Patents by Inventor Brent Cox

Brent Cox 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).

  • Publication number: 20240093565
    Abstract: A subsea grease injection system has a grease accumulator containing a supply of grease, a hydraulic accumulator, a flowline connected to an outlet of the grease accumulator so as to allow discharge of grease from the supply to flow therethrough, and a subsea structure connected to the flowline. The hydraulic accumulator is in fluid communication with the grease accumulator such that the displacement of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic accumulator causes a corresponding discharge of grease from the grease accumulator. The subsea structure receives grease from the flowline. The grease accumulator is a piston and cylinder in which the piston is received in the cylinder to define first and second compartments. The supply of grease is in the first compartment. The hydraulic fluid fills an interior of the second compartment. This avoids the use of hydraulic conduits from the surface such that only power and communications are from the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Brent COX, Stephen KRUPPA, David OLDER
  • Patent number: 10577768
    Abstract: A system for tethering a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) includes a plurality of anchors disposed about the subsea BOP and secured to the sea floor, a plurality of tensioning systems, and a plurality of flexible tension members. Each tensioning system is coupled to a frame of the BOP and is configured to apply a tensile preload to one of the tension members. Each tension member is coupled to one of the anchors and extends from a first end coupled to one of the tensioning systems to a second end coupled to an anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE, INC.
    Inventors: Elizbar Buba Kebadze, John D. Henderson, James V. Maher, Mario Lugo, Brent Cox
  • Publication number: 20190194898
    Abstract: A system for tethering a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) includes a plurality of anchors disposed about the subsea BOP and secured to the sea floor, a plurality of tensioning systems, and a plurality of flexible tension members. Each tensioning system is coupled to a frame of the BOP and is configured to apply a tensile preload to one of the tension members. Each tension member is coupled to one of the anchors and extends from a first end coupled to one of the tensioning systems to a second end coupled to an anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Elizbar Buba Kebadze, John D. Henderson, James V. Maher, Mario Lugo, Brent Cox
  • Patent number: 10233606
    Abstract: A pile top assembly includes an adapter configured to couple to an upper end of a subsea anchor, a tensioning system mounted on an upper end of the adapter, and a flexible tension member having a first end coupled to the tensioning system. The tensioning system is operable to pay in and pay out the flexible tension member relative to the tensioning system. The pile top assembly further includes means coupled to the adapter for selectively engaging the upper end of the subsea anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE, INC.
    Inventors: Elizbar Buba Kebadze, John D. Henderson, James V. Maher, Mario Lugo, Brent Cox
  • Patent number: 10156114
    Abstract: A subsea connection system for connecting to a hub has a body with an interior passageway, a collet having a plurality of collet segments, an outer sleeve overlying the collet, and a poppet valve assembly positioned within the interior passageway of the body. The plurality of collet segments are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The poppet valve assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the open position allows a fluid to flow through the interior passageway and the closed position blocks a flow of fluid through the interior passageway. The outer sleeve is movable so as to cause the plurality of collet segments to join to a hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Partridge, Brent Cox
  • Patent number: 10100958
    Abstract: A gasket for use with flanges has an annular member formed of a metallic material. The annular member has a cross-sectional profile with a body portion having an end surface, a first side, a second side, and a T-shaped portion extending from the body portion. The T-shaped portion of the body portion defines a pair of annular grooves on opposite sides of the annular member. The T-shaped portion has a central portion connected to the body portion and a head portion at an end of the central portion opposite the body portion. The central portion of the T-shaped portion has a weep hole extending therethrough. The weep hole has opposite ends opening respectively to the pair of annular grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Teng Pin Lee, Kevin Poling, Brent Cox, David Older
  • Patent number: 9970582
    Abstract: A subsea connector system having ejection capability has a first connector with a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom and a second connector. The second connector has a hub, a housing extending around the hub, and an actuator mounted on or in the housing. The actuator is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator bears on the flange of the first connector when in the extended position so as to allow the second connector to be disengaged from the first connector. The first connector is a plurality of collet segments engageable with the hub of the second connector. The actuator causes the plurality of collet segments to separate from the hub when the actuator is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Brent Cox, Jeffrey Partridge
  • Publication number: 20180119862
    Abstract: A subsea connector system having ejection capability has a first connector with a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom and a second connector. The second connector has a hub, a housing extending around the hub, and an actuator mounted on or in the housing. The actuator is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator bears on the flange of the first connector when in the extended position so as to allow the second connector to be disengaged from the first connector. The first connector is a plurality of collet segments engageable with the hub of the second connector. The actuator causes the plurality of collet segments to separate from the hub when the actuator is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Brent COX, Jeffrey PARTRIDGE
  • Publication number: 20180112369
    Abstract: A pile top assembly includes an adapter configured to couple to an upper end of a subsea anchor, a tensioning system mounted on an upper end of the adapter, and a flexible tension member having a first end coupled to the tensioning system. The tensioning system is operable to pay in and pay out the flexible tension member relative to the tensioning system. The pile top assembly further includes means coupled to the adapter for selectively engaging the upper end of the subsea anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Elizbar Buba Kebadze, John D. Henderson, James V. Maher, Mario Lugo, Brent Cox
  • Publication number: 20180045347
    Abstract: A gasket for use with flanges has an annular member formed of a metallic material. The annular member has a cross-sectional profile with a body portion having an end surface, a first side, a second side, and a T-shaped portion extending from the body portion. The T-shaped portion of the body portion defines a pair of annular grooves on opposite sides of the annular member. The T-shaped portion has a central portion connected to the body portion and a head portion at an end of the central portion opposite the body portion. The central portion of the T-shaped portion has a weep hole extending therethrough. The weep hole has opposite ends opening respectively to the pair of annular grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Teng Pin LEE, Kevin POLING, Brent COX, David Older
  • Patent number: 9890885
    Abstract: A subsea connection system for connecting to a hub of a subsea structure has an outer sleeve, a collet having a plurality of collet segments in which the collet segments are movable between a lock position and an unlock position, a connection hub positioned in the interior of the hollow sleeve such that the collet extends around the connection hub, and a translation mechanism cooperative with the outer sleeve so as to move the outer sleeve between a forward position and a rearward position. The connection hub is suitable for abutting the hub of the subsea structure when the plurality of collet segments are in the lock position. The plurality of collet segments are in the unlock position when the outer sleeve is in the forward position. The plurality of collet segments are in the lock position when the outer sleeve is in the rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Brent Cox, Jeffrey Partridge
  • Patent number: 9879396
    Abstract: A pile top assembly includes an adapter configured to couple to an upper end of a subsea anchor, a tensioning system mounted on an upper end of the adapter, and a flexible tension member having a first end coupled to the tensioning system. The tensioning system is operable to pay in and pay out the flexible tension member relative to the tensioning system. The pile top assembly further includes means coupled to the adapter for selectively engaging the upper end of the subsea anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Trendsetter Vulcan Offshore, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizbar Buba Kebadze, John D. Henderson, James V. Maher, Mario Lugo, Brent Cox
  • Publication number: 20170328164
    Abstract: A subsea connection system for connecting to a hub has a body with an interior passageway, a collet having a plurality of collet segments, an outer sleeve overlying the collet, and a poppet valve assembly positioned within the interior passageway of the body. The plurality of collet segments are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The poppet valve assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the open position allows a fluid to flow through the interior passageway and the closed position blocks a flow of fluid through the interior passageway. The outer sleeve is movable so as to cause the plurality of collet segments to join to a hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey PARTRIDGE, Brent COX
  • Patent number: 9695665
    Abstract: A subsea chemical injection system has a subsea structure, a manifold connected by jumper to the subsea structure, a coiled tubing, a disconnect mechanism affixed to the coiled tubing, and a hose extending from the disconnect mechanism to the manifold such that the chemical flowing through the coil tubing can selectively flow through the disconnect mechanism and through the hose to the subsea structure. The disconnect mechanism is adapted to selectively release from the hose. The disconnect mechanism has a connector affixed thereto. A hydraulic fluid supply is connected to the connector so as to selectively release the connector from the hose. Control lines can extend from a surface location to a control module and the disconnect mechanism for selectively delivering for receiving signals from the subsea structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: David Older, Jay Bullard, Brent Cox
  • Patent number: 9617819
    Abstract: A subsea connection system for connecting to a hub has a body with an interior passageway suitable for allowing fluids to flow therethrough, a collet having a plurality of collet segments that are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an outer sleeve overlying the collet, and a translator cooperative at the outer sleeve so as to move the outer sleeve between a first position and a second position. The plurality of collet segments are in the unlocked position when the outer sleeve is in the first position. The plurality of collet segments are in the locked position when the outer sleeve is in the second position. The locked position is adapted to secure the body in connection with the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: David Older, Jeffrey Partridge, Brent Cox
  • Publication number: 20160376863
    Abstract: A subsea connection system for connecting to a hub has a body with an interior passageway suitable for allowing fluids to flow therethrough, a collet having a plurality of collet segments that are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an outer sleeve overlying the collet, and a translator cooperative at the outer sleeve so as to move the outer sleeve between a first position and a second position. The plurality of collet segments are in the unlocked position when the outer sleeve is in the first position. The plurality of collet segments are in the locked position when the outer sleeve is in the second position. The locked position is adapted to secure the body in connection with the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: David OLDER, Jeffrey PARTRIDGE, Brent COX
  • Publication number: 20160362956
    Abstract: A subsea chemical injection system has a subsea structure, a manifold connected by jumper to the subsea structure, a coiled tubing, a disconnect mechanism affixed to the coiled tubing, and a hose extending from the disconnect mechanism to the manifold such that the chemical flowing through the coil tubing can selectively flow through the disconnect mechanism and through the hose to the subsea structure. The disconnect mechanism is adapted to selectively release from the hose. The disconnect mechanism has a connector affixed thereto. A hydraulic fluid supply is connected to the connector so as to selectively release the connector from the hose. Control lines can extend from a surface location to a control module and the disconnect mechanism for selectively delivering for receiving signals from the subsea structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: David OLDER, Jeffrey PARTRIDGE, Brent COX
  • Publication number: 20160273694
    Abstract: A subsea connection system for connecting to a hub of a subsea structure has an outer sleeve, a collet having a plurality of collet segments in which the collet segments are movable between a lock position and an unlock position, a connection hub positioned in the interior of the hollow sleeve such that the collet extends around the connection hub, and a translation mechanism cooperative with the outer sleeve so as to move the outer sleeve between a forward position and a rearward position. The connection hub is suitable for abutting the hub of the subsea structure when the plurality of collet segments are in the lock position. The plurality of collet segments are in the unlock position when the outer sleeve is in the forward position. The plurality of collet segments are in the lock position when the outer sleeve is in the rearward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Brent COX, Jeffrey PARTRIDGE
  • Publication number: 20160251817
    Abstract: A pile top assembly includes an adapter configured to couple to an upper end of a subsea anchor, a tensioning system mounted on an upper end of the adapter, and a flexible tension member having a first end coupled to the tensioning system. The tensioning system is operable to pay in and pay out the flexible tension member relative to the tensioning system. The pile top assembly further includes means coupled to the adapter for selectively engaging the upper end of the subsea anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Elizbar Buba Kebadze, John D. Henderson, James V. Maher, Mario Lugo, Brent Cox
  • Patent number: 9359852
    Abstract: A system for tethering a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) includes a plurality of anchors disposed about the subsea BOP and secured to the sea floor. In addition, the system includes a plurality of tensioning systems. One tensioning system is coupled to an upper end of each anchor. Further, the system includes a plurality of flexible tension members. Each tension member extends from a first end coupled to the subsea BOP to a second end coupled to one of the tensioning systems. Each tensioning system is configured to apply a tensile preload to one of the tension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE, INC.
    Inventors: Elizbar Buba Kebadze, John D. Henderson, James V. Maher, Mario Lugo, Brent Cox