Patents by Inventor Jonathan Tweddle

Jonathan Tweddle 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: 11686163
    Abstract: A connection assembly and a method comprises first and second connector portions having a preload mechanism comprising a plurality of bores and threaded fixings circumferentially spaced around the axis, wherein the preload mechanism is arranged to apply an axial load between shoulders on the first and second connector portions when torque is applied to the threaded fixings. An annular sealing member is compressed between the first and second portions, and the axial load applied between the first and second shoulders by the preload mechanism exceeds a peak hydrodynamic load urging the first and second connector portions in a direction along the axis. The axial force applied by the preload mechanism advantageously reduces the fatigue damage experienced by the connection, for example, by cyclic pressure changes within the connector portions typically caused by pumps operating at high pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Matthew Westgarth, Graham Knox, Jonathan Tweddle
  • Patent number: 11506314
    Abstract: An articulating flow line connector for connecting two sections or portions of a flow line, which may be a pressurized flow line. The connector may be configured to provide a sealed connection between the two sections or portions of the flow line, and may provide for a rotating or swiveling connection between the two sections. The articulating flow line connector may generally have a seal carrier ring arranged between two flow lines hubs. Each flow line hub may connect to an end of a flow line section. The seal carrier ring may be configured to provide both a sealing surface and at least one bearing surface. The seal carrier ring may have a sealing flange, a bearing flange, and a web portion extending between the flanges. The connector may additionally have a clamp arranged around or over the seal carrier ring and a portion of the two hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Westgarth, Jonathan Tweddle
  • Publication number: 20220186568
    Abstract: A connection assembly and a method comprises first and second connector portions having a preload mechanism comprising a plurality of bores and threaded fixings circumferentially spaced around the axis, wherein the preload mechanism is arranged to apply an axial load between shoulders on the first and second connector portions when torque is applied to the threaded fixings. An annular sealing member is compressed between the first and second portions, and the axial load applied between the first and second shoulders by the preload mechanism exceeds a peak hydrodynamic load urging the first and second connector portions in a direction along the axis. The axial force applied by the preload mechanism advantageously reduces the fatigue damage experienced by the connection, for example, by cyclic pressure changes within the connector portions typically caused by pumps operating at high pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Matthew Westgarth, Graham Knox, Jonathan Tweddle
  • Publication number: 20210172268
    Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed for breaking a severable connection in a pressurised flowline of an oil or gas well. First and second clamp members have first and second interconnected and clamp segments which are pivotally moveable to close around a conduit. First and second guide rods with parallel axes connect the respective first and second clamp segments of the first and second clamp members. A drive mechanism drives axial movement of the first and second clamp members relative to each other. The first and second clamp members engage first and second conduits on opposite sides of the severable connection. Each clamp segment has an inner surface comprising a recess adapted to receive a load shoulder on the conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Richard Matthew Westgarth, Thomas William Scott Patrick, Jonathan Tweddle
  • Publication number: 20200182385
    Abstract: An articulating flow line connector for connecting two sections or portions of a flow line, which may be a pressurized flow line. The connector may be configured to provide a sealed connection between the two sections or portions of the flow line, and may provide for a rotating or swiveling connection between the two sections. The articulating flow line connector may generally have a seal carrier ring arranged between two flow lines hubs. Each flow line hub may connect to an end of a flow line section. The seal carrier ring may be configured to provide both a sealing surface and at least one bearing surface. The seal carrier ring may have a sealing flange, a bearing flange, and a web portion extending between the flanges. The connector may additionally have a clamp arranged around or over the seal carrier ring and a portion of the two hubs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Richard Westgarth, Jonathan Tweddle