Patents by Inventor James D. Brugman
James D. Brugman 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: 10000987Abstract: A blowout prevent unit and methods for monitoring a blowout preventer at a wellsite are provided. The blowout preventer is activatable to form a seal to prevent leakage of the fluid produced from subsurface formations. The blowout preventer unit includes wellsite databases, at least one control unit, and blowout preventer outputs. The wellsite databases are operatively connectable to the wellsite to receive wellsite data therefrom and have communication links therebetween. The control unit is operatively connectable to the wellsite databases to selectively divert the wellsite data therebetween via the communication links. The at least one control unit includes a processor to determine blowout preventer parameters from the diverted wellsite data. The blowout preventer outputs are operatively coupled to the wellsite databases, and are accessible by users.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.Inventors: Frank B. Springett, Clayton J. Simmons, James D. Brugman
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Publication number: 20140231075Abstract: A blowout preventer unit, system and method for monitoring a blowout preventer at a wellsite is provided. The blowout preventer is activatable form a seal to prevent leakage of the fluid produced from subsurface formations. The blowout preventer unit includes wellsite databases, at least one control unit and blowout preventer outputs. The wellsite databases are operatively connectable to the wellsite to receive wellsite data therefrom, and have communication links therebetween. The control unit is operatively connectable to the wellsite databases to selectively divert the wellsite data therebetween via the communication links. The at least one control unit includes a processor to determine blowout preventer parameters from the diverted wellsite data. The blowout preventer outputs are operatively coupled to the wellsite databases, and are accessible by users.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Frank B. Springett, Clayton J. Simmons, James D. Brugman
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Patent number: 8720567Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
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Patent number: 8602102Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
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Publication number: 20120006529Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
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Publication number: 20120000647Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
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Publication number: 20110000670Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
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Patent number: 7814979Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: National Oilwell Varoo, L.P.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
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Patent number: 7748473Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system including motor apparatus, a main shaft driven by the motor apparatus, the main shaft having a top end and a bottom end, a quill connected to the main shaft, a gear system interconnected with the quill and the motor apparatus, and a multi-seal system for sealing against the quill. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Lawrence E. Wells, Preston Fox, Cliff Swiontek, Svein Stubstad, Howard L. Ervin, James D. Brugman, Paul Conover
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Publication number: 20090044982Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system including motor apparatus, a main shaft driven by the motor apparatus, the main shaft having a top end and a bottom end, a quill connected to the main shaft, a gear system interconnected with the quill and the motor apparatus, and a multi-seal system for sealing against the quill. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Lawrence E. Wells, Preston Fox, Cliff Swiontek, Svein Stubstad, Howard L. Ervin, James D. Brugman, Paul Conover
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Patent number: 7487848Abstract: A multi-seal sealing assembly with multiple seals so that when one seal wears out another can be moved into sealing position; and a top drive system for wellbore operations with such a sealing assembly; the sealing assembly in one aspect having a seal carrier movable to move at least one secondary seal into sealing position when a primary seal has worn out.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Larry Wells, Svein Stubstad, Howard Ervin, James D. Brugman, Paul Conover
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Publication number: 20080286534Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
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Patent number: 7367396Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
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Patent number: 7350587Abstract: A guide is disclosed for facilitating the movement of tubulars in well operations. In one aspect, the guide is a pipe guide with a base, an upper extension apparatus, a lower extension apparatus with a first end pivotably secured to the upper extension apparatus and selectively extendable with the upper extension apparatus, and a pipe holder apparatus connected to the upper extension apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Eric T. Ensley, Dean A. Bennett, James D. Brugman
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Patent number: 7051990Abstract: A blowout preventer which, in certain aspects, has a main body with a main top, a main bottom, and a main bore therethrough from the main top to the main bottom, at least one bonnet releasably secured to the main body, the at least one bonnet containing movable ram apparatus, and side mount apparatus including at least one side mount secured exteriorly to the main body, the side mount for selectively supporting the at least one bonnet; and, in certain aspects, one or more rollers rotatably connected to the bonnet for facilitating movement of the bonnet on the side mount.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Eric T. Ensley, James D. Brugman
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Patent number: 7044430Abstract: Lock bars for blowout preventers and blowout preventers having, in certain aspects, a body with a top, a bottom, and a bore therethrough, at least one bonnet releasably secured to the body, a first lock bar recess defined by a first portion in the body and a second portion in the bonnet, at least one lock bar removably disposed in the lock bar recess for releasably connecting the at least one bonnet to the body, the at least one lock bar having a body with a first end and a second tapered end and/or with an end opening in an end of the at least one lock bar.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: James D. Brugman, Frank Benjamin Springett, Dean Allen Bennett
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Patent number: 6192680Abstract: A subsea hydraulic control system 10 supplies hydraulic fluid to operate subsea equipment SE, which in exemplary application may be a blowout preventer having an opening port and a closing port. A hydraulic control system includes a fluid storage vessel 12 for storing a selected quantity of hydraulic fluid, and a separation member 16 separating subsea water from hydraulic fluid while pressurizing the hydraulic fluid in response to the hydrostatic head of the water. A fluid supply line 42 interconnects the fluid storage vessel and the subsea equipment, and a fluid exhaust line 44 interconnects the subsea equipment with a subsea hydraulic fluid reservoir vessel 14. A vent line 38 extends from the fluid reservoir vessel to the surface. A subsea pump periodically exhausts fluid from the fluid storage vessel to the water. The method of the invention provides reliable actuation of subsea equipment, and is particularly well suited for operating subsea equipment in deep water at depths in excess of 6,000 feet.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Varco Shaffer, Inc.Inventors: James D. Brugman, Hubert L. Elkins, Mark A. Merit
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Patent number: 5975484Abstract: A blowout preventer (10) is provided for use in a hydrocarbon recovery operation to prevent a well blowout. The BOP body (20) has a central passageway (22),therein for receiving an oilfield tubular T. First and second radially opposing doors (16) and (18) are provided for sealing engagement with the corresponding side face (15) on the BOP body. First and second ram assemblies (12, 14) are each supported on a respective door and may be pressure energized for driving first aid second ram blocks (24) into engagement with the oilfield tubular. A door connector (60, 90, 110, 140, 160 and 180) is provided for securing each door to the BOP body. Each door connector includes an upper connector bar and a lower connector bar (62, 64, 92, 94, 112, 114, 142, 144, 146, 148, 160 and 180) each having a bar axis generally perpendicular to the BOP body central axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Varco Shaffer, Inc.Inventors: James D. Brugman, Bryce A. Levett
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Patent number: 5897094Abstract: A blowout preventer 10 is provided for use in a hydrocarbon recovery operation to prevent a well blowout. The BOP body 20 has a central passageway 22 therein for receiving an oilfield tubular T. First and second radially opposing doors 16 and 18 are provided for sealing engagement with the corresponding side face 15 on the BOP body. First and second ram assemblies 12, 14 are each supported on a respective door and may be pressure energized for driving first and second ram blocks 24 into engagement with the oilfield tubular. A door connector 60, 90, 110, 140, 160 and 180 is provided for securing each door to the BOP body. Each door connector includes an upper connector bar and a lower connector bar 62, 64, 92, 94, 112, 114, 142, 144, 146, 148, 160 and 180 each having a bar axis generally perpendicular to the BOP body central axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Varco Shaffer, Inc.Inventors: James D. Brugman, Bryce A. Levett
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Patent number: RE38249Abstract: The rotatable blowout preventer 10 comprises a stationary outer housing 12 and a rotatable inner housing 38 having a curved surface 42 thereon defining a portion of a sphere. An annular packer assembly 46 includes spherical packer elements for sliding engagement with the curved surface of the inner housing such that a packer assembly may seal against various sized tubulars. A lower rotary seal 98 between a piston 56 and the outer housing 12 is exposed to the differential between pressurized hydraulic fluid and the well pressure within a lower end of the bore 32 within the outer housing. A flow restriction member 114 between the rotatable inner housing and the outer housing reduces fluid pressure downstream from the flow restriction to less than 40% of the upstream pressure. The upper rotary seal 120 is open to atmospheric pressure and is subjected to this reduced pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Inventors: Paul L. Tasson, James D. Brugman