Patents by Inventor Michael W. Spiering

Michael W. Spiering 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: 8016042
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered loading more evenly distributes stresses on the matching loading surfaces as compared to the result of using a tooth profile on the connector that nearly exactly matches the profile on the wellhead. The joint can then take advantage of an increased preload and exhibit improved stress characteristics when operating at high loading conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Spiering, Maoye Sun, Paul D. Bunch, Eric D. Larson
  • Publication number: 20100078174
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present inveniton provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered loading more evenly distributes stresses on the matching loading surfaces as compared to the result of using a tooth profile on the connector that nearly exactly matches the profile on the wellhead. The joint can then take advantage of an increased preload and exhibit improved stress characteristics when operating at high loading conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael W. Spiering, Maoye Sun, Paul D. Bunch, Eric D. Larson
  • Patent number: 7614453
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered loading more evenly distributes stresses on the matching loading surfaces as compared to the result of using a tooth profile on the connector that nearly exactly matches the profile on the wellhead. The joint can then take advantage of an increased preload and exhibit improved stress characteristics when operating at high loading conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Spiering, Maoye Sun, Paul D. Bunch, Eric D. Larson
  • Publication number: 20070277983
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered loading more evenly distributes stresses on the matching loading surfaces as compared to the result of using a tooth profile on the connector that nearly exactly matches the profile on the wellhead. The joint can then take advantage of an increased preload and exhibit improved stress characteristics when operating at high loading conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Michael W. Spiering, Maoye Sun, Paul D. Bunch, Eric D. Larson
  • Patent number: 6698800
    Abstract: An articulating connector system including an active connector coupled to a first line and a hub assembly coupled to a second line. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element intermediate a grip and a ball nose to allow rotational and articulating motion. A seal is coupled to the ball nose and is protected and guided by an alignment lip into mating engagement with a sealing surface defined by the hub. A clamp closes about the swivel coupling element and hub to draw together the seal and sealing surface into sealing contact to connect the first line to the second line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Oil States Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Spiering, Richard L. Ahlgrim, Bruce E. Morris
  • Publication number: 20020079693
    Abstract: An articulating connector system including an active connector coupled to a first line and a hub assembly coupled to a second line. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element intermediate a grip and a ball nose to allow rotational and articulating motion. A seal is coupled to the ball nose and is protected and guided by an alignment lip into mating engagement with a sealing surface defined by the hub. A clamp closes about the swivel coupling element and hub to draw together the seal and sealing surface into sealing contact to connect the first line to the second line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Big Inch Marine Systems
    Inventors: Michael W. Spiering, Richard L. Ahlgrim, Bruce E. Morris
  • Patent number: 6305720
    Abstract: An articulating connector system including an active connector coupled to a first line and a hub assembly coupled to a second line. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element intermediate a grip and a ball nose to allow rotational and articulating motion. A seal is coupled to the ball nose and is protected and guided by an alignment lip into mating engagement with a sealing surface defined by the hub. A clamp closes about the swivel coupling element and hub to draw together the seal and sealing surface into sealing contact to connect the first line to the second line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Big Inch Marine Systems
    Inventors: Michael W. Spiering, Richard L. Ahlgrim, Bruce E. Morris
  • Patent number: 6070668
    Abstract: A spanner joint assembly for connecting between an upper riser and a conventional dual bore tubing hanger in a subsea well. The spanner joint assembly includes upper and lower spanner joint portions connected to each other through an emergency disconnect portion. The upper spanner joint portion has a longitudinal production bore and a longitudinal annulus. The lower spanner joint portion has a longitudinal production bore with a production bore valve and a longitudinal nonconcentric annulus access bore. The emergency disconnect portion includes an upper mandrel connected to the upper spanner joint portion and a lower mandrel connected to the lower spanner joint portion. A releasable mechanical connector includes a retaining groove in the lower mandrel and a collet connected to the upper mandrel. The collet has a latching portion extending beyond the upper mandrel which is adapted to be received in the retaining groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Sonsub Inc.
    Inventors: Williams C. Parks, Walter S. Going, III, Michael W. Spiering, Reginald L. Currier
  • Patent number: 4886300
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in remotely connecting a plurality of lines for carrying fluid terminating in a first hub to a plurality of lines for carrying fluid terminating in a second hub, the hubs being initially arranged with their axes approximately coaxial but spaced apart, comprises a plurality of first engagement members fixed relative to the first hub and comprising generally conical receptor elements forming end portions of elongate tubular members arranged around the first hub with their axes generally parallel to that of the first hub, and a plurality of second engagement members comprising generally conical elements forming end portions of elongate members arranged around the second hub with their axes generally parallel to that of the second hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Hunting Oilfield Services Limited
    Inventors: Michael W. Spiering, Michael T. Cunningham