Patents by Inventor Jerry K. Rhodes

Jerry K. Rhodes 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).

  • Vertical stab tendon bottom connector and method for securing and releasing the same
    Patent number: 5984585
    Abstract: A bottom connector for the tendon of a tension leg platform uses a latch ring with an outer profile to engage a mating profile in a receptacle on the sea floor. The latch ring moves radially within a housing, relative to the receptacle, between an engaged position and a retracted position. The latch ring engages the receptacle by lowering the connector into the receptacle below the mating profile and then lifting it until the latch ring locks into the receptacle. The latch ring disengages the receptacle by lowering the connector beyond a recess located below the mating profile and then lifting the connector out of the receptacle. As the connector is lifted above the recess, a retaining ring is actuated by the recess to retain the latch ring in its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Jerry K. Rhodes, Jason R. Jackson
  • Vertical stab tendon bottom connector and method for securing and releasing the same
    Patent number: RE38458
    Abstract: A bottom connector for the tendon of a tension leg platform uses a latch ring with an outer profile to engage a mating profile in a receptacle on the sea floor. The latch ring moves radially within a housing, relative to the receptacle, between an engaged position and a retracted position. The latch ring engages the receptacle by lowering the connector into the receptacle below the mating profile and then lifting it until the latch ring locks into the receptacle. The latch ring disengages the receptacle by lowering the connector beyond a recess located below the mating profile and then lifting the connector out of the receptacle. As the connector is lifted above the recess, a retaining ring is actuated by the recess to retain the latch ring in its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Jerry K. Rhodes, Jason R. Jackson