Patents Assigned to Big-Inch Marine Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 4618173
    Abstract: A swivel coupling element for use in sealingly coupling a tubular element to an annular coupling flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Big-Inch Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Emil E. Dopyera, Jack E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4608739
    Abstract: A method of forming a connection between a tubular member and an annular collar which has at least one internal annular recess. The method includes positioning the collar over portion of the tubular member to define an axially extending connection zone embracing the annular recess, positioning a solid deformable transmitting material in the tubular member in alignment with the connection zone, confining the transmitting material axially to the connection zone, and applying a deformation force gradually to the transmitting material to deform its radially outwardly and thus deform the tubular member into the recess of the collar to form a connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Big-Inch Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4530526
    Abstract: A swivel coupling element for use in sealingly coupling a tubular element to an annular coupling flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Big-Inch Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Emil E. Dopyera, Jack E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4436325
    Abstract: A locking slip coupling for coupling two tubular elements in sealed relationship. The coupling comprises a first tubular member having an outer end for connection to one tubular element, and having an inner end comprising an axially extending locking sleeve, the locking sleeve having an annular gripping zone defined by the locking sleeve having a plurality of annular gripping teeth along its inner surface in the gripping zone, having cam means along its outer surface in the gripping zone, and by the locking sleeve being radially compressible in the gripping zone. The coupling further comprises a second tubular member having an outer end for connection to another tubular element, and having an inner end comprising an inner barrel located within the locking sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Big Inch Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4372584
    Abstract: A coupling for coupling two pipe sections in sealed relationship, the coupling comprising a male member for connection to one pipe section, a female member for connection to a second pipe section, a locking member located on the male member, the locking member comprising a locking sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially spaced bendable locking fingers which extend integrally and axially from the locking sleeve, a displacement piston mounted on the male member for displacing the free end portions of the locking fingers radially outwardly, and a locking recess in the female member for receiving the locking fingers when displaced by the displacement means while the members are in mating engagement, the locking recess defining a bearing surface against which the free ends of the locking fingers will bear during displacement to draw the two members into sealing engagement with each other, the bearing surface being shaped to allow displacement of the locking fingers into and over center locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: Big Inch Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4348039
    Abstract: A high pressure coupling for releasably coupling high pressure tubular elements in sealed relationship, the coupling comprising a first tubular member having a socket formation, a second tubular member having a spigot formation sealingly engaged with the socket formation in mating relationship therewith, one member having an annular recess and the other member having a radially directed annular bearing surface to cooperate with a locking sleeve, and a radially deformable locking sleeve positioned in the annular recess, the locking sleeve being located against radial deformation out of the recess by the bearing surface engaging with the bearing surface of the locking sleeve. The coupling further includes bias means operative between the tubular members to provide a predetermined bias force to restrain axial separation of the mated formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Big Inch Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4178020
    Abstract: A locking slip joint has primary utility in the making up of a tie-in in pipeline laying and repair operations. In a preferred embodiment the slip joint comprises an inner sleeve telescopically received within an outer sleeve. Means for locking the sleeves together is disposed in an annulus between the sleeves and comprises a seal ring having annular teeth in communication with both sleeves. A pair of opposed tapered annular pistons engage mating recesses in the seal ring and are hydraulically actuated to deform the seal ring outwardly thereby embedding the teeth into both sleeves. The embedment provides an irreversible metal-to-metal seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Assignee: Big-Inch Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Emil E. Dopyera