Patents by Inventor Brian Skeels

Brian Skeels 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: 12135018
    Abstract: An actuation device (100) includes a plurality of actuation units (101) disposed about an axis (Ar). Each actuation unit of the plurality of actuation units (101) includes a shape memory alloy component (104a-104n), an auxetic material component (105a-105n) operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n), and a power source (107a-107n) operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n). Additionally, the actuation device (100) includes a control system (108) operationally coupled to the power source (107a-107n), the control system (108) is configured to actuate the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n) through the power source (108). Further, when actuated, the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n) moves in a direction outward from the axis (Ar) to pull the auxetic material component (105a-105n), and the auxetic material component expands in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Brian Skeels
  • Patent number: 12116868
    Abstract: A method includes choosing a well site for Carbon Capture and Sequestration, preparing the well site for Carbon Capture and Sequestration, and hydraulic fracturing a target area in a formation using fracturing fluid containing a reactant proppant to form fractures in the target formation and to trap the reactant proppant in the fractures. The target formation is in communication with a well in the well site. Such methods also include injecting a volume of carbon dioxide into the fractures in the target formation, chemically reacting the volume of carbon dioxide with the reactant proppant, converting the volume of carbon dioxide into a carbonate, and storing the carbonate in the fractures in the target formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Brian Skeels
  • Publication number: 20240110464
    Abstract: A method includes choosing a well site for Carbon Capture and Sequestration, preparing the well site for Carbon Capture and Sequestration, and hydraulic fracturing a target area in a formation using fracturing fluid containing a reactant proppant to form fractures in the target formation and to trap the reactant proppant in the fractures. The target formation is in communication with a well in the well site. Such methods also include injecting a volume of carbon dioxide into the fractures in the target formation, chemically reacting the volume of carbon dioxide with the reactant proppant, converting the volume of carbon dioxide into a carbonate, and storing the carbonate in the fractures in the target formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Brian Skeels
  • Publication number: 20240084789
    Abstract: An actuation device (100) includes a plurality of actuation units (101) disposed about an axis (Ar). Each actuation unit of the plurality of actuation units (101) includes a shape memory alloy component (104a-104n), an auxetic material component (105a-105n) operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n), and a power source (107a-107n) operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n). Additionally, the actuation device (100) includes a control system (108) operationally coupled to the power source (107a-107n), the control system (108) is configured to actuate the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n) through the power source (108). Further, when actuated, the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n) moves in a direction outward from the axis (Ar) to pull the auxetic material component (105a-105n), and the auxetic material component expands in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Harold Brian Skeels
  • Patent number: 11274664
    Abstract: An actuation device may include a plurality of actuation units disposed about an axis. Each actuation unit of the plurality of actuation units may include a shape memory alloy component, an auxetic material component operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component, and a power source operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component. Additionally, the actuation device may include a control system operationally coupled to the power source, the control system is configured to actuate the shape memory alloy component through the power source. Further, when actuated, the shape memory alloy component moves in a direction outward from the axis to pull the auxetic material component, and the auxetic material component expands in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the shape memory alloy component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Brian Skeels
  • Patent number: 11255145
    Abstract: A rigid chain actuator (201) including a tool body (203) having a bore (204) with a chain (206) at least partially disposed in a housing (211) coupled to the tool body. Additionally, the rigid chain actuator includes a chain extension/retraction mechanism to extend the chain from the housing into the bore and recoil the chain from the bore into the housing. Furthermore, the chain may translate a force onto at least one wellbore tool through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Simen Christian Florus Rønne, Josué Vasconcelos Monteiro, Jr., Lincoln Facundo, H. Brian Skeels, Ole Eddie Karlsen, Luis Felipe, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 11242721
    Abstract: A system is provided to perform various wellbore operations, including retrieval and replacement of solid internal tree caps, for example. The system may include an open water lubricator having a piston assembly disposed therein. The system may also include a well control package connected to a distal end of the open water lubricator. The piston assembly is configured to extend through the well control package. Method using systems disclosed herein may be performed while maintaining at least two testable pressure barriers during each of the retrieving and replacement steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Simen Christian Florus Rønne, Kok Keong Joseph Lim, Wei Ting Anderson Chua, Ole Eddie Karlsen, Luis Felipe, H. Brian Skeels, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 10954744
    Abstract: A system for forming an upper plug in a well, the system, comprising lower tool segment that is adapted to land within a wellhead housing under open water conditions, a well control package that is adapted to be positioned above the lower segment and coupled to the wellhead housing, the well control package comprising at least one seal ram, an upper tool segment that is adapted to be positioned through the well control package (i.e., after the well control package has been attached to the wellhead) and operatively coupled to the lower tool segment, wherein at least one seal ram of the well control package is adapted to engage an outer surface of the upper tool segment, and at least one cutting means that is coupled to the lower segment and adapted to be actuated to cut at least one opening in at least one section of casing within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Ole Eddie Karlsen, Luis Felipe de Barros Mendes, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
  • Publication number: 20200240229
    Abstract: A system is provided to perform various wellbore operations, including retrieval and replacement of solid internal tree caps, for example. The system may include an open water lubricator having a piston assembly disposed therein. The system may also include a well control package connected to a distal end of the open water lubricator. The piston assembly is configured to extend through the well control package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Simen Christian Florus Rønne, Kok Keong Joseph Lim, Wei Ting Anderson Chua, Ole Eddie Karlsen, Luis Felipe, H. Brian Skeels, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
  • Publication number: 20200165896
    Abstract: A system for forming an upper plug in a well, the system, comprising lower tool segment that is adapted to land within a wellhead housing under open water conditions, a well control package that is adapted to be positioned above the lower segment and coupled to the wellhead housing, the well control package comprising at least one seal ram, an upper tool segment that is adapted to be positioned through the well control package (i.e., after the well control package has been attached to the wellhead) and operatively coupled to the lower tool segment, wherein at least one seal ram of the well control package is adapted to engage an outer surface of the upper tool segment, and at least one cutting means that is coupled to the lower segment and adapted to be actuated to cut at least one opening in at least one section of casing within the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Ole Eddie Karlsen, Luis Felipe de Barros Mendes, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
  • Publication number: 20200131872
    Abstract: A rigid chain actuator (201) including a tool body (203) having a bore (204) with a chain (206) at least partially disposed in a housing (211) coupled to the tool body. Additionally, the rigid chain actuator includes a chain extension/retraction mechanism to extend the chain from the housing into the bore and recoil the chain from the bore into the housing. Furthermore, the chain may translate a force onto at least one wellbore tool through the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Simen Christian Florus Rønne, Josué Vasconcelos Monteiro, Jr., Lincoln Facundo, H. Brian Skeels, Ole Eddie Karlsen, Luis Felipe, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 10344549
    Abstract: Disclosed are various to blockage remediation systems for removing blockages, e.g., hydrate plugs, debris plugs, etc., from subsea flowlines and subsea equipment. In one illustrative embodiment, the system includes, among other things, an ROV (102) deployed into a body of water from a surface vessel (10) and a blockage remediation skid (104) that is operatively coupled to the ROV (102), wherein the skid (104) includes at least a skid fluid inlet (108A) and a skid fluid outlet (106A). The system also includes a returns downline (106) and a pressurized lift-gas supply downline (108) that extends into the body of from the vessel (10). The returns downline (106) is operatively coupled to the skid fluid outlet (106A), while the pressurized lift-gas supply downline (108) is adapted to be operatively and directly coupled to the blockage remediation skid (104) or operatively and directly coupled to the returns downline (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Mark Alan Johnson, Kevin Roy Knight
  • Patent number: 10344550
    Abstract: Disclosed is flow reversal system (100) that comprises a single direction flow device (101) adapted for receiving a fluid and first (120), second (122), third (124) and fourth (126) binary valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Brian Skeels
  • Patent number: 9556713
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems that may be used to facilitate the retrieval and/or replacement of production and/or processing equipment that may be used for subsea oil and gas operations. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, among other things, removing at least a portion of trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) from subsea equipment (100) while the subsea equipment (100) is connected to a subsea equipment installation (185) in a subsea environment (180), and storing at least the removed portion of the trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) in a subsea containment structure (120, 120a, 120b, 132) that is positioned in the subsea environment (180). Additionally, the disclosed method also includes disconnecting the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea equipment installation (185) and retrieving the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea environment (180).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Williams, Thomas L. Hergarden, Howard J. Hartley, Andrei Strikovski, Eric Randall Smedstad, Harold Brian Skeels, John D. Dafler, Jr., Jimmy D. Andrews
  • Patent number: 9441461
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems that may be used to facilitate the retrieval and/or replacement of production and/or processing equipment that may be used for subsea oil and gas operations. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, among other things, removing at least a portion of trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) from subsea equipment (100) while the subsea equipment (100) is connected to a subsea equipment installation (185) in a subsea environment (180), and storing at least the removed portion of the trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) in a subsea containment structure (120, 120a, 120b, 132) that is positioned in the subsea environment (180). Additionally, the disclosed method also includes disconnecting the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea equipment installation (185) and retrieving the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea environment (180).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Williams, Thomas L. Hergarden, Howard J. Hartley, Andrei Strikovski, Eric Randall Smedstad, Harold Brian Skeels, John D. Dafler, Jr., Jimmy D. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20160060995
    Abstract: A gate valve assembly for shearing an elongated member and controlling a fluid flow through a through bore of the gate valve assembly. The through bore Is adapted for fluid communication with a well bore and is prepared for receiving the elongated member. The gate valve assembly comprises a gate element movably arranged transverse to the through bore between an open position in which a gate bore of the gate element communicates with the through bore and a closed position in which the through bore of the valve assembly is closed off. A shear gate is arranged in a recess in the gate element, the recess has an opening into the gate bore and is oriented transverse to the through bore, and the shear gate is movably arranged in the recess between a shear gate open position in which the gate bore is open and a shear gate closed position in which a cutting portion of the shear gate occupies the gate bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Bob Houlgrave
  • Publication number: 20160032676
    Abstract: A gate valve assembly having a through bore adapted for fluid communication with a well bore and prepared for receiving an elongated member. The gate valve assembly comprises a gate element which is movably arranged in a gate valve housing, wherein the gate element has a gate bore arranged for receiving the elongated member, wherein a cutting tool is arranged in the gate bore first and second seats, wherein at least one of the first or second seat is arranged to provide sealing contact with a sealing surface of the gate element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Steve Malone, Harold Brian Skeels, Bob Houlgrave, John Lawson
  • Publication number: 20150204167
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for interfacing with subsea production equipment during operation. In one illustrative embodiment, a fluid sealing and transfer element is disclosed that includes, among other things, a flow body having a first end and a second end, a first flow groove (656g) proximate the first end, and a second flow groove (656g) proximate the second end. The illustrative fluid sealing and transfer element further includes first and second flow passages passing through the flow body, wherein the first flow passage intersects the first flow groove and the second flow passage intersects the second flow groove. Moreover, the fluid sealing and transfer element disclosed herein also includes and a third flow passage passing through the flow body, wherein the third flow passage intersects the first and second flow passages and facilitates fluid communication between the first and second flow grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Tyler Schilling, William Klassen, Scott Fulenwider
  • Patent number: 8047295
    Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of a tool housing of a subsea lubricator, wherein the device includes a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of the tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device. The present invention is also directed to a method which includes lowering an assembly toward a tool housing of a subsea lubricator positioned subsea using a wireline for the tool to support a weight of the assembly, wherein the assembly includes a wireline tool and a device including a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the end of a tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member, and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Skeels, Hans Jørgen Lindland, Olav Inderberg, Bjørn Jahnsen
  • Publication number: 20080264643
    Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of a tool housing of a subsea lubricator, wherein the device includes a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of the tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device. The present invention is also directed to a method which includes lowering an assembly toward a tool housing of a subsea lubricator positioned subsea using a wireline for the tool to support a weight of the assembly, wherein the assembly includes a wireline tool and a device including a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the end of a tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member, and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Skeels, Hans Jorgen Lindland, Olav Inderberg, Bjorn Jahnsen