Patents Assigned to Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap
  • Patent number: 5895077
    Abstract: A swivel device comprising inner and outer mutually rotatable swivel members having respective inner fluid paths communicating with each other through one or more associated annular spaces at the interface between the swivel members. The annular spaces being sealed from each other by seals. The swivel members are formed as an outer female member and an inner male member so that the male member can be introduced axially into the cooperating female member to an operative working position, or withdrawn from the female member when disconnecting the swivel members. The seals between the annular spaces are arranged to be activated for active sealing in the operative working position, and to be relieved in case of manual disconnection of the swivel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S
    Inventor: Martin Sigmundstad
  • Patent number: 5893333
    Abstract: A loading/unloading terminal, especially for use in loading or unloading of petroleum products comprises a barge (1) provided with a downwardly open receiving space (2) for reception and releasable securement of a submerged buoy (20), and a submerged buoy (20) of the type comprising a bottom-anchored center member (21) for passage of medium from or to a transfer line (32) attached to the center member, and an outer member (23) rotatably mounted on the center member (21) to allow turning of the barge (1;40) about the center member (21) when the outer member (23) is secured in the receiving space (2) of the barge. The barge (1) further is provided with a coupling means (4) for connection of the passage (22) of the center member (21) to a line (9) for medium transfer to or from an adjacent conventional tanker, and with a means (10-14) for hoisting and introduction of the buoy (20) into the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventor: Arne Smedal
  • Patent number: 5890547
    Abstract: Pressure amplifier for mounting above the drill bit at the lower end of a drill pipe for generating an increased fluid pressure in a drilling fluid flow, for example for obtaining an increased drilling effect. A reciprocating piston in a cylinder is designed with a large piston area at one end (low pressure side), a relatively small piston area at the opposite end (high pressure side), and an annular surface formed at the transition between the two ends. The pressure converter also includes a control valve, an actuator, and a drilling fluid valve to control drilling fluid flow to and from the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S
    Inventor: Nils Inge Nilsen
  • Patent number: 5878814
    Abstract: A method and a system for offshore production of liquefied natural gas, wherein natural gas is supplied from an underground source (4) to a subsea production plant (1). The gas is transferred under a high pressure directly from the production plant (1) to an LNG tanker (6), the transfer taking place through a pipeline (5) surrounded by sea water and causing the temperature of the high pressure gas to be lowered to a desired low temperature. This gas is supplied to a conversion plant (12) provided on the LNG tanker (16) and arranged for converting at least a part of the gas to liquid form, and the liquefied gas is transferred to storage tanks (17) on board the vessel (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Kare Breivik, Arne Olav Fredheim, Pentti Paurola
  • Patent number: 5877996
    Abstract: Transducer arrangement for use as receivers in acoustic borehole measurements, in particular for the purpose of geological steering, stratigraphic imaging and control during drilling of deviated and horizontal wells, whereby transducer sensitivity is focused generally in radial directions normal to the drill string axis in close proximity to the drill bit (45). Two separate and substantially similar transducer elements are adapted to be located at substantially the same axial position along the drill string axis. The transducer elements having their output terminals interconnected with opposite polarities, so as to have a combined minimum response to incident acoustic waves and vibrations being identical at both transducer elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S
    Inventors: Asbj.o slashed.rn Krokstad, Svein Mjaaland, Erik Iversen Nakken
  • Patent number: 5853134
    Abstract: An assembly for storing a line in a coil in a storage room with a bottom and walls, as well as a central, upper opening to guide the line while it is being lead into or out of the storage room. The assembly comprising a central, round pole extending upward from the bottom of the room toward the central opening, and a guiding head mounted on top of the pole. The guiding head is shaped with such lateral dimensions in relation to the axis of the pole that the horizontal dimension is larger that the central opening. When the line is introduced to the storage room through the central opening, the line usually hits the head and is deflected so as to form the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Harald Kleppest.o slashed., .O slashed.yvind Olsbu, Erling Huse, Erling Myklebust
  • Patent number: 5820429
    Abstract: An arrangement in a loading/unloading buoy for use in shallow waters, wherein the buoy (1) is arranged for introduction and releasable securement in a downwardly open receiving space in a floating vessel, the buoy comprising a bottom-anchored center member (2) for the passage of medium from or to a transfer line (25) which is coupled to the underside of the center member (2), and an outer member (4) which is rotatably mounted on the center member to allow turning of the vessel about the center member when the outer member is secured in the receiving space. The buoy is provided with a bottom support structure (15) which is connected to the center member (2) of the buoy and arranged for support of the buoy at the sea bed (16) when it is not in use, and to the center member of the buoy there are connected a number of mooring lines (21) extending outwards from the buoy (1) a substantial distance along the sea bed (16) and having an inherent elasticity allowing raising of the buoy from the sea bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Arne Smedal, Kare Syvertsen, Arild Bech
  • Patent number: 5762107
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a flow conditioner for insertion into a pipe of predetermined diameter conveying a fluid flow. The conditioner comprises a plate arranged perpendicular to the flow and having apertures which are located so as to distribute the flow radially in an approximation to the flow distribution in a fully developed flow, and a plurality of vanes distributed such that the normal to each vane is perpendicular to the direction of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventor: Elizabeth M. Laws
  • Patent number: 5749758
    Abstract: A vessel for use in offshore production or transport of hydrocarbons, and/or for loading/unloading of hydrocarbons, and/or for carrying out well operations. The vessel at its forward end is equipped with a submerged receiving space for receiving a bottom-anchored underwater buoy. A service shaft extends between the receiving space and the deck of the vessel. At the stern of the vessel, a coupling head is provided along with equipment for the connection of a hose for loading and unloading of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S., I & K Patent
    Inventors: K.ang.re Breivik, Trygve G. Egge, Sverre Herstad
  • Patent number: 5747754
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for carrying out seismic survey includes a plurality of spaced apart seismic detecting sensors each having a geophone unit for detecting seismic activities. The sensors are linked serially with a cable. One end of each geophone unit is flexibly linked to a carrier frame so that the geophone units pivotally move freely relative to the carrier frames. The cable passes through the carrier frames so that the carrier frames are spaced apart serially. Each geophone unit carries a vibrator, a plurality of geophones, a compass, and an inclinometer. The vibrator is positioned on the free end portion of the geophone unit, for embedding the geophone into the ground, while the compass is positioned farthest away from the vibrator. The free pivotal movement of the geophone units enables them to dig into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S
    Inventors: Bj.o slashed.rnar Svenning, Tormod Hals, Bjarne Bugten
  • Patent number: 5717131
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing a shear thickening plugging fluid that is an emulsion of two components which react with each other to provide a thickening of the fluid when subjected to high stress, such apparatus comprising a cylinder (1) having an inlet (2) with an inlet valve (3) for the plugging fluid and an outlet (4) with an outlet valve (5) for the plugging fluid, a moveable piston (6) sealing against the chamber walls, so that the piston by being moved rearward in the cylinder can suck plugging fluid into the cylinder through the inlet (2), and in a retrograde movement can press the plugging fluid out through the outlet (4), a shear valve (7) connected with the outlet (4), which shear valve (7) is adjustable for adjusting a desired shear stress to be subjected upon the plugging fluid, a means (8, 9) for measuring the pressure drop over the shear valve (7), a receiver means (10) for collecting plugging fluid that has been pressed through the shear valve, and one or more means for measuring properties of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Den norske stats oljeselskap a.s.
    Inventors: Egil Sunde, Hans Konrad Johnsen, Tommy Engan
  • Patent number: 5697732
    Abstract: A system for offshore production of hydrocarbons via a vessel arranged for quick connection to and disconnection from a submerged body. The system comprises an outer buoyancy member for introduction and releasable securing in a submerged downwardly open receiving space in the vessel, and a center member which is rotatably mounted in the outer member and is anchored to the sea bed and is connected to at least one riser extending between a production well and the vessel. A swivel device is arranged at the upper end of the buoy for interconnection and transfer of process fluid between the risers and a tube system on the vessel. The swivel device comprises an outer female member permanently fastened to the center member of the buoy with its opening coaxial with the center member, and an inner male member which may be lowered into and raised from the female member via an operator on the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventor: Martin Sigmundstad
  • Patent number: 5682950
    Abstract: Means for collecting and bringing up unwanted material from an oil or gas well, the means thereby comprising a grinder or mill (6) and a coating (8) of a wear resistant material along its front and outer surfaces, the mill (6) being secured to a throughgoing drilling pipe having an inner centric liquid channel (7), the axially leading facing end of the mill (6) comprising a channel (4) extending through the mill (6) and into a junk chamber (3) behind or after the mill (6), the upper end of the means comprising a strainer (2) allowing penetration of liquid, but restraining the material, the rotation of the means from the throughgoing drilling pipe thereby ensuring that junk is brought into the channel (4) and from here into the junk chamber (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventor: Thor Bj.o slashed.rnstad
  • Patent number: 5628657
    Abstract: A buoy for use in loading or unloading of a flowable medium, especially oil, comprising an outer buoyancy member (2) arranged to be introduced and secured in a submerged downwardly open receiving space in a floating vessel, and a central member (3) which is rotatably mounted in the outer member and is intended for anchoring to the sea bed and arranged for passage of medium between a transfer line (57) which, in operation, is coupled to the lower end of the central member (3) and a tube system on the vessel. The central member (3) is provided with a lower extension body (8) having an outer peripheral portion (9) abutting on and essentially corresponding to the outer periphery of the adjacent end (10) of the outer buoyancy member (2), and having a lower portion (11) which is downwardly tapering from the outer peripheral portion (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Kare Breivik, Arne Smedal, Kare Syvertsen
  • Patent number: 5605192
    Abstract: A device and method for displacing a logging tool to the bottom of a well. The lower end of the logging g tool is connected with an upper member which is releasably connected with a plug being displaced along the well. A lower member is releasably connected with the plug, protruding downwardly from the plug and being adapted to abut the bottom end of the well, thereby rupturing the connection thereof with the plug. Thereafter the lower member strikes the upper member such that the upper member is released from the plug, enabling the upper member together with the logging tool to be hauled back thereby registering required well parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventor: Thor Bj.o slashed.rnstad
  • Patent number: 5572486
    Abstract: Seismic airgun arrangement for attenuating unwanted oscillations in the emitted signal. The airgun has one or more outlet ports (9) for exhausting air in a generally radial direction from a central axis of the airgun (10), and a perforated screen (20) of plate material is provided around the airgun for the attenuation mentioned. The volume generally delimited within the screen (20) is significantly smaller than the maximum bubble size which is normally generated by the airgun (10). The screen (20) has an open side or end (20A) at a part of the screen that is adapted to face at least partially downward in the normal operative position of the airgun (10). At least edge portions of the screen along the open side or end (20A) are located substantially directed opposite the outlet port or ports (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Den norske stats oljeselskap a.s
    Inventors: Martin Landro, Jan Langhammer
  • Patent number: 5564957
    Abstract: A system for transferring a flowable medium, especially oil, to or from a floating vessel, comprising a buoyancy unit in the form of a submerged buoy which is anchored to the sea bed by catenary mooring lines keeping the buoy submerged at a desired depth when it is not in use, at least one transfer line which is connected to the buoy, for the transfer of medium, a downwardly open receiving device arranged on the vessel below the water surface and arranged for receipt and connection of the buoy, a hoisting device provided on the vessel for raising of the buoy for introduction thereof into the receiving space, and a device enabling the vessel to turn about a vertical axis through the buoy when this is connected in the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Kare Breivik, Arne Smedal, Kare Syvertsen
  • Patent number: 5561196
    Abstract: This invention relates to grafted polypropylene compositions and a process for their production. More particularly, the invention relates to polypropylene compositions based on polypropylene homopolymers, and copolymers of propylene with ethylene and/or butadiene, grafted with certain epoxy-alkyl acrylate compounds, and a process for their production. The grafted polypropylene compositions are useful especially as compatibilizers for addition to other polymer compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Den norske stats oljeselskap a.s.
    Inventors: Hans K. Kotlar, Per M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5545065
    Abstract: An arrangement in a vessel for loading or unloading at sea a flowable medium, especially oil. The vessel is provided with a receiving space for a submarine buoy in the form of a module built on the bow portion of the vessel. The submerged downwardly opening receiving space is connected by a service shaft with the deck of the vessel. The receiving space has a downwardly opening conical shape for mating with a buoy of corresponding outer shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Kare Breivik, Arne Smedal, Kare Syvertsen
  • Patent number: 5540607
    Abstract: A device for guiding a loading/unloading buoy during pulling-up into a receiving space in the bottom of a vessel. The device includes a guide cylinder which is vertically moveable in a shaft in the vessel. The guide cylinder is extend into the receiving space such that guide elements on the guide cylinder provide side stabilization of the buoy as it is brought into the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Kare Breivik, Harald Kleppesto, Arne Smedal