012 |
20130125582 | LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS AND HYDROCARBON GAS PROCESSING - A process for recovering ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from LNG and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first is supplied to a fractionation column as a first upper mid-column feed. The second portion is heated while condensing a portion of a column distillation stream, thereby producing a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied as top column feed. The second portion of LNG feed is heated further and supplied to the column as a first lower mid-column feed. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second is expanded, then both portions are cooled while vaporizing the lean LNG stream and heating another portion of the distillation stream. The colder first portion is supplied to the column as a second upper mid-column feed, and the second is supplied as a second lower mid-column feed. | 05-23-2013 |
20130283853 | Liquefied Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process for recovering heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, expanded, and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded, cooled, and supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column below the mid-column feed positions and cooled by the LNG stream sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, with at least a portion of the condensed stream directed to the column at an upper mid-column feed position. A portion of the column overhead stream is cooled by the LNG feed stream to condense it and form both a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream that is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. | 10-31-2013 |
20140096563 | Liquefied Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Processing - A process for recovering ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from LNG and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first is supplied to a fractionation column as a first upper mid-column feed. The second portion is heated while condensing a portion of a column distillation stream, thereby producing a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied as top column feed. The second portion of LNG feed is heated further and supplied to the column as a first lower mid-column feed. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second is expanded, then both portions are cooled while vaporizing the lean LNG stream and heating another portion of the distillation stream. The colder first portion is supplied to the column as a second upper mid-column feed, and the second is supplied as a second lower mid-column feed. | 04-10-2014 |
20150253074 | HYDROCARBON GAS PROCESSING - A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a lower mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. A recycle stream is withdrawn from the tower overhead after it has been warmed and compressed. The compressed recycle stream is cooled sufficiently to substantially condense it, and is then expanded to the pressure of the fractionation tower and supplied to the tower at a top column feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered. | 09-10-2015 |