Patents by Inventor Donald C. Reed

Donald C. Reed 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: 20200327083
    Abstract: An embodiment of this disclosure provides an apparatus for use in an automated transaction system. The apparatus includes a first interface coupled to a primary bus, the first interface configured to permit communication of data. The apparatus also includes a second interface coupled to a secondary bus, the second interface configured to permit communication of the data. A network topology of the primary bus is different from a network topology of the secondary bus. The apparatus also includes at least one processing device coupled to the first interface and second interface. The at least one processor is configured to communicate the data over at least one of the first interface or second interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: William Martin Osborne, Thomas J. Westerman, Donald C. Reed, Robert E. Martin, Douglas Brian Haddon
  • Patent number: 4264235
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and releasing an underwater flexible line (30) within a channel (20) is disclosed. The channel (20) is formed on the support member (22) of an offshore structure such as the leg of a fixed offshore platform of the tension member of an offshore riser buoy system. The apparatus comprises a sled (22) which advances relative to the channel (20) on a track system. The sled (32) includes an aligning system for orienting and seating the line within the channel (20) as it advances along the length of the structure. Initially, the line is attached to the upper end of the offshore structure, preferably at or above the water surface and allowed to hang freely to the sea bed. Thus, the line is adjacent the channel and readily available for proper aligning and seating within the base of the channel. After the sled aligns and seats the line within the channel, it closes the channel securing the line by means of latches (34) pivotally mounted to one side of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Donald C. Reed, Charles E. Rinehart, Jr.