Rodney H Masters

US Patent:

6390725, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Oct 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/419853

Inventors:

Rodney H. Masters - Houston TX

Assignee:

AIMS International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B25G 336

US Classification:

403403, 52202, 52507, 526568, 52664, 52698, 2482248

Abstract:

An apparatus for permanently securing a grating sheet having parallel and transverse bars that form a pattern of openings to a structural member. The apparatus includes an elongated generally L-shaped connector having an upper plate section generally rectangular in shape for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheet and a downwardly extending sidewall formed integrally with the plate section and adapted to extend along a longitudinal edge of the grating sheet. The L-shaped connector also can include a plurality of downwardly extending teeth formed integrally with the plate section and spaced apart from each other for insertion in between the grating bars. At least one generally right-angled brace is attached to the outer surface of the sidewall for permanently securing the L-shaped connector to the structural member. The brace has an edge configured to conform to an outer surface of the structural member, wherein the apparatus is formed of corrosion resistant material and is able to withstand the forces of waves in a wave-zone portion of an offshore platform.

US Patent:

6401646, Jun 11, 2002

Filed:

Sep 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/662389

Inventors:

Randy W. Masters - Houston TX
Rodney H. Masters - Houston TX
Michael P. Edfeldt - Helena AL

Assignee:

AIMS International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

F15D 110

US Classification:

114243

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a fairing system for the reduction of vortex-induced vibration and minimization of drag about a substantially cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. The fairing system includes a plurality of cylindrical shells rotatably mounted about a cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. Each cylindrical shell has opposing edges defining a longitudinal gap configured to allow the shells to snap around the cylindrical element. The longitudinal gap has a circumference of about 120Â relative to the circumference of each shell. Alternatively the longitudinal gap can have a circumference of about 60Â relative to the circumference of each shell. The shells also include a fin positioned along the each opposing edge of the longitudinal gap, in which each fin extends outwardly from each shell. The fins are positioned on each shell so as to reduce vortex-induced vibration and minimize drag on the cylindrical element.

US Patent:

7337742, Mar 4, 2008

Filed:

Aug 9, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/463413

Inventors:

Rodney H. Masters - Houston TX, US
Randy W. Masters - Houston TX, US
Michael Sykes - Spring TX, US
Steven J. Leverette - Richmond TX, US
Kenneth J. Schaudt - Katy TX, US

Assignee:

VIV Suppression, Inc. - Houston TX
Seahorse Equipment Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

F15D 1/10

US Classification:

114243

Abstract:

A fairing for the reduction of vortex-induced vibration and the minimization of drag about a substantially cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. The fairing also eliminates the galloping phenomenon typically associated with a teardrop-shaped fairing. The fairing having a U-shaped cylindrical shell with opposing edges defining a longitudinal gap and parallel fins extending outwardly from the opposing edges of the shell, the parallel fins being positioned so as to reduce vortex-induced vibration, minimize drag and to eliminate the galloping phenomenon on the cylindrical element. Preferably, the length to diameter ratio of the fins is 1. 5 to 2. 50.

US Patent:

RE40217, Apr 8, 2008

Filed:

Jan 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/481153

Inventors:

Rodney H. Masters - Houston TX, US
Michael T. Haas - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Advanced Industrial & Marine Services - Houston TX

International Classification:

E04C 2/42
E04B 1/38

US Classification:

52698, 52460, 52507, 525841, 526568, 52664, 52712, 52764, 52775, 52777

Abstract:

A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

US Patent:

7513209, Apr 7, 2009

Filed:

Mar 12, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/684861

Inventors:

Rodney H. Masters - Houston TX, US
Randy W. Masters - Houston TX, US
Michael Sykes - Spring TX, US
Steven J. Leverette - Richmond TX, US
Kenneth J. Schaudt - Katy TX, US

Assignee:

Seahorse Equipment Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

F15D 1/10

US Classification:

114243

Abstract:

A fairing for the reduction of vortex-induced vibration and the minimization of drag about a substantially cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. The fairing also eliminates the galloping phenomenon typically associated with a teardrop-shaped fairing. The fairing having a U-shaped cylindrical shell with opposing edges defining a longitudinal gap and parallel fins extending outwardly from the opposing edges of the shell, the parallel fins being positioned so as to reduce vortex-induced vibration, minimize drag and to eliminate the galloping phenomenon on the cylindrical element.

US Patent:

7674074, Mar 9, 2010

Filed:

Nov 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/577222

Inventors:

Rodney H. Masters - Houston TX, US
Kinton Lawler - Fulshear TX, US
Randy W. Masters - Houston TX, US
Michael P. Sykes - Spring TX, US

Assignee:

VIV Suppression, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

F15D 1/00

US Classification:

405216

Abstract:

The present invention discloses a vortex induced vibration inhibitor (“VIVI”) comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having an elongated opening defined by locking edges. The housing is operable between an open and a closed position. Connecting assemblies include barbed connector pins received in grooved housings. Connector slots are provided in the connector and receptor housings. Retainer pins provide for release of connecting assemblies. Spacers are provided to limit movement of the housing in relation to the surrounded structure. An alignment stub is provided.

US Patent:

7845299, Dec 7, 2010

Filed:

Mar 30, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/694620

Inventors:

Rodney H. Masters - Houston TX, US
Stuart John Harbert - Houston TX, US
Kurt D. Vandervort - Cypress TX, US
Bill Griffith - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

VIV Suppression, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

F15D 1/10

US Classification:

114243

Abstract:

The present invention discloses a compliant banding system for use in a marine environment comprising a flexible compliant member and an abaxial relatively rigid strap, both constructed to extend circumferentially around an underlying structure such as a strake or fairing collar. The strap maintains a fixed circumference while the compliant member flexes intermediate the strap and an underlying.

US Patent:

7934888, May 3, 2011

Filed:

Jan 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/016249

Inventors:

Rodney H. Masters - Houston TX, US
Billy L. Griffith - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

VIV Suppression, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E02D 5/60
F15D 1/10

US Classification:

405216

Abstract:

Systems and methods for reducing vortex-induced vibration and drag about a marine element are provided. The system can include, but is not limited to, a shell rotatably mounted about the marine element, the shell having opposing edges defining a longitudinal gap configured to allow the shell to snap (be placed) around at least a portion of the marine element. A fin can be positioned along each opposing edge of the longitudinal gap, wherein each fin can extend outwardly from the shell. The fins can be positioned on the shell so as to reduce vortex-induced vibration and minimize drag on the marine element. One or more antifouling agents can be disposed on, in, or about at least a portion of the shell, the fins, or a combination thereof.