Patents Assigned to Sofec, Inc.
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11738828
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, Hao Yu
  • Publication number: 20230264790
    Abstract: A mooring system for mooring a vessel floating on a surface of a body of water. The system can include a base structure, a mooring leg, a column, and a turntable. The mooring leg can include a first end configured to be attached to a seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the base structure. The column can include a first end attached to the base structure. The turntable can include a rotating part and a fixed part. A second end of the column can be configured to be connected to the fixed part of the turntable via a dual axis joint. The rotating part of the turntable can be configured to be connected to the vessel. The base structure can be configured to be elevated above of the seabed when the second end of the column is connected to the fixed part of the turntable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, HAO YU, MILES A. HOBDY
  • Publication number: 20230257074
    Abstract: A mooring system for mooring a vessel floating on a surface of a body of water. In some embodiments, the system can include a base structure configured to be secured to a seabed, a yoke configured to be pivotably connected at a first end to the base structure about an axis of the base structure, a weight connected to the yoke, a turntable that can include a rotating part configured to be disposed on the vessel and a fixed part, a link arm that can include a first end configured to be connected to a second end of the yoke and/or the weight and a second end configured to be connected to the fixed part of the turntable such that the vessel is rotatable with respect to the link arm about a central axis of the turntable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: HAO YU, ARUN SANJAY DUGGAL, STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, SJOERD JAN WICHERS, YONGHUI LIU, YU DING, DIPAK JAYVANT CHAVDA
  • Patent number: 11679844
    Abstract: Mooring support structures, systems for mooring vessels, and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure than can include a post connected at a first end to a turntable disposed on a base structure. The post can extend out from the turntable and a yoke head connector can be connected to a second end of the post. A distal end of the yoke head connector can provide a disconnection location such that when a yoke head is disconnected from the yoke head connector, the yoke head can fall by gravity from the yoke head connector without contacting the mooring support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Stephen Lindblade
  • Publication number: 20230166816
    Abstract: Surge damping systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure that can include a base structure and a turntable disposed on the base structure. A vessel support structure can be disposed on the vessel. At least one extension arm can be suspended from the vessel support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the extension arm. A uni-directional passive surge damping system can be disposed on the vessel and can include an elongated tension member connected to the ballast tank that can be configured to dampen a movement of the ballast tank by applying a tension thereto. A yoke can extend from and can be connected at a first end to the ballast tank and can include a yoke head disposed on a second end thereof that can be configured to connect to the turntable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Yonghui Liu, Stephen Lindblade
  • Publication number: 20230160456
    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: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Quoc Anh Dang, Steven Edward Eskridge, Amir H. Izadparast
  • Publication number: 20230151846
    Abstract: A coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about two axes of rotation between a first member and a second member. The coupler can include a first end that defines a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough and a second end that defines a third bore therethrough. The first bore and the second bore can partially intersect one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Jamie Clay Gamble, Quoc Anh Dang
  • Publication number: 20230150614
    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: January 17, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, Hao Yu
  • Publication number: 20230124086
    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: October 14, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Saradhi Koneru, Hao Yu
  • Publication number: 20230110646
    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 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun S. Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles Hobdy, Hao Yu
  • Patent number: 11597478
    Abstract: Elongated member handling systems and methods for using same. The system can include one or more elongated members. A connector can be formed on or mechanically linked to a first end of each of the one or more elongated members. An optional cover can be coupled to the connector. The system can also include a pulling assembly at least partially disposed about the one or more elongated members and adjacent the first end of each of the one or more elongated members. The pulling assembly can include a support skid. The pulling assembly or, if present, the optional cover can include a primary pulling anchor. The system can also include a jumper winch configured to be mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor. The jumper winch, when mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor, can be configured to pull the pulling assembly from a first structure to a second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Miles Hobdy
  • Patent number: 11560203
    Abstract: Surge damping systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure that can include a base structure and a turntable disposed on the base structure. A vessel support structure can be disposed on the vessel. At least one extension arm can be suspended from the vessel support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the extension arm. A uni-directional passive surge damping system can be disposed on the vessel and can include an elongated tension member connected to the ballast tank that can be configured to dampen a movement of the ballast tank by applying a tension thereto. A yoke can extend from and can be connected at a first end to the ballast tank and can include a yoke head disposed on a second end thereof that can be configured to connect to the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Yonghui Liu, Stephen Lindblade
  • Patent number: 11459067
    Abstract: Systems and processes for recovering a condensate from a conduit. In one embodiment, the system can include a floating buoy that can include a fluid swivel assembly coupled thereto. The system can also include a floating conduit, a first gas transfer conduit, and a second gas transfer conduit that can be configured to transfer a gas discharged from a vessel storage tank to a pipeline end manifold located at a subsea location. The system can also include a first condensation conduit, a pump, and a second condensation conduit that can be configured to transfer at least a portion of any condensate that accumulates within an internal volume of the floating conduit at a low point between the vessel storage tank and the first gas transfer conduit into a flow path defined by a first swivel section of the fluid swivel assembly, a storage tank, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Matthew Duensing, Samuel David Waronoff, Asis Nandi, Ramachandran Gopalakrishnan, Yuen How Leow
  • Patent number: 11319036
    Abstract: Mooring systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, the system can include a first vessel support structure and a second vessel support structure, each disposed on a vessel. Each vessel support structure can include at least one extension arm can be suspended from each vessel support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to each of the at least one extension arms. A first end of a yoke can be connected to the ballast tank and a second end of the yoke can include a yoke head disposed thereon. The system can also include a first mooring support structure and a second mooring support structure, each fixed in place. Each mooring support structure can include a pitch bearing. The yoke heads of the first and second vessel support structures can be connected to the pitch bearings of the first and second mooring support structures, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Yonghui Liu, Yu Ding
  • Patent number: 11319030
    Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
  • Patent number: 11279446
    Abstract: A yoke mooring system and method for disconnecting a moored vessel from a tower structure. The system can include a support structure with one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the one or more extension arms, and a yoke can extend from and connect to the ballast tank. The yoke can include a tower connector disposed on a second end thereof for connecting to the tower structure. A first winch system can be located on the support structure and connect to the yoke proximate a second end of the yoke via a first line or cable. A second winch system can be connected to the ballast tank via a second line or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
  • Patent number: 11267532
    Abstract: A yoke mooring system for connecting a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea. The system can include a support structure with one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the one or more extension arms, and a yoke can extend from and connect to the ballast tank. The yoke can include a tower connector disposed on a second end thereof for connecting to the tower structure. A first winch system can be located on the support structure and connect to the yoke proximate a second end of the yoke via a first line or cable. A second winch system can be connected to the ballast tank via a second line or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
  • Publication number: 20220001963
    Abstract: Mooring systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, the system can include a first vessel support structure and a second vessel support structure, each disposed on a vessel. Each vessel support structure can include at least one extension arm can be suspended from each vessel support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to each of the at least one extension arms. A first end of a yoke can be connected to the ballast tank and a second end of the yoke can include a yoke head disposed thereon. The system can also include a first mooring support structure and a second mooring support structure, each fixed in place. Each mooring support structure can include a pitch bearing. The yoke heads of the first and second vessel support structures can be connected to the pitch bearings of the first and second mooring support structures, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Yonghui Liu, Yu Ding