Patents by Inventor Thor Strand
Thor Strand 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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Patent number: 11971082Abstract: A rope connector connects prepared ends of two rope segments, wherein said prepared ends each include a rope eye. The rope connector includes at least two complementary parts, each being configured with a shaped recess for receiving at least part of said prepared end of a respective rope segment. The complementary parts are detachably mountable to each other to establish a firm connection there between. A rope extension system is disclosed to include such rope connector, and a hoisting system employs such rope extension system.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Grant Prideco, Inc.Inventors: Nils Øystein Røsok, Thor Strand
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Patent number: 11566604Abstract: Described is a tool and apparatus for positioning a blade for a wind turbine the wind turbine including a tower and a rotatable hub on the tower. The tool is mounted on a side of the tower so that the blade is supported on the tower in an initial configuration. The tool includes a first part arranged to be angularly movable relative to a second part for tilting the blade with respect to the tower to position the blade in a position that can allow the blade to be connected to the hub.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Anibal B. Teixeira, Ole Petter Torvik, Thor Strand
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Patent number: 11453464Abstract: An electrohydraulic device includes an extender which is arranged to be actuated by hydraulic fluid, and a rotor of an electric motor, the rotor being arranged to rotate about a part of the extender. The rotor may have an annular body which encircles or surrounds part of the extender. There is also described a related method of use and a marine vessel or platform where the device may be applied.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Inventors: Yngvar Borøy, Thor Strand, Geir Odd Bergstøl
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Patent number: 11312452Abstract: A hoisting system is for hoisting a vertically-suspended object. The hoisting system has a winch having a winch drum with a hoisting rope. A first part of the hoisting rope has a first diameter and a second part has a second diameter being larger than the first diameter. The first part is connected with a first end of the second part. The first part is an inner part on the winch drum when the winch drum is completely wound. The second part has a further end that is connectable to the object for hoisting the object. A ratio between the first diameter and the second diameter is such that the minimum breakable load of the first part differs less than a factor of four from the minimum breakable load of the second part, and preferably less than a factor of three. A corresponding method is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Thor Strand, Frank Tønnessen
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Patent number: 11305970Abstract: A method of upgrading a knuckle-boom crane to a heave-compensating crane includes: removing a knuckle-boom from a main boom; mounting a main boom extension to the main boom for increasing the length of the main boom; and mounting a heave-compensating boom at a far end of the main boom extension such that the heave-compensating boom extends in a downward vertical direction (Z) in operational use of the heave-compensating crane. The heave-compensating boom is configured to be pivotable with respect to the main boom extension in both horizontal directions (X, Y). A heave-compensation system is provided to the knuckle-boom crane, wherein the heave-compensation system compensates for horizontal variations by controlling the orientation of the heave-compensating boom relative to the main boom extension, and compensates for vertical variations by means of a further vertical heave-compensation system, such as a winch-based heave-compensation system.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Inventors: Yngvar Borøy, Thor Strand, Adrian Orasanu, Ricardo Nuno Correia
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Publication number: 20220065327Abstract: A rope connector connects prepared ends of two rope segments, wherein said prepared ends each include a rope eye. The rope connector includes at least two complementary parts, each being configured with a shaped recess for receiving at least part of said prepared end of a respective rope segment. The complementary parts are detachably mountable to each other to establish a firm connection there between. A rope extension system is disclosed to include such rope connector, and a hoisting system employs such rope extension system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2019Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Nils Øystein RØSOK, Thor STRAND
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Publication number: 20210293222Abstract: Described is a tool and apparatus for positioning a blade for a wind turbine the wind turbine including a tower and a rotatable hub on the tower. The tool is mounted on a side of the tower so that the blade is supported on the tower in an initial configuration. The tool includes a first part arranged to be angularly movable relative to a second part for tilting the blade with respect to the tower to position the blade in a position that can allow the blade to be connected to the hub.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2019Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Anibal B. TEIXEIRA, Ole Petter TORVIK, Thor STRAND
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Publication number: 20210221659Abstract: A hoisting system is for hoisting a vertically-suspended object. The hoisting system has a winch having a winch drum with a hoisting rope. A first part of the hoisting rope has a first diameter and a second part has a second diameter being larger than the first diameter. The first part is connected with a first end of the second part. The first part is an inner part on the winch drum when the winch drum is completely wound. The second part has a further end that is connectable to the object for hoisting the object. A ratio between the first diameter and the second diameter is such that the minimum breakable load of the first part differs less than a factor of four from the minimum breakable load of the second part, and preferably less than a factor of three. A corresponding method is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Thor Strand, Frank Tønnessen
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Publication number: 20210061421Abstract: An electrohydraulic device includes an extender which is arranged to be actuated by hydraulic fluid, and a rotor of an electric motor, the rotor being arranged to rotate about a part of the extender. The rotor may have an annular body which encircles or surrounds part of the extender. There is also described a related method of use and a marine vessel or platform where the device may be applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2018Publication date: March 4, 2021Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Yngvar BORØY, Thor STRAND, Geir Odd BERGSTØL
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Patent number: 10875747Abstract: A device for tensioning an elongated hoisting member, comprises: a first friction-generating member rotatably supported around a first support member; a second friction-generating member rotatably supported around a second support member, the first and second friction-generating members being adapted to provide friction to the elongated hoisting member when the friction-generating members are pressed against each other with a portion of the elongated hoisting member therebetween. A brake is provided for braking the rotation of the friction-generating members around the support members. There is also described a system that includes such a device, as well as a method for operating such a system.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Inventors: Yngvar Borøy, Adrian Mihai Orasanu, Thor Strand
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Patent number: 10611610Abstract: Described is an offshore lifting crane, as for a vessel or platform, that includes a support structure, a crane boom connected to the support structure, a winch drum rotatable around its longitudinal axis, a winch drum drive means, and an elongated hoisting member. The hoisting member includes a first end connected to the winch drum and a second end connectable to a load. The hoisting member extends over at least a part of the crane boom, and the winch drum is arranged such that its longitudinal axis is substantially vertical.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Yngvar Borøy, Ricardo Correia, Hugo Lacerda, Thor Strand
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Publication number: 20200062554Abstract: A method of upgrading a knuckle-boom crane to a heave-compensating crane includes: removing a knuckle-boom from a main boom; mounting a main boom extension to the main boom for increasing the length of the main boom; and mounting a heave-compensating boom at a far end of the main boom extension such that the heave-compensating boom extends in a downward vertical direction (Z) in operational use of the heave-compensating crane. The heave-compensating boom is configured to be pivotable with respect to the main boom extension in both horizontal directions (X, Y). A heave-compensation system is provided to the knuckle-boom crane, wherein the heave-compensation system compensates for horizontal variations by controlling the orientation of the heave-compensating boom relative to the main boom extension, and compensates for vertical variations by means of a further vertical heave-compensation system, such as a winch-based heave-compensation system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2017Publication date: February 27, 2020Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Yngvar BORØY, Thor STRAND, Adrian ORASANU, Ricardo Nuno CORREIA
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Patent number: 10550825Abstract: A method of building an offshore windmill includes, using a 3D-heave-compensated crane, placing on a windmill pedestal a lifting jack having a receiving region, and fixing the lifting jack to the windmill pedestal such that the lifting jack can be later removed, and such that a windmill column can be placed within the receiving region directly on the windmill pedestal. The windmill generator is installed using the 3D-heave-compensated crane. The windmill column is partially erected on the windmill pedestal using the 3D-heave-compensated crane and the lifting jack. Before the windmill is fully erected, windmill blades are placed on the windmill generator using the 3D-heave-compensated crane, and the erection of the windmill column on the windmill pedestal is completed using at least the lifting jack. Using the 3D-heave-compensated crane, the lifting jack is removed from the windmill pedestal.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO NORWAY ASInventors: Yngvar Borøy, Thor Strand
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Publication number: 20190360282Abstract: A drilling unit on a deck of a floating vessel, includes a drill tower structure with a heave-compensation system, a winch mounted at or near the deck, a crown block mounted at a top side of the drill tower structure and at least one wire rope between the winch and the crown block. The heave-compensation system includes a slideable support frame configured to be moved in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the drill tower structure. Either the winch or the crown block is positioned within the slideable support frame such that a distance between the winch and the crown block is controlled by at least one electric motor or linear actuator. In an alternative embodiment in which a crown block in not employed, the winch is placed in the slideable support frame at the top side of the drill tower structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2018Publication date: November 28, 2019Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Karsen BERGE MELING, Hans Anders ERIKSSON, Yngvar BORØY, Thor STRAND
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Patent number: 10378290Abstract: A system for hoisting a load on a drilling rig includes: a hoisting means having an elongated hoisting member and an elongated hoisting member drive means; a drill string rotation means suspended from an end of the elongated hoisting member; a support structure having a first side and a second side and being adapted to support at least a portion of the weight the drill string rotation means; a first elongated hoisting member guiding means connected to the support structure; and a counterweight connected to the elongated hoisting member at the second side of the support structure. The elongated hoisting member is reeved over the first elongated hoisting member guiding means from the first to the second side of the support structure. The drill string rotation means is suspended from the elongated hoisting member at the first side of the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Yngvar Borøy, Anders Eriksson, Thor Strand, Anibal B. Teixeira
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Publication number: 20190186465Abstract: A method of building an offshore windmill includes, using a 3D-heave-compensated crane, placing on a windmill pedestal a lifting jack having a receiving region, and fixing the lifting jack to the windmill pedestal such that the lifting jack can be later removed, and such that a windmill column can be placed within the receiving region directly on the windmill pedestal. The windmill generator is installed using the 3D-heave-compensated crane. The windmill column is partially erected on the windmill pedestal using the 3D-heave-compensated crane and the lifting jack. Before the windmill is fully erected, windmill blades are placed on the windmill generator using the 3D-heave-compensated crane, and the erection of the windmill column on the windmill pedestal is completed using at least the lifting jack. Using the 3D-heave-compensated crane, the lifting jack is removed from the windmill pedestal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Yngvar BORØY, Thor STRAND
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Patent number: 10189688Abstract: A winch drum device includes a first winch drum with an outer surface adapted to accommodate axially displaced turns of wire rope and further includes a wire rope storage means, such as a recess, extending at least partially radially in from said outer surface. The wire rope storage means is adapted to accommodate one or more layers of the wire rope. The winch drum device may be incorporated into a winch.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO NORWAY ASInventors: Yngvar Borøy, Thor Strand, Anders Eriksson, Anibal B. Teixeira
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Publication number: 20190002249Abstract: A device for tensioning an elongated hoisting member, comprises: a first friction-generating member rotatably supported around a first support member; a second friction-generating member rotatably supported around a second support member, the first and second friction-generating members being adapted to provide friction to the elongated hoisting member when the friction-generating members are pressed against each other with a portion of the elongated hoisting member therebetween. A brake is provided for braking the rotation of the friction-generating members around the support members. There is also described a system that includes such a device, as well as a method for operating such a system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2017Publication date: January 3, 2019Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Yngvar BORØY, Adrian Mihai ORASANU, Thor STRAND
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Publication number: 20180079631Abstract: Described is an offshore lifting crane, as for a vessel or platform, that includes a support structure, a crane boom connected to the support structure, a winch drum rotatable around its longitudinal axis, a winch drum drive means, and an elongated hoisting member. The hoisting member includes a first end connected to the winch drum and a second end connectable to a load. The hoisting member extends over at least a part of the crane boom, and the winch drum is arranged such that its longitudinal axis is substantially vertical.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2016Publication date: March 22, 2018Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Yngvar BORØY, Ricardo CORREIA, Hugo LACERDA, Thor STRAND
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Publication number: 20180009641Abstract: A winch drum device includes a first winch drum with an outer surface adapted to accommodate axially displaced turns of wire rope and further includes a wire rope storage means, such as a recess, extending at least partially radially in from said outer surface. The wire rope storage means is adapted to accommodate one or more layers of the wire rope. The winch drum device may be incorporated into a winch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2015Publication date: January 11, 2018Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway ASInventors: Yngvar BORØY, Thor STRAND, Anders ERIKSSON, Anibal B. TEIXEIRA