Patents Assigned to VIV Suppression, Inc.
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Patent number: 8834070Abstract: Apparatus and methods for securing a fairing around a marine element. The apparatus can include first and second opposing sides, and a third side extending between the first and second sides. An attachment mechanism can extend from the third side, and is configured to interlock with a corresponding attachment mechanism of an opposing connector to secure the fairing around a marine element.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
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Patent number: 8622657Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
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Patent number: 8475085Abstract: The present invention discloses a vortex induced vibration inhibitor (“VIVI”) comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having an elongated opening defined by locking edges. The housing is operable between an open and a closed position. Connecting assemblies include barbed connector pins received in grooved housings. Connector slots are provided in the connector and receptor housings. Retainer pins provide for release of connecting assemblies. Spacers are provided to limit movement of the housing in relation to the surrounded structure. An alignment stub is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H Masters, Kinton Lawler, Randy W. Masters, Michael P. Sykes
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Patent number: 8474392Abstract: The present invention discloses a compliant banding system for use in a marine environment comprising a flexible compliant member and an abaxial relatively rigid strap, both constructed to extend circumferentially around an underlying structure such as a strake or fairing collar. The strap maintains a fixed circumference while the compliant member flexes intermediate the strap and an underlying.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Cecil M. Brandon, Jr., Stuart John Harbert, Kurt D. Vandervort, Bill Griffith
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Patent number: 8297883Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
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Patent number: 7934888Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
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Publication number: 20110074074Abstract: The present invention discloses a compliant banding system for use in a marine environment comprising a flexible compliant member and an abaxial relatively rigid strap, both constructed to extend circumferentially around an underlying structure such as a strake or fairing collar. The strap maintains a fixed circumference while the compliant member flexes intermediate the strap and an underlying.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Cecil M. Brandon, JR., Stuart John Harbert, Kurt D. Vandervort, Bill Griffith
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Patent number: 7845299Abstract: The present invention discloses a compliant banding system for use in a marine environment comprising a flexible compliant member and an abaxial relatively rigid strap, both constructed to extend circumferentially around an underlying structure such as a strake or fairing collar. The strap maintains a fixed circumference while the compliant member flexes intermediate the strap and an underlying.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Cecil M. Brandon, Jr., Stuart John Harbert, Kurt D. Vandervort, Bill Griffith
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Patent number: 7674074Abstract: The present invention discloses a vortex induced vibration inhibitor (“VIVI”) comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having an elongated opening defined by locking edges. The housing is operable between an open and a closed position. Connecting assemblies include barbed connector pins received in grooved housings. Connector slots are provided in the connector and receptor housings. Retainer pins provide for release of connecting assemblies. Spacers are provided to limit movement of the housing in relation to the surrounded structure. An alignment stub is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Kinton Lawler, Randy W. Masters, Michael P. Sykes
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Publication number: 20090252558Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: VIV Suppression, Inc.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
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Patent number: 7337742Abstract: A fairing for the reduction of vortex-induced vibration and the minimization of drag about a substantially cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. The fairing also eliminates the galloping phenomenon typically associated with a teardrop-shaped fairing. The fairing having a U-shaped cylindrical shell with opposing edges defining a longitudinal gap and parallel fins extending outwardly from the opposing edges of the shell, the parallel fins being positioned so as to reduce vortex-induced vibration, minimize drag and to eliminate the galloping phenomenon on the cylindrical element. Preferably, the length to diameter ratio of the fins is 1.5 to 2.50.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignees: VIV Suppression, Inc., Seahorse Equipment CorporationInventors: Rodney H. Masters, Randy W. Masters, Michael Sykes, Steven J. Leverette, Kenneth J. Schaudt