Patents Assigned to Sofec, Inc.
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11198490
    Abstract: A disconnectable spread mooring and riser tower system for a vessel floating at a water surface. The system comprises a forward chain table assembly releasably connected to the vessel at the bow via a first connector assembly, and an aft chain table assembly releasably connected at the stem via a second connector assembly. Mooring legs are attached to the chain table assemblies and are capable of being anchored at spaced locations on a seafloor. The first and second connector assemblies are arranged and designed to unlock and release the forward and aft chain table assemblies from the vessel. A riser tower system fixed to the seafloor may be located near the moored vessel and flexible jumper hoses can be extended between the riser tower system and the vessel to transfer fluids, air, power and control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Stephen P. Lindblade
  • Publication number: 20210171159
    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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Matthew Duensing, Samuel David Waronoff, Asis Nandi, Ramachandran Gopalakrishnan, Yuen How Leow
  • Publication number: 20210139109
    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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Stephen Lindblade
  • Publication number: 20210139108
    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: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Yonghui Liu, Stephen Lindblade
  • Patent number: 10975541
    Abstract: A system and method for mating equipment offshore to a spar buoy secured to a foundation without the use of a crane barge. The system comprises a floating vessel having a pair of forks defining a slot. A gimbal table, defining an opening, is positioned within the slot and connected to the vessel and a locking collar is mounted to the gimbal table. A mating member is attached to the spar buoy. The vessel is maneuvered to bring the spar buoy within the gimbal table opening. With the spar buoy positioned within the gimbal table opening, the locking collar is arranged and designed to releasably attach to the mating member of the spar buoy and restrict relative vertical motion between the spar buoy and the vessel while the gimbal table allows the floating vessel to roll and pitch without driving these motions into the spar buoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Ananth Natarajan
  • Patent number: 10899602
    Abstract: Systems and processes for transferring a gas from a buoy. In one embodiment, the system can include a buoy floating in water. A fluid swivel assembly can be coupled to the buoy. The system can also include a gas submarine conduit and a pipeline end manifold located at a subsea location. The gas submarine conduit can be configured to transfer a gas between the fluid swivel assembly and the pipeline end manifold. The gas submarine conduit can include one or more negatively buoyant members coupled thereto. The one or more negatively buoyant members coupled to the gas submarine conduit can urge the gas submarine conduit toward a seafloor to maintain the gas submarine conduit in a Chinese lantern configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Martin Matthew Duensing, Heejung Lee
  • Publication number: 20200377180
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Miles Hobdy
  • Publication number: 20200317297
    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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
  • Publication number: 20200317300
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
  • Patent number: 10794539
    Abstract: Systems and processes for recovering a gas from a vessel. The system can include a buoy that can include a fluid swivel assembly. The fluid swivel assembly can have a first swivel section rotatably coupled to a second swivel section. The system can also include a first liquid transfer conduit, a first gas transfer conduit, a second liquid transfer conduit, and a second gas transfer conduit. The first swivel section and the second swivel section can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the first liquid transfer conduit and the second liquid transfer conduit. The first swivel section and the second swivel section can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the first gas transfer conduit and the second gas transfer conduit. The first gas transfer conduit and the second gas transfer conduit can be configured to convey a gas from a vessel to a subsea location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Matthew Duensing, Samuel David Waronoff, Abbas Nalwala, Arun Sanjay Duggal, Yonghui Liu, Asis Nandi, Ramachandran Gopalakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20200148308
    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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
  • Patent number: 10538291
    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: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
  • Patent number: 10183727
    Abstract: In an offshore system having a floating vessel, a turret within a hull opening, and a bearing assembly including a support row assembly axially transferring the weight of the turret to the vessel and allowing the vessel to weather vane about the turret, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. An outer upper ring is removed from an outer lower ring and a support ring is installed on the outer lower ring. A lower race and support rollers of a remedial support row assembly are installed on the support ring. A reaction ring is positioned above the support ring and connected to an inner ring secured to the turret. The inner ring is axially displaced relative to the outer lower ring and the turret axial loading is transferred to the remedial support row assembly between the support ring and the reaction ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SOFEC, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, David M. Seaman