Thomas D Devine

US Patent:

45040656, Mar 12, 1985

Filed:

Jan 6, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/568573

Inventors:

Thomas H. Devine - Chula Vista CA

International Classification:

F16J 1510

US Classification:

277 12

Abstract:

A universal apparatus for quickly and safely sealing the external opening between a propeller shaft and a stern tube on a ship on which the stern tube has a lower portion which terminates in an aft face that is approximately perpendicular to the tube's longitudinal axis and an upper portion which extends further aft. The apparatus includes a rigid housing for generally covering said external opening; closure means coupled to the housing for creating a seal between the housing and the shaft and between the housing and the lower portion of the tube; and a mechanical expansion assembly for creating a seal between the housing and the extended upper portion of the tube. The expansion assembly includes a rigid backing plate that is integral to the housing; a movable crush plate; a malleable gasket supported by the housing and sandwiched between the plates; and means for forcing the plates together to force the gasket to expand outward from the housing to create a seal against the inner surface of the tube's extended upper portion. The housing consists of two halves that are compressed together around the shaft. The closure means includes a gasket for creating a seal around the bottom of the tube at the aft termination; and the housing includes a lip for retaining the compression gasket around the bottom of the tube to create the seal between the housing and the bottom of the tube.

US Patent:

42881765, Sep 8, 1981

Filed:

Mar 23, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/023329

Inventors:

Thomas H. Devine - Chula Vista CA

International Classification:

B63L 1110

US Classification:

405188

Abstract:

An underwater air pocket work unit has a work chamber contained within a double walled flotation chamber, the upper end of which has a resilient gasket to seal against the hull of a vessel, or other submerged structure. The work chamber is open completely through the structure to provide unobstructed access at both ends and the flotation chamber is open at the lower end. Valves are provided for admitting pressurized air to the flotation chamber to control the buoyancy for holding the structure in place, and for admitting air to the work chamber as necessary for working space. Both chambers have dump valves for releasing the air and the work chamber has window ports for holding work lights. Vent ports extend through side walls of the work chamber for enabling air to flow from the work chamber into the water outside the work chamber to thereby limit the maximum depth of the air pocket to enable a workman floating at the water surface in the work chamber to comfortably reach an overhead underwater work surface on the hull of the vessel.

US Patent:

46261281, Dec 2, 1986

Filed:

Apr 11, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/722285

Inventors:

Thomas H. Devine - Chula Vista CA

International Classification:

B63C 1152

US Classification:

405 12

Abstract:

A method of providing a habitable dry work chamber for conducting work on an underwater work surface when the nature of the work is such that dangerous fumes and gases are produced. An underwater gas pocket work unit is attached to the underwater work surface to define a work chamber that may be entered from beneath through the water. The work unit includes a structure consisting of walls defining a work opening, which, when positioned with the work opening at the work surface, defines a work chamber that is accessible only from beneath. The structure is sealed at the work opening to the work surface to define the work chamber, wherein the work chamber is defined solely by the structure and the work surface. A habitable gas that is heavier than the dangerous fumes and gases is caused to flow continuously into the work chamber through a valve in the structure to provide a gaseous pocket in the upper portion of the work chamber when the structure is sealed to the underwater work surface. Gases, including the dangerous fumes and gases, are exhausted from the work chamber through a port located at the uppermost portion of the work chamber and discharged into the water at a predetermined level that defines the water level within the chamber.

US Patent:

41755103, Nov 27, 1979

Filed:

Oct 25, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/845355

Inventors:

Thomas H. Devine - Chula Vista CA

International Classification:

B63B 4316

US Classification:

114227

Abstract:

A cofferdam for closing off underwater openings in ships' hulls and the like includes a box-like structure having a flat wall of a size and configuration for covering a ship's openings, with peripheral walls for extending around the flat wall and around the opening for sealingly engaging the ship's hull and defining a chamber around the opening. Conduits are provided for communication with a pump for pumping fluid or water from the chamber of the cofferdam and for venting the dam either to atmosphere or the water for filling the cavity. Fastenings include J-bolts in one configuration for securing the cofferdam to grill work and the like inside a opening to a sea chest, and a hogging type rigging in another embodiment for securing where grill work and the like is not available. The cofferdam is constructed of wood for providing buoyancy in water and includes reinforcing bars extending across the face of the dam which are in the form of closed box beams for providing additional buoyancy.