Gerald F Burns

US Patent:

46645543, May 12, 1987

Filed:

Apr 9, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/849666

Inventors:

Gerald E. Burns - Walnut Creek CA

Assignee:

Chevron Research Company - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

E02B 1700

US Classification:

405211

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.

US Patent:

45765200, Mar 18, 1986

Filed:

Oct 11, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/659601

Inventors:

Sung L. Suh - Orinda CA
Gerald E. Burns - Walnut Creek CA
William H. Silcox - San Francisco CA

Assignee:

Chevron Research Company - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

E02B 1700

US Classification:

405224

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.