James A Maher

US Patent:

6679331, Jan 20, 2004

Filed:

May 7, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/850599

Inventors:

Alan R. Cordy - Houston TX
James V. Maher - Houston TX
Richard L. Davies - Houston TX
W. Wade Mallard - Houston TX
John Montague - Houston TX

Assignee:

CSO Aker Maritime, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 2912

US Classification:

166367, 166350, 166359, 114264, 4052244

Abstract:

A guide for a buoyancy can on a floating offshore platform. The platform includes at least one support structure adjacent the buoyancy can. The guide comprises at least one compression pad supported by the support structure and adjacent the exterior surface of the buoyancy can. Lateral movement of the buoyancy can toward the support structure compresses the compression pad so as to absorb the force generated by the buoyancy can movement, and so as to protect the buoyancy can and components of the floating offshore platform from damage.

US Patent:

7281483, Oct 16, 2007

Filed:

Dec 4, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/566612

Inventors:

James V. Maher - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

AGR Deepwater Development Systems, Inc - Houston TX

International Classification:

B63B 35/44

US Classification:

114264

Abstract:

A semi-submersible vessel comprising a plurality of stabilizing columns, a deck disposed between the tops of the columns, at least one void tank in one stabilizing column, at least one active variable ballast compartment disposed below the void tank, at least one emergency water ballast compartment disposed at the bottom of the stabilizing column below the active variable ballast compartment and below the void tank, wherein the emergency water ballast compartment is flooded during normal operating conditions, a pressurized air source for expelling water from the emergency ballast compartment, at least one control valve connected to the pressurized air source for rapidly passing air into the emergency water ballast compartment, and at least one port in the emergency water ballast compartment for expelling water from the emergency water ballast compartment.

US Patent:

7413384, Aug 19, 2008

Filed:

Aug 15, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/504476

Inventors:

James V. Maher - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

AGR Deepwater Development Systems, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B63B 35/44

US Classification:

4052242, 405224, 4052231, 405211, 114264, 114266

Abstract:

A deep draft semi submersible structure wherein the semi-submersible has a center of gravity below its center of buoyancy and the structure is a floating vessel with at least three vertically oriented buoyant columns. Each of the vertically oriented buoyant columns have at least one ballasted compartment and the columns are spaced apart at a sufficient distance to reduce vortex induced vibration amplitude. There are at least two connecting structural sealed trusses connected to the columns below sea level, they are positioned to minimize hydrodynamic wave action on the trusses and to transfer shear loads between the columns while remaining transparent to wave and ocean current motion.

US Patent:

7553106, Jun 30, 2009

Filed:

Sep 5, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/504475

Inventors:

James V. Maher - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Horton Technologies, LLC - Houston TX

International Classification:

B63B 35/44

US Classification:

4051951, 4052231, 405205, 114265, 114264

Abstract:

A method for making a deep draft semi-submersible drilling/production vessel having a center of gravity below its center of buoyancy by constructing a plurality of buoyant individual columns. The method connects a pair of columns with at least a first top truss and a first bottom truss. The method additionally floats a connected first and second columns horizontally in water. The method floats the semi-submersible structure to a location for installation. The method concludes by deballasting the semi-submersible structure with connected deck forming a semi submersible drilling/production vessel having a center of gravity below its center of buoyancy with a draft between 300 and 500 feet.

US Patent:

7654279, Feb 2, 2010

Filed:

Aug 19, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/506288

Inventors:

James V. Maher - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

AGR Deepwater Development Systems, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B65D 88/78
F17C 1/00

US Classification:

1372361, 405210

Abstract:

A deep ocean gas storage system for storing compressed gas, the system comprising an inflexible thin walled storage vessel anchored to the sea floor having an axis located in water substantially perpendicular to and on a sea floor below sea level, a gas intake for admitting and discharging compressed natural gas to and from the vessel; a water port for admitting and discharging water to the vessel using hydrostatic pressure to discharge compressed gas from the vessel at a substantially constant discharge pressure as the volume of the gas in the storage vessel decreases when water content of the vessel increases; a conduit fluidly connected with the water port oriented substantially parallel to the axis having a discharge opening above the level of sea water in the vessel; and a valve disposed at the gas intake to the vessel for controlling compressed gas admission and discharge.

US Patent:

7669541, Mar 2, 2010

Filed:

Apr 24, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/739141

Inventors:

James V. Maher - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

AGR Deepwater Development Systems, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B63B 35/44

US Classification:

114266, 114 77 R, 114267

Abstract:

A configurable, multi-function vessel that comprises first and second pontoon barges and a plurality of interconnecting barges. The first and second pontoon barges have a plurality of connection members disposed on the inboard sides thereof. The plurality of interconnecting barges are disposable between the inboard sides of the first and second pontoon barges so that a plurality of connection members disposed on opposite sides of the interconnecting barges are adjacent to the connection members on either said first or second pontoon barge. A plurality of connectors releasably couple adjacent connection members so that the pontoon barges and the interconnecting barges form a unitary, oceangoing vessel.

US Patent:

7735506, Jun 15, 2010

Filed:

Aug 29, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/201964

Inventors:

James V. Maher - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

F17C 9/02

US Classification:

137 1, 1372361, 405210, 220565, 62 502

Abstract:

A method for storing a gas. In some embodiments, the method includes positioning a gas storage system under water, the gas storage system having a gas inlet and injecting gas through the gas inlet into the gas storage system, wherein the gas is compressed. The method may further include venting the compressed gas through the at least one gas port to a storage facility.

US Patent:

8011312, Sep 6, 2011

Filed:

Aug 28, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/549822

Inventors:

Lyle David Finn - Sugar Land TX, US
James V. Maher - Houston TX, US
Dick Davies - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B65D 88/78

US Classification:

114256, 114 74 R

Abstract:

A floating oil storage system and associated methods for storing oil are disclosed. In some embodiments, the floating oil storage system includes a storage cell, a floating member disposed within the storage cell, whereby the storage cell is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment disposed below the first compartment, a pump operable to deliver oil under pressure into the first compartment, whereby the first compartment expands and the second compartment contracts expelling seawater from the second compartment, and a suction tank operable to receive oil expelled from the first compartment under hydrostatic pressure of seawater in the second compartment, whereby the first compartment contracts and the second compartment expands receiving seawater.