Patents by Inventor Billy L. Griffith

Billy L. Griffith 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).

  • Publication number: 20110204202
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for supporting tubular members are provided. A support structure can include at least one body having a plurality of openings disposed therethrough. Each opening can have an inner surface that includes at least one circular portion and at least one elliptical portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: AIMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Blake R. Masters, Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
  • Patent number: 7934888
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: VIV Suppression, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20090252559
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing underwater devices on sub-sea structures. The apparatus can include a body having at least one pair of support members extending therefrom. At least one actuator, adapted to move in a linear direction, can be disposed on each support member. At least one connector can be disposed on each actuator. The connector can include at least one aperture disposed therethrough for receiving an attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20090252558
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing underwater devices. The apparatus can include a body having at least one pair of support members extending therefrom. At least one actuator, adapted to move in a linear direction, can be disposed on each support member, and at least one connector can be disposed on each actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: VIV Suppression, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20090185867
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20090185868
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing vortex induced vibration are provided. An apparatus for reducing vortex induced vibration can include a first body at least partially disposed within a second body. The first body can be made of a material having more weight per linear foot than the second body. The apparatus can also include one or more helical fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith