Patents Assigned to Sofec, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20260149206
    Abstract: Systems for transferring fluid across a boundary between a first body rotatively coupled to a second body. The system can include first fluid and utility conduits on the first body, second fluid and utility conduits on the second body, and a swivel assembly including a fluid swivel, a utility swivel, a third fluid conduit in communication with the fluid swivel, and a third utility conduit in communication with the utility swivel. The system can include first and second connectors to connect the first fluid conduit to the fluid swivel and the second and third fluid conduits, first and second utility connectors to connect the first utility conduit to the utility swivel and the second and third utility conduits, a deployment frame coupled to the swivel assembly, and alignment guides having a first part on the second body and a second part on the deployment frame that engage with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2025
    Publication date: May 28, 2026
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin Peter Minnock
  • Publication number: 20260103262
    Abstract: Yoke mooring systems and processes for using same. The system can include a turntable connected to and rotatable with respect to a base. A yoke can be connected to the turntable such that the yoke can at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the yoke and at least partially rotate about a second axis that can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A first and second link arm can be connected to the yoke and to a first component of a first and a second releasable connector, respectively. A first and second lifting line can be connected to the second end of the first and second link arms, respectively. A first and second lifting device can be disposed on a vessel and configured to be connected to a second end of the first and second lifting lines, respectively, to lift and lower the link arms and the yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2025
    Publication date: April 16, 2026
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, Hao Yu
  • Publication number: 20260103949
    Abstract: Conduit support assemblies and processes for using same. In some embodiments, the conduit support assembly can include a support apparatus configured to be disposed on a guide tube of a structure floating in water. The support apparatus can include a support tube, a load ring attached to the support tube and moveable relative to the support tube, a support shoulder, a first seal, and a split ring assembly. The conduit support assembly can also include a hang-off adapter configured to be secured to the conduit and can include a first load shoulder. The support apparatus can be configured to allow the hang-off adapter to pass partially through the support apparatus. The first load shoulder can be configured to engage with the split ring assembly and, when loaded, the first seal can be deformed to create a barrier between an exterior surface of the hang-off adaptor and the support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2025
    Publication date: April 16, 2026
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM L. FONTENOT, STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE
  • Publication number: 20260097828
    Abstract: Mooring systems for mooring a vessel floating on a surface of a body of water. In some embodiments, the mooring system can include a mooring structure and a mooring let. The mooring structure can be configured to be connected to a seabed. The vessel can be configured to be connected to the mooring structure such that the vessel can be partially rotatable with respect to an axis of the mooring structure. A first end of the mooring leg can be configured to be connected to the vessel. A second end of the mooring leg can be configured to be connected to the seabed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2025
    Publication date: April 9, 2026
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Yu DING, Amir H. IZADPARAST, Yonghui Liu, Miles Hobdy, Alan R. Cordy
  • Publication number: 20260091850
    Abstract: Connector assemblies and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a connector assembly can include a stinger and a sleeve assembly. An outer surface of the stinger can define first and second grooves. The sleeve assembly can include a structural ring, a support ring, and first and second retainer rings. The structural ring can define a first shoulder. The support ring can be connected to the structural ring and can define a second shoulder. The first and second retainer rings can be independently movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the stinger is positioned within the sleeve assembly, the first retainer ring can maintain a first split ring in a position partially within the first groove and partially on the first shoulder and/or the second retainer ring can maintain a second split ring in a position partially within the second groove and partially on the second shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2025
    Publication date: April 2, 2026
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, HAO YU
  • Patent number: 12571373
    Abstract: Offshore wind turbine systems and processes for installing same. The system can include a wind turbine generator that can include a plurality of blades connected thereto. The system can also include a first support arm and a second support arm each having a first end and a second end. The system can also include a support structure that can be configured to float on a surface of a body of water that can include first, second, and third columns. The first end of the first support arm and the first end of the second support arm can each support the wind turbine generator at an elevation above the support structure. The second end of the first support arm can be connected to and supported by the first column. The second end of the second support arm can be connected to and supported by the second column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2026
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Hao Yu, Zhiyong Su, Arun S. Duggal, Yu Ding, Stephen P. Lindblade
  • Publication number: 20250382032
    Abstract: Connectors assemblies. The connector assembly can include a stinger and a sleeve assembly that includes a latching mechanism. An outer surface of the stinger can define first and second grooves located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. An inner surface of the sleeve assembly can define first and second shoulders located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. The latching mechanism can be in an unlocked position or a locked position. When the latching mechanism is unlocked the stinger can be inserted into or removed from the sleeve assembly. When the stinger is within the sleeve assembly and the latching mechanism is locked, the latching mechanism can maintain a first split ring partially within the first groove and partially on the first shoulder and a second split ring partially within the second groove and partially on the second shoulder to secure the stinger within the sleeve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2025
    Publication date: December 18, 2025
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Saradhi Koneru, Hao Yu
  • Patent number: 12391339
    Abstract: A connector assembly can include a stinger and a sleeve assembly that includes a latching mechanism. An outer surface of the stinger can define first and second grooves located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. An inner surface of the sleeve assembly can define first and second shoulders located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. The latching mechanism can be in an unlocked position or a locked position. When the latching mechanism is unlocked the stinger can be inserted into or removed from the sleeve assembly. When the stinger is within the sleeve assembly and the latching mechanism is locked, the latching mechanism can maintain a first split ring partially within the first groove and partially on the first shoulder and a second split ring partially within the second groove and partially on the second shoulder to secure the stinger within the sleeve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2025
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Saradhi Koneru, Hao Yu
  • Patent number: 12366281
    Abstract: A chain brace for restricting relative movement between first, second, and third serially connected links of a chain. The chain brace can include a wedge block defining a bore at least partially therethrough, first and second outer blocks, a capture frame that can include a reaction plate that can define a bore therethrough, and a tension member. The capture frame can be configured to position the outer blocks and the wedge block within the second link of the chain. The tension member can be positioned through the bore defined by the reaction plate and into the bore defined by the wedge block to apply a force on the wedge block such that the wedge block displaces the first and second outer blocks into contact with the ends of the first and third links of chain, respectively, to restrict relative movement between the first, second, and third links of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Quoc Anh Dang, Steven Edward Eskridge, Amir H. Izadparast
  • Publication number: 20250207713
    Abstract: Apparatus that include fluid swivels and processes for pigging through the fluid swivels. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a fluid swivel. The fluid swivel can include a fixed part that defines a first longitudinal fluid path therethrough and a first radial fluid path in fluid communication with the first longitudinal fluid path. The fluid swivel can also include a rotating part that defines a first radial fluid path therethrough. The first longitudinal fluid path can be configured to pass a pig therethrough. The first fixed part and the first rotating part can define a first toroidal fluid path therebetween that can be in fluid communication with the first radial fluid path defined by the fixed part and the first radial fluid path defined by the rotating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2024
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventor: Miles A. Hobdy
  • Publication number: 20250187706
    Abstract: Systems and processes for mooring a vessel. The system can include a buoy that includes a fixed part rotatively coupled to a rotating part. A first swivel can be disposed on the buoy that includes a fixed part rotatively coupled to a rotating part, with the fixed part of the first swivel coupled to the fixed part of the buoy. A second swivel can be disposed on the buoy that includes a fixed part rotatively coupled to a rotating part, with the fixed part of the second swivel coupled to the rotating part of the buoy. A spool can be coupled to and configured to rotate with the rotating part of the second swivel. A central longitudinal axis of the first swivel can be oriented vertically with respect to the buoy and a central longitudinal axis of the second swivel can be oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the buoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2024
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventor: Joel Andrew Kolb
  • Publication number: 20240425148
    Abstract: Articulated mechanical connectors and processes for using same. The connector can include a first connector part and a second connector part. The first connector part can include a gimbal table, first and second trunnions disposed on the gimbal table, a first arm, and a stopper assembly. The second connector part can include a second arm. The second arm can include one or more shoulders disposed between a first end and a second end of the second arm. The second arm can be configured to be at least partially disposed within an aperture defined by the first arm such that one of the one or more shoulders can engage with the stopper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: QUOC ANH DANG, STEVEN ESKRIDGE, JEAN-BENOIT LEGA, BRIAN SCOTT BAKER, STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, HAO YU, ALAN R. CORDY
  • Patent number: 12152453
    Abstract: Systems and processes for pigging. The system can include an inline swivel, a toroidal swivel and a plurality of conduits, each conduit including a valve. A first conduit can be in communication with a supply conduit and the inline swivel. A second conduit can be in communication with the toroidal swivel and the first conduit. A third conduit can be in communication with the first conduit and a first return conduit. A fourth conduit can be in communication with the toroidal swivel and the third conduit. A fifth conduit can be in communication with the inline swivel and a discharge conduit. A sixth conduit can be in communication with the toroidal swivel and the fifth conduit. A seventh conduit can be in communication with the fifth conduit and a second return conduit. An eighth conduit can be in communication with the toroidal swivel and the seventh conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventor: Miles A Hobdy
  • Publication number: 20240326954
    Abstract: Mechanical joints and processes for using same. The joint can include a turntable having a first part and a second part rotatively connected to the first part and configured to rotate about a first axis. First and second supports can extend from opposing sides of a bore defined by the second part. The joint can include a body that includes first and second trunnions extending from a first pair of opposing sides thereof aligned along a second axis. A second pair of opposing sides of the body can define second and third bores aligned along a third axis. The joint can also include a pin configured to connect a member to the body such that when the member is connected to the body and the first and second trunnions are supported by the first and second supports, the member can rotate about the first, second, and third axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: HAO Yu, STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, MILES A. HOBDY
  • Publication number: 20240246640
    Abstract: Systems and processes for recovering condensate from a conduit. The system can include a buoy that can include a fluid swivel assembly. The system can also include a first surface conduit and first and second gas transfer conduits that can be in fluid communication with the fluid swivel assembly and configured to transfer a gas discharged from a vessel storage tank to a gas pipeline. The system can also include first and second liquid transfer conduits in fluid communication with the fluid swivel assembly and configured to transfer a liquid from a liquid pipeline to the vessel storage tank. The system can also include a condensation conduit configured to transfer at least a portion of any condensate that accumulates within an internal volume of the first surface conduit or the first gas conduit into a fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel assembly or the second liquid transfer conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Matthew Duensing, Alan R. Cordy, Jared E. Cmaidalka
  • Publication number: 20240246639
    Abstract: Mechanical joints and processes for using same. The mechanical joint can include a gimbal table that can define a first and second bearing surface and include a first and second trunnion extending from a pair of opposing sides. The arm can include a third and fourth trunnion disposed toward a second end thereof. The third and fourth trunnion can be aligned along a first axis and the first and second trunnion can be aligned along a second axis. The first and second axes can be substantially orthogonal or substantially perpendicular to one another. The third trunnion and the first bearing surface and the fourth trunnion and the second bearing surface, respectively, can be engaged with one another. The arm can be rotatable relative to the gimbal table about the first axis, and at least a portion of the arm can be disposed through an aperture defined by the gimbal table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventor: QUOC ANH DANG
  • Publication number: 20240209705
    Abstract: Systems and processes for pigging. The system can include an inline swivel, a toroidal swivel and a plurality of conduits, each conduit including a valve. A first conduit can be in communication with a supply conduit and the inline swivel. A second conduit can be in communication with the toroidal swivel and the first conduit. A third conduit can be in communication with the first conduit and a first return conduit. A fourth conduit can be in communication with the toroidal swivel and the third conduit. A fifth conduit can be in communication with the inline swivel and a discharge conduit. A sixth conduit can be in communication with the toroidal swivel and the fifth conduit. A seventh conduit can be in communication with the fifth conduit and a second return conduit. An eighth conduit can be in communication with the toroidal swivel and the seventh conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventor: Miles A. Hobdy
  • Publication number: 20240174326
    Abstract: Systems and processes for recovering a condensate from a conduit. The system can include a buoy that can include a fluid swivel assembly. The system can also include a floating conduit and first and second gas transfer conduits that can be in fluid communication with the fluid swivel assembly and configured to transfer a gas discharged from a vessel storage tank to a gas pipeline. The system can also include first and second liquid transfer conduits in fluid communication with the fluid swivel assembly and configured to transfer a liquid from a liquid pipeline to the vessel storage tank. The system can also include a condensation conduit configured to transfer at least a portion of any condensate that accumulates within an internal volume of the floating conduit into a fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel assembly, the second liquid transfer conduit, or the first liquid transfer conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: MARTIN MATTHEW DUENSING, ALAN R. CORDY, Jared E. Cmaidalka
  • Publication number: 20240025731
    Abstract: Fluid transfer systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, the system can include a mooring structure, a fluid swivel disposed on the mooring structure, and first and second subsea conduits configured to provide fluid communication between first and second pipelines and first and second flow paths defined by the swivel, respectively. The system can also include first and second surface conduits that can provide fluid communication between a vessel storage tank and the first and second flow paths defined by the swivel, respectively. The system can also include a crossover conduit configured to provide fluid communication between (i) the first and second surface conduits, (ii) the first and second subsea conduits, or (iii) the first subsea conduit and an optional third pipeline. The system can transfer a fluid having a boiling point that is less than an ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure to or from the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Matthew Duensing, Arun Sanjay Duggal, Asis Nandi, Rathipriya Narayanan
  • Publication number: 20230287869
    Abstract: Offshore wind turbine systems and processes for installing same. The system can include a wind turbine generator that can include a plurality of blades connected thereto. The system can also include a first support arm and a second support arm each having a first end and a second end. The system can also include a support structure that can be configured to float on a surface of a body of water that can include first, second, and third columns. The first end of the first support arm and the first end of the second support arm can each support the wind turbine generator at an elevation above the support structure. The second end of the first support arm can be connected to and supported by the first column. The second end of the second support arm can be connected to and supported by the second column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: YONGHUI LIU, HAO YU, ZHIYONG SU, ARUN S. DUGGAL, YU DING, STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, ALAN R. CORDY