Robert A George

US Patent:

47199873, Jan 19, 1988

Filed:

Mar 23, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/029377

Inventors:

Robert K. George - Lewisville TX
Lorton E. Trent - Richardson TX
Ernest R. Harrison - Plano TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G01V 138

US Classification:

181114

Abstract:

A bi-planar pontoon paravane is towed by a marine vessel and controls the depth and position of a towed seismic source array. The bi-planar pontoon paravane is made up of a buoyant bridge with right and left wings attached to the long sides of the bridge, the wings projecting into the water and, in concert, providing a side force. The paravane is towed by a tow line connected to an adjustable bridle which in turn is connected to the paravane. Remote adjustment of the bridle is provided by an hydraulic valve on the vessel controlling an hydraulic motor and gear arrangement on the paravane to adjust the bridle. Adjustment of the bridle adjusts the angle of attack of the paravane. The paravane provides a housing formed below the bridge and between the two wings for housing the seismic source array. A boom on the vessel is attached to the seismic source array, through the bridge, when the assembly is to be placed in or removed from the water. To remove the assembly, the boom pulls the seismic source array until it enters the housing and then lifts both the seismic source array and the paravane out of the water.

US Patent:

41912144, Mar 4, 1980

Filed:

Jul 7, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/922695

Inventors:

Thomas H. Holley - Richardson TX
Robert J. George - Dallas TX

Assignee:

Forney Engineering Company - Carrollton TX

International Classification:

F16K 31163

US Classification:

1376302

Abstract:

Disclosed is a sequential operating mechanism for valves for applications requiring actuation of one valve, or set of valves, prior to actuation of another valve, or set of valves. The equipment preferably includes an actuator driver mounted for powered selective reciprocation through a stroke of selected length. The actuator carries cam pins which engage cams (preferably cam slots) on cam plates attached to the stems of the respective valves during the course of an actuator half stroke. The cams are configured with respect to the paths of movement of the cam pins and with respect to the valve stems so that one valve is fully actuated to its extreme position before actuation of the other valve begins. If additional valves, in the same or different piping networks, require actuation at the same time as one or both of the cam actuated valves, such additional valves are ganged for simultaneous operation with the appropriate one of the cam actuated valves.