Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric-hydraulic power unit. In one illustrative embodiment, the power unit comprises a body having a movable pressure barrier positioned therein, the movable pressure barrier defining first and second chambers therein, a configurable flow path in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, and at least one valve for configuring the flow path in a first state wherein fluid may flow within the flow path only in a direction from the first chamber toward the second chamber, and a second state wherein fluid within the flow path may flow in both directions between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A system for generating an electrical power output from a subsea installation that includes at least one flowline, wherein the system includes a turbine that is operatively connected to the flowline, the turbine being rotatable by fluid flowing through the flowline, and the turbine generating the electrical power output when the turbine is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for generating an electrical power output from a subsea installation, the subsea installation comprising at least one flowline, the system comprising a turbine operatively connected to the flowline, the turbine being rotatable by fluid flowing through the flowline, and the turbine generating the electrical power output when the turbine is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and various methods of using same. In one illustrative embodiment, the system comprises a first hydraulic cylinder, an isolated supply of fluid provided to the first hydraulic cylinder, the isolated supply of fluid positioned in an environment that is at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure, an actuator device coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder, the actuator device adapted to drive the first hydraulic cylinder to create the sufficient pressure in the fluid, and at least one hydraulic line operatively intermediate the first hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic line supplying the sufficient pressure in the fluid to the hydraulic actuator in the remote locale.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric-hydraulic power unit. In one illustrative embodiment, the power unit comprises a body having a movable pressure barrier positioned therein, the movable pressure barrier defining first and second chambers therein, a configurable flow path in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, and at least one valve for configuring the flow path in a first state wherein fluid may flow within the flow path only in a direction from the first chamber toward the second chamber, and a second state wherein fluid within the flow path may flow in both directions between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A system is described for monitoring a subsea formation, which is under development Instruments located in a completed but unconnected well are employed for providing information by a provisional monitoring unit being lowered downhole and connected to the well. Changes in the reservoir as a result of operations in other adjacent wells are an acoustic link to the surface.

Abstract: A system and methods for automatically and selectively matching prospective opponents to facilitate playing a game. The invention takes participant preferences and participant identification information into account in making such matches in an effort to make the game play enjoyable for all participants and to match prospective opponents with a minimum of participant input.

Abstract: A system and methods through which chat room participants can be automatically matched with prospective game opponents to facilitate game play. The invention can take factors such as player language, player skill level, and player location into account as opponents are assigned to games, and can match prospective players participating in a chat room with other prospective opponents not participating in the chat room.

Abstract: A downhole subsurface safety valve device, where an actuator is mounted on the outside of the well on the Christmas tree and the valve is operated by a mechanical transmission which may be linear (an hydraulic actuator) or rotary (an electric motor).

Abstract: An actuator system for actuating a valve in a subsea environment comprises a valve spindle that is arranged to be coupled to an electric motor. To provide for power to the motor, at least one local electrical storage unit is provided. The system also includes a control unit comprising switching means for controlling the power to the motor. The control unit includes an intelligent processor and is arranged to receive signals from external sensors measuring a number of external and internal parameters, The actuator is preferable housed in a modular cage for easy replacement.

Abstract: It is described a downhole subsurface safety valve device (8;80), where an actuator (30; 30′; 50; 50′) is mounted on the outside of the well, i.e. on the Christmas tree (20; 40). The valve (8;80) is operated by means of mechanical transmission (12; 52) which may be linear (hydraulic actuator) or rotary (electric motor).

Abstract: A load limiting break away arrangement for a subsea umbilical includes telescoping inner and outer bodies. The inner body includes multiple cross-bored holes; the outer body has slotted openings on its top and bottom sides. A shearing blade is positioned at one end of a top slot of the outer body. Individual umbilical tubes pass through a bottom slot of the outer body, through individual holes in the inner body and out a top slot of the outer body for attachment to multiple quick connect couplers on an umbilical termination head of an Umbilical Termination Assembly (UTA) and of an Electro-Hydraulic Distribution Module (EHDM). Tension resistant actuation members run between the UTA and EHDM so that when a snag of an umbilical occurs, the inner and outer bodies are pulled apart and the tubes are severed one by one by the blade of the outer body.

Abstract: An actuator system for actuating a valve in a subsea environment comprises a valve spindle that is arranged to be coupled to an electric motor. To provide for power to the motor, at least one local electrical storage unit is provided. The system also includes a control unit comprising switching means for controlling the power to the motor. The control unit includes an intelligent processor and is arranged to receive signals from external sensors measuring a number of external and internal parameters, The actuator is preferable housed in a modular cage for easy replacement.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling includes a pair of interconnectable male and female members where each of the members includes a body portion and a fluid valve disposed within the body portion. The male and female members cooperate with the fluid valves to actuate the valves such that the valves are placed in either an open position or a closed position to control fluid flow therebetween. The female member has a receiving chamber for receiving the male member, and a longitudinal axis defining a direction of engagement and disengagement between the male and female members. The undersea connector includes at least one annular seal in the receiving chamber for engaging the male member in sealed cooperation with the female member when the male member is received within the receiving chamber.