Patents by Inventor Alvin J. Niebur

Alvin J. Niebur has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7392757
    Abstract: The present invention is a fairlead for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead comprises a fairlead frame, a pivoting latch, and an actuator. The fairlead frame is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure and supports an axle for a chain sheave. The pivoting latch is mounted to pivot on the axle and comprises a tension link with a chain latch and a counterweight for urging the chain latch into engagement with the chain. The pivoting latch is configured to engage the chain only when the chain is traveling in the payout direction. The actuator controls the action of the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hydralift AmClyde, Inc.
    Inventor: Alvin J. Niebur
  • Patent number: 7104214
    Abstract: The present invention is a fairlead for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead comprises a fairlead frame, a pivoting latch, and an actuator. The fairlead frame is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure and supports an axle for a chain sheave. The pivoting latch is mounted to pivot on the axle and comprises a tension link with a chain latch and a counterweight for urging the chain latch into engagement with the chain. The pivoting latch is configured to engage the chain only when the chain is traveling in the payout direction. The actuator controls the action of the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hydralift AmClyde, Inc.
    Inventor: Alvin J. Niebur
  • Publication number: 20030147699
    Abstract: A system and a method for introducing a module into a pipeline during deepwater pipeline installation wherein a hang-off clamp supports a pipeline and translates from a pipeline feeding position to a module connection position wherein a module is connected to the pipeline. By-pass lines support the pipeline and module and lower them past the hang-off clamp. The hang-off clamp resumes support of the pipeline and returns to the pipeline feeding position with the pipeline and module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Wayne R. Long, Alvin J. Niebur