Patents by Inventor Leonard D. Power

Leonard D. Power 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: 4717288
    Abstract: A flexible structural joint of "flex joint" for use in an articulated structure is disclosed. The articulated structure has a first section and a second section which are located along a longitudinal axis of the structure, the first section being subject to lateral or transverse loads. The flex joint is located between the first and second sections and accommodates lateral pivoting of the first section with respect to the second section through elastic flexing or bending of certain of its members. No moving parts are used. In a first embodiment, the flex joint consists of an elongated axial load member and at least three shear and torsion links oriented so as to lie substantially in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structure. Each of the links is connected at one of its ends to the first section and at its other end to the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Lyle D. Finn, Leonard D. Power