Patents by Inventor Graham Gibbons

Graham Gibbons 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: 10107078
    Abstract: A hydraulically-powered subsea tool system has a tool (26) and a tool power unit (12). The tool (26) communicates with a first connector element (30) on a hydraulic drive circuit (82). The tool power unit (12) has a hydraulic supply circuit (88) communicating with a second connector element (20). The connector elements are wet-mated with each other to connect the circuits for powering the tool. The circuits are pressure-compensated by respective compensators (136,90). When the circuits are connected, a valve (140) is operable to transfer pressure compensation of one of the circuits from the compensator (136) of that circuit to the compensator (90) of the other circuit. The valve (140) suitably transfers pressure compensation of the drive circuit from a drive circuit compensator to a supply circuit compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Limited
    Inventors: Robert Ian Taylor, Graham Gibbons
  • Publication number: 20160265313
    Abstract: A hydraulically-powered subsea tool system has a tool (26) and a tool power unit (12). The tool (26) communicates with a first connector element (30) on a hydraulic drive circuit (82). The tool power unit (12) has a hydraulic supply circuit (88) communicating with a second connector element (20). The connector elements are wet-mated with each other to connect the circuits for powering the tool. The circuits are pressure-compensated by respective compensators (136,90). When the circuits are connected, a valve (140) is operable to transfer pressure compensation of one of the circuits from the compensator (136) of that circuit to the compensator (90) of the other circuit. The valve (140) suitably transfers pressure compensation of the drive circuit from a drive circuit compensator to a supply circuit compensator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Ian Taylor, Graham Gibbons
  • Patent number: 9387911
    Abstract: A subsea payload such as an AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) or an AUV garage is lifted from an underwater location by flying a latch unit through the water to the payload. The latch unit carries a lift line toward the payload. The latch unit is then attached to the payload and the payload is lifted using tension applied through the lift line via the latch unit. The latch unit can also be used on a lift line to lower a payload and then to release the payload at an underwater location. The lift line is supported by a heave-compensating winch on a surface vessel that effects z-axis movement of the latch unit. The winch maintains tension on the lift line to prevent the lift line falling on the payload. Movement of the latch unit on x- and y-axes is effected by on-board thrusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Limited
    Inventors: James Andrew Jamieson, Graham Gibbons, Lee Wilson
  • Publication number: 20150086299
    Abstract: A subsea payload such as an AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) or an AUV garage is lifted from an underwater location by flying a latch unit through the water to the payload. The latch unit carries a lift line toward the payload. The latch unit is then attached to the payload and the payload is lifted using tension applied through the lift line via the latch unit. The latch unit can also be used on a lift line to lower a payload and then to release the payload at an underwater location. The lift line is supported by a heave-compensating winch on a surface vessel that effects z-axis movement of the latch unit. The winch maintains tension on the lift line to prevent the lift line falling on the payload. Movement of the latch unit on x- and y-axes is effected by on-board thrusters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: James Andrew Jamieson, Graham Gibbons, Lee Wilson
  • Publication number: 20090203457
    Abstract: A practice device suitable for practicing golf putts, especially one provided in a mat, the device comprising a target and an upstanding shock absorber. When provided in a mat the device has a flush entry point thus accurately simulating an actual golf hole. Preferred embodiments include an essentially straight shock absorber which is higher in the centre than at its edges thus retaining more centrally struck putts adding further to the realism of the device. Certain embodiments include a light emitting means to define the target and means to detect the presence, speed and direction of balls moving into or out of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Graham Gibbons