Patents by Inventor Robert Magee

Robert Magee 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: 8683823
    Abstract: A system for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a moored floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a floating liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: FLNG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
  • Patent number: 8646289
    Abstract: A method for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant of the liquefied natural gas transport vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: FLNG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
  • Patent number: 8640493
    Abstract: Method for processing, treatment and liquefaction of natural gas proximate offshore gas fields with a gas floating production storage and offloading vessel with a primary processing unit, a gas treating unit, and a natural gas compressor. The liquefaction is split between a liquefied natural gas transport vessel moored on a disconnectable turret and the floating production storage and offloading vessel. High pressure liquefied natural gas inlet quality gas from the vessel is sent through conduits to the liquefied natural gas transport vessel(s) then back through the disconnectable turrets to the vessel. A separate nitrogen refrigerant on the transport vessel provides final stage liquefaction while being powered by the transport vessel's propulsion plant. When the transport vessel is full, the transport vessel disconnects from the disconnectable turret, and motors to a transfer terminal located in sheltered water for transfer of liquefied natural gas cargo to a standard trading tanker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: FLNG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
  • Patent number: 8490565
    Abstract: A method for receiving and processing dry gas into liquefied natural gas, offloading the liquefied natural gas, and transporting the liquefied natural gas to another location, wherein the method can include using a connecting device to: attach and hold a transport vessel to a floating liquefaction vessel. The connecting device can have an inner walkway configured to extend and retract from an outer walkway to accommodate for motions. The method can include receiving and cooling dry gas to form liquefied natural gas, and transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel. The method can include dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel using motions measured by motion sensors and the like. The method can include storing the liquefied natural gas on the floating transport vessel, releasing the transport vessel from the connecting device, and transporting the liquefied natural gas to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490564
    Abstract: A method for processing a dry gas into a liquefied natural gas and offloading the liquefied natural gas, wherein the method can include using a connecting device to: attach and hold the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel, and enabling an inner walkway to extend and retract from an outer walkway of the connecting device to accommodate for motions. The method can include receiving and cooling dry gas to form liquefied natural gas for transfer to the transport vessel. The method can include transferring personnel and equipment within walkway on the connecting device. The method can include using a transport vessel controller to continuously monitor receipt, storage, and offloading of the liquefied natural gas. The method can include dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel using computer instructions and motions measured by sensors or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490562
    Abstract: A floating liquefaction vessel and transport system for receiving, storing, and transporting a liquefied natural gas, wherein the system can include a transport vessel for monitoring, receiving, storing, and transporting the liquefied natural gas. A transport vessel controller can dynamically position the transport vessel in proximity to a floating liquefaction vessel using motion sensors, fan beams, and dynamic global positioning systems. The floating liquefaction vessel can include receive a dry gas, and cool the dry gas to form liquefied natural gas for transfer to the transport vessel across a connecting device. The connecting device can connect the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel, and can include: an inner walkway telescopically contained within an outer walkway. The inner walkway can extend and retract from the outer walkway in response to motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490563
    Abstract: A floating liquefaction vessel and connecting device system for receiving a dry gas, forming a liquefied natural gas, and offloading the liquefied natural gas, wherein the system can include a floating liquefaction vessel for receiving the dry gas, cooling the dry gas to form liquefied natural gas, flowing the liquefied natural to a transport vessel, and receiving a hydrocarbon vapor from the transport vessel. A floating liquefaction vessel controller can monitor offloading of the liquefied natural gas. A connecting device can connect the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel. The connecting device can include an inner walkway telescopically contained within an outer walkway and configured to extend and retract from the outer walkway in response to motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490566
    Abstract: A method for offloading a liquefied natural gas from a floating liquefaction vessel to a transport vessel for storage and transport, wherein the method can include using a connecting device to attach and hold the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel, and using a ram to move a telescoping walkway of the connecting device from a transport position to a deployed position. The method can include connecting the telescoping walkway to a variety of bow configurations of transport vessels by securing an inner walkway to the transport vessel. The inner walkway can extend and retract from an outer walkway to accommodate for motions. The method can include transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel. The method can include monitoring receipt, storage, and offloading of the liquefied natural gas and dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8375878
    Abstract: A method for use in deep water, for dynamically connecting a fixed for floating vessel to a floating transport vessel using at least one telescoping mooring arm, and for flowing a fluid that forms a hydrocarbon vapor to the moveable floating transport vessel with offload flexible conduits that adjust to accommodate vessel motion, wave motion, current motion, and other weather motion without disengaging is disclosed herein. The method can include using telescoping mooring arms to maintain a nominal distance between the fixed or floating vessel and the transport vessel while forming an enclosed gangway. The method can include monitoring offloading and return of hydrocarbon vapor, providing quick connect/disconnect engagements to the transport vessel, and using an adjustable vapor return flexible conduit. The method can include releasing the transport vessel from the fixed for floating vessel to transport the fluid to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8308518
    Abstract: A method for receiving dry natural gas, cryogenically cooling the gas, then forming liquefied natural gas is disclosed herein. The method can include flowing the liquefied natural gas to a moveable floating transport vessel. The method can include using mooring arms that maintain a nominal distance between the station and the vessel while simultaneously forming an enclosed gangway and monitoring offloading and return of hydrocarbon vapor. The method can include providing quick connect/disconnect engagements to the transport vessel and storing the liquefied natural gas on the transport vessel at a cryogenic temperature. The method can include recycling hydrocarbon vapor formed during offloading to the floating station and maintaining a cryogenic temperature using a flow rate substantially the same as the floating station uses fuel. The method can include releasing the transport vessel from the floating station to transport the liquefied natural gas to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8308517
    Abstract: A method for receiving dry gas and forming liquefied natural gas on a floating vessel, and offloading the liquefied natural gas using telescoping mooring arms to a floating transport vessel is disclosed herein. The method can include mooring the floating vessel to a seabed with a mooring spread, using a soft yoke to moor the transport vessel to the floating vessel, receiving a dry gas, cooling the dry gas forming a liquefied nature gas, transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel, transferring personnel and equipment over a gangway, returning hydrocarbon vapor to the floating vessel, cooling the hydrocarbon vapor, and using the hydrocarbon vapor as a fuel for the floating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8104416
    Abstract: A floating natural gas processing station for receiving dry gas and forming liquefied natural gas for offloading is disclosed herein. The station can use a station heat exchanger, a natural gas liquefaction train, and an offloading device having a primary quick connect/disconnect device, a secondary emergency disconnect device, and a tertiary emergency disconnect device to allow quick connect/disconnect or emergency disconnect of the floating natural gas processing station from a transport vessel. At least two telescoping mooring arms with a boom and a jib in a nested arrangement can hold the transport vessel at a nominal distance from the floating natural gas processing station, while forming a gangway to safely move personnel and loads between the floating natural gas processing station and the transport vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8104417
    Abstract: A device for dynamically positioning a ship, assisting in offload of a processed hydrocarbon fluid, and assisting in return of hydrocarbon vapors is disclosed herein. The device can be a soft yoke that is pivotable and collapsible with at least two telescoping mooring arms having a boom and jib in a nested arrangement to safely hold floating stations to transport vessels. The boom and the jib can form a gangway to move personal and loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8100076
    Abstract: A station and transport system for receiving, storing, and transporting liquefied natural gas is disclosed herein. The system can include a transport vessel, a floating liquefied natural gas processing station with a heat exchanger for receiving the dry gas from a pretreatment source and forming liquefied natural gas using a natural gas liquefaction train, a primary quick connect/disconnect device, a secondary emergency disconnect device, and a tertiary emergency disconnect device mounted to a station hull to allow quick connect/disconnect or emergency disconnect of the floating natural gas processing station from the transport vessel. The system can include a soft yoke with at least two telescoping soft yoke mooring arms, a boom, and a jib that form a gangway to safely hold the floating station to the transport vessel and to move personal and loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 7980787
    Abstract: A method for tensioning for oil and natural gas floating platforms and floating vessels using a plurality of self contained dual pressure cylinders for adjusting simultaneously low and high pressures in low pressure and high pressure channels. The method can be used on a floating structure to dampen the effects of sea waves and wind load between casing from a well and the floating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: David Trent, Robert Magee Shivers, III, Charles C. Trent
  • Patent number: 7980786
    Abstract: A tensioner system is described for oil and natural gas floating platforms and floating vessels having a plurality of self contained dual pressure cylinders for adjusting simultaneously low and high pressures in low pressure and high pressure channels, wherein the tensioner system is disposed on a floating structure to dampen the effects of sea waves and wind load between casing from a well and the floating structure due to movement of the sea and movement based on wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: David Trent, Robert Magee Shivers, III, Charles C. Trent
  • Patent number: 7976247
    Abstract: A self contained dual pressure cylinder for use in tensioner assemblies for oil and natural gas floating vessels. The self contained dual pressure cylinder can have a high pressure outer barrel surrounding a high pressure inner barrel, forming a high pressure gas channel, a low pressure outer barrel surrounding a low pressure inner barrel, forming a low pressure fluid channel. A high pressure gas port connected to a high pressure gas reservoir, a low pressure fluid port connected to a low pressure gas reservoir, a low pressure fluid compression area connected to the low pressure fluid port, a hollow rod slidingly engaged each inner barrel, a dual pressure capture plate with moveable rod seals and moveable rod wear, a piston a low pressure elastomeric seal, a low pressure/high pressure separator, and a high pressure elastomeric seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: David Trent, Robert Magee Shivers, III, Charles C. Trent
  • Patent number: 7920691
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring connectivity at a hub having a plurality of subscriber lines from a plurality of subscriber premises and a plurality of feeder lines from a central office. The hub provides connectivity between the plurality of subscriber premises and the central office. The method and apparatus include categorizing the plurality of subscriber lines into a plurality of groups based on penetration rates and churn rates of the plurality subscriber lines. Each group of subscriber lines are connected to feeder lines based on the penetration and churn rates for POTS and/or DSL services. Subscriber line groups with high penetration rates and high/low churn rates are coupled directly to feeder lines. Subscriber line groups with low penetration rates and high/low churn rates are terminated at the hub. Subscriber lines with an intermediate penetration rate are candidates for being connected to the feeder lines via an automatic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Chu, Paul Francis Gagen, Francis Robert Magee
  • Patent number: 7886828
    Abstract: A floating vessel for supporting top tension drilling and production risers having a hull and an operation deck disposed on top of the hull. A tensioner assembly for moveably carrying a conductor that communicates from a wellhead to a piece of well access equipment. The well access equipment is connected to the floating vessel. The tensioner assembly is supported by the floating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, David Trent, Daniel H. Longwell
  • Patent number: 7701865
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring connectivity at a hub having a plurality of subscriber lines from a plurality of subscriber premises and a plurality of feeder lines from a central office. The hub provides connectivity between the plurality of subscriber premises and the central office. The method and apparatus include categorizing the plurality of subscriber lines into a plurality of groups based on penetration rates and churn rates of the plurality subscriber lines. Each group of subscriber lines are connected to feeder lines based on the penetration and churn rates for POTS and/or DSL services. Subscriber line groups with high penetration rates and high/low churn rates are coupled directly to feeder lines. Subscriber line groups with low penetration rates and high/low churn rates are terminated at the hub. Subscriber lines with an intermediate penetration rate are candidates for being connected to the feeder lines via an automatic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Chu, Paul Francis Gagen, Francis Robert Magee