Patents by Inventor Gerald E. Burns

Gerald E. Burns 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: 4664554
    Abstract: Pressurized liquid filled tubular tendons provide a means for detecting leaks therein. Filling the tendon with a liquid having a specific gravity less than that of sea water provides increased buoyancy and reduces the weight supported by the buoyant structure. The use of a corrosion inhibiting liquid reduces the corrosion of the interior tendon wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventor: Gerald E. Burns
  • Patent number: 4576520
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods used to suppress the motion of an offshore structure due to wind, wave, seismic, and current forces. More specifically, the invention suppresses structural excitation due to secondary wave forces.The apparatus comprises a mechanical energy absorbing means and a submerged mass. The mechanical energy absorbing means may be a combination of linear or non-linear springs and dampers and is attached to the structure so the vibrating motion may be transferred to the motion damper. The proper weight or size of the damper and mechanical energy absorbing means is determined by first measuring the natural frequency of the structure and the mass of the structure then using those numbers in an equation to calculate the mass and spring constant for the desired apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: Sung L. Suh, Gerald E. Burns, William H. Silcox