HORTON DEEPWATER DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100092246 | Semi-Submersible Offshore Structure - A semi-submersible offshore structure for offshore operations. In an embodiment, the structure comprises a buoyant hull. The hull comprises a first elongate horizontal pontoon having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The pontoon includes a first node disposed at the first end of the pontoon, a second node disposed at the second end of the pontoon, and an intermediate section extending axially from the first node to the second node. Moreover, the first node has a width W | 04-15-2010 |
20100054862 | Articulated Flowline Connection - An articulated flowline connection, or coupling, between a flowline and a structure. In some embodiments, the coupling includes a housing and three cylindrical members, each disposed within the housing. The housing has a first longitudinal centerline. The first cylindrical member is rotatable relative to the housing about the first centerline, the first cylindrical member supporting the flowline, whereby the flowline is rotatable about the first centerline relative to the housing. The second cylindrical members are immovable relative to the structure. The housing and the first cylindrical member disposed therein are rotatable about a second axis normal to the first centerline relative to the second and third cylindrical members, whereby the flowline is rotatable about the second axis relative to the structure. In some embodiments, the flowline is also rotatable about a third axis normal to the first centerline and the second axis relative to the coupling. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051624 | Floating Oil Storage System and Method - A floating oil storage system and associated methods for storing oil are disclosed. In some embodiments, the floating oil storage system includes a storage cell, a floating member disposed within the storage cell, whereby the storage cell is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment disposed below the first compartment, a pump operable to deliver oil under pressure into the first compartment, whereby the first compartment expands and the second compartment contracts expelling seawater from the second compartment, and a suction tank operable to receive oil expelled from the first compartment under hydrostatic pressure of seawater in the second compartment, whereby the first compartment contracts and the second compartment expands receiving seawater. | 03-04-2010 |
20090107387 | Jet Implanted Anchor - A jet implanted anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a tubular member having a plurality of pivotable flukes coupled thereto. Each pivotable fluke is moveable between a collapsed position, wherein the pivotable fluke abuts the tubular member, and an extended position, wherein the pivotable fluke is angularly offset from the tubular member. In other embodiments, the anchor includes a plate coupled along its perimeter to a tubular member. The tubular member includes at least one inlet, a plurality of nozzles, and a flowbore extending therebetween. The anchor further includes a swivel connection coupled between a pipe connector and the tubular member. The swivel connection is rotatable about the tubular member and provides fluid communication between the swivel connection and the tubular member. The pipe connector selectably limits rotation of the swivel connection about the tubular member and fluid communication between the pipe connector and the swivel connection. | 04-30-2009 |
20090095485 | Tube Buoyancy Can System - A tube buoyancy can system for tensioning a top tension riser. In some embodiments, the system includes a tubular can coupled to the top tension riser and a pressurized gas system configured to selectably inject pressurized gas into the tubular can. The tubular can includes an enclosed upper end having at least one closeable opening therethough, an open lower end configured to allow seawater to flow freely into and out of the tubular can, and an inner surface extending therebetween. The inner surface is devoid of structural obstructions which substantially inhibit the free flow of seawater through the lower end. When the opening is open, the tubular can is ballasted by seawater. When the opening is closed and pressurized gas is injected into the tubular can, the tubular can is de-ballasted of seawater. | 04-16-2009 |