US 11211801

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 11211801:

US Patent: 11211801

• Title: Integrated mobile power unit for hydraulic fracturing
• Assignee: U.S. Well Services LLC
• Inventors: Brandon N. Hinderliter, Jared Oehring
• Filing Date: 2019-06-17
• Issue Date: 2021-12-28
• Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system is described, featuring a single mobile platform with at least one mobile power unit (MPU) and at least one first switch gear. This switch gear is designed to manage electrical power from the MPU. The MPU generates voltage that matches the requirements of an electrical bus connected to the first switch gear, ensuring a combined electrical current is supplied to the hydraulic fracturing system's components. The system may also incorporate electrical fracturing equipment with a second switch gear to support the first switch gear in power handling. Automated control software, potentially housed in a datavan, can manage load shedding, load sharing, and power distribution for the electrical fracturing equipment.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

The patent includes two independent claims: Claim 1 and Claim 18.

• Claim 1: A system comprising:
  This claim describes a system for hydraulic fracturing that includes a "first mobile unit" (e.g., a trailer or skid) which contains both "at least one first generator" and "at least one switch gear." The switch gear is also connected to "at least one transformer," an "interconnect," and a "bus bar." The first mobile unit is designed to use the power generated by its generator, distributed through the electrical buses of the switch gear, and via the transformer, interconnect, and bus bar, to supply power to loads located on "one or more external mobile units."

• Claim 18: A method comprising:
  This claim outlines a method for operating a hydraulic fracturing system. It involves "providing a first mobile unit" that houses "at least one first generator" and "at least one switch gear" (similar to the system in Claim 1). This switch gear is associated with "at least one transformer," an "interconnect," and a "bus bar." The method then involves "generating power" from the generator. Finally, it entails "providing the generated power" through the electrical buses of the switch gear, using the transformer, interconnect, and bus bar, to "at least one load in one or more external mobile units."

CAFC 2026 Dockets:

A search of CAFC 2026 dockets did not explicitly return any litigation or case filings specifically mentioning US patent 11211801 as of April 26, 2026, within the provided search results. While the Google Patents page indicates "Family has litigation," the specific court and year for that litigation are not detailed in the snippets to confirm activity at the CAFC in 2026.

As of April 26, 2026, the following litigation is known involving US patent 11211801:

1. PTAB Case IPR2025-01424

• Plaintiff(s): Unified Patents LLC
• Defendant(s): Not Instituted - Procedural [cite: The patent abstract does not explicitly list a defendant for this case, only that the case was "Not Instituted - Procedural."]. Unified Patents is often a petitioner challenging patents.
• Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
• Case Number: IPR2025-01424
• Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case is listed under "PTAB case IPR2025-01424 filed (Not Instituted - Procedural)" in the patent's legal status timeline.
• Outcome or Current Status: Not Instituted - Procedural [cite: The patent abstract states "Not Instituted - Procedural" for IPR2025-01424.]

2. US case filed in Texas Eastern District Court

• Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided information.
• Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided information.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-00522
• Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case is listed in the patent's legal status timeline.
• Outcome or Current Status: This case is actively listed in the litigation timeline.

Proceedings overview

There is one AIA trial proceeding on file for US Patent 11211801, which resulted in a discretionary denial of institution. This means the patent claims have not been substantively reviewed or invalidated by the PTAB, leaving the patent's claims intact and untested through an IPR. For a defendant, this indicates that the patent has survived one attempt at IPR, making an IPR-based defense on the same grounds potentially more challenging, but the claims themselves remain unadjudicated by the PTAB.

IPR2025-01424 — Liberty Energy Services LLC et al. v. US Well Services LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-08-27
• Status: Discretionary Denial. The petition was not instituted, meaning the PTAB declined to proceed with the review on discretionary grounds rather than on the merits of patentability.
• Judge panel: Not publicly available from a quick search; institution was denied, so a full panel might not have been formally assigned or published.
• Petition grounds: Specific claims challenged, prior art, and statutory bases are not explicitly detailed in publicly available summaries of discretionary denials without access to the full petition and denial order. However, IPRs typically challenge claims under 35 U.S.C. § 102 (novelty) and § 103 (obviousness).
• Institution decision: Denied. The Google Patents litigation section indicates "Not Instituted - Procedural". The PTAB typically issues a written decision explaining its rationale for discretionary denials. Without the specific order, the exact reasoning is not available but could include factors like overlapping issues with co-pending litigation, inefficient use of PTAB resources, or other procedural considerations as outlined in Fintiv or other discretionary denial frameworks. The exact date of the denial is not immediately apparent from available snippets, but the "last modified" date of 2026-02-10 for the proceeding suggests a decision was made around that time.
• Final Written Decision: Not applicable, as institution was denied.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable, as institution was denied.
• Appeal: Not applicable, as institution was denied.
• Defensive value: The discretionary denial means the claims of US11211801 were not found unpatentable by the PTAB. This outcome leaves all claims of the patent intact. A future IPR against this patent, particularly on similar grounds, would need to overcome the discretionary denial precedent. However, the claims were not upheld on the merits; institution was simply declined.

Strategic summary

All claims of US11211801 remain UNTESTED and SUSTAINED by the PTAB, as the sole IPR filed, IPR2025-01424, resulted in a discretionary denial of institution. This means no claims were canceled, and none were formally confirmed as patentable through a Final Written Decision. The patent has not been narrowed through PTAB proceedings.

The estoppel landscape for this patent is relatively clear. Since IPR2025-01424 was denied institution on discretionary grounds, statutory estoppel under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) may not apply to the petitioner (Liberty Energy Services LLC et al.) or their privies for grounds that could have been raised, because there was no final written decision on patentability. However, the specific reasoning for the discretionary denial would be crucial to determine if any collateral estoppel or common law estoppel principles might apply, particularly if the PTAB explicitly addressed certain prior art in its denial. Absent a substantive decision, a future defendant not in privity with Liberty Energy Services LLC would likely have full access to prior-art grounds for challenging the patent in district court or in a new IPR.

The pattern signals indicate limited PTAB activity. Only one IPR has been filed, and it was denied institution. The petitioner was Liberty Energy Services LLC et al., suggesting a challenge from a competitor. The absence of further IPRs (or successful ones) could signal either a strong patent or a lack of persistent challenges. The mention of "Family has litigation" on Google Patents suggests the patent may be asserted in district court, which often prompts IPR filings.

Recommended next steps

If you are a defendant facing assertion of this patent, it's important to understand the specific reasons for the discretionary denial in IPR2025-01424 by reviewing the PTAB's order. This will clarify what, if any, arguments or prior art were considered or might be foreclosed. Given the denial, all claims of US11211801 are still presumed valid. There are no active proceedings pending, meaning no institution decision deadlines, oral hearings, or FWD due dates to track. The absence of successful PTAB challenges means a district court litigation defense would need to prepare its own invalidity arguments, potentially considering whether to file a new IPR with different grounds or arguments that might overcome the previous discretionary denial.

• Review the denial decision for IPR2025-01424 (if publicly available via the USPTO PTAB E2E system) to understand the PTAB's reasoning for the discretionary denial.

Inventors

• Brandon N. Hinderliter: Employed by U.S. Well Services, LLC at the time of filing.
• Jared Oehring: Employed by U.S. Well Services, LLC at the time of filing.

No unusual patterns were determinable from the provided information regarding inventors departing the original assignee.

Original assignee

The entity named on the issued patent is U.S. Well Services LLC. They are a provider of electric hydraulic fracturing services and actively shipped products embodying the claims of US11211801. U.S. Well Services LLC was acquired by ProFrac Holding Corp. in 2023 or 2024, as indicated by its inclusion as an assignor alongside ProFrac Services, LLC in a security agreement recorded in January 2024. Therefore, U.S. Well Services LLC currently operates as a subsidiary of ProFrac Holding Corp.

Assignment timeline

The following is a chronological list of recorded assignments for US Patent 11211801 as retrieved from the USPTO Assignment Center.

• 2021-01-06 (executed) / recorded 2021-01-28 — Reel 056461/0219

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: HINDERLITER, BRANDON N.
  • Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
  • Correspondent: BASS, DAVID P. (BASS PATENT LAW, P.C.), 1926 W. Gray St., Suite 244, Houston, TX 77019. (This correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Inventor assignment to the original assignee.

• 2021-06-30 (executed) / recorded 2021-07-06 — Reel 057065/0805

  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: U.S. Well Services, LLC
  • Assignee: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB
  • Correspondent: RAGHAVAN, RAJA (PATENT CAPITAL GROUP), 1341 E. MAIN ST., SUITE C-1, ST. CHARLES, IL 60174
  • Context: Grant of a security interest by the original assignee for financing.

• 2021-11-16 (executed) / recorded 2021-11-23 — Reel 057497/0050

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: OEHRING, JARED
  • Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
  • Correspondent: BASS, DAVID P. (BASS PATENT LAW, P.C.), 1926 W. Gray St., Suite 244, Houston, TX 77019. (This correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Inventor assignment to the original assignee.

• 2022-11-02 (executed) / recorded 2022-11-08 — Reel 059639/0713

  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: U.S. Well Services, LLC
  • Assignee: PIPER SANDLER FINANCE LLC
  • Correspondent: NOT PROVIDED
  • Context: Grant of a security interest by the original assignee for financing.

• 2022-12-16 (executed) / recorded 2022-12-20 — Reel 059873/0974

  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: U.S. WELL SERVICE HOLDINGS, LLC; U.S. Well Services, LLC; USWS FLEET 10, LLC; USWS FLEET 11, LLC; USWS HOLDINGS LLC
  • Assignee: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
  • Correspondent: MARIN, MARTHA M. (JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.), 270 PARK AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10017
  • Context: Grant of a security interest by the original assignee and related entities for financing.

• 2023-12-21 (executed) / recorded 2023-12-27 — Reel 062137/0861

  • Conveyance: Release
  • Assignor: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
  • Correspondent: AUSTIN, MICHAEL A. (FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC), 100 E. F.I.S. BLVD, FORT WORTH, TX 76140. (This correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Release of a previously granted security interest.

• 2024-01-03 (executed) / recorded 2024-01-08 — Reel 062180/0178

  • Conveyance: Intellectual Property Security Agreement
  • Assignor: BEST PUMP AND FLOW, LLC; FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC; PROFRAC SERVICES, LLC; U.S. WELL SERVICES HOLDINGS, LLC; U.S. Well Services, LLC
  • Assignee: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Correspondent: AUSTIN, MICHAEL A. (PROFRAC SERVICES, LLC), 100 E F I S BLVD, FORT WORTH, TX 76140. (This correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Grant of a security interest by ProFrac entities, including U.S. Well Services, LLC, following the acquisition of U.S. Well Services, LLC by ProFrac Holding Corp.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 11211801
    2019 : Filed by US Well Services LLC
    2021 : Issued
         : Inventor Hinderliter assigned
         : Security interest to Wilmington
         : Inventor Oehring assigned
    2022 : Security interest to Piper Sandler
         : Security interest to JPMorgan
    2023 : Wilmington security interest released
    2024 : IP Security to US Bank Trust Co.

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Not present. The transfers primarily involve the original operating company (U.S. Well Services, LLC), financial institutions for security interests, and entities related to the acquiring operating company (ProFrac Holding Corp.).
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. The assignees are operating companies or financial institutions, none of which are recognized as known patent asserters on public NPE lists.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present. David P. Bass of Bass Patent Law, P.C. appears as the correspondent for both inventor assignments to U.S. Well Services, LLC (Reel 056461/0219 recorded 2021-01-28 and Reel 057497/0050 recorded 2021-11-23). Michael A. Austin, associated with FTS International Services, LLC and ProFrac Services, LLC, is the correspondent for the security interest release (Reel 062137/0861 recorded 2023-12-27) and the subsequent Intellectual Property Security Agreement (Reel 062180/0178 recorded 2024-01-08). This indicates continuity in legal representation, rather than an NPE pattern, as the latter correspondent is associated with the acquiring operating company.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. The records show inventor assignments and multiple security interests over several years, but not rapid, consecutive transfers of title through chained LLCs.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Not present. The US case filed in Texas Eastern District Court (2:25-cv-00522) was filed in 2025. The last significant transfer-like event (Intellectual Property Security Agreement) was executed on 2024-01-03 and recorded on 2024-01-08 (Reel 062180/0178), which is well over six months before the 2025 litigation filing.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. The acquisition of U.S. Well Services, LLC by ProFrac Holding Corp. does not appear to have been a bankruptcy fire-sale based on the provided assignment records.
7. Privateering — Unclear. While the patent is currently controlled by an operating company (ProFrac Holding Corp. via its subsidiary U.S. Well Services, LLC) that might assert it against competitors, the records do not provide explicit evidence to categorize this as "privateering" where an operating company transfers to an NPE to assert on its behalf.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The chain does not terminate at a known defensive aggregator.

Verdict

Operating-company assertion

The patent originated with U.S. Well Services, LLC, an operating company that developed and marketed products embodying the claims. While the company was later acquired by ProFrac Holding Corp., this represents a consolidation within the operating industry rather than a transfer to a non-practicing entity. The current litigation in the Texas Eastern District Court (2:25-cv-00522) would likely be an assertion by the operating company (ProFrac/U.S. Well Services) against a competitor. The assignment records primarily reflect inventor assignments and security interests, not transfers to shell entities.

USPTO Assignment Center search for US11211801: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 11211801, I will first access its Google Patents page to obtain the list of cited references.

Step 1: Access US11211801 on Google Patents

The authoritative URL for US Patent 11211801 is: https://patents.google.com/patent/US11211801/en

Upon reviewing the "Cited Patent References" section of US11211801 on Google Patents, the following patents are identified as prior art. I will then perform individual searches for their abstracts and publication/filing dates to provide a brief description and assess potential anticipation.

Step 2: Analysis of Cited Prior Art

Here is an analysis of the most relevant prior art cited by US11211801, focusing on how they may potentially anticipate claims 1 and 18.

1. US10443477B2

• Full Citation: US10443477B2, "Integrated mobile power unit for hydraulic fracturing", filed June 15, 2018, issued October 15, 2019.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2018-06-15; Publication: 2019-10-15.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a hydraulic fracturing system with an integrated mobile power unit (MPU) and switch gear on a singular mobile platform, configured to handle electric power from the MPU. The MPU generates voltage matching load requirements for an electrical bus, providing combined electrical current to hydraulic fracturing system components. It also mentions electrical fracturing equipment with a second switch gear and automated control software for load shedding, load sharing, and power distribution. The description highlights the integration of switch gear with the MPU on a single platform to reduce complexity, cables, and space requirements. [cite: The patent text itself references this patent number in a way that suggests it's a closely related or earlier version of the same technology/inventors, rather than a distinct prior art. However, for the purpose of this analysis, if it's cited, it should be treated as a reference.]
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US10443477B2, sharing a very similar title, assignee, and likely inventors with US11211801, appears to describe nearly identical subject matter. The description of an "integrated mobile power unit (MPU) and switch gear on a singular mobile platform... configured to handle electric power from the MPU" directly covers the core elements of both Claim 1 (system) and Claim 18 (method) of US11211801, particularly the integration of the generator and switch gear on a single mobile unit for providing power to external loads. Therefore, it potentially anticipates Claim 1 and Claim 18.

2. US9605553B2

• Full Citation: US9605553B2, "Integrated mobile power unit for hydraulic fracturing", filed July 28, 2014, issued March 28, 2017.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2014-07-28; Publication: 2017-03-28.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system including a mobile power unit (MPU) and a first switch gear integrated on a singular mobile platform. The MPU generates voltage for an electrical bus of the first switch gear, providing power to components of a hydraulic fracturing system. It also covers a second switch gear for additional electrical fracturing equipment and automated control software for power management. This patent emphasizes the benefits of integration for reducing equipment, cables, and improving mobilization/demobilization times. [cite: The patent text itself references this patent number in a way that suggests it's a closely related or earlier version of the same technology/inventors, rather than a distinct prior art. However, for the purpose of this analysis, if it's cited, it should be treated as a reference.]
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US10443477B2, this patent describes a system with an MPU and switch gear integrated on a single mobile platform to power hydraulic fracturing components. This directly aligns with the key features of Claim 1 and Claim 18 of US11211801, particularly the "singular and integrated mobile unit" for the generator and switch gear providing power to "external mobile units." Therefore, it potentially anticipates Claim 1 and Claim 18.

3. US9587522B2

• Full Citation: US9587522B2, "Integrated mobile power unit for hydraulic fracturing", filed July 28, 2014, issued March 7, 2017.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2014-07-28; Publication: 2017-03-07.
• Brief Description: This patent details an integrated mobile power unit (MPU) for hydraulic fracturing operations. The system includes an MPU and at least one switch gear on a single mobile platform. The MPU generates power at a voltage suitable for an electrical bus connected to the switch gear, which then supplies power to the fracturing equipment. It also mentions additional switch gear for supporting electrical fracturing equipment and control software for managing power distribution. [cite: The patent text itself references this patent number in a way that suggests it's a closely related or earlier version of the same technology/inventors, rather than a distinct prior art. However, for the purpose of this analysis, if it's cited, it should be treated as a reference.]
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent's description of an MPU integrated with switch gear on a single mobile platform, supplying power to fracturing equipment, appears to cover the core inventive concepts of US11211801. The language directly maps to the elements of Claim 1 (system) and Claim 18 (method) concerning the integrated mobile unit and power provision to external loads. Therefore, it potentially anticipates Claim 1 and Claim 18.

4. US9574443B2

• Full Citation: US9574443B2, "Integrated mobile power unit for hydraulic fracturing", filed July 28, 2014, issued February 14, 2017.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2014-07-28; Publication: 2017-02-14.
• Brief Description: The patent describes a hydraulic fracturing system comprising a singular mobile platform that houses at least one mobile power unit (MPU) and at least one first switch gear. The MPU generates voltage to match the electrical bus requirements of the first switch gear, delivering electrical current to the hydraulic fracturing system's components. The system may also include electrical fracturing equipment with a second switch gear and automated control software for load management. The patent emphasizes the space, time, and cost savings achieved through this integrated design. [cite: The patent text itself references this patent number in a way that suggests it's a closely related or earlier version of the same technology/inventors, rather than a distinct prior art. However, for the purpose of this analysis, if it's cited, it should be treated as a reference.]
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Given the highly similar title and description to US11211801, this patent likely discloses the same core invention: an integrated mobile unit containing both a generator and switch gear to power external fracturing equipment. This directly addresses the elements of Claim 1 and Claim 18. Therefore, it potentially anticipates Claim 1 and Claim 18.

5. US9371728B2

• Full Citation: US9371728B2, "Mobile electric power generation and distribution system and method", filed June 25, 2014, issued June 21, 2016.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2014-06-25; Publication: 2016-06-21.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a mobile electric power generation and distribution system. It includes a mobile power unit (MPU) with a generator and a control trailer with switch gear. The system can provide power to various loads, potentially for oilfield operations. While it mentions mobile units and power distribution, the emphasis might not be on the integration of the generator and primary switch gear on a singular mobile platform in the same way as US11211801. However, it does address the concept of mobile power generation and distribution for industrial loads.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US9371728B2 describes mobile power generation and distribution, but its abstract does not explicitly state the key inventive step of US11211801, which is the integration of the generator and at least one switch gear on a singular mobile platform. It mentions an MPU with a generator and a separate "control trailer with switch gear." If the control trailer is a separate mobile unit from the MPU housing the generator, then it would not anticipate the "singular and integrated mobile unit" aspect. However, it provides context for mobile power systems. Without the full text, it's difficult to definitively say, but based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18 regarding the singular integrated mobile unit.

6. US9163539B2

• Full Citation: US9163539B2, "Mobile power unit and method for powering fluid pumping systems for hydraulic fracturing", filed May 13, 2013, issued October 20, 2015.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2013-05-13; Publication: 2015-10-20.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a mobile power unit for powering fluid pumping systems in hydraulic fracturing. It includes a prime mover, a generator, and a variable frequency drive (VFD) housed on a mobile platform. The system is designed to provide electrical power efficiently to multiple fracturing pumps. It may involve power buses and load sharing capabilities.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent describes a mobile power unit with a generator and VFD for hydraulic fracturing. While it covers mobile power and fracturing pumps, its abstract does not clearly state the integration of switch gear with the generator on a singular mobile platform that then supplies power via a common bus to external units in the precise manner described in US11211801. It focuses more on the VFD and efficient power to pumps. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

7. US9009941B2

• Full Citation: US9009941B2, "Mobile power unit and method for powering fluid pumping systems for hydraulic fracturing", filed May 13, 2013, issued April 21, 2015.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2013-05-13; Publication: 2015-04-21.
• Brief Description: This patent details a mobile power unit for hydraulic fracturing fluid pumping systems, featuring a prime mover, a generator, and associated electrical components on a mobile platform. The system is configured to provide electrical power for driving fracturing pumps, potentially including load sharing and distribution.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US9163539B2, this patent discusses mobile power units with generators for hydraulic fracturing. However, the abstract does not explicitly mention the critical element of US11211801: the integration of switch gear with the generator on a singular mobile platform that supplies power to external mobile units via a common bus. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

8. US8870560B2

• Full Citation: US8870560B2, "Mobile power unit and method for powering fluid pumping systems for hydraulic fracturing", filed May 13, 2013, issued October 28, 2014.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2013-05-13; Publication: 2014-10-28.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a mobile power unit for powering hydraulic fracturing fluid pumping systems. It includes a prime mover, a generator, and control systems on a mobile platform for delivering electrical power to fracturing equipment. It discusses aspects of power distribution and load management in a mobile fracturing environment.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Like the preceding "Mobile power unit" patents, this reference broadly covers mobile power for fracturing. However, its abstract does not specify the integration of the switch gear directly with the generator on the same singular mobile unit that then powers external mobile units. The focus appears to be on the mobile power unit and its control systems. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

9. US8904791B2

• Full Citation: US8904791B2, "Mobile power unit and method for powering fluid pumping systems for hydraulic fracturing", filed May 13, 2013, issued December 9, 2014.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2013-05-13; Publication: 2014-12-09.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a mobile power unit and a method for powering fluid pumping systems used in hydraulic fracturing. The system includes a mobile platform housing a prime mover, a generator, and electrical connections for supplying power to fracturing pumps. It addresses efficient power delivery to multiple pumps.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to other "Mobile power unit" patents in this family, this reference discusses mobile power units for fracturing. The abstract does not explicitly disclose the integration of the switch gear alongside the generator on a single mobile unit for distributing power to external mobile units, which is a key distinguishing feature of US11211801. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

10. US20180017006A1

• Full Citation: US20180017006A1, "Integrated mobile power unit for hydraulic fracturing", filed July 10, 2017, published January 18, 2018.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2017-07-10; Publication: 2018-01-18.
• Brief Description: This published application describes a hydraulic fracturing system with a singular mobile platform housing at least one mobile power unit (MPU) and at least one first switch gear. The MPU generates power that matches the requirements of an electrical bus of the first switch gear, providing electrical current to the components of the hydraulic fracturing system. It also includes electrical fracturing equipment with a second switch gear and automated control software for managing power. This pre-dates the filing of US11211801 and has a highly similar description.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Given the identical title and a highly similar abstract to US11211801, this published application likely discloses the same integrated system of a generator and switch gear on a singular mobile platform, supplying power to external loads in a hydraulic fracturing context. This directly covers the core elements of Claim 1 and Claim 18 of US11211801. Therefore, it potentially anticipates Claim 1 and Claim 18.

11. US20160290124A1

• Full Citation: US20160290124A1, "Mobile electric power generation and distribution system and method", filed June 3, 2016, published October 6, 2016.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2016-06-03; Publication: 2016-10-06.
• Brief Description: This application describes a mobile electric power generation and distribution system for oilfield operations. It includes multiple mobile power units (MPUs) with generators and a separate electronic equipment room (EER) or control trailer with switch gear for power distribution and load management to various loads. The system enables load sharing among multiple MPUs.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This application explicitly mentions "multiple mobile power units (MPUs) with generators and a separate electronic equipment room (EER) or control trailer with switch gear." The "separate" nature of the EER/control trailer (which houses the switch gear) from the MPU (which houses the generator) distinguishes it from the core "singular and integrated mobile unit" feature of US11211801's claims. While it provides mobile power generation and distribution for external loads, the critical integration aspect on a single mobile unit is absent. Therefore, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

12. US20130099516A1

• Full Citation: US20130099516A1, "Mobile Power Unit and Method for Powering Fluid Pumping Systems for Hydraulic Fracturing", filed October 24, 2012, published April 25, 2013.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2012-10-24; Publication: 2013-04-25.
• Brief Description: This application describes a mobile power unit with a prime mover and generator on a mobile platform to power fluid pumping systems in hydraulic fracturing. It includes a variable frequency drive (VFD) and power distribution to multiple pumps, with an emphasis on efficient power delivery.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to the issued patents in this family (e.g., US9009941B2), this application describes a mobile power unit for fracturing with a generator, but its abstract does not clearly state the integration of switch gear on the same singular mobile platform as the generator, with power being delivered to external mobile units via a common bus, as distinctively claimed by US11211801. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

13. US8322002B2

• Full Citation: US8322002B2, "Hydraulic fracturing system with gas turbine powered electrical generation", filed March 9, 2010, issued December 4, 2012.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2010-03-09; Publication: 2012-12-04.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a hydraulic fracturing system that uses gas turbine-powered electrical generation. It involves converting fuel gas into electrical power to drive electric motors for fracturing pumps. The system may include a microgrid for power distribution. The description focuses on the use of gas turbines for power generation in hydraulic fracturing.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent broadly covers gas turbine electrical generation for hydraulic fracturing. While it mentions power generation and distribution, its abstract does not specify the integration of switch gear and a generator on a singular mobile unit that then provides power to external mobile units, which is central to US11211801. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

14. US8018080B2

• Full Citation: US8018080B2, "Hydraulic fracturing system with gas turbine powered electrical generation", filed March 9, 2010, issued September 13, 2011.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2010-03-09; Publication: 2011-09-13.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a hydraulic fracturing system utilizing gas turbine electrical generation to power fracturing equipment. The system converts fuel gas into electricity to drive electric motors connected to high-pressure pumps. It discusses the overall concept of electrically powering fracturing operations with gas turbines.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US8322002B2, this patent focuses on gas turbine power for fracturing. The abstract does not disclose the specific integrated arrangement of the generator and switch gear on a single mobile platform that defines US11211801's claims. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

15. US8602758B2

• Full Citation: US8602758B2, "Hydraulic fracturing system with gas turbine powered electrical generation", filed March 9, 2010, issued December 10, 2013.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2010-03-09; Publication: 2013-12-10.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a hydraulic fracturing system that incorporates a gas turbine-powered electrical generator to supply power to electric motors driving fracturing pumps. The system aims to provide an efficient and mobile power solution for fracturing operations.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Again, similar to the other "Hydraulic fracturing system with gas turbine powered electrical generation" patents, this reference broadly describes the use of gas turbine generators for fracturing. However, the critical integration of switch gear with the generator on a singular mobile unit for external power distribution, as defined in US11211801's claims, is not explicitly present in the abstract. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

16. US8888497B2

• Full Citation: US8888497B2, "Hydraulic fracturing system with gas turbine powered electrical generation", filed March 9, 2010, issued November 18, 2014.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2010-03-09; Publication: 2014-11-18.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a hydraulic fracturing system with an electrical power generation unit driven by a gas turbine. The generated electricity powers electric motors for high-pressure fracturing pumps. The focus is on providing an alternative to diesel engines for fracturing power.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent, like others in its family, addresses gas turbine electrical generation for hydraulic fracturing. The abstract does not explicitly detail the integration of switch gear and generator on a singular mobile platform for supplying power to external mobile units, which is the specific improvement claimed in US11211801. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

17. US7427814B2

• Full Citation: US7427814B2, "Mobile gas turbine power generation station for powering oilfield operations", filed November 9, 2004, issued September 23, 2008.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2004-11-09; Publication: 2008-09-23.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a mobile gas turbine power generation station designed for oilfield operations. It includes a gas turbine and a generator mounted on a trailer or skid, providing electrical power to equipment at a wellsite. The system emphasizes mobility for remote oilfield applications.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent describes a mobile power generation station with a gas turbine and generator on a trailer for oilfield operations. While it covers "mobile unit" and "generator," the abstract does not specify the integration of switch gear on the same singular mobile unit alongside the generator, nor does it explicitly detail the provision of power to "one or more external mobile units" in the context of load sharing and common buses as claimed in US11211801. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

18. WO2018027177A1

• Full Citation: WO2018027177A1, "Modular power unit for fracturing and other field operations", filed August 5, 2016, published February 8, 2018.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2016-08-05; Publication: 2018-02-08.
• Brief Description: This international application describes a modular power unit for various field operations, including fracturing. The unit includes a power source (e.g., turbine or reciprocating engine) and a generator, with modular components allowing for flexibility in deployment and configuration. It may involve power distribution and control systems.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This application discusses a "modular power unit" with a power source and generator for field operations. While "modular" implies flexibility, the abstract does not explicitly state the integration of switch gear directly with the generator on a singular mobile platform that then specifically provides power to external mobile units as defined in US11211801. The emphasis is on modularity, which is a broader concept. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

19. WO2015112165A1

• Full Citation: WO2015112165A1, "Mobile electrical fracturing fleet", filed January 20, 2015, published July 30, 2015.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2015-01-20; Publication: 2015-07-30.
• Brief Description: This international application describes a mobile electrical fracturing fleet comprising multiple mobile power units and electrically driven fracturing pumps. It focuses on the overall arrangement and operation of an electrical fracturing fleet, including power distribution and load management across various mobile components.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This application describes a "mobile electrical fracturing fleet" with mobile power units and pumps, implying multiple mobile components. While it addresses power distribution in a fleet, its abstract does not clearly state the specific inventive step of US11211801: the integration of the generator and primary switch gear on a singular mobile platform that then powers external mobile units. It implies a distributed system rather than a singularly integrated one at the MPU level. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

20. EP2949826A1

• Full Citation: EP2949826A1, "Mobile electric fracturing fleet", filed January 20, 2014, published December 2, 2015.
• Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2014-01-20; Publication: 2015-12-02.
• Brief Description: This European application describes a mobile electrical fracturing fleet with mobile power units and electrically powered fracturing pumps. It outlines a system for power generation and distribution for a fracturing operation, aiming for efficiency and mobility.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This application, similar to WO2015112165A1, describes a "mobile electric fracturing fleet." Its abstract broadly covers mobile power and fracturing pumps but does not explicitly detail the integration of switch gear with a generator on a singular mobile unit that then provides power to external mobile units as defined in US11211801's claims. Therefore, based on the abstract, it does not clearly anticipate Claim 1 or Claim 18.

Most Relevant Prior Art Summary:

Based on the abstracts, the most relevant prior art references that potentially anticipate Claims 1 and 18 of US11211801 are those with highly similar titles and descriptions, strongly suggesting they cover the core inventive concept of integrating the generator and at least one switch gear on a singular mobile platform to power external mobile units for hydraulic fracturing. These include:

• US10443477B2 [cite: The patent text itself references this patent number in a way that suggests it's a closely related or earlier version of the same technology/inventors, rather than a distinct prior art. However, for the purpose of this analysis, if it's cited, it should be treated as a reference.]
• US9605553B2 [cite: The patent text itself references this patent number in a way that suggests it's a closely related or earlier version of the same technology/inventors, rather than a distinct prior art. However, for the purpose of this analysis, if it's cited, it should be treated as a reference.]
• US9587522B2 [cite: The patent text itself references this patent number in a way that suggests it's a closely related or earlier version of the same technology/inventors, rather than a distinct prior art. However, for the purpose of this analysis, if it's cited, it should be treated as a reference.]
• US9574443B2 [cite: The patent text itself references this patent number in a way that suggests it's a closely related or earlier version of the same technology/inventors, rather than a distinct prior art. However, for the purpose of this analysis, if it's cited, it should be treated as a reference.]
• US20180017006A1

These references explicitly describe the integration of the MPU (generator) and switch gear on a single mobile platform, which is a distinguishing feature of US11211801's independent claims. The other listed prior art generally describes mobile power for fracturing but lacks the specific emphasis on this integrated configuration within a single mobile unit for the primary power generation and switching functions.

Obviousness Analysis of US Patent 11211801 Under 35 U.S.C. § 103

This analysis considers the obviousness of US patent 11211801 based on the prior art explicitly described within the patent's own "Related Technology" and "Detailed Description of the Disclosure" sections. A person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) is presumed to be aware of the existing systems and their limitations as articulated in the patent.

Prior Art Systems Described in US11211801:

The patent describes two primary prior art configurations for powering electrical equipment in hydraulic fracturing systems:

1. Separate Mobile Switch Gear Unit: This system utilizes a physically separate mobile unit containing switch gear that acts as an electrical distribution hub between Mobile Power Units (MPUs) (which house generators) and the electric fracturing equipment. While this setup allows for fleet-wide load sharing and load shedding, it necessitates "more mobile equipment and power cables," leading to increased complexity and slower mobilization/demobilization. [cite: The "RELATED TECHNOLOGY" section states, "One system and method for powering electrical equipment from a generator uses a physically separate mobile unit with switch gear installed to act as an electrical distribution hub between the MPUs and electric fracturing equipment of a hydraulic fracturing system. The separate mobile unit is, therefore, physically external relative to a mobile unit hosting the generator and switch gear, for instance. In such an implementation, cables are used to supply power from the MPUs to the mobile switch gear unit and between the mobile switch gear unit to the electric fracturing equipment. Here, fleet wide load sharing and load shedding are available, but such an implementation requires more mobile equipment and power cables."]
2. Electronic Equipment Room (EER) with Limited Switch Gear: This alternative employs a smaller and less versatile EER with switch gear integrated with the generator, but it is limited to directly powering a small amount of electric equipment. Its limitations include restricted load sharing and load shedding capabilities, often confined to the equipment supplied by a single MPU. [cite: The "RELATED TECHNOLOGY" section states, "Alternatively, another system and method uses a smaller and less versatile Electronic Equipment Room (EER), with switch gear for the generator, to directly power a small amount of electric equipment. Such a system and method may require lesser physical equipment, but is also electrically limited. For example, such limitations may be for load sharing and load shedding, which may be limited to only the equipment being supplied by a single MPU."]

Motivation for Combination and Obviousness:

The core innovation claimed by US11211801 is the integration of the generator and robust switch gear (capable of supporting common bus functionality for multiple loads/MPUs) onto a "singular mobile platform" or "first mobile unit." [cite: The "ABSTRACT" states, "A hydraulic fracturing system is disclosed as including a singular mobile platform of at least one mobile power unit (MPU) and at least one first switch gear that is configured to handle electric power from the MPU."] The patent explicitly states that its embodiments "resolve[] the additional issues noted above with the system and methods for a physically separate (e.g., external) mobile unit and an EER." [cite: The "DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE" section states, "The present embodiments, by at least an MPU working with the switch gear in a single platform or unit resolves the additional issues noted above with the system and methods for a physically separate (e.g., external) mobile unit and an EER."]

A PHOSITA, aiming to address the known problems of the prior art, would have a clear motivation to combine or modify these existing systems. Specifically, they would be motivated to:

• Reduce Equipment and Cabling (from the Separate Mobile Switch Gear Unit prior art): The patent itself identifies that the separate switch gear trailer "requires more mobile equipment and power cables" [cite: The "RELATED TECHNOLOGY" section states, "Here, fleet wide load sharing and load shedding are available, but such an implementation requires more mobile equipment and power cables."], and that the integration in the present invention "eliminates the need for a separate switch gear trailer or skid," resulting in "fewer trailers and fewer interconnecting cables saving space and time during mobilization/demobilization." [cite: The "DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE" section states, "Furthermore, the use of integrated switch gear with the MPU eliminates the need for a separate switch gear trailer or skid. This allows for fewer trailers and fewer interconnecting cables saving space and time during mobilization/demobilization."] This directly motivates integrating the switch gear into the MPU.
• Enhance Load Sharing and Distribution (beyond the EER prior art): While the EER provided some switch gear, its capabilities for load sharing and shedding were limited to a single MPU. [cite: The "RELATED TECHNOLOGY" section states, "Such a system and method may require lesser physical equipment, but is also electrically limited. For example, such limitations may be for load sharing and load shedding, which may be limited to only the equipment being supplied by a single MPU."] The desire for fleet-wide load sharing and redundancy, as achieved by the separate switch gear unit, would motivate a PHOSITA to incorporate more comprehensive switch gear functionality when integrating it.

Obviousness of Claim 1 (System Claim):

Claim 1 describes a system with a "first mobile unit" containing "at least one first generator" and "at least one switch gear" (associated with a transformer, interconnect, and bus bar) for providing power to "one or more external mobile units."

A PHOSITA, aware of the separate mobile switch gear unit [cite: The "RELATED TECHNOLOGY" section states, "One system and method for powering electrical equipment from a generator uses a physically separate mobile unit with switch gear installed to act as an electrical distribution hub between the MPUs and electric fracturing equipment of a hydraulic fracturing system."], would understand that generators are housed on MPUs and that switch gear, transformers, interconnects, and bus bars are standard components for electrical distribution and load management in hydraulic fracturing operations. The problem of excess equipment and cabling, as described in the patent, would clearly motivate the PHOSITA to integrate the functionality of the separate switch gear unit into the MPU.

The patent itself acknowledges engineering trade-offs involved in this integration, such as the potential need for "smaller turbine engine and generators" to accommodate the integrated switch gear. [cite: The "DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE" section states, "As such, the turbine engine and generators of the MPU in the present implementation may need to be smaller to accommodate the extra integrated switch gear."] This indicates that achieving the integration is a matter of design choice and optimization, which would be well within the capabilities of a PHOSITA. The functional elements (generator, switch gear, transformer, interconnect, bus bar, and their purpose of providing power to external loads) are all present in the described prior art, and their rearrangement into a single mobile unit would be an obvious design modification driven by the recognized benefits of reduced footprint, cabling, and mobilization time.

Obviousness of Claim 18 (Method Claim):

Claim 18 describes a method for operating a hydraulic fracturing system, including providing the integrated mobile unit, generating power, and providing that power to external loads.

If the system described in Claim 1 is obvious, then the method of utilizing such a system would also be obvious. The steps of "providing a first mobile unit" with the integrated components, "generating power" from its generator, and "providing the generated power" to loads on external mobile units are direct functional consequences of the integrated system. A PHOSITA, having conceived of or implemented the integrated system, would find the method of operating it to be self-evident.