Patents by Inventor Frank Shih-Fai Chou

Frank Shih-Fai Chou 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).

  • Floating stability device for offshore platform
    Patent number: 6786679
    Abstract: An offshore well platform is towed in an upright condition to a well site by the use of a temporary flotation device. The flotation device mounts to a portion of the platform and is partially submerged, increasing the ability and buoyancy of the platform. At the site, the engagement of the flotation device shifts to a deploying position. In the deploying position, the ballast of the platform is increased to cause it to more deeply submerge. The flotation device remains at least partially surrounding the platform and floating while the platform moves downwardly relative to it. This provides lateral support if needed to prevent heeling while being submerged. The flotation device is disengageable from the platform when the platform is fully submerged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Lummus Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward W. Huang, Frank Shih-Fai Chou, Jun Zou
  • Floating stability device for offshore platform
    Publication number: 20020154954
    Abstract: An offshore well platform is towed in an upright condition to a well site by the use of a temporary flotation device. The flotation device mounts to a portion of the platform and is partially submerged, increasing the ability and buoyancy of the platform. At the site, the engagement of the flotation device shifts to a deploying position. In the deploying position, the ballast of the platform is increased to cause it to more deeply submerge. The flotation device remains at least partially surrounding the platform and floating while the platform moves downwardly relative to it. This provides lateral support if needed to prevent heeling while being submerged. The flotation device is disengageable from the platform when the platform is fully submerged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Edward W. Huang, Frank Shih-Fai Chou, Jun Zou