Patents Examined by Matthew Buck
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Patent number: 9611704Abstract: A gooseneck assembly having a body disposed circumferentially about a portion of a riser string. A stab member is inwardly radially extendable relative to the body and engages a receptacle disposed on the riser string. A cartridge assembly engages the stab member and has a flexible hose coupling that is rotatable relative to a central axis of the stab member. The coupling is in fluid communication with the receptacle via the stab member. The assembly includes an actuator that is operable to rotate the flexible hose coupling relative to the central axis of the stab member.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Frank Springett, George Tisdale, John Cannell, Stephen B. Gauntt, Matthew Taylor
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Patent number: 9429007Abstract: A method for maintaining pressure in a wellbore drilled from a drilling platform floating on a body of water includes pumping fluid at a determined flow rate into a drill string disposed in a wellbore and measuring fluid pressure within a fluid discharge line of fluid returning from the wellbore. The fluid discharge line has a variable length corresponding to an elevation of the floating platform above the bottom of the body of water. The wellbore pressure is determined at a selected depth in the wellbore or at a selected position along a drilling riser or variable length portion of the fluid discharge line using known parameters/methods. The determined wellbore pressure is adjusted for changes in length of the fluid discharge line corresponding to changes in the elevation of the floating platform relative to the bottom of the body of water.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Donald G. Reitsma, Ossama R. Sehsah, Yawan Couturier
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Patent number: 9334695Abstract: A hybrid riser system comprises a lower riser section secured between a lower subsea anchor and an upper buoyant structure, and an upper riser section extending between the lower riser section and a surface or near surface vessel. The lower riser section comprises an elongate support and one or more composite fluid conduits secured to and extending adjacent the elongate support. The composite fluid conduits comprise a composite material formed of at least a matrix and one or more reinforcing elements embedded within the matrix. The upper riser section comprises one or more flexible conduits in fluid communication with the composite fluid conduits.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Magma Global LimitedInventor: Stephen Hatton
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Patent number: 9322221Abstract: A substantially cylindrical buoyancy module for a marine riser includes a plurality of buoyancy elements separated along at least one helical separation plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.Inventors: Donald Paul Howard, Alan Hugh Summers, Harris A. Reynolds, Jr., Kati Rachelle Andrus
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Patent number: 9291036Abstract: In a subsea system where subsea devices are operated using a pressurized fluid from one or more accumulators, the method of providing flow of pressurized fluid to operate a device which is greater than the flow from an accumulator providing the flow, comprising discharging the accumulator to drive one or more motors, driving one or more pumps by the one or more motors, the one or more pumps having a larger displacement than the one or more motors such that the one or more pump outputs a greater volume of fluid than the motor consumes, and delivering the output of the one or more pumps to operated the subsea device.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Reel Power Licensing Corp.Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
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Patent number: 9260931Abstract: A breakaway connection for a subsea riser, the connection including a tubular stabbing member having a central axis, an upper end, a radially outer cylindrical surface, a radially inner surface, and an annular recess in the outer cylindrical surface. The breakaway connection also includes a tubular female member having a central axis, a lower end, a radially outer surface, a radially inner surface defining a receptacle extending axially from the lower end, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced threaded holes extending radially from the radially outer surface to the receptacle, wherein the stabbing member is disposed in the receptacle and coaxially aligned with the female member. The breakaway connection further includes a plurality of shear pins, wherein each shear pin is threadably disposed in one threaded hole, and wherein each shear pin has a radially inner end seated in the annular recess.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventor: Jason P. Curtiss, III
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Patent number: 9261391Abstract: A system for monitoring for gas and oil flow venting from a surface using time intervals, size and velocity, and using a processor with a data storage containing a bubble flow classification chart and bubble flow categories. The data storage receives at least one: video feed, drilling parameter data feed, seismic profile data feed, logging while drilling data feed, measurement while drilling data feed, sonar data feed, and hydrographic data feed to verify a determined bubble flow category and bubble flow classification as a baseline bubble flow classification and provides an alarm when a bubble flow emergency is ascertained due to a change in bubble flow classification without an anticipated change or changes outside predefined acceptable limits within the video feed, drilling parameter data feed, seismic profile data feed, logging while drilling data feed, sonar data feed, hydrographic data feed, or measurement while drilling data feed.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Berger Geosciences, LLCInventors: William J. Berger, III, James F. Keenan, Zachary I. Metz, William J. Berger, II
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Patent number: 9260927Abstract: A system compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. The system also compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a riser telescoping joint located below a RCD is moving while drilling.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Simon J. Harrall
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Patent number: 9260949Abstract: A subsea production system for conducting hydrocarbon recovery operations in a marine environment, including a trussed tower having a first end including a base residing proximate the seabed and a second end having a landing deck configured to receive and releasably attach to a floating drilling unit. The system also includes one or more hydrocarbon fluids storage cells. The storage cells reside at the seabed proximate the base of the trussed frame. The system further includes subsea production operational equipment that resides within the trussed frame near the water surface and is in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon fluids storage cells. A method for installing such components is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Carl R. Brinkmann, Dmitri G. Matskevitch
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Patent number: 9260920Abstract: The present subject matter provides a multipurpose cantilever skidding frame having a first frame structure, a second frame structure and two connection beams integrally forming a rigid structure to provide longitudinal and lateral movement for an exemplary cantilever. The present subject matter also provides a drilling rig that enables a cantilever to be moved in both longitudinal and transverse directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignees: Offshore Technology Development, Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology CentreInventors: Foo Kok Seng, Matthew Quah Chin Kau, Michael John Perry, Shan Xiao Yu
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Patent number: 9249637Abstract: A dual gradient drilling system comprises a primary riser that is coupled to a drilling rig and a subsea wellhead and an auxiliary riser that is coupled to the drilling rig and to the primary riser by a fluid conduit that is disposed at a point between the drilling rig and the wellhead. The fluid conduit provides fluid communication between the primary riser and the auxiliary riser. A pump system is disposed within the auxiliary riser and is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. A drive string is disposed within the auxiliary riser and is coupled to the pump system so as to operably couple the pump system to the drilling rig.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Frank B. Springett, Svein Ove Aanesland, Geoffrey Alexander Pickett
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Patent number: 9249646Abstract: A method of cementing a tubular string in a wellbore includes: deploying the tubular string into the wellbore; pumping cement slurry into the tubular string; launching a cementing plug after pumping the cement slurry; propelling the cementing plug through the tubular string, thereby pumping the cement slurry through the tubular string and into an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore; and controlling flow of fluid displaced from the wellbore by the cement slurry to control pressure of the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Don M. Hannegan, Cesar Pena, David Pavel, Michael Brian Grayson, Said Boutalbi, Todd Douglas Cooper, Timothy P. Dunn, Frank Zamora, Jr.
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Patent number: 9243478Abstract: A piping system for housing system components for regulating the flow of fluid therethrough is provided. The piping system includes an inner small diameter length of piping through which hot fluids flow, an outer larger diameter length of piping surrounded by cold fluid, and an annulus between the small and larger diameter piping in which the system components are received. Insulation material extends about a predetermined section of the small diameter length of piping for restricting heat transfer therefrom to the system components in the annulus and allowing heat transfer from the system components in the annulus to the outer piping.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Quangen Du, John Yarnold, Matthew Niemeyer, Baptiste Germond
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Patent number: 9234402Abstract: Method to modify an existing subsea arranged oil production well having installed a hydraulically operated downhole valve, characterized in using coiled tubing technology to: arrange an electrically operated downhole pump in the production tubing, lock the hydraulically operated downhole valve in an open position by placing a sleeve body in the open positioned valve, arrange an electrically operated downhole valve above the downhole pump. A modified oil production well.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM ASInventor: Torstein Vinge
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Patent number: 9234400Abstract: A subsea pump system is adapted to close a hydraulic ram of a blowout preventer. The subsea pump system has at least a first pump and a second pump configured to pump drive fluid from a source to the hydraulic ram. The system has a controller configured to automatically select at least one of the first and second pumps for pumping the drive fluid wherein at least the first pump is selected at a lower fluid pressure range and at least the second pump is selected at a higher fluid pressure range. A method of operating a pump system and an intervention skid for a pump system are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Subsea 7 LimitedInventors: Roger Warnock, Jr., Calum Maxwell Stirling, James Colley, Alan William Doe
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Patent number: 9228397Abstract: Systems and methods for riser coupling are disclosed. A riser coupling system comprises a riser joint connector comprising a first tubular assembly coupled to a second tubular assembly. The riser coupling system further comprises a spider assembly which receives the riser joint connector and has a connector actuation tool. The connector actuation tool comprises a dog assembly, a clamping tool and a splined member. The dog assembly selectively extends a dog to engage the riser joint connector. The clamping tool couples the first tubular assembly and the second tubular assembly. Finally, the splined member actuates a locking member of the riser joint connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, James Daryl Kizer, Sascha Antonio Castriotta, David Scantlebury, Darren W. T. Mills, Colton Bradford Sandman
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Patent number: 9228396Abstract: A tubing hanger landing system includes a tubing hanger running tool, a locking flowline to lock the tubing hanger running tool into a tubing hanger, and a lower body shear joint comprising a recovery valve. The recovery valve includes a valve body with a functional port, an operational port, a bi-directional port, and a relief port, and a valve piston positioned within the valve body and movable between an operational position and a relief position within the valve body. The functional port enables pressure to be communicated to the valve piston to move the valve piston from the operational position to the relief position, and, in the relief position, the valve piston provides fluid communication through a relief flowpath between the bi-directional port and the relief port to release pressure from the locking flowline.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK LimitedInventors: Sergio Yamahata, Carlos Aparecido de Oliveira
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Patent number: 9228416Abstract: Systems and methods enable connection of, and are usable to connect, well servicing equipment to other well equipment, including wellheads, blowout preventers, and other well servicing equipment. The systems comprise connecting apparatus having a male connector and female connector. The male connector comprises an elongate body having an axial bore extending therethrough and a plurality of protrusions extending from the elongate body at an angle relative to the axial bore. The female connector can be adapted for connection with the male connector, wherein engagement between the male connector and female connector communicates the axial bore of the male connector with a bore of the female connector to define a flowpath for communicating a medium. The systems and methods enable the ability to connect or disconnect well equipment remotely without the need of a diver, an ROV, and without the need to bring the well equipment to the surface for disassembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Inventor: David Wright
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Patent number: 9222311Abstract: A subsea drilling method and system controls drilling fluid pressure in the borehole of a subsea well, and separates gas from the drilling fluid. Drilling fluid is pumped into the borehole through a drill string and returned through an annulus between the drill string and the well bore and between the drill string and a riser. Drilling fluid pressure is controlled by draining fluid out of the riser or a BOP at a level between the seabed and the surface in order to adjust the hydrostatic head of drilling fluid in the riser. The drained drilling fluid and gas is separated in a subsea separator, where the gas is vented to the surface through a vent line, and the fluid is pumped to the surface via a subsea pump. A closing device and a choke line and valve can release pressure after a gas kick in the well.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Ocean Riser Systems AS Lilleakerveien 2BInventor: Borre Fossli
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Patent number: 9222325Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine riser isolation tool in particular to an autonomous marine riser isolation tool having a robotic plug installation device that is adapted for positioning a pipeline isolation plug in a vertical pipe such as a marine riser, resulting in sealing of the marine riser.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: THE SAFER PLUG COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Ciaran Early, Gary Murray, Raymond Honour