Patents by Inventor Daniel McStay
Daniel McStay 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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Patent number: 10648325Abstract: An apparatus for communicating signals across a wellbore barrier defined by a first flow completion system component positioned at an upper end of the wellbore and a second flow completion system component mounted within the first flow completion system component includes a first wireless node which is mounted on the first flow completion system component on a first side of the wellbore barrier, the first wireless node being configured to be connected to an external device, and a second wireless node which is mounted on the second flow completion system component on a second side of the wellbore barrier, the second wireless node being located generally opposite the first wireless node and being configured to be connected to a downhole device. The first and second wireless nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly through the wellbore barrier using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communications.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John J. Mulholland, Gabriel Silva, David Kane, Daniel McStay
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Publication number: 20180320507Abstract: An apparatus for communicating signals across a wellbore barrier defined by a first flow completion system component positioned at an upper end of the wellbore and a second flow completion system component mounted within the first flow completion system component includes a first wireless node which is mounted on the first flow completion system component on a first side of the wellbore barrier, the first wireless node being configured to be connected to an external device, and a second wireless node which is mounted on the second flow completion system component on a second side of the wellbore barrier, the second wireless node being located generally opposite the first wireless node and being configured to be connected to a downhole device. The first and second wireless nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly through the wellbore barrier using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communications.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: John J. Mulholland, Gabriel Silva, David Kane, Daniel McStay
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Patent number: 10030509Abstract: An apparatus for communicating optical signals between an external device located on a first side of a wellbore barrier and a downhole device located on a second side of the well bore barrier includes a first wireless node which is positioned on the first side of the well bore barrier and is in communication with the external device via a first cable. A second wireless node is positioned on the second side of the well bore barrier and is in communication with the downhole device via a second cable. The first and second wireless nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly through the well bore barrier using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communications.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John J. Mulholland, Gabriel Silva, David Kane, Daniel McStay
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Patent number: 9939547Abstract: A method for monitoring a subsea hydrocarbon production or processing apparatus involves mounting a subsea control module (SCM) on or adjacent the apparatus, mounting a first base unit on or adjacent the apparatus at a distance from the SCM, mounting a plurality of first sensor devices on the apparatus, each of the plurality of first sensor devices being configured to generate a first sensor signal representative of a condition of a component of the apparatus or a property of a fluid in the apparatus, operating each first sensor device to generate a corresponding first sensor signal, wirelessly transmitting each first sensor signal from its corresponding first sensor device to the first base unit, wirelessly receiving the first sensor signals at the first base unit, transmitting the first sensor signals from the first base unit to the SCM, and receiving the first sensor signals at the SCM.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel McStay, John J. Mulholland, David Kane
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Patent number: 9929777Abstract: A method for increasing the power transfer efficiency of a wireless induction power and/or data transfer system comprising a magnetic field transmitter which is positioned on a first side of a barrier and a magnetic field receiver which is positioned on a second side of the barrier opposite the first side comprises the steps of disposing at least one flux flow member in or adjacent the barrier at least partially between the transmitter and the receiver. The flux flow member comprises a magnetic permeability different from the magnetic permeability of the barrier. As a result, the flux flow member increases the amount of magnetic flux generated by the transmitter which is coupled through the barrier and into the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Corey Jaskolski, John J. Mulholland, Daniel McStay
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Publication number: 20160341844Abstract: A method for monitoring a subsea hydrocarbon production or processing apparatus involves mounting a subsea control module (SCM) on or adjacent the apparatus, mounting a first base unit on or adjacent the apparatus at a distance from the SCM, mounting a plurality of first sensor devices on the apparatus, each of the plurality of first sensor devices being configured to generate a first sensor signal representative of a condition of a component of the apparatus or a property of a fluid in the apparatus, operating each first sensor device to generate a corresponding first sensor signal, wirelessly transmitting each first sensor signal from its corresponding first sensor device to the first base unit, wirelessly receiving the first sensor signals at the first base unit, transmitting the first sensor signals from the first base unit to the SCM, and receiving the first sensor signals at the SCM.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Daniel McStay, John J. Mulholland, David Kane
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Patent number: 9435908Abstract: A subsea system for producing or processing a hydrocarbon production fluid comprises a plurality of sensors, each of which generates a sensor signal that is representative of a condition of a component of the system or a property of a fluid. A base unit mounted on or adjacent the system is in wireless communication with each of the sensors, and a subsea control module is in communication with the base unit. In operation, the sensor signals are transmitted wirelessly from the sensors to the base unit and are then transmitted from the base unit to the subsea control module.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel McStay, John J. Mulholland, David Kane
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Publication number: 20160069178Abstract: An apparatus for communicating optical signals between an external device located on a first side of a wellbore barrier and a downhole device located on a second side of the well bore barrier includes a first wireless node which is positioned on the first side of the well bore barrier and is in communication with the external device via a first cable. A second wireless node is positioned on the second side of the well bore barrier and is in communication with the downhole device via a second cable. The first and second wireless nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly through the well bore barrier using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communications.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2012Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: John J. Mulholland, Gabriel Silva, David Kane, Daniel McStay
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Patent number: 8927924Abstract: A leak detector (190) includes a sensor head (260), a light source (200) optically coupled to the sensor head and operable to generate excitation light. A detector (205) is optically coupled to the sensor head and operable to detect fluorescence light. A signal processing unit (210) is coupled to the detector and operable to signal a leak condition responsive to an intensity of the fluorescence light exceeding a threshold. A fluid-tight enclosure (235) encloses at least the light source, the detector, and the signal processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel McStay, Laurie Costello, David Kane
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Publication number: 20140265613Abstract: A method for increasing the power transfer efficiency of a wireless induction power and/or data transfer system comprising a magnetic field transmitter which is positioned on a first side of a barrier and a magnetic field receiver which is positioned on a second side of the barrier opposite the first side comprises the steps of disposing at least one flux flow member in or adjacent the barrier at least partially between the transmitter and the receiver. The flux flow member comprises a magnetic permeability different from the magnetic permeability of the barrier. As a result, the flux flow member increases the amount of magnetic flux generated by the transmitter which is coupled through the barrier and into the receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicants: HYDRO TECHNOLOGIES, INC., FMC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Corey Jaskolski, John J. Mulholland, Daniel McStay
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Publication number: 20130088360Abstract: An optical monitoring system includes a sensor network including a plurality of optical sensors. The optical switch module is disposed on a first side of a pressure barrier, coupled to the sensor network, and operable to select various subsets of the optical sensors responsive to a control signal. The sensor interrogation unit is disposed on a second side of the pressure barrier and operable to generate the control signal and receive an optical signal from a particular subset of the sensor elements selected by the optical switch module. The optical penetrator is coupled to the interrogation unit and the optical switch module and operable to communicate the optical signal through the pressure barrier. The inductive control unit is operable to inductively communicate the control signal and a power signal to the optical switch module through the pressure barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventors: Daniel McStay, David Faichnie
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Publication number: 20120098674Abstract: A subsea system for producing or processing a hydrocarbon production fluid comprises a plurality of sensors, each of which generates a sensor signal that is representative of a condition of a component of the system or a property of a fluid. A base unit mounted on or adjacent the system is in wireless communication with each of the sensors, and a subsea control module is in communication with the base unit. In operation, the sensor signals are transmitted wirelessly from the sensors to the base unit and are then transmitted from the base unit to the subsea control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: FMC TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Daniel McStay, John J. Mulholland, David Kane
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Publication number: 20120091364Abstract: A leak detector (190) includes a sensor head (260), a light source (200) optically coupled to the sensor head and operable to generate excitation light. A detector (205) is optically coupled to the sensor head and operable to detect fluorescence light. A signal processing unit (210) is coupled to the detector and operable to signal a leak condition responsive to an intensity of the fluorescence light exceeding a threshold. A fluid-tight enclosure (235) encloses at least the light source, the detector, and the signal processing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Daniel McStay, Laurle Costello, David Kane
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Patent number: 8017928Abstract: A fluorometer comprising an excitation system including an excitation source for producing excitation light capable of causing fluorescence in fluorescent material; and a detection system for detecting said fluorescence. The excitation source comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) associated with means for causing said excitation light to form a beam that projects, during use, from the fluorometer. In one embodiment, the excitation system and the detection system are located in respective separate housings, the angular disposition between the housings being adjustable. In other embodiments, the excitation system and the detection system are located in the same housing. The fluorometer is particularly suited for use in detecting leaks in aqueous environments, especially when mounted on an underwater vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Advanced Sensors LimitedInventors: Daniel McStay, Anton Forte, Khalid Thabeth, Terrence Greenaway
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Patent number: 7967066Abstract: A method for monitoring a Christmas tree assembly installed on a subsea hydrocarbon well includes receiving a plurality of parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly. A health metric for the Christmas tree assembly is determined based on the parameters. A problem condition with the Christmas tree assembly is identified based on the determined health metric.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel McStay, Aidan Nolan, Gordon Shiach, Sean McAvoy, Espen Rokke
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Patent number: 7918126Abstract: A subsea leak detection system is disclosed which includes a plurality of subsea leak detection sensors and a leak detection controller adapted to receive leak detection data from the plurality of subsea leak detection sensors and direct the sensing activities of the plurality of subsea leak detection sensors based upon the received leak detection data.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel McStay, Gordon Shiach, Aidan Nolan
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Patent number: 7845404Abstract: A system includes a Christmas tree assembly mounted to a hydrocarbon well, an optical feedthrough module, and a plurality of optical sensors. The optical feedthrough module is operable to communicate through a pressure boundary of the Christmas tree assembly. The plurality of optical sensors is disposed within the Christmas tree assembly for measuring parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly and is operable to communicate through the optical feedthrough module.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel McStay, Aidan Nolan, Gordon Shiach, Sean McAvoy, Espen Rokke
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Publication number: 20100051286Abstract: A system includes a Christmas tree assembly mounted to a hydrocarbon well, an optical feedthrough module, and a plurality of optical sensors. The optical feedthrough module is operable to communicate through a pressure boundary of the Christmas tree assembly. The plurality of optical sensors is disposed within the Christmas tree assembly for measuring parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly and is operable to communicate through the optical feedthrough module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: DANIEL MCSTAY, Aidan Nolan, Gordan Shiach, Sean McAvoy, Espen Rokke
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Publication number: 20090277644Abstract: A method for monitoring a Christmas tree assembly installed on a subsea hydrocarbon well includes receiving a plurality of parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly. A health metric for the Christmas tree assembly is determined based on the parameters. A problem condition with the Christmas tree assembly is identified based on the determined health metric.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: DANIEL MCSTAY, AIDAN NOLAN, GORDON SHIACH, SEAN MCAVOY, ESPEN ROKKE
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Publication number: 20090078028Abstract: A subsea leak detection system is disclosed which includes a plurality of subsea leak detection sensors and a leak detection controller adapted to receive leak detection data from the plurality of subsea leak detection sensors and direct the sensing activities of the plurality of subsea leak detection sensors based upon the received leak detection data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Daniel McStay, Gordon Shiach, Aidan Nolan