Jerry Allen Rhodes

US Patent:

6422791, Jul 23, 2002

Filed:

Apr 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/542567

Inventors:

Kim Hoang Phan - Houston TX
Jerry Keith Rhodes - Conroe TX
Chii Ren Lin - Bellaire TX
Rickie Gene Wester - Houston TX
Rockford D. Lyle - Pinehurst TX

Assignee:

ABB Vetco Gray Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16F 114

US Classification:

4052242, 166355, 285224, 267154, 403221

Abstract:

An attachment extends between an outer sleeve and an inner riser pipe where the pipe penetrates the keel of a platform. In one version, the attachment is a conically-shaped with a small diameter ring that engages the riser pipe and a large diameter ring that engages the outer sleeve. This attachment has elements that are very flexible in bending but relatively stiff and strong in axial load. Other versions include flat rings where lateral load is taken directly into tension and compression in the beams, allowing for relatively high lateral load transfer. Both the conically-shaped attachment and the flat ring have a number of variations that provide low bending stiffness but high axial stiffness of the elements. Depending on whether resistance to axial loads, lateral loads, or resistance to combination of both loads is desired, the attachment and the flat ring may be used alone or in combination. Other variations of the device provide two opposing conical shaped attachments or a conical and flat ring attachment installed together to provide load capability in both axial and lateral directions while still providing angular flexibility.

US Patent:

RE38458, Mar 9, 2004

Filed:

Sep 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/962991

Inventors:

Jerry K. Rhodes - Conroe TX
Jason R. Jackson - Houston TX

Assignee:

ABB Vetco Gray Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E02D 554

US Classification:

4052231, 4051951, 405224, 4033224, 285307, 166365, 166382

Abstract:

A bottom connector for the tendon of a tension leg platform uses a latch ring with an outer profile to engage a mating profile in a receptacle on the sea floor. The latch ring moves radially within a housing, relative to the receptacle, between an engaged position and a retracted position. The latch ring engages the receptacle by lowering the connector into the receptacle below the mating profile and then lifting it until the latch ring locks into the receptacle. The latch ring disengages the receptacle by lowering the connector beyond a recess located below the mating profile and then lifting the connector out of the receptacle. As the connector is lifted above the recess, a retaining ring is actuated by the recess to retain the latch ring in its retracted position.

US Patent:

62606247, Jul 17, 2001

Filed:

Jul 2, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/346871

Inventors:

Joseph William Pallini - Tomball TX
Jerry Keith Rhodes - Conroe TX

Assignee:

ABB Vetco Gray, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 33035
E21B 4301

US Classification:

166345

Abstract:

An internal tieback connector for connecting a riser from a platform to a subsea wellhead having internal grooves and a casing hanger therein. The connector has an inner body which carries a lower housing adapted to land on the wellhead. A plurality of dogs abut the lower housing and are adapted to engage and lift the inner body relative to the lower housing. An upper housing is carried on the inner body and adapted to force the dogs inward into engagement with the inner body. A plurality of latch members are carried on the inner body and are adapted to engage the internal grooves when the internal is moved upward relative to the lower housing.

US Patent:

59845856, Nov 16, 1999

Filed:

Sep 26, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/937830

Inventors:

Joseph W. Pallini - Tomball TX
Jerry K. Rhodes - Conroe TX
Jason R. Jackson - Houston TX

Assignee:

ABB Vetco Gray Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E02D 554

US Classification:

4052231

Abstract:

A bottom connector for the tendon of a tension leg platform uses a latch ring with an outer profile to engage a mating profile in a receptacle on the sea floor. The latch ring moves radially within a housing, relative to the receptacle, between an engaged position and a retracted position. The latch ring engages the receptacle by lowering the connector into the receptacle below the mating profile and then lifting it until the latch ring locks into the receptacle. The latch ring disengages the receptacle by lowering the connector beyond a recess located below the mating profile and then lifting the connector out of the receptacle. As the connector is lifted above the recess, a retaining ring is actuated by the recess to retain the latch ring in its retracted position.