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).
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Publication number: 20260176932Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2026Publication date: June 25, 2026Applicant: Baker Hughes Pressure Control LLCInventors: Ryan Joseph Parsley, Brian N. Munk, Xichang Zhang
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Patent number: 12590502Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2025Date of Patent: March 31, 2026Assignee: BAKER HUGHES PRESSURE CONTROL LLCInventors: Ryan Joseph Parsley, Brian N. Munk, Xichang Zhang
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Patent number: 12435819Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2023Date of Patent: October 7, 2025Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith Adams, Mahesha Udipi, Brian N. Munk, Blanca Estela Montoya
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Publication number: 20250283387Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2024Publication date: September 11, 2025Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Ryan Joseph Parsley, Brian N. Munk, Xichang Zhang
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Publication number: 20250283388Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2025Publication date: September 11, 2025Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Ryan Joseph Parsley, Brian N. Munk, Xichang Zhang
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Publication number: 20230392727Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith Adams, Mahesha Udipi, Brian N. Munk, Blanca Estela Montoya
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Patent number: 11754211Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 12, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Jeremy Choate, Keith Adams, Mahesha Udipi, Brian N. Munk, Blanca Estela Montoya
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Publication number: 20220049802Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2020Publication date: February 17, 2022Applicant: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Jeremy CHOATE, Keith ADAMS, Mahesha UDIPI, Brian N. MUNK, Blanca Estela MONTOYA
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Patent number: 8440034Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Fife B. Ellis, Danny L. Havelka, Brian N. Munk
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Patent number: 8316948Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Rick L. Stringfellow, Jesse L. Bullard, Tom A. Fraser, Brian N. Munk
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Patent number: 8079623Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Joseph William Pallini, Jr., Brian N. Munk, Jesse B. Riha, Rockford D. Lyle
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Publication number: 20110214877Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Rick L. Stringfellow, Jesse L. Bullard, Tom A. Fraser, Brian N. Munk
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Publication number: 20110139341Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Fife B. Ellis, Danny L. Havelka, Brian N. Munk
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Patent number: 7896998Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Fife B. Ellis, Danny L. Havelka, Brian N. Munk
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Patent number: 7766581Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Ed Mendoza
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Patent number: 7686342Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Jennings, Brian N. Munk
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Publication number: 20090250927Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, JR., Brian N. Munk, Jesse B. Riha, Rockford D. Lyle
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Patent number: 7549682Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Brian N. Munk, Jesse B. Riha, Rockford D. Lyle
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Patent number: 7540692Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Edward A. Mendoza, Uday Idnani
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Publication number: 20090050730Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Fife B. Ellis, Danny L. Havelka, Brian N. Munk