logo

For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Ormond Beach, FL, United States of America

James L Cairns

This inventor holds 60 USPTO granted patents and 5 EPO patents, primarily in Underwater Connectors (CPC class H01R). Top assignees: Ocean Design, Inc., Teledyne Instruments, Inc., Pontus Subsea Connectors LLC. Active years: 1978-2023.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: James L Cairns. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/james-l-cairns

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank
USPTO Granted Patents = 60

% Patents Active = 73.3

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.2

ph-index = 26

Forward Citations = 1,936(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 1,570(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Poway, CA (US) (1978)
  • Mims, FL (US) (1983 - 1993)
  • Holly Hill, FL (US) (1992 - 1993)
  • Ormand Beach, FL (US) (2014 - 2015)
  • Ormond Beach, FL (US) (1997 - 2023)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal26 out of 31 
 
Ocean Design, Inc.
 patents
silverMedal8 out of 103 
 
Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
 patents
bronzeMedal7 out of 7 
 
Pontus Subsea Connectors LLC
 patents
4. 4 out of 364 
 
Lockheed Corporation
 patents
5. 3 out of 6 
 
Teledyne Odi, Inc.
 patents
6. 2 out of 2 
 
Stillwater Trust
 patents
7. 1 out of 1 
 
Abyssal Systems, Inc.
 patent
8. 9 out of 834,708 
Other
 patents

Years Active: 1978-2023

Loading Chart...
Loading Chart...
Areas of Expertise:
Electrical Connector
Wet Mate Connector
Sealable Interface
Pressure Tolerant
Cable Termination
Optical Fiber Management
Harsh Environment
Robotic Joint
Seal Assembly
Subsea Junction Box
Dry Mate Connector
Flexible Elements
60 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 11677187 - Pressure tolerant deep-sea electrical connector (2023-06-13),
2. 11336052 - Underwater mateable and un-mateable electrical connector (2022-05-17),
3. 10945922 - Apparatus for creating a sealed conduit between separate volumes (2021-03-16),
4. 10634853 - Device for sealably connecting circuits in contaminated environments and methods of using and making same (2020-04-28),
5. 10456571 - Sealable, penetrable interface and methods of making and using same (2019-10-29),
6. 10439318 - Sealed conductor termination (2019-10-08),
7. 10236623 - Connector for sealably engaging and disengaging contacts, and methods of making and/or using same (2019-03-19),
8. 9715068 - Cable termination (2017-07-25),
9. 9673605 - Boot seal (2017-06-06),
10. 9263824 - Electrical connector having an end-seal with slit-like openings and nipples (2016-02-16),
11. 9116323 - Pressure-balanced subsea enclosure with elastomeric fill material (2015-08-25),
12. 8944082 - Dual reservoir coupler (2015-02-03),
13. 8900000 - Robotically mateable rotary joint electrical connector (2014-12-02),
14. 8899841 - Pressure-balanced subsea junction box and cable termination apparatus and method (2014-12-02),
15. 8731363 - Optical fiber management device (2014-05-20),

Title: **James L Cairns: A Visionary in Underwater Connector Technology**

Introduction

James L Cairns, an accomplished inventor based in Ormond Beach, Florida, stands out in the realm of innovative technologies with an impressive portfolio of 60 patents. His groundbreaking work primarily focuses on advanced electrical connectors designed for underwater applications, further showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology.

Latest Patents

Among Cairns’ latest patents, two notable inventions are the **Pressure Tolerant Deep-Sea Electrical Connector** and the **Underwater Mateable and Un-mateable Electrical Connector**. The Pressure Tolerant Deep-Sea Electrical Connector features a unique design that allows for sealable engagement of contacts while facilitating reliable disengagement. This connector includes elongated shafts equipped with first contacts and a corresponding second unit with multiple channels housing second contacts, designed to ensure effective electrical connections even in harsh underwater conditions.

The Underwater Mateable and Un-mateable Electrical Connector enhances the functionality of traditional connectors by incorporating closed inner chambers that house receptacle contacts intended to engage plug contacts. This innovation also includes a closed cavity designed with a deformable material that can balance internal and external pressures, making it suitable for deep-sea environments.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, James has made significant contributions to the field of underwater technology. His latest patents reflect a deep understanding of the challenges associated with deep-sea environments and demonstrate his innovative approach to solving these issues. His engineering prowess has established him as a leading figure in the development of reliable electrical connectors for various underwater applications.

Collaborations

James L Cairns has worked alongside esteemed colleagues, including Stewart M Barlow and Peter R Baxter, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that drives innovation in the field of engineering. Through teamwork and shared expertise, they have contributed to the successful development of advanced technologies that continue to set industry standards.

Conclusion

James L Cairns’ remarkable achievements and extensive patent portfolio are a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to enhancing underwater technology. His inventions are paving the way for future advancements in electrical connectivity, solidifying his legacy as a key inventor in this specialized field. As technology evolves, Cairns’ contributions will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of underwater engineering.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
Loading…