Patents by Inventor Blake T. DeBerry
Blake T. DeBerry has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20210087899Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling subsea tubular members together are provided. An apparatus may be used to properly orient and/or provide communication between a first subsea tubular member that is being landed on a second subsea tubular member. An apparatus for coupling subsea tubular members may include an alignment sub and a corresponding alignment member. The alignment sub includes: a generally cylindrical body having one or more fluid, electric, or fiber optic lines extending therethrough, one or more couplings coupled to at least one end of the alignment sub, and an orientation profile disposed on a surface of the alignment sub. The alignment member has a profile designed to interface with the orientation profile of the alignment sub. One of the alignment sub and the alignment member remains stationary while the other rotates relative to the stationary structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, Flavio Santos, Andrew Mitchell, Gregory Norwood, Robert Buxton, David Scantlebury, Matthew Crotwell, Justin Rye, Todd L. Scaggs
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Patent number: 10947805Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead and then orienting a tree (or spool, or flowline connection body) relative to the tubing hanger while landing the tree on the wellhead are provided. This alignment is accomplished without the use of either a tubing spool or a BOP stack with an orientation pin. The tubing hanger alignment devices may be used to orientate the tree as the tree is landed so that the couplings and stabs between the tree and the tubing hanger line up with each other just at the moment of landing.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2020Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, Flavio Santos, Gregory Norwood, Robert Buxton, Justin Rye, Todd L. Scaggs
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Publication number: 20210025258Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead and then orienting a tree (or spool, or flowline connection body) relative to the tubing hanger while landing the tree on the wellhead are provided. This alignment is accomplished without the use of either a tubing spool or a BOP stack with an orientation pin. The tubing hanger alignment devices may be used to orientate the tree as the tree is landed so that the couplings and stabs between the tree and the tubing hanger line up with each other just at the moment of landing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2020Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, Flavio Santos, Gregory Norwood, Robert Buxton, Justin Rye, Todd L. Scaggs
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Patent number: 10830015Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead and then orienting a tree (or spool, or flowline connection body) relative to the tubing hanger while landing the tree on the wellhead are provided. This alignment is accomplished without the use of either a tubing spool or a BOP stack with an orientation pin. The tubing hanger alignment devices may be used to orientate the tree as the tree is landed so that the couplings and stabs between the tree and the tubing hanger line up with each other just at the moment of landing.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, Flavio Santos, Gregory Norwood, Robert Buxton, Justin Rye, Todd L. Scaggs
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Publication number: 20200240220Abstract: Systems and methods for control/monitoring of internal equipment in a riser assembly are disclosed. The method includes running a tool through at least a portion of an internal bore of a riser assembly associated with a well, and outputting a control signal from a first wireless communication interface disposed along the internal bore of the riser assembly. The first wireless communication interface is coupled to a communication system on the riser assembly. The method also includes receiving the control signal at a second wireless communication interface disposed on the tool, and actuating at least one equipment component of the tool in response to the second wireless communication interface receiving the control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade
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Publication number: 20200116282Abstract: A high capacity universal connector for use in connecting tubular members and a method for sealing the tubular members is provided. First and second tubular members are provided which each have ends that are brought into face-to-face engagement by a connector. A metal sealing element seals against conical surfaces at the ends of the first and second tubular members and enables the entire surface of the end of one tubular member to be bought into engagement with the surface of the end of the other tubular member so as to improve the bending and compression capacity of the assembly comprising the tubular members and the metal sealing element. A metal sealing ring for use in this assembly is also provided, along with a gasket retention assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Morris B. Wade, Mark A. Manning, Blake T. DeBerry, Bruce J. Witwer
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Publication number: 20200080670Abstract: A high capacity universal connector for use in connecting tubular members and a method for sealing the tubular members is provided. First and second tubular members are provided which each have ends that are brought into face-to-face engagement by a connector. A metal sealing element seals against conical surfaces at the ends of the first and second tubular members and enables the entire surface of the end of one tubular member to be bought into engagement with the surface of the end of the other tubular member so as to improve the bending and compression capacity of the assembly comprising the tubular members and the metal sealing element. A metal sealing ring for use in this assembly is also provided, along with a gasket retention assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Morris B. Wade, Mark A. Manning, Blake T. DeBerry, Bruce J. Witwer
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Patent number: 10527207Abstract: A high capacity universal connector for use in connecting tubular members and a method for sealing the tubular members is provided. First and second tubular members are provided which each have ends that are brought into face-to-face engagement by a connector. A metal sealing element seals against conical surfaces at the ends of the first and second tubular members and enables the entire surface of the end of one tubular member to be bought into engagement with the surface of the end of the other tubular member so as to improve the bending and compression capacity of the assembly comprising the tubular members and the metal sealing element. A metal sealing ring for use in this assembly is also provided, along with a gasket retention assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Manning, Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, Bruce J. Witwer
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Publication number: 20190323638Abstract: An improved anti-rotation device and connector assembly designed to prevent rotation of a first threaded portion of the connector assembly with respect to a second threaded portion of the connector assembly is provided. The anti-rotation device and connector assembly include features that guide and smooth the transition of the anti-rotation device into a position extending through the first and second threaded portions. The anti-rotation device may extend through a tab/groove interface between the first and second threaded portions, or the anti-rotation device may engage opposing interfacing edges of the first and second threaded portions along the length of the anti-rotation device. Once the anti-rotation device is installed through the first and second threaded portions, the anti-rotation device may prevent rotation of the threaded portions relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Inventor: Blake T. DeBerry
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Patent number: 10435957Abstract: An improved anti-rotation device designed to prevent rotation of a first threaded portion of a connector assembly with respect to a second threaded portion of the connector assembly is provided. The anti-rotation device may be an integral part of one end of the connector assembly, so that the anti-rotation device cannot become lost before the first and second threaded sections are coupled together. The anti-rotation key may be rotatably coupled to the first threaded portion and may be easily transitioned from an unlocked position within the connector assembly to a locked position that prevents rotation of the threaded portions relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade
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Patent number: 10385994Abstract: An improved anti-rotation device and connector assembly designed to prevent rotation of a first threaded portion of the connector assembly with respect to a second threaded portion of the connector assembly is provided. The anti-rotation device and connector assembly include features that guide and smooth the transition of the anti-rotation device into a position extending through the first and second threaded portions. The anti-rotation device may extend through a tab/groove interface between the first and second threaded portions, or the anti-rotation device may engage opposing interfacing edges of the first and second threaded portions along the length of the anti-rotation device. Once the anti-rotation device is installed through the first and second threaded portions, the anti-rotation device may prevent rotation of the threaded portions relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventor: Blake T. DeBerry
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Publication number: 20190234159Abstract: Systems and methods for riser monitoring and lifecycle management are disclosed. The riser monitoring and lifecycle management method includes receiving a signal indicative of an identification of a riser component at a monitoring and lifecycle management system (MLMS), wherein the riser component forms part of a riser assembly. The method also includes detecting one or more properties via at least one sensor disposed on the riser component during operation of the riser assembly, and communicating data indicative of the detected properties to the MLMS. The MLMS stores the data indicative of the detected properties with the identification of the riser component in a database.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade
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Publication number: 20190120008Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead and then orienting a tree (or spool, or flowline connection body) relative to the tubing hanger while landing the tree on the wellhead are provided. This alignment is accomplished without the use of either a tubing spool or a BOP stack with an orientation pin. The tubing hanger alignment devices may be used to orientate the tree as the tree is landed so that the couplings and stabs between the tree and the tubing hanger line up with each other just at the moment of landing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, Flavio Santos, Gregory Norwood, Robert Buxton, Justin Rye, Todd L. Scaggs
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Patent number: 10253582Abstract: Systems and methods for riser monitoring and lifecycle management are disclosed. The riser monitoring and lifecycle management method includes receiving a signal indicative of an identification of a riser component at a monitoring and lifecycle management system (MLMS), wherein the riser component forms part of a riser assembly. The method also includes detecting one or more properties via at least one sensor disposed on the riser component during operation of the riser assembly, and communicating data indicative of the detected properties to the MLMS. The MLMS stores the data indicative of the detected properties with the identification of the riser component in a database.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade
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Patent number: 10184303Abstract: An improved anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of two joined tubular members of a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a first threaded portion connected to a second threaded portion. The anti-rotation device includes at least one self-tapping screw installed in an associated threaded bore formed in and tangential to a flange of the second threaded portion. When installed, the at least one self-tapping screw engages a shoulder of the first threaded portion. A partial thread is formed in the shoulder of the first threaded portion by the at least one self-tapping screw, which forms a shear-resistive force that prevents rotation of the first threaded portion relative to the second threaded portion, and thus prevents rotation of one tubular member relative to the other.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Morris B. Wade, Bruce J. Witwer, Blake T. Deberry
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Patent number: 10077613Abstract: An improved anti-rotation key designed to prevent rotation of a first threaded portion of a connector assembly with respect to a second threaded portion of the connector assembly is provided. The disclosed key includes several features that facilitate easier, faster, and more accurate securing of the key within the connector. For example, the key may include features that guide, pre-load, and smooth the transition of the key from an initial position to a fully engaged and energized position.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade
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Publication number: 20180163902Abstract: A high capacity universal connector for use in connecting tubular members and a method for sealing the tubular members is provided. First and second tubular members are provided which each have ends that are brought into face-to-face engagement by a connector. A metal sealing element seals against conical surfaces at the ends of the first and second tubular members and enables the entire surface of the end of one tubular member to be bought into engagement with the surface of the end of the other tubular member so as to improve the bending and compression capacity of the assembly comprising the tubular members and the metal sealing element. A metal sealing ring for use in this assembly is also provided, along with a gasket retention assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: June 14, 2018Inventors: Mark A. Manning, Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, Bruce J. Witwer
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Patent number: 9982502Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a seal assembly for sealing and locking a casing hanger to a wellhead includes a lower seal body, an upper seal body connected to the lower seal body, an inner lock ring disposed between the upper seal body and the lower seal body, an external lock ring engaging the upper seal body, and an energizing ring. The lower seal body is structured and arranged to form a seal with the casing hanger and the wellhead. The upper seal body includes a load portion that overhangs a load shoulder of the casing hanger. At least a portion of the energizing ring is disposed within an inner groove disposed within the upper seal body. The energizing ring locks the inner lock ring into forcible engagement with the casing hanger, and locks the external lock ring into engagement with the wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: John E. Nelson, Bruce J. Witwer, Blake T. DeBerry
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Publication number: 20170328139Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an improved anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of two joined tubular members of a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a first threaded portion connected to a second threaded portion. The anti-rotation device includes at least one self-tapping screw installed in an associated threaded bore formed in and tangential to a flange of the second threaded portion. When installed, the at least one self-tapping screw engages a shoulder of the first threaded portion. A partial thread is formed in the shoulder of the first threaded portion by the at least one self-tapping screw, which forms a shear-resistive force that prevents rotation of the first threaded portion relative to the second threaded portion, and thus prevents rotation of one tubular member relative to the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Morris B. Wade, Bruce J. Witwer, Blake T. Deberry
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Publication number: 20170298701Abstract: Systems and methods for riser monitoring and lifecycle management are disclosed. The riser monitoring and lifecycle management method includes receiving a signal indicative of an identification of a riser component at a monitoring and lifecycle management system (MLMS), wherein the riser component forms part of a riser assembly. The method also includes detecting one or more properties via at least one sensor disposed on the riser component during operation of the riser assembly, and communicating data indicative of the detected properties to the MLMS. The MLMS stores the data indicative of the detected properties with the identification of the riser component in a database.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade