Patents Examined by Matthew Buck
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Patent number: 9222318Abstract: 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: December 29, 2015Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, James Daryl Kizer, Michael J. Lynch, Sascha Antonio Castriotta
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Patent number: 9222326Abstract: A subsea system including a frame including an intensifier, the intensifier providing structural support to the frame and capable of providing pressurized delivery fluid. The intensifier includes an intensifier chamber and a delivery fluid chamber separated by a piston, the intensifier chamber capable of receiving ambient pressure to provide a pressure on the delivery fluid through the piston. Also, a regulation system regulates the amount of ambient pressure communicated to the intensifier chamber to maintain the delivery fluid pressure substantially constant as the delivery fluid is depleted.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Melvyn F. Whitby, Gerrit Kroesen, Roger Boisjolie, Donald S. Coonrod, Edmund A. Fisher, Barbara J. Fisher
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Patent number: 9222327Abstract: An independently operable disconnect device remotely disconnectable from an LMRP to reveal a riser profile compatible with a capping device connecter. A capping device including a capping device connector to be coupled to said riser profile. The capping device includes at least one blow-out preventer operable to stop the overflow of petroleum products from a well. Thus, a drilling marine riser may be fully disconnected from an LMRP in an emergency. Then the well may be subsequently capped.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: STENA DRILLING LTD.Inventor: Gavin Humphreys
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Patent number: 9222328Abstract: A wellhead latch assembly may include one or more latches for attaching to a wellhead and allowing removal of the wellhead during a well abandonment process. The wellhead latch assembly may include an inner core coupled to the latches, and an outer sleeve for selectively latching and unlatching the latches to the wellhead. The inner core may abut the wellhead and can include a groove having circumferential and/or longitudinal features. The outer sleeve may include a pin which travels within the groove and a set of cut-outs for alignment with the latches. When the cut-outs align with the latches, the latches may expand radially outward and disengage the wellhead. As the outer sleeve moves axially or rotationally relative to the inner core, the latches may fall out of alignment with the cut-outs and move radially inwardly to engage or capture the wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: David A. Stokes, James R. Ford, Stephen Hekelaar, Michael T. Wardley
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Patent number: 9222317Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods and apparatus for the design, installation, use, recovery, and reuse of a Self Supporting Riser (SSR) for wells that are not under a platform. The SSR of the present invention uses standardized joints that can be recovered, potentially warehoused, and recombined in different configurations for different purposes or locations. Emphasis is on methods and apparatus that use relatively small vessels subject to high motions in the installation, use and recovery of the SSR. The SSR is adapted for high current and/or deep water applications for purposes of downhole well intervention and subsea equipment installation. In contrast to the apparatus and processes of the prior art, this invention addresses a comprehensive system design.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: My Technologies, L.L.C.Inventor: Charles R. Yemington
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Patent number: 9222321Abstract: An apparatus includes an engagement device to be disposed on a landing string. The engagement device includes a retracted state to allow the apparatus to be run inside a riser and an expanded state to engage the riser to secure the apparatus to the riser. The apparatus further includes an actuator assembly to be disposed on the landing string. The actuator assembly is remotely actuatable from a sea surface to rotate a tubing of the landing string relative to the engagement device to rotate the landing string to orient a tubing hanger assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Peter Nellessen, Jr., Matthew Niemeyer, Laure Mandrou, Baptiste Germond, John Yarnold
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Patent number: 9222555Abstract: A linear actuator is provided. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a motor, a gearbox, and a linear actuation device. The motor serves as a primary input to provide a rotational input to the gearbox, which generates a corresponding rotational output. The linear actuation device converts the rotational output of the gearbox into a linear motion for driving a load in a linear direction. The actuator includes an override system as a secondary input. The override system may be operated to drive the gearbox in the event that the motor becomes non-operational. Anti-back-driving devices may be provided to prevent back-driving of the motor and of the override system. In the context of a resource extraction system, the motor may be an electric motor powered by subsea electronic control system. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Jesse Morin, Edmund McHugh, Michael Hanes
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Patent number: 9217307Abstract: A running tool for landing a tubular hanger in a subsea wellhead housing or the like, installing an annulus seal assembly into a sealing annulus between the tubular hanger and the wellhead housing, and then pressure testing the seal assembly. The running tool includes an inner mandrel which comprises an upper end that is connectable to a running string, a generally cylindrical inner body which is movably connected to the inner mandrel and releasably connectable to the tubular hanger, a generally cylindrical lower body which is positioned around the inner body above the tubular hanger and connectable to the seal assembly, a generally cylindrical upper body which is positioned above the lower body and is connected to the inner body, an outer mandrel which is slidably supported on the upper body and is connected to the lower body, and a first pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bernard McCoy, Jr., Frank J. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 9217314Abstract: A method of evacuating hydrocarbons from a plurality of nested tubulars of a well pipe that extends from an underwater well tree includes an initial step of attaching a fluid transmission line to the underwater well tree, the fluid transmission line having one end portion forming the attachment to the tree and the other end portion attached to a pump that forces fluid under pressure to the tree and attached nested tubulars. Openings are formed through one or more tubulars of the nested tubulars at a selected location. A specially configured fitting is attached to the tubulars. The fitting seals the openings. The fitting has an expandable seal that is expandable responsive to rotation of a rotating member that rotates upon a saddle, pulling a tapered mandrel against the seal. The saddle surrounds the mandrel and bears against an outer tubular of the nested tubulars. The fitting mandrel has a bore. Hydrocarbons escape from the tubulars via the mandrel bore.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
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Patent number: 9217317Abstract: A rapidly deployable flexible enclosure system for the collection, containment and presentation of hydrocarbon emissions from compromised shallow or deepwater oil and gas well systems, pipelines, other structures, including subsea fissures. The flexible containment enclosure can accommodate various depths and collection terminator configurations. The flexible containment enclosure system is connected to a floating platform and supported by positive offset neutral buoyancy attachment devices. The floating platform with the flexible containment enclosure separates liquid and gaseous materials and directs them to separate ports for removal from a rigid enclosure cavity integrated within the floating platform. Gaseous emissions may optionally be directed to a tethered floating flare system. The system has the ability to partially or fully submerge for extended durations and resurface on demand manually or by transmitted signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Inventor: Raymond Michael Backes
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Patent number: 9217315Abstract: Subsea well template comprising a plurality of well slots arranged adjacent to a manifold reception space, said template comprising a plurality of template hatches for protection of well components, including a Xmas tree. Said hatches comprise at least a top protection cover and a side protection panel. The hatches are arranged to pivot between a closed and open position, about a pivot axis arranged at a lower end of the hatch. When in an open position, the well template exhibits absence of a framework extending up towards the top of the template.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Aker Subsea ASInventor: Knut Møgedal
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Patent number: 9212103Abstract: A pyrotechnic pressure accumulator includes an elongated body extending from a first end of a pyrotechnic section to a discharge end of a hydraulic section. A propellant charge located in a gas chamber of the pyrotechnic section, a piston movably disposed the hydraulic section, and a fluid disposed in a hydraulic chamber between the piston and the discharge end, wherein the fluid is exhausted under pressure through a discharge port in response to ignition of the propellant charge.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Bastion Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles Don Coppedge, Dewey James Louvier, Anna Azzolari Ronalds, Hildebrand A. Rumann
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Patent number: 9212525Abstract: A riser clamp (20) comprising a first jaw portion (211) and a second jaw portion (212) that can be opened and closed relative to each other. The jaw portions (211/212) each comprise a thermoplastic body (301/302) that can be, for example, injection molded pieces of polyethylene (e.g., HDPE). The jaw portions (211/212) can be connected by a hinge (39) that is integrally formed therewith. The clamp (20) can also include cradles (701/702) and caps (711/712) for holding auxiliary lines.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Travis L. Sessions, Gary W. Schroeder, Tyler B. Miner, Larry G. Cobb
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Patent number: 9214816Abstract: An integrated power distribution system utilizes a subsea power distribution hub that receives high voltage electricity through an umbilical from a host surface facility. The subsea power distribution hub steps down the high voltage electricity and distributes the appropriate electrical power supply to multiple components of a subsea production system (e.g., in-well pumps, subsea booster pumps, subsea processing units, subsea valves, and subsea sensors) via jumpers. The integrated subsea power distribution system can be utilize to supply electrical power to all of the required process components of the subsea production system from the in-well completion to the surface host facility.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: FRAMO ENGINEERING ASInventors: Peter Batho, Jan Elde, Audun Magne Askeland, Jean-Luc Monnac, Dinesh R. Patel
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Patent number: 9206663Abstract: The invention provides a bore protector for a tubing hanger, the bore protector is to be arranged in a tubing hanger in a spool in a subsea production Xmas tree for through tubing rotary drilling (TTRD) in an existing production well. The bore protector is distinctive in that it comprises a means to be releasably fastened in at least one of: the spool in the Xmas tree and the tubing hanger, and a wear sleeve extending down into the tubing hanger, covering the tubing hanger sealing surfaces for the tubing hanger plugs, the wear sleeve comprises a shoulder at or near an upper end, the shoulder is arranged on a below positioned seat of a main part of the bore protector, in which position the wear sleeve is releasably fastened.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Aker Subsea ASInventors: André M. Smith, Roar Eide, Bengt Dahlborg, Magnus Fjørtoft Urke, Per Bostedt, Joachim Vilhelmsson
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Patent number: 9206654Abstract: 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: December 8, 2015Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, James Daryl Kizer, Colton B. Sandman
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Patent number: 9206652Abstract: A connection system for subsea connection of a subsea umbilical to a subsea appliance, the system comprising a termination box fixed to the umbilical; a first coupling part mounted to the termination box; a second coupling part; a connection unit, to which the termination box is slidably mounted; and a landing unit, which has a fixed position in relation to the second coupling part. Guide members are provided on the connection unit and the landing unit for guiding the connection unit into a correct position in relation to the landing unit when the connection unit is lowered downwards into contact with the landing unit. The termination box is displaceable axially forwards in relation to the connection unit by means of an actuating unit so as to bring the first coupling part into contact with the second coupling part.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Vecto Gary Scandinavia ASInventor: Rolf Bastesen
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Patent number: 9199344Abstract: An offshore rig for production or drilling of hydrocarbons from a wellbore at sea utilizes a blowout preventer milling assembly. The offshore rig is used for milling gasket surfaces of a blowout preventer at sea either using a portable controller on the offshore rig or a client device remote to the offshore rig. The client device is connected to the portable controller via a network to control the movement of a pneumatic spindle. The pneumatic spindle mills the gasket surface of the blowout preventer. During the milling, the blowout preventer is still attached to the casing or tubulars over the well location.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: MERIDIAN EQUIPMENT, INC.Inventor: Jeffery A. Smith
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Patent number: 9194203Abstract: A subsea latch tool has a latch tool body with an outer surface, a lock piston slidably mounted over the outer surface of the latch tool body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a lock ring extending around the outer surface of the latch tool body. The lock piston has a wedge surface at an end thereof. The wedge surface of the lock piston is interposed between the outer surface of the latch tool body and an inner surface of the lock ring. The lock piston is movable from the retracted position to the extended position so as to expand an outer diameter of the lock ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.Inventor: Teng P. Lee
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Patent number: 9194225Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a drill pipe in borehole. The system includes an electromagnetic (EM) generator to generate a traveling wave of electromagnetic energy to propagate along a linear path through the drill pipe towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic wave reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated through the drill pipe towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid. In an embodiment, the system includes a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore or at the mudline based on the fluid surface level.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: James David Dowell, Melvin Clark Thompson