Patents by Inventor John E. Nelson

John E. Nelson 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).

  • Patent number: 11585159
    Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling a platform to a subsea wellhead are provided. The systems may include a riser extending between the platform and the subsea wellhead. The systems may further include an inner drilling riser tie-back connector (“ITBC”) coupled to an inner riser and having an outer body and an inner body. The inner body is at least partially disposed within the outer body, and the inner body is translatable along a longitudinal axis of the ITBC between a first unlocked position and a second locked position. The systems may additionally include a locking mechanism for the ITBC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Oscar Maldonado, Bruce J. Witwer
  • Patent number: 11454078
    Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead, landing a tree on the wellhead, and making electrical and hydraulic couplings between the tree and the tubing hanger without having to orient the tree or the tubing hanger relative to each other are provided. This is accomplished using a seal sub that is coupled to the tree and lowered with the tree into contact with the tubing hanger located in the wellhead. The seal sub features an electrical conductor that facilitates electrical coupling of the tree to the tubing hanger. The tubing hanger and seal sub may include a metal-to-metal and elastomeric seal arrangement designed to seal off electrical and hydraulic connections between these components when, the tree is positioned within the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Frank D. Kalb
  • Publication number: 20210340831
    Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead, landing a tree on the wellhead, and making electrical and hydraulic couplings between the tree and the tubing hanger without having to orient the tree or the tubing hanger relative to each other are provided. This is accomplished using a seal sub that is coupled to the tree and lowered with the tree into contact with the tubing hanger located in the wellhead. The seal sub features an electrical conductor that facilitates electrical coupling of the tree to the tubing hanger. The tubing hanger and seal sub may include a metal-to-metal and elastomeric seal arrangement designed to seal off electrical and hydraulic connections between these components when, the tree is positioned within the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Frank D. Kalb
  • Publication number: 20210002964
    Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling a platform to a subsea wellhead are provided. The systems may include a riser extending between the platform and the subsea wellhead. The systems may further include an inner drilling riser tie-back connector (“ITBC”) coupled to an inner riser and having an outer body and an inner body. The inner body is at least partially disposed within the outer body, and the inner body is translatable along a longitudinal axis of the ITBC between a first unlocked position and a second locked position. The systems may additionally include a locking mechanism for the ITBC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Oscar Maldonado, Bruce J. Witwer
  • Patent number: 10877090
    Abstract: The terminals of a device under test are temporarily electrically connected to corresponding contact pads on a load board by a series of electrically conductive pin pairs. The pin pairs are held in place by an interposer membrane that includes a top contact plate facing the device under test, a bottom contact plate facing the load board, and a vertically resilient, non-conductive member between the top and bottom contact plates. Each pin pair includes a top and bottom pin, which extend beyond the top and bottom contact plates, respectively, toward the device under test and the load board, respectively. The top and bottom pins contact each other at an interface that is inclined with respect to the membrane surface normal. When compressed longitudinally, the pins translate toward each other by sliding along the interface. The sliding is largely longitudinal, with a small and desirable lateral component determined by the inclination of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Johnstech International Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Jeffrey C. Sherry, Patrick J. Alladio, Russell F. Oberg, Brian Warwick, Gary W. Michalko
  • Patent number: 10612319
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an anti-rotation system includes a first tubular member having an extended thread and a torque shoulder, the first tubular member comprising a radial recessed area, the radial recessed area located axially between the external thread and the torque shoulder of the first tubular member. The system may further include a second tubular member comprising a radial recessed slot, the radial recessed slot located in the inner circumference of the second tubular member. The system may also include a pin toothed insert mechanically coupled to the first tubular member within the recessed area, the pin toothed insert comprising a first circumferential tooth pattern facing radially outward from the first tubular member. The system may also include a spring loaded, radial ratchet dog located within the radial recessed slot, the spring loaded radial ratchet dog comprising a second circumferential tooth pattern facing radially inward from the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Justin Rye, Flavio E. Santos
  • Patent number: 10436819
    Abstract: A structure and method of constructing a tip for a contact pin used in IC test housing for testing integrated circuits. As the pin is deflected when the device under test (DUT) pad engaged the tip of the pin, the tip pressure normally increases as the elastomers biasing the pin are engaged. This causes the elastomer supporting the tip to increase pressure. By widening the tip as it rolls, the pressure is maintained more constant. Also, as the top wears, the pressure on the DUT will be reduced. By making the contact area of the tip to DUT smaller as it wears, the pressure can be made more constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Johnstech International Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Johnson, John E. Nelson, Jose E. Lopez
  • Patent number: 10344896
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vertical ratcheting anti-rotation device includes a ratchet mechanism pivotally coupled at a proximal end to a first tubular member in a first recessed area located on a shoulder of the first tubular member. A distal end of the ratchet mechanism includes a first plurality of angled teeth and a spring allowing the ratchet mechanism to pivot in a vertical direction within the first recessed area. The anti-rotation device may also include a toothed insert mechanically coupled to a second tubular member in a second recessed area located on a shoulder of the second tubular member. The toothed insert may include a second plurality of angled teeth positioned to engage the first plurality of angled teeth of the ratchet mechanism. The spring is compressible during coupling of the tubular members to allow the ratchet mechanism to move vertically over the second plurality of angled teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Ellisor, Christopher C. Mayer, John E. Nelson, Mark Manning
  • Patent number: 10302675
    Abstract: The terminals of a device under test (DUT) are temporarily electrically connected to corresponding contact pads on a load board by a series of electrically conductive pin pairs. The pin pairs are held in place by an interposer membrane with a top facing the device under test, a bottom facing the load board, and a vertically resilient, non-conductive member between the top and bottom contact plates. Each pin pair includes a top and bottom pin, which extend beyond the top and bottom contact plates, respectively, toward the device under test and the load board, respectively. The bottom pins has a lower contact surface which includes an arcuate portion or ridge which increases contact pressure and ablates oxides by the rocking action of ridge when the DUT in inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Johnstech International Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Jeffrey C. Sherry, Brian Warwick, Gary W. Michalko
  • Publication number: 20190004091
    Abstract: The terminals of a device under test (DUT) are temporarily electrically connected to corresponding contact pads on a load board by a series of electrically conductive pin pairs. The pin pairs are held in place by an interposer membrane with a top facing the device under test, a bottom facing the load board, and a vertically resilient, non-conductive member between the top and bottom contact plates. Each pin pair includes a top and bottom pin, which extend beyond the top and bottom contact plates, respectively, toward the device under test and the load board, respectively. The bottom pins has a lower contact surface which includes an arcuate portion or ridge which increases contact pressure and ablates oxides by the rocking action of ridge when the DUT in inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Jeffrey C. Sherry, Brian Warwick, Gary W. Michalko
  • Patent number: 10125581
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for installing and selectively retrieving a casing hanger locking device within a wellhead system during the bit run and retrieval operations are provided. An embodiment is an apparatus comprising: a bit sub comprising a tong neck, a cylindrical portion below the tong neck, and at least one stabilizing fin below the cylindrical section, wherein the at least one stabilizing fin comprises a keyway; a casing hanger locking device comprising an annular structure and an expandable ring disposed around an upper portion of the annular structure, the casing hanger locking device disposed around the bit sub; an actuation sleeve that engages with the casing hanger locking device; and a selective retrieval collar comprising a segmented retrieval ring, wherein the selective retrieval collar is attached to the bit sub, the actuation sleeve, and the casing hanger locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Bruce J. Witwer
  • Patent number: 10073117
    Abstract: The terminals of a device under test (DUT) are temporarily electrically connected to corresponding contact pads on a load board by a series of electrically conductive pin pairs. The pin pairs are held in place by an interposer membrane with a top facing the device under test, a bottom facing the load board, and a vertically resilient, non-conductive member between the top and bottom contact plates. Each pin pair includes a top and bottom pin, which extend beyond the top and bottom contact plates, respectively, toward the device under test and the load board, respectively. The bottom pins has a lower contact surface which includes an arcuate portion or ridge which increases contact pressure and ablates oxides by the rocking action of ridge when the DUT in inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Johnstech International Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Jeffrey C. Sherry, Brian Warwick, Gary W. Michalko
  • Publication number: 20180230757
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system includes a first tubular member having a first knurl surface and a second tubular member having a recessed slot located in the inner circumference of the second tubular member and a threaded hole from the external circumference of the second tubular member into the recessed slot. The system may further include an insert located within the recessed slot, the insert comprising a second knurl surface facing radially inward from the second tubular member and a set screw within the threaded hole of the second tubular member, the set screw having an unthreaded end mechanically coupled to the insert. The set screw rotatable to drive the second knurl surface of the insert into the first knurl surface of the first tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Christopher C. Mayer, Flavio E. Santos
  • Publication number: 20180230758
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an anti-rotation system includes a first tubular member having an extended thread and a torque shoulder, the first tubular member comprising a radial recessed area, the radial recessed area located axially between the external thread and the torque shoulder of the first tubular member. The system may further include a second tubular member comprising a radial recessed slot, the radial recessed slot located in the inner circumference of the second tubular member. The system may also include a pin toothed insert mechanically coupled to the first tubular member within the recessed area, the pin toothed insert comprising a first circumferential tooth pattern facing radially outward from the first tubular member. The system may also include a spring loaded, radial ratchet dog located within the radial recessed slot, the spring loaded radial ratchet dog comprising a second circumferential tooth pattern facing radially inward from the second tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Justin Rye, Flavio E. Santos
  • Publication number: 20180231155
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vertical ratcheting anti-rotation device includes a ratchet mechanism pivotally coupled at a proximal end to a first tubular member in a first recessed area located on a shoulder of the first tubular member. A distal end of the ratchet mechanism includes a first plurality of angled teeth and a spring allowing the ratchet mechanism to pivot in a vertical direction within the first recessed area. The anti-rotation device may also include a toothed insert mechanically coupled to a second tubular member in a second recessed area located on a shoulder of the second tubular member. The toothed insert may include a second plurality of angled teeth positioned to engage the first plurality of angled teeth of the ratchet mechanism. The spring is compressible during coupling of the tubular members to allow the ratchet mechanism to move vertically over the second plurality of angled teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Scott P. Ellisor, Christopher C. Mayer, John E. Nelson, Mark Manning
  • Patent number: 9982502
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Bruce J. Witwer, Blake T. DeBerry
  • Patent number: 9958499
    Abstract: A structure and method of constructing a tip for a contact pin used in IC test housing for testing integrated circuits. As the pin is deflected when the device under test (DUT) pad engaged the tip of the pin, the tip pressure normally increases as the elastomers biasing the pin are engaged. This causes uneven pressure on the tip and will create debris and reduce tip life. By making the surface of the tip wider in the X or Y direction the surface pressure is reduced during the pin contact cycle. It is also possible to reduce tip pressure by having the top surface change in the Z axis so that recedes downwardly along its travel path, the pressure is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Johnstech International Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Johnson, John E. Nelson, Jose E. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9890598
    Abstract: A key assembly is press fit into an annular space between a box and pin member to resist relative rotation of the box and pin members. The key assembly includes wedge like members that contact one another along complementary tapered surfaces, and when in contact generate radial forces into the box and pin member to secure the connection between the box and pin. The outer wedge is inserted first into the annular space between the box and pin members, and has rows of elongate teeth that project radially outward into contact with an inner surface of the box member. Because the outer wedge is pushed radially outward against the box member rather than axially sliding therebetween, the teeth protrude into the surface of the box member thereby increasing the anti-rotation force created by the outer wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Steen, John E. Nelson, Chau Hoang, Daniel C. Benson, Stephen D. Peters
  • Publication number: 20170315169
    Abstract: The terminals of a device under test are temporarily electrically connected to corresponding contact pads on a load board by a series of electrically conductive pin pairs. The pin pairs are held in place by an interposer membrane that includes a top contact plate facing the device under test, a bottom contact plate facing the load board, and a vertically resilient, non-conductive member between the top and bottom contact plates. Each pin pair includes a top and bottom pin, which extend beyond the top and bottom contact plates, respectively, toward the device under test and the load board, respectively. The top and bottom pins contact each other at an interface that is inclined with respect to the membrane surface normal. When compressed longitudinally, the pins translate toward each other by sliding along the interface. The sliding is largely longitudinal, with a small and desirable lateral component determined by the inclination of the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Jeffrey C. Sherry, Patrick J. Alladio, Russell F. Oberg, Brian Warwick, Gary W. Michalko
  • Publication number: 20170276699
    Abstract: The terminals of a device under test (DUT) are temporarily electrically connected to corresponding contact pads on a load board by a series of electrically conductive pin pairs. The pin pairs are held in place by an interposer membrane with a top facing the device under test, a bottom facing the load board, and a vertically resilient, non-conductive member between the top and bottom contact plates. Each pin pair includes a top and bottom pin, which extend beyond the top and bottom contact plates, respectively, toward the device under test and the load board, respectively. The bottom pins has a lower contact surface which includes an arcuate portion or ridge which increases contact pressure and ablates oxides by the rocking action of ridge when the DUT in inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Jeffrey C. Sherry, Brian Warwick, Gary W. Michalko