Patents by Inventor Frank M. Pattee

Frank M. Pattee 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).

  • Breakaway joint for subsea components
    Patent number: 6561714
    Abstract: A breakaway joint for releasably connecting a first component to a second component, comprises a first member to which the first component is attached; a second member to which the second component is attached; a plurality of columnar members each having first and second ends, the first ends being coupled to the first member; and a mechanism engaged by both the second member and the second ends of the columnar members for latching the first member to the second member and for converting a tensile load acting between the first and second members into a compressive load acting on the columnar members; wherein when the tensile load reaches a predetermined level, the columnar members will buckle and the latching means will release the first member from the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventors: Michael R. Williams, Frank M. Pattee