Patents Examined by Douglas S Wood
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Patent number: 11215306Abstract: A gland assembly includes a gland including an annular ring defining a fastener hole; and a joint restraint assembly comprising a restraint base, the restraint base attached to the annular ring; and a cover including a cover portion removably attached to the restraint base; and a bolt stop portion covering the fastener hole, the bolt stop portion extending laterally outward from the cover portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventor: Aurelian Ioan Furcoiu
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Patent number: 11203909Abstract: A mudline closure device is lowered between tensioners coupled to a deck of a vessel or rig onto a subsea wellhead. A tensioner platform is then attached to the tensioners. The tensioner platform includes a platform opening having an inner diameter through which an emergency disconnect system may pass. The tensioner platform also includes rotation bearings secured in the platform opening. A split support includes outer surfaces disposed along its circumference. The outer surfaces are seated on the rotation bearings. The split support includes a support opening having an inner diameter through which a marine riser may pass. The split support also includes a landing shoulder secured in the support opening to suspend a surface blowout preventer to the deck. As the vessel or rig changes direction, the split support rotates relative to the tensioner platform without imparting excessive torsion on the marine riser.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE, INC.Inventors: James V. Maher, Daniel McCelvey
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Patent number: 11199280Abstract: A gland includes an annular ring, the annular ring defining a gland bore, the gland bore defining a gland axis extending through the annular ring; and a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly including a restraint base, the restraint base attached to the annular ring, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket, the restraint base including a structural rail; a gripper, the gripper disposed within the restraint pocket and configured to move in the restraint pocket; a spring biasing the gripper to move inwards towards the gland axis; and a cover contacting at least a portion of the restraint base.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Mueller Intemational, LLCInventor: Aurelian Ioan Furcoiu
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Patent number: 11162308Abstract: A tubular handling assembly includes a mandrel; a plurality of gripping elements for gripping a tubular, the plurality of gripping elements coupled to and rotatable with the mandrel; one or more accumulators; a first actuator configured to supply fluid to the one or more accumulators; and a second actuator configured to receive fluid from at least one of the one or more accumulators and to actuate the plurality of gripping elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Igor Stankovic, Martin Helms, Michael Schindel, Thomas Kotschy, Christian Kiess
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Patent number: 11157025Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing pressure exchanger manifold resonance. Example apparatus include a first manifold and pumps fluidly connected with the first manifold. Each pump is operable to inject a pressurized clean fluid into the first manifold. The apparatus may further include a second manifold and pressure exchangers each fluidly connected with the first and second manifolds. Each pressure exchanger is operable to receive the pressurized clean fluid from the first manifold and discharge the pressurized dirty fluid into the second manifold. The apparatus may also include a first flow restricting orifice fluidly connected along the first manifold, a second flow restricting orifice fluidly connected along the second manifold, and a discharge conduit fluidly connected with the wellbore to permit the pressurized dirty fluid to be injected into the wellbore during a well treatment operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Rod William Shampine
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Patent number: 11156053Abstract: A riser disconnect/reconnect system having a disconnection package (RDP) and a modified lower marine riser package (LMRP) are provided for quick disconnection of the marine drilling riser (MDR) from the LMRP to facilitate access to the LMRP or BOP stack. The RDP includes a flex joint and a hydraulically-actuated release connector (RC) with a connecting mandrel that engages a modified LMRP. In an emergency, the RDP is disconnected from the LMRP allowing access to the BOP stack for intervention. The RDP may be disconnected from the LMRP for recovery of the LMRP or BOP stack to the surface for repair or maintenance without recovering the MDR. The RC joins the flex joint to the uppermost annular blowout preventer in the LMRP. The release connector can be used in a standard or inverted position. Also provided are structural cages with complementary stab plates allowing access to various bypass ports and controls.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Inventors: William Matthew Caldwell, Andrew Bennett Boyd, Scott Andrew Wagner, Stephen John Walker
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Patent number: 11149889Abstract: A gland assembly includes a gland including an annular ring defining a fastener hole; and a joint restraint assembly comprising a restraint base, the restraint base attached to the annular ring; and a cover including a cover portion removably attached to the restraint base; and a bolt stop portion covering the fastener hole, the bolt stop portion extending laterally outward from the cover portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventor: Aurelian Ioan Furcoiu
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Patent number: 11142965Abstract: A flexible deployment system is used to deploy subsea/downhole well equipment or modules from a multi-purpose vessel without requiring a moon pool and a derrick or tower. The deployment system may include the vessel and a deployment frame disposed on the vessel. The deployment frame includes a protruding section extending as a cantilever beyond an external edge of the vessel, and the protruding section includes an aperture formed therein to facilitate construction of the well equipment or modules through the protruding section. The deployment system also includes an actuation assembly coupled to the protruding section to selectively transition the protruding section to a collapsed, split, or retracted orientation out of a deployment path of the well equipment or modules. The system allows for controlled deployment of well equipment or modules including at least a string of downhole tools or tubulars coupled end to end from the side of the vessel in a single trip.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Aker Solutions Inc.Inventor: Lars Bay
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Patent number: 11131166Abstract: A retainer system, device and method are provided for retaining a severed pipe string such as a landing string suspended from a rig of a floating vessel or platform during a failure of a primary or secondary heave compensation system and prevent the severed pipe string from flying over the rig floor. The retainer system includes a retainer device including a housing mounted to a platform or vessel, the housing defining a through bore for receiving a pipe string suspended from the platform or vessel. A safety sleeve extends through the housing. A stop arrangement is mountable on the pipe string, to permit engagement between the safety sleeve and the stop arrangement in order to limit relative movement between the housing and the pipe string in order to retain a severed pipe string in an emergency situation.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Expro North Sea LimitedInventors: Stephen George Minty, Andrew Macdonald Carmichael
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Patent number: 11131412Abstract: A gland includes an annular ring, the annular ring defining a gland bore, the gland bore defining a gland axis; and a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly includes a restraint base, the restraint base attached to the annular ring, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket; the restraint pocket comprising a restraint pivot disposed within the restraint pocket; a gripper, the gripper disposed within the restraint pocket, the gripper engaging the restraint pivot, the gripper configured to rotate about the restraint pivot; and a spring clip disposed within the restraint pocket, the spring clip biasing the gripper to rotate inwards towards the gland axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventor: Aurelian Ioan Furcoiu
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Patent number: 11112047Abstract: A pipe-in-pipe (PIP) connector for use in a PIP pipeline for laying in a marine environment, the PIP pipeline including at least metal inner and outer pipes and an annular space thereinbetween, the connector including at least: (a) a first connector end including inner and outer longitudinal collars corresponding in circumference to the circumferences of the inner and outer pipes of the PIP pipeline, and weldable to a PIP pipeline, and (b) a second connector end including a machined portion configured to match and connect with a complementary portal or bore of an in-line subsea structure, and a coupling portion for coupling with a pipeline section, the coupling being decoupable.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Inventors: Alexey Varfolomeev, Torgeir Kullerud Helland
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Patent number: 11078770Abstract: A cylindrical drum with a fluid inlet is configured to be connected to a downhole end of a fluid conduit. The cylindrical drum has an outer surface along which is the fluid inlet. The cylindrical drum has a center and an inner surface. Fluid nozzles fluidically connect to an interior of the cylindrical drum and are positioned around the outer circumference of the cylindrical drum. The fluid nozzles are positioned to direct fluid away from the cylindrical drum. A rotatable collar is positioned in the center of the cylindrical drum. The rotatable collar has an outer surface parallel to the inner surface of the cylindrical drum. Sleeve plates are positioned between the inner surface of the cylindrical drum and the outer surface of the rotatable collar. Each of the sleeve plates defines a hole with a diameter smaller than a diameter of a corresponding dropped ball.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Khalid Mohammed M. Alruwaili, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
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Patent number: 11078769Abstract: Systems and method for injection a chemical into a wellbore. A chemical injection system may comprise a first valve, a chemical line, a pilot line, an injection line, and a backflow prevention valve disposable in the injection line. A production fluid recovery system may comprise a chemical injection system, a first valve, a pilot line, an injection line, a backflow prevention valve, a production tree, a wellhead, and production tubing. A method for actuating a valve in a chemical injection system may comprise pushing a fluid into a chemical line, pressurizing a pilot line to open a first valve, pushing the fluid through the first valve, increasing pressure in the pilot line to open a second valve, pushing the fluid through the second valve, pushing the fluid through a chemical line, and injecting fluid into a wellbore from the chemical line.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Inventors: Paul Gregory James, Ibrahim El Mallawany
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Patent number: 11035502Abstract: A threaded connection having a straight central axis, where the pin threads and the box threads are arranged such that when the connection is fully made up, the pin roots and box crests come into at least partial interference substantially in line with a pin root taper plane and a box crest taper plane, and wherein the angles of the pin root taper plane and box crest taper plane allow for reduction of axial compressive forces on the plurality of pin threads and plurality of box threads along the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: MARUBENI-ITOCHU TUBULARS AMERICA INC.Inventor: Cody Allen DeHart
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Patent number: 11015413Abstract: A fracturing fluid delivery system with a fluid conduit having a communication line is provided. In one embodiment, a fracturing system includes a wellhead assembly and a fracturing fluid conduit coupled to the wellhead assembly to enable receipt of fracturing fluid by the wellhead assembly from the fracturing fluid conduit. The fracturing fluid conduit includes a body defining a bore for conveying the fracturing fluid to the wellhead assembly and also includes a communication line. The communication line transmits signals along the body of the fracturing fluid conduit such that the fracturing fluid conduit facilitates transmission of both the fracturing fluid and the signals. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Kirk P. Guidry
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Patent number: 10995591Abstract: The invention concerns a method for installing a hatch (34) to a subsea structure (10) by connecting the hatch to the subsea structure by at least one hinge (20) having a first mounting portion (21), a second mounting portion (22), a flexible portion (23) interconnecting the first and second mounting portion allowing a pivot connection between the first and second mounting portion. The installation steps comprise •—inserting a protrusion (23) of the first mounting portion (21) into an installation hole arranged in the subsea structure (10), •—inserting a protrusion (24) of the second mounting portion (22) into an installation hole arranged in the hatch (34), thereby •—engaging the first mounting portion (21) of the hinge (20) for anchorage with the subsea structure (10) and engaging the second mounting portion (22) for anchorage with the hatch (34) thereby arranging for the hatch to pivot between a closed and an open position about a pivot axis provided by the flexible portion of the hinge.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventor: Bjørn Martin Horgen
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Patent number: 10975651Abstract: This disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for coupling one or more auxiliary lines to a subsea well control assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures LimitedInventors: John Kozicz, Craig McCormick
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Patent number: 10968716Abstract: A wellhead includes a wellhead body and a locking end coupled to the wellhead body. The locking end includes an exterior surface with an exterior locking profile. The exterior locking profile includes an exterior groove formed between exterior stab and load flanks on the exterior surface. The locking end also includes an interior surface having an interior locking profile. The interior locking profile includes an interior groove formed between interior stab and load flanks on the interior surface. At least one of the exterior groove or the interior groove is a relief groove that undercuts at least one of the respective stab or load flank. The relief groove corresponds to a portion of the contour of an ellipse intersecting at least a portion of the respective stab or load flank, and an axis of the ellipse is at a tilted angle with respect to an axis of the wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Vetco Gray, LLCInventors: Baozhi Zhu, Joseph Pallini
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Patent number: 10920530Abstract: A technique facilitates completion and stimulation of a reservoir, e.g. a lower tertiary reservoir. Initially a wellbore is drilled into the tertiary reservoir. Following drilling, the wellbore is completed by deploying completion equipment constructed to facilitate stimulation of the tertiary reservoir. The completion equipment may be operated in conjunction with a stimulation system to stimulate the tertiary reservoir and thus to enhance retrieval of hydrocarbon fluids contained within the tertiary reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Brian W. Cho, Jose F. Garcia, Roberto Simao Trad, John Algeroy
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Patent number: 10920554Abstract: A cylindrical drum with a fluid inlet is configured to be connected to a downhole end of a fluid conduit. The cylindrical drum has an outer surface along which is the fluid inlet. The cylindrical drum has a center and an inner surface. Fluid nozzles fluidically connect to an interior of the cylindrical drum and are positioned around the outer circumference of the cylindrical drum. The fluid nozzles are positioned to direct fluid away from the cylindrical drum. A rotatable collar is positioned in the center of the cylindrical drum. The rotatable collar has an outer surface parallel to the inner surface of the cylindrical drum. Sleeve plates are positioned between the inner surface of the cylindrical drum and the outer surface of the rotatable collar. Each of the sleeve plates defines a hole with a diameter smaller than a diameter of a corresponding dropped ball.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Khalid Mohammed M Alruwaili, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi