Patents by Inventor Miles Hobdy
Miles Hobdy 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: 11738828Abstract: Yoke mooring systems and processes for using same. The system can include a turntable connected to and rotatable with respect to a base. A yoke can be connected to the turntable such that the yoke can at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the yoke and at least partially rotate about a second axis that can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A first and second link arm can be connected to the yoke and to a first component of a first and a second releasable connector, respectively. A first and second lifting line can be connected to the second end of the first and second link arms, respectively. A first and second lifting device can be disposed on a vessel and configured to be connected to a second end of the first and second lifting lines, respectively, to lift and lower the link arms and the yoke.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2023Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, Hao Yu
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Publication number: 20230264790Abstract: A mooring system for mooring a vessel floating on a surface of a body of water. The system can include a base structure, a mooring leg, a column, and a turntable. The mooring leg can include a first end configured to be attached to a seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the base structure. The column can include a first end attached to the base structure. The turntable can include a rotating part and a fixed part. A second end of the column can be configured to be connected to the fixed part of the turntable via a dual axis joint. The rotating part of the turntable can be configured to be connected to the vessel. The base structure can be configured to be elevated above of the seabed when the second end of the column is connected to the fixed part of the turntable.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, HAO YU, MILES A. HOBDY
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Publication number: 20230150614Abstract: Yoke mooring systems and processes for using same. The system can include a turntable connected to and rotatable with respect to a base. A yoke can be connected to the turntable such that the yoke can at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the yoke and at least partially rotate about a second axis that can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A first and second link arm can be connected to the yoke and to a first component of a first and a second releasable connector, respectively. A first and second lifting line can be connected to the second end of the first and second link arms, respectively. A first and second lifting device can be disposed on a vessel and configured to be connected to a second end of the first and second lifting lines, respectively, to lift and lower the link arms and the yoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, Hao Yu
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Publication number: 20230110646Abstract: Yoke mooring systems and processes for using same. The system can include a turntable connected to and rotatable with respect to a base. A yoke can be connected to the turntable such that the yoke can at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the yoke and at least partially rotate about a second axis that can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A first and second link arm can be connected to the yoke and to a first component of a first and a second releasable connector, respectively. A first and second lifting line can be connected to the second end of the first and second link arms, respectively. A first and second lifting device can be disposed on a vessel and configured to be connected to a second end of the first and second lifting lines, respectively, to lift and lower the link arms and the yoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Arun S. Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles Hobdy, Hao Yu
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Patent number: 11597478Abstract: Elongated member handling systems and methods for using same. The system can include one or more elongated members. A connector can be formed on or mechanically linked to a first end of each of the one or more elongated members. An optional cover can be coupled to the connector. The system can also include a pulling assembly at least partially disposed about the one or more elongated members and adjacent the first end of each of the one or more elongated members. The pulling assembly can include a support skid. The pulling assembly or, if present, the optional cover can include a primary pulling anchor. The system can also include a jumper winch configured to be mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor. The jumper winch, when mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor, can be configured to pull the pulling assembly from a first structure to a second structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Miles Hobdy
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Patent number: 11319030Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
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Publication number: 20200377180Abstract: Elongated member handling systems and methods for using same. The system can include one or more elongated members. A connector can be formed on or mechanically linked to a first end of each of the one or more elongated members. An optional cover can be coupled to the connector. The system can also include a pulling assembly at least partially disposed about the one or more elongated members and adjacent the first end of each of the one or more elongated members. The pulling assembly can include a support skid. The pulling assembly or, if present, the optional cover can include a primary pulling anchor. The system can also include a jumper winch configured to be mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor. The jumper winch, when mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor, can be configured to pull the pulling assembly from a first structure to a second structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Miles Hobdy
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Publication number: 20200148308Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
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Patent number: 10538291Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
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Publication number: 20190144077Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
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Patent number: 10183727Abstract: In an offshore system having a floating vessel, a turret within a hull opening, and a bearing assembly including a support row assembly axially transferring the weight of the turret to the vessel and allowing the vessel to weather vane about the turret, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. An outer upper ring is removed from an outer lower ring and a support ring is installed on the outer lower ring. A lower race and support rollers of a remedial support row assembly are installed on the support ring. A reaction ring is positioned above the support ring and connected to an inner ring secured to the turret. The inner ring is axially displaced relative to the outer lower ring and the turret axial loading is transferred to the remedial support row assembly between the support ring and the reaction ring.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: SOFEC, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, David M. Seaman
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Publication number: 20150054285Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell and having either a magnet or a coil connected or interconnected thereto, a variable inductor for varying an inductive capacity and positioned in the shell, and a pendulum adjuster operatively connected to the pendulum so as to change a center of gravity of the pendulum. The variable inductor has either a magnet and a coil connected or interconnected thereto. At least one of the magnet and the coil oscillates relative to the magnet or the coil of the variable inductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Miles HOBDY
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Patent number: 8907513Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell and having either a magnet or a coil connected or interconnected thereto, a variable inductor for varying an inductive capacity and positioned in the shell, and a pendulum adjuster operatively connected to the pendulum so as to change a center of gravity of the pendulum. The variable inductor has either a magnet and a coil connected or interconnected thereto. At least one of the magnet and the coil oscillates relative to the magnet or the coil of the variable inductor. A shaft is connected to the pendulum so as to move in relation to the pivotal movement of the pendulum.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventor: Miles Hobdy
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Patent number: 8836152Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a pump linked to the pendulum and operable by a movement of the pendulum so as to pump a hydraulic fluid outwardly therefrom, a motor interconnected to the pump such that the hydraulic fluid from the pump causes a rotation of the motor, and an electrical generator connected to the motor such that the rotation of the motor causes the electrical generator to produce electrical energy. A pendulum adjuster can be operatively connected to the pendulum so as to change a center of gravity of the pendulum.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Inventor: Miles Hobdy
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Publication number: 20120091709Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a pump linked to the pendulum and operable by a movement of the pendulum so as to pump a hydraulic fluid outwardly therefrom, a motor interconnected to the pump such that the hydraulic fluid from the pump causes a rotation of the motor, and an electrical generator connected to the motor such that the rotation of the motor causes the electrical generator to produce electrical energy. A pendulum adjuster can be operatively connected to the pendulum so as to change a center of gravity of the pendulum.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Miles HOBDY
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Publication number: 20120080883Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell and having either a magnet or a coil connected or interconnected thereto, a variable inductor for varying an inductive capacity and positioned in the shell, and a pendulum adjuster operatively connected to the pendulum so as to change a center of gravity of the pendulum. The variable inductor has either a magnet and a coil connected or interconnected thereto. At least one of the magnet and the coil oscillates relative to the magnet or the coil of the variable inductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventor: Miles HOBDY
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Patent number: 8102065Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a magnet thereon, a variable inductor positioned in the shell, a pendulum adjustor for changing a center of gravity of the pendulum, a motion sensor positioned in the shell, a position sensor connected to the pendulum, a rotation sensor connected to the pendulum, and a controller connected to the motion sensor and the position sensor and the rotation sensor. The pendulum has a magnet thereon. The magnet of the pendulum oscillates adjacent the variable inductor. The variable inductor can adjust the inductive capacity.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventor: Miles Hobdy
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Publication number: 20110285128Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a magnet thereon, a variable inductor positioned in the shell, a pendulum adjustor for changing a center of gravity of the pendulum, a motion sensor positioned in the shell, a position sensor connected to the pendulum, a rotation sensor connected to the pendulum, and a controller connected to the motion sensor and the position sensor and the rotation sensor. The pendulum has a magnet thereon. The magnet of the pendulum oscillates adjacent the variable inductor. The variable inductor can adjust the inductive capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: Miles HOBDY
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Patent number: 8026620Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a magnet thereon, a variable inductor positioned in the shell, a pendulum adjustor for changing a center of gravity of the pendulum, a motion sensor positioned in the shell, a position sensor connected to the pendulum, a rotation sensor connected to the pendulum, and a controller connected to the motion sensor and the position sensor and the rotation sensor. The pendulum has a magnet thereon. The magnet of the pendulum oscillates adjacent the variable inductor. The variable inductor can adjust the inductive capacity.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Miles Hobdy
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Publication number: 20100123313Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a magnet thereon, a variable inductor positioned in the shell, a pendulum adjustor for changing a center of gravity of the pendulum, a motion sensor positioned in the shell, a position sensor connected to the pendulum, a rotation sensor connected to the pendulum, and a controller connected to the motion sensor and the position sensor and the rotation sensor. The pendulum has a magnet thereon. The magnet of the pendulum oscillates adjacent the variable inductor. The variable inductor can adjust the inductive capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventor: Miles HOBDY