Patents by Inventor Atle Steen

Atle Steen 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).

  • Patent number: 7980190
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system of a deep-draft semi-submersible hydrocarbon, such as for liquefied natural gas (LNG), floating production and storage vessel that can include a pontoon containing hydrocarbon tanks, fixed ballast at the bottom in a double-bottom portion, and segregated ballasted tanks with variable ballast located generally above the fixed ballast portion that can assist in keeping the pontoon submerged during various storage levels. Multiple vertical columnar supports can penetrate the pontoon from top to bottom and extend above the water surface to support a deck, including various topside structures. An intermediate double-deck on the top of the pontoon can provide access to the tanks, for example, through the vertical columnar supports. The double bottom structure, deck, and vertical columnar supports can provide overall structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Jang Kim, Jim O'Sullivan, Atle Steen
  • Publication number: 20090158986
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system of a deep-draft semi-submersible liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating production and storage vessel that can include a pontoon containing LNG tanks, fixed ballast at the bottom in a double-bottom portion, and segregated ballasted tanks with variable ballast located generally above the fixed ballast portion that can assist in keeping the pontoon submerged during various storage levels. Multiple vertical columnar supports can penetrate the pontoon from top to bottom and extend above the water surface to support a deck, including various topside structures. An intermediate double-deck on the top of the pontoon can provide access to the tanks, for example, through the vertical columnar supports. The double bottom structure, deck, and vertical columnar supports can provide overall structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Jang Kim, Jim O'Sullivan, Atle Steen
  • Patent number: 7377225
    Abstract: A spar-type platform includes a hull defining a centerwell extending downward to a keel. The hull includes a reduced diameter neck portion for diverting ice flow. Adjustable ballast tanks allow the hull to be moved between a ballasted down position defining an upper water line, and a ballasted up position defined by a lower water line. A riser a support buoy is disposed in the keel. Risers extend through the centerwell, each having an upper portion extending upward from the support buoy and a lower portion supported in the support buoy. A disconnect system detachably connects the support buoy to the hull and the upper portion of each riser to the lower portion thereof, whereby the hull and the upper portion of each riser are selectively detachable from the buoy and the lower portion of each riser for movement to avoid a collision with a floating object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Lyle Finn, Atle Steen
  • Publication number: 20080029013
    Abstract: A spar-type platform includes a hull defining a centerwell extending downward to a keel. The hull includes a reduced diameter neck portion for diverting ice flow. Adjustable ballast tanks allow the hull to be moved between a ballasted down position defining an upper water line, and a ballasted up position defined by a lower water line. A riser a support buoy is disposed in the keel. Risers extend through the centerwell, each having an upper portion extending upward from the support buoy and a lower portion supported in the support buoy. A disconnect system detachably connects the support buoy to the hull and the upper portion of each riser to the lower portion thereof, whereby the hull and the upper portion of each riser are selectively detachable from the buoy and the lower portion of each riser for movement to avoid a collision with a floating object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Lyle Finn, Atle Steen