Patents by Inventor Gary R. Stonesifer

Gary R. Stonesifer 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).

  • Keel joint arrangements for floating platforms
    Publication number: 20040234344
    Abstract: Keel joint assemblies are described that permit a degree of rotational movement of a riser within the keel of a floating vessel and greatly reduce the amount of stress and strain that is placed upon the riser, as well. Keel joint assemblies described provide a limiting joint between the riser and the keel opening that permits some angular rotation of the riser with respect to the floating vessel. Additionally, the limiting joint permits the riser to move upwardly and downwardly within the keel opening, but centralizes the riser with respect to the keel opening so that the riser cannot move horizontally with respect to the keel opening. In described embodiments, the limiting joint is provided by a single annular joint that allows that riser to move angularly with respect to the can. In some embodiments, the keel joint assembly incorporates a cylindrical stiffening can that radially surrounds a portion of the riser and is disposed within the keel opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Rockford D. Lyle, Jeffery K. McCarty, Amin Radi, Joseph W. Pallini, Gilbert P. Mican, Gary R. Stonesifer
  • Keel joint arrangements for floating platforms
    Patent number: 6746182
    Abstract: Keel joint assemblies are described that permit a degree of rotational movement of a riser within the keel of a floating vessel and greatly reduce the amount of stress and strain that is placed upon the riser, as well. Keel joint assemblies described provide a limiting joint between the riser and the keel opening that permits some angular rotation of the riser with respect to the floating vessel. Additionally, the limiting joint permits the riser to move upwardly and downwardly within the keel opening, but centralizes the riser with respect to the keel opening so that the riser cannot move horizontally with respect to the keel opening. In described embodiments, the limiting joint is provided by a single annular joint that allows that riser to move angularly with respect to the can. In some embodiments, the keel joint assembly incorporates a cylindrical stiffening can that radially surrounds a portion of the riser and is disposed within the keel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Joseph W. Pallini, Gary R. Stonesifer
  • Keel joint arrangements for floating platforms
    Publication number: 20030021634
    Abstract: Keel joint assemblies are described that permit a degree of rotational movement of a riser within the keel of a floating vessel and greatly reduce the amount of stress and strain that is placed upon the riser, as well. Keel joint assemblies described provide a limiting joint between the riser and the keel opening that permits some angular rotation of the riser with respect to the floating vessel. Additionally, the limiting joint permits the riser to move upwardly and downwardly within the keel opening, but centralizes the riser with respect to the keel opening so that the riser cannot move horizontally with respect to the keel opening. In described embodiments, the limiting joint is provided by a single annular joint that allows that riser to move angularly with respect to the can. In some embodiments, the keel joint assembly incorporates a cylindrical stiffening can that radially surrounds a portion of the riser and is disposed within the keel opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Rockford D. Lyle, Jeffery K. McCarty, Amin Radi, Joseph W. Pallini, Gilbert P. Mican, Gary R. Stonesifer