Patents by Inventor Thomas Lowell Steen
Thomas Lowell Steen 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: 10025889Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for characterizing a threaded coupling such as between two tubular members, e.g., casing segments employed in the field of oil and gas recovery. In one embodiment, a virtual model of the coupling is generated, and the virtual model is re-arranged to simulate plastic deformation of at least part of the coupling. The re-arranged model is analyzed to derive a stress/strain distribution of the coupling subject to subsequent loading, and an SAF (stress amplification factor) is determined from the analysis that reflects the effect of cyclic loading of the coupling. The method facilitates a thorough assessment of the performance of the coupling in fatigue.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: VETCO GRAY, LLCInventors: Micah Antonio Thomas, Jr., Jeffrey Allen Raynal, Thomas Lowell Steen, Joseph William Pallini, Xichang Zhang, Baozhi Zhu
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Patent number: 9410647Abstract: An anti-rotation system for use in retaining a threaded connection between a pin and a box. The anti-rotation system includes a key that sets in a recess formed in one of the box or pin. The key is selectively in contact with one of the other of the box or pin, and is activated when the threaded connection begins to decouple. The key is profiled and operates in a cam like fashion to wedge itself between the box and pin when these members begin to decouple and prevents further relative rotation.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Thomas Lowell Steen, Joseph William Pallini, Daniel Caleb Benson, David Lawrence Ford, Kevin Edward O'Dell, Stephen David Peters, William Rey Patterson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150127308Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for characterizing a threaded coupling such as between two tubular members, e.g., casing segments employed in the field of oil and gas recovery. In one embodiment, a virtual model of the coupling is generated, and the virtual model is re-arranged to simulate plastic deformation of at least part of the coupling. The re-arranged model is analyzed to derive a stress/strain distribution of the coupling subject to subsequent loading, and an SAF (stress amplification factor) is determined from the analysis that reflects the effect of cyclic loading of the coupling. The method facilitates a thorough assessment of the performance of the coupling in fatigue.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Micah Antonio Thomas, JR., Jeffrey Allen Raynal, Thomas Lowell Steen, Joseph William Pallini, Xichang Zhang, Baozhi Zhu
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Patent number: 8950785Abstract: A broach style anti-rotation device for connected tubular members is described. In embodiments, the broach tool is inserted into a slot in an outer diameter surface of the pin, and teeth of the broach, which have a successively greater height when moving from the front to the tail of the broach, cut a slot in a surface of the box. Sidewalls of the broach and its teeth engage shoulders of each slot to prevent the rotation of the tubular members relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Raynal, Thomas Lowell Steen, Nicholas Peter Gette, David Lawrence Ford, Benjamin Michael Snyder, Stephen David Peters, Ebony LaShaun Towns, Roberto Jose Manzano
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Patent number: 8792753Abstract: A system and method for assembling a fiber optic sensor assembly are provided. The fiber optic sensor system includes a fiber optic cable and a carrier including a first connection end and a second connection end joined together by one or more breakaway tabs, the first connection end including a first fiber attach point configured to secure a distal end of the fiber optic cable to the first connection end, the second connection end including a second fiber attach point configured to secure the fiber optic cable to the second connection end, the one or more breakaway tabs joined to the first connection end and the second connection end using a break area that is structurally weaker than the carrier and the breakaway tabs.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eric John Ruggiero, Thomas Lowell Steen, Brian Allen Czapor
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Publication number: 20140103645Abstract: An anti-rotation system for use in retaining a threaded connection between a pin and a box. The anti-rotation system includes a key that sets in a recess formed in one of the box or pin. The key is selectively in contact with one of the other of the box or pin, and is activated when the threaded connection begins to decouple. The key is profiled and operates in a cam like fashion to wedge itself between the box and pin when these members begin to decouple and prevents further relative rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Thomas Lowell Steen, Joseph William Pallini, Daniel Caleb Benson, David Lawrence Ford, Kevin Edward O'Dell, Stephen David Peters, William Rey Patterson, JR.
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Publication number: 20130106061Abstract: A hydrodynamic sealing system for use in an oxidizing environment includes a rotor and a sealing stator. The stator includes a solid lubricant or a surface treatment and the rotor is hardened or the stator is hardened and the rotor includes the solid lubricant or the surface treatment. The stator is located proximate to the rotor to provide a seal. The stator and the rotor are robust at extreme temperatures above 700 degrees Fahrenheit (F) such that at least one of the stator and the rotor have a wear rate and a surface roughness sufficient to maintain an operating gap between the stator and rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Eric RUGGIERO, Bala CORATTIYIL, Thomas Lowell STEEN
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Publication number: 20130004116Abstract: A system and method for assembling a fiber optic sensor assembly are provided. The fiber optic sensor system includes a fiber optic cable and a carrier including a first connection end and a second connection end joined together by one or more breakaway tabs, the first connection end including a first fiber attach point configured to secure a distal end of the fiber optic cable to the first connection end, the second connection end including a second fiber attach point configured to secure the fiber optic cable to the second connection end, the one or more breakaway tabs joined to the first connection end and the second connection end using a break area that is structurally weaker than the carrier and the breakaway tabs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Eric John Ruggiero, Thomas Lowell Steen, Brian Allen Czapor
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Publication number: 20110103987Abstract: The present invention provides a pump system comprising a bearing housing coupled to a pump liner, the pump liner defining a fluid conduit, the pump liner comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; and at least one rotor having a first rotor portion and a second rotor portion, the first rotor portion being disposed within the fluid conduit and the second rotor portion being disposed within the bearing housing; the first rotor portion comprising a first conveying stage adjacent to the bearing housing, and a second conveying stage adjacent to the first conveying stage, the first and second conveying stages being configured to convey a fluid, the first conveying stage being configured to convey the fluid from the bearing housing into the fluid conduit. The new pump systems rely on a dynamic restriction to reduce the need for mechanical seals between bearing housings and raw process fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Vasanth Srinivasa Kothnur, David Deloyd Anderson, Farshad Ghasripoor, Hrishikesh Vishvas Deo, Michael V. Drexel, Thomas Lowell Steen
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Publication number: 20100136323Abstract: A protective shield for a device exposed to heat includes a granular fill layer, a nano particle layer, a metallic foam layer, a thermal barrier coating, or combinations thereof. The shield is configured for providing thermal resistance, and damping of vibrations, and acoustics to the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Kripa Kiran Varanasi, Farshad Ghasripoor, Tao Deng, Bala Corratiyil, Nitin Bhate, Thomas Lowell Steen, Sanket Sahebrao Mahajan