Patents by Inventor Stephen P. Lindblade

Stephen P. Lindblade 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: 20230287869
    Abstract: Offshore wind turbine systems and processes for installing same. The system can include a wind turbine generator that can include a plurality of blades connected thereto. The system can also include a first support arm and a second support arm each having a first end and a second end. The system can also include a support structure that can be configured to float on a surface of a body of water that can include first, second, and third columns. The first end of the first support arm and the first end of the second support arm can each support the wind turbine generator at an elevation above the support structure. The second end of the first support arm can be connected to and supported by the first column. The second end of the second support arm can be connected to and supported by the second column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: YONGHUI LIU, HAO YU, ZHIYONG SU, ARUN S. DUGGAL, YU DING, STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, ALAN R. CORDY
  • Patent number: 11738828
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, Hao Yu
  • Publication number: 20230264790
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, HAO YU, MILES A. HOBDY
  • Publication number: 20230257074
    Abstract: A mooring system for mooring a vessel floating on a surface of a body of water. In some embodiments, the system can include a base structure configured to be secured to a seabed, a yoke configured to be pivotably connected at a first end to the base structure about an axis of the base structure, a weight connected to the yoke, a turntable that can include a rotating part configured to be disposed on the vessel and a fixed part, a link arm that can include a first end configured to be connected to a second end of the yoke and/or the weight and a second end configured to be connected to the fixed part of the turntable such that the vessel is rotatable with respect to the link arm about a central axis of the turntable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: HAO YU, ARUN SANJAY DUGGAL, STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, SJOERD JAN WICHERS, YONGHUI LIU, YU DING, DIPAK JAYVANT CHAVDA
  • Publication number: 20230151846
    Abstract: A coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about two axes of rotation between a first member and a second member. The coupler can include a first end that defines a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough and a second end that defines a third bore therethrough. The first bore and the second bore can partially intersect one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Jamie Clay Gamble, Quoc Anh Dang
  • Publication number: 20230150614
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, Hao Yu
  • Publication number: 20230124086
    Abstract: Connectors assemblies. The connector assembly can include a stinger and a sleeve assembly that includes a latching mechanism. An outer surface of the stinger can define first and second grooves located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. An inner surface of the sleeve assembly can define first and second shoulders located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. The latching mechanism can be in an unlocked position or a locked position. When the latching mechanism is unlocked the stinger can be inserted into or removed from the sleeve assembly. When the stinger is within the sleeve assembly and the latching mechanism is locked, the latching mechanism can maintain a first split ring partially within the first groove and partially on the first shoulder and a second split ring partially within the second groove and partially on the second shoulder to secure the stinger within the sleeve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Saradhi Koneru, Hao Yu
  • Publication number: 20230110646
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun S. Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles Hobdy, Hao Yu
  • Patent number: 11597478
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Miles Hobdy
  • Patent number: 11319030
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
  • Patent number: 11279446
    Abstract: A yoke mooring system and method for disconnecting a moored vessel from a tower structure. The system can include a support structure with one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the one or more extension arms, and a yoke can extend from and connect to the ballast tank. The yoke can include a tower connector disposed on a second end thereof for connecting to the tower structure. A first winch system can be located on the support structure and connect to the yoke proximate a second end of the yoke via a first line or cable. A second winch system can be connected to the ballast tank via a second line or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
  • Patent number: 11267532
    Abstract: A yoke mooring system for connecting a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea. The system can include a support structure with one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the one or more extension arms, and a yoke can extend from and connect to the ballast tank. The yoke can include a tower connector disposed on a second end thereof for connecting to the tower structure. A first winch system can be located on the support structure and connect to the yoke proximate a second end of the yoke via a first line or cable. A second winch system can be connected to the ballast tank via a second line or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
  • Patent number: 11198490
    Abstract: A disconnectable spread mooring and riser tower system for a vessel floating at a water surface. The system comprises a forward chain table assembly releasably connected to the vessel at the bow via a first connector assembly, and an aft chain table assembly releasably connected at the stem via a second connector assembly. Mooring legs are attached to the chain table assemblies and are capable of being anchored at spaced locations on a seafloor. The first and second connector assemblies are arranged and designed to unlock and release the forward and aft chain table assemblies from the vessel. A riser tower system fixed to the seafloor may be located near the moored vessel and flexible jumper hoses can be extended between the riser tower system and the vessel to transfer fluids, air, power and control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Stephen P. Lindblade
  • Patent number: 10975541
    Abstract: A system and method for mating equipment offshore to a spar buoy secured to a foundation without the use of a crane barge. The system comprises a floating vessel having a pair of forks defining a slot. A gimbal table, defining an opening, is positioned within the slot and connected to the vessel and a locking collar is mounted to the gimbal table. A mating member is attached to the spar buoy. The vessel is maneuvered to bring the spar buoy within the gimbal table opening. With the spar buoy positioned within the gimbal table opening, the locking collar is arranged and designed to releasably attach to the mating member of the spar buoy and restrict relative vertical motion between the spar buoy and the vessel while the gimbal table allows the floating vessel to roll and pitch without driving these motions into the spar buoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Ananth Natarajan
  • Publication number: 20200377180
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Miles Hobdy
  • Publication number: 20200317297
    Abstract: A yoke mooring system for connecting a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea. The system can include a support structure with one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the one or more extension arms, and a yoke can extend from and connect to the ballast tank. The yoke can include a tower connector disposed on a second end thereof for connecting to the tower structure. A first winch system can be located on the support structure and connect to the yoke proximate a second end of the yoke via a first line or cable. A second winch system can be connected to the ballast tank via a second line or cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
  • Publication number: 20200317300
    Abstract: A yoke mooring system and method for disconnecting a moored vessel from a tower structure. The system can include a support structure with one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the one or more extension arms, and a yoke can extend from and connect to the ballast tank. The yoke can include a tower connector disposed on a second end thereof for connecting to the tower structure. A first winch system can be located on the support structure and connect to the yoke proximate a second end of the yoke via a first line or cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
  • Publication number: 20200148308
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
  • Publication number: 20200039610
    Abstract: A disconnectable spread mooring and riser tower system for a vessel floating at a water surface. The system comprises a forward chain table assembly releasably connected to the vessel at the bow via a first connector assembly, and an aft chain table assembly releasably connected at the stem via a second connector assembly. Mooring legs are attached to the chain table assemblies and are capable of being anchored at spaced locations on a seafloor. The first and second connector assemblies are arranged and designed to unlock and release the forward and aft chain table assemblies from the vessel. A riser tower system fixed to the seafloor may be located near the moored vessel and flexible jumper hoses can be extended between the riser tower system and the vessel to transfer fluids, air, power and control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Stephen P. Lindblade
  • Patent number: 10538291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry