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US 8,475,085 B2Granted
ROV friendly vortex induced vibration inhibitor and method of use
AssigneeVIV Suppression, Inc.
InventorsRodney H Masters, Kinton Lawler, Randy W. Masters, Michael P. Sykes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention discloses a vortex induced vibration inhibitor (“VIVI”) comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having an elongated opening defined by locking edges. The housing is operable between an open and a closed position. Connecting assemblies include barbed connector pins received in grooved housings. Connector slots are provided in the connector and receptor housings. Retainer pins provide for release of connecting assemblies. Spacers are provided to limit movement of the housing in relation to the surrounded structure. An alignment stub is provided.
Claims28
A vortex induced vibration inhibitor, comprising:
- a cylindrically-shaped housing having a longitudinal opening defined by a first locking edge and a second locking edge;
- and
- a connector assembly having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion being disposed proximate the first locking edge and having two or more barbed protrusions extending therefrom, the second engagement portion being disposed proximate the second locking edge and having at least one receptacle disposed therein,
- wherein the connector assembly further comprises a retainer pin to detachably secure the barbed protrusions to the first engagement portion or the at least one receptacle to the second engagement portion,
- wherein the barbed protrusions are axially offset from one another, and each barbed protrusion has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, a front face oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a rear face that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis;
- and
- wherein the barbed protrusions and the receptacle are configured to engage one another and secure the first locking edge to the second locking edge.
4 more elements
A vortex induced vibration inhibitor, comprising:
- a cylindrically-shaped housing comprising:
- a main housing;
- a first wing connected to a first side of the main housing and having a first locking edge disposed opposite the first side;
- and
- a second wing connected to a second side of the main housing and having a second locking edge disposed opposite the second side;
- a first connector disposed proximate the first locking edge and having two or more barbed protrusions extending therefrom, wherein the barbed protrusions are axially offset from one another, and each barbed has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, a front face oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a rear face that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis;
- and
- a second connector disposed proximate the second locking edge and having at least one receptacle disposed on an inner surface thereof, wherein a retainer pin detachably secures the barbed protrusions to the first connector or the receptacle to the second connector, and wherein the receptacle is configured to receive and engage the barbed protrusions.
5 more elements
A method for installing a vortex induced vibration inhibitor on a marine element, comprising:
- opening a cylindrically-shaped housing;
- placing the opened cylindrically-shaped housing around the marine element;
- closing the cylindrically-shaped housing around the marine element;
- securing a first edge of the cylindrically-shaped housing to a second edge of the cylindrically-shaped housing by inserting at least one of two of two or more barbed protrusions positioned proximate the first edge into a female connector positioned proximate the second edge, wherein the barbed protrusions are axially offset from one another and each barbed protrusion has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, a front face oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a rear face that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis, and wherein a retainer pin detachably secures the barbed protrusions proximate the first edge or the female connector proximate the second edge.
1 more element
A vortex induced vibration inhibitor, comprising:
- a cylindrical body having a first edge and a second edge;
- a connector pin disposed proximate the first edge, wherein the connector pin comprises two or more barbed protrusions that are axially offset from one another, and each barbed protrusion has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, a front face oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a rear face that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis;
- a receptor disposed proximate the second edge;
- and
- a retainer pin detachably securing the connector pin proximate the first edge,
- wherein the receptor is adapted to receive the connector pin to secure the first edge in a position proximate the second edge.
3 more elements
A vortex induced vibration inhibitor, comprising:
- a cylindrical body having a first edge and a second edge;
- a connector pin disposed proximate the first edge, wherein the connector pin comprises two or more barbed protrusions that are axially offset from one another, and each barbed has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, a front face oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a rear face that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis;
- a receptor disposed proximate the second edge;
- and
- a retainer pin detachably securing the receptor proximate the second edge,
- wherein the receptor is adapted to receive the connector pin to secure the first edge in a position proximate the second edge.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.