Patents by Inventor Kirk T. Richter

Kirk T. Richter 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: 6672803
    Abstract: A method of constrcuting a precast, modular marine structure for offshore use, including but not limited to drilling, oil and gas production, and oil storage in a variety of water depths. The marine structure includes an equalized pressure system and concrete modular components cast with at least one cell and a central longitudinal passageway. The equalized pressure system fluidly connects the cell(s) to the adjacent body of water by at least one substantially vertical segmented water column to equalize the hydrostatic pressure differential experienced at a wall of the marine structure. A truss section may be attached to the concrete portion of the marine structure to form a truss spar. A mooring and tether system may be included to maintain the marine structure's station and attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: H.B. Zachry Company
    Inventors: Kirk T. Richter, Moon A. Fahel
  • Publication number: 20030165361
    Abstract: A method of constrcuting a precast, modular marine structure for offshore use, including but not limited to drilling, oil and gas production, and oil storage in a variety of water depths. The marine structure includes an equalized pressure system and concrete modular components cast with at least one cell and a central longitudinal passageway. The equalized pressure system fluidly connects the cell(s) to the adjacent body of water by at least one substantially vertical segmented water column to equalize the hydrostatic pressure differential experienced at a wall of the marine structure. A truss section may be attached to the concrete portion of the marine structure to form a truss spar. A mooring and tether system may be included to maintain the marine structure's station and attitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: H. B. Zachry Company
    Inventors: Kirk T. Richter, Moon A. Fahel
  • Patent number: 6575665
    Abstract: A precast, modular marine structure and method of constructing the same for offshore use, including but not limited to drilling, oil and gas production, and oil storage in a variety of water depths. The marine structure includes an equalized pressure system and concrete modular components cast with at least one cell and a central longitudinal passageway. The equalized pressure system fluidly connects the cell(s) to the adjacent body of water by at least one substantially vertical segmented water column to equalize the hydrostatic pressure differential experienced at a wall of the marine structure. A truss section may be attached to the concrete portion of the marine structure to form a truss spar. A mooring and tether system may be included to maintain the marine structure's station and attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: H. B. Zachry Company
    Inventors: Kirk T. Richter, Moon A. Fahel
  • Publication number: 20010036387
    Abstract: A precast, modular marine structure and method of constructing the same for offshore use, including but not limited to drilling, oil and gas production, and oil storage in a variety of water depths. The marine structure includes an equalized pressure system and concrete modular components cast with at least one cell and a central longitudinal passageway. The equalized pressure system fluidly connects the cell(s) to the adjacent body of water by at least one substantially vertical segmented water column to equalize the hydrostatic pressure differential experienced at a wall of the marine structure. A truss section may be attached to the concrete portion of the marine structure to form a truss spar. A mooring and tether system may be included to maintain the marine structure's station and attitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Kirk T. Richter, Moon A. Fahel
  • Patent number: 6244785
    Abstract: A precast, modular spar system (10) having a cylindrical open-ended spar of relatively uniform cross section. The spar has a freeboard section (50), a buoyancy section (70), and a ballast section (90). The sections are formed by joining arcuate segments and stacking the sections. A pressurizing system allows for the injection of air into the segments to vary the buoyancy of the modular spar system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: H. B. Zachry Company
    Inventors: Kirk T. Richter, Moon A. Fahel