Patents by Inventor William T. Poe

William T. Poe 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).

  • Method and apparatus for removing abandoned tubular members
    Patent number: 6805056
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a tubular member (e.g., leg of an abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment) is provided. The apparatus includes a delivery system having a frame carrying explosive shaped charges. The frame includes charges having curved sections which can be moved relative to one another for engaging the inside bore of a tubular member to be severed. The charges are biased (e.g., spring loaded) to be moved automatically to an extended position that engages the tubular member (e.g., platform leg) when a trigger is activated from a remote location. The trigger can be a pin carried in a tube with wires connecting each curved charge section to the pin. When the pin is lifted from its tube, the wires are released enabling the springs to thrust the charges against the inside of a pipe, leg or tubular member to be cut. Once in this position, the charges can be fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: William T. Poe
  • Method and apparatus for removing abandoned offshore fixed platform
    Patent number: 6230627
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment is provided. The apparatus includes a delivery system having an expandable frame carrying explosive charges. The frame includes curved sections which are adjustably moved relative to one another for fitting the explosive charge members to the inside bore of a vertical leg section of the rig. A shaped charge arrangement focuses the explosive charges at a desired location on the rig leg so that when the explosive charge detonates, the rig is cut with minimal invasion of the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: William T. Poe
  • Method and apparatus for removing abandoned offshore fixed platforms
    Patent number: 6131517
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment is provided. The apparatus includes a frame carrying an explosive charge. The frame includes a linear and a curved section which are adjustable moved relative to one another for fitting the explosive charge member to the inside bore of a vertical leg section of the rig. A shaped charge arrangement focuses an explosive charge at a desired location on the rig leg so that when the explosive charge detonates, the rig is cut with minimal invasion of the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: William T. Poe