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: 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
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Publication number: 20080101872Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Ed Mendoza
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Publication number: 20070292213Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Joseph W. Pallini, Edward A. Mendoza, Uday Idnani
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Publication number: 20040234344Abstract: Keel joint assemblies are described that permit a degree of rotational movement of a riser within the keel of a floating vessel and greatly reduce the amount of stress and strain that is placed upon the riser, as well. Keel joint assemblies described provide a limiting joint between the riser and the keel opening that permits some angular rotation of the riser with respect to the floating vessel. Additionally, the limiting joint permits the riser to move upwardly and downwardly within the keel opening, but centralizes the riser with respect to the keel opening so that the riser cannot move horizontally with respect to the keel opening. In described embodiments, the limiting joint is provided by a single annular joint that allows that riser to move angularly with respect to the can. In some embodiments, the keel joint assembly incorporates a cylindrical stiffening can that radially surrounds a portion of the riser and is disposed within the keel opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Rockford D. Lyle, Jeffery K. McCarty, Amin Radi, Joseph W. Pallini, Gilbert P. Mican, Gary R. Stonesifer
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Patent number: 6746182Abstract: Keel joint assemblies are described that permit a degree of rotational movement of a riser within the keel of a floating vessel and greatly reduce the amount of stress and strain that is placed upon the riser, as well. Keel joint assemblies described provide a limiting joint between the riser and the keel opening that permits some angular rotation of the riser with respect to the floating vessel. Additionally, the limiting joint permits the riser to move upwardly and downwardly within the keel opening, but centralizes the riser with respect to the keel opening so that the riser cannot move horizontally with respect to the keel opening. In described embodiments, the limiting joint is provided by a single annular joint that allows that riser to move angularly with respect to the can. In some embodiments, the keel joint assembly incorporates a cylindrical stiffening can that radially surrounds a portion of the riser and is disposed within the keel opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Joseph W. Pallini, Gary R. Stonesifer
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Patent number: 6682107Abstract: A connector for connecting two tubular members has a pin and a box, the box having a bore that receives the pin in stabbing engagement. The bore having a grooved profile, and a split lock ring mounted to the pin, the lock ring snapping into engagement with the grooved profile in the box when the box and pin are stabbed together to lock the tubular members together. An annular wedge shoulder is located on the pin axially spaced apart and facing a rim on the box. The wedge shoulder and rim are inclined relative to each other, resulting in a closer axial distance between them at outer diameters of the pin and box than farther inward. An annular recess is located on the pin at an inner portion of the wedge shoulder, the recess having an inner wall facing outwardly.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Rockford Dee Lyle