Patents by Inventor Waybourn Anderson

Waybourn Anderson 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).

  • Patent number: 11499380
    Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) systems. For example, this disclosure includes integrated flow spool and isolation tool riser components that can be permanently coupled together and that can be configured to pass through a rotary table or other rig equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: AMERIFORGE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman
  • Patent number: 11306551
    Abstract: A method of seal condition monitoring may determine the state of the annular seal, the state of one or more sealing elements, take actions to maintain the annular seal as one or more sealing elements transition from new to worn, and provide advance notice of the impending failure of one or more sealing elements so as to avoid a catastrophic annular seal failure while the marine riser is pressurized. Advantageously, operations may be conducted proactively rather than reactively, and one or more sealing elements may be replaced well in advance of failure, but potentially later than a conventional maintenance schedule would dictate. The one or more failing sealing elements may be proactively replaced without depressurizing the marine riser, prior to seal failure or replacement may be planned well in advance and coordinated with other rig operations to improve efficiency and maintain the safety of the drilling rig and personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: AMERIFORGE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Jr., Brian Piccolo, Saravanan Sundaramoorthy, Alexander John MacGregor, Kareem Ahmed Ameen Amer, George James Michaud
  • Patent number: 11306550
    Abstract: A method of seal condition monitoring may determine the state of the annular seal, the state of one or more sealing elements, take actions to maintain the annular seal as one or more sealing elements transition from new to worn, and provide advance notice of the impending failure of one or more sealing elements so as to avoid a catastrophic annular seal failure while the marine riser is pressurized. Advantageously, operations may be conducted proactively rather than reactively, and one or more sealing elements may be replaced well in advance of failure, but potentially later than a conventional maintenance schedule would dictate. The one or more failing sealing elements may be proactively replaced without depressurizing the marine riser, prior to seal failure or replacement may be planned well in advance and coordinated with other rig operations to improve efficiency and maintain the safety of the drilling rig and personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: AMERIFORGE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Jr., Brian Piccolo, Saravanan Sundaramoorthy, Alexander John MacGregor, Kareem Ahmed Ameen Amer, George James Michaud
  • Patent number: 11274502
    Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) and that can be split apart when using pin connectors to connect auxiliary lines to other auxiliary lines and to components of the riser-component assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: AMERIFORGE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman
  • Publication number: 20210115738
    Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) systems. For example, this disclosure includes integrated flow spool and isolation tool riser components that can be permanently coupled together and that can be configured to pass through a rotary table or other rig equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman
  • Patent number: 10837239
    Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) systems. For example, this disclosure includes integrated flow spool and isolation tool riser components that can be permanently coupled together and that can be configured to pass through a rotary table or other rig equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: AMERIFORGE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman
  • Publication number: 20200300052
    Abstract: A method of seal condition monitoring may determine the state of the annular seal, the state of one or more sealing elements, take actions to maintain the annular seal as one or more sealing elements transition from new to worn, and provide advance notice of the impending failure of one or more sealing elements so as to avoid a catastrophic annular seal failure while the marine riser is pressurized. Advantageously, operations may be conducted proactively rather than reactively, and one or more sealing elements may be replaced well in advance of failure, but potentially later than a conventional maintenance schedule would dictate. The one or more failing sealing elements may be proactively replaced without depressurizing the marine riser, prior to seal failure or replacement may be planned well in advance and coordinated with other rig operations to improve efficiency and maintain the safety of the drilling rig and personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, JR., Brian Piccolo, Saravanan Sundaramoorthy, Alexander John MacGregor, Kareem Ahmed Ameen Amer, George James Michaud
  • Publication number: 20200300051
    Abstract: A method of seal condition monitoring may determine the state of the annular seal, the state of one or more sealing elements, take actions to maintain the annular seal as one or more sealing elements transition from new to worn, and provide advance notice of the impending failure of one or more sealing elements so as to avoid a catastrophic annular seal failure while the marine riser is pressurized. Advantageously, operations may be conducted proactively rather than reactively, and one or more sealing elements may be replaced well in advance of failure, but potentially later than a conventional maintenance schedule would dictate. The one or more failing sealing elements may be proactively replaced without depressurizing the marine riser, prior to seal failure or replacement may be planned well in advance and coordinated with other rig operations to improve efficiency and maintain the safety of the drilling rig and personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, JR., Brian Piccolo, Saravanan Sundaramoorthy, Alexander John MacGregor, Kareem Ahmed Ameen Amer, George James Michaud
  • Patent number: 10781956
    Abstract: Various connection devices and assemblies, such as telescoping riser joints, can include at least one of the present connection devices. Some of the present connection devices, for example, include a housing having a bore therethrough; a locking ring rotatably movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position; and an engagement member laterally moveable relative to the bore of the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. In some such connection devices, the locking ring is configured such that movement from the first position to the second position causes the engagement member to move from the retracted position to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: AMERIFORCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman, Julio Garza
  • Publication number: 20200284102
    Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) and that can be split apart when using pin connectors to connect auxiliary lines to other auxiliary lines and to components of the riser-component assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman
  • Publication number: 20200232286
    Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) systems. For example, this disclosure includes integrated flow spool and isolation tool riser components that can be permanently coupled together and that can be configured to pass through a rotary table or other rig equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman
  • Patent number: 10655403
    Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) and that can be split apart when using pin connectors to connect auxiliary lines to other auxiliary lines and to components of the riser-component assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: AMERIFORGE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman
  • Patent number: 10655410
    Abstract: A dual gradient drilling system includes a subsea blowout preventer disposed above a wellhead, the subsea blowout preventer having a central lumen configured to provide access to a wellbore, a lower section of a marine riser fluidly connected to the subsea blowout preventer, a closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system fluidly connected to the lower section of the marine riser and disposed at a predetermined depth, an annular sealing system disposed above the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system, and an independent mud return line fluidly connecting one or more pump heads of the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system to a choke manifold disposed on a floating platform of a rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: AMERIFORCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Brian Piccolo, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 10612317
    Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) systems. For example, this disclosure includes integrated flow spool and isolation tool riser components that can be permanently coupled together and that can be configured to pass through a rotary table or other rig equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: AMERIFORGE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman
  • Patent number: 10590721
    Abstract: A dual gradient drilling system includes a subsea blowout preventer disposed above a wellhead, the subsea blowout preventer having a central lumen configured to provide access to a wellbore, a lower section of a marine riser fluidly connected to the subsea blowout preventer, a closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system fluidly connected to the lower section of the marine riser and disposed at a predetermined depth, an annular sealing system disposed above the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system, and an independent mud return line fluidly connecting one or more pump heads of the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system to a choke manifold disposed on a floating platform of a rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AMERIFORGE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Brian Piccolo, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 10577878
    Abstract: A dual gradient drilling system includes a subsea blowout preventer disposed above a wellhead, the subsea blowout preventer having a central lumen configured to provide access to a wellbore, a lower section of a marine riser fluidly connected to the subsea blowout preventer, a closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system fluidly connected to the lower section of the marine riser and disposed at a predetermined depth, an annular sealing system disposed above the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system, and an independent mud return line fluidly connecting one or more pump heads of the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system to a choke manifold disposed on a floating platform of a rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: AMERIFORGE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Brian Piccolo, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Publication number: 20190145205
    Abstract: A dual gradient drilling system includes a subsea blowout preventer disposed above a wellhead, the subsea blowout preventer having a central lumen configured to provide access to a wellbore, a lower section of a marine riser fluidly connected to the subsea blowout preventer, a closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system fluidly connected to the lower section of the marine riser and disposed at a predetermined depth, an annular sealing system disposed above the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system, and an independent mud return line fluidly connecting one or more pump heads of the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system to a choke manifold disposed on a floating platform of a rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Brian Piccolo, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Publication number: 20190145204
    Abstract: A dual gradient drilling system includes a subsea blowout preventer disposed above a wellhead, the subsea blowout preventer having a central lumen configured to provide access to a wellbore, a lower section of a marine riser fluidly connected to the subsea blowout preventer, a closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system fluidly connected to the lower section of the marine riser and disposed at a predetermined depth, an annular sealing system disposed above the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system, and an independent mud return line fluidly connecting one or more pump heads of the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system to a choke manifold disposed on a floating platform of a rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Brian Piccolo, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Publication number: 20190145203
    Abstract: A dual gradient drilling system includes a subsea blowout preventer disposed above a wellhead, the subsea blowout preventer having a central lumen configured to provide access to a wellbore, a lower section of a marine riser fluidly connected to the subsea blowout preventer, a closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system fluidly connected to the lower section of the marine riser and disposed at a predetermined depth, an annular sealing system disposed above the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system, and an independent mud return line fluidly connecting one or more pump heads of the closed-hydraulic positive displacement subsea pump system to a choke manifold disposed on a floating platform of a rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Austin Johnson, Brian Piccolo, Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Publication number: 20180320453
    Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) systems. For example, this disclosure includes integrated flow spool and isolation tool riser components that can be permanently coupled together and that can be configured to pass through a rotary table or other rig equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Waybourn Anderson, Alex Gidman