The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 18, 1986
Filed:
Nov. 28, 1984
Applicant:
Inventor:
Early B Denison, Houston, TX (US);
Assignee:
Shell Oil Company, Houston, TX (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
E21B / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
405195 ; 166367 ; 175-7 ; 405202 ;
Abstract
Method and apparatus for use in drilling a well from an offshore drilling vessel having a riser extending from the vessel down to a subsea wellhead. The apparatus of the invention comprises a flexible coupling installed in the riser's upper elements, with a tensioned cable connected between the flexible coupling and the vessel. The angle of misalignment of the riser's upper elements due to ocean currents impacting the riser and/or vessel may be maintained within acceptable limits by adjusting the tension applied to the flexible coupling.