Oilfield equipment identification method and apparatus

• US 20080249747A1
• Filed: 06/03/2008
• Published: 10/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Edward E. Patterson, Lawrence A. Denny
• Original Assignee: Edward E. Patterson, Lawrence A. Denny
• Inventors: Denny, Lawrence A., Patterson, Edward E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,606,682 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/188
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/006 Accessories for drilling pipes, e.g. cleaners wear protectors E21B17/10; handling drilling pipes E21B19/00; thread protectors B65D59/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 13/00 Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices covered by groups G01V1/00 – G01V11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/006 Identification G06F11/2289 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/041 Constructional details G06K19/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07758 arrangements for adhering the record carrier to further objects or living beings, functioning as an identification tag
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49947 by applying separate fastener

Abstract

In combination, an identifier assembly is mounted to a tubular of a drill string to uniquely identify the tubular. The identifier assembly is provided with a radio-frequency-identification tag having a unique identification code stored therein, and means for mounting the radio-frequency-identification tag to the tubular such that the radio-frequency-identification tag is disposed outside of an arcuate external perimeter of the tubular.

Claims

1. In combination, an identifier assembly mounted onto a tubular of a drill string to uniquely identify the tubular, the identifier assembly comprising:

a radio-frequency-identification tag having a unique identification code stored therein; and

means for mounting the radio-frequency-identification tag to the tubular such that the radio-frequency-identification tag is disposed outside of an arcuate external perimeter of the tubular.

2. In combination, an identifier assembly mounted onto a tubular of a drill string to uniquely identify the tubular, the identifier assembly comprising:

a first member; and

a second member connected to the first member so as to grip an exterior surface of the tubular; and

a radio-frequency-identification tag having a unique identification code stored therein, the radio-frequency-identification tag being supported by the first and second members such that the radio-frequency-identification tag is disposed outside of an arcuate external perimeter of the tubular.

3. The identifier assembly of claim 2, wherein the second member includes a layer of resilient material supported on a frame member.

4. The identifier assembly of claim 3, wherein a slot is formed in the layer of resilient material of the second member, the identification tag being disposed in the slot.