Patents by Inventor Fred G. Britton

Fred G. Britton 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).

  • Patent number: 4160612
    Abstract: A tube closure for use in a pile or leg connectable to the inside of a pile or leg between the ends of a pile or leg to divide the pile or leg into separate compartments to permit control flooding of each compartment. A locking ring is installed in the inside of the pile or leg to allow engagement of locking dogs with the pile or leg to limit longitudinal movement of the closure system through the pile or leg. The locking dogs are operably connected to a hub which when lifted moves the locking dogs away from the locking ring to disengage the system. An inflatable rubber packer is formed around the closure to seal off the area between the closure and the inner wall of the pile or leg. Once the piling or leg is in location, the rubber packer is deflated and the system is removed by a wire line which lifts a hub secured to the dogs to move the dogs out of engagement with the locking ring before lifting the assembly from its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1979
    Assignee: Oil States Rubber Co.
    Inventors: Fred G. Britton, Robert J. Von Bose, Cecil T. Keller
  • Patent number: 4145158
    Abstract: A diaphragm closure support system connectable to the inside of a pipe adjacent a diaphragm closure on the end of the pipe to prevent rupture of the diaphragm closure by hydrostatic pressure when the pipe is submerged in water. A diaphragm closure support ring having slots formed therein is welded to the inside of the lower end of the pipe. A diaphragm support plate, slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the support ring, is positioned to engage the resilient diaphragm closing the end of the pipe. A plurality of T-bolts are pivotally secured to the support plate and positioned to extend into the slots in a support ring. A T-bolt retraction ring is moveably secured to the support plate and positioned to urge the T-bolts into a locked position in the slots in the support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: Oil States Rubber Co.
    Inventors: Fred G. Britton, Murl R. Richardson, Robert J. VON Bose