Patents by Inventor Brian N. Munk

Brian N. Munk 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: 20260176932
    Abstract: A wellhead system includes a wellhead housing and a slip hanger for suspending a tubular string in a wellbore. The slip hanger comprises a slip bowl with a radial pass-through opening, a pin disposed within the pass-through opening having a slanted inner profile oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a radial direction, slip segments, and a spring feature biasing the pin radially inward. Lowering the slip segments causes the slanted inner profile to interface with the slip segments, moving an outer profile of the pin radially outward to directly engage the wellhead housing. Raising the slip segments allows the spring feature to automatically retract the pin radially inward to disengage from the wellhead housing. A deployment method includes lowering a tubular string through the slip bowl, then lowering slip segments to cause automatic pin engagement without separate tools, establishing a load transfer path from the tubular string to the wellhead housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2026
    Publication date: June 25, 2026
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Pressure Control LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Joseph Parsley, Brian N. Munk, Xichang Zhang
  • Patent number: 12590502
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a slip hanger or a packoff to be used with oilfield equipment is disclosed as having slip segments to be supported by a slip bowl and to be associated with pins that have a self-retractive attribute. The self-retractive attribute is to allow engagement of the slip segments with a housing of the oilfield equipment based in part on a first direction of movement of the plurality of slip segments and is to allow an interface with individual ones of the plurality of slip segments in a second direction of movement for the plurality of slip segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2025
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2026
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES PRESSURE CONTROL LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Joseph Parsley, Brian N. Munk, Xichang Zhang
  • Patent number: 12435819
    Abstract: A tubular connection system includes a connector coupled to a tubular segment, the connector having a first bore with a first bore diameter and a mating connector coupled to the connector, the mating connector having a second bore with a second bore diameter. The connector includes a plurality of connector lugs extending into the first bore. The connector also includes a plurality of gaps, respective gaps of the plurality of gaps are arranged between adjacent connector lugs of the plurality of connector lugs in a first alternating pattern. The plurality of connectors lugs are arranged in connector lug rows. The mating connector includes a plurality of mating lugs radially outward. The mating connector also includes a plurality of openings, respective openings of the plurality of openings are arranged between adjacent mating lugs of the plurality of mating lugs. The plurality of mating lugs are arranged in mating lug rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith Adams, Mahesha Udipi, Brian N. Munk, Blanca Estela Montoya
  • Publication number: 20250283387
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a slip hanger or a packoff to be used with oilfield equipment is disclosed as having slip segments to be supported by a slip bowl and to be associated with pins that have a self-retractive attribute, where the self-retractive attribute is to enable engagement of the slip segments with a housing of the oilfield equipment based in part on a first direction of movement of the plurality of slip segments and is to enable retrieval of the plurality of slip segments based in part on a second direction of movement of the plurality of slip segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2024
    Publication date: September 11, 2025
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Joseph Parsley, Brian N. Munk, Xichang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20250283388
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a slip hanger or a packoff to be used with oilfield equipment is disclosed as having slip segments to be supported by a slip bowl and to be associated with pins that have a self-retractive attribute. The self-retractive attribute is to allow engagement of the slip segments with a housing of the oilfield equipment based in part on a first direction of movement of the plurality of slip segments and is to allow an interface with individual ones of the plurality of slip segments in a second direction of movement for the plurality of slip segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2025
    Publication date: September 11, 2025
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Joseph Parsley, Brian N. Munk, Xichang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20230392727
    Abstract: A tubular connection system includes a connector coupled to a tubular segment, the connector having a first bore with a first bore diameter and a mating connector coupled to the connector, the mating connector having a second bore with a second bore diameter. The connector includes a plurality of connector lugs extending into the first bore. The connector also includes a plurality of gaps, respective gaps of the plurality of gaps are arranged between adjacent connector lugs of the plurality of connector lugs in a first alternating pattern. The plurality of connectors lugs are arranged in connector lug rows. The mating connector includes a plurality of mating lugs radially outward. The mating connector also includes a plurality of openings, respective openings of the plurality of openings are arranged between adjacent mating lugs of the plurality of mating lugs. The plurality of mating lugs are arranged in mating lug rows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith Adams, Mahesha Udipi, Brian N. Munk, Blanca Estela Montoya
  • Patent number: 11754211
    Abstract: A tubular connection system includes a connector coupled to a tubular segment, the connector having a first bore with a first bore diameter and a mating connector coupled to the connector, the mating connector having a second bore with a second bore diameter. The connector includes a plurality of connector lugs extending into the first bore. The connector also includes a plurality of gaps, respective gaps of the plurality of gaps are arranged between adjacent connector lugs of the plurality of connector lugs in a first alternating pattern. The plurality of connectors lugs are arranged in connector lug rows. The mating connector includes a plurality of mating lugs radially outward. The mating connector also includes a plurality of openings, respective openings of the plurality of openings are arranged between adjacent mating lugs of the plurality of mating lugs. The plurality of mating lugs are arranged in mating lug rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith Adams, Mahesha Udipi, Brian N. Munk, Blanca Estela Montoya
  • Publication number: 20220049802
    Abstract: A tubular connection system includes a connector coupled to a tubular segment, the connector having a first bore with a first bore diameter and a mating connector coupled to the connector, the mating connector having a second bore with a second bore diameter. The connector includes a plurality of connector lugs extending into the first bore. The connector also includes a plurality of gaps, respective gaps of the plurality of gaps are arranged between adjacent connector lugs of the plurality of connector lugs in a first alternating pattern. The plurality of connectors lugs are arranged in connector lug rows. The mating connector includes a plurality of mating lugs radially outward. The mating connector also includes a plurality of openings, respective openings of the plurality of openings are arranged between adjacent mating lugs of the plurality of mating lugs. The plurality of mating lugs are arranged in mating lug rows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy CHOATE, Keith ADAMS, Mahesha UDIPI, Brian N. MUNK, Blanca Estela MONTOYA
  • Patent number: 8440034
    Abstract: A pipe is wrapped with a composite to form a pre-stressed interface to facilitate load sharing between the materials. Prior to being wrapped, the pipe is placed in tension via hydraulic devices or the like. Alternatively, a combination of cured and uncured composite wraps is used in proximity to each other to apply compressive stress to the pipe. In addition, the pipe may be subjected to cold temperatures to change its dimensions prior to being wrapped with a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Fife B. Ellis, Danny L. Havelka, Brian N. Munk
  • Patent number: 8316948
    Abstract: A box and pin coupling for a drilling riser having an actuator assembly with an attached dog. The actuator assembly includes an actuation rod having an end affixed to the dog. A portion of the rod is circumscribed by an annular sleeve, where the outer surface of the sleeve is threadingly attached to one of the box or pin. A shoulder is formed on the rod outer circumference between the sleeve and the end of the rod attached to the dog. A retainer cap is provided on the end of the rod opposite where it attaches to the dog. The sleeve abuts the rod on one end, and the retainer cap on the other, so that rotating the sleeve axially moves the actuation rod, that in turn moves the attached dog into or out of engagement with a profile on the other of the box or pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Rick L. Stringfellow, Jesse L. Bullard, Tom A. Fraser, Brian N. Munk
  • Patent number: 8079623
    Abstract: A riser connector uses a box and upset pin connector threadform design having S-shaped load flanks that provide a variable load angles depending on the radial position along the engaged teeth. This design promotes a load path that changes with position along the axial length of the engaged thread, as well as increasing or decreasing external loads on the connector. The connector also varies radial distention of the pin from the box in a manner that is different from one thread to the next. The threadform uses a combination of thread cuts that vary in shape, pitch, and/or thread cone angle to provide load and stab flanks, as well as a load path, that vary from one axial end of the engaged thread to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph William Pallini, Jr., Brian N. Munk, Jesse B. Riha, Rockford D. Lyle
  • Publication number: 20110214877
    Abstract: A box and pin coupling for a drilling riser having an actuator assembly with an attached dog. The actuator assembly includes an actuation rod having an end affixed to the dog. A portion of the rod is circumscribed by an annular sleeve, where the outer surface of the sleeve is threadingly attached to one of the box or pin. A shoulder is formed on the rod outer circumference between the sleeve and the end of the rod attached to the dog. A retainer cap is provided on the end of the rod opposite where it attaches to the dog. The sleeve abuts the rod on one end, and the retainer cap on the other, so that rotating the sleeve axially moves the actuation rod, that in turn moves the attached dog into or out of engagement with a profile on the other of the box or pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Rick L. Stringfellow, Jesse L. Bullard, Tom A. Fraser, Brian N. Munk
  • Publication number: 20110139341
    Abstract: A pipe is wrapped with a composite to form a pre-stressed interface to facilitate load sharing between the materials. Prior to being wrapped, the pipe is placed in tension via hydraulic devices or the like. Alternatively, a combination of cured and uncured composite wraps is used in proximity to each other to apply compressive stress to the pipe. In addition, the pipe may be subjected to cold temperatures to change its dimensions prior to being wrapped with a composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Fife B. Ellis, Danny L. Havelka, Brian N. Munk
  • Patent number: 7896998
    Abstract: A pipe is wrapped with a composite to form a pre-stressed interface to facilitate load sharing between the materials. Prior to being wrapped, the pipe is placed in tension via hydraulic devices or the like. Alternatively, a combination of cured and uncured composite wraps is used in proximity to each other to apply compressive stress to the pipe. In addition, the pipe may be subjected to cold temperatures to change its dimensions prior to being wrapped with a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Fife B. Ellis, Danny L. Havelka, Brian N. Munk
  • Patent number: 7766581
    Abstract: A tendon or riser connector has a separate lock-down device that overrides the connector's ability to unlock if the riser or tendon goes slack. The connector has a lock ring that engages a groove profile on a receptacle and is prevented from accidentally unlocking with a cam ring and set of blocks. The blocks are movably positioned between engaged and disengaged positions that correspond to the locked and unlocked positions of the lock ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Ed Mendoza
  • Patent number: 7686342
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting tubular members to each other includes a rotatable connector sleeve on one of the tubular members. A make-up tool has a curved rack of gear teeth that are engagable with the connector sleeve for causing rotation of the connector sleeve in unison with the rack. The make-up tool includes a power tool having a drive motor that rotates a drive shaft. A pinion gear mounted on the drive shaft engages the teeth of the rack to cause the rack to move in a rotational direction when the drive shaft is rotated. This movement causes the connector sleeve to rotate to make-up or break-out the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Jennings, Brian N. Munk
  • Publication number: 20090250927
    Abstract: A riser connector uses a box and upset pin connector threadform design having S-shaped load flanks that provide a variable load angles depending on the radial position along the engaged teeth. This design promotes a load path that changes with position along the axial length of the engaged thread, as well as increasing or decreasing external loads on the connector. The connector also varies radial distention of the pin from the box in a manner that is different from one thread to the next. The threadform uses a combination of thread cuts that vary in shape, pitch, and/or thread cone angle to provide load and stab flanks, as well as a load path, that vary from one axial end of the engaged thread to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, JR., Brian N. Munk, Jesse B. Riha, Rockford D. Lyle
  • Patent number: 7549682
    Abstract: A riser connector uses a box and upset pin connector threadform design having S-shaped load flanks that provide a variable load angles depending on the radial position along the engaged teeth. This design promotes a load path that changes with position along the axial length of the engaged thread, as well as increasing or decreasing external loads on the connector. The connector also varies radial distention of the pin from the box in a manner that is different from one thread to the next. The threadform uses a combination of thread cuts that vary in shape, pitch, and/or thread cone angle to provide load and stab flanks, as well as a load path, that vary from one axial end of the engaged thread to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Brian N. Munk, Jesse B. Riha, Rockford D. Lyle
  • Patent number: 7540692
    Abstract: A tendon or riser connector has a separate lock-down device that overrides the connector's ability to unlock if the riser or tendon goes slack. The locking device has blocks that are radially actuated through a hole in a receptacle to engage a profile in the connector. When the blocks are pushed in, they prevent the connector from moving downward, and thus prevent any unlocking of the connector. The blocks are secured with pivotable gates that engage and retain the blocks in both positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Edward A. Mendoza, Uday Idnani
  • Publication number: 20090050730
    Abstract: A pipe is wrapped with a composite to form a pre-stressed interface to facilitate load sharing between the materials. Prior to being wrapped, the pipe is placed in tension via hydraulic devices or the like. Alternatively, a combination of cured and uncured composite wraps is used in proximity to each other to apply compressive stress to the pipe. In addition, the pipe may be subjected to cold temperatures to change its dimensions prior to being wrapped with a composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Fife B. Ellis, Danny L. Havelka, Brian N. Munk