The Petroleum Division of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) presented six awards for outstanding technical contributions and exemplary leadership in the petroleum field. Susan M. Cunningham, Paul Jukes, Jon Khachaturian, Jeff Hanson, Keith Ogdee, and the Shell Oil Company were honored at an awards ceremony held recently in Houston, Texas. 

Jon Khachaturian, the founder of Versabar, was awarded the Silver Patent Award, which the Petroleum Division presents to innovators holding at least 25 U.S. patents.   Khachaturian has registered 44 foreign and domestic patents, including Versabar, a reusable spreader bar for heavy lifting.  Pioneering the disciplines of certified weight measurement and proof load testing, Versabar has expanded its international portfolio to include hydraulic winch and custom chain jack rental, subsea lowering systems, umbilical and riser pull-ins, and subsea jumper bars.  Khachaturian is a graduate of the University of Illinois.

ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. Additional information is available at www.asme.org

About the Petroleum Division
The ASME Petroleum Division was founded in 1924 to provide mechanical engineers working in the areas of petroleum, natural gas, petrochemicals, coal, oil shale, and other fields with the opportunity to participate in technical workshops and conferences, while fostering the continued growth of engineering education and promoting mechanical engineering as a career choice. For more information visit www.asme-ipti.org.