Patents by Inventor David Wayne McMillan

David Wayne McMillan 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).

  • VORTEX INDUCED VIBRATION SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20100150662
    Abstract: A system comprising a subsea structure defining an interior of the system, the structure subject to a water current; a sleeve exterior to the subsea structure, covering at least a portion of an outside surface of the subsea structure; and a vortex induced vibration suppression device exterior to the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Stephen Paul Armstrong, David Wayne McMillan, Janet Kay McMillan, Christopher Steven West
  • VORTEX INDUCED VIBRATION SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20100098497
    Abstract: A system comprising a subsea structure beneath a body of water, subject to a water current; an installation vessel floating on the body of water; a line connected to the subsea structure and the installation vessel; and one or more vortex induced vibration suppression devices connected to the line, which have been lowered from the vessel to be installed on the subsea structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Stephen Paul Armstrong, Richard Bruce McDaniel, Catherine Anne Preator, David Wayne McMillan, Janet Kay McMillan, Christopher Steven West
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING DRAG AND/OR VORTEX INDUCED VIBRATION
    Publication number: 20100061809
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system for reducing drag and/or vortex induced vibration of a structure, the system comprising a fairing comprising a dampening mechanism adapted to dampen the rotation of the fairing about the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Li Lee, David Wayne McMillan, Janet Kay McMillan
  • Current tank systems and methods
    Patent number: 7669491
    Abstract: There is disclosed a current tank system comprising a first current tank adapted to produce a first current in a first direction; a second current tank adapted to rotate to produce a second current in a second direction; a sample adapted to be exposed to the first current and the second current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Li Lee, David Wayne McMillan, Raghunath Gopal Menon, Christopher Steven West
  • STRAKE SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20090220307
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a structural element, at least one helical strake about the structural element, and at least one ramp to provide a transition from the structural element to the helical strake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Stephen Paul Armstrong, Dean Leroy Henning, Damon Michael McMillan, David Wayne McMillan, Christopher Steven West
  • Apparatus and methods for remote installation of devices for reducing drag and vortex induced vibration
    Patent number: 7578038
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
  • Apparatus and method for retroactively installing sensors on marine elements
    Patent number: 7398697
    Abstract: Sensors, including fiber optic sensors and their umbilicals, are mounted on support structures designed to be retro-fitted to in-place structures, including subsea structures. The sensor support structures are designed to monitor structure conditions, including strain, temperature, and in the instance of pipelines, the existence of production slugs. Moreover the support structures are designed for installation in harsh environments, such as deep water conditions using remotely operated vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, David Wayne McMillan
  • CURRENT TANK SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20070216285
    Abstract: There is disclosed a current tank system comprising a first current tank adapted to produce a first current in a first direction; a second current tank adapted to rotate to produce a second current in a second direction; a sample adapted to be exposed to the first current and the second current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Li Lee, David Wayne McMillan, Raghunath Gopal Menon, Christopher Steven West
  • Apparatus and methods for providing VIV suppression to a riser system comprising umbilical elements
    Patent number: 7070361
    Abstract: Apparatus for suppressing vortex induced vibrations on a marine element of a riser system wherein the riser system comprises at least one umbilical element. Systems comprising and methods of using said apparatus to suppress vortex induced vibrations. The apparatus, systems, and methods comprise module elements which provide: i) a surface around a marine element for installing VIV suppression devices; and ii) passages for housing the at least one umbilical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Donald Wayne Allen
  • Smooth sleeves for drag and VIV reduction of cylindrical structures
    Patent number: 7017666
    Abstract: A method for controlling drag and vortex induced vibration in a substantially cylindrical element by providing an ultra-smooth surface about the cylindrical element. The system for controlling drag and vortex induced vibration utilizes a substantially cylindrical marine element having an ultra-smooth effective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel, Kenneth Dupal
  • Methods for remote installation of devices for reducing drag and vortex induced vibration
    Patent number: 6994492
    Abstract: Methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Stephen P. Armstrong, Dennis E. Walker
  • Apparatus for remote installation of devices for reducing drag and vortex induced vibration
    Patent number: 6928709
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Stephen P. Armstrong, Dennis E. Walker
  • Apparatus and methods for providing VIV suppression to a riser system comprising umbilical elements
    Publication number: 20040175240
    Abstract: Apparatus for suppressing vortex induced vibrations on a marine element of a riser system wherein the riser system comprises at least one umbilical element. Systems comprising and methods of using said apparatus to suppress vortex induced vibrations. The apparatus, systems, and methods comprise module elements which provide: i) a surface around a marine element for installing VIV suppression devices; and ii) passages for housing the at least one umbilical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Donald Wayne Allen
  • Methods and systems for reducing drag and vortex-induced vibrations on cylindrical structures
    Patent number: 6702026
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibration exerted onto a substantially cylindrical element of a fixed position subjected to a fluid flowing environment. Apparatus of the invention comprise a sleeve comprising an ultra-smooth surface. Methods for installing such apparatus onto cylindrical elements, and systems for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibrations in which a substantially cylindrical marine element has an ultra-smooth effective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Richard Bruce McDaniel, David Wayne McMillan, Kenneth Dupal
  • Apparatus and methods for remote installation of devices for reducing drag and vortex induced vibration
    Patent number: 6695539
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
  • Apparatus and methods for remote installation of devices for reducing drag and vortex induced vibration
    Publication number: 20030213113
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Stephen P. Armstrong, Dennis E. Walker
  • Apparatus for suppression of vortex induced vibration without aquatic fouling and methods of installation
    Patent number: 6565287
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for suppressing vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) of aquatic elements of underwater structures. The system includes use of a sleeve positioned around at least a portion of an aquatic element and at least one strake positioned along at least a portion of the length of the aquatic member. The apparatus further comprises copper to suppress the growth of aquatic organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel, Dean Leroy Henning, Donald Wayne Allen, Howard Ray Mitschke
  • Partial helical strake for vortex-induced-vibrationsuppression
    Patent number: 6561734
    Abstract: A partial helical strake system and method for suppressing vortex-induced-vibration of a substantially cylindrical marine element, the strake system having a base connected to the cylindrical marine element and an array of helical strakes projecting from the base for about half or less of the circumference of the cylindrical marine element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Joe Henry Haws, David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
  • Apparatus and methods for remote installation of devices for reducing drag and vortex induced vibration
    Publication number: 20030074777
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
  • Methods and systems for reducing drag and vortex-induced vibrations on cylindrical structures
    Publication number: 20020146287
    Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibration exerted onto a substantially cylindrical element of a fixed position subjected to a fluid flowing environment. Apparatus of the invention comprise a sleeve comprising an ultra-smooth surface. Methods for installing such apparatus onto cylindrical elements, and systems for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibrations in which a substantially cylindrical marine element has an ultra-smooth effective surface are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Richard Bruce McDaniel, David Wayne McMillan, Ken Dupal