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).
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Publication number: 20230287869Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: YONGHUI LIU, HAO YU, ZHIYONG SU, ARUN S. DUGGAL, YU DING, STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, ALAN R. CORDY
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Patent number: 11738828Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 17, 2023Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, Hao Yu
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Publication number: 20230264790Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, HAO YU, MILES A. HOBDY
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Publication number: 20230257074Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: HAO YU, ARUN SANJAY DUGGAL, STEPHEN P. LINDBLADE, SJOERD JAN WICHERS, YONGHUI LIU, YU DING, DIPAK JAYVANT CHAVDA
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Publication number: 20230151846Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Jamie Clay Gamble, Quoc Anh Dang
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Publication number: 20230150614Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, Hao Yu
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Publication number: 20230124086Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Saradhi Koneru, Hao Yu
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Publication number: 20230110646Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Arun S. Duggal, Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles Hobdy, Hao Yu
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Patent number: 11597478Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Miles Hobdy
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Patent number: 11319030Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
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Patent number: 11279446Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
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Patent number: 11267532Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
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Patent number: 11198490Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Stephen P. Lindblade
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Patent number: 10975541Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Ananth Natarajan
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Publication number: 20200377180Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Miles Hobdy
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Publication number: 20200317297Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
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Publication number: 20200317300Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Hao Yu, Stephen P. Lindblade, Vernon Raymond Jenkins, Steven Eskridge
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Publication number: 20200148308Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Applicant: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
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Publication number: 20200039610Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Stephen P. Lindblade
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Patent number: 10538291Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry