Patent US1781425A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3601187A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3601187A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drilling riser
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1969-05-02
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Granted: 1971-08-24
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Expires: 1989-05-02
Abstract
Abstract A marine riser, for use with floating drilling equipment, that has flexible joints attached to its upper and lower ends. The lower flexible joint connects the riser to a subsea wellhead. The upper joint links the riser to a vertically extensible joint which is in turn pivotally connected to the drilling vessel. A tensioning device aboard the vessel maintains the riser in tension, preventing it from buckling.
Inventors
- 👤 Danny R Tidwell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 19:47
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B17/00; E21B17/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
Apparatus for use in an offshore well operation comprising: a. a substantially vertical riser; b. an extensible joint attached to the upper end of the riser; c. a flexible joint in said riser positioned below and in close proximity to the extensible joint; d. means for flexibly connecting the lower end of the riser to a subsea wellhead; e. means for pivotally connecting the extensible joint to a floating vessel; and f. means for applying tension to the riser.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
Apparatus for use in an offshore well operation comprising: a. a substantially vertical riser; b. an extensible joint attached to the upper end of the riser; c. a flexible joint in said riser positioned below and in close proximity to the extensible joint; d. means for flexibly connecting the lower end of the riser to a subsea wellhead; e. means for pivotally connecting the extensible joint to a floating vessel; and f. means for applying tension to the riser.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein the flexible joint is a ball joint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the means for flexibly connecting the lower end of the riser to the subsea wellhead includes a ball joint.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for use in a well operation conducted from a floating vessel comprising: a. a substantially vertical riser; b. a first flexible joint attached to the lower end of the riser; c. means for connecting the first flexible joint to a subsea wellhead; d. a second flexible joint in said riser near the upper end thereof; e. a slip joint attached to the upper end of the riser; f. means for pivotally connecting the slip joint to the vessel; g. means on the vessel for generating a tensile force; and h. means for transmitting said tensile force to said riser.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for use in a well operation conducted from a floating vessel comprising: a. a substantially vertical riser; b. a first flexible joint attached to the lower end of the riser; c. means for connecting the first flexible joint to a subsea wellhead; d. a second flexible joint in said riser near the upper end thereof; e. a slip joint attached to the upper end of the riser; f. means for pivotally connecting the slip joint to the vessel; g. means on the vessel for generating a tensile force; and h. means for transmitting said tensile force to said riser.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein the second flexible joint is a ball joint.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein the first flexible joint is a ball joint.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
81 words
Marine riser apparatus comprising: a. a substantially vertical riser; b. a first ball joint attached to the lower end of the riser; c. means for connecting the ball joint to a subsea wellhead; d. a second ball joint attached to the upper end of the riser; e. a slip joint attached to the upper end of the second ball joint; f. means for pivotally connecting the slip joint to a floating vessel; and g. means for applying tension to the riser.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
81 words
Marine riser apparatus comprising: a. a substantially vertical riser; b. a first ball joint attached to the lower end of the riser; c. means for connecting the ball joint to a subsea wellhead; d. a second ball joint attached to the upper end of the riser; e. a slip joint attached to the upper end of the second ball joint; f. means for pivotally connecting the slip joint to a floating vessel; and g. means for applying tension to the riser.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-23 | 1975-02-22 | 1975-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-23 | 1979-02-22 | 1979-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-23 | 1983-02-22 | 1983-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |