Patents by Inventor Robert A. Johnigan

Robert A. Johnigan 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: 10107058
    Abstract: A retrievable module assembly can be used to install and/or de-install a blowout preventer (BOP) module from a BOP subsea where the BOP comprises one or more corresponding BOP module receivers. The retrievable module assembly typically comprises a frame configured to house and support the subsea BOP module; and a modular storage unit disposed at least partially within the frame. The modular storage unit further comprises a storage area configured to removably accept the subsea BOP module; a rotator configured to attach to and rotate the subsea BOP module, the rotator disposed at least partially within the frame; a rotator mover, slidably mounted in the frame and operatively in communication with the rotator; and a power connector operatively connected to the rotator and rotator mover and configured to interface with a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark L. Misuraca, William S. Averill, Simon Nockels, Nguyen Trinh, Greg Boyle, Robert A. Johnigan, Kinton Lowell Lawler, Nikunj M. Patel, Michael Forrest Brune, Michael S. Stonebraker
  • Patent number: 9762089
    Abstract: The disclosed couplers operate in a “near field” mode, meaning energy, whether used to transmit data or power, is transferred through magnetic induction using a ?i/?t circuit (meaning a change in current over a change in time), such as by using inductive transmission and receive coils in which resistors and/or other components such as diodes are placed into series and/or in parallel with the coils and used to control the shape of the pulse, e.g. its voltage and/or frequency. In embodiments, the connectors are use to couple a power source to a power receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Robert Boyle, William Claude Robertson, Robert A. Johnigan
  • Publication number: 20160226309
    Abstract: The disclosed couplers operate in a “near field” mode, meaning energy, whether used to transmit data or power, is transferred through magnetic induction using a ?i/?t circuit (meaning a change in current over a change in time), such as by using inductive transmission and receive coils in which resistors and/or other components such as diodes are placed into series and/or in parallel with the coils and used to control the shape of the pulse, e.g. its voltage and/or frequency. In embodiments, the connectors are use to couple a power source to a power receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Robert Boyle, William Claude Robertson, Robert A. Johnigan
  • Patent number: 9294151
    Abstract: The disclosed couplers operate in a “near field” mode, meaning energy, whether used to transmit data or power, is transferred through magnetic induction using a ?i/?t circuit (meaning a change in current over a change in time), such as by using inductive transmission and receive coils in which resistors and/or other components such as diodes are placed into series and/or in parallel with the coils and used to control the shape of the pulse, e.g. its voltage and/or frequency. In an embodiment, one connector comprises a voltage comparator which comprises a hysteresis circuit adapted to be centered at a predetermined no pulse voltage for use in data transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Robert Boyle, William Claude Robertson, Robert A. Johnigan
  • Patent number: 9124306
    Abstract: The disclosed couplers operate in a “near field” mode, meaning energy, whether used to transmit data or power, is transferred through magnetic induction using a ?i/?t circuit (meaning a change in current over a change in time), such as by using inductive transmission and receive coils in which resistors and/or other components such as diodes are placed into series and/or in parallel with the coils and used to control the shape of the pulse, e.g. its voltage and/or frequency. In embodiments, no hysteresis circuit is required for data transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Robert Boyle, William Claude Robertson, Robert A. Johnigan
  • Publication number: 20140162550
    Abstract: The disclosed couplers operate in a “near field” mode, meaning energy, whether used to transmit data or power, is transferred through magnetic induction using a ?i/?t circuit (meaning a change in current over a change in time), such as by using inductive transmission and receive coils in which resistors and/or other components such as diodes are placed into series and/or in parallel with the coils and used to control the shape of the pulse, e.g. its voltage and/or frequency. In an embodiment, one connector comprises a voltage comparator which comprises a hysteresis circuit adapted to be centered at a predetermined no pulse voltage for use in data transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Robert Boyle, William Claude Robertson, Robert A. Johnigan
  • Publication number: 20140162551
    Abstract: The disclosed couplers operate in a “near field” mode, meaning energy, whether used to transmit data or power, is transferred through magnetic induction using a ?i/?t circuit (meaning a change in current over a change in time), such as by using inductive transmission and receive coils in which resistors and/or other components such as diodes are placed into series and/or in parallel with the coils and used to control the shape of the pulse, e.g. its voltage and/or frequency. In embodiments, no hysteresis circuit is required for data transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Robert Boyle, William Claude Robertson, Robert A. Johnigan
  • Patent number: 8720579
    Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) may be programmed and launched to interface with an emergency blowout preventer which has been fitted, either when new or retrofitted, with an emergency BOP control system (EBOP). The EBOP is a “black box” drop-in solution for projects such as emergency well control that can be retrofitted to existing BOP systems or added to new BOP systems and comprises one or more control docking stations, each adapted to receive autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV); one or more interface units connected to the control docking station and used to provide an interface between the control docking station and a BOP; and the AUV which is dimensioned and configured to autonomously mate with the control docking station and effect controls of the BOP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Johnigan, Greg R. Boyle, Shelley Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20140048275
    Abstract: A distributed function control module adapted for use in a modular blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use subsea comprises a housing adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a stab portion adapted to be received into a BOP stack control module receiver. Control electronics, adapted to control a predetermined function with respect to the BOP stack, are disposed within the housing and connected to one or more controllable devices by a wet mateable connector interface. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Graeme E. Reynolds, Greg R. Boyle, Robert A. Johnigan
  • Publication number: 20140048274
    Abstract: A distributed function control module adapted for use in a modular blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use subsea comprises a housing adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a stab portion adapted to be received into a BOP stack control module receiver. Control electronics, adapted to control a predetermined function with respect to the BOP stack, are disposed within the housing and connected to one or more controllable devices by a wet mateable connector interface. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Graeme E. Reynolds, Greg R. Boyle, Robert A. Johnigan
  • Publication number: 20130213660
    Abstract: A retrievable module assembly can be used to install and/or de-install a blowout preventer (BOP) module from a BOP subsea where the BOP comprises one or more corresponding BOP module receivers. The retrievable module assembly typically comprises a frame configured to house and support the subsea BOP module; and a modular storage unit disposed at least partially within the frame. The modular storage unit further comprises a storage area configured to removably accept the subsea BOP module; a rotator configured to attach to and rotate the subsea BOP module, the rotator disposed at least partially within the frame; a rotator mover, slidably mounted in the frame and operatively in communication with the rotator; and a power connector operatively connected to the rotator and rotator mover and configured to interface with a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Misuraca, William S. Averill, Simon Nockels, Nguyen Trinh, Greg Boyle, Robert A. Johnigan, Kinton Lowell Lawler, Nikunj M. Patel, Michael Forrest Brune, Michael S. Stonebraker
  • Publication number: 20120037375
    Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) may be programmed and launched to interface with an emergency blowout preventer which has been fitted, either when new or retrofitted, with an emergency BOP control system (EBOP). The EBOP is a “black box” drop-in solution for projects such as emergency well control that can be retrofitted to existing BOP systems or added to new BOP systems and comprises one or more control docking stations, each adapted to receive autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV); one or more interface units connected to the control docking station and used to provide an interface between the control docking station and a BOP; and the AUV which is dimensioned and configured to autonomously mate with the control docking station and effect controls of the BOP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Graeme E. Reynolds, Robert A. Johnigan, Greg R. Boyle