Patents by Inventor Andrew Jaffrey
Andrew Jaffrey has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9957771Abstract: A status assembly to provide visual and electronic indication of the position (open, closed, in-between) of the ram of a ram-type blowout preventer (BOP). The assembly is capable of coupling with a hydraulic motor that can be used to open and close the ram locks. The status assembly includes a rotatable element protruding from the BOP, a gear rotatable by the rotatable element, and an indicator that indicates the rotation position of the rotatable element and thus the linear position of the BOP ram. Some embodiments can also include a sensor that outputs an electronic signal to the system operator and can be incorporated into the main display for the BOP control system. This device is able to give immediate feedback to operators and to indicate whether each ram has achieved its intended travel.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew Jaffrey, Gerrit M. Kroesen, John Mangan
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Publication number: 20180106111Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a well boring apparatus, and associated components, for drilling wellbores without the necessity of traditional well drilling equipment. The well boring apparatus operates on similar principles as a tunnel boring apparatus. The well boring apparatus is self-propelled, steerable, and can be launched from a topside vessel or directly from a seabed installation. The well boring apparatus is fully instrumented and capable of analyzing the surrounding environment including the temperature, pressure, acidity and the presence of particular chemicals. The well boring apparatus is highly modular such that it can be configured for different tasks. The well boring apparatus can include components to case/line the wellbore during drilling, eliminating the need for running casing/lining. Further, the well boring apparatus can be incorporated in a drilling system in which cuttings are processed at the seabed, thereby removing the need for a drilling riser.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2016Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Publication number: 20180087340Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an assembly and method for monitoring the position of one or more opposing rams in a ram-type blowout preventer (“BOP”) during opening and closing operations. In particular, a BOP includes a vertical bore extending through the body, a ram cavity intersecting the bore, and a port located below the ram cavity. A sensor assembly is locatable in the port and is configured to monitor the position of at least one opposing ram contained in the BOP. At least one of the rams includes a detection feature on a lower surface of the ram which is distinguishable from the rest of the ram body, other features of the BOP, and any debris in the bore of the BOP. The detection feature is detectable by the sensor assembly. The detection feature may include a visual indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2015Publication date: March 29, 2018Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Publication number: 20180034543Abstract: A system and method to monitor a cable using noise-domain reflectometry. A receiver is configured to receive a signal and a reflection of the signal transmitted through the cable. The reflection of the signal can be indicative of a fault condition relating to the integrity of the cable. A processor is in communication with the receiver and configured to analyze the signal and the reflection using noise-domain reflectometry and determine the fault condition of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2016Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Andrew Jaffrey, Hyrum Salvador Hilario, Kartik Subramanian, Michael H. Lampe, Claire Hammett, Edward Cates
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Patent number: 9879526Abstract: A subsea electronic information system for managing data related to a characteristic of subsea equipment locatable subsea. The system includes sensors locatable subsea and in communication with and capable of measuring a characteristic of the subsea equipment. A sensor interface box (SIB) separate from the sensors and locatable subsea includes a processor and a memory device capable of receiving and storing sensor measurement data. Additionally, the SIB is in data and power communication with the sensors. The system further includes a subsea retrievable data capsule capable of recording all system data over a long period. The capsule may be recovered from subsea (independently of the other elements of the information system) for forensic analysis of the recorded data.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Cameron Internation CorporationInventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Patent number: 9869404Abstract: A system for a blowout preventer (BOP) stack assembly includes one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers coupled to a body that is configured to support a movable component of the BOP stack assembly, wherein each pair of ultrasonic transducers comprises a first ultrasonic transducer disposed on a first side of the body and a second ultrasonic transducer disposed on a second side of the body, opposite the first side. The system also includes a controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of a position of the movable component from the one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers, to determine the position of the movable component based on the first signal, and to provide a first output indicative of the position of the movable component.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Andrew Jaffrey, Emanuel Gottlieb, Salvador Reyes, III
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Publication number: 20180010411Abstract: A closure device for cutting a tubular member includes a housing, and a cutting member disposed in the housing, wherein the cutting member is coupled to a heating element, wherein the cutting member is configured to transfer heat to a tubular member from the heating element to cause a loss of mechanical integrity of the tubular member as the cutting member physically engages the tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Gerrit KROESEN, Andrew JAFFREY, Baard Henning KAASIN
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Publication number: 20170328152Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a drilling fluid system that includes a conduit configured to convey a fluid from a first sub-system of the drilling fluid system to a second sub-system of the drilling fluid system, an ultrasonic measurement system configured to determine a flow rate of the fluid in the conduit, and a controller configured to receive feedback from the ultrasonic measurement system and to adjust one or more operating parameters of the drilling fluid system based at least on the feedback.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Andrew Jaffrey, Emanuel Gottlieb
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Publication number: 20170284806Abstract: A navigation system includes a support structure configured to be positioned at a sea floor. The navigation system also includes multiple transducers coupled to the support structure at fixed locations and configured to emit multiple reference signals. The navigation system further includes a transducer coupled to a movable subsea vessel and configured to receive the plurality of reference signals. A controller includes a processor and a memory, and the processor is configured to determine a position of the movable subsea vessel relative to the support structure based on the multiple reference signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Patent number: 9732879Abstract: The present disclosure relates to monitoring the condition of fluid extraction components associated with a subsea hydrocarbon drilling and production operation and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a sensor assembly for monitoring the extraction component which is easily installable and locally powered. The sensor assembly, in one embodiment, is contained on a patch. The assembly comprises a sensor, a power supply, and a communication device, all located on the patch. The patch can be easily coupled to fluid extraction components, such as a valve associated with a blowout preventer stack. The patch can include a coupling material on one side of the patch allowing the patch to adhere to the fluid extraction components. The patch can further include a power generator, such as a piezoelectric generator, thereby allowing for the sensor assembly to be locally powered.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Patent number: 9719330Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, reducing a pendulum motion of a piece of subsea equipment during a landing operation includes a frame assembly arranged for connection to the piece of subsea equipment; a sheet of arrestor material disposed within a perimeter of the frame assembly, and a drive mechanism arranged to move the sheet of arrestor material between a first position and a second position, each position providing a different amount of surface area than the other to create a different drag force on the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Publication number: 20170207731Abstract: A piezoelectric power generator assembly includes a housing, a piezoelectric transducer located in the housing, and a piston located in the housing. The piston is movable with respect to the housing and is configured to be moved into contact with the piezoelectric transducer, and the piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate an electrical charge when contacted by the piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Publication number: 20170191334Abstract: A system for landing a subsea component includes a retention assembly configured to be coupled to the subsea component, the retention assembly including a first connector, a cable extending between the connector and a tensioning assembly, and a releasable lock configured to selectably actuate the tensioning assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, when the tensioning assembly is in the unlocked position, a tensioning force is applied to the cable, and an anchoring assembly configured to anchor to a sea floor, the anchoring assembly including a second connector configured to be coupled to the first connector of the retention assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2015Publication date: July 6, 2017Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Andrew JAFFREY
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Publication number: 20170183939Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, reducing a pendulum motion of a piece of subsea equipment during a landing operation includes a frame assembly arranged for connection to the piece of subsea equipment; a sheet of arrestor material disposed within a perimeter of the frame assembly, and a drive mechanism arranged to move the sheet of arrestor material between a first position and a second position, each position providing a different amount of surface area than the other to create a different drag force on the equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2015Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Publication number: 20170175792Abstract: A pre-load monitor is arranged for use between a between a washer face of a fastener and a bearing surface of a fixture arranged to receive a portion of a shank of the fastener. The pre-load monitor, which can be in the form of a washer, includes a piezoelectric generator which generates the electrical power to measure, monitor and report the pre-load. The resulting electrical power produced is proportional to the pre-load and can be stored to provide the energy required to function electrical, electronic and communication circuits included in the washer. Alternatively, the pre-load monitor can be a half- or split ring (or a C-ring) constructed similarly to that of the washer, or the ring can be a two-piece gasket construction that includes an array of the washers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Andrew Jaffrey, Andy McNaney
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Publication number: 20170167220Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an assembly and method for monitoring the position of one or more opposing rams in a rain-type blowout preventer (“BOP”) during opening and closing operations. In particular, a BOP includes a vertical bore extending through the body, a rain cavity intersecting the bore, and a port located below the rain cavity. A sensor assembly is locatable in the port and is configured to monitor the position of at least one opposing rain contained in the BOP. At least one of the rams includes a detection feature on a lower surface of the rain which is distinguishable from the rest of the rain body, other features of the BOP, and any debris in the bore of the BOP. The detection feature is detectable by the sensor assembly. The detection feature may include a visual indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Patent number: 9677573Abstract: A system for determining the location of a piston within an accumulator is provided in which a short circuit is created between elements in the accumulator and the piston which is movable within the accumulator. As the piston moves along the longitudinal axis of the accumulator, the circuit's electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage, resistance, current) vary in accordance with the length of the circuit. Measurement of these electrical characteristics allows for precise determination of the piston location relative to the accumulator. In a commercial embodiment, the invention can be utilized to determine fluid volumes in an accumulator by monitoring the location of the piston. This invention overcomes prior art systems because, inter alia, it does not require electrical sensory equipment, enables remote monitoring, maintains system integrity and functions irrespective of container wall thickness.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Publication number: 20170152967Abstract: A system for a blowout preventer (BOP) stack assembly includes one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers coupled to a body that is configured to support a movable component of the BOP stack assembly, wherein each pair of ultrasonic transducers comprises a first ultrasonic transducer disposed on a first side of the body and a second ultrasonic transducer disposed on a second side of the body, opposite the first side. The system also includes a controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of a position of the movable component from the one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers, to determine the position of the movable component based on the first signal, and to provide a first output indicative of the position of the movable component.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2017Publication date: June 1, 2017Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Andrew Jaffrey, Emanuel Gottlieb, Salvador Reyes, III
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Publication number: 20170138151Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring valve operation. In one embodiment, an apparatus for monitoring valve operation includes a first acoustic sensor and a monitoring system. The first acoustic sensor is to couple to a valve to detect vibration of the valve. The monitoring system is communicatively coupled to the first acoustic sensor. The monitoring system is configured to receive a signal generated by the first acoustic sensor. The signal is representative of vibration of the valve. The monitoring system is also configured to identify leakage in the valve based on the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Salvador Reyes, III, Mark Saunders, Kody Carrillo, Andrew Jaffrey
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Publication number: 20170130562Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a seal, such as a seal in a blowout preventer or in another oilfield device, is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a blowout preventer including a seal and a blowout preventer seal-monitoring system that includes a sensor positioned within a body of the seal and a data analyzer. The data analyzer has a processor and is configured to monitor a condition of the seal through analysis of data received by the data analyzer from the sensor positioned within the body of the seal. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2015Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Andrew Jaffrey, Brian Matteucci, Edward C. Gaude