Patents by Inventor Robert Large

Robert Large 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: 10450833
    Abstract: A self-regulating flow control device for controlling the flow of injected fluid into a subsea well or flowline via a tree, manifold, or other access point on the subsea infrastructure by responding to the injection pressure being applied to prevent the conduit from collapsing. An embodiment of the self-regulating flow control device includes a housing having a first and second through bore, a piston moveable in the through bore, and a biasing member. When in an unactuated position, the biasing member biases the piston isolating the first through bore from the second through bore, and when in an actuated position, a pressure overcomes the biasing member to move the piston and expose the first through bore to the second through bore. The self-regulating control flow device prevents a vacuum from being drawn into the conduit system below during sudden decreases in uphole pressure by blocking or closing flow paths in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Graham Hall, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 9677376
    Abstract: A flow stop valve positionable in a downhole tubular, and a method, in which the flow stop valve is in a closed position when a pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular and inside the downhole tubular at the flow stop valve is below a threshold value, thereby preventing flow through the downhole tubular. The flow stop valve is in an open position when the pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular and inside the downhole tubular at the flow stop valve is above a threshold value, hereby permitting flow through the downhole tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: PILOT DRILLING CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 9574420
    Abstract: A system to control fluid flow through a fluid passage includes a valve that is fail-safe closed to selectively control fluid flow through the fluid passage, and a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the valve to open the valve when hydraulic pressure above a predetermined amount is received. The system further includes an inlet to provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator and open the valve and an outlet to vent hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic actuator and close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Graham Hall, Robert Large, James Duncan Trinder
  • Patent number: 9441893
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for thawing frozen biological products efficiently without harming the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Grifols, S.A.
    Inventors: Ajoy Velayudhan, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 9347286
    Abstract: A flow stop valve (200, 300, 400) for placement in a downhole tubular operating in a dual fluid density system, wherein the flow stop valve is arranged such that it is in communication with a pressure difference between one of: fluid outside the downhole tubular and inside the downhole tubular at the flow stop valve; and fluid above and below the flow stop valve inside the downhole tubular, wherein the flow stop valve comprises a first valve element (226?, 326?, 424) arranged such that the pressure difference acts across at least a portion of the first valve element and that the first valve element is movable between open and closed positions under action of said pressure difference so as to selectively permit flow through the downhole tubular, wherein the first valve element comprises a first passage (212, 312, 446) arranged so as to transmit fluid from a first port (213, 313, 447) in a first side of the first valve element to a second side of the first valve element, the first port being positioned such tha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: PILOT DRILLING CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large, Peter Ryan Morris
  • Publication number: 20150308222
    Abstract: A self-regulating flow control device for controlling the flow of injected fluid into a subsea well or flowline via a tree, manifold, or other access point on the subsea infrastructure by responding to the injection pressure being applied to prevent the conduit from collapsing. An embodiment of the self-regulating flow control device includes a housing having a first and second through bore, a piston moveable in the through bore, and a biasing member. When in an unactuated position, the biasing member biases the piston isolating the first through bore from the second through bore, and when in an actuated position, a pressure overcomes the biasing member to move the piston and expose the first through bore to the second through bore. The self-regulating control flow device prevents a vacuum from being drawn into the conduit system below during sudden decreases in uphole pressure by blocking or closing flow paths in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: ONESUBSEA IP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Graham Hall, Robert Large
  • Publication number: 20150136409
    Abstract: A system to control fluid flow through a fluid passage includes a valve that is fail-safe closed to selectively control fluid flow through the fluid passage, and a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the valve to open the valve when hydraulic pressure above a predetermined amount is received. The system further includes an inlet to provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator and open the valve and an outlet to vent hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic actuator and close the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ONESUBSEA IP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Graham Hall, Robert Large, James Duncan Trinder
  • Publication number: 20140290959
    Abstract: A flow stop valve (20) positionable in a downhole tubular (6), and a method, are provided. The flow stop valve (20) is in a closed position when a pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is below a threshold value, thereby preventing flow through the downhole tubular. The flow stop valve (20) is in an open position when the pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is above a threshold value, thereby permitting flow through the downhole tubular (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 8752630
    Abstract: A flow stop valve (20) positionable in a downhole tubular (6), and a method, are provided. The flow stop valve (20) is in a closed position when a pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is below a threshold value, thereby preventing flow through the downhole tubular. The flow stop valve (20) is in an open position when the pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is above a threshold value, thereby permitting flow through the downhole tubular (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Publication number: 20140026593
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for thawing frozen biological products efficiently without harming the products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Grifols, S.A.
    Inventors: Ajoy VELAYUDHAN, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 8590629
    Abstract: A flow stop valve positioned in a downhole tubular, particularly a flow stop valve which may be used with a dual density fluid in deep sea drilling or cementing application. The flow stop valve includes a housing and first and second receiving portions attached to first and second ends of the housing. A flow through the valve is selectively permitted between the housing and the first and second receiving portions. A valve element, such as a spindle, is slidably received in the first and second receiving portions. The valve element and housing together form a valve to selectively prevent flow through the flow stop valve. A first end face of the valve element and the first receiving portion define a first chamber and a second end face of the valve element and the second receiving portion define a second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 8381823
    Abstract: A downhole tubular connector comprising a first body portion and a seal provided on the first body portion, the seal being adapted to selectively provide a seal with a downhole tubular, the downhole tubular connector further comprises a seal protector, wherein one of the seal protector and seal is movable with respect to the other of the seal protector and seal, the seal protector or seal being movable from a first position, in which at least a portion of the seal is protected by a first end of the seal protector, to a second position, in which the portion of the seal is exposed. The seal protector may be disposed so as to be movable from the first position to the second position by contact of the sleeve with the downhole tubular as the downhole tubular connector is brought into engagement with the downhole tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 8316930
    Abstract: A hydraulic connector to provide a fluidic connection between a fluid supply and a downhole tubular, the connector comprising: a body; an engagement assembly comprising an extendable portion selectively extendable from the body, the engagement assembly being configured to extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the extendable portion into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular; and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, the valve assembly being configured to: allow a fluid to communicate between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the open position; and prevent fluid communication between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Pilot Drilling Control Limited, Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Clubb, Dougal Hugo Brown, Alan Payne, Stuart Card, George Swietlik, Robert Large, Burney J. Latiolais
  • Publication number: 20120227982
    Abstract: A flow stop valve (200, 300, 400) for placement in a downhole tubular operating in a dual fluid density system, wherein the flow stop valve is arranged such that it is in communication with a pressure difference between one of: fluid outside the downhole tubular and inside the downhole tubular at the flow stop valve; and fluid above and below the flow stop valve inside the downhole tubular, wherein the flow stop valve comprises a first valve element (226?, 326?, 424) arranged such that the pressure difference acts across at least a portion of the first valve element and that the first valve element is movable between open and closed positions under action of said pressure difference so as to selectively permit flow through the downhole tubular, wherein the first valve element comprises a first passage (212, 312, 446) arranged so as to transmit fluid from a first port (213, 313, 447) in a first side of the first valve element to a second side of the first valve element, the first port being positioned such tha
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: PILOT DRILLING CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large, Peter Ryan Morris
  • Patent number: 8047278
    Abstract: A method to connect a lifting assembly to a bore of a downhole tubular includes providing a communication tool to a distal end of the lifting assembly, the communication tool comprising a body assembly, an engagement assembly, a valve assembly and a seal assembly, sealingly engaging a first portion of the seal assembly in the bore of the downhole tubular, selectively permitting fluid to flow between the lifting assembly and the downhole tubular with the valve assembly, and disengaging the first portion of the seal assembly from the bore of the downhole tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Robert Large
  • Patent number: 8006753
    Abstract: A tool to direct a fluids from a lifting assembly and a bore of a downhole tubular includes an engagement assembly configured to selectively extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the tool into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow fluids from the lifting assembly to enter the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the closed position and wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow fluids from the downhole tubular to be diverted from the lifting assembly when in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 8002028
    Abstract: A hydraulic connector to provide a fluid tight connection between a fluid supply and a downhole tubular includes an engagement assembly configured to extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the hydraulic connector into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular, and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow the fluids to communicate between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the open position, and wherein the valve assembly is configured to prevent fluid communication between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular when closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Publication number: 20100206584
    Abstract: A hydraulic connector to provide a fluidic connection between a fluid supply and a downhole tubular, the connector comprising: a body; an engagement assembly comprising an extendable portion selectively extendable from the body, the engagement assembly being configured to extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the extendable portion into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular; and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, the valve assembly being configured to: allow a fluid to communicate between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the open position; and prevent fluid communication between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular when in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicants: PILOT DRILLING CONTROL LIMITED, FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Clubb, Dougal Hugo Brown, Alan Payne, Stuart Card, George Swietlik, Robert Large, Burney J. Latiolais
  • Publication number: 20100206583
    Abstract: A downhole tubular connector comprising a first body portion and a seal provided on the first body portion, the seal being adapted to selectively provide a seal with a downhole tubular, the downhole tubular connector further comprises a seal protector, wherein one of the seal protector and seal is movable with respect to the other of the seal protector and seal, the seal protector or seal being movable from a first position, in which at least a portion of the seal is protected by a first end of the seal protector, to a second position, in which the portion of the seal is exposed. The seal protector may be disposed so as to be movable from the first position to the second position by contact of the sleeve with the downhole tubular as the downhole tubular connector is brought into engagement with the downhole tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: PILOT DRILLING CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 7690422
    Abstract: A connector (10) which provides a fluid tight connection between a fluid supply and a drill-string (4), the connector (10) comprising a piston-rod (20) and a cylinder (15), the piston-rod (20) having a seal at or towards its free end which is adapted to sealingly engage the drill-string (4) when the piston-rod (20) is at least partially extended from the cylinder (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large