Patents by Inventor Robert Norman Blank

Robert Norman Blank 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).

  • Publication number: 20100155073
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved hydraulic control systems for actuation of subsea equipment in deep water are disclosed. The hydraulic control system relies on smaller fluid flow associated with a hydraulic pressure pulse to actuate the small volume actuation control valve. In one embodiment, the system includes small diameter control umbilical hoses and pilot-operated valves with low actuation volumes. Particularly, a hydraulic control system for reducing the signal time to a subsea blowout preventer in water depth up to and greater than about 5000 feet. Some embodiments comprise a valve arrangement which hydraulically actuate one side of a hydraulic control function, while simultaneously evacuating the opposing circuit both at the seabed and at the surface. Some embodiments comprise an umbilical hose located proximate the center of an umbilical bundle. Preferably, the umbilical hose has a plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers which increase with the diameter of the reinforcement layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: DIAMOND OFFSHORE DRILLING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Norman Blank, John Stephen Hiltpold, Tri Canh Le, Brian Frank Matteucci, Patrick D.M. Rogan, Abner Bernard Simmons, Thomas Benjamin Thrash, JR., Patricia Thrash