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:
Nov. 26, 2002
Filed:
Jan. 30, 2001
Mark Childers, Spring, TX (US);
Michael Cunningham, Houston, TX (US);
Other;
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling a blowout preventer stack. The apparatus comprises a control pod having a plurality of direct operated solenoid valves in electronic communication with a surface controller through one or more dedicated electronic control wires. The solenoids translate electronic control signals from the controller into hydraulic control signals that are in communication with a hydraulically operated pilot valve to cause delivery of hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a critical function of the blowout preventer stack (i.e., closing of a blowout preventer). The system also provides a plurality of hydraulically operated pilot valves that deliver hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a non-critical function of the blowout preventer stack upon receiving a hydraulic control signal directly from the controller through the umbilical.