Patents by Inventor Gary L. Galle
Gary L. Galle 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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Patent number: 11624253Abstract: A subsea well intervention cap is provided. The subsea well intervention cap includes a frame, a first clamp segment coupled to the frame and configured to be fitted over a horizontally oriented flowpath of a subsea well equipment component, and a second clamp segment having a rim segment configured to interface with the first clamp segment, wherein the second clamp segment is movable with respect to the first clamp segment. The subsea well intervention cap also includes an actuation mechanism coupled to the frame that actuates the second clamp segment in a vertically upward direction and in an axial direction with respect to the frame toward the first clamp segment. The subsea well intervention cap is lightweight and able to be installed on subsea well equipment using a standard remote operated vehicle (ROV).Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Galle
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Publication number: 20210108480Abstract: A subsea well intervention cap is provided. The subsea well intervention cap includes a frame, a first clamp segment coupled to the frame and configured to be fitted over a horizontally oriented flowpath of a subsea well equipment component, and a second clamp segment having a rim segment configured to interface with the first clamp segment, wherein the second clamp segment is movable with respect to the first clamp segment. The subsea well intervention cap also includes an actuation mechanism coupled to the frame that actuates the second clamp segment in a vertically upward direction and in an axial direction with respect to the frame toward the first clamp segment. The subsea well intervention cap is lightweight and able to be installed on subsea well equipment using a standard remote operated vehicle (ROV).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventor: Gary L. Galle
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Patent number: 9341039Abstract: A seal assembly is inserted within an annulus between inner and outer coaxially disposed annular members having a common axis. The seal assembly includes a seal stack having a compliant element sandwiched between two anti-extrusion elements that contain the flow of the compliant element. The seal assembly also includes a sealing ring and a locking ring coupled to the sealing ring. The seal assembly also includes an energizing ring configured to be moved axially in a first direction by a ring tool to apply an axial force to the locking ring, which in turn acts on the sealing ring to radially deform the sealing ring into sealing engagement with the annular members. Continued axial movement of the locking ring in the first direction radially deforms the locking ring into locking engagement with the annular members.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Vetco GrayInc.Inventors: Gary L. Galle, Rick C. Hunter
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Publication number: 20140345850Abstract: A seal assembly is inserted within an annulus between inner and outer coaxially disposed annular members having a common axis. The seal assembly includes a seal stack having a compliant element sandwiched between two anti-extrusion elements that contain the flow of the compliant element. The seal assembly also includes a sealing ring and a locking ring coupled to the sealing ring. The seal assembly also includes an energizing ring configured to be moved axially in a first direction by a ring tool to apply an axial force to the locking ring, which in turn acts on the sealing ring to radially deform the sealing ring into sealing engagement with the annular members. Continued axial movement of the locking ring in the first direction radially deforms the locking ring into locking engagement with the annular members.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Gary L. Galle, Rick C. Hunter
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Publication number: 20130087977Abstract: A seal assembly is inserted within an annulus between inner and outer coaxially disposed annular members having a common axis. The seal assembly includes a seal stack having a compliant element sandwiched between two anti-extrusion elements that contain the flow of the compliant element. The seal assembly also includes a sealing ring and a locking ring coupled to the sealing ring. The seal assembly also includes an energizing ring configured to be moved axially in a first direction by a ring tool to apply an axial force to the locking ring, which in turn acts on the sealing ring to radially deform the sealing ring into sealing engagement with the annular members. Continued axial movement of the locking ring in the first direction radially deforms the locking ring into locking engagement with the annular members.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventors: Gary L. Galle, Rick C. Hunter
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Patent number: 8277716Abstract: A stiffened mandrel used in the manufacture of a composite tubular. The mandrel is placed on a filament winding machine and is comprised of an outer and inner shell. A pressure source is connected to the mandrel to exert a tensile force on the outer shell to stiffen the mandrel and thereby prevent sagging and bending of the mandrel. The stiffened mandrel allows for the manufacture of a composite tubular without undesirable flexing, wrinkling, or contamination of the uncured composite.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Galle, Karl A. Parfrey
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Publication number: 20100230856Abstract: A stiffened mandrel used in the manufacture of a composite tubular. The mandrel is placed on a filament winding machine and is comprised of an outer and inner shell. A pressure source is connected to the mandrel to exert a tensile force on the outer shell to stiffen the mandrel and thereby prevent sagging and bending of the mandrel. The stiffened mandrel allows for the manufacture of a composite tubular without undesirable flexing, wrinkling, or contamination of the uncured composite.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.Inventors: Gary L. Galle, Karl A. Parfrey
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Patent number: 7025384Abstract: A device for mechanically securing a tubular liner in a pipe having a tubular member and connectors on each end. The connector has a bore with an internal seat that may have grooves and be tapered depending upon the application. The liner extends through the tubular member into the bore. The ends of the liner are radially and plastically deformed into engagement with the seats. An inner ring is positioned inside the liner to retain the end of the liner in engagement with the seat. The inner ring may be held by threads or by radially and plastically deforming it. The connectors are mounted to the tubular member independently of the liner, such as by adhesive. The liner may be replaced by removing the inner rings without affecting the connection between the tubular member and the connectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Justin M. Whitehead, Gary L. Galle, Karl A. Parfrey
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Publication number: 20030047939Abstract: A device for mechanically securing a tubular liner in a pipe having a tubular member and connectors on each end. The connector has a bore with an internal seat that may have grooves and be tapered depending upon the application. The liner extends through the tubular member into the bore. The ends of the liner are radially and plastically deformed into engagement with the seats. An inner ring is positioned inside the liner to retain the end of the liner in engagement with the seat. The inner ring may be held by threads or by radially and plastically deforming it. The connectors are mounted to the tubular member independently of the liner, such as by adhesive. The liner may be replaced by removing the inner rings without affecting the connection between the tubular member and the connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Justin M. Whitehead, Gary L. Galle, Karl A. Parfrey
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Patent number: 5794323Abstract: A connector for a dual subsea flowline simultaneously connects a primary pipe and an offset auxiliary pipe carried alongside of the primary pipe. The connector has mating hub members, each having a face, a primary bore and an auxiliary passage. The auxiliary passages intersect annular concentric grooves formed in the faces. Inner and outer auxiliary seals seal the grooves, and a primary seal seals the junction of the primary bores. The seals are linked together with a seal retainer which is installed with a remote operated vehicle in one of the hubs prior to make-up.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Galle
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Patent number: 5667014Abstract: A subsea choke assembly for a well has a resilient closure seal within it which is used for retrieval purposes as well. The closure member is a metal resilient ring having tapered seal surfaces. The tapered seal surfaces locate between the choke body housing and the choke body bonnet. When securing the bonnet to the housing, the resiliency of the closure seal must be overcome, as well as the force required to insert an inner seal into its sealing surface within the bore. When the bonnet is released, the closure seal has sufficient spring force to push itself upward from the housing. In addition, it pushes the bonnet upward from closure seal. The choke body moves upward in unison with the bonnet, freeing the inner seal from its sealing surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Slider, Gary L. Galle
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Patent number: 5570911Abstract: A connector for connecting two pipes into abutment with each other uses mateable hub members with external flanges. One of the hub members has a concentric recess with a gross tapered surface and a fine tapered surface. The gross tapered surface is inclined at a greater angle relative to the axis than the fine tapered surface. The other hub member has a protruding guide member which will contact the gross and fine tapered surfaces when the hub members are brought together. First the gross tapered surface will decrease misalignment, then the fine tapered surface will complete the alignment of the hub members. A seal is located on seal seats in the hub members. The seal is metal and is carried in a position prior to connection so as to avoid damaging contact of the other hub member when the hub members are brought together.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Galle
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Patent number: 5468023Abstract: A flowline connector will remotely connect subsea flowlines without the assistance of a diver. The flowline connector has a frame which supports a seal carrier plate assembly. Springs allow axial movement of the carrier plate assembly during engagement of mating hubs of flowlines. A metal seal carried by the carrier plate assembly engages conical seats in the hubs of the two flowlines. An elastomeric test seal located radially outward of the metal seal seals between flat faces of the hubs of the flowlines. The test seals elongate radially to wipe the sealing surfaces clean during the makeup.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1993Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Abb Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Galle, Frank C. Adamek
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Patent number: 5450904Abstract: A method of tensioning casing between a subsea well and a surface wellhead employs an adjustment sub. The adjustment sub has upper and lower portions connected together by a threaded section. The running tool locates within the adjacent sub and is employed to secure the lower end of the casing to a tieback latch within the subsea housing. Continued rotation shears out a lower portion of the running tool, causing the threaded section to rotate relative to at least one of the other portions. Rotation of the threaded section brings a hanger on the upper sub portion downward into engagement with a load shoulder in the surface housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1994Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Galle
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Patent number: 5370153Abstract: An hydraulic coupling has a male member and a female member for sealing engagement one with the other. The male and female members are maintained in axial engagement by an axial load. The male member and the female member each have an annular body having an axial bore therethrough for the passage of fluid. Metal, concentric inner and outer annular seal legs extend from the body of the female member, and define an annular sealing recess between the seal legs. The seal legs have opposed tapered walls that define female sealing surfaces. An annular metal sealing wedge extends from the body of the male member and has inner and outer tapered walls that define male sealing surfaces for insertion into the sealing recess for sealingly engaging the female sealing surfaces. The axial load through the male and female members is supported solely though the male and female sealing surfaces so that the axial load results in a wedge-like action between the sealing recess and the sealing wedge.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1993Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Galle
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Patent number: 4869615Abstract: An improved tension leg joint with a first or receptacle member having an opening to receive the second or tension leg member end, the first member opening includes an internal recess including an upper downwardly facing shoulder and a lower shoulder, the second member end includes a latching element carried on a lower upwardly facing shoulder of the second member and normally biased outward so that it moves into the internal recess of the first member when the second member end is inserted therein sufficiently far so that the latching element moves past the downwardly facing shoulder, and a release sleeve movable within the first member recess and having means for releasably engaging the latching element when it is moved into the interior of the release sleeve subsequent lifting of the second member and its latching element causes the release sleeve to be raised to engage the downwardly facing recess shoulder and allow the latching element to pass thereby in its upward movement without coming into latching eType: GrantFiled: March 23, 1988Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Assignee: Cameron Iron Works, USA, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Galle
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Patent number: 4844511Abstract: An improved tubular connector having a first tubular member with an external hub, an internal sealing surface and an external rib spaced from the hub, a second tubular member with an external hub, an internal sealing surface and an external dividing rib, a sleeve surrounding and slidable on the second tubular member and having an enlarged end extending beyond the end of the tub of the second tubular member in the retracted position of the sleeve, the sleeve having an internal rib engaging the exterior of the second tubular member and an internal tapered surface, a plurality of latching fingers supported between the interior of the sleeve and the exterior of the second tubular member, means for delivering fluid pressure to the space between the sleeve and the exterior of the second tubular member for movement of the sleeve in the direction toward the hub end of the second tubular member, means for limiting the movement of the latching members in the direction of movement of the sleeve whereby engagement of theType: GrantFiled: August 4, 1988Date of Patent: July 4, 1989Assignee: Cameron Iron Works USA, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Galle, Paul C. Berner, Jr.