Patents by Inventor Robert R. Decker

Robert R. Decker 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).

  • Subsea pig launching apparatus
    Patent number: 6536461
    Abstract: A subsea pig launching apparatus for launching one or more pigs into a flowline which is fluidly connectable to a source of well fluid comprises at least one first hub to which the source of well fluid is connectable and which is in communication with the flowline, a first valve which is positioned between the first hub and the flowline, a second hub which is in communication with the flowline, and a pig launcher which is removably connectable to the second hub and which comprises at least one pig, at least one launch valve which is positioned between a pressure source and the pig, and a launch actuator for selectively opening and closing the launch valve. The launch actuator is controlled by a signal which is communicated through at least one of a number of external control and service lines that are connected to a control and service umbilical for the source of well fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Decker, Harold B. Skeels, Steven A. Reinhardt
  • Subsea pig launching apparatus
    Publication number: 20020117208
    Abstract: A subsea pig launching apparatus for launching one or more pigs into a flowline which is fluidly connectable to a source of well fluid comprises at least one first hub to which the source of well fluid is connectable and which is in communication with the flowline, a first valve which is positioned between the first hub and the flowline, a second hub which is in communication with the flowline, and a pig launcher which is removably connectable to the second hub and which comprises at least one pig, at least one launch valve which is positioned between a pressure source and the pig, and a launch actuator for selectively opening and closing the launch valve. The launch actuator is controlled by a signal which is communicated through at least one of a number of external control and service lines that are connected to a control and service umbilical for the source of well fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Robert R. Decker, Harold B. Skeels, Steven A. Reinhardt