Patents by Inventor Colin Black

Colin Black 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).

  • Publication number: 20080044221
    Abstract: A quick-locking connector and method for use in the oil and gas industry. The quick-locking connector comprises male and female portions, which mate together in a non-coaxial hinged relationship. Rigid connection is achieved by guidance and location of spring-loaded buttons of the male portion into apertures of the female portion. The connector allows the female portion to be attached to a horizontal element, such as a horizontal drill pipe, and to mate with the male portion attached to a vertical element. In this configuration, lifting the male portion vertically upwards allows gravity to locate the spring-loaded buttons of the male portion into the female portion to provide rigid attachment at the connector such that the elements can be secured vertically inline with each other. The connector therefore provides a self lifting capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Frederick McKay, Richard Gilchrist, Colin Black
  • Publication number: 20060102359
    Abstract: An improved valve for sealing a wellbore and method of use, in particular for prevention of well blow outs. In one embodiment, the apparatus is designed to seal a well through rotation of rams. The rams may be actuated to seal the well without having to work against full well pressure as fluid volumes in the apparatus housing, which also contains the rams, are preserved. This functionality allows the apparatus to be constructed with smaller dimensions than existing prior art blow out prevention valves aiding handling and manoeuvrability. The improved valve according to one embodiment also has a mechanism that guides a wireline or a pipeline being run in the wellbore to the centre of the bore and allows a seal to be formed around the wireline or pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: Gareth Brown, Frederick McKay, Colin Black
  • Publication number: 20050252655
    Abstract: A roller sub system for reducing friction between a tool string and a wall in a well bore for use in the oil and gas industry. The apparatus has a roller body and wheel sub system, which is configured to have removably mounted wheels of variable diameters. A plurality of different diameter wheel sets are described for mounting on the roller sub axles and orientating the system in the well bore. The wheels are fixed to the roller sub axles through a quick-release mechanism. A single apparatus can thus be employed with different diameter wheels to operate in well bores of variable diameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Frederick McKay, Richard Gilchrist, Colin Black