James A Files

US Patent:

45481512, Oct 22, 1985

Filed:

Jun 22, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/390861

Inventors:

James H. Files - Houston TX
John M. Montague - Houston TX

Assignee:

La Salle Marine, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B63B 5902

US Classification:

114219

Abstract:

A replaceable marine fender mechanism according to the present invention is adapted for connection to marine structures such as the cylindrical legs of offshore platforms to prevent vessels and other objects from impacting against the platform legs and causing damage. The fender mechanism is supported by upper and lower energy cells with the lower energy cell having a stabbing and positioning receptacle that is adapted to receive a stabbing and positioning portion defined at the lower extremity of an elongated fender post. The upper extremity of the bumper post is releasably supported by a bolted connected structure that is presented at the free extremity of an upper energy cell that is also securable to the leg structure of the offshore platform. A cylindrical fender element is receivable about the fender post and is supported by a connector element to the upper energy absorbing structure. The lower portion of the fender post is provided with internal positioning element that establishes a close fitting relation with the inner peripheral surfaces of the resilient fender and thereby precludes transverse movement of the fender relative to the fender post.

US Patent:

48368911, Jun 6, 1989

Filed:

May 19, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/864508

Inventors:

James H. Files - Houston TX
Donald M. Harrel - Houston TX
John M. Montague - Houston TX
Thomas L. Stansbury Sr. - Houston TX
Carlton T. Sikes - Houston TX

Assignee:

Evaporation, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B01D 106

US Classification:

159 281

Abstract:

A method for concentrating salt water. Salt water is separated from oil-water mixture which has been produced from a well. Salt water is introduced into a recirculating weir and mixed with more concentrated brine. Brine is recirculated through a thermal syphon apparatus. Recirculation includes passing brine, including some salt water, from weir into boiler vessel. Brine is heated within boiler vessel to a boiling temperature whereby brine, while boiling, generates steam which passes up out of weir. All of foregoing steps are performed at atmospheric pressure. The density of brine is sensed at a location in the lower vicinity of weir. Concentrated brine is released from lower vicinity when density at sensed temperature is at a level corresponding to a brine concentration near the precipitation of salt from solution. Salt water and brine is passed through a magnetic water treating unit. The concentrated brine, as released, is passed into a holding vessel.